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

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).

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!

Sails of My Soul

That we should no longer be like infants,
Tossed to and fro and carried about on every wind of doctrine,
By the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,
But speaking truth in love may grow up into him who is the head, Christ.
~ Ephesians 4:14-15 ~

Sails of My Soul

Lead me over uncharted waters
Steady my course as I go
Let loose the ropes of burden
Prepare the masts of my heart
Lower the boom of inspiration
Hoist the sails of my soul
Focus my mind on the horizon
Carry me on the wings of the wind
Lead me not into the abyss
Guide me on gentle waters
Prepare me for the storms
Shelter me from the crashing waves
Let me not go adrift
Nor lose my bearings at sea
Be my lighthouse in the darkness
Be my compass when I wander
Keep me anchored to you O Lord

Oh to be Held!

If the LORD had not been my help,
My soul would soon have dwelt in the abode of silence.
If I should say, “My foot has slipped,”
Your lovingkindness, O LORD, will hold me up.
When my anxious thoughts multiply within me,
Your consolations delight my soul.
~ Psalm 94:17-19 ~

http://ikayalla.wordpress.com/2011/07/

Sinking among the waves of emotion
Drowning in a sea of sorrow
Praying for the beacon amidst the darkness
Wanting to be held

Hiding in recesses of my mind
Wandering among thoughts still unknown
Seeking clarity through the storm
Needing to be held

http://www.elephantjournal.com

Stumbling through the streets of chaos
Falling to my knees
Hoping for an end to the brokenness
Yearning to be held

oldtestamentwellness.com

Stuck in the traffic jam of life
Moving in slow motion
Slipping further and further behind
Wishing to be held

Holding it all together
Hitting my head against the wall
Desiring to just let go
Craving to be held

Only One

In this world we are constantly protecting our heart and mind from the diseases of hopelessness and despair! Pressure comes against us and circumstances rise up, bringing fear and anxiety.  Hearts get broken with others words or character is defaced by someone’s malicious ways. No matter where we walk on this earth, there will be trouble for we live in a fallen world; a world that is not going to get better, but rather is waxing worse each day. The only way to find hope is to place your heart and life into the hands of the One who can bring you true peace (Philippians 4:6-7). The Son of God was sacrificed that we may find hope and assurance in something better than this world (Titus 2:11-14, Hebrews 9:28, Jude 1:21).

It is imperative that you remember the trials and tribulations you face here on earth are temporary, lasting but a brief moment in the entire scheme of your life. Rather than focusing on the circumstances you face in the here and now, focus on the joy and peace that is set before you in the real of heaven. Though this world is real, your reality does not have to be based on the things of earth, but in Christ, who not only is with you now, but will be with you in eternity. He is stronger than all you face, he is the key to calming your troubled heart.

Believe in the promises of God, seek His truth, abide in His word, and trust in His provision and strength. Take some time to dive into His word, resting on His promise for eternal life, and take your eyes off the craziness of this world, focusing them on the only cure that exists for the disease of hopelessness and despair–John 14:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, Deuteronomy 31:6, Genesis 15:1, and Revelation 2:10.

You will keep him in perfect peace,
whose mind is stayed on You,
because he trusts in You.
~ Isaiah 26:3

theyallcallmemom.com

Only One

This bitter cup from which you drink
Filled to the brim with misery and gloom
The diseases of the heart and mind
Only One remedy holds the cure

Through the veil of tears
Anxieties fill the troubled heart
Circumstances bring hurt and despair
Only One brings forth hope

Situation continue to wax worse each day
Fear encompasses like a fierce storm
Merely existing in this broken world
Only One foundation is secure

Listen with ears of faith
See with eyes of hope
Abide in the promises of the LORD
Only One brings eternal peace

Though the lightning strikes and waves crash
Focus your eyes on Jesus Christ
He is the remedy against the despair of the world
The only One reality that will carry you through

Overcomer ~ Mandisa

Seems that when it rains, it pours! Just as my clouds begin to clear, I find that others around me are struggling greatly. Some are dealing with losing their homes, others facing severe illnesses, and still others are facing marriage problems and financial hardships. In this life, the trials just keep coming and striking blows harder than we can often handle. But alas, God walks through all the storms of life with us, keeping us in the palm of his hands, holding us tight and filling us with love and peace deep in our souls.

It is imperative that you remember and hold tight to the knowledge that with the joy of Christ in your heart, you can be an overcomer, residing in his strength to see you through and his wisdom to direct your steps.  God bless and keep you always my friends ❤

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength!!
~ Philippians 413

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being…
~ Ephesians 3:16

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
~ 2 Corinthians 12:9

The Storm

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
~ Psalm 18:2 ~

http://www.smh.com.au/environment/weather/severe-storm-rolls-over-sydney-20140305-3476x.html

The Storm

Grey clouds hover
Blocking the sunlight
Storms on the horizon
Flooding the soul

Winds blow wildly
Tossing me to and fro
Holding tight to God
I will never let go

Lightening crashes
Blinding the heart
Causing confusion
So easily I fall apart

The thunder resounds
Bringing heartbreak and pain
But this to will pass
For God will break the chain

Clouds will clear
Winds will fade
Within this storm
I will not be afraid

For God is near
He holds me in his hands
Peace will come
For in Him I stand

Carry Me ~ Moriah Peters

I love it when God places a song on my heart to keep me going through the storm! Praise be to Him….in spite of my circumstances, despite my fears, and regardless of the mountains I face!! No matter the trial or circumstances, may you all enjoy the blessing of the Lord’s peace, love, and all-encompassing goodness.

Though the fig tree should not blossom And there be no fruit on the vines,
Though the yield of the olive should fail And the fields produce no food,
Though the flock should be cut off from the fold And there be no cattle in the stalls,
Yet I will exult in the LORD,
I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.
The Lord GOD is my strength,
And He has made my feet like hinds’ feet,
And makes me walk on my high places.
For the choir director, on my stringed instruments.
~ Habakkuk 3:17-19

Trust in Spite of the Storm!

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
Lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
~ Proverbs 3:5-6

Not much to say today as it has indeed been a very rough day! However, God placed this scripture on my heart this evening to remind me that He has it all under control!! I may not know the path He has planned for me, but I intend to trust Him with all my heart, and just let Him lead.

God bless and keep you through whatever storm or trial you may be facing! In Christian love ❤