Do not forget who truly is in charge!

Jeremiah 29:13New Life Version (NLV)

13 You will look for Me and find Me, when you look for Me with all your heart.

Genesis 28:15New Life Version (NLV)

15 See, I am with you. I will care for you everywhere you go. And I will bring you again to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done all the things I promised you.”

Philippians 4:8New Life Version (NLV)

8 Christian brothers, keep your minds thinking about whatever is true, whatever is respected, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever can be loved, and whatever is well thought of. If there is anything good and worth giving thanks for, think about these things.

2 Corinthians 4:18New Life Version (NLV)

18 We do not look at the things that can be seen. We look at the things that cannot be seen. The things that can be seen will come to an end. But the things that cannot be seen will last forever.

My heart has been saddened over the last 24 hours.  Saddened in the disheartening things that have been on my Facebook feed.  As I said last week…I’m not going political, I PROMISE.  What saddens me is not the outcome of the election, but the way that so many have reacted to the outcome of the election.  “Our true priority should be seeking Christ and His kingdom above all else because if we do, we will have all that we need (Matt 6:33).” (How To Know You Are A Christian: 10 Traits Of A True Christian, Jack Wellman)

Do you remember the old statement “What would Jesus do”  (WWDJ bracelets were owned by many of us)?  Well, here is what Jesus would do…LOVE.  

Matthew 5:43-48New Life Version (NLV)

Jesus Teaches about Loving Those Who Hate You

43 “You have heard that it has been said, ‘You must love your neighbor and hate those who hate you.’ 44 But I tell you, love those who hate you. (*Respect and give thanks for those who say bad things to you. Do good to those who hate you.) Pray for those who do bad things to you and who make it hard for you. 45 Then you may be the sons of your Father Who is in heaven. His sun shines on bad people and on good people. He sends rain on those who are right with God and on those who are not right with God. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward can you expect from that? Do not even the tax-gatherers do that? 47 If you say hello only to the people you like, are you doing any more than others? The people who do not know God do that much. 48 You must be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect.

NOTHING on this Earth will ever be perfect.  In fact, eventually the world will be in turmoil, beyond what we can imagine. 

Do I fully believe that the leaders of this country will lead the way I want them too?  NO!  However, I know for sure, without a doubt, that God will lead us the way we need to be lead.   NO HUMAN CAN DO THAT.  As you listen to Natalie Grant’s “King of the World” replace “I” with “WE”.  

Natalie Grant, King of this World

I have put more verses in this week’s Thoughtful Thursday because we need more of HIM in this World.  

My prayer:  God please forgive us.  Forgive us for putting so much faith in the “person” who is leading this country.  Forgive us for not fully trusting YOU.  Help us to see YOU in our everyday life and give you the glory YOU deserve.  Amen.

Be Blessed!

DO NOT FORGET WHO IS IN CHARGE!!!

Jeremiah 29:13New Life Version (NLV)

13 You will look for Me and find Me, when you look for Me with all your heart.

Genesis 28:15New Life Version (NLV)

15 See, I am with you. I will care for you everywhere you go. And I will bring you again to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done all the things I promised you.”

Philippians 4:8New Life Version (NLV)

8 Christian brothers, keep your minds thinking about whatever is true, whatever is respected, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever can be loved, and whatever is well thought of. If there is anything good and worth giving thanks for, think about these things.

2 Corinthians 4:18New Life Version (NLV)

18 We do not look at the things that can be seen. We look at the things that cannot be seen. The things that can be seen will come to an end. But the things that cannot be seen will last forever.

My heart has been saddened over the last 24 hours.  Saddened in the disheartening things that have been on my Facebook feed.  As I said last week…I’m not going political, I PROMISE.  What saddens me is not the outcome of the election, but the way that so many have reacted to the outcome of the election.  “Our true priority should be seeking Christ and His kingdom above all else because if we do, we will have all that we need (Matt 6:33).” (How To Know You Are A Christian: 10 Traits Of A True Christian, Jack Wellman)

Do you remember the old statement “What would Jesus do”  (WWDJ bracelets were owned by many of us)?  Well, here is what Jesus would do…LOVE.  

