Just One Of Those Days

I feel sort of sad today. I don't really know why. I just feel down. Specifically, I feel like I'm not good enough. Again, I don't know why. No one really put me down or insulted me. There was no epic failure or bad moment in the day. However, at the end of the day I still feel down.

Do you ever have days like that? I think everyone does, if they are honest. Days or moments when you just feel down or not good enough?

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I am generally a very happy and positive person. I generally write about uplifting things. Today, however, I feel led to share this feeling. I believe I'm not the only one who could benefit from a few minutes of reflection and (hopefully) inspiration.

Today was a normal day filled with normal things. I go up, but missed my quiet time. Honestly, that could have had a big impact on the day right there. I am not what you would call a morning person. Most mornings, I just want to hit the snooze button and keep on sleeping. I find though, that those quiet morning when I can wake up, enjoy my cup of coffee, and begin my day with my thoughts in order, the day runs much smoother. On days, like today, when I miss that, I feel unorganized and frankly in a state of chaos. So, point one for feeling sad...lack of quiet time.

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Moving right one along in my day. I stay at home with my daughter. I have for the last 5 years (ever since she was born). I have enjoyed it greatly. I like to believe she has too. However, she is beginning school in just a handful of days now and that changes things. I am now getting slowly more and more excited about the idea of getting a job. Of course, I've been completely dragging my feet on the whole preparation of it, but I am still excited about it. So I think I have some guilt over not moving forward more quickly or confidently about this.

Next comes dishes, laundry and general cleaning. As a mom and one who is responsible for the house, I have to admit, I hate doing most of these things. It's not even really the act itself, it is simply the never ending cycle of it all. I put the same dishes up every day. I wash the same laundry and put it up, just to do it all over again. This gets exasperating. I know I cannot be the only soul who dislikes chores. We just moved so all of my routines are still not set yet. I feel like I am always behind. I am always needing to sweep, even if I just did it earlier in the day. The dishes continue to pile up, even when I just washed some. The laundry is a never ending cycle that just becomes depressing. We are still working on where things go and how chores will be distributed among the family. So right now, I just feel like I'm am constantly picking up something, most of the time something I never got out.

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So it gets to the end of the day where I feel like we spent to much money on groceries, my daughter is non-stop needing something or the other, feeling guilty on not doing more to advance my career, involved in a never ending cycle of cleaning and a lack of quiet (mommy) time. It's the end of the day and I am drained, tired, and just a little sad.

The beauty of all of this is that we all have days like this. There are always moments that are a little depressing and lack of luster. However, this is not my life. My life is full of joy and peace. I am content. I love my family. I love this new city we are in. I love our little apartment. I am thankful for so many things. I realize, it is okay to be sad sometimes. I can allow myself to honestly feel it.

At the same time, I don't need to wallow in it. I don't need to wake up tomorrow feeling sad. I don't need to live my life depressed because in one moment I feel tired and drained. Instead, I will relax tonight. Set aside all of my worries. I will pour a glass of wine and watch a movie or read a book, something I've been wanting to do.

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We all have "one of those days," but I don't have to look back and regret anything about my life. I want to always remember how much I am loved, not only by my family and friends, but by God. Jesus lived and died so that we could have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10). I want to thank Him for that by living a life of joy and kindness. Even when I'm tired and worn down to the bone, it doesn't mean I treat my family as less. It means I let them know I need some time and then take it.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." ~Matthew 11:28

Jesus knew that life was not always red velvet cupcakes and rainbows. He knew life was tough. He knew that even when his disciples had peace and joy, they would still face hardships. He said to come to Him. He didn't say lash out to others or wallow in self-pity. He said to come. Any one who is weary or carries burdens could come and tell him all about it. When the conversation was finished, there would no longer be weariness, there would no longer be worry. Instead, you would find rest. Jesus can carry our burdens. Jesus can refill our hearts to overflowing. We all get tired, even He did. But, He is the Son of God and He can carry burdens that would drive us mad. When we give him our tired days, He gives us exactly what we need...rest. Sometimes that is all we need, someone to listen and care how we feel even when it feels unjustified. Jesus is always there and He will give you rest when you reach out to Him.

