Good morning my sister warriors-
Today, I'm going to talk about a topic that is close to my heart, suicide. Unfortunately, this tremendously sad and lonely act has hit my family twice and when I was young almost got me too. This is very personal for many reasons but so important to discuss on a public forum.
This week two very successful, public figures died at their own hand. One strangled herself and the other was found in his hotel room in France. They both seemed to have it all. Money, fame, and adoration surrounded their earthly lives but it wasn't enough. Lurking somewhere deep within them was failure, loss, loneliness and a lack of hope for tomorrow. These are the symptoms of suicide and often they aren't seen.
Since the 90's childhood suicide is up 30%, 1% would be bad and yet, we are up 30% in the US. Our masks have gotten better, more beautiful and far less revealing than what's really happening inside our minds.
You might not know Kate Spade or Anthony Bourdain. You might not have had suicide hit your family and you may never have experienced the thoughts that run through your mind. I pray you haven't. Statistics, however, are indicating that it's possibly 3 out of 10 people who are experiencing the thoughts that lead to this horrible act. Not only is it sudden, raw and devastating it leaves those that knew them, loved them and needed them;feeling guilty, lost, confused and defeated. The questions survivors ask themselves are: Why didn't I see the signs?, Why couldn't they have asked for help?, Wasn't I enough to keep them here?, Why didn't they want to stay?, Didn't they love me?, and the biggest one, WHY?
The children left behind will feel abandoned and like they weren't enough and the adults will rattle this around in their minds for the rest of their lives. Because we all feel like we can save people from the feelings and acts that are negative and destructive. Unfortunately, we don't have that kind of power only Christ does.
Depression, addiction, loneliness and turmoil lead to this line of thinking. The more a person can hide behind the mask the deeper the devil has a chance to churn those dark thoughts. The Bible calls it the pit of despair and boy is it. If you live on this earth, there is a chance you have felt lost, lonely and depressed. Many factors go into the deceptor and his ways. It starts small, maybe it's striving to be a success or making more money. It could be the failure of your marriage or a loss of a child. It might be the fact that you've looked for that partner forever and you're still alone or maybe you are a child that's being bullied, being abused, or worse has been raped. These are all areas where people can fall down.
People contemplating suicide can hide these inner thoughts well. They can put on a smile and play along with the world as if everything is alright. To the outside world they are normal. Inside their minds these negative thoughts are causing lost sleep, the need to medicate or to run so fast everyone thinks they are supermen and women. These masks are the disruptors finest art. The better the mask the more people begin to feel like life isn't worth living and no one needs them anyway and this is the biggest LIE. You were born for a God-given purpose and every human on this earth was placed by a loving God who is near.
The destroyer taints what God has created. He is like a lion waiting to destroy you with one swipe and if he can get you isolated in your mind and with your flesh, he will pursue you. That's why the Bible talks about the full armor of God. There is a reason we must become one with Jesus in Spirit and in truth. The Word and the Spirit are powerful and will fill you with light, sometimes it's just a glimmer but a glimmer of the Holy light is all we need to weather tremendous storms. It's when the light is lost that suicide happens and that's what we must be aware of and pray against.
I, once thought there was no hope. I felt abandoned, my mom and I weren't getting along, college wasn't going well and I had gone through a series of bad relationships. All I wanted was to be loved and there was no love, no great friends, really no one. I went to school and work with a mask on. People thought I was so happy, that is, most people. My boss was a Christian and for some reason he just knew I needed Jesus. I was working at a Walmart pharmacy and I was lucky enough to work for a man that lived what he believed. Somehow God gave him a glimpse of what was behind my mask and before I knew it, I was accepting an invitation to a revival.
I was proud that no one knew I hated myself, that I felt unworthy and unloved. I had everyone fooled except my Savior. He was watching over me, whispering to a man I worked for. Larry asked me to go and I did and it was at this meeting, I found Jesus. I wish I could say that I never put on another mask but I have. I know how to hide when needed. Like all of us, I have times I feel unworthy and not enough but they don't last long because Jesus is my reason to live and through His word I can fight off the destroyer and carry Him in my heart, spirit and flesh. We are conquerors when the light fills us in our darkest times.
I tell you my story so that you understand that normal, everyday people go through times where they get deep into the pit of despair and as much as I believe in counselling and talking to people, in order to fight a dark spiritual battle, you need more, you need Jesus. The Bible says, He is the light of the world. We need the light, our children need the light and we must seek His wisdom daily to gain that light.
The destroyer hates light. He loves images and masks. He is the great deceptor spinning his evil dark thoughts and if allowed he will destroy. DON'T LOSE HOPE. God is near, He has been since He created the moon and the stars. He made us in His own image. He is our lamp unto our feet. The war between dark and light will go on until Jesus comes once again. That is a fact. Another fact is we will suffer from depression, conflict, turmoil and tribulations but there is one that holds you close and that's Jesus. No one comes to the Father unless they confess Jesus Christ Lord and Savior. The first step in getting those suicidal thoughts out of your head is to be covered by the Spirit of Jesus Christ.
Jesus can unveil the mask, cast off the deception and bring light into your darkened mind and soul. He paid the price of ALL sin and He knows what you're facing. He spent 40 days and nights being tempted by the evil one. And through it all, He said man does not eat bread alone but every word of God. Why words? Because the Bible is the lamp unto our feet. It is the sword that allows us to conquer those dark thoughts and it's the truth. Those other thoughts, negative, penetrating dark thoughts are not of a loving maker, they are of a destroyer.
If you are in the midst of feeling like the world is against you, that you don't want to wake up another day on this earth, please walk into a church, find a pastor, talk to someone and ask about Jesus. If you are afraid to do that, then right where you are ask Jesus to show you the LIGHT. The Bible says, when we seek Him we will find Him. Get online and Google Bible, there are free resources like the Bible app. Jesus is at your fingertips. He will make Himself known I promise.
The event I describe here happened when I was 19 years old. I can tell you that if Larry hadn't been the man he was, I'm not sure I would be here today. The God of all understanding knew who needed to invite me, when to invite me and opened my heart to receive Him. Thirty-three years later I have fought many battles with the destroyer and it has taken the Word to be my sword and My Savior to fight the good fight. Due to my trials, I pray for people, I understand and have empathy for the lost and lonely and I know that with Jesus we can and will stand for our God-given purpose in this life with hope and the security of knowing that we have a God that loves us in all our mess.
I believe that suicide is a spiritual battle and we must fight it with the only thing we have, the Words of God. We must pray and condition our minds, hearts and spirits to hear from our Lord and Savior. We must pray over schools, mental health clinics, daycares and mansions. If you have believed that you aren't meant to live another day, please go to someone and tell them. There is nothing sexy about suicide, it devastates those left behind. Notes don't help. Only you will fill the need your family has for you to be here. And if you want someone anonymous reach out to me. I will pray for you and if you're willing I will lead you to Jesus for He is the great counselor. You are valued and needed, please just reach out.
I pray my story and these words bring you hope for the future. Hope resides in Jesus.
The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6 NIV
For God gave us a Spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV
The God of Peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Romans 16:20 NIV
THERE IS HOPE THROUGH JESUS!
Saturday, June 9, 2018
Monday, May 28, 2018
Moments...
Good morning my warrior sisters-
Well it's Memorial Day in the US and a time of reflection for the past. I don't think we remember enough because if we did, humans wouldn't be where they are. Needless to say, I'm reflecting on all those that were lost from the beginning due to human selfishness and hate.
War is not something new. It's been around since the beginning of time. If the evil one can stir up hate in the heart, the human will go for it. This cycle causes wars and the only difference between one human or another is if God's with you or against you.
I think I'm reflecting on this so much because time is ticking away and moments are flying by. I think after a certain age you really feel the time. You blink and you're in June and then you blink again and it's December. It's almost as if you can't hold onto it and I believe that's exactly what God intends in the last days. Pure surrender to time, life and our will.
He's not interested in our chosen purpose, career, need to be seen or cause. He's only interested in what He's placed in our hearts to do and each moment we are here on earth, He's preparing us for that purpose. In addition, he is refining us, walking with us and holding us in His perfect love.
Humans really don't understand the word LOVE unless you've read the Bible. To us, it's a romantic feeling but in God's realm it means so much more. The words patience, kindness and forgiveness are reflected in the Bible time and time again and if you ask the Lord He will show you this reflection in the word.
The world is counter cultural from how God intended us to live, work, procreate and worship. We were to live to glorify Him. We were to work unto Him. We were to procreate and fill the earth with children that would bring glory to the kingdom and as we put the kingdom first, we would worship His holy name. Today our moments are filled with "I want," "I need," "I deserve," and "What's in it for me." Everywhere I look people are developing careers out of finding their happiness. Really, we've become that self-centered that we have coaches to help us find our happy place.
There's nothing wrong with being happy or finding delight in the birds, in adventures, in traveling but when everything comes down to freedom, possessions and I, we've done something very wrong. There are only so many moments we have to love our neighbor, forgive those that have done us wrong and promote kindness to our fellow man. The Lord has spoken and we must partake in the kingdom's glory over our own.
Tomorrow is not promised for that is also written in the word of God. So as we enjoy this wonderful day off, remember all those that fought for us, all those who sacrificed so we could worship in freedom, and our God who died for our sins. I am humbled by the descriptive words in the Bible and for the direction I must move in order to fulfill my purpose. Our God is a God that gives us moments to glorify Him, let's take some time today to reflect on the sacrifices humans have paid for us to have moments to worship Jesus.
Be well my sisters and know that God is with us so that we can make moments on earth that matter.
Well it's Memorial Day in the US and a time of reflection for the past. I don't think we remember enough because if we did, humans wouldn't be where they are. Needless to say, I'm reflecting on all those that were lost from the beginning due to human selfishness and hate.
War is not something new. It's been around since the beginning of time. If the evil one can stir up hate in the heart, the human will go for it. This cycle causes wars and the only difference between one human or another is if God's with you or against you.
I think I'm reflecting on this so much because time is ticking away and moments are flying by. I think after a certain age you really feel the time. You blink and you're in June and then you blink again and it's December. It's almost as if you can't hold onto it and I believe that's exactly what God intends in the last days. Pure surrender to time, life and our will.
He's not interested in our chosen purpose, career, need to be seen or cause. He's only interested in what He's placed in our hearts to do and each moment we are here on earth, He's preparing us for that purpose. In addition, he is refining us, walking with us and holding us in His perfect love.
