Good morning ladies. I pray each of you has had a week filled with Jesus.
Has something ever brought such sorrow to your heart when you think of it you cry? Or that you can remember what anguish and sorrow it brought to your bones? If you have then you can relate to the way I feel about a certain area, trial and struggle in my life. During that season I came across this scripture below:
You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.
Psalms 56:8 NLT
This brought me so much joy and peace and it also made me realize just who this God I was following after was. My heart had always longed for a gentlemen who was concerned when I was sad a man to truly from his heart want to hold me when I cried. I never got that, until I came to a season of my life where I cried from the depths of my soul and bones. To be honest sometimes I still cry in the quietness of my heart or when it's just God and I. And you know what ladies? He is that gentleman that holds me and truly cares. The scripture above proves it.
Every tear we shed He is collecting them, He sees and He knows how badly it hurts us and you know what? Just like we hurt and cry when our children are hurting I'd go on to say He feels the same way. Because if we being imperfect parents love our children in that way how much more does our perfect Heavenly Father love us!? So many woman look for and look to a physical man to meet those needs. And while yes, our husbands should love us the way Christ loves the church we must remember that they are human just as we are. Only God can love us in the way we long to be loved. Only He can be everything we need Him to be, not our husbands or any guy at that.
I remember I use to put such a high standard on the father of my children. I wanted him to make me feel better all the time and when he didn't I hated him even more then I hated myself. I tore him down because deep within I was a mess. Only Jesus can be our all in all, only He each morning can fill us with what we need.
I've noticed most of us woman struggle in finding balance in that. We either think we don't need a man or even Jesus or we put our husbands in the position of God. I don't think either are healthy. I believe Christ designed it that He is first and then our husbands.... When we twist it or change it up we are telling God His plan is wrong and that's so scary because the bible says in Proverbs 14:1,
The wise woman builds her house but with her hands the foolish tears hers down.
I've torn mine down before and I am so done with being that woman. I want to be the woman who builds hers up keeping Jesus the center and head of my home.
Just want to encourage each of you beauties to keep seeking Him. To always be in a place that God can teach us and speak a word of truth into our lives. Sometimes that discipline and sometimes it's confirmation whatever it is remember He loves you and is always doing a good thing.
Thursday, January 14, 2016
Friday, January 8, 2016
I loved You In Your Darkest Hour
Hi there and happy New year. As my heart felt tugged to post something I realized it has been 3 months to the date since I have blogged.... A lot has happened over 3 months and I think sometimes when we go through things that we don't understand it's good to sit And rest at the feet of Jesus. I feel so refreshed and hoping for a new season of writing.
Over the past week I keep getting this picture in my mind. It's from a time that I'd say was my darkest hour. I hadn't given my heart to Jesus yet but little did I know I was about to.
Before I came to know Christ my choices landed me in a pretty abusive relationship. One of my last memories I have before Christ was hiding behind our apartment dumpster with my sweet 4 year old girl and beautiful 7 month old on my hip. We were hiding from their father. Now before I go on I do not in anyway want to down talk him. I made terrible choices too. I share this only to give you the back drop of my past. My "darkest hour". And if you ever feel led please pray for him.
Anyway, I had not been able to figure out why that image kept replaying in my head and finally God spoke. He reminded me that He loved me just as much that day as He does today and the same as He will on my day of completion when I will be called to come home to Him. He reminded me that in that darkest hour He seen me at my best and His masterpiece and all the plans He had for me. Whoa!!! That is super amazing to think about. So as He shared that with me He also reminded me not to fear for my children when they stumble and struggle. He encouraged me to love them through their darkest hours and to keep in mind they too are His masterpiece and He sees their finishing story.
I think if we looked at our children the way God looks at us we wouldn't freakout so much, well I don't think I would anyway. Sometimes as a mom I feel like I need to carry all the weight but that's far from the truth. Our burdens even as parents should be placed at the feet of Jesus. Now don't go thinking we don't hold a responsibility lol. We do ya know! But I think less fretting and more praying would be best.
So let's love our babies always, being heavenly minded even in their darkest hour.
Over the past week I keep getting this picture in my mind. It's from a time that I'd say was my darkest hour. I hadn't given my heart to Jesus yet but little did I know I was about to.
