Check, Check....Is this thing on?

Oh hello there....my oh my how times somehow manages to slip away. I feel like I took a sabbatical and wasn't even aware I needed one. My sincere apologies and know that I am back and have some very cool news to share as well as some new revelations and mind-blowing devotions.

There is no excuse for my absence. I did not make any effort to write and that is my own fault. But now that's off my chest, let's dive into a devotional that ignited the spark for me to continue sharing The Good News. This devotional is from the lovely and talented, Joyce Meyer:

 Yearnings in the Night--Apr. 25

 "My soul years for You in the night, yes, my spirit within me seeks You earnestly." Isaiah 26:9 

Nothing can satisfy your longing for God except communion and fellowship with Him. The apostle John wrote, "And the world passes away and disappears, and with it the forbidden cravings of it; but he who does the will of God and carries out His purposes in his life abides forever" (1 John 2:17). 

The world makes it easy for you to fill your ears with all kinds of things that drown out the voice of God and push Him far into the background of your life. However, the day comes for every person when only God remains. Everything else in life eventually passes away; when it does, God will still be there. Seek God earnestly tonight and He will abide in you.

 I read this last night and my heart jumped for joy of acknowledgement! It's very difficult to admit that I was filling my heart with all kinds of things that were drowning out the voice of God and clearly by my lack of writing was pushing God in the background. I know that life does happen and not every single day I will be able to write, but I need to make a commitment that it should at least be three days a week. I find that it helps me become more familiar with Him and if I can help just one person understand something a little better or perhaps lead one person to the Lord, then it is worth it.

Thanks so much for hanging in there!

Tuesday Devotional

I struggle daily with my limits. I struggle because as a new wife and a step-mom, where do I draw the line? It's difficult raising not only a teenager (who just moved in with us less than a year ago), but also a teenager who is not mine and I don't want to cross any lines with her dad/my husband and her biological mom. Last night I prayed for guidance. I prayed for help to know when and what to say and even when to let go. This morning's devotional was just what I needed.

Relax! God is Working--March 19

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]" Matthew 11:28

 Being relaxed feels wonderful. Being nervous, tense, and worried are not so wonderful. Why aren't more people relaxed? Jesus said if we are weary and overburdened, we should go to Him and He will give us rest, relaxation, and ease (see Matt. 11:28-29). Jesus wants to teach us the right way to live, which is different from the way most of the world lives. 

It would be putting it mildly to say that I was an uptight woman for the first half of my life. I simply did not know how to relax, and it was due to me not being willing to completely trust God. I trusted God for things, but not in things. I kept trying to be the one in control. Even though God was in the driver's seat of my life, I kept one hand on the wheel just in case He took a wrong turn. Relaxation is impossible without trust! 

If you know you can't fix the problem you have, then why not relax while God is working on it? It sounds easy, but it took many years for me to be able to do this. I know from experience that the ability to relax and go with the flow in life is dependent upon our willingness to trust God completely. If things don't go your way, instead of being upset, you can believe that getting your way was not what you needed. God knew that, so He gave you what was best for you, instead of what you wanted. 

If you are waiting much longer than you had hoped to, you can get frustrated, angry, and upset or you can say, "God's timing is perfect; He is never late. And my steps are ordered by the Lord." Now you can relax and simply go with the flow of what is happening in your life. When it comes to things that are out of our control, we can either ruin the day or relax and enjoy it while God is working on the situation. As long as we believe, God keeps working! 

Trust in Him: How relaxed are you? Your answer is directly related to how much you trust God. It may take you many years like it did me, to fully trust Him, but each day will be better and better as you trust more and learn to relax.

After reading this twice, typing it, and praying about it over my morning exercise, I will let go, relax, and know that God is in control. As a step-parent, I don't have a say over many things because there are other parents involved. It's difficult being a step-parent but knowing some of the situations that arise will be out of my control is something that I'm going to have to give to God and know that He's taking care of it.  I am considering all these situations as a way of Him teaching me how to handle my own children--someday.