Humans really don't understand the word LOVE unless you've read the Bible. To us, it's a romantic feeling but in God's realm it means so much more. The words patience, kindness and forgiveness are reflected in the Bible time and time again and if you ask the Lord He will show you this reflection in the word.
The world is counter cultural from how God intended us to live, work, procreate and worship. We were to live to glorify Him. We were to work unto Him. We were to procreate and fill the earth with children that would bring glory to the kingdom and as we put the kingdom first, we would worship His holy name. Today our moments are filled with "I want," "I need," "I deserve," and "What's in it for me." Everywhere I look people are developing careers out of finding their happiness. Really, we've become that self-centered that we have coaches to help us find our happy place.
There's nothing wrong with being happy or finding delight in the birds, in adventures, in traveling but when everything comes down to freedom, possessions and I, we've done something very wrong. There are only so many moments we have to love our neighbor, forgive those that have done us wrong and promote kindness to our fellow man. The Lord has spoken and we must partake in the kingdom's glory over our own.
Tomorrow is not promised for that is also written in the word of God. So as we enjoy this wonderful day off, remember all those that fought for us, all those who sacrificed so we could worship in freedom, and our God who died for our sins. I am humbled by the descriptive words in the Bible and for the direction I must move in order to fulfill my purpose. Our God is a God that gives us moments to glorify Him, let's take some time today to reflect on the sacrifices humans have paid for us to have moments to worship Jesus.
Be well my sisters and know that God is with us so that we can make moments on earth that matter.
1 John 4:7 (ESV)
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.
Thursday, May 3, 2018
Why didn't Lot's wife let go?
Good morning my warrior sisters-
I hope you are waking up to the anticipation of God's love today. I sure did. Do you ever wonder why we give up his hope, his love, his mercy because we aren't going down the path we had planned for our lives?
We make plans, all of us do, and often we are let down when those plans don't come into fruition. Take for example a young woman anticipating this is going to be the time, only to see the pregnancy test has failed once again. It might be a woman in her 30's hoping to be married. All of her friends are married, why can't she be? Or maybe it was the job you had waited for all your life, that would provide security and longevity, only to watch it go down in flames.
Life has a way of taking us on a journey that doesn't match our plan. Some of it is impacted by the world and the evil that lurks here and some is us. If we want to be liked more than serving God, you might just find yourself in a situation where you aren't liked. It might be we've put money and things before God and He might decide to take them away. You might not be getting pregnant because he has a beautiful soul waiting for you to adopt or foster. We all have things in our life that we think about way too much and it's those things that often we need to surrender and let God lead us.
In the case of Lot, they had money, power, prestige and many friends. They were well known but Sodom had become a place that was so evil God needed to destroy it. All the worldly possessions and accolades distorted what was true and godly. When God told Lot he must leave because he was going to destroy the city, they fled but someone couldn't surrender all that they had in that city. Lot's wife, who has no name, turns and in moments is gone. Why? Because God told her she must surrender to live but the pull for the treasures on earth were so strong, she turned.
I wish I could say I've never done that but that would be a lie. There are things in my life that I've coveted and I still struggle with certain aspects today. I still make plans and sometimes those plans come to fruition and sometimes they tank. Like many, I like to be liked. I want to be included and for people to respond to me. I want to be successful in what I do, to be a good mom and wife and to be a servant unto the Lord. I want to give back without getting and I want to be known. All of these things are good as long as they don't become the ONLY direction of my heart.
In the last months, God has given me a glimpse into two important directions for my life. One is to be unseen and be right with that and the other is to let Him guide me with His rod and staff. To be His lamb and to surrender every desire at His feet. It has been powerful in my life. I am being taught new ways to think, how to control my desires and align them with His and more importantly, I've drawn closer to Him.
Like Lot's wife, I want to hold on but the most healing, hopeful thing we can do is let go and surrender to God.
If you're struggling today, know there is hope. Open your hands and say, Lord please help me to surrender_____________. He will! I promise.
Let's be like Jesus and surrender our will for His!
Luke 17:32 NIV
Remember Lot's wife!
Have a great day and always remember there is hope in Jesus.
I hope you are waking up to the anticipation of God's love today. I sure did. Do you ever wonder why we give up his hope, his love, his mercy because we aren't going down the path we had planned for our lives?
We make plans, all of us do, and often we are let down when those plans don't come into fruition. Take for example a young woman anticipating this is going to be the time, only to see the pregnancy test has failed once again. It might be a woman in her 30's hoping to be married. All of her friends are married, why can't she be? Or maybe it was the job you had waited for all your life, that would provide security and longevity, only to watch it go down in flames.
Life has a way of taking us on a journey that doesn't match our plan. Some of it is impacted by the world and the evil that lurks here and some is us. If we want to be liked more than serving God, you might just find yourself in a situation where you aren't liked. It might be we've put money and things before God and He might decide to take them away. You might not be getting pregnant because he has a beautiful soul waiting for you to adopt or foster. We all have things in our life that we think about way too much and it's those things that often we need to surrender and let God lead us.
In the case of Lot, they had money, power, prestige and many friends. They were well known but Sodom had become a place that was so evil God needed to destroy it. All the worldly possessions and accolades distorted what was true and godly. When God told Lot he must leave because he was going to destroy the city, they fled but someone couldn't surrender all that they had in that city. Lot's wife, who has no name, turns and in moments is gone. Why? Because God told her she must surrender to live but the pull for the treasures on earth were so strong, she turned.
I wish I could say I've never done that but that would be a lie. There are things in my life that I've coveted and I still struggle with certain aspects today. I still make plans and sometimes those plans come to fruition and sometimes they tank. Like many, I like to be liked. I want to be included and for people to respond to me. I want to be successful in what I do, to be a good mom and wife and to be a servant unto the Lord. I want to give back without getting and I want to be known. All of these things are good as long as they don't become the ONLY direction of my heart.
In the last months, God has given me a glimpse into two important directions for my life. One is to be unseen and be right with that and the other is to let Him guide me with His rod and staff. To be His lamb and to surrender every desire at His feet. It has been powerful in my life. I am being taught new ways to think, how to control my desires and align them with His and more importantly, I've drawn closer to Him.
Like Lot's wife, I want to hold on but the most healing, hopeful thing we can do is let go and surrender to God.
If you're struggling today, know there is hope. Open your hands and say, Lord please help me to surrender_____________. He will! I promise.
Let's be like Jesus and surrender our will for His!
Luke 17:32 NIV
Remember Lot's wife!
Have a great day and always remember there is hope in Jesus.
Sunday, April 15, 2018
The Bible says...
Good morning my warrior sisters-
We lost a great man of God recently. Billy Graham walked on this earth for almost 100 years. He visited with the Queen of England and served many presidents. They sought him, not because of who he was, but of what he represented. He had a great calling and that was to spread the word throughout the lands and he did just that.
Fox released a short documentary on his life last month and I carefully took in traits that made this man persevere. Here are just a few:
He was humble.
He surrendered all.
He said I will follow where you lead not knowing what that meant.
He trusted in His God to make His path right.
He spoke not his words but the Bible's words.
He was who you saw.
He hated seeing his own name in lights when it took so many people to make a meeting happen.
He wanted to be unseen so Christ could be seen.
He stood for the African American people in the middle of death threats to his family.
He had wise counsel around him at all times.
He loved his wife and cherished her until her death.
He struggled with God and the Word and accepted the word of God just as he had accepted Jesus, by faith.
Billy Graham was just a man called by His God to spread the word and to encourage people that there was hope in a dark time. He wasn't about himself, how good he looked on camera, or how important he was to be sought after by the Queen of England or all those presidents. He was about leading them into the light and giving them the Word, so that when he wasn't near, they had something to cling to.
Today we are searching for happiness. I see it everywhere. There are even counselors now that can help you find your happiness. What happens when the truth is revealed? At some point, disappointment is going to come along and then those same people striving for happiness will get lost in the darkness. Why did David cling to the Word of the Lord so hard? Because he knew that life had peaks and valleys. He sat in caves, fought battles and still, he knew his hope and future were with and for the Lord.
I admire King David and Billy Graham for believing that they could make a change. I am in awe of the strength they both had to be with God and to do His bidding. They were both men and that makes them real. They both were challenged in this life but overcame much of the hate with love. They believed that the commands, precepts, promises and words of God were real and had major impact on those they led.
Both men were great shepherds leading many sheep to God. In Psalm 119, you can read over and over David seeking and loving God's words. Billy Graham believed that the hope of all the lost was in the Bible. If you watch that documentary, you will hear him say over and over, "The Bible says.." Why? Because the holy word of God cannot be refuted. Man can stumble with words but the Holy Living Word of God won't stumble, has never fallen and lives so that we may find peace, prosperity, and eternal life.
I normally like to copy scripture here for you but today I'm directing you to the living word. Open your phones to the Bible app or get your Bible out and read Psalm 119. Look for words, like commands, precepts, and words and meditate on what David was saying. David and Billy loved God with their whole hearts. They wrestled just like us but ultimately, through his words and commands they found the one true God. That's my hope today. As you wrestle with being unseen, unworthy, and lost, you will find the one true God.
I have been there and continue to be there but my hope is in the living word for the Bible says that I am loved and I was chosen for such a day. It states that when I came to Christ I am a new creature. I've been washed white as snow by the blood of Jesus and I stand on the fact that if you confess that Jesus is Lord you too will be beside me eternally. For the Bible says,"Jesus answered, "Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to the spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying,
'You must be born again.' " (John 3: 5-7 NIV)
We lost a great man of God recently. Billy Graham walked on this earth for almost 100 years. He visited with the Queen of England and served many presidents. They sought him, not because of who he was, but of what he represented. He had a great calling and that was to spread the word throughout the lands and he did just that.
Fox released a short documentary on his life last month and I carefully took in traits that made this man persevere. Here are just a few:
He was humble.
He surrendered all.
He said I will follow where you lead not knowing what that meant.
He trusted in His God to make His path right.
He spoke not his words but the Bible's words.
He was who you saw.
He hated seeing his own name in lights when it took so many people to make a meeting happen.
He wanted to be unseen so Christ could be seen.
He stood for the African American people in the middle of death threats to his family.
He had wise counsel around him at all times.
He loved his wife and cherished her until her death.
He struggled with God and the Word and accepted the word of God just as he had accepted Jesus, by faith.
