So long 2012

This is the last post of 2012 & I get the honor of ending this year on this blog.

We all start our New Years Resolutions tomorrow right? And then they will be all done January 11th right? I mean that is normally how mine goes.

I challenge you to make 2013 the best year ever. And by the best year ever, I mean grow your relationship with Christ & He will make it your best year ever.

My New Years Resolution - Words that come out of my mouth.


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I bet we all can add this one to our resolution list! Happy New Year all!

This Man saved you

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A healthy start to a New Year...seduction free

We have made it to the end of the year. By the time it is my turn to write next week we will already be in 2013. *insert jaw drop* I can not even begin to tell you how fast this year went...of course you probably feel that way to. My life has changed so much this last year. Relationships came and went...new ones were made. I started seeing Gods true plan for my life and not just what I wanted for myself. I am so excited to see what is in store for my family and I in the upcoming year.

With the New Year we all make crazy resolutions. I do it...last year some of my resolutions were far out of my reach...or patience I should say. IE: learing to sew...blah. This year I am making resolutions worth keeping.

Being a Christian we are faced with so many radical attacks from Satan to seduce our minds. Put poison in our lives and pull us off track. My 1 and only resolution this year is,

 Seduce proof my life!
I will not give the enemy any ammunition to use against me.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (NIV)

²³ May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

I want to be sanctified through and through. Mind, body and soul. Remain blameless. Not allowing Satan the opportunity to bring deception in my life. The only way to achieve this is thought Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-25 (NIV)

¹⁶ Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always);
¹⁷ Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly];
¹⁸ Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will].
¹⁹ Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the [Holy] Spirit;
²⁰ Do not spurn the gifts and utterances of the prophets [do not depreciate prophetic revelations nor despise inspired instruction or exhortation or warning].
²¹ But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast.
²² Abstain from evil [shrink from it and keep aloof from it] in whatever form or whatever kind it may be.
²³ And may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [separate you from profane things, make you pure and wholly consecrated to God]; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved sound and complete [and found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah).
²⁴ Faithful is He Who is calling you [to Himself] and utterly trustworthy, and He will also do it [fulfill His call by hallowing and keeping you].
²⁵ Brethren, pray for us.

So for 2013, my resolutions are:
Rejoice Always..be happy in my faith. That is the reason why we have it right?
Abstain from evil..man on man, looks like there is some weeding to do in my life. AMEN? Rid myself of those things that are toxic and are only tools of seduction. I want my heart and eyes heaven bound. (TV shows, music, relationships) God gives us the power to stray from evil by being happy. Nothing will make you happier then a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ. We wont be tempted to allow evil in our life if we are happy.
Unceasing in prayer..perpetual open line of communication with God throughout the entire day. Live every moment as if he were RIGHT THERE! After all he is isn't he? I don't know about you but this is a major one for me.
Be thankful and give thanks..Live in active gratitude. Don't we expect our kids to be thankful? Well so does God. Living with the heart of dissatisfaction is a stronghold. Satan will use that as a tool of seduction.
Don't quench the Spirit..don't put out Gods fire in my life with other areas of deception. Anger, Rage, Lusts. All of which are Satan's own fire starters. All of those are destructive...Gods Holy fire is LIFE.
Do not despise instruction..avoid second guessing God. Second guessing can lead to a missed blessing. Be alert to Godly influences in my life. God put them there.
Test and prove all things..through repetition and spiritual exercise. Learning to prove all things, coming into an agreement with God.
Allow God to sanctify me through and through..I want God to invade my space. Nothing withheld from him, no mind or heart limits. All of it is his. Surrendering myself for Gods safekeeping.


I hope I haven't lost you in all the color combos and highlighting. These verses are so strong in my heart. I had to share. I pray that you will add these to your New Years resolutions. 2013 is going to be the year of the believer. How many hearts will be won to Christ just by the way we live OUR lives?



 

 

Andrea

 

 

 

Fix me #2

It all started out with the Big Question.

And then I worked on 4 things last week - Me. God fix all my brokenness I may have. Fix my "moods" that each & every woman has, but let me be able to control those. Let the words that flow out of my mouth be pleasing to the Lord & everyone that I am speaking to. Rid my negativity.

Let me tell you.. The week was not easy. Co-workers made me more frustrated than before, kids were out of their norm & acting up... I was being tested. Tested to see if I'd fall. And I did, once or twice or three times. But as soon as I fell I knew I fell. Immediately I begged for forgiveness, whereas before I may think oh I shouldn't have said that or thought that & then moved on. This past week was different. And this will be a lifelong battle, not just a week battle & poof I am perfect. Only Jesus is perfect.

Now I am onto this week & working on these things. Rid any judgmental thought that ever crosses my mind. Let me stay crazy in love with Jesus Christ. Don't let me fall away. Make 2013 the best year I've ever lived on this earth. Make me a better person God.

1.  Rid any judgmental thought that ever crosses my mind. Philippians 4:8 -- Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things.

