Happy Mother's Day...

A lot has happened this week but I want to talk about Mother's Day! I struggled with this week's email b/c I know it may be a tough time for some of you and I want this to be a day that we celebrate our mothers. Some of you may have mothers that have been a positive influence in your life & have a great relationship w/ her. Some of you may have mothers that have caused you pain & hardship or you may not even know your birth mother. There are many different types of mothers or mother-figures. She may be your real mom, your aunt, your mother-in-law, grandmother, or just someone you look to as a mother. Proverbs 31 describes a mother and wife as a very nobel character.
Let's look at verses 25-31 ²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. ²⁶ She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. ²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. ²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ²⁹ “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” ³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. ³¹ Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. 
 "Her children arise and call her blessed", I pray that I my mom knows how much I appreciate all her hard work and love she gives me. So this Sunday I ask you to honor your Mom's memories or give her a call or hug to let her know you appreciate and love her. I hope you have a great weekend and a Happy Mother's Day! I love you....

Seasonal Verse...

I hope you've all had a wonderful week. It's Friday...WooHoo! I have been sending out these Happy  Fridays for about a year now & want to thank you for allowing me to share some encouragement with you. I often talk about the seasons we go through in life & although they can quickly change our Father is who we need Him to be at that particular time. I want to do something a little different this morning by asking you to share your "seasonal verse". Let me explain...When I'm facing trials in my life I cling to certain scriptures more than others & will often repeat them when I am challenged. The scriptures change with the seasons of my life. You probably have favorite life scriptures but I want you to dig deeper and share the verse that gives you hope in whatever you're currently facing. I've attached my "seasonal verse" below as I'm faithfully waiting for a new job closer to home.  I love you & hope you all have a wonderful weekend! 

Hebrews 11:1 (NLT)  1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. 

Gotta Have Faith...

I hope you've had a great week...It's Friday! WooHoo!! Have you ever heard the expression “You can take that to the bank”? It normally means that you can trust what someone has told you. What would you do if I handed you a check for one million dollars? Laugh, throw it away, tear it up, whatever you're reaction may be I'd hope you wouldn't actually try to cash it...because  my checking account WOULD let you down. Now what if I gave you one million dollars in cash? I'd definitely get your attention then huh? It would be something that you could physically touch, see, and literally take to the bank. Although I've never actually seen one million dollars I know that it exists. What  about the wind...have you ever seen the wind? No but you've seen the effects of it, you've felt it blow across your face and hair, & you've seen it's destruction.  The following verse gives us insight about faith. Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

When Peter got out of the boat and started walking to Jesus on the lake, he got scared because the wind was blowing all around him and he started to sink. Peter was in the presence of Jesus! He saw Him face to face and still his faith dwindled. Jesus told Peter he had little faith and then asked him why he doubted. I'd like to think that if I were to see Jesus with my OWN eyes, my faith would never dwindle. 2 Corinthians 5:7 For we live by faith, not by sight.However when the winds start to blow and the water gets rough I get distracted, scared, and stumble in my faith. In those times of little faith we should cling to the truthful words in the bible & seek Christ with every that is in us.

1 Corinthians 1:9 (NIV) God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.The above verse says the GOD IS FAITHFUL...and you can “take that to the bank!!!” I pray this brings you some encourangement as it has me. I love you & hope you have a great weekend!

Matthew 14:25-41 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

All of Creation Sing Praises...

I hope you've have a wonderful week! It's Friday, WooHOO!!! Well its that time of year again when flowers are blooming, trees and grass are greener & everything that was dormant for winter is now flourishing. The birds are chirping away & it seems like even the sunrises & sunsets are more breathtaking than ever. Everything seems to be coming to life & lifting up sweet songs of praise. I love this time of year, it reminds me to thankfully praise God for all His beautiful creations.

Psalm65:8 (NIV) The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.

Isn't that awesome to know that “the whole earth”, birds, flowers, mountains, trees, etc, sing their own
song of praise to our Maker? I pray you join in with all of God's creation and lift joyful praises for His glory and honor. I love you and hope you have a wonderful weekend. 