Before I came to know Christ my choices landed me in a pretty abusive relationship. One of my last memories I have before Christ was hiding behind our apartment dumpster with my sweet 4 year old girl and beautiful 7 month old on my hip. We were hiding from their father. Now before I go on I do not in anyway want to down talk him. I made terrible choices too. I share this only to give you the back drop of my past. My "darkest hour". And if you ever feel led please pray for him.
Anyway, I had not been able to figure out why that image kept replaying in my head and finally God spoke. He reminded me that He loved me just as much that day as He does today and the same as He will on my day of completion when I will be called to come home to Him. He reminded me that in that darkest hour He seen me at my best and His masterpiece and all the plans He had for me. Whoa!!! That is super amazing to think about. So as He shared that with me He also reminded me not to fear for my children when they stumble and struggle. He encouraged me to love them through their darkest hours and to keep in mind they too are His masterpiece and He sees their finishing story.
I think if we looked at our children the way God looks at us we wouldn't freakout so much, well I don't think I would anyway. Sometimes as a mom I feel like I need to carry all the weight but that's far from the truth. Our burdens even as parents should be placed at the feet of Jesus. Now don't go thinking we don't hold a responsibility lol. We do ya know! But I think less fretting and more praying would be best.
So let's love our babies always, being heavenly minded even in their darkest hour.
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Don't Look
Matthew 5:27-28
“You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
I just had a cashier tell me "I'm married but I still look, I don't touch but I look." :-(
This made me sad. She was speaking about the gentleman in front of me in her line. I'm not trying to point out her sin at all but yesterday the Lord reminded me that sin starts in the mind.
The enemy who is always looking to trip us up throws darts in our mind, if we don't throw it out right away you better believe it's going to turn into something bad. Now, don't mistake me I have "looked" too. Married and unmarried and I am sad that I have done this. Sometimes I glance and then turn right away or while at the gym I try and keep my head down. It's not the first look but the second and it's the heart guys....
If the enemy plants an idea in our mind and we think twice about it eventually it goes to our heart. Jesus clearly states if it's thought about about it's sin. I deliberately committed 2 sins this week that I know I ran right into. I thought about why I did this when I knew it was wrong. After thinking about it I realized I played with the thought for a bit before committing the action :-/ that is kind of scary.
Okay, so we know that none of us our without sin and we realize we all need a Savior but it doesn't mean we should go on sinning. And with Christ we have the power to resist temptation. We reap what we sow friends so let's take caution to that. Married or un married don't look!!! Don't play with the impure thoughts the enemy throws at you. Make all your thoughts obedient to Christ.
I'm writing this from my car because I needed to get this little message out :-)
“You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
I just had a cashier tell me "I'm married but I still look, I don't touch but I look." :-(
This made me sad. She was speaking about the gentleman in front of me in her line. I'm not trying to point out her sin at all but yesterday the Lord reminded me that sin starts in the mind.
The enemy who is always looking to trip us up throws darts in our mind, if we don't throw it out right away you better believe it's going to turn into something bad. Now, don't mistake me I have "looked" too. Married and unmarried and I am sad that I have done this. Sometimes I glance and then turn right away or while at the gym I try and keep my head down. It's not the first look but the second and it's the heart guys....
If the enemy plants an idea in our mind and we think twice about it eventually it goes to our heart. Jesus clearly states if it's thought about about it's sin. I deliberately committed 2 sins this week that I know I ran right into. I thought about why I did this when I knew it was wrong. After thinking about it I realized I played with the thought for a bit before committing the action :-/ that is kind of scary.
Okay, so we know that none of us our without sin and we realize we all need a Savior but it doesn't mean we should go on sinning. And with Christ we have the power to resist temptation. We reap what we sow friends so let's take caution to that. Married or un married don't look!!! Don't play with the impure thoughts the enemy throws at you. Make all your thoughts obedient to Christ.
I'm writing this from my car because I needed to get this little message out :-)
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
A Time For Everything
God didn't leave anything that we need to know out of His word and instruction for us. As the seasons change 4 times out of the year it's always easier to see them come and go however I was wondering today why when seasons in our life change we have a harder time adjusting....
I'm not sure why, so you won't get the answer from me but a few thoughts are that we are creatures of habit and when things stay the same we connect them as good. And another thought is season change means we have to change too :-/ and sometimes that's just hard. Getting out of our own comfort is not always the easiest thing for any of us.
Can I share a secret with you? Being single for me has become habit. It's become comfortable. What was once a sad, depressing, I can't wait until I'm married season has now become a seasoned filled with "Lord I love you, and I love my singleness with you."