Matthew 5:43-48New Life Version (NLV)

Jesus Teaches about Loving Those Who Hate You

43 “You have heard that it has been said, ‘You must love your neighbor and hate those who hate you.’ 44 But I tell you, love those who hate you. (*Respect and give thanks for those who say bad things to you. Do good to those who hate you.) Pray for those who do bad things to you and who make it hard for you. 45 Then you may be the sons of your Father Who is in heaven. His sun shines on bad people and on good people. He sends rain on those who are right with God and on those who are not right with God. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward can you expect from that? Do not even the tax-gatherers do that? 47 If you say hello only to the people you like, are you doing any more than others? The people who do not know God do that much. 48 You must be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect.

NOTHING on this Earth will ever be perfect.  In fact, eventually the world will be in turmoil, beyond what we can imagine. 

Do I fully believe that the leaders of this country will lead the way I want them too?  NO!  However, I know for sure, without a doubt, that God will lead us the way we need to be lead.   NO HUMAN CAN DO THAT.  As you listen to Natalie Grant’s “King of the World” replace “I” with “WE”.  

Natalie Grant, King of this World

I have put more verses in this week’s Thoughtful Thursday because we need more of HIM in this World.  

My prayer:  God please forgive us.  Forgive us for putting so much faith in the “person” who is leading this country.  Forgive us for not fully trusting YOU.  Help us to see YOU in our everyday life and give you the glory YOU deserve.  Amen.

Be Blessed!

Not Going Political...Promise

Genesis 15:6Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

6 And he [Abram] believed in (trusted in, relied on, remained steadfast to) the Lord, and He counted it to him as righteousness (right standing with God).

Psalm 33:4-6Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

4 For the word of the Lord is right; and all His work is done in faithfulness.

5 He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the loving-kindness of the Lord.

6 By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, and all their host by the breath of His mouth.

Jeremiah 17:5New Life Version (NLV)

5 The Lord says, “Cursed is the man who trusts in man, who trusts in the flesh for his strength, and whose heart turns away from the Lord.

It is something we have a hard time avoiding right now…political bantering and bashing.  No, I’m not going political.  I promise.  I’m always the first one out of the conversation when it comes to those discussions.  However, I know the stress of everyone and this election.  I see it on social media and all around me.  I hear it daily on the radio, TV, and through whispers.  However, in the midst of those discussions and whispers we are forgetting that God has got a plan.  

God brought his people out of Egypt and let them wander in the wilderness for 40 years.  Why did they wander in the wilderness that long?  Because of their lack of obedience and faith.  Abraham was asked to take his son Isaac up to the mountain to sacrifice him.  He didn’t hesitate, he was obedient.  

God sees the bigger picture and we don’t.  We may never understand, He is the King of this world.  We need to stay strong in our faith and be obedient.  Share the word to a torn world.  Yes, our future president does make a difference in today’s time, but does he/she make a difference in eternity?  I think not.  He is with us ALWAYS.

Enjoy!

He is With Us - Love & The Outcome

Be blessed!

Tune In

2 Timothy 3:16-17New Life Version (NLV)

16 All the Holy Writings are God-given and are made alive by Him. Man is helped when he is taught God’s Word. It shows what is wrong. It changes the way of a man’s life. It shows him how to be right with God. 17 It gives the man who belongs to God everything he needs to work well for Him.

Luke 8:8The Message (MSG)

…“Are you listening to this? Really listening?”

There is one thing that I dislike about the radio when traveling.  When you are in between cities, you have to search to find stations that have clear reception.  (I am putting XM radio on my wish list when we shop for a new car in the very FAR future.)  My husband sometimes will continue to listen to the static and unrecognizable tunes.  I immediately change the channels so that I can find a clearer station.  

God’s frequency is sometimes really clear and sometimes full of white noise or static.  How do we find a clear frequency?  It takes more than just scanning the stations.  It takes being tuned into Him.  