2. Let me stay crazy in love with Jesus Christ, don't let me fall away. 1 John 2:17 -- The world & its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.


3. Make 2013 the best year I have ever lived on this earth. Lamentations 3:22-24 -- Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait on Him."


4. Make me a better person. Proverbs 16:3 -- Commit to the Lord whatever you do, & your plans will succeed. 


I encourage you to work on these 4 things this week. Prayers welcomed!!

Trust God's Staircase

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Is it worth it?

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This is mind blowing...really made me sit there and THINK.

Just seeing Christ up there on Calvary...crown of thorns. Badly beaten and bloody.
It brings me to an avalanche of tears to think about him...hanging there...wounded...left to die.

All he gave, for me, to have this amazing life...am I living for what he died for?

Am I loving like I should be loving?

Am I a living walking, breathing, talking example of his love?
Am I making right choices for my family, leading them to their salvation?
Am I being a friend to the friendless?
 

Am I?

Are we?

 

 

That is all...

 



God is still Good

As some of the parents of Sandy Hook student's lay their babies to rest, I will hold mine tight. I can't even imagine how they feel.

So today, let's pray peace and comfort from the One Above and know that no matter what happens here on this earth.... GOD IS STILL GOD and HE IS STILL GOOD. He is still loving and He is still faithful.

We don't always understand why these horrible things happen but God already saw it coming. Nothing takes Him by surprise. God will heal hearts that let Him in and there are many more babies playing with Jesus right now. They are having unimaginable fun seeing things that we can't even dream of. Dancing with the angels.

Many people are always asking, "Why did God allow this to happen?" When I personally think about why God doesn't intervene, I am just as stunned. BUT, God has taught me something over the years...

IF IT WEREN'T FOR STORMS IN OUR LIVES, WE WOULD NEVER SEE HOW BIG GOD REALLY EASY!


Today, let's be reminded that this life is too short, show as much love to people as we can and know that God forgives and heals all wounds if we let Him.

My heart will be heavy today and probably for some time but let's still Praise God in this storm. Still keep trusting God. Have faith that everything will be ok and remember, God is not responsible for tragedies... it's Satan himself!

HE IS STILL GOD. HE IS STILL GOOD.  HE NEVER CHANGES.

Fix me

Last week I wrote about the BIG question - what I want for Christmas from the One & Only, God.

This week I am going to go off that, but with my personal Christmas list. Bare with me because I think this will be hard. I'll do half my list this week & the other half next week.

Me. God fix all my brokenness I may have. Fix my "moods" that each & every woman has, but let me be able to control those. Let the words that flow out of my mouth be pleasing to the Lord & everyone that I am speaking to. Rid my negativity. Rid any judgmental thought that ever crosses my mind. Let me stay crazy in love with Jesus Christ. Don't let me fall away. Make 2013 the best year I've ever lived on this earth. Make me a better person God.

I have 2 weeks left to fix all this. Impossible? No. Because through God ALL things are possible. Will it be hard? Absolutely. So hard I am scared, but Philippians 4:13 -- I can do EVERYTHING through Him who gives me strength. 

This week I commit myself to...

1. Fix any brokenness in my life - praying that anything that is holding me back from living my life the way God has it planned for me, revealing those things of brokenness that I am unaware of. Psalm 147:3 -- He heals the brokenhearted & binds up their wounds.


2. Fix my moods - woo. This is the one that I am scared of attempting. I am afraid I will fall off the wagon with this. What? I am only human after all, not to mention a woman. A woman of many different feelings = many different moods. Jesus felt EVERYTHING we have ever felt. He walked a shameless, a sinless walk here on Earth. If He fought off temptation God gives us the power to fight it off as well, if we let Him. Hebrews 4:15 -- For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have One who has been tempted in every way, just as we are -- yet was without sin.


3. Let words of the Lord flow out of my mouth that is not only pleasing to Him but everyone else - this means biting my tongue, submitting, obeying.. Not just to humans but to GOD. Psalm 16:8-9 -- I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand & I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad & my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure.


4. Rid my negativity - I'd like to think I am a fairly positive person, but I do have a negative side. Philippians 4:8 -- Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things.

Please pray for me this week!! I strongly encourage you to jump on my list & try to improve yourself in these areas. I need some encouragement & I know that you will to. I am here for you!!

Daily bread

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Arm yourself

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I AM

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Pray About "That"

I feel this past week God has been speaking to each of us writers (Andrea, Teryn, Tiff, and I) about things that intertwine. Even though I have never met Andrea and Teryn.. and even though I haven't talked to Tiff in over a week...and they live in California and I live in Arizona... I feel like God has put specific things on our hearts to share that help minister to each other as well as our readers. From asking God for what we really want to remembering that we were born to praise our King and learning to TRUST that He has a plan for our lives, each of these posts have tugged at my heart. And I hope you are learning from them too.

Last week I wrote about when things don't go my way. This week God has been reminding me that even though I think I know His plan and what is going to be best for me, He just requires patience, trust, and obedience until He really reveals that path to us.