Wednesday Devotional

Lately, I've been experiencing God working in my life....tremendously. He's definitely moving and making things happen. On the other hand, I can't help but notice some people taking for granted all the blessings they have been given and not very appreciative of all they have.

This is always a touchy subject because I don't want to come off as nagging. So I turn to prayer. I pray that the Holy Spirit will enter them and change their heart so they can see the world differently. I pray that they can be thankful for all the little things in life. I pray that they would see the big picture and want to change their entire outlook. This would be a huge undertaking for any given person--but not for God. So I sit back and be patient.

I am leaving you with a wonderful devotion to help clear up any complaints. Because yes I've been there and seen it all. Even the shelters and the soup kitchens.

Mumbles and Murmurs

"There are inveterate murmurers who complain, going after their own desires." Jude 1:16

Sometimes it seems the whole world is complaining. There is so much grumbling and murmuring and so little gratitude and appreciation. People complain about their job and their boss when they should be thankful to have regular work and appreciate the fact they are not living in a shelter for the homeless or standing in a soup line. Many people would be thrilled to have that job, despite its imperfections. They would be more than willing to put up with a not-so-perfect boss in order to have a regular income, live in their own home, and cook their own food.

Maybe you need a better paying job or perhaps you have a boss who treats you unfairly. That is unfortunate, but the way out is not through complaining. Give God thanks tonight for every blessing He has given you.

Tuesday Devotional

This weekend was a whirlwind. Without getting into too many details, my husband and I had to exercise our parental rights and discipline his child that was in no way acting God-honoring. I am so very thankful that God gave us the wisdom to handle the situation and hopefully time will tell if the situation has been corrected and we can slowly rebuild the trust again. I can't help but think how many other Christian families are struggling raising their teenage children when God has been absent for a majority of their lives. I was never raised with God in my home and my step-child has been 13 years without it.

Here's the silver lining: We didn't have to do much but stand our ground, listen to God, and work as a team. Despite the negative situation, God was moving so much that weekend. I saw it, my husband saw it, and most of all his child saw it. God definitely convicted her of her bad decisions and I'm so thankful to have witnessed it. Believe it or not, it has made our marriage stronger and my husband has really stepped up being the spiritual leader in our house. I can only praise God for that and I'm so proud of my husband for doing so.

I plan on making a copy of this and taping it her room so she can be reminded that we may not be there to always push her to make right decisions, you have to ability to choose for yourself and when in doubt, ask God.

A Heart of Flesh

"I will give them one heart and I will put a new spirit within them; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them a heart of flesh." Ezekiel 11:19

God puts a sense of right and wrong deep within your conscience, but if you rebel too many times, you can become hard-hearted. If that happens, you need to let Him soften your heart so you can be sensitive to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

The only way to develop a heart of flesh is to spend time with God. You must be in His presence on a regular basis to hear what He is saying. God often speak gently, and those who are busy doing their own thing will not hear His still, small voice. Tonight as you spend time in the Lord's presence, ask Him to soften your heart so you can receive His direction at all times.

Tuesday Devotional

Listen for God's Voice

"And your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way; walk in it...." Isaiah 30:21

Most of the time, God does not speak to  us in an audible voice, we hear Him in our hearts. Sometimes He speaks by reminding us of a truth or principle from His word; sometimes He gives us thoughts or ideas we would not have had on our own; sometimes we simply have a strong sense of knowing what to do. We need to quiet all the noise in our lives and become sensitive to God's still, small voice. We need to choose to listen to God because he will speak to us.

God does not only speak in the urgent or important matter of life. He also guides us in the most seeming insignificant situations. I was on my way home one day and intended to stop and get a cup of coffee, when I had a strong impression that I should call my secretary and see if she wanted a cup, too. When I called, she said, "I was just standing here thinking, I would love a good cup of coffee right now." You see, God wanted to give her the desire of her heart, and He wanted to work through me. I did  not hear a loud voice or see an angel, nor did I have a vision; I simply had an inner sensing that I should offer her a cup of coffee. As a result, we both experienced great joy in knowing God cares about the smallest details of our lives.