Billy Graham was just a man called by His God to spread the word and to encourage people that there was hope in a dark time. He wasn't about himself, how good he looked on camera, or how important he was to be sought after by the Queen of England or all those presidents. He was about leading them into the light and giving them the Word, so that when he wasn't near, they had something to cling to.
Today we are searching for happiness. I see it everywhere. There are even counselors now that can help you find your happiness. What happens when the truth is revealed? At some point, disappointment is going to come along and then those same people striving for happiness will get lost in the darkness. Why did David cling to the Word of the Lord so hard? Because he knew that life had peaks and valleys. He sat in caves, fought battles and still, he knew his hope and future were with and for the Lord.
I admire King David and Billy Graham for believing that they could make a change. I am in awe of the strength they both had to be with God and to do His bidding. They were both men and that makes them real. They both were challenged in this life but overcame much of the hate with love. They believed that the commands, precepts, promises and words of God were real and had major impact on those they led.
Both men were great shepherds leading many sheep to God. In Psalm 119, you can read over and over David seeking and loving God's words. Billy Graham believed that the hope of all the lost was in the Bible. If you watch that documentary, you will hear him say over and over, "The Bible says.." Why? Because the holy word of God cannot be refuted. Man can stumble with words but the Holy Living Word of God won't stumble, has never fallen and lives so that we may find peace, prosperity, and eternal life.
I normally like to copy scripture here for you but today I'm directing you to the living word. Open your phones to the Bible app or get your Bible out and read Psalm 119. Look for words, like commands, precepts, and words and meditate on what David was saying. David and Billy loved God with their whole hearts. They wrestled just like us but ultimately, through his words and commands they found the one true God. That's my hope today. As you wrestle with being unseen, unworthy, and lost, you will find the one true God.
I have been there and continue to be there but my hope is in the living word for the Bible says that I am loved and I was chosen for such a day. It states that when I came to Christ I am a new creature. I've been washed white as snow by the blood of Jesus and I stand on the fact that if you confess that Jesus is Lord you too will be beside me eternally. For the Bible says,"Jesus answered, "Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to the spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying,
'You must be born again.' " (John 3: 5-7 NIV)
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Finding Peace in the Journey...
Good morning my warrior sisters-
It's been some time since I've written and it feels good to be back. From time to time, I take time off this platform to reflect on God so it's been awhile. I'm getting on today because I've had many revelations I wanted to share with you.
Over the last couple of years my journey has not exactly been what I had hoped for in my life. I've really had to find myself again with Jesus at the helm. I had my life paved with gold up until 2016 when much fell apart. That life was driven by success, money and pride. Fortunately for me, God decided it was time for a change.
In April of 2016, I had a choice to make, Jesus or money and in the end Jesus won out. I actually left my job with nothing else in sight and trusted the process. I have been providing a steady income for my family, health insurance and a comfortable lifestyle my whole life and with a blink, I gave it up.
By May of 2016, God provided another opportunity that I loved and after a year, I was laid off with two weeks severance and nothing in sight. And then, in June of 2017, God opened a door into a new career.
From 2016 to now, I have taken pay cuts, lost roles and floundered to find me in the journey. With no hobbies or outside adventures, work was my joy and now it has become my cross. How can I say that? Well, work is where I found happiness, where I became worth something and where I found status and unlimited financial potential. It was where I could shine. Unfortunately, it's where I was falling into a pattern of sin.
I loved money, I loved position and I loved being the lead. So the challenge over the last 3 years is how do I remain peaceful in a journey that has turned my world upside down? The answer, Jesus.
Jesus has changed me in a way I would never have thought. I wanted position and financial independence more than I wanted Him. It's true. I wanted a house and cars and money in the bank and then in 2016 I found myself realizing that money didn't buy happiness.
So, I've been in a storm. Really it feels like a tornado from time to time. My whole life has changed. I now just have a job, not a career. I work from 8-5 and I'm home every night. I don't have great wealth nor am I destitute. I have found time to read my Bible and send scripture to my closest friends every morning. I can serve others and do it with an open heart. I've started that book I continue to feel unworthy to write and I've found me in the eye of the storm. Not the person everyone thinks they know but the person Jesus knows.
In the last couple of years, I am being transformed as if I was a blob of clay. I have been pinched, smashed and reformed carefully by my maker. He is refining me and opening me up to free me from the sin and inner turmoil I carry. I've always been performance based. How high can I jump? Well, tell me I can't and I will push to jump higher. The problem with that philosophy is I can't do it alone. I have to have Jesus in the midst. I have to have Him walking beside me. I have to release my ideas, my wants and my desires and focus on the kingdom and on His will. I've been chasing success, money and accolades for so long, to now come to the end of me and find that His will must be at the center of what I do, how I think and how I move forward.
It's a journey my sisters. It has trials and tribulations. I want more than anything to help women all over the world, to encourage you not to give up on Jesus. I want you to walk with Him in your storm, pursue His words and believe that He alone knows your purpose. I am not over this trial by a long shot. I fight it every day but I've come to realize that my purpose is not what I believe but what His will is for me.
As I watch the world events unfold and see the children of Syria on the streets, my heart tells me there is much work for all of us. We must find peace in our own journey so we can concentrate on others. It won't be easy. It hasn't been easy for me. It has been life changing and I'm grateful for the journey because it's given me more time to look around me and to care about what our God cares about which is the lost, the destitute, the misfits and the hurting.
It's by His word life is revealed. The Bible is true. Look around you, there are rumors of war, earthquakes, death and destruction. There are children turning against their parents and parents killing their children. There is evil on this earth and yet, when we walk in peace, God provides a door for us to come in and get out of the storm. Be encouraged that today may hold trouble but God will provide hope in the midst of it.
Please look these Scriptures up today:
Matthew 4:4
Jeremiah 29:11
Proverbs 3:5
Daniel 6:10
Matthew 26
Our time is now. We are being refined so that we can trust in Him who has given us life. His will must be done on earth as it is in Heaven and we must stand still and find His peace in the journey. For it is not by bread alone but by every word of God. Stand with me today and may God bring the lost into His arms and provide peace in the midst of your trials. I'm praying for you my sisters and I know that there is power in prayer.
It's been some time since I've written and it feels good to be back. From time to time, I take time off this platform to reflect on God so it's been awhile. I'm getting on today because I've had many revelations I wanted to share with you.
Over the last couple of years my journey has not exactly been what I had hoped for in my life. I've really had to find myself again with Jesus at the helm. I had my life paved with gold up until 2016 when much fell apart. That life was driven by success, money and pride. Fortunately for me, God decided it was time for a change.
In April of 2016, I had a choice to make, Jesus or money and in the end Jesus won out. I actually left my job with nothing else in sight and trusted the process. I have been providing a steady income for my family, health insurance and a comfortable lifestyle my whole life and with a blink, I gave it up.
By May of 2016, God provided another opportunity that I loved and after a year, I was laid off with two weeks severance and nothing in sight. And then, in June of 2017, God opened a door into a new career.
From 2016 to now, I have taken pay cuts, lost roles and floundered to find me in the journey. With no hobbies or outside adventures, work was my joy and now it has become my cross. How can I say that? Well, work is where I found happiness, where I became worth something and where I found status and unlimited financial potential. It was where I could shine. Unfortunately, it's where I was falling into a pattern of sin.
I loved money, I loved position and I loved being the lead. So the challenge over the last 3 years is how do I remain peaceful in a journey that has turned my world upside down? The answer, Jesus.
Jesus has changed me in a way I would never have thought. I wanted position and financial independence more than I wanted Him. It's true. I wanted a house and cars and money in the bank and then in 2016 I found myself realizing that money didn't buy happiness.
So, I've been in a storm. Really it feels like a tornado from time to time. My whole life has changed. I now just have a job, not a career. I work from 8-5 and I'm home every night. I don't have great wealth nor am I destitute. I have found time to read my Bible and send scripture to my closest friends every morning. I can serve others and do it with an open heart. I've started that book I continue to feel unworthy to write and I've found me in the eye of the storm. Not the person everyone thinks they know but the person Jesus knows.
In the last couple of years, I am being transformed as if I was a blob of clay. I have been pinched, smashed and reformed carefully by my maker. He is refining me and opening me up to free me from the sin and inner turmoil I carry. I've always been performance based. How high can I jump? Well, tell me I can't and I will push to jump higher. The problem with that philosophy is I can't do it alone. I have to have Jesus in the midst. I have to have Him walking beside me. I have to release my ideas, my wants and my desires and focus on the kingdom and on His will. I've been chasing success, money and accolades for so long, to now come to the end of me and find that His will must be at the center of what I do, how I think and how I move forward.
It's a journey my sisters. It has trials and tribulations. I want more than anything to help women all over the world, to encourage you not to give up on Jesus. I want you to walk with Him in your storm, pursue His words and believe that He alone knows your purpose. I am not over this trial by a long shot. I fight it every day but I've come to realize that my purpose is not what I believe but what His will is for me.
As I watch the world events unfold and see the children of Syria on the streets, my heart tells me there is much work for all of us. We must find peace in our own journey so we can concentrate on others. It won't be easy. It hasn't been easy for me. It has been life changing and I'm grateful for the journey because it's given me more time to look around me and to care about what our God cares about which is the lost, the destitute, the misfits and the hurting.
It's by His word life is revealed. The Bible is true. Look around you, there are rumors of war, earthquakes, death and destruction. There are children turning against their parents and parents killing their children. There is evil on this earth and yet, when we walk in peace, God provides a door for us to come in and get out of the storm. Be encouraged that today may hold trouble but God will provide hope in the midst of it.
Please look these Scriptures up today:
Matthew 4:4
Jeremiah 29:11
Proverbs 3:5
Daniel 6:10
Matthew 26
Our time is now. We are being refined so that we can trust in Him who has given us life. His will must be done on earth as it is in Heaven and we must stand still and find His peace in the journey. For it is not by bread alone but by every word of God. Stand with me today and may God bring the lost into His arms and provide peace in the midst of your trials. I'm praying for you my sisters and I know that there is power in prayer.
Thursday, March 29, 2018
When will we repent...
Good morning my warrior sisters-
(I wrote this blog days after the incident and have waited to share it until now. Since then I have watched the march and heard the voices of our youth crying out. They believe they can impact change with their voices and so do I.)
Legislation will not save us but Jesus will. We must believe, repent and choose to have a voice. If you believe that this message is worthy please share. Hope has never been in man it has always been our Savior.