Wanna know something???  

I put in my two weeks notice at my job last week. I love my job and the people I work with, but I also drive 45 minutes to an hour each way with my 4 month old in the carseat. And it takes away way too much time with my family. So God told me it was time for a change.

Wanna know something else? 

I haven't officially been offered a new job yet. -RISKY, I KNOW- I've had 2 interviews and one more to go to be in a position that I never thought would be an option for me. It was been really really hard to get through last week. I've been waiting for a phone call. Waiting to know if it's just time to give my notice. Waiting, waiting, waiting. And I have been praying for patience. Well God's been giving me plenty of time to practice what I prayed for. And now He's asking me to continue to be obedient to Him by TRUSTING HIM.

Then my mom sent me this email below from Wisdom Hunters. Just a weekly blurb, but definitely something I needed to read. Maybe this will be a good reminder for you too in whatever it is you are going through.

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“Pray that the LORD your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do” (Jeremiah 42:3).

 

There is wisdom in praying about “that,” whatever “that” may mean. It may mean waiting on marriage because one parent has yet to bless the engagement. “That” could represent a check in your spirit over a business deal or an additional financial obligation. Praying about “that” is the Lord’s way to protect, preserve, and provide for His children.

What are you currently facing that needs your prayerful attention? Perhaps it is a career transition—pray about that, consider changing churches—pray about that, tempted to quit school—pray about that, or weigh an opportunity to volunteer—pray about that. Prayerfully ask, “What does the Lord want for my life and what is best for His kingdom?”

“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:12–13).

It is in the discipline of waiting that we discern the best course of action. Consider cloistering yourself with Christ for twenty-four hours just to listen and learn. It is rare that prayer is a waste of time; indeed, it saves time. When you pray about “that,” you allow the Holy Spirit to tap on the brakes of your busy life. Slow down and listen to Him.

Prayer positions you to be productive in the ways of God. Abraham’s senior servant experienced this. “Then he prayed, ‘LORD, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham’” (Genesis 24:12).

When you, your family, your church, your company, or your ministry prays about “that,” you receive liability insurance for your life from the Lord. Where He leads, He commits to provide. Where He reroutes, He creates the necessary resources. Where He shuts doors, He opens another with greater kingdom possibilities. So pray about that knot in your stomach, and watch Him free you in effective service for your Savior Jesus.

“Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man” (Nehemiah 1:11).

© 2012 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.

Yet will I trust him

Friends! This past weekend has been a trying time for me. If it was not one thing it was another. I mean my cell phone was stolen to top it off...COME ON! Surely Satan had my name on his top priority list. Let me tell you, he almost had me...almost. I was so close to resorting back to my old ways. Giving in to his schemes. Allowing my fleshly ways of handling things come in to play. By the grace of God and all that I have learned over the last three months, I remained strong in my faith and Satan got a taste of some powerful fighting words. Prayer! Oh yes my friends...I came at him like a ninja. Kung Fo Prayer Ninja.

Tiffany and I had just come off of a great bible study session. I know God placed that lesson in my hands THAT week because he knew what Satan had in store for me. We covered one verse in our study that I just kept repeating to myself during my dark weekend. Praise God I made it through the weekend and nobody came up missing. But I know Satan is not done with me yet...he will be back. This I can count on...but I am so blessed to know that I have the victory. God is faithful and I have the warriors to back me. My prayer warriors.

In our Bible Study "When Godly People Do Ungodly Things" Beth Moore. We discussed a scripture in Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 29:11
¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Sit on that for a minute. We have all heard this a million times. Amazing right!?! Just to know that God has my back. He wants me to have the victory.

BUT on the other side of the spectrum is...Satan. Waiting...scheming...plotting that POISON. Waiting to counterfeit Gods victory. He has an agenda and my friend...you and I are TOP PRIORITY. I was still on a spiritual high from our bible study. Of course Satan had a bulls eye on me.

I want you to take that same verse...Jeremiah 29:11, now what do you think of what Satan would say?
If you are thinking..."For I know the plans I have for you, plans to mentally and physically bankrupt you, rip away all hope and destroy your life" BINGO! He does not want to see any victory in your life. Friends, that just gave me some major goose bumps! This is how I felt this weekend. Totally mentally and physically lost, I had no idea what was going to happen and my life...psh...good heavens I was entering the Debby Downer stage. Christ surely whipped me out of that nonsense real quick.

I am human. The flesh will always steer in one direction. It is up to me/us to snap ourselves out of it and hold on tight to Gods word. That is why it is so very important to imprint his word in our hearts. For seasons just as I was having. I was about ready to hit a full blown rampage. Then just about as I was about to break down...I cried. Prayed and cried some more and I kept remembering "For I KNOW the plans I HAVE FOR YOU...plans to PROSPER you and NOT to harm you...plans to give you HOPE and a FUTURE". God just sent a calmness over me and I was able to just chill. I was still deeply hurting inside but I was able to have a sound mind about myself.