Psalm 66:4 (MSG) All together now—applause for God! Sing songs to the tune of his glory, set glory to the rhythms of his praise. Say of God, "We've never seen anything like him!" When your
enemies see you in action, they slink off like scolded dogs. The whole earth falls to its knees— it worships you, sings to you, can't stop enjoying your name and fame.

Keeping it between the lines...

Good Morning....I hope you've had a wonderful week! It's Friday...WooHoo! This morning it was extremely foggy making it difficult to see & drive. There were a few spots where the fog was so thick I had to slow way down & I just kept telling myself “Just keep it between the lines”. But as the sun came up it was easier to see & the fog started to lift. Have you ever felt like you were driving aimlessly through the fog of life praying to “just keep it between the lines”? Health issues, finances, employment, relationships, etc.... Sometimes we go through seasons in our lives that can cloud our vision of Christ's great plan. God isn't affected by the economy, health issues, finances, or any other sufferings we face. He defeated death & now lives at the right hand of Our Father

 

 Hebrews 1:11-12 (NIV) 11 They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment.

12 You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end."

Read what Jesus tells Martha when she's upset with Him about Lazarus's death. John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”Do YOU believe? Next time your sight is clouded by life's struggles remember to trust that the Son is always there, will rise, and and reveal His marvelous plan for you. I pray this encouraged you with whatever trials you're facing and it has me. I love you & hope you have have a wonderful weekend!

Sacrifice...

I hope you've have a wonderful week! It's Friday, WooHOO!! I want to talk to you about something that I've never really paid much attention to...Sacrifice. It's Lenten season now & although I'm not Catholic, I like the principle of self-examination to better ones relationship with Christ. I have asked myself what have I sacrificed lately. Better yet what have I ever sacrificed? As you would imagine, the Bible is full from cover to cover with people who sacrificed. In Genesis 22, God tells Abraham to take his son Isaac to one of the mountains and offer him as a burnt offering. HIS OWN SON! As you continue to read Abraham obeys God, takes Isaac to the mountain God showed him, & is about to sacrifice his own son when an angel of God stops him.Verse 12 says "Don't lay a hand on that boy! Don't touch him! Now I know how fearlessly you fear God; you didn't hesitate to place your son, your dear son, on the altar for me." Abraham exemplified his faith and trust that God was in total control.

15-18The angel of God spoke from Heaven a second time to Abraham: "I swear—God's sure word!—because you have gone through with this, and have not refused to give me your son, your dear, dear son, I'll bless you—oh, how I'll bless you! And I'll make sure that your children flourish—like stars in the sky! like sand on the beaches! And your descendants will defeat their enemies. All nations on Earth will find themselves blessed through your descendants because you obeyed me."

I can't help but to think of Romans 8:28 (NKJV) 28 And we know that all things work together for
good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

God was testing Abraham & he passed to say the least! God blessed him & his children that they would “flourish-like stars in the sky!” I strive for faith like Abraham at that time.

I pray this opens your hearts so that you can hear what God is asking you to sacrifice for His purpose. I love you and hope you have a great weekend!

I'll Huff & I'll Puff....

I hope you've all had a wonderful week! I can tell you I'm relieved it's Friday! It's just been one of those weeks & I'm welcoming the weekend with open arms. :0) To best describe lastnight let me set the scene for you. It's about 7:30 & we just got home from having dinner @ Jeremy's parents house. I still have to bathe 2 babies, do laundry, dishes, and pick up the house because the young cleaning lady will be here tomorrow. Thankfully Jeremy bathed the kids so that was one check off my growing list. Everytime I started a chore, either my children or my husband would pull me away with their many (what I thought) "less important" needs. Well this started a chain reaction of the old familiar huffs & puffs, eye rolling, and stomping. I was downright upset that they couldn't see I was obviously way too busy to tend to them & that they were interrupting my agenda! Thankfully no feelings were hurt. However as a result, I am extremely ashamed by my selfish actions lastnight. Have you ever noticed that more often than not we're much nicer to strangers than our own family? I have many "middle names" and complaining is one that I'm not proud of. Phillippians 2:14-16, tells us we shouldn't compain & so that we can "shine...like stars in the sky". It also reminds us to hold tight to God's truths so that when He returns He'll have a reason to be proud of us. We can be living proof that all of His work was worth it. I pray this has opened your eyes & hearts so we can continue to show God's love to others. I love you & hope you have a safe weekend.

