In Whom Shall I Fear!?

I'm not sure if I have shared this story with you but if I have its okay, you can hear it again....

Last October I wanted to challenge myself for my 29th birthday to run Ragnar in Vail Lake. This challenge included 3 courses that equalled 15 miles total all done through trails... Does it sound grueling? Because it was!

But it was the greatest challenge I have ever taken.

For me it was about trusting God and conquering fears. Fears such as running through the middle of the night and being alone without anyone to be comforted by. Mountain lions, snakes, coyotes you name it those things scare me especially because I'm not even 5 foot so I know I'd be a nice meal for them ;-)

I did it though and it was all by Gods strength. I must say I had a huge moment of fear where I stopped in my track and felt so scared I didn't know what to do.

It was 5 am and I was on my last trail it was 6 miles in length but not so hilly however it sat nice through the largest mountain furthest away from the camp where all the other humans were...

I have no clue why there was not a runner in front of me insight or behind me for at least 15 minutes, for me guys that was freaky!!! As I was alone out there I began to think way too much I felt as if a mountain lion was stocking me, honestly guys I felt the presence of something stocking me. No one was around, I didn't even get service out there in that mountain so all I had was God! Why would I even say all I had was God, I should have been thinking all I need is God.

At one point I stopped, I was so scared I grabbed my phone to try and call a sister back at camp, there was no service. I then realized God you are all I have and you have the power to protect me from anything stocking me weather a mountain lion or human.

I cried out to Him asking Him for strength and courage to keep running as well as protection from anything out there that would want to devour me.

You better believe God kept His promises to always protect me and rescue me from distress and trouble. I felt power and strength to endure, within moments there were people up ahead and the light from the dawn began to rise, it was beautiful friends.

I learned a lesson out there alone. I learned that He is faithful and all I'll ever need. When the enemy lurks to devour me my God will rescue me when I cry out in distress. He is sovereign and always doing a good thing even when at the moment I don't "feel" like He is. I will trust in Him.

If you get the opportunity to walk through your fears, I'd like to encourage you to do so. My knew life saying is "in whom shall I fear? The Lord is my protection and shield!"

Gluten Free Coconut Flour Pancakes

Okay I'll confess I am terrible at making pancakes! Growing up my mom made banana pancakes, blueberry pancakes and mickey mouse pancakes. She made it look so easy. I thought I'd give it a try as soon as I was out on my own and all that ended up happening was us getting a sick tummy. The inside was uncooked and the outside was as close to burnt without being burnt. Yuck!!! Anyway we're on a mission to better health. This recipe was given to me and trust me when I say its easy. I still don't make a good pancake but this recipe made me feel like my mom this morning. Proud of my pancakes! Happy eating friends!

-2 ripe bananas
-3 egg at room temperature
-2 tbsp coconut flour (you may need to add a touch more at the end)
-Cinnamon
-Vanilla extract

Directions:
Blend all ingredients (super easy to do in a Magic Bullet!).Cook on a hot pan coated with coconut oil.
Drizzle with honey or top with fruit or shredded coconut. (The picture below had no honey on it)

Jesus Was Amazed

So it was a year ago when the Lord used this song to encourage me to take a step out in faith and follow what He was calling me to do. I honestly think I got sidetracked for a few months but nevertheless He didn't stop calling me. Finally I answered again and here I am now.

Its so crazy how the enemy likes to scare us and even get us to doubt. Why would I doubt a God that always provides!? Its silly of me.

In the picture below its clear this was the cry of my heart, to be in a place where the only security was Jesus and my faith would be tested and refined so that it would be made stronger.

This morning I was reading in Matthew chapter 8 about the Roman Officer and the great faith He had in Jesus. Jesus was amazed read for yourself: Matthew 8:10 NLT

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!

Whoa!!! Jesus was amazed, I want faith like that! We get to experience this kind of faith when we are brought to a place where all we can trust in is our perfect Savior. I'm totally okay with that!

Sweet friends maybe you need faith today like the Roman Officer because you know that only He can fix or do whatever it is you are asking of Him. During this song, she sings:

 "You've never failed and you won't start now, so I will call upon your name and keep my eyes above the waves, when oceans rise my soul will rest in your embrace, for I am yours and you are mine.'

So meditate on those words of truth. There you will find strength in who He is and your faith will not be shaken. Tell that silly ol' devil that not today nor ever will you stop trusting your God!!!

He Knows My Name

Okay so, if you don't have a common name like Ashley, Jennifer, Madison, Aiden, Luke, David, Michael or Jeremy then you probably didn't find your name on any Coke bottle last year.

I'd be excited to pick out a new Diet coke bottle hoping my kids and I would find our names on the bottles.... Nope, never, not once. We always left bummed but with anticipation and hope that the next Diet coke trip we'd find one. Its not just with the Coke bottles, its with all of the pre-personalized items.

We can Always count on God though! Just because the world doesn't know our name or just because our name is not on anything the God of this universe knows our names.

Isaiah 45:3 NLT

And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness— secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the lord , the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name.

I love Him!! And you know what!? Each of our names mean something. At devo time the other night the kiddos and I looked up the meaning of each of our names.