I sit here in tears knowing that God has a greater plan for me. I don't know why I was attacked this weekend. BUT I do believe that I was allowed to be tested by Satan to prove faithful to God. I am still sorting through what happened. Taking it a day at a time and prayer after prayer. I know that there was a reason my phone was stolen. God wanted me to seek his wisdom, his guidance rather then calling my friends or someone else. He works all things together for our good.

Beloved, I ask you to please keep me in prayer. An unspoken prayer request would be gladly appreciated. I believe God is doing a work in my life and this situation this weekend was just the start of a positive change for those dear to my heart. I believe I believe I believe. This is what I am asking God for this Christmas.

You were created to Praise

A few months back my Pastor, Randy Hand of Celebration Church had been teaching on PRAISE. To me, this is so important and critical in our relationships with God. We were created to worship and praise and if we don't even the rocks will cry out.

"After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples, saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden, Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' say, 'The Lord needs it.' Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. As they were untying the colt the owners asked them, "Why are you untying the colt?" They replied, "The Lord needs it." They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to PRAISE God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord" "Peace in heaven and glory in the highest" Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!" "I'll tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." Luke 19:28-40

If you look closely the disciples weren't just praising but they were praising LOUDLY! HALAL!

As you may not know is that worshipping and praising aren't the same thing. Worshiping is the condition of the heart and praising is out actions towards God. Let's take a look at the different types of Praise broken down in Hebrew.

Halal- Cheer, shout, twirl, jump, loudly boast about and to God
Yadhah- Throw hands up in surrender, confess the name
Towdah- Extend hands, confess your agreement with the word of God
Barak- Kneel down
Tehillah- Sing a song from the heart, not rehearsed
Shabach- To shout with triumph
Zamar- To praise God with musical instruments

When is the last time you stopped and thanked Jesus?

You access God's miracles by praising Him and the key to miracles is PRAISE! It unlocks the door, it opens the windows of Heaven. Declare His name, confess His greatness. He is worthy to be Praised!!

Here are some thing I learned about Praise...

The enemy is silenced
It brings increase
Your faith will be strengthened
Heaviness is lifted
Thievery is stopped
Situations and circumstances begin to change when you start praising
God will set other free because of YOUR praise

In Acts 16:23-25 Paul and Silas had just been flogged and thrown into prison. Their cell was guarded carefully. Their feet were fastened in stocks. In the middle of the night Paul and Silas began praying and singing to God as other prisoners were listening. SUDDENLY there was a violent earthquake that shook the foundations of the prison. All at once the prison doors flew open and EVERYONE was set free, chains were loosened. This is how important praising God is. As soon as they started praising, and not just silently but sounds coming from their mouth proclaiming the goodness of God it SUDDENLY changed their situation. They were no longer prisoners. Can you imagine what God will do for you when you start doing the same? Your chains will be loosed! And not just you but the people around you too!! Instead of trying to change people just start praising and God will loose their chains too. If God did it for Paul and Silas then He can do it for you!

So remember, give back to God by worshipping and praising and see how your life changes. He is so good, He is faithful. Have faith. Keep fighting the fight. Also, remember we can pray and ask God for help all we want but we do need to just simply come to him to tell Him how good He is!

The BIG question

It's that time of year, you know, the holidays. Where everyone becomes crazy about shopping & making sure your kids have the perfect Christmas morning experience. Now that we have a 3 year old, I will admit it's been fun planning for Santa's big arrival. But I am also very quick to make sure Santa isn't what Christmas is all about.

So what is Christmas all about? Is it all about the presents? The family get togethers? The food? The decorations? Or is it about Christ?

This year I've really sat back & thought how do I want to portray Christmas to my kids. I've heard of one extreme to the other. Santa is the devil to Santa gets all the glory. And me personally, I am looking for the glory of God & the childhood memories of excitement.

I sat in Church this weekend & our service was about Christmas. How fitting? :)

Our Pastor asked the big ole question - what do you want for Christmas? Immediately my mind started turning... I want everything, as we all do. But realistically what do I want? I can think of a few.

But then there was a twist, as there should be... If you asked God for what you want for Christmas, what would that list look like? And oh boy did I get excited. I thought of more specific things to ask from Him than any material item I could possess on earth.

And really, isn't that why we are here? To glorify God. To seek Him. To tell Him what we want (in a non greedy manner).

My first one I thought in my head, Salvation. Salvation for all of course, but more specifically those near & dear to my heart because this list is my list, right?

And then I thought a perfect marriage. I am not talking all flowers & butterflies & happy faces, I am talking about trials & tribulations but being madly in love for the rest of my life & that blessing can only come from One.

And then I thought my kids. I want everything for them of course. But mostly for them to learn to love Jesus the way I do. For them to be saved.

And then I got real.. Me. God fix all my brokenness I may have. Fix my "moods" that each & every woman has, but let me be able to control those. Let the words that flow out of my mouth be pleasing to the Lord & everyone that I am speaking to. Rid my negativity. Rid any judgmental thought that ever crosses my mind. Let me stay crazy in love with Jesus Christ. Don't let me fall away. Make 2013 the best year I've ever lived on this earth. Make me a better person God.