Phillippians 2:14-16  Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[c] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.

Diagnosing & Witnessing

I was listening to a Christian Radio station, KLOVE, this past week & they were talking about witnessing to others. They were saying to put it into perspective…when a friend, relative, or whoever is sick or in pain we often suggest medicines or which doctor to use. Most of us use our symptoms to “self-diagnose” them & recommend “treatment” based on our sicknesses we’ve had in the past. Why is this different from witnessing or sharing our testimony with others? It’s not!! I agree that it’s more of a sensitive subject & we can be rejected at times but isn’t telling someone about our gracious Father much more important? You say, yes, of course it is! Especially when telling people about Christ can ultimately lead them to a place where there will be no more sickness or heartache, Heaven. I know that just telling people about Christ doesn’t always BRING them to Him but it does however “plant a seed”& we can continue to fervently pray for their salvation.

Matthew 5:14-16 is described in the children’s song “This little light of mine”. It tells us that we are the light of the world when we know Jesus as our Saviour & for us to let our light be seen by men so they can see Jesus in us. I love this verse as well as the children’s song. hope that this brings you some encouragement & strength to let your lights shine for the Ultimate Healer, Father, & Redeemer!

 

Matthew 5:14-16"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

 

 

 

Like a Bird...

I hope you've all had a wonderful week. Today I'm going to do something a little different with the Happy Friday e-mail. I'm going to tell you about a very special person that has always been and still is a strong Christian influence in my life. My Nana drug us grand kids to church EVERY Sunday morning & night in hopes we would develop a relationship with Christ. To say that she loves the Lord is an understatement; She taught bible study & led song service as long as I can remember. She always thought of others & in my eyes was truly the hands & feet of Christ. She has slowed down physically the past couple years but can still sing any old hymn by memory. Last week she went to the doctor for severe back pain. Long story short, her 4^th vertebrae from the bottom has shifted forward, thus  pinching her spinal cord. She went from getting around pretty good to not being able to walk & ultimately bedridden. My Mom sits with her everyday to take care of her now. While Nana was napping yesterday, Mom walked outside & thought she heard Nana crying. She hurried back inside & realized she wasn't crying at all. Mom said she was, “singing like a little bird”. Here is my little old Nana physically frail & broken, singing praises to her Savior! I hope I'm half the woman in Christ she is one day!

She reminded me of the poor widow who gave 2 coins to Jesus as a offering in Mark 12:41-44. Jesus saw how she gave & said she put in all she had, her whole livelihood. Nana has given God glory & praise all her life in the way she lived for Him. Her life is a testament of God's love & faithfulness when we totally rely on Him. I pray this has brought you some encouragement today & humbles you as it has me. I hope you have a wonderful weekend & remember to praise God always!

Four letter word...

I hope you've all had a wonderful week! With Valentine's day coming up, I wanted to
study how the bible explains love. Well did you know that in the NKJV Bible the word “LOVE” occurs 362 times in 323 different verses? Yeah me neither...thanks to the internet. So as I'm reading all of these verses it became very apparent what Jesus wants us to know about this mysterious word. I'm not very good at math but I'm gonna guess that 25-30% of the verses about love say the same thing over and OVER! In short, “Love the LORD your God with ALL your heart...”and “Love one another as I have loved you...”. These are commandments that Christ was fervently trying to show & teach His
children.  Not only did God send Jesus to teach us about love, He gave His only Son as the ULTIMATE sacrifice to show His love for us. As a parent & even as a wife I can say that when I have something EXTREMELY important to get across, it seems like I have to repeat
myself 100 times before they even acknowledge that I'm talking. :0) We are called to 1^st love God will all of our being,

 Mark 12:29 Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is:
‘Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one.
30 And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength, This is the first commandment.

Then Jesus says to love each other, Mark 12:31 And the second, like it, is this: ‘You
shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Jesus said there are NO other commandments greater than these! Plain & simple...to the point...no ifs, ands, or buts! If you continue to read in verse 33 He states that to do these things “is worth more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
I pray that you remember God's everlasting love for us & what He has called us to do! I love you & hope you have a LOVEly weekend!
Happy Valentine's Day!