Quite often we ignore little things like this. The more we do, the harder it is to develop sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. If someone is on your heart, I encourage you to pray for that person or call him or her and say, "I was just thinking of you." You never know how a seemingly small thing like a phone call can alter a person's day or maybe even change someone's life. Let me encourage you today to keep your heart sensitive to God's voice. He will speak to your heart and lead you in the way you should go.

Trust in Him: Remember this; each time we disobey God, it becomes more difficult to hear Him the next time He speaks; but every time we trust Him, it gets easier to hear and be led by His Spirit. What is God saying to you today?

Representing Christ

My soft spot for David Jeremiah is kicking in full swing today. I just have so much respect for him and I love how sincere he is and the way he delivers his messages. I was watching his sermon on t.v. last week and heard he had a magazine. Of course I signed up for it but I also signed up for his newsletter. While reading his message, one sentence popped out at me, "None of us knows when we'll be noticed by the crowds; but all of us are noticed by someone each day."

And at that moment, I asked myself whether or not I represent Christ in a positive way? While walking down the street, grocery shopping, watching a basketball game, or while at work? At all these places their are a lot of people around. So much so that even though I don't like the thought of admitting it, but we all judge people. I've heard a lot of unbelievers say that Christians are the number one hippocrates. And it may be true, but I am a sinner just the like unbeliever but the only difference between us is I am saved by His grace. 

If I am trying to share the Gospel with someone, are they going to see the fruit of the Spirit? Are they going to feel the love of Jesus? I want to be a good role model for the body of Christ--even on my bad days. So I'll leave you with that thought and the entire devotion from his website.

Weekend, February 2 & 3

Words from the Wise: David

And David behaved wisely in all his ways, and the Lord was with him. 
1 Samuel 18:14

Recommended Reading 1 Samuel 18:12-16

When was the last time you saw a young superstar, political leader, celebrity, or youthful VIP who was truly wise? There are a few of them, but most hotshots don't have the maturity to handle early fame. That's why so many NFL players get into trouble, and why so many rock superstars die young. Even Susan Boyle -- no spring chicken -- struggled with renown after becoming an overnight sensation on Britain's Got Talent. She told the Today Showthat sudden fame is "a lot like a giant demolition ball."

But God can give wisdom to both young and old, both famous and obscure. When the shepherd-boy David suddenly became famous after defeating Goliath, he behaved wisely in all his ways, and the Lord was with him. None of us knows when we'll be noticed by the crowds; but all of us are noticed by someone each day. If we learn God's wisdom in obscurity, we'll be able to practice it whatever comes. How can you behave a little more wisely today?

If you lack knowledge, go to school. If you lack wisdom, get on your knees. 
Vance Havner

P.S.  On a side note, I have been added to the Faithful Bloggers directory! I am so honored and so happy that God is working on sharing this little piece of the internet with the world. Praise the Lord! Be sure to check out their directory and visit some other great, inspirational blogs!

Daily Devotion

I received this lovely book for Christmas and I absolutely love it. My husband and I are enjoying reading it to each other every night. I didn't realize how crazy I am for devotionals. I honestly think I've reached my capacity at three but it's amazing how much reading can be done in a day.

I wanted to share today's message with you because I thought seems how the weekend is here and the Superbowl is on Sunday, I'm sure you may encounter some decisions that you may want to reconsider. So without further adieu.....here's Joyce:



Give Your Brain a Break--Feb. 1

"Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you." Proverbs 4:25

Are you enjoying the life and blessings of God in your everyday life? Or have you made a series of choices resulting in disappointment, pain, or feeling that everything you do requires great effort and produces little reward? Don't spend your time and energy mourning all the bad decisions you have made; just start making good ones. There is hope for you!