Mark 10:51-52 -- "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight & followed Jesus along the road.

2 Chronicles 1:7 -- That night God appeared to Solomon & said to him, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you."

John 15:7 -- "If you remain in me & my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, & it will be given you."

You may think it's obvious what you want, and God does know what you want. BUT do you tell Him what you want? Do you ask Him for things? It clearly is stated in the verses above & throughout the Bible, He demands to be told what we want. He asks us. He wants us to verbally go to Him & say God I am struggling with this, please help me with that.

For the next 2 weeks until Christmas, I encourage you to get out a piece of paper & make your Christmas List ready for the One that can save & can answer & can give & can provide.

You may have the best Christmas yet because I pray that for you all.

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When It Doesn't Go My Way

I hope you enjoyed the Being Intentional series the past few weeks. Those posts were not only for you, but for me. God spoke to me about walking what I talk (or write) and how to live intentionally every day. But today... I gotta speak some personal truth. I gotta be real. God has been speaking to me this week. And I've been crying out Him - pouring my heart out. It's been a stressful couple of weeks... but this week, I needed God to help me through every minute. I needed to hear from Him and I needed guidance for the next step I should take. 

Have you ever felt like that? When you knew with every part of your soul, that you couldn't do it on your own? Who or what did you cling to?

I can't give many details, but I can tell you that I've come to a point where I know I need a change in my life. I need to get my priorities straight. I need to take care of myself physically (actually sitting down to eat a healthy meal and getting some sleep) emotionally (I'm way too anxious and stressed right now), and spiritually (intentionally make time to be in the Word, not rush to get it done so I can go to bed). I need to make quality time with my husband and my 4 month old son. They are the most important people to me. So a change needs to be made to help me follow what I feel God has for me as a wife and mother. And what I thought would work out best for me, the thing that would make these changes happen and give me more time... well I wasn't given that option. What I wanted...I'm not getting. And it stings.

The last two weeks I've been feeling God saying..."Trust me, be patient, I have something better." So I waiting, passed up other opportunities, then I was given an answer that I did not like. What I thought would be best for me... God already knew that my plan was not His plan. I was so disappointed, hurt, and angry. When God said be patient, I thought I knew why. But it's not MY plan that matters - life does not always go my way, because MY way is not always what is best for me at this time in life. 

Isn't that how it always goes? We think we know what is best for us. We believe that the timing of events in our lives should happen at a certain time and in a specific way. And when it doesn't happen when or how we want it to, we are angry and disappointed. When in reality... we probably should be thankful. God's timing is PERFECT. Whether we understand it or agree with it, Jesus has a purpose for everything we experience.

GOD HAS A PLAN. GOD HAS A REASON. GOD LOVES ME AND HAS SOMETHING FOR ME TO LEARN.

So for now, I pray and wait patiently. I trust Him. I lean on Him. I search in His Word for what he might have for me. And I leave my plans at His feet, awaiting His counsel and direction.

Praise God that He's in control and not me!

Phil 4:13

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God's word tells us we are loved! He tells us we are gifted and are a blessed nation.

We can do ANYTHING God calls us to do because HE gives us strength.

 

I love this wallpaper I found on the web. Simply because on the left...those words...they can be stumbling blocks for us. Friendships...Marriage...Job...Accomplishments...CONFIDENCE. WOW...right? I don't know about you, but this verse needs to be imprinted in my heart and repeated daily. I CAN DO ALL THINGS...ALL THINGS...through Christ who STRENGTHENS me!

All we have to do is seek him. God does not want us to fail.

 

 

At the feet of Jesus

 

 

Everything we ever need is at His feet. In His presence. Worshiping, praising, taking all the expensive oil that you have and washing His feet. That expensive oil represents what means the most to us and laying it at His feet.

 

What would you give up for Him? Would it be the last drop of your perfume?

 

I have found that by constantly being at his feet, there is peace and a love that you cannot explain. Understanding and revelation. You cannot find these things anywhere else.

 

At His feet there is forgiveness, healing and miracles.

 

 

What is so important about being at his feet? By living at His feet you are positioned for success and God does not let anyone miss their mark when they are at the feet of Jesus.

 

 We can learn so much from Mary of Bethany.

 

She positioned herself at Jesus' feet and gave her most fragrant expensive oil that she had.

 

When you read the story of Martha & Mary in Luke 10: 38-42 you notice 3 things.

 

1. Martha hears & listens

2. Martha asks

3. Martha gives.

 

When Martha gave she gave what was costly and broken for her. She gave a very fragrant offering so that meant everyone had to smell it. This costly offering was prized by Jesus.

 

She sits and hears

She sits and asks

She sits and gives

 

These are the 3 things we should be doing at His feet.

 

Jesus wasn't as concerned with what she was giving him but the time she was spending with Him. Yes it was costly but it's not what you give but the time you spend with God.

