The Lord Hears YOU!

In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.
Psalm 5:3

Life is a journey. A journey through the good, the bad, the ugly, and the beautiful. In the midst of fear and among the constant threat of death, David continued to sing and glorify the Lord. This was not because he saw the end to the storm, and at many times did not see a way out of the darkness that surrounded him. No, he sang and glorified the Lord for he knew that the Lord would sustain him, uphold him in his right hand, protect him when he was vulnerable, fill him when he was hungry, and guide him when he was lost. He praised God because he trusted God to keep hold of him through the storm and bring him out with life and love abounding!

Wherever you are today, I challenge you to seek God, listen to his voice, and praise him even when you don’t feel like it. Despite the circumstances, God is leading you to a future filled with hope (Jeremiah 29:11). He is with you now and will be with you always, a light to your path, leading you to mercy, grace, forgiveness, healing, and righteousness. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you (James 4:7-8, Hebrews 10:22-25). Be still and know he is God and praise him continually (Psalm 46:10, Hebrews 13:15).

Rest my friends in the peace that is beyond understanding and walk in the light, especially when darkness surrounds, for there is where God will meet you! Blessings and love as you continue your journey with God! ❤

You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land where there is no water.
I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.
I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.
Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.
Psalm 63:1-8

Praise the Lord ~ Hillsong United: Even When It Hurts

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!

Good morning—Be still!

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. ❤

Perfectly Imperfect ~Pretty Lies by Veridia

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! ❤

Christmas Haiku 2015 Countdown 2

So they hurrying off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,
and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
But Mary treasured up all these things in her heart.
The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen,
which were just as they had been told.
~ Luke 2:16-20

Jesus Christ our Lord
Lying in a manger bed
Man’s treasure on Earth

In God’s Hands!

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 ❤

Just be Held ~ Casting Crowns

And this I pray,
that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment,
so that you may approve the things that are excellent,
in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ;
having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ,
to the glory and praise of God.
~ Philippians 1:9-11

When everything is chaotic and the storms rage, keep your eyes on the Cross, knowing God has a plan for good, for hope and for a future! Surrender what you cannot control and let God move in your life and the lives of those you love

I give you my son Lord, I surrender him to you, trusting that you will strengthen and protect him from the evil one. I give him to you for he is not my child, but Yours! I am letting go…letting you hold me, asking you to hold my boy as he becomes the man you created him to be.

Run the Race! ~ Lauren Daigle (Trust In You)

Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:28-31

As I continually embark on life’s journey, there are always hills and mountains that hinder me. There are valleys that bring me low and rivers so wide I feel I will drown if I even attempt to move! Each and every day brings challenges that are beyond my control and most assuredly, well beyond my strength! I know that scripture says that God does not give me more than I can handle, but truth is he does that all the time (1 Corinthians 10:13). However, he never gives me anything I can’t handle with HIM at my side.

There are mountains I can’t climb, but He carries me over them every time. There are rivers I will certainly drown in if I try to swim across, but He sends His boat to carry me across. There are valleys that bring me to a state of despair, but He continually encourages me, reminding me that He is on the other side waiting with open arms! There are temptations that my flesh desires greatly, but as always, He is there whispering words of love and grace, opening a door for my escape.

God is so good, and as I look back on my life and where the journey has taken me and brought me, I consistently see where God’s hand has steadied me and provided the rock on which I stand. He has guided me, strengthened me, encouraged me, and loved me through it all. He never promised life would be easy, but He promised to be with me through it all (Matthew 28:20, Deuteronomy 31:6-8).

“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

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed;
perplexed, but not despairing;
persecuted, but not forsaken;
struck down, but not destroyed;
2 Corinthians 4:8-9

God is good, always has been, always will be! Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, and in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5, Isaiah 26:4, Psalm 62:8).

Surrender ~ Touch the Sky: Hillsong

Surrender!

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

Are YoU LivInG?

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.

All my love!