Post:
It's been days since the Valentine's shooting in Florida. Fourteen beautiful young girls and boys have died along with three brave and wonderful men that saved many. I often don't post about politics or specific incidents as I am today. Many things in this world make my heart heavy like Syria, Iran, Iraq, and N. Korea. As I've prayed for the Lord to break my heart for what breaks His, I have seen famine, homelessness, war and children covered in blood for religious battles. Today, I'm speaking as a woman that loves children and that believes that Jesus Christ is the way and the truth, so please don't stop reading because this is too hard. Keep reading and believe that the God of Abraham can rectify our sins and lift our children up in a time of great spiritual warfare.
I am 52 and have lived with tornado drills and in elementary school, bomb drills. I also was in a middle school during the riots of the late 1970's. I can remember everyone going into the the halls, dropping down on my knees and covering my head. I remember the silence from the students and the teachers saying if this should happen cover your head and everyone did because they knew that this drill was for a reason. Today, from the time our children are in a preschool environment they have undergone code red drills. Why? Because in 1999, two very tortured boys chose to kill students and then kill themselves. It was an isolated incident. I was in a Walmart parking lot picking up some things to go to an office for a pharmaceutical display. I can remember the fear, hurt and overwhelming feelings of dread that this was the first but not the last.
Since that day, we are seeing these yearly and now monthly. What's going on? Evil that's what's happening. It's not about the guns, although I think we will need to find a resolution around that discussion. This is about good and evil. This is about us letting down the future generations. We sit and watch in silence as men and women bury their children. We feel something for a moment but then the next big news story comes along and we are back to our lives. Life has moved on for us but it hasn't for the parents, grandparents, wives and students that have to live with this horrible tragedy for the rest of their lives.
You can't diagnose evil. It lurks in the hearts. You can't put a finger on why someone would go mad enough to shoot up a school , however, we an diagnose that there is evil in the world and as we sit in our homes thinking it can't happen to us, IT CAN.
When children are posting #never again and #enough and telling us, they are just children but we're adults, they are so right. We have let them down. We have let the government decide what's best for our children. We've not spoken up. We've sat in the corner and asked someone else to do it. We've forgotten about Sandy Hook and so many others. We are responsible and I'm not talking about the shootings, I'm talking about us not standing up and shouting JESUS.
We must weep for those families that have undergone horrible tragedy. We must pray and petition our father to forgive this country. We must come up with ideas and innovations that can save children from guns and we must decide what it means to defend our country and ourselves.
We must carry the burdens of the thousands of students that now will choose a way. They may not be able to articulate what that day did to them. Many will fall into depression and find ways to ease the survivor pain they are now in. And we must stand in the gap for them. We must pray for this generation that hasn't gone to war but that goes to school every day with the fear that one day code red will be sounded and that day may be their last day.
We won't be able to fight it with gun control or figuring out why Nik did this. He's going to recount that he doesn't know or he heard a voice or even worse it was just a calling so deep. He has a chance to find Jesus now but what about the hours he spent where evil had his heart. We have suicide, opioid addiction, and so much more in this generation. When will we stand and not be ostriches. It's time to take our heads out and say Lord we hear you and we will stand for the families and children of this generation.
If you've quit reading, I hope you revisit this post because I will. I don't want to forget that children said we aren't being responsible. I won't forget a young man doing interviews because he wasn't sure he would live and he wanted this moment to be remembered. It would be his legacy. If those words and actions don't impact you, then I'm praying for you too. I will pray for our schools, our children and our generation because we must start speaking the truth. How many more events will it take before we are outraged and want to get on our knees? God will help us but we must repent and ask Him to help our country and save our children and not just their lives but their souls.
If you feel like this is just a rant, I'm sorry. It's not. I feel the pain of the parents. I don't know what it's like to bury my child but the pain of loss has to be so great. I've lost loved ones suddenly and you didn't get to say good-bye. You didn't get to tell them you love them one more time. It's so hard and parents and wives are thinking back to that day and believe me they will remember that they fled to work or forgot to say I love you. They will remember that they ignored one another or the baby was crying and daddy had to go to work. Life went on and yet, for them, they will wonder why they didn't say stay home.
We can't protect ourselves and we weren't meant to. No amount of guns or weapons will keep us from this kind of evil destruction. However, God can make something out of bad situation. He promises He will make good of it. He can fight our battles spiritually and He can save our nation from more evil acts. It's time we stand up for what's right and talk about Jesus. We only have today just ask fourteen sets of parents and the loved ones of three brave men. They only had that day, that moment and then they were gone.
Please stand with me as I mourn with those that mourn. Please pray with me for a lost generation and for men, boys, girls and women that suffer from mental illness. Please don't turn away from repenting for our nation because I am going to. Time is of the essence and if you don't realize it look around. Whatever we are worried about needs to flee from us and in it's place we must seek the Kingdom of God. You chose my page on Facebook, you read this blog, please stand with me for what matters. This is our time to pray and petition and to believe that many can be saved through this horrible tragedy. We must pray that children everywhere seek Jesus and not evil.
I proclaim today that Jesus is the only way to salvation. He knows their pain even when we don't. He seeks the hearts of men and women and cries because we don't turn to Him. This is the only way our children will be safe. It says in the Bible that in the end times there will be powerful acts and miracles, more powerful than when Jesus walked the earth. Let's call on Him to give us that power so that this generation has a chance to know the power of God. And more importantly, that this generation would see men and women taking a stand for them. They are right, we are the adults, let's not let them down again.
(I wrote this blog days after the incident and have waited to share it until now. Since then I have watched the march and heard the voices of our youth crying out. They believe they can impact change with their voices and so do I.)
Legislation will not save us but Jesus will. We must believe, repent and choose to have a voice. If you believe that this message is worthy please share. Hope has never been in man it has always been our Savior.
Post:
It's been days since the Valentine's shooting in Florida. Fourteen beautiful young girls and boys have died along with three brave and wonderful men that saved many. I often don't post about politics or specific incidents as I am today. Many things in this world make my heart heavy like Syria, Iran, Iraq, and N. Korea. As I've prayed for the Lord to break my heart for what breaks His, I have seen famine, homelessness, war and children covered in blood for religious battles. Today, I'm speaking as a woman that loves children and that believes that Jesus Christ is the way and the truth, so please don't stop reading because this is too hard. Keep reading and believe that the God of Abraham can rectify our sins and lift our children up in a time of great spiritual warfare.
I am 52 and have lived with tornado drills and in elementary school, bomb drills. I also was in a middle school during the riots of the late 1970's. I can remember everyone going into the the halls, dropping down on my knees and covering my head. I remember the silence from the students and the teachers saying if this should happen cover your head and everyone did because they knew that this drill was for a reason. Today, from the time our children are in a preschool environment they have undergone code red drills. Why? Because in 1999, two very tortured boys chose to kill students and then kill themselves. It was an isolated incident. I was in a Walmart parking lot picking up some things to go to an office for a pharmaceutical display. I can remember the fear, hurt and overwhelming feelings of dread that this was the first but not the last.
Since that day, we are seeing these yearly and now monthly. What's going on? Evil that's what's happening. It's not about the guns, although I think we will need to find a resolution around that discussion. This is about good and evil. This is about us letting down the future generations. We sit and watch in silence as men and women bury their children. We feel something for a moment but then the next big news story comes along and we are back to our lives. Life has moved on for us but it hasn't for the parents, grandparents, wives and students that have to live with this horrible tragedy for the rest of their lives.
You can't diagnose evil. It lurks in the hearts. You can't put a finger on why someone would go mad enough to shoot up a school , however, we an diagnose that there is evil in the world and as we sit in our homes thinking it can't happen to us, IT CAN.
When children are posting #never again and #enough and telling us, they are just children but we're adults, they are so right. We have let them down. We have let the government decide what's best for our children. We've not spoken up. We've sat in the corner and asked someone else to do it. We've forgotten about Sandy Hook and so many others. We are responsible and I'm not talking about the shootings, I'm talking about us not standing up and shouting JESUS.
We must weep for those families that have undergone horrible tragedy. We must pray and petition our father to forgive this country. We must come up with ideas and innovations that can save children from guns and we must decide what it means to defend our country and ourselves.
We must carry the burdens of the thousands of students that now will choose a way. They may not be able to articulate what that day did to them. Many will fall into depression and find ways to ease the survivor pain they are now in. And we must stand in the gap for them. We must pray for this generation that hasn't gone to war but that goes to school every day with the fear that one day code red will be sounded and that day may be their last day.
We won't be able to fight it with gun control or figuring out why Nik did this. He's going to recount that he doesn't know or he heard a voice or even worse it was just a calling so deep. He has a chance to find Jesus now but what about the hours he spent where evil had his heart. We have suicide, opioid addiction, and so much more in this generation. When will we stand and not be ostriches. It's time to take our heads out and say Lord we hear you and we will stand for the families and children of this generation.
If you've quit reading, I hope you revisit this post because I will. I don't want to forget that children said we aren't being responsible. I won't forget a young man doing interviews because he wasn't sure he would live and he wanted this moment to be remembered. It would be his legacy. If those words and actions don't impact you, then I'm praying for you too. I will pray for our schools, our children and our generation because we must start speaking the truth. How many more events will it take before we are outraged and want to get on our knees? God will help us but we must repent and ask Him to help our country and save our children and not just their lives but their souls.
If you feel like this is just a rant, I'm sorry. It's not. I feel the pain of the parents. I don't know what it's like to bury my child but the pain of loss has to be so great. I've lost loved ones suddenly and you didn't get to say good-bye. You didn't get to tell them you love them one more time. It's so hard and parents and wives are thinking back to that day and believe me they will remember that they fled to work or forgot to say I love you. They will remember that they ignored one another or the baby was crying and daddy had to go to work. Life went on and yet, for them, they will wonder why they didn't say stay home.
We can't protect ourselves and we weren't meant to. No amount of guns or weapons will keep us from this kind of evil destruction. However, God can make something out of bad situation. He promises He will make good of it. He can fight our battles spiritually and He can save our nation from more evil acts. It's time we stand up for what's right and talk about Jesus. We only have today just ask fourteen sets of parents and the loved ones of three brave men. They only had that day, that moment and then they were gone.
