In this life there are many trials, tribulations, and hardships. Without God at the helm, we find ourselves at a loss for hope and peace that fills us and gives us something to live for. This blog is a place for me to share the hope God gives me despite the circumstances I face and to extend that hope and love to others. May it be an inspiration and blessing to your heart!
To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.
…A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.
~ Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 4
Life is not Perfect!
The pain and heartache
They come and they go
Cutting deep
Wounding the soul
Burdens too much to carry
Spirit weighed down
Living in the here and now
Sorrow abounds
Life is not perfect
Nor was it meant to be
A precursor of something better
A realm yet unseen
The heart it beckons
The spirit it yearns
The soul cries out
This world it spurns
Hope lies beyond
High in the heavens above
A continuous fount of life
God’s river of love
Loving arms of comfort
Sweet prayers from thine lips
Peace for the moment
Grief stands eclipsed
Through mercy and grace
The pain subsides
Where once heartache dwelled
Now joy resides
You intended to harm me,
but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done,
the saving of many lives.
~ Genesis 50:20
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
Praise the Lord.
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his acts of power;
praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
praise him with the harp and lyre,
praise him with timbrel and dancing,
praise him with the strings and pipe,
praise him with the clash of cymbals,
praise him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord.
~ Psalm 150
Though the clouds come and storms rage around you–Praise the Lord. Though life beats you up and tries to destroy you–Praise the Lord. Though the tides may wash over, bringing pain–Praise the Lord. Though grief overwhelms and sorrow surrounds–Praise the Lord. Though death may come and life just hurts–Praise the Lord. PRAISE be to God for he is working all things for your good, that you may obtain eternal life and righteousness! There is nothing in this world that can separate you from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39), nothing that can cause him to leave you or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:8), nothing that can take His love away from you! Praise God!
As for man, his days are like grass;
As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
When the wind has passed over it, it is no more,
And its place acknowledges it no longer.
But the loving kindness of the LORD is from everlasting
To everlasting on those who fear Him,
And His righteousness to children’s children,
To those who keep His covenant
And remember His precepts to do them.
~ Psalm 103:15-18 ~
Throughout your life, it is easy to look back and ponder all the experiences you have been through–The good times and the bad. The joyful times and the sorrow filled times. The times you had an abundance of blessings and the times where life seemed void of any necessity. No matter the experiences, God has always been there, gently speaking His life into your heart and soul, surrounding you with His never-ending love and guiding you through every walk of life, be it the wilderness moments or those in green pastures.
Take comfort in knowing that God’s grace has been sufficient throughout your life. Look back in remembrance of His love for you and all that He has done to make the you beautiful, strong, and courageous person you are today.
As Spurgeon stated so eloquently:
” ‘For I am persuaded, that neither death;
nor life, nor angels, nor principalities,
nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature,
shall be able to separate us from the love of God,
which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’
Now, soul, is not thy love refreshed?
Does not this make thee love Jesus?
Doth not a flight through illimitable plains
of the ether of love inflame thy heart and compel thee
to delight thyself in the Lord thy God?
Surely as we meditate on ‘the love of the Lord,’
our hearts burn within us,
and we long to love him more.”
May you feel the Love of God from now into eternity, knowing that he holds you always in the palm of his hand! All my love ❤
As the rain and the snow come down from heaven
and do not return to it without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
~ Isaiah 55:10-11 ~
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
~ Philippians 4:6-7 ~
God’s way is higher and his knowledge is deeper than yours. He knows the plan and path you should be on and is constantly working things out so that his will can be done in your life. Give thanks for the life and breath you have this morning and cling tightly to the knowledge that God hears your prayers and knows your needs. Trust in him midst the trials and tribulations of your life, knowing that the he is making all things come together for your good. You may not feel his presence, but press on, knowing that he is with you every step of the way, guiding you to eternal perfection.