Barricades...

I have been reading a bit in Matthew lately & came across the story when the wealthy man asks Jesus how to enter into His kingdom. I've read it before but this time it struck a cord with me... 

Matthew 19:16-22 (The Message) 16Another day, a man stopped Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" 17Jesus said, "Why do you question me about what's good? God is the One who is good. If you want to enter the life of God, just do what he tells you." 18-19The man asked, "What in particular?" Jesus said, "Don't murder, don't commit adultery, don't steal, don't lie, honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as you do yourself." 20The young man said, "I've done all that. What's left?" 21"If you want to give it all you've got," Jesus replied, "go sell your possessions; give everything to the poor. All your wealth will then be in heaven. Then come follow me." 22That was the last thing the young man expected to hear. And so, crest-fallen, he walked away. He was holding on tight to a lot of things, and he couldn't bear to let go.

You could learn a number of lessons from these few verses but I'm gonna share how Christ convicted my heart. As Christians we are called to put God first & foremost in our lives. However, I can only speak for myself, but I've held onto bad habits & worldly things that have hindered my relationship with Christ. I've ok'd these things in my head but I know in my heart that God's been convicting of these barricades I've held onto. Jesus told the wealthy man what he already knew in his heart & still the man walked away from Jesus' offer, as stated in the last verse. I refuse to go out like he did! I know I have to make some changes in my life and while I'm apprehensive I know, that I know, that I know that I am NOT alone!

Joshua 1:9 (NLT) 9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

I pray this has encouraged you to work towards tearing down any barriers that's been hindering your relationship with Christ. We can overcome these if we truly live out this final verse.

Philippians4:13 (NLT) For I can do everything through Christ,who
gives me strength.

Life's Road Map...

This morning I was praying on my way to work & was just contemplating some things. Have you ever been driving & look up and asked yourself...Where am I? OK well I had one of those moments. I knew I was coming into Baton Rouge but I wasn't sure if I'd already been over the bridge or through the construction...Well then up ahead I see a sign that let me know that the lanes were shifting & that I'm coming into the road construction. (Relief) So I asked myself , Wouldn't it be great if Jesus just handed out personalized road maps to our own lives? We could be more prepared in whatever twists & turns life throws our way. That thought was short lived b/c as soon as I thought it I immediately reprimanded myself. I mean Jesus died a horrible death for us & all we have to do is accept Him as our Saviour & live our lives for Him. Plus He did give us a road map for our lives. Psalm 19:7 The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together. The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road. The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy. The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes. God's reputation is twenty-four-carat gold, with a lifetime guarantee. The decisions of God are accurate down to the nth degree.
I'm not saying that His word says exactly what you should do in every situation but that we should cling to Him in everything we do & He will faithfully answer in His time. He also says that our road with Him will not be easy and requires hard work.
Matthew 7:13 "Don't look for shortcuts to God. The market is
flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don't fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.
I pray this was humbling for you as it was for me. I also encourage you to open your hearts & eyes for the God-signs He lays before you. I love you & hope you have a wonderful weekend! Remember to praise Him Always!

Consistent in my Inconsistencies...

I want to talk to you a little about inconsistencies. Well maybe a lot...This morning on my drive to work I was having my very own personal pity party. It involved me beating myself up over my inconsistencies in everything I do or try to do. In fact, the only thing I
feel I AM consistent in is my inconsistency. Prayer, cooking, cleaning, reading my bible, reading to my kids, healthy eating, exercising, & many more I have chosen not to share for your own sanity. Why can't I just get it together, kept playing over & over in my head! My life feels instable b/c of my incapabilites to get things done. I was letting myself have it, when I heard the radio in the background, reporting about the earthquake in the midwest this morning. One of the reporters asked what we think is most stable on this earth? The earth or ground! She said that even the most stable “thing” shakes & moves. Thus leaving God's word the only thing unshakable. Boy did I needed that! I've often heard that we can't truly love or feel love until we seek & experience God's unconditional love. Then we can truly learn to love others like He does. Well doesn't my inconsistencies apply also? I can't be 100% consistent with anything, until I lay everything aside & seek God's unshakable word! The verse below is just what I needed, as it is very straight to the point! I hope this brings you some encourangement today! I love you & pray you have a safe & wonderful New Years!