Please stand with me as I mourn with those that mourn. Please pray with me for a lost generation and for men, boys, girls and women that suffer from mental illness. Please don't turn away from repenting for our nation because I am going to. Time is of the essence and if you don't realize it look around. Whatever we are worried about needs to flee from us and in it's place we must seek the Kingdom of God. You chose my page on Facebook, you read this blog, please stand with me for what matters. This is our time to pray and petition and to believe that many can be saved through this horrible tragedy. We must pray that children everywhere seek Jesus and not evil.
I proclaim today that Jesus is the only way to salvation. He knows their pain even when we don't. He seeks the hearts of men and women and cries because we don't turn to Him. This is the only way our children will be safe. It says in the Bible that in the end times there will be powerful acts and miracles, more powerful than when Jesus walked the earth. Let's call on Him to give us that power so that this generation has a chance to know the power of God. And more importantly, that this generation would see men and women taking a stand for them. They are right, we are the adults, let's not let them down again.
Saturday, February 3, 2018
To be changed by Jesus is to know His heart...
Good morning my sister warriors-
The day has not dawned yet, the hour is early and the only sound I hear is the dog biting on a bone. And yet, I sit here and think about how many of you are getting over the flu or have lost someone significant to you. I wonder about the people in other countries and how they're doing and I wonder about the men and women who sleep outside when I have a soft bed every night of my life.
These are the thoughts that go through my mind. It wasn't always like this. Most of the time I couldn't think straight when I woke up. The challenges of business, kids and marriage would be scattering through my mind and just over a year ago my mind would have only been on making money.
Things have changed. My relationship has gotten deeper with Jesus. I find that as I've asked Him for clarity and to see what breaks His heart, He has shown me. And now, I see the tragedy in this world or maybe it's the fragility of life that we all take for granted, either way, I see it and it humbles me.
Life is precious and we waste so much of it running after our dreams, building businesses that forget us the minute we step out the door and worry how we women worry. To overcompensate for what ails us, we find joy in getting a new car or a new house and over time both break down and need repair. Worry nor possessions are what this life is really about, that's the world talking.
God wants us to love people. He wants us to sit with them right where they are, even if it's in pornography, homelessness, drugs or prison. He didn't come for people like me with a great house and money to buy food. He came for the destitute, the lonely and the lost. And every day I get closer to Him I know that my journey isn't about amassing things, security or money anymore. It's about investing in His people.
I'm not saying it's wrong to have a nice house or cars that work, it's not. What I am saying is that you must put effort into what matters most to Jesus. He worked with his hands, he was a builder, he had a trade and for years he went to his job and provided for his family members. And then one day, his Father called and he left behind his stability and all He knew. You see there was a greater purpose so He listened to the will of His Father and walked among his people because he knew that what was most important was to fulfill His Father's will. So he went into danger, fostered twelve men from different walks of life and spent the rest of his time on earth healing the sick, comforting the lonely and forgiving those that trespassed against him. (BTW-that's all of us)
So as I close today, I want to remind you that you are loved by the almighty God. His hands are on you, and if you know Him by name, He lives inside of you. You can be destitute and He loves you. You can be sinning and He loves you. You can be denying Him and He's calling. God knows you by name and he continues to send his warriors out to find you and make Him known. I'm one of them. I love you and if you reach out I will pray with you and I will help you find Him. Behind every saved Christian there is a story of redemption. We do not live perfect lives or live without flaws. We are just like you. When we found Him, we were lost just like you. Don't let the image of what a Christian should look like sway you into knowing Him. We all have closets and they are full of regret, shame and sin. He provided a way out so that what you see today is transformation and it never ends. I will be molded until I'm in the grave.
Just like the times of old, God is with us. Before Christ, the ark of the covenant went before the Israelites ALWAYS. God's presence was with them so that they would have courage to forge ahead. He knows your battles and where your heart aches. You may only have today and in today I would encourage you to love with all your heart, lead like a servant and ask the Lord to come into your heart, for He is the master planner.
A special note to those that know Him...
We are His warriors, women that are committed to the gospel. We must pray for those that can't pray, who have lost faith or have never had it. It is our time to come together and to make Him known to all nations. We don't know the hour, so let's take every minute and make something precious happen. Let's make Him known!
Are you with me?
John 14: 2-3 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14:1-14
The day has not dawned yet, the hour is early and the only sound I hear is the dog biting on a bone. And yet, I sit here and think about how many of you are getting over the flu or have lost someone significant to you. I wonder about the people in other countries and how they're doing and I wonder about the men and women who sleep outside when I have a soft bed every night of my life.
These are the thoughts that go through my mind. It wasn't always like this. Most of the time I couldn't think straight when I woke up. The challenges of business, kids and marriage would be scattering through my mind and just over a year ago my mind would have only been on making money.
Things have changed. My relationship has gotten deeper with Jesus. I find that as I've asked Him for clarity and to see what breaks His heart, He has shown me. And now, I see the tragedy in this world or maybe it's the fragility of life that we all take for granted, either way, I see it and it humbles me.
Life is precious and we waste so much of it running after our dreams, building businesses that forget us the minute we step out the door and worry how we women worry. To overcompensate for what ails us, we find joy in getting a new car or a new house and over time both break down and need repair. Worry nor possessions are what this life is really about, that's the world talking.
God wants us to love people. He wants us to sit with them right where they are, even if it's in pornography, homelessness, drugs or prison. He didn't come for people like me with a great house and money to buy food. He came for the destitute, the lonely and the lost. And every day I get closer to Him I know that my journey isn't about amassing things, security or money anymore. It's about investing in His people.
I'm not saying it's wrong to have a nice house or cars that work, it's not. What I am saying is that you must put effort into what matters most to Jesus. He worked with his hands, he was a builder, he had a trade and for years he went to his job and provided for his family members. And then one day, his Father called and he left behind his stability and all He knew. You see there was a greater purpose so He listened to the will of His Father and walked among his people because he knew that what was most important was to fulfill His Father's will. So he went into danger, fostered twelve men from different walks of life and spent the rest of his time on earth healing the sick, comforting the lonely and forgiving those that trespassed against him. (BTW-that's all of us)
So as I close today, I want to remind you that you are loved by the almighty God. His hands are on you, and if you know Him by name, He lives inside of you. You can be destitute and He loves you. You can be sinning and He loves you. You can be denying Him and He's calling. God knows you by name and he continues to send his warriors out to find you and make Him known. I'm one of them. I love you and if you reach out I will pray with you and I will help you find Him. Behind every saved Christian there is a story of redemption. We do not live perfect lives or live without flaws. We are just like you. When we found Him, we were lost just like you. Don't let the image of what a Christian should look like sway you into knowing Him. We all have closets and they are full of regret, shame and sin. He provided a way out so that what you see today is transformation and it never ends. I will be molded until I'm in the grave.
Just like the times of old, God is with us. Before Christ, the ark of the covenant went before the Israelites ALWAYS. God's presence was with them so that they would have courage to forge ahead. He knows your battles and where your heart aches. You may only have today and in today I would encourage you to love with all your heart, lead like a servant and ask the Lord to come into your heart, for He is the master planner.
A special note to those that know Him...
We are His warriors, women that are committed to the gospel. We must pray for those that can't pray, who have lost faith or have never had it. It is our time to come together and to make Him known to all nations. We don't know the hour, so let's take every minute and make something precious happen. Let's make Him known!
Are you with me?
John 14: 2-3 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14:1-14
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Disappointed? Me too.
Good morning my warrior sisters-
Do you ever wonder why people let us down so much? I do. I wonder why I let people down and then I wonder why humans let God down? If that's not enough I sometimes feel disappointment in the world at large. Do you?
As I've spent the last few days reflecting on Jesus' birth, I've come to realize that the only human who didn't let someone down is Jesus. He saved a woman from being stoned, He healed the sick and misfits; He produced miracles and He raised His best friend from death. We live in a time when we need Jesus to do the same for all of us.
Although I wish I hadn't let anyone down, I have. And when I spend time pondering my life, I realize I've let Jesus down too and that's so frustrating. I want to do His will always but life creeps in and routines are hard to break. In 2018, I must break the patterns with His help. I must challenge myself and others and I must not fear letting people down.
In this life we have free will. Free will to choose Jesus over money. Free will to choose others over ourselves. Free will to love our enemies and free will to seek God first. What does it mean?
I believe God gave us free will to choose Him because, like us, He wanted His children to seek Him, believe Him and trust Him all on our own. I think that if we choose Him we will see things change and mountains will move.
In 2018, I will be calling on His chosen warriors to seek Him and join me in what I believe will be the most important spiritual journey of our lives. The journey will consist of prayer and believing in the unseen. We will need the full armor of God and we will rely on Him alone to command our thoughts and our prayers.
We will choose Him daily and ask our Father to lead our prayer lives. I have wasted time, I have let people down and I have let Jesus down. It is time for us to band together and pray. Each week I will be petitioning the holy spirit. I will ask Him and those that are brave enough will pray with me. I am only one voice in a vast world but I believe the call is now. What we've seen in 2017 is only a glimpse into what will come. Let's not let Him down. Will you be with me? Pray about it my sisters for the journey will be long and the promise great.
Ephesians 6:10-18 10Finally, be strong in the LORD and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the LORD's people.
Do you ever wonder why people let us down so much? I do. I wonder why I let people down and then I wonder why humans let God down? If that's not enough I sometimes feel disappointment in the world at large. Do you?
As I've spent the last few days reflecting on Jesus' birth, I've come to realize that the only human who didn't let someone down is Jesus. He saved a woman from being stoned, He healed the sick and misfits; He produced miracles and He raised His best friend from death. We live in a time when we need Jesus to do the same for all of us.
Although I wish I hadn't let anyone down, I have. And when I spend time pondering my life, I realize I've let Jesus down too and that's so frustrating. I want to do His will always but life creeps in and routines are hard to break. In 2018, I must break the patterns with His help. I must challenge myself and others and I must not fear letting people down.
In this life we have free will. Free will to choose Jesus over money. Free will to choose others over ourselves. Free will to love our enemies and free will to seek God first. What does it mean?
I believe God gave us free will to choose Him because, like us, He wanted His children to seek Him, believe Him and trust Him all on our own. I think that if we choose Him we will see things change and mountains will move.
In 2018, I will be calling on His chosen warriors to seek Him and join me in what I believe will be the most important spiritual journey of our lives. The journey will consist of prayer and believing in the unseen. We will need the full armor of God and we will rely on Him alone to command our thoughts and our prayers.