“The longer you grow in your relationship with the Lord, the easier it is to know when he’s talking to you. The key is learning how to tune in to him.”  Rick Warren

Sometimes it is a whisper through his natural creation around us.  Sometimes it is something He is saying through situations or people around us.  Sometimes it is a bold, noticeable shout that you can’t ignore.  

How do we clear up God’s frequency?  Are you being intentional in noticing the signs He puts on the side of the road during your daily travels?  Do you take time to hear that voice that is pulling you in a different direction?  When you notice those signs or voices, do you change the station or tune into that frequency?  The times that I hear the Lord shouting to me, I know, without a doubt, that it is coming from Him because it aligns with what He has been telling me through His word.  However, those times are few and far between for me.  Not because He wants to make life hard, but because He wants to make my heart desire to tune in and listen HARD.  

So, let his Love flood your heart radio.  Let Him overtake your speakers and enjoy His presence in your life.  

Enjoy

Holy Spirit by Francesca Battistelli

Be Blessed!

Planting Seeds

Galatians 6:10New Life Version (NLV)

10 Because of this, we should do good to everyone. For sure, we should do good to those who belong to Christ.

Acts 20:35New Life Version (NLV)

35 In every way I showed you that by working hard like this we can help those who are weak. We must remember what the Lord Jesus said, ‘We are more happy when we give than when we receive.’ 

Colossians 3:23-24New Life Version (NLV)

23 Whatever work you do, do it with all your heart. Do it for the Lord and not for men. 24 Remember that you will get your reward from the Lord. He will give you what you should receive. You are working for the Lord Christ.

Daily we see someone in need.  Yesterday, I was walking down the hallway after school, I ran into a custodian who had been crying.  She was walking out of an empty classroom and look very distraught.  My immediate reaction was to look the other way and keep walking.  God tugged on my heart to just go and give her a hug, but I kept walking.  The language barrier had laid fear on my heart.

God’s universal language is LOVE.  If we see a need or feel a tug to help out, seize that opportunity.  This is how others see God.  We are reflecting God’s LOVE.   God plants seeds through us as his followers and disciples.  These seeds may or may not grow in front of us.  However, if the person’s heart is ready to receive the seed it will grow.  If it is not, but over time, that person keeps seeing God’s love reflected in the world around him/her, HIS LOVE will grow.  If we stop spreading the seed, His love will die.  

Below you will find a clip on Bamboo.  So many times we don’t “reap what we sow”.  However, are we sewing seed for us or are we sewing seed for HIM?  His love will not grow if it is not continually watered on seeds that have hit the ground.  Watch this clip and think about how this applies to God’s love and the seeds that we plant and how, if over time we all keep watering, it will shoot up to the sky.  Patience and Perseverance is what HE gives us.  We may not see the growth immediately, but over time…we will make a difference.

Tomorrow my goal is to find that custodian and give her a hug.  I will try to explain myself, but will pray that God’s LOVE will break that language barrier just long enough for her to feel HIS LOVE.

Motivational Video - Bamboo Tree

Be Blessed!  

Do NOT Think Before You React

Matthew 6:25-26; 31-34New Life Version (NLV)

Jesus Teaches about Cares of Life

25 “I tell you this: Do not worry about your life. Do not worry about what you are going to eat and drink. Do not worry about what you are going to wear. Is not life more important than food? Is not the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds in the sky. They do not plant seeds. They do not gather grain. They do not put grain into a building to keep. Yet your Father in heaven feeds them! Are you not more important than the birds? 

31 Do not worry. Do not keep saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or, ‘What will we drink?’ or, ‘What will we wear?’ 32 The people who do not know God are looking for all these things. Your Father in heaven knows you need all these things. 33 First of all, look for the holy nation of God. Be right with Him. All these other things will be given to you also. 34 Do not worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will have its own worries. The troubles we have in a day are enough for one day.