Psalms 16:7-9 (NIV) 7 I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. 8 I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will
rest secure,

Tumbleweeds...

It's Friday & the Happy Fridays are back up & running. If you don't already know we've been adding on our house & moved in 2 weeks ago. I'm sorry I couldn't keep up with the e-mails during this time. I
hope you've had a wonderful week & are already getting into the Christmas spirit. How many times have you said or heard it said, " I don't know how people can live without Christ in their lives."? I know I say it or at least think it often. I know we've all been there when we think we can handle things
on our own. We pray for what WE want instead of what God wants for us. I'm stepping on my own toes this morning! :0) In verses 5-6 God describes us as tumbleweeds not only aimlessly scurrying around but not being able to get nourishment & grow. Grow closer with Christ. I struggle daily with having God as the center of everything I do. Instead I find myself putting Him on a shelf, theoretically speaking, & pulling Him down only when I need Him. This is wrong & goes against everything God has taught us. Verses 7-8 are so beautiful to me. Blessed is the WOMAN who sticks with God. They are rooted, nourished, & people can witness the fruits of their spirit in Christ. AMAZING! I love how in verses 9-10 it says that God doesn't just know us, he has searched & examined your heart in great depth. He knows our true being, while we think we have everyone fooled! These verses really opened my eyes to my own hap-hazard life & the way I live it.  I hope this has brought some encouragement to you today. I hope you have a great weekend & a wonderful Merry Christmas! I love you & pray your day is amazing!

^{Jeremiah 17:5-10 (The Message)5-6} God's Message: "Cursed is the strong one who depends on mere humans,Who thinks he can make it on muscle alone and sets God aside as dead weight. He's like a tumbleweed on the prairie, out of touch with the good earth. He lives rootless and aimless in a land where nothing grows. 7-8"But blessed is the man who trusts me, God, the woman who sticks with God. They're like trees replanted in Eden, putting down roots near the rivers—Never a worry through the hottest of summers, never dropping a leaf,Serene and calm through droughts, bearing fresh fruit every season. 9-10"The heart is hopelessly dark and deceitful, a puzzle that no one can figure out. But I, God, search the heart and examine the mind.I get to the heart of the human. I get to the root of things. I treat them as they really are, not as they pretend to be."

Neighborly Love

 I want to tell you about something that I saw yesterday in front of my office. Some of you may have already heard but it's such a inspirational story to not be told again. :0) So here goes....A man was riding his bike on the sidewalk in front of my office & failed to stop before crossing a intersecting road. Well at that same time a SUV pulled out of the intersecting road hitting the man on his bike. The man was fine but his  bike didn't make it. Praise God he walked away with only some scrapes. A couple people ran to help him up & check on him while the ambulance & police made it there. One lady that was talking to him, left & started walking up the road. In the meantime, all of the emergency responders got there & were checking his injuries. After a few minutes passed, the same lady that had checked on him was walking back towards the scene rolling a new bike. :0) She gave the man one of
her bikes to replace his busted one. Can I just say I was amazed at her generosity & thoughtfulness! I hadn't even thought of the man losing his probably only transportation. What a wonderful way to care & show love to a stranger! Isn't that what God calls all of us to do? I pray that my eyes & ears are always open & I recognize the oppurtunity to share God's love. I've attached Mich 6:8 below as it tells us exactly what God wants from us. There isn't any small print under this verse or any word trickery; it's plain as day! I pray this brought you some encouragement today & hope you have a wonderful weekend! I love you & remember to praise God always!
 
Micah 6:8 But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don't take yourself too seriously— take God seriously.