 

People rebuked her for giving such a costly thing... Mark 14:4

They didn't understand and thought it was wasteful.

Jesus got on to them saying, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me." Matthew 26:10

 

When we give something to God like our time, praise, worship and money, many people do not understand. They see it as too costly... but when you are at the feet of Jesus nothing is too good for Him! We are willing to do anything because we know he will always take care of us.

 

We can stay at the feet by worshiping, praising, worshiping and seeking his face all the time. Be in a state of constant communion. Remember it's about a relationship with Him.

 

So I remind you to LIVE AT THE FEET OF JESUS because at the feet of Jesus that is where we find our strength.

 

 

 

You've Been Remade

Do you have a song that pretty much gets you in tears every single time? I have 2 right now & no matter my mood, my eyes swell up with tears. Tears or joy, tears of sorrow, tears of absolute astonishment, tears of love, literally tears of any reason listening to the words in these songs.

I am going to share with you one of the ones that is so convicting, for the simple fact of I am a girl with a past of mistakes. And I've heard this song, over & over & over, until one day right when I needed it, it spoke to me more than anything in the world.

I am sure you've heard it. But really look at the lyrics. I do not think I could tell you what is on my heart better than this song.

You Are More - Tenth Avenue North

There's a girl in the corner
With tear stains on her eyes
From the places she's wandered
And the shame she can't hide

She says, "How did I get here?
I'm not who I once was.
And I'm crippled by the fear
That I've fallen too far to love"

But don't you know who you are,
What's been done for you?
Yeah don't you know who you are?

You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

Well she tries to believe it
That she's been given new life
But she can't shake the feeling
That it's not true tonight

She knows all the answers
And she's rehearsed all the lines
And so she'll try to do better
But then she's too weak to try

But don't you know who you are,

You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

'Cause this is not about what you've done,
But what's been done for you.
This is not about where you've been,
But where your brokenness brings you to

This is not about what you feel,
But what He felt to forgive you,
And what He felt to make you loved.

You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

Moments with God

Loved

  

source

Being Intentional: Trusting in God

Trust.

It's a word and an action that I've had to deal with in my life. I don't trust easily, but I'm much better at it now than I used to be. Trust comes in different forms for different reasons in life. Not only trusting in God but in people. When you've been hurt, let down, disappointed...you may have issues with trust. If you have been cheated on, bullied, or not received something you were promised... you may have issues with trust. Maybe you deal with worry and anxiety. If you worry about your future, your family and friends, or decisions... you may have issues with trust.

Trust. 

 Humans... can't be someone we put our ultimate trust in. They are not perfect and no matter how much we put our hope and trust into a human, they will let us down at some point. My story is that I was emotional crushed by a boy I loved in high school and trusted very much. He was a part of my life for a long time, and someone who I saw my future with. I put all my heart, soul, and trust into him until I discovered something he had been hiding from me for two years. It broke my heart to know that I could no longer trust that person. It was a major event in my life that changed the way I trusted people, especially men. I eventually forgave that person, and sometimes am reminded that I need to forgive again. (Thank you Tiffany for your post on forgiveness - I needed that reminder!) 

But trusting in God? God is someone we can trust. He will never leave us or forsake us. And NOTHING can separate us from His love. His Word specifically says in Psalms to not put our trust in men or princes. The Bible guides us about trusting and relying in Him:

"Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken." Psalm 55:22

"Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken." Psalm 62:6

"Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure everything out on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life!" 

Proverbs 3:5-6 The Message

Trust.

Wanna know something I really struggle with? Worry and anxiety. I used to have panic attacks when I felt something wrong physically in my body. I worry about my 4 month old and his health and safety.. I worry about my health and decisions in my life.. I worry about finances, about natural disasters, about losing a loved one, etc, etc. You know what the Bible says about those things? They are sins! God did not worry... God did not have anxiety. Worry is not an attribute of Christ... worry is a form of doubt which is from Satan. Satan does not want us to trust in God, because that means God is winning. Know what Satan - too bad for you. God wins anyways! But God does not call us to live with the burdens of anxiety; Christ commands us to release worry and anxiety and to lay our cares at His feet... TRUSTING that He will take care of our needs.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" Matthew 6:25-27

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

My challenge to you is to write out 3-5 verses on seperate notecards about trusting God and put them in places you'll be able to read them often. Check out this website listing 50 verses on worrying. Use these notecards to remind you that God is your rock and your strength. That He is in control and wants you to cast all your cares on Him.

Trusting in God means that we lay our fears, hopes, dreams, and decisions at the foot of the cross. Picture yourself, palms down - literally laying those prayers and petitions at Jesus's feet. He wants you to do that. Christ wants us to let Him take those burdens for us. 

Why? 

Because He loves us. He cares for us. He has a reason. He has a plan.

Poison

We as believers are a target for Satan.

He is plotting a scheming at this very minute.

Before, as sinners we were a non-factor. NOW, that we saved by Gods Grace...we are so so powerful. The Devil is shaking in hell right now because he know he stands no chance against the Church.