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I pray that when you have "one of those days" that you will reach out to Him and not sit in misery. I pray also, that I will continue to reach out to the One who provides rest for my soul. I do not need to live in depression or fear. I want to be free and live my life to the fullest with joy and peace. I do have sad moments, but I do not live a sad life. I live a life for the Creator. I live a life that is meant to share kindness and joy with everyone I meet. I pray that you find your light in the One who says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." I pray that on "those days" you (and I ) take Him at His word and go and receive the best give He could possibly give, a heart that is free of stress and depression and filled with joy and peace on the best of days and the worst. Thank you Lord for all that you have done. Amen.

The Misery of Money

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"The Misery of Money" is the title that my pastor, Peppy DuTart of Crossroads Community Church in Summerville, SC, gave his sermon this week. When I first saw it, I groaned. (I believe everyone else did too.) However, it is exactly what I needed to hear and a theme that has been following me lately. I would like to share with you his basic message and what God showed me through his guidance.

James 5: 1-6 (ESV)
Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. (2) Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. (3) Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days. (4) Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. (5) You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. (6) You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you.

Peppy proposed four indictments to the ungodly wealthy:

Indictment #1: The misery of hoarding wealth.

During ancient times, there were three standards of wealth: harvested grain, clothing and precious metals and jewels. These showed a sign of riches among the people and could be used to bargain and trade for other goods. However, James shows in verses 2-3 that those possessions that show you to be rich are temporary and will fade away in times if unused.

Your riches have rotted (James 5:2a)

James is referring to harvested grain when he says "riches." Those who had lots to store away for the winter months were considered rich. However, if grain was not distributed and used it would rot and be good to no one. 

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Your garments are moth-eaten (James 5:2b)

In the ancient times, many people did not have more than one or two sets of clothes. The ones considered rich would have many and flaunt them in front of others so everyone would know of their wealth. However, in time these clothes would reduce to rags and be eaten by moths. This is temporary wealth because it will ultimately fade away.

Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days (James 5:3).

James is showing the worthlessness of storing treasure. He is referring to God's judgment of their hearts. Instead of sharing their wealth to help others to benefit their brethren, they kept it to themselves, not using it on anything at all.

There is something to be said for savings, it is important to have enough to cover the unexpected things that life throws at you. However, there is no reason to sit on your riches. This goes for all types of wealth. There is no reason to keep food until it will be no good to anyone, no reason to keep a bunch of clothes that you will never wear, and no reason to keep a bunch of money lying around serving no purpose at all. 

When we give these things to others, we help out our brothers and sisters in this world. When we share our food with the hungry, we are helping to sustain life. When we give clothes to ones who don't have it, we offer a since of security and protection for someone who doesn't have any. When we share our money, we help those in need. 

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Even when we buy goods to feed or clothe ourselves we are keeping our economy, circulating money so everyone can get the opportunity to earn for themselves. When we sit on our riches, we stale our entire community. Our things are meant to be used, not hoarded. It is even greater a deed when we can help the lives of others in the process.

This is the one that really stood out to me in light of us moving across the country to Seattle. I am one who loves to hang onto things. I like stuff, it makes me feel comfortable. However, I have been convicted in the past couple years to stop relying on being comfortable, to stretch my limits a little and live outside of my comfort zone. It has been scary, but God is also teaching me to be brave in the process. 

As I am packing our house to move, I have been looking at everything we own and deciding whether it is coming with us or going to someone else who could use it. I am excited to say that I have gotten rid of quite a lot of things that we don't use or we have aplenty of. On the other hand, I am still a little sad because I feel like I should be able to get rid of more. We are still moving a lot of things, probably more than we need. However, I just can't part with everything. Also, it is challenging to teach my daughter what I am only now truly learning. Thankfully, we are learning together. I try not to beat myself up to much about it because God is still working on me, and I will continue to learn and grow. 

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Indictment #2: The misery of illegally obtained wealth.

Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts (James 5:4).

James is speaking specifically of those who do not pay employees fairly for good work. Unfortunately, this still goes on today. It is not always technically illegal (though sometimes it is absolutely illegal), but it is unfair. God will deal with unjust treatment of others in time with His judgment. When this type of unfair treatment occurs, both the money itself and the workers call out to God, letting Him hear of the discrimination that exists in the transaction.

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Indictment #3: The misery of self-indulgence

You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter (James 5:5).