Many Names

Anyhow I just feel like I should just stop & praise God. He's done so much in my life & has
brought me out of some deep valleys. He is almighty & His love is undeserving & infinite! He is my Father, Comforter, Healer, Protector, & leader just to name a few. I have attached Isaiah 42:10 as it describes everyone & everything praising Him. It gives us a peek into God's character & tolerance for His enemies. He puts His foot down & it's beautiful knowing He'll never leave those who are faithful to Him. I hope this has brought you some kind of encouragement today! I love you & hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Isaiah 42:10 Sing to God a brand-new song, sing his praises all over the world! Let the sea and its fish give a round of applause, with all the far-flung islands joining in. Let the desert and its camps raise a tune, calling the Kedar nomads to join in. Let the villagers in Sela round up a choir and perform from the tops of the mountains. Make God's glory resound; echo his praises from coast to coast. God steps out like he means business. You can see he's primed for action. He shouts, announcing his
arrival; he takes charge and his enemies fall into line: "I've been quiet long enough. I've held back, biting my tongue. But now I'm letting loose, letting go, like a woman who's having a baby— Stripping the hills bare, withering the wildflowers, Drying up the rivers, turning lakes into mudflats. But I'll take
the hand of those who don't know the way, who can't see where they're going. I'll be a personal guide to them, directing them through unknown country. I'll be right there to show them what roads to take, make sure they don't fall into the ditch. These are the things I'll be doing for them— sticking with them, not leaving them for a minute."

Looking through the chaos

It’s Friday!!! WooHoo! I hope you’ve all had a wonderful week! This week has brought much chaos in my life. My job is flaky, my house is a mess, my sweet 2 year old’s middle name is chaos, & my brain is just completely frazzled. It’s been one of those weeks where I wasn’t sure what was gonna happen next. I just felt like if I could just go to a quiet desolate place & get some peace. Have you ever felt like you were surrounded by chaos? With everything changing & throwing me for a loop I have been longing for a consistent refuge. I have to tell you that there were numerous times when I would just pray for Jesus to clear my head so I can see Him through all of the craziness & I clung to Him throughout my day. I’ve attached 2 Samuel 22:2 as it describes that God is our rescuing knight & deliverer of safety. I pray this has brought you some encouragement & hope you have a good weekend.


2 Samuel 22:2

God is bedrock under my feet, the castle in which I live, my rescuing knight. My God—the high crag where I run for dear life, hiding behind the boulders, safe in the granite hideout; My mountaintop refuge, he saves me from ruthless men.

Finding Purpose

It’s Friday!! WooHoo!!! I hope you’ve all had a wonderful week! Have you ever felt the spirit of God or felt His conviction? What an indescribable & overwhelming feeling, His presence leaves on our hearts!


This past week I was scrambling around trying to get my 2 year old ready for daycare & out the door on time. Let me just say her independence is driving me crazy! Here’s how our conversation went while we both were trying to put her socks & shoes on. Me “Hadley, why are you being so difficult?” She’s kicking & screaming because she put her socks on upside down & I’m desperately hanging on the patience I have left. Me “Just let me help you!” I’ve said these statements numerous times but never have they stopped me in my tracks like they did at that moment.

I’ve been praying for purpose & guidance a lot lately! I can feel His presence so close I know that He’s orchestrating something grand in my life. Way too many opportunities & doors have opened for it to be anything other than God’s work. As humans we try to run the show instead of letting God direct our lives. So in the moment of me fussing at my child I felt Him saying the same thing to me! Why are you being so difficult? Why won’t you just let me help you? Isn’t that what He wants from us? Below I’ve attached Ephesians 1:3-14 as it explains that God has a purpose for everyone one of us. We just have to let Him lead! If you have time I encourage you to read all of Ephesians 1 in The Message bible because it’s just too good not to! :0) I pray this has humbled you & brought you some encouragement! I love you & hope you have a great weekend! Remember to Praise God Always!

Ephesians 1:3-14 The God of Glory (The Message)

3-6 How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.

7-10 Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we're a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth.

11-12 It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.

13-14 It's in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This signet from God is the first installment on what's coming, a reminder that we'll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life.

Growing Numb

I have a couple questions for you this morning. Have you ever been talking with someone but you
weren’t really listening & after the conversation you were clueless as to what was said? What about when you hear the same thing over & over it becomes a routine or loses its value? How about when we sweep problems under the rug so we don’t have to face them? Out of sight; out of mind, right? I’d have to say these things happen more than I’d like to admit. When I see starving children on TV from 3^rd world countries, I change the channel because I don’t want to see their saddened faces.