Be Still
Be still and know that I am God Trust in me though life can be hard I will guide you through the storms each day Setting you on My path to steady your way All things will work out despite how you feel Have faith and My blessings will become real I love you more than you will ever know I promise to never let you go Trust in me and I will keep you in regard Be still and know that I am God
All my love and may you be blessed beyond measure, continually in prayer, listening for God’s still, small voice, and thankful for every gift and blessing in your life–no matter how small. ❤
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,
so that you may prove what is the good, well pleasing, and perfect will of God. ~ Romans 12:2
As we approach New Years Day, it is common to make New Years resolutions. The only problem is that many, if not all, of the resolutions that are made by the majority of people deal with the external being–Losing weight, eating right, working out, getting outdoors more frequently, etc. These are focusing on the outside…the looks, the appearance, the body image. They are temporary, and who determines when you have lost enough weight, whether you are eating right, or if you are getting outdoors enough? When is enough good enough? Who sets the bar? Resolutions to improve the external shell are wonderful, don’t get me wrong! However, if it is society telling you to lose weight, eat right, exercise more, than your resolutions will not succeed for societal views of perfection can never truly be achieved (hence the reason why resolutions typically fail)! After all, if we were able to be “perfect” then why the need to airbrush/Photoshop ads? Why would we need to starve ourselves or exercise till we break if perfection could be obtained?
Instead of focusing on the outside this year, take some time to devote to the inside…the heart, the mind, the soul. The goal of life it not to be perfect, for we are “perfectly imperfect” beings! The goal of life is to be perfected through the blood of Christ, who was born and died for you! The only way to change the outside, is to first change the inside. You were created by God on purpose for a purpose and your body is not yours…despite how you may feel! It is the Lord’s. If you focus your energy on God, his commands, his love for you, his sacrifice for you, his never-ending grace towards you, and his endless mercy, then you will see that you are perfectly imperfect, which is just how it should be! It is in our imperfections that we are able to see our need for God. If we were perfect we wouldn’t need him!! When you accept that you are imperfect, you can accept who you are, where you are, and how you look and feel about yourself. When God is at the center, the external becomes a part of the journey. However, if the external is at the center, you will never be happy because there is always someone prettier, handsomer, richer, smarter, more athletic, and on and on it goes. You will never find happiness or true joy if you try to reach the illusion of perfection!
So, rather than focusing on the external this year, shift your center to the internal. Find your peace with God and with whom he created you to be. Find peace with all of you–your looks, your job, your family, your life. No matter how imperfect, you are in God’s hands and he will work all things out for good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose—that is YOU! Believe me, I know hard times and how hard it is to see yourself as beautiful when life tells you otherwise!! Remember, you are “PERFECTLY IMPERFECT” and that is breathtakingly BEAUTIFUL!!!
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,
which God prepared in advance for us to do. ~ Ephesians 2:10
For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord,
plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future. ~ Jeremiah 29:11
And we know that God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose. ~ Romans 8:28
May you pray more, dive into scriptural truths, and spend some time listening to God’s still small voice midst the noisy chaos of life! I assure you that when you do, you will find true joy in who you are, no matter the circumstances.
All my love and blessings for a wonderful, fabulous, enriching new year! ❤
The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him,
but his grate anger is against all who forsake him.
Ezra 8:22b
We serve an awesome God! He is always there to guide and protect, to keep you in His refuge, and to graciously supply all your needs!
There are numerous verses in scripture that refer to God’s hand being upon you, and as I read the book of Ezra, I found six verses about God’s gracious hand being upon them (and there are only 10 chapters!).
When you trust in God and call upon His name, you can fully trust that he is with you! It is His hand alone that leads you out of trouble and into safety. It is His hand alone that protects you from the enemy, from the principalities of darkness! It is by His hand that you have courage to stand on the Word of God and speak it into the lives of others. It is by the Lord’s hand that you are provided wisdom. All this just in Ezra…10 small chapters, with so many reminders that God has you! Imagine if you did a study on “the gracious hand of God”, how inspiring that would be! Hmmm….I think that may be my next writing!
Blessings to each of you and may you feel the hand of God moving in your life!
In God’s love ❤
Peace I leave with you;
My peace I give to you;
not as the world gives do I give to you.
Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
John 14:27
Coming from a background of abuse and chaos, secrets which have passed away with those who have left this world, I find myself trapped inside my own mind at times. For years I have covered up the pain, anguish, guilt and shame, but as God has shone his glorious light into my heart, the darkness has fled. There are times where satan reminds me of my past, brings up fears and fantasies that don’t belong in rooms within my mind! Thank you Lord that you have overcome so that I too can do the same, in your strength and power! So blessed to have a God that is bigger than me, a God who loves me in spite of myself, a God who knows me inside and out and chases after me anyway!
“Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered,
each to his own home, and to leave Me alone;
and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace.
In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:32-33
In the darkest hour
God’s light shines like a beacon on the shore of life
In moments of despair
God’s peace surrounds like warm calming waves bringing hope
In the times when all seems lost
God’s plan is revealed providing direction and clarity
In the moments when life is falling apart
God’s promises stand true, bringing hope and peace beyond understanding
Rest in His love
Hope in His power
Soar in His strength
Delight in His grace
Trust in His mercy
Believe in His promises
Surrender all you were
Knowing your past does not define who you are or will be
Surrender all you are
Knowing that you will soar only if you fall to your knees before God
Surrender all you have
Knowing that you will never be in need if you seek God first
Surrender all you will be
Knowing that your future is God’s loving, protective, and healing hands
Seek what is true
Hunger for what is noble
Desire what is right
Yearn for what is pure
Pursue what is lovely
Thirst for what is admirable
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. ~ John 10:10 ~
YOLO! Yep, that’s right You Only Live ONCE!! What are you doing with the life that God has so richly blessed you with? Are you looking at all the bad in life and letting it bring you down, or are you choosing to see the rainbow midst the storms? Do you let the world drown you with its waves of chaos and despair, or do you call upon the One True God that can cause you to walk on the water? Do you sit on the throne of selfishness and greed, or do you humble yourself in the joy of giving and loving?
Life indeed throws us turbulence and turmoil frequently, and we often have exceedingly difficult choices to make, but we as Christians know that there is more than the insanity this world offers us, and we assuredly know that all the choices we make have lingering consequences both here and now that echo into the eternity to come! When the Lord leads your life, there is hope, there is freedom, there is mercy, there is light, and there is overwhelming love!
Yes, there will be sad times, times of anger and pain, and times where the mind is downcast, but Psalm 126:5 states, “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.”God is true, just, and holy, and all that he allows to occur while we walk the face of this fragile world are to mold and shape us into the righteousness of Christ! He fulfills his promises of joy, peace and comfort daily….all you need do is trust and lean on him!
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; For length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones. ~ Proverbs 3:1-8 ~
No matter what you face, no matter how big the storm, no matter how hindering the mountain…God has you! He is in control and he will bring joy each and every day! Choose to praise despite the chaos. Choose to see the beauty and blessings of life instead of dwelling on the disparity and ugliness. What you choose will bring you life or it will destroy your life!
Sing praise to the LORD, you His godly ones, And give thanks to His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning. Now as for me, I said in my prosperity, “I will never be moved.” O LORD, by Your favor You have made my mountain to stand strong; You hid Your face, I was dismayed. To You, O LORD, I called, And to the Lord I made supplication: “What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise You? Will it declare Your faithfulness? “Hear, O LORD, and be gracious to me; O LORD, be my helper.” You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness, That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever. ~ Psalm 30:4-12 ~
Be the light of God’s love and the beacon of eternal hope to a desperate and hurting people! Choose to LIVE and live FULLY. Choose to LOVE and love DEEPLY. Choose to HOPE and hope ENDLESSLY. Choose to REJOICE and rejoice with SINGING. Choose to SERVE and serve HUMBLY.
May God grant you joy every morning and hope each day! May he bring you peace beyond measure and shower you with love overflowing! May your heart and mind always be set in eternity and not the here and now, and may you find the strength and courage of Christ to help you through the trials and persecution.
In this life there are many trials, tribulations, and hardships. Without God at the helm, we find ourselves at a loss for hope and peace that fills us and gives us something to live for. This blog is a place for me to share the hope God gives me despite the circumstances I face and to extend that hope and love to others. May it be an inspiration and blessing to your heart!
Journey with God 