Most kids have no fear.  So many times I have to remind them to think before they react.  It is our jobs, as parents and adults, to help keep them safe.  Going back to fear…why don’t they have this fear?  The older they get, the more they will become fearful because of their awareness of the world around them.    

Yesterday morning (Wednesday morning) @ 4:36am, I woke up with this startling thought.  It was more of Him speaking to me more than anything else.  I kept trying to roll back over and fall back asleep (due to be being excited about not having school and no alarm clock days make me so happy).  I kept tossing this idea around and then the fear sank in.  I felt that nudge.  The nudge to go and open the word.  So I grabbed my Bible and my favorite blanket to sit quietly on the couch.  I had no clue what He was going to point out, but it was clear that He had something to tell me.  My Bible fell open to Matthew 6.  I sat there in awe of what He was pointing out.  He takes care of the birds and they don’t fear.  So if He takes care of birds, I know he has got me.  

Later yesterday, I found a letter that my Dad had written me my first week of college.  l truly don’t remember getting this letter, but it is one that I will now cherish and read frequently.  In it he states, “Overcome fear, it is the sin that separates us from God.”  

So, that thought or idea that He had stirring in my heart and on my mind is something I will pray about daily.  I know that if that if He is wanting me to move in that direction, the doors will open and things will fall into place as they should.  It’s hard for me not to look at Him and say, “Really!  Right now you want me to tackle this.” “Seriously!”  The He just responds right back to me with I take care of the birds, don’t you have faith that I will take care of you?!?!  “Ok, God.  I get it.  Step forward and it will be shown to me.”  So in this case, I will not think before I react.  I will react as it is presented.  Reverting back to my childhood innocence and lack of fear.  What is He telling you?  Have faith and know that even though it might be scary, He will always be by your side.

Enjoy Casting Crowns "Voice of Truth"

Be Blessed!

Trust and Wait

Psalm 37:3New Life Version (NLV)

3 Trust in the Lord, and do good.

Psalm 37:4New Life Version (NLV)

4 Be happy in the Lord. And He will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:5New Life Version (NLV)

5 Give your way over to the Lord. Trust in Him also. And He will do it.

Psalm 37:9New Life Version (NLV)

9 For those who do wrong will be cut off. But those who wait for the Lord will be given the earth.

Trust and Wait

I love how HE puts puzzle pieces together right before your eyes.  We have had our house on the market for almost a year.  We were 4 weeks out of taking it off the market.  Last week we had someone come forth that had interest.  We had NO homes on our list to go and visit.  The very next morning we found out that a home we were VERY interested in had a pending contract fall through and was going to be going back on the market.  We, as we were driving up for a weekend getaway to the mountains, were on the phone most of the day on Thursday working out the financial details.  God’s timing was perfect.  We were blessed with time away from the kids to talk this out.  

Then the waiting began….Friday I couldn’t take my mind off of the situation and enjoy the weekend that was facing me.  I kept checking my phone and running different scenarios in my head.  Then Saturday morning, I spent my quiet time in the midst of his natural beauty in the mountains.  The cold crisp fall air was refreshing.  The sounds and feel of the nature around me was fulfilling.  It was at that moment, I prayed that HIS word would clear my mind and lay peace on my heart.  My Bible fell open to Psalm 37 and this is how He read it to me: 

Psalm 37:3

TRUST in HIM and do good…

  37:4

Be HAPPY in what He has given me and He will continue to provide…

  37:5

Give it over to HIM - TRUST in His way and it (only he knows what IT is) will happen

  37:9

WAIT for HIM because HE loves me whole heartedly and unconditionally and HE HAS MY BACK.  

GOD HAS GOT THIS!

I left that patio, after a peaceful cry, leaving it at HIS feet.  The rest of the weekend I was in the moment and enjoying all that He had given me to enjoy.  Monday, we received the call.  We had an offer and were putting in an offer on our dream home.  We are 45 days out of closing, but I know that God has got this under control.  Because HE IS THE KING OF THE WORLD.

Enjoy the following link:

Natalie Grant "King of the World"

Be Blessed!