We will choose Him daily and ask our Father to lead our prayer lives. I have wasted time, I have let people down and I have let Jesus down. It is time for us to band together and pray. Each week I will be petitioning the holy spirit. I will ask Him and those that are brave enough will pray with me. I am only one voice in a vast world but I believe the call is now. What we've seen in 2017 is only a glimpse into what will come. Let's not let Him down. Will you be with me? Pray about it my sisters for the journey will be long and the promise great.
Ephesians 6:10-18 10Finally, be strong in the LORD and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the LORD's people.
Saturday, December 2, 2017
Judging others behavior, right or wrong?
Good morning my warrior sisters-
What's your take on judging the men that are being called harassers? It's in the news on every channel. Matt Lauer has been fired for his behavior and Weinstein, well we all know that saga. Are you sitting at home judging? I really want you to ask yourself this question. Why? Because I've been asking myself why I'm praying and not getting into the man hating fray.
It seems that God is unveiling some really bad behavior throughout the world. Whether its within the church or outside. Powerful people are falling to sex addiction, drugs, harassment and pride. This is a powerfully spiritual time. War is on the horizon, people have increased division and hate in a world that should be spreading love. Crucifixions have happened, women are being stoned to death, nerve gas is being used and children have been sold into being soldiers. What the heck? And to top it all off, there are predators out there seeking to enslave girls into unthinkable sex acts.
The picture looks bleak and it's so easy for us to start judging. The church does it best. We act as though we are far above all these outrageous acts. And maybe we are smart enough to stay away from those. But what about anger, jealousy, pride and desire for what you don't have. These attributes are considered the same weight as those that murder and steal. Even our tendency to gossip is considered by God, a speck in our eye.
What does this all mean? It means that we all need to be very careful not to get on the bandwagon of judging others. That means we don't judge the victims or those accused. Why is this so important? Because it is human nature to cast judgment. The judgment is not ours. God is very specific about this in the Bible. It is His to judge.
Matthew 4-5 NIV states,"4How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while there is still a beam in your own eye? 5You hypocrite! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye."
I am more aware of this scripture now then any other time in my life. I've found myself praying for the victims, those accused and the families impacted. I'm praying for world leaders. I'm praying for those who hate other races. I'm praying for Muslims, Buddhists, and any person I can think of or that God shows me. The world will tempt you, the evil one will let you fall, and people love to see the fall. I know because I've witnessed it. God has repeatedly shown me that He will seek the fallen. He will go after a person entrenched in pornography and if men like Weinstein and Lauer call on Him, He will hear their cries. And if I do something, He forgives me too.
None of us are that far from falling. None of us have the luxury to believe we haven't transgressed. Otherwise, when the disciples asked Jesus how to pray to the Father, we wouldn't have to ask for forgiveness for our transgressions and for those that transgress against us. Forgiveness is not just for the bad boys and girls, it's for all of us. And yes, we have a beam in our eye.
As God has revealed these things to me, I have prayed. I am praying for President Trump on a regular basis. I am praying for world leadership on a regular basis. I am praying that God would not leave us because we are a sinful nation. I've been praying for women to find healing and to forgive the men that put them in bad positions and I am praying for all of us to be closer to Jesus.
We can spend our time saying horrible things about these people who have now lost their jobs, possibly their families and forever their reputations. We can call Tiger Woods a loser, an addict, and an adulterer. We can look at men with discord and women with pity or we can stand in the middle of a battle that is far reaching. It's a battle against good and evil. It's a battle of being blind to our own transgressions. In order for us to be God fearing women, we must look at ourselves first and pray for those that fall.
So I'm coming to you this season and asking you to stop judging and move into prayer. Pray for all of us to bond together and to ask God to break our hearts for what breaks His. That's my prayer this season. I pray I become a person that looks totally on my behavior and I allow God to take care of everyone else. It's not my job, it's His.
What's your take on judging the men that are being called harassers? It's in the news on every channel. Matt Lauer has been fired for his behavior and Weinstein, well we all know that saga. Are you sitting at home judging? I really want you to ask yourself this question. Why? Because I've been asking myself why I'm praying and not getting into the man hating fray.
It seems that God is unveiling some really bad behavior throughout the world. Whether its within the church or outside. Powerful people are falling to sex addiction, drugs, harassment and pride. This is a powerfully spiritual time. War is on the horizon, people have increased division and hate in a world that should be spreading love. Crucifixions have happened, women are being stoned to death, nerve gas is being used and children have been sold into being soldiers. What the heck? And to top it all off, there are predators out there seeking to enslave girls into unthinkable sex acts.
The picture looks bleak and it's so easy for us to start judging. The church does it best. We act as though we are far above all these outrageous acts. And maybe we are smart enough to stay away from those. But what about anger, jealousy, pride and desire for what you don't have. These attributes are considered the same weight as those that murder and steal. Even our tendency to gossip is considered by God, a speck in our eye.
What does this all mean? It means that we all need to be very careful not to get on the bandwagon of judging others. That means we don't judge the victims or those accused. Why is this so important? Because it is human nature to cast judgment. The judgment is not ours. God is very specific about this in the Bible. It is His to judge.
Matthew 4-5 NIV states,"4How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while there is still a beam in your own eye? 5You hypocrite! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye."
I am more aware of this scripture now then any other time in my life. I've found myself praying for the victims, those accused and the families impacted. I'm praying for world leaders. I'm praying for those who hate other races. I'm praying for Muslims, Buddhists, and any person I can think of or that God shows me. The world will tempt you, the evil one will let you fall, and people love to see the fall. I know because I've witnessed it. God has repeatedly shown me that He will seek the fallen. He will go after a person entrenched in pornography and if men like Weinstein and Lauer call on Him, He will hear their cries. And if I do something, He forgives me too.
None of us are that far from falling. None of us have the luxury to believe we haven't transgressed. Otherwise, when the disciples asked Jesus how to pray to the Father, we wouldn't have to ask for forgiveness for our transgressions and for those that transgress against us. Forgiveness is not just for the bad boys and girls, it's for all of us. And yes, we have a beam in our eye.
As God has revealed these things to me, I have prayed. I am praying for President Trump on a regular basis. I am praying for world leadership on a regular basis. I am praying that God would not leave us because we are a sinful nation. I've been praying for women to find healing and to forgive the men that put them in bad positions and I am praying for all of us to be closer to Jesus.
We can spend our time saying horrible things about these people who have now lost their jobs, possibly their families and forever their reputations. We can call Tiger Woods a loser, an addict, and an adulterer. We can look at men with discord and women with pity or we can stand in the middle of a battle that is far reaching. It's a battle against good and evil. It's a battle of being blind to our own transgressions. In order for us to be God fearing women, we must look at ourselves first and pray for those that fall.
So I'm coming to you this season and asking you to stop judging and move into prayer. Pray for all of us to bond together and to ask God to break our hearts for what breaks His. That's my prayer this season. I pray I become a person that looks totally on my behavior and I allow God to take care of everyone else. It's not my job, it's His.
Sunday, November 19, 2017
Life isn't fair...
Good morning my warrior sisters-
How often in our lifetime do we utter these words? "Life isn't fair." I've caught myself saying them over the years. They truly are a waste of time. Jesus spoke about hardship. If you've lived to 18 you've already been battered and broken; your parents split up, one of them lost a job, money was tight or you lost someone you love. These are events that happen every day. If you live in the Middle East, you've probably experienced war, brutality, rape and more.
We live in chaotic times and life may not be fair. We were born in this time. Just like those that have gone before us, we face hardship, some more than others, nevertheless, no one escapes it. I often wonder how people face the things in life that are hard without Jesus, don't you?
I've been thinking about this a lot lately. I get news from CNN, Fox and others so I can monitor the world. I've known for awhile that keeping up with the world news is important. You can't stick your head in the sand. What's happening around us is an opportunity to pray, and pray I do. And every day there is hardship. It's illustrated in harassment charges, war, unrest, hatred, guns, death and natural disasters. People all over the world and in the US are facing truly difficult times.
I've lived through hardship, I've lost loved ones, I've even lost a job I loved. I've experienced sorrow and I've know the pit of despair. I've walked into situations I wasn't prepared for only to find out the I was lied to and I've experienced something else, a peace that can't be explained. Did I like going through hard times? NO. You won't either. And when you hear songs that say you'll get stronger through them, the message rarely resonates in the moment. That's like saying to a kid, you'll be glad I was so strict. Good luck!
What I can tell you is pursuing Jesus in these moments is very important. Reading your Bible and entrenching yourself in His word and wisdom will transform your mind and take you from a victim to a warrior. How do I know? Well, I've lived it. If you can walk daily with Him, surround yourself with people that will pray for you, you will find day by day things get a little brighter and step by step God leads you by still waters. People have good intentions, they want to say the right thing. I do at least. Unfortunately, we don't really know what you're feeling or how to help. Jesus does, He sees deep inside your heart and knows every thought and need before you speak it. He will heal your heart and your mind so that tomorrow you can spread the love he has to others.
If you're saying life isn't fair, you're right. If you live in that statement, then you're very wrong. God is your Father, He loves you and if we believe He knows what's best for us, He will help us get through our difficult time. We all have them. Right now as I write this, I'm dealing with issues and wondering how this happened. Believe me, it does no good. I must stand on the principles I know. Go to Jesus, pray for the circumstances, hope and hope some more. I will use my shield day by day and watch as the power of Jesus takes the wheel.
There is no control in life. The minute you think you have it, you will lose it. Evil reigns here on earth, that's why soldiers are coming home and committing suicide, that's why teenagers are dying from overdoses, that's why young men that should be making an impact are hiding in basements all across America. And that's why we can't say, life isn't fair. We must fight with the power of the Holy Spirit.
I have no idea what tomorrow will bring. I know that Jesus will come. I don't know if that will be tonight, tomorrow or years from now. I know he set the stars and they are brilliant, vibrant and a testimony to the power of our God and that our failure to recognize that power is our downfall.
If you're in this place right now, pray that God our Father would show you a rainbow. My sign normally is in a red tail hawk. I see them whenever I'm in despair and they remind me how much God loves me. Find Jesus and little by little you will begin to realize your purpose. As you find your purpose your hardships in life will be an opportunity to grow, painful yes, but worth it in the long run. Remember, Jesus has the nail marks to prove how much He loves you.
Psalm 3:3 NIV
How often in our lifetime do we utter these words? "Life isn't fair." I've caught myself saying them over the years. They truly are a waste of time. Jesus spoke about hardship. If you've lived to 18 you've already been battered and broken; your parents split up, one of them lost a job, money was tight or you lost someone you love. These are events that happen every day. If you live in the Middle East, you've probably experienced war, brutality, rape and more.