Mine was: Desired, boy do I need to be reminded that I  am desired by God.

Amaya's means: Close to God, what a sweet reminder that she is to stay close to the Lord always.

Athena's means: Wisdom, its not always easy choosing the right paths but we can be reminded that God will always give us the wisdom we need to choose correctly.

Isaiah's means: God is salvation! Who doesn't want to be reminded daily that Jesus saves!

It was a fun thing to do with them. Then we decided as a family that this would be the prayer for our family from here on out. That we would do our best to walk closely and with wisdom in the Lord and whatever we lacked we would ask for. Also that we would remember that we are desired by Him who is our beloved. Lastly, that we would remember that HE is our salvation and has saved us. Oh friends may we always share with others the good things the Lord has done.

So my challenge is for you to find the meaning of your name... How can you ask the Lord to use that in your walk with him. May it be the prayer for you today and always. 

He knows your name, you are special to Him and He loves you with an everlasting love. ☺

Sow the Seed That You Want To Reap

One of the greatest gifts about being a mother is being able to pour out Jesus into the lives of our children. We get to reflect God into their lives.

For most things that is fantastic, they get to watch us as we serve one another, pray for people as well as love them through their ups and downs as they learn and grow. Those are the good things!

I know for every parent reading this, that you have had a moment or moments when your child reflects the flesh in you as well.... Those are the moments we get to grow as parents. We realize that our precious children are watching our every move. Just as we spend time with our perfect Heavenly Father we will reflect Him and that's the same for our children. The challenge for us is that we're so far from perfect.

God knew we wouldn't be perfect parents and yet He still chose each of us for our children. Just as our kids are growing and learning, so are we.  Man, I am thankful for Gods grace, aren't you!? I've learned that as my Heavenly Father shows me grace I too should show my children grace.

Okay, back to where I was going with this... A few weeks back a friend said "Amaya spends most of her time with you, she reflects who you are". I was happy about that, I was glad my daughter being almost 12 didn't and doesn't reflect her peers or celebrities. But wait a minute, she reflects me. This means I hold such a huge responsibility to carry out my christian walk in more then just words. We all do if you ask me whether we have kids or not. The fact though, that 24-7 I am a living example of Christ and I need to be who I want my children to be.

If I myself spend time with Jesus then they eventually will too, if I love others then they eventually will too. If I cuss then they eventually will too, if I speak words of hate and gossip then they eventually will too. Does this make sense!?

Our kids are a reflection of who we are whether we want to agree with that or not. This is part of the reason I love to home school/disciple my children. Yes, they drive me nuts sometimes and I'd like to just hide some moments and yes financially we could appreciate more money but I know that these years go by way too fast. So quickly that I don't want to sacrifice their years where they are sponges and gleaning and learning from me and others.

Sweet friends kids are work! You won't reap a healthy harvest from your work if you never plow at the soil or plant the right seeds. Don't give up though and don't grow weary because you don't labor in vain for what a man sows he will surely reap.

Guess what... We get to decide what we sow! So plow away and plant in your own christian walk as well as into the little ones who are gleaning behind you ☺

Which Way To Walk

I was so blessed to have been alongside my cousin and her husband as she gave birth the to their 7th child.... yes, that's right you heard clearly 7th child :-)

One might ask how could anyone have 7 children in the year 2015? Things are so expensive and times aren't what they used to be. That's what I hear from others anyway as they describe why they don't want more then 2, 3 or 4 children. :-)

As I think about how different my cousins family is compared to alot of the world's "modern" family, I am blessed.  I'm blessed because they're not worried about being conformed to this world but rather being transformed by God and His word.

We do things so often to please others, even if it means being disobedient to the Father, that my friends is so sad. We care more about being politically correct or not ruffling any feathers rather then standing up for truth.

As I seen that sweet baby brought into this world I was reminded that God has created us all different. From our noses to the distinct personality traits He has given each of us. God's molding and shaping on the outside is the same as the inside. God has a plan for each of our lives and one is not the same as the next.

While God may not be calling you to have 7 children and he may not be calling you to homeschool your kids He is calling you to NOT be conformed by this world. You are to be transformed by God.

So who are you hanging out with?

This world? If so, you better believe your life will reflect this world. Or are you hanging out with God and His word? Then my sweet friends, your life will be transformed just as God is calling you to be.

When we spend time in Gods word a few things happen. 1. We hear Him speak because God's word is living and alive and sharper then a double edged sword. 2. Our minds become renewed in our way of thinking. And 3. We begin to live our lives according to God and not our own feelings and thoughts. The enemy loves to confuse us and twist God's word. When we take time to read it ourselves everything becomes much more clear and confusion for which path to take goes away.

So whether God's calling you to have 7 kids or adopt thats not the question. The question is will you do so in obedience and faith no matter what that looks like?

Sometimes we can look at other believers lives and think "wish I could have that, or I wish I could do that work or ministry".... or maybe even covet their lives. God has set each of us apart for a purpose and a plan far greater then we see. He hand picked us to fulfill that plan while here passing through earth.

I am certain the Lord is not calling me to raise 7 children right now and for that matter ever. But God is calling me to something different and I must walk through that path in confidence knowing it's good, pleasing and perfect to the Lord.