My short years that I have been in this love relationship with Christ I have learned to ask Him to help me as the seasons change. I've also asked him to give me contentment with Him in all times and seasons no matter what shall come to pass. Finding who we are In Christ and what we should be doing is so important in our relationship with Him. Sometimes we can get so use to just asking Him for things we forget to ask Him what we can be doing to bring glory and honor to Him.
Don't get me wrong, we are saved by grace and not by works. Us working for the kingdom doesn't mean He loves us more it just shows an outward affection of what His love has done inwardly.
So my sweet friends as we enjoy the season of Fall and sip on our pumpkin lattes and burn pumpkin spice candles in our home I hope and pray that we will ask our Father what it is He has for us to do this next season of our life. Maybe for some He is calling you to step up and serve in ministry, maybe He is asking you to home school your children or even start a bible study. Maybe He wants you to begin writing or maybe even just to sit and Be Still.... only you know where the Lord is calling you my prayer is that no matter where it is you will trust and obey finding contentment, peace and joy in the season. Enjoy this next season sweet friends I love you all!
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
His Love For Us is Unchanging
Happy Wednesday sweet friends. I'm so thankful for the rain that has washed our land these past 2 days. It's been so refreshing and a break from the dry heat that has been present. Rain isn't my favorite weather however Monday night I prayed and asked the Lord to please send it along with a breeze. I'm so thankful He is a God who listens to the cry of His people. Today during home school we caught the breeze through our home with a little Fall chill. Fall is my absolute favorite!
So here is whats on my mind....
I don't think it's ever an easy thing to get a glimpse of your own heart however I do believe it's necessary. It's when we see the junk that lies within, is when we can see our great need for Him. I understand we are seen differently by God (and I love that by the way) but I also think if we thought we were perfect then we'd begin to lose our great need for a Savior. Every other religion is based off of works. How many great deeds one has done, how one sins less, and how often one serves and how good you are and how "perfect" you can be. For crying out loud who can live like that?!? Not me!
Why is it though that we see this within the Christian faith. First we realize our great need for Christ which is why we get saved and then shortly after we begin adding man made rules and laws as to how we should live. Please, do not get me wrong.... Paul tells us just because we live off of grace doesn't mean we should go on sinning. Also, we learn it's a sanctification process but Remember we are saved by God's GRACE and our faith. We display our faith by trusting that Jesus came to die for us personally and without Him we'd be separated from the Father for eternity. But you see the rest is all God. It wasn't us who bore the sins of the world it was Him.
Understand friends, He is the one sanctifying us and changing us as we enter into this love relationship with Him. And that's what has me in awe today. I sit here reflecting the woman I was the woman I still choose to be at moments and the mistakes I know I'll make in this fleshly body and I'm amazed that He loves me. His love for me will NEVER EVER CHANGE! how many of us can say we love in that way? I know for a fact I love my children. Whoever they choose to be I'll love them. I may not agree and I will never condone a sinful lifestyle but I'll always love them and hope they'd change. Today as I was praying I realized I don't love others in that way. Not always anyway. I want to be more like Him. I want to see people in their messy lifestyle and flesh and I want to love em like Jesus.
Would you join me in prayer,
Lord help us love people the way you do. Help us realize who we are without you and who we are with you. Help us to accept your grace and offer that same grace to others. Change us Father to more and more like you each day. Set a fire within our hearts so that we might spread your name everywhere we go. In Jesus name Amen!
Monday, September 14, 2015
Whispers From God
I hope as you read this blog post you are doing well. If you aren't I pray that your joy remains the same no matter what season you find yourself in. God still sits on the throne. For me as I write this that is some really good news. Life happens, we make mistakes, we hurt people, people hurt us, our kids don't listen, we lash out in anger, family problems arise and sometimes life just stinks here on earth. I'm so glad that we are just passing by. I'm thankful that the Lord declares us as sojourners. Meaning this is not our home. Nevertheless friends we must not forget who God is calling us to be while here on earth.
I don't know about you but I learn so much from my kids. For instance, I am able to see myself as the daughter of God through my children's eyes. I'll give you an example. Isaiah had a really long day Saturday on top of feeling a little sick. I could definitely see his body was fighting off something. Anyway, by the end of the night he was crying and clingy. I could see it in his eyes he just needed to be loved. As I held him I began whispering in his ear. I told him I loved him and so did His Heavenly Father. I reminded Him of all of God's promises. I could feel his body come to ease. Life had taken a toll on my 6 year old and he just needed to rest in the promises of God and know that he is loved.