We live in chaotic times and life may not be fair. We were born in this time. Just like those that have gone before us, we face hardship, some more than others, nevertheless, no one escapes it. I often wonder how people face the things in life that are hard without Jesus, don't you?
I've been thinking about this a lot lately. I get news from CNN, Fox and others so I can monitor the world. I've known for awhile that keeping up with the world news is important. You can't stick your head in the sand. What's happening around us is an opportunity to pray, and pray I do. And every day there is hardship. It's illustrated in harassment charges, war, unrest, hatred, guns, death and natural disasters. People all over the world and in the US are facing truly difficult times.
I've lived through hardship, I've lost loved ones, I've even lost a job I loved. I've experienced sorrow and I've know the pit of despair. I've walked into situations I wasn't prepared for only to find out the I was lied to and I've experienced something else, a peace that can't be explained. Did I like going through hard times? NO. You won't either. And when you hear songs that say you'll get stronger through them, the message rarely resonates in the moment. That's like saying to a kid, you'll be glad I was so strict. Good luck!
What I can tell you is pursuing Jesus in these moments is very important. Reading your Bible and entrenching yourself in His word and wisdom will transform your mind and take you from a victim to a warrior. How do I know? Well, I've lived it. If you can walk daily with Him, surround yourself with people that will pray for you, you will find day by day things get a little brighter and step by step God leads you by still waters. People have good intentions, they want to say the right thing. I do at least. Unfortunately, we don't really know what you're feeling or how to help. Jesus does, He sees deep inside your heart and knows every thought and need before you speak it. He will heal your heart and your mind so that tomorrow you can spread the love he has to others.
If you're saying life isn't fair, you're right. If you live in that statement, then you're very wrong. God is your Father, He loves you and if we believe He knows what's best for us, He will help us get through our difficult time. We all have them. Right now as I write this, I'm dealing with issues and wondering how this happened. Believe me, it does no good. I must stand on the principles I know. Go to Jesus, pray for the circumstances, hope and hope some more. I will use my shield day by day and watch as the power of Jesus takes the wheel.
There is no control in life. The minute you think you have it, you will lose it. Evil reigns here on earth, that's why soldiers are coming home and committing suicide, that's why teenagers are dying from overdoses, that's why young men that should be making an impact are hiding in basements all across America. And that's why we can't say, life isn't fair. We must fight with the power of the Holy Spirit.
I have no idea what tomorrow will bring. I know that Jesus will come. I don't know if that will be tonight, tomorrow or years from now. I know he set the stars and they are brilliant, vibrant and a testimony to the power of our God and that our failure to recognize that power is our downfall.
If you're in this place right now, pray that God our Father would show you a rainbow. My sign normally is in a red tail hawk. I see them whenever I'm in despair and they remind me how much God loves me. Find Jesus and little by little you will begin to realize your purpose. As you find your purpose your hardships in life will be an opportunity to grow, painful yes, but worth it in the long run. Remember, Jesus has the nail marks to prove how much He loves you.
Psalm 3:3 NIV
But you, Lord, are a shield to me;
my glory, the One that lifts my head high
In Jesus Name, AMEN
my glory, the One that lifts my head high
In Jesus Name, AMEN
Saturday, November 11, 2017
What if you just had today?
Good morning my warrior sisters-
As I sit here on my comfy couch, drinking the best cup of coffee ever, I can't take my mind off of Texas and those that lost their lives at church. First, we had Vegas which was horrible in itself and then we have another human taking the lives of innocent people. Now, a sleepy small town in Texas is on the map for the many that were lost.
I haven't slept that well this week and I wonder if it has to do with the people I know are mourning all over the world. These incidents in the US are harrowing but there are so many more. Every person that didn't get to see tomorrow didn't know this would be their last day on earth. Those mothers, fathers, and children got up to go to a concert or church. They didn't know that a senseless act would take place.
Just like everyday, they got up, got ready and probably had a to-do list a mile long. Instead, someone carried a bloodied body to a truck that took them to a Vegas hospital only to find out she died. A pastor and his wife, while in another state, got a call that their daughter was gone. A husband lost a wife, an unborn baby and several of his precious children. Mothers found out they had lost their daughters and their grand babies, all in a blink of an eye.
The Bible speaks about only having today. I've blown past that statement so many times. The truth is, what if this was my last day? I guess that's what I've been thinking about. If today was my last day on earth did I tell my husband and my boys how much I love them, how much they've meant to my life, how much they made my life rock? I hope I have but we get busy, we get frustrated, we even argue about things that don't really matter. The last two incidents in the US have forced me to think about these things. I also wonder about what I've done for Jesus. Did I give enough? Have I loved enough? Have I had passion for Him and His mission for my life?
If today was your last day and you never opened your heart to Jesus, do you know where you'll be? I can be the best person on earth but without Jesus there is no heaven for me. I can give all I have, love my neighbor and bring kindness with me and still, without Jesus there is no heaven. I can take care of the sick, the hurting and the lonely and still, there is no heaven without Jesus. People don't believe this and yet tell me, what other religion did a man hang on a cross for you? What other religion where a man is involved, was beaten, bruised, and nailed to a piece of wood? I will tell you— none.
You look for man to be perfect because they say they're a Christian. There is no such thing as perfect. The most perfect human on earth surrendered his life for you. We can continue to deny His very existence. We can say there is no God. We can put up idols, work for money, love ourselves and continue down a path of destruction. Our loving father will not steer you away if you're heart is closed. He is giving you opportunity to understand that today is all you have. If you're searching the world to find peace, you won't find it. If you're banking on the fact that I will be perfect, you won't find that either. If you're hoping that the shooting incidents in the US are going away, don't bank on that either. Put your money where it will count. Give Jesus your life. If you do that then you won't ever have to worry if this is your last day on earth— because where you go from here is more than wonderful.
Hebrews 3: 12-14 NIV
12See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. 14We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.
My prayer for the people:
Our Father who art in Heaven spare us the rod. Turn our wayward hearts toward you today. Let us unite with one voice singing, Holy, Holy, is the lamb who was slain. Give us today our daily bread and Lord, help us to forgive those that trespass against us. Turn our hearts from the evil one, protect us and make us open only to You. We seek you in these days of chaos and ask for Your guidance and vision. Continue to make us mighty warriors for you and help us to speak the truth in the face of much adversity. No longer can we stand watching the world grow cold. People are seeking something...guide them toward you so that TODAY they will hear Your voice. My prayer is not just for those lost but for those that have been found. Encourage all of us, Lord, to be mighty soldiers and stand firm on the rock of our salvation. In Jesus Name, AMEN.
As I sit here on my comfy couch, drinking the best cup of coffee ever, I can't take my mind off of Texas and those that lost their lives at church. First, we had Vegas which was horrible in itself and then we have another human taking the lives of innocent people. Now, a sleepy small town in Texas is on the map for the many that were lost.
I haven't slept that well this week and I wonder if it has to do with the people I know are mourning all over the world. These incidents in the US are harrowing but there are so many more. Every person that didn't get to see tomorrow didn't know this would be their last day on earth. Those mothers, fathers, and children got up to go to a concert or church. They didn't know that a senseless act would take place.
Just like everyday, they got up, got ready and probably had a to-do list a mile long. Instead, someone carried a bloodied body to a truck that took them to a Vegas hospital only to find out she died. A pastor and his wife, while in another state, got a call that their daughter was gone. A husband lost a wife, an unborn baby and several of his precious children. Mothers found out they had lost their daughters and their grand babies, all in a blink of an eye.
The Bible speaks about only having today. I've blown past that statement so many times. The truth is, what if this was my last day? I guess that's what I've been thinking about. If today was my last day on earth did I tell my husband and my boys how much I love them, how much they've meant to my life, how much they made my life rock? I hope I have but we get busy, we get frustrated, we even argue about things that don't really matter. The last two incidents in the US have forced me to think about these things. I also wonder about what I've done for Jesus. Did I give enough? Have I loved enough? Have I had passion for Him and His mission for my life?
If today was your last day and you never opened your heart to Jesus, do you know where you'll be? I can be the best person on earth but without Jesus there is no heaven for me. I can give all I have, love my neighbor and bring kindness with me and still, without Jesus there is no heaven. I can take care of the sick, the hurting and the lonely and still, there is no heaven without Jesus. People don't believe this and yet tell me, what other religion did a man hang on a cross for you? What other religion where a man is involved, was beaten, bruised, and nailed to a piece of wood? I will tell you— none.
You look for man to be perfect because they say they're a Christian. There is no such thing as perfect. The most perfect human on earth surrendered his life for you. We can continue to deny His very existence. We can say there is no God. We can put up idols, work for money, love ourselves and continue down a path of destruction. Our loving father will not steer you away if you're heart is closed. He is giving you opportunity to understand that today is all you have. If you're searching the world to find peace, you won't find it. If you're banking on the fact that I will be perfect, you won't find that either. If you're hoping that the shooting incidents in the US are going away, don't bank on that either. Put your money where it will count. Give Jesus your life. If you do that then you won't ever have to worry if this is your last day on earth— because where you go from here is more than wonderful.
Hebrews 3: 12-14 NIV
12See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. 14We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.
My prayer for the people:
Our Father who art in Heaven spare us the rod. Turn our wayward hearts toward you today. Let us unite with one voice singing, Holy, Holy, is the lamb who was slain. Give us today our daily bread and Lord, help us to forgive those that trespass against us. Turn our hearts from the evil one, protect us and make us open only to You. We seek you in these days of chaos and ask for Your guidance and vision. Continue to make us mighty warriors for you and help us to speak the truth in the face of much adversity. No longer can we stand watching the world grow cold. People are seeking something...guide them toward you so that TODAY they will hear Your voice. My prayer is not just for those lost but for those that have been found. Encourage all of us, Lord, to be mighty soldiers and stand firm on the rock of our salvation. In Jesus Name, AMEN.
Friday, November 10, 2017
What's in the number 7?
Good morning my sister warriors-
I hope this day finds you well and if this is your first time on my blog, I hope you know you reached it because Jesus wants you to know, He loves you and that love is true and very worth you committing your life to Him.
That brings me to a number that is referenced over and over in the Bible. It's the number 7. Here's just a few stats.