Has God ever convicted you of something & you run the opposite direction instead of seeking Him for forgiveness & guidance? Matthew 13:14-16 explains that our hearts can become calloused, our eyes blinded, & our ears deaf to what God’s trying to reveal to us. Even then He reminds us of His grace & forgiveness. Thank you Jesus!!! What has God been dealing with you about; & better yet how long have you been running away? Below I’ve attached Matthew 13:1-17 (The Message) because it’s just so good, but I also want you to read your normal version as well. I pray you find some encouragement in this & want to thank the sweet lady that brought this to my attention. :0) I love you & hope you have a wonderful weekend! Remember to Praise God Always!!!

Matthew 13 At about that same time Jesus left the house and sat on the beach. In no time at
all a crowd gathered along the shoreline, forcing him to get into a boat. Using the boat as a pulpit, he addressed his congregation, telling stories. ^3-8"What do you make of this? A farmer planted seed. As he scattered the seed, some of it fell on the road, and birds ate it. Some fell in the gravel; it sprouted quickly but didn't put down roots, so when the sun came up it withered just as quickly. Some fell in the weeds; as it came up, it was strangled by the weeds. Some fell
on good earth, and produced a harvest beyond his wildest dreams. ⁹"Are
you listening to this? Really listening?" ¹⁰The disciples came up and asked, "Why do you tell stories?"  ^11-15 He replied, "You've been given insight into God's kingdom. You know how it works. Not everybody has this gift, this insight; it hasn't been given to them. Whenever someone has a ready heart for this, the insights and understandings flow freely. But if there is no readiness, any trace of receptivity soon disappears. That's why I tell stories: to create readiness, to nudge the people toward receptive insight. In their present state they can stare till doomsday
and not see it, listen till they're blue in the face and not get it. I don't want Isaiah's forecast repeated all over again: Your ears are open but you don't hear a thing. Your eyes are awake but you don't see a thing. The people are blockheads! They stick their fingers in their ears so they won't have to listen; They screw their eyes shut so they won't have to look, so they won't have to deal with me face-to-face, and let me heal them. ^16-17"But you have God-blessed eyes—eyes that see! And God-blessed ears—ears that hear! A lot of people, prophets and humble believers among them, would have given anything to see what you are seeing, to hear what you are hearing, but never had the chance.

I am NOT Ashamed!

 I want to tell you what I saw on my way to work yesterday. I work in Baton Rouge
& sometimes people there aren’t the nicest; especially in traffic. So in the slow lane ahead of me I see a white corvette, top down with a man driving. What caught my eyes was that he was holding one hand up. My first thought is “What in the world is he doing?” As I got closer I realized he was singing & praising God! He had to have been! He was singing to the top of his lungs & his arm seemed to have been extended all the way to the clouds. It was a beautiful sight! What a testimony!!! It made me think “would you do the same?” There have been times when I’m  loving God w/ song & praise & I
hesitate lifting my arms for fear of what people will think. I’m very ashamed that I let the world come between me & my Father. I’ve attached the verse below as an example that I want to start with everyday! I pray this brings some encouragement to you today! I love you & hope you have a wonderful weekend! Remember to praise God Always!

Psalm 71:17(The Message)You got me when I was an unformed youth, God, and taught me everything I know. Now I'm telling the world your wonders; I'll keep at it until I'm old and gray. God, don't walk off and leave me until I get out the news Of your strong right arm to this world, news of your power to the world yet to come, Your famous and righteous ways, O God. God, you've done it all! Who is quite like you? You, who made me stare trouble in the face, Turn me
around; Now let me look life in the face. I've been to the bottom; Bring me up, streaming with honors; turn to me, be tender to me, And I'll take up the lute and thank you to the tune of your faithfulness, God. I'll make music for you on a harp, Holy One of Israel. When I open up in song to you, I let out lungsful of praise, my rescued life a song. All day long I'm chanting about you and your righteous ways, While those who tried to do me in slink off looking ashamed.