As I was whispering to Isaiah I heard the Lord say "this is how I feel for you. I love to whisper into your ear so that you know you are loved." What a peace I felt. Sometimes life happens and the enemy likes to beat us up. He bothers us in our dreams, shouts ugly words at us and laughs while things seem to be falling a part, yet really they are just falling into place. I'm so thankful that I have a Heavenly Father to whisper His promises and love to me. I need it today and always.
Today and yesterday as the battle has raged within my mind I sit quietly at the feet of Jesus allowing His whispers to overpower the shouts from the enemy. Friends I pray you'll join me and do the same.
I love you all and pray no matter what season you find yourself in you don't ever forget who is on the throne.....
Your Heavenly Father!
I don't know about you but I learn so much from my kids. For instance, I am able to see myself as the daughter of God through my children's eyes. I'll give you an example. Isaiah had a really long day Saturday on top of feeling a little sick. I could definitely see his body was fighting off something. Anyway, by the end of the night he was crying and clingy. I could see it in his eyes he just needed to be loved. As I held him I began whispering in his ear. I told him I loved him and so did His Heavenly Father. I reminded Him of all of God's promises. I could feel his body come to ease. Life had taken a toll on my 6 year old and he just needed to rest in the promises of God and know that he is loved.
As I was whispering to Isaiah I heard the Lord say "this is how I feel for you. I love to whisper into your ear so that you know you are loved." What a peace I felt. Sometimes life happens and the enemy likes to beat us up. He bothers us in our dreams, shouts ugly words at us and laughs while things seem to be falling a part, yet really they are just falling into place. I'm so thankful that I have a Heavenly Father to whisper His promises and love to me. I need it today and always.
Today and yesterday as the battle has raged within my mind I sit quietly at the feet of Jesus allowing His whispers to overpower the shouts from the enemy. Friends I pray you'll join me and do the same.
I love you all and pray no matter what season you find yourself in you don't ever forget who is on the throne.....
Your Heavenly Father!
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
I'm Just The Mom
Why is it that trusting the Lord is easier said then done? I wish I could answer that question however I can't but I can share a few things the Lord is doing to grow my trust in Him.
As a mother I am a protector and sometimes I take it to the point that I'm over bearing. For instance I say "Lord I trust you with my kids, ( who are actually His) but no, I'm not going to allow them to do this even though you are asking me to."
So most of you know my kids go to school 2 days a week and are home schooled 3 days. Well in junior high you attend school 3 days a week and stay home 2. I don't like this idea of her going 3 days a week. why you ask? Because I believe it is my responsibility as a mother to teach my children not anyone else's. However the Lord has called me to this so I'll be obedient and walk in it. Pretty much I partner with a teacher or in Amaya's case a few teachers and we educate and shape my children together. Honestly, I love the balance it brings to our home. I pour out into my kids and then send them out to shine and pour out un to others and be a light in this dark world. It takes some trusting though let me tell you.
Athena was at school yesterday and her teacher was going over science and they were learning about sound waves. The teacher said something that sounded as if she believed in evolution. God's Spirit in Athena told her something wasn't right and my girl spoke up and told her teacher she was not allowed to participate in such a thing because she doesn't believe in it. If you want to know I was so proud when I got that email and my girl was being bold in her faith!!!
As soon as I picked Athena up she shared what her teacher said or the article said and I completely understand what bothered Athena's Spirit. Every morning before they get out of my car I cover them in prayer. While they sleep I cover them in prayer and we pray for their teachers salvation as well. Turns out her teacher is a Christian which makes my heart full. Her teacher reread the article and realized what sounded like evolution. Her teacher was bummed this slipped through. God is so good isn't He?! I realize public schools are not as flooded with christian teachers as my kids' charter/home school however we serve the same God friends. A God who loves our children more then us. He gave them to us to protect, shelter and raise up all for Him. I'm finding balance in parenting. Remember our children are never to be idols that we put before our Lord but they are to be placed at His feet in full surrender. This is hard to do but I know when we obey the Lord the blessings and fruit are abundant.