This is why Satan wants to take us out.

 Derail our lives.

 If he puts a little bit of doubt...a little bit of anger...

a little bit of unforgiveness in our hearts, he can poison our walk.

Causing us to derail from that drunkenness we have on Christs love.

I say drunkenness because that is how I feel...I am on a spiritual high.

 

Now that we are saved...we start noticing all sorts of problems.

Problems we didn't even HAVE before we met Christ.

That problem has a root...poison. That poison is Satan.

He is there...tempting, plotting and devouring believers every day.

As believers we can wonder...why does Christ allow Satan this power over us.

Beloved...it is because Christ wants you to choose HIM.

 

Has your perspective been poisoned?

Have you looked at circumstances in your life and ever really thought about the root to that problem?

Poison...

 

Can you lift your vision above your current "schemed" circumstance?

 Friends we have to lift our eyes to the heavens. Because there is where our hope lies.

 If we choose to continue to stare at that mountain of circumstance,

then we will never be free from Satan's poison.

Satan doesn't need to physically kill us.

All he has to do is fog up our perspective a bit and add a little poison.

 

If all you see is sickness...that is poison. See Jesus- see the healer!

If all you see is an average life...that is poison.

See Jesus- he died on the cross so you could have an amazing life!

 

 

 

The words you speak

Have you ever stepped back and really thought about the words that come out of your mouth? Even the little nonsense and playing around. What are you really saying about yourself?

 For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45 So what we are speaking actually reveals the condition of out hearts. If we are speaking lies, negativity and all other nonsense then that is what is really in our hearts and that's what we believe. The enemy wants us to believe all of those lies!

What you say is a matter of life and death...words kill and give life. If we are constantly speaking and believing something like sickness, disease, debt ect. than we are focusing on giving those things life rather than speaking the word of God over those situations to get our miracle.


The words you speak determine where your life goes. Declare the word of god over yourself. When you constantly speak truth you open the door for faith. You words release and activate your faith. So change your declarations to change your life. In Mark 11:23 Jesus says "Truly I say to you, whoever SAYS to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he SAYS will come to pass, it will be done for him.

How powerful is that? Even Jesus himself tells us to SPEAK and use words to move mountains! That is how powerful our words are. Mix your words & faith!

Let this be a reminder to guard what goes into your heart Prov. 4:23 because those are the things we will speak. If your heart is filled with hate and anger than you won't be able to speak with love.

So, if you need any kind of miracle start talking like it has already happened. I AM HEALED. I AM BLESSED. I AM OUT OF DEBT... Change your talk and walk in the blessings!

Are you as forgiving as you want to be?

Forgiveness...

This seems to be a touchy subject sometimes. There is not one person in the world that doesn't classify themselves as forgiving. We all think we all like to think we are forgiving people & honestly there are a lot of people out there that are. But forgiving in every single aspect of their life?

The car driver that ran them off the road? The mother or father that beat them when they were little? The husband or wife that suffered from alcoholism ruining their marriage? That drunk driver that killed your kid? That cancer that took a loved one right out of their life? That person that spread nasty rumors about you?

Matthew 5:44-45 -- Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you & persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.

Situations get tough sometimes & even in those times, people still need to forgive the one that made the mistake. Jesus clearly states this in the Bible.

We strive to forgive those who do wrong to us, or at least we say we do. God gave us Jesus to completely wipe away our sins, now that is what forgiveness is all about.

Matthew 6:14-15 -- For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Sometimes I get bitter or angry toward someone & what it ultimately boils down to is forgiveness. I know sometimes it's not easy & sometimes you think well why should I forgive them? But you should. It will be the best thing you've ever done.

Stormie Omartian put it this way in her book, Power of a Praying Woman, "Forgiveness is actually the best revenge because it not only sets us free from the person we forgive, but it frees us to move into all God has for us."

Take a moment & pray... Pray if there is any unforgiveness in your heart & that God can reveal that to you.

When God reveals that to you, let it go. Let it go to Him. He will solve it all. It may not be easy, actually it will be hard. And you know the next time you see that person that you are striving to forgive, you may have to forgive them.. Again.. And again.

Matthew 18: 21-22 -- Then Peter came to Jesus & asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times."

Being Intentional: Thanksgiving

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Welcome to the day that Americans all over the country overeat, overinduldge, search through sale ads to see what more they "need" and will stand in mile long lines at 2am (or this year, at 9am after Thanksgiving dinner) to buy themselves and their families items that they most likely won't even use a year from now. What happened to actually devoting one day during the year to being thankful and content for the things we have already been given?! 

Thanks-giving = giving thanks... being thankful... showing gratitude... expressing appreciation. I could go on and on. You get the idea. Look around at the blessings you have been given. Are you physically healthy? Do you have a sound mind? Do you have a house or apartment to live in? What about a nice warm bed to sleep in? What about Thanksgiving lunch or dinner? Do you have a job? Do you have a child or children that are healthy and happy? Do you worship God and thankful for these blessings? Even if none of these things are true for you, are you still giving thanks?