I hope this day finds you well and if this is your first time on my blog, I hope you know you reached it because Jesus wants you to know, He loves you and that love is true and very worth you committing your life to Him.
That brings me to a number that is referenced over and over in the Bible. It's the number 7. Here's just a few stats.
- God created the world in 7 days
- 7 churches
- 7 seals
- 7 angels
- 7 vials
- 777 in Revelation
According to my research 7 is depicted 735 times. Wow. So why is this significant in my life? I had a pronounced burden placed on my heart and I believe it was to pray for President Trump on the 7th of every month. Anne Graham Lotz did a 777 call to prayer and it reached thousands of people. I'm not sure where this is going, however, I believe it's what God is calling me to do. Whether you like President Trump or not really doesn't matter. I think that's what's wrong with our nation and world. Hate seems to be more prominent then love. According to the Bible we are to be under authority to our leaders. What does that mean? If you look at Jesus it means serving, praying and loving.
So this week, I'm starting to pray for what God laid on my heart. I'm not bragging here, I'm calling. The number 7 came to me at the same time I felt this burden. We must pray for our churches, our children, ourselves and yes, our leaders. Whether you live in the US or not, just look around. Russia, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Pakistan, Syria, do I need to go on? The leaders of the world are making decisions that impact us. That being said, if you join me on the 7th and I hope you do, don't leave the world leaders out of your prayer.
As I watch President Trump try to navigate the shark waters of politics with his rough edges and ego, I see a man that wanted to do something but is finding that being President is very difficult. Being a leader, whether in business, in state or for a nation is a tough job. Why do you think our forefathers put in checks and balances. They had been under royal rule and didn't like the dictator mentality. They wanted something where no man was 100% fully in control.
Today, we criticize everything from shoes, to hair. We don't let up as a society. I really think we love chaos. We talk of love but I don't see much. We talk of rights and equality but I don't see any of us really trying that hard. We talk of evil but we rarely talk about Jesus and in it all, I see that we become more "I" focused and less humanity focused.
Leaders say things they shouldn't. Leaders make decisions we may not agree with. Leaders are scorned by the masses. Jesus was a servant leader. His goal was to spread grace, mercy, joy, and love. What did we do? We put Him on a cross. Sometimes that's where I feel we are now. Society would rather mock and be disrespectful instead of finding solutions. I even saw a comment that people need to quit praying and think. Well, how in the world are we going to think if we aren't getting wisdom from above? That's half our problem, no one even believes in God anymore.
I have prayed for every President since 1984. My first election was exciting and full of anticipation and hope for our country. Today, no one wants to vote. They don't like the candidates. I would bet a great percentage of adults and young teens didn't even go to the polls. Just from my household alone, 2 went, 2 didn't. It hurts my heart to think that our forefathers risked their lives for our freedom and we don't even vote.
I'm tired of hearing all the things he's not doing. We have thousands of people not doing the right thing. You know how we are going to change it. We are going to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We are going to stand in the gap for our leaders and instead of saying scathing, worthless words, we are going to pray. We are going to lift up our leaders and pray for future leaders and we will do that on the 7th of every month.
Donald Trump is a man. Realize that. He is human. What are humans? We are flawed, imperfect and sinful. We don't always do the right thing and especially if we aren't being guided by the Holy Spirit. Every President from the beginning was a man. Every one of them has had moments of great weakness. We can continue to criticize or we can get on our knees and ask God to lead this nation. We can ask Him to provide wisdom to our leadership. We can ask Him to guide us. The Israelites wanted a King so God gave them Saul. What do we want? I know what I want. I want to be part of something more important than me. I want to be part of a movement where Jesus is the reason. I want men all over the world to find Jesus and to be given mighty wisdom. I want women to love one another, to pray for their men, children, friends and people they don't know. I want us to stand up and believe that the miracle that was given to Mary is for the world and it came through a woman.
Women have power they don't even realize. Everyone wants power, you have it! It's in the form of prayer. You're not weak, you're strong. The power of prayer is like a sword. It makes us soldiers, it gives us strength. Deborah led an army in the Old Testament. The King would not go without her. Do you get that?
Here's my challenge, put the 7th in your calendar for a year. And on the 7th of every month, pray for President Trump, his wife and his children. Pray for the leaders in every nation and pray that God will not turn from His people. I will be praying and if I'm the only one then so be it. If you want change, then join me in prayer. Ask your friends to pray. Call on your sisters in church to pray. Let's start a movement of prayer. The number 7 is significant. Change happens on 7. Let's be obedient and spread the love of Christ throughout the land, while praying for those in authority.
Be well my warriors. If you're not sure what to pray, here's an example.
Oh, Lord in Heaven, we need you. We are calling on you to help us in our hour of need. The world is full of chaos, hate, brutality and sorrow. We are asking our Almighty God to bring strength and wisdom to President Trump and all the leaders in the world. Trump needs you to surround him with good men and women that can provide wisdom and a heart open to hear it. Please bring him by still waters and guide him as he leads this nation forward. One man can't do much unless they are led by a mighty God. I'm praying that men and women all over the world will lift up President Trump and his entire family. He needs you Lord, his cabinet needs you Lord. The House and the Senate need you Lord. Our world needs You Lord. Please don't turn from our leaders, our countries or our families. Lead us and bless the US along with every nation under God. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
Saturday, November 4, 2017
Are you full of shame? It's time to see the light.
Good morning my warrior sisters-
I've been contemplating many things in the last couple weeks. I am close to someone that is dealing with shame, hurt and anxiety. This person is searching to feel good again but the more they isolate themselves the more defeat they feel. With defeat comes a sense of loss, shame and a numbness that really is pain.
It's very hard for me to watch anyone in pain. I can feel it sometimes and it breaks my heart. I see it in your eyes and often, see it in the way you carry yourself. Where most seem to hide it behind a veneer of laughter and a no care attitude, I know you care and that you're feeling lost, alone and worthless.
Pain and shame are very similar because both continue to remind you that something is really wrong with you. Pain you feel because your nerves are firing off sensors and depending on the pain, you feel discomfort, and often if it's chronic, defeat. Shame is hidden, it lurks in your mind and in your heart. Some wear it like a badge and others push it deep down. Either way, there are feelings of fear, anxiety and a sense that no one really cares or could possibly understand how you feel.
Maybe that's why Jesus bore our shame. Maybe that's why he stood and didn't say a word. Maybe that's why he took a beating most couldn't live through. Maybe that's why He hung on a cross. I may not understand. I may not be able to understand anything like your pain, your feelings, your shame but He does. He understands because He took it upon Himself to go through it. He was innocent and yet, His death was the culmination of all hurting people. He knows even if I don't!
Don't let the world defeat you! Don't wear your shame as a badge! Give it to Him. Let Him begin to meet you in your hurt, your pain and in your shame. If He was able to forgive a murderer, how much mercy does He have for you. There is no other figure on this earth that people worship today, that gave their life for the worst of us. There is no one that can understand defeat, depression, injustice, wrong-doing more than Jesus. He suffered for us.
Don't look for me to understand, even though I want to. Don't suffer alone because you feel no one understands. Don't let the world take away your light. I know life is disappointing. I understand shame, I've felt it. I haven't always done everything right and either has anyone else. We are all imperfect. That doesn't mean we have to wallow in it. Look for the light my sisters and see that our God loves you. We are one bride. We are His. He hasn't left us...He's calling us. He forgives, He is full of mercy and He hung on a cross so that you would know—He understands and loves us anyway.
One does not mean alone, it means one in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We are blessed, we are redeemed and we are His.
Be well today and extend an understanding ear to a hurting soul. Jesus did and so should we. If you're feeling alone and need a safe place, send me a private message on Facebook. You can find me at @oneservantfulloffaith. Reach out to me and I will pray with you. We need each other and we need our sisters all over the world to hear our voice and know we are under the one. Jesus. Go to the light and the light will lead you to forgiveness.
Hebrews 12:2-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
I've been contemplating many things in the last couple weeks. I am close to someone that is dealing with shame, hurt and anxiety. This person is searching to feel good again but the more they isolate themselves the more defeat they feel. With defeat comes a sense of loss, shame and a numbness that really is pain.
It's very hard for me to watch anyone in pain. I can feel it sometimes and it breaks my heart. I see it in your eyes and often, see it in the way you carry yourself. Where most seem to hide it behind a veneer of laughter and a no care attitude, I know you care and that you're feeling lost, alone and worthless.
Pain and shame are very similar because both continue to remind you that something is really wrong with you. Pain you feel because your nerves are firing off sensors and depending on the pain, you feel discomfort, and often if it's chronic, defeat. Shame is hidden, it lurks in your mind and in your heart. Some wear it like a badge and others push it deep down. Either way, there are feelings of fear, anxiety and a sense that no one really cares or could possibly understand how you feel.
Maybe that's why Jesus bore our shame. Maybe that's why he stood and didn't say a word. Maybe that's why he took a beating most couldn't live through. Maybe that's why He hung on a cross. I may not understand. I may not be able to understand anything like your pain, your feelings, your shame but He does. He understands because He took it upon Himself to go through it. He was innocent and yet, His death was the culmination of all hurting people. He knows even if I don't!
Don't let the world defeat you! Don't wear your shame as a badge! Give it to Him. Let Him begin to meet you in your hurt, your pain and in your shame. If He was able to forgive a murderer, how much mercy does He have for you. There is no other figure on this earth that people worship today, that gave their life for the worst of us. There is no one that can understand defeat, depression, injustice, wrong-doing more than Jesus. He suffered for us.
Don't look for me to understand, even though I want to. Don't suffer alone because you feel no one understands. Don't let the world take away your light. I know life is disappointing. I understand shame, I've felt it. I haven't always done everything right and either has anyone else. We are all imperfect. That doesn't mean we have to wallow in it. Look for the light my sisters and see that our God loves you. We are one bride. We are His. He hasn't left us...He's calling us. He forgives, He is full of mercy and He hung on a cross so that you would know—He understands and loves us anyway.
One does not mean alone, it means one in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We are blessed, we are redeemed and we are His.
Be well today and extend an understanding ear to a hurting soul. Jesus did and so should we. If you're feeling alone and need a safe place, send me a private message on Facebook. You can find me at @oneservantfulloffaith. Reach out to me and I will pray with you. We need each other and we need our sisters all over the world to hear our voice and know we are under the one. Jesus. Go to the light and the light will lead you to forgiveness.
Hebrews 12:2-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
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