The way to overcome the results of a series of bad choices in through a series of right choices. The only way to walk out of trouble is to do the opposite of whatever you did to get into trouble--one choice at a time. Maybe the circumstances of your life right now are the direct result of a series of bad choices you have made. You may be in debt because you have made a lot of bad choices with money. You may be lonely because of a series of bad choices in relationships or in the way you treat people. You may be sick because of a series of unhealthy choices: eating junk food, not getting enough rest, or abusing your body through working too much and not having enough balance in your life.

You cannot make a series of bad choices that result in significant problems and then make one good choice and expect all the results of all those bad choices to go away. You did not get into deep trouble through one bad choice; you got into trouble through a series of bad choices. If you really want your life to change for the better, you will need to make one good choice after another, over a period of time, just as consistently as you made the negative choices that produced negative results.

No matter what kind of trouble or difficulty you find yourself in, you can still have a blessed life. You cannot do anything about what is behind you, but you can do a great deal about what lies ahead of you. God is a redeemer, and He will always give you another chance.

Trust in Him: If you have a situation that is too big for you to solve, then you are material for a miracle. Invite God to get involved, trust in and follow His directions, make one good choice after another, and you will see amazing results. 

Have a great weekend!!

Daily Devotional

This year one of the things I'm focusing on is using my words correctly. Trying not to say things I don't mean. Realizing how powerful words are and the damage or the motivation they can carry is tremendous. Seems how I'm being completely honest here, I'm not feeling like my normal thought-provoking-God-seeking self. So today I will leave you with a devotional from Joyce Meyer's "Ending Your Day Right: Devotions for Every Evening of the Year" and see what thoughts you have for yourself.

You Can Have a New Beginning--January 1

"Do not [earnestly] remember the former things; neither consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing!" Isaiah 43:18-19

God created us to need new beginnings--places where we can release our faith and say, "This is a place of new beginnings for me, a place to have a fresh start." The dawn of a new year is always a good time for a fresh start.

You can experience the abundat life Jesus says you can have, but it requires making a decision to let go of the past. Unless you refuse to go on the way you have been, no change will come. God wants to change things for you, but He is waiting for your total cooperation.

Seldom do your circumstances change without something first changing in you. So if you want to experience God's "new thing" this year, release your faith right now and say, "This is a place of new beginnings for me." Then watch for the results.

Have a happy Monday!

Surrendering Hunger

Yesterday at during my break, I logged on to Pinterest and started pinning clean eating recipes and other recipes that didn't contain meat. I am finally ready to start working on getting my body back on track and providing a healthy temple for the Holy Spirit.

I started reading a devotional called, “Surrendering Hunger,” by Jan Johnson to help me with my eating habits. At first I was a little hesitant to read it because I was having a difficult time relating to the author. But as I continue to push pass our differences, she does have some insightful devotions.

My eating background in a nutshell: I LOVE FOOD. I love to cook it, talk about it, describe it, oh and most of all eat it. I love meat, rice, chocolate, and anything sweet. And there is my problem. I can’t just eat one brownie. I have to eat six even though I can’t possibly shove another one in my mouth. I have such passion for it which is why it is so difficult for me to portion control myself.

But one thing that is really jumping out at me while reading this is that I live by the motto, “I live to eat.” Just as soon as breakfast is over, I’m looking forward to lunch and I’m even more exited for dinner and then dessert. I have been counting down to the Super Bowl since before Christmas because I can’t wait to indulge in junk food.

I want my motto to change to, “I eat to live.”

If God provides me with food, then surely He can provide a way for me to control myself and my portions. I just need to stop breaking the promises I've made to myself and start trusting God will take care of me because He never breaks His promises. I think that's what happens when you try to do something on your own without God's help--a slew of broken promises which results in failure. Not this time!

So here’s to a new outlook, a new motto, and most of all a deeper understanding and connection with the Holy Spirit!