I mentioned above that Amaya goes 3 days a week. I almost pulled her and was not going to allow her to go 3 days but then I heard the Lord say I was to allow this. Yes, I asked the Lord why and was pretty bothered by it but again I must trust and obey.... so the first week my girl comes home to tell me she and her bestie are starting up a Christian club at their lunch time. They will be reading God's word and doing a bible study. Can somebody pinch me because everything I am praying to God the Father is being heard. This mom is excited!! Excited is an understatement. You know what I want for my kids more then anything? That they'd love the Lord our God with all their hearts, souls minds and strength. Seeing Jesus working in my kids is the most amazing thing. And this work is not mine to take the credit for, this is their Heavenly Father. He is the one who changes hearts, not me. He is the one who speaks truth to them not me. I'm just the mom.
I'm okay with being just the mom because this moms heart is full!
Sweet moms who are reading this, can I encourage you to trust and obey. Remember, He loves them more then you do. Be wise of course, however if being wise means walking on water then do just that.
I want to be like Hannah and fully surrender my children to God and like Abraham willing to do whatever God asks even when it seems crazy to the world.
Lord Jesus, I lift up any mom reading this, I pray that you give her super natural faith in you. I pray for wisdom and knowledge in her child raising and that she would trust you with her most prized treasures.... her children that you gave her. Thank you for this sweet mother bless her with patience, discernment and courage and Jesus name Amen!
As a mother I am a protector and sometimes I take it to the point that I'm over bearing. For instance I say "Lord I trust you with my kids, ( who are actually His) but no, I'm not going to allow them to do this even though you are asking me to."
So most of you know my kids go to school 2 days a week and are home schooled 3 days. Well in junior high you attend school 3 days a week and stay home 2. I don't like this idea of her going 3 days a week. why you ask? Because I believe it is my responsibility as a mother to teach my children not anyone else's. However the Lord has called me to this so I'll be obedient and walk in it. Pretty much I partner with a teacher or in Amaya's case a few teachers and we educate and shape my children together. Honestly, I love the balance it brings to our home. I pour out into my kids and then send them out to shine and pour out un to others and be a light in this dark world. It takes some trusting though let me tell you.
Athena was at school yesterday and her teacher was going over science and they were learning about sound waves. The teacher said something that sounded as if she believed in evolution. God's Spirit in Athena told her something wasn't right and my girl spoke up and told her teacher she was not allowed to participate in such a thing because she doesn't believe in it. If you want to know I was so proud when I got that email and my girl was being bold in her faith!!!
As soon as I picked Athena up she shared what her teacher said or the article said and I completely understand what bothered Athena's Spirit. Every morning before they get out of my car I cover them in prayer. While they sleep I cover them in prayer and we pray for their teachers salvation as well. Turns out her teacher is a Christian which makes my heart full. Her teacher reread the article and realized what sounded like evolution. Her teacher was bummed this slipped through. God is so good isn't He?! I realize public schools are not as flooded with christian teachers as my kids' charter/home school however we serve the same God friends. A God who loves our children more then us. He gave them to us to protect, shelter and raise up all for Him. I'm finding balance in parenting. Remember our children are never to be idols that we put before our Lord but they are to be placed at His feet in full surrender. This is hard to do but I know when we obey the Lord the blessings and fruit are abundant.
I mentioned above that Amaya goes 3 days a week. I almost pulled her and was not going to allow her to go 3 days but then I heard the Lord say I was to allow this. Yes, I asked the Lord why and was pretty bothered by it but again I must trust and obey.... so the first week my girl comes home to tell me she and her bestie are starting up a Christian club at their lunch time. They will be reading God's word and doing a bible study. Can somebody pinch me because everything I am praying to God the Father is being heard. This mom is excited!! Excited is an understatement. You know what I want for my kids more then anything? That they'd love the Lord our God with all their hearts, souls minds and strength. Seeing Jesus working in my kids is the most amazing thing. And this work is not mine to take the credit for, this is their Heavenly Father. He is the one who changes hearts, not me. He is the one who speaks truth to them not me. I'm just the mom.
I'm okay with being just the mom because this moms heart is full!
Sweet moms who are reading this, can I encourage you to trust and obey. Remember, He loves them more then you do. Be wise of course, however if being wise means walking on water then do just that.
I want to be like Hannah and fully surrender my children to God and like Abraham willing to do whatever God asks even when it seems crazy to the world.
Lord Jesus, I lift up any mom reading this, I pray that you give her super natural faith in you. I pray for wisdom and knowledge in her child raising and that she would trust you with her most prized treasures.... her children that you gave her. Thank you for this sweet mother bless her with patience, discernment and courage and Jesus name Amen!
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