God's Word has over 200 verses that speak about thankfulness. I have a feeling God's trying to get a point across here:

"Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20

"Give thanks in ALL circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

"Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!" Psalm 106:1

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!" Psalm 100:4

"We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers," 1 Thessalonians 1:2

"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." Colossians 4:2

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6

When you arrive to your Thanksgiving Day festivities today, take a moment to look around you and study the people in your life. You might be with your own family, extended family, or friends... but think about the impact they have made on your life. Think of your parents or the people who raised you; think about the sacrifices they've made to give you the best life they could or to teach you to be kind to others. For me, this year I have become more and more thankful for my parents and have said "thank you" more often to them. Now that I'm a mom, I realize how much work a parent puts into their child's life. It has made me appreciate my parents more. I have also taken time to verbally express my gratitude towards my husband who has such a servant's heart when it comes to helping around our house. I am grateful for him and I let him know it.

My challenge to you is to intentionally take time to verbally express your appreciation and thankfulness for the people in your life. 
Not only to those people who mean the most to you, but to God, who created you. Take time to thank God for His love, His mercy, His guidance, and His blessings. You honor Christ by remembering where your blessings come from and praising your Creator for them.

Come into His presence with thanksgiving in your heart and give Him praise!

 I truly hope today is a day of praising God for your blessings and spending quality time with family and/or friends.

Lukewarm?

What does it feel like to be ON FIRE for Christ?

How do we as believers look to those who do not know Jesus Christ?

 Does Christ see our relationship with him ON FIRE?

 How about LUKEWARM?

Revelation 3:15-16 NLT
¹⁵ “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! ¹⁶ But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!


Lukewarm is where most of us find ourselves. We believe in Christ, we attend church, we do everything we THINK we are supposed to do. BUT...Christ does not want us to play hokey pokey in our relationship with him. Having one foot in and the other out. He wants ALL of you...submitting your selfish fleshly ways to his will. Allowing him to do a work in you. His results are mind blowing!

1 Peter 2:16 ESV
Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.
Do we fill our day with purposefulness ON FIRE acts of God? Doing good around us, portraying Christs love THROUGH US. Or do we sit, lukewarm in our everyday busy lives. Only able to think about Christ...on Sundays, when we routinely attend church. We allow everyday distractions to pull us away from Christ. Christ says to take up the cross DAILY.

Luke 9:23 ESV
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

I don't know about you, but I am on FIIIIYAH! Like never before. My heart is yearning for more, my mind is thirsty for Gods word. I want to be so on fire for Christ that when I wake up and my feet hit the ground...Satan says..."OH NO SHE IS AWAKE! What works of God is she going to commit today." I want to be a THREAT to Satan. No fiery pit in hell can compare to how ON FIRE for Christ I am.

It is my daily prayer that you will get that revelation in your heart...that thirst for his word. Allow him to quench that emptiness that is in your life.

Stay thirsty my friends!

xoxo

Andrea

Draw near to Me, and I will draw near to you

Every so often God gives me a huge revelation about the most simplest things. I am here to stir your faith up and encourage you because God is GOOD!

I was driving in my car just thinking and praying one day. I was asking God why others seem to appear more close to Him. What's so special about them that they are basking in the glory, mountains are moving, they are experiencing the prophetic and are hearing God unlike anyone else?? When I thought of this Jesse Duplantis came to mind. God immediately spoke to me and said, "You can be as close to me as you want to be"

It clicked! REVELATION!! It's not about God CHOOSING "special" people who only get to experience Him in those ways, it's about YOU! It's your decision not His!! It's about how willing you are to SEEK HIS FACE, communicate with Him all the time and have a relationship with Him. DRAW NEAR TO HIM AND HE WILL DRAW NEAR TO YOU!. Uh Duuuhh! God is a genius. Just sayin.

How can it be that simple yet nobody gets it? Alot of people don't want to do the work. Yes, it takes work and discipline to be basking in the Glory. Thats the Lord's treasure and if you want some of it, you follow the map and find it. The map is the bible. Read it, study it and learn from it. It is a life manual created by the creator Himself. It contains the secret to getting close to God.

During my drive, I also thought of Moses. . That man obeyed his every command and sought his face. Ask and you shall recieve was definitely shown with his story. He asked God to see His Glory and that's what he got! If you draw near to Him and fully give your heart then God can show you himself in a real way.

Don't get confused with the supernatural and glory. People often are looking for the supernatural and miss God. God isn't smoke and lights. He's LOVE. His glory is his goodness! Don't seek the manifestations, seek His face just for the sake of knowing Him.

I love how God can take a simple question and explain everything in one sentence with the help of the Holy Spirit. Deep revelation for simple things.

Who knew "you can be as close to me as you want to be" meant so much.

So I encourage you to seek, pray and learn. When you are in the presence you learn new things about Him every time. Show yourself faithful and you will be rewarded because God is faithful and a rewarder who diligently seek him.