This is another one that I deal with, though not as intensely. I believe it is a difficult one for most people, especially in America. We feel it is our right to get whatever we want for ourselves. Sometimes even at the expense of others or putting ourselves in debt. I have written before [From Consumer to Contributor] about how much I like to get things for myself, little things but nonetheless, it can easily get out of control. It is much more rewarding to give things to others as opposed to thinking only for yourself. 

I have a heart to give things to others, but I feel limited by my own interests and the little money I have to cover it all. I do not like to admit that I have often not given to someone else because I wanted something for myself more. It is selfish and wrong and I am trying to do better, praying for God to give me a generous heart and the courage to follow through. 

Self-indulgence really does cause misery because things do not make us happy. It is only a temporary relief to the desire in us to know others and the joy of helping them. It is the love God and of others that brings us joy, not stuff. That is an easy concept in theory and a hard one to practice. 

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Indictment #4: The misery of ruthlessly required wealth.

You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you (James 5:6).

This is not one that I have much familiarity with, but there are a lot of people who will stop at nothing for money or possessions. They will kill and steal to get what they want. It reminds me of another thief...the devil himself.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10).

Satan is alive and present on the earth and his desire is to recruit people who will kill, steal and destroy just like himself. Thankfully, there is one greater than he. Jesus Christ came, sacrificing himself, so that we would have life and have it abundantly.

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There can be great misery in money when we handle it selfishly. However, money itself can be a great thing and can be used to advance God's Kingdom. 

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs (1 Timothy 6:10).

It is when the love of money overrides our love for God that we encounter problems. That is when it becomes idolatry. 

I just finished reading a chapter in a wonderful book by Derwin Gray called "Limitless Life" about this same subject. The chapter was called "From Consumer to Contributor;" it was eye opening. I never realized how much I was a consumer or how much I desired to be a contributor for God's Kingdom. Gray writes, "For where your heart is, your money will be also." He also states how important this subject is to Jesus because sixteen out of His thirty-eight parables are about money and possessions. In addition, there are three items as many verses on money in the Bible as on love. 

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It seems this struggle with money and possessions is as old as mankind itself. It is a subject that ancient civilizations dealt with and one we continue to deal with today. I am learning to simply not spend so much on things I don't need and to help others in any way I can with what I do have. I pray that God continues to put on my heart the needs of others. 

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:19-21).

{Limitless Life} I am a Child of God - John 1:12

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John 1:12 -- "But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God."

I am a child of God! Those are powerful words. But what do they really mean? How do we get power from knowing we are children of God? And how do we become children of God?

I remember when I was young and lost. I was frightened of everything, but then I heard about Jesus. I knew of Him, but I didn't know Him. When I began to study the Bible and open my heart to God's Word, my whole world changed. I didn't know what it meant at the time. I still don't know that I can fathom the sheer joy and peace resulting from becoming God's child. There are not words for the transformation that occurs. But I know that I have strength now to overcome things I would have previously thought possible. There is true power in being called a child of God.

Everyone, all humans, were created in God's image (Genesis 1:27). However it is only after we believe and accept Jesus into our hearts that we have the right to be called a child of God. That is because a transaction takes place during the process of inviting Jesus into our hearts. We are born sinners, it is our nature. But while we were sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).

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When we surrender ourselves over to Christ and allow Him to come into our hearts, He covers all of our sins: past, present and future. We are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) because He transforms us into a child of God. We now belong to Him. Therefore, when we die and must account for our sins here on Earth, we do not have to fear judgment. Instead, we only stand and say "I'm with Him" and point to Jesus.

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Romans 5:1-5

Jesus continues to live in us and guide our hearts to be more like Him. Becoming a child of God is only the beginning. Throughout our lifetime God works in us through Christ to help us become more like him, to exhibit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). We gain strength, confidence, wisdom and understanding through Christ's continuous guidance and protection.

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God loves His creation and desires for all to become His children. He is faithful, He is love, He is eternal and He deserves all glory.

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
Romans 8:16-17

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We are heirs to the great King of Kings. The power behind the knowledge that we are children of God comes not from us, but from Him. As children of God, His strength is revealed through us. I am a child of God and I can do anything because with my God, all things are possible (Philippians 4:13).

Blessings,

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This article is inspired by a Bible Study with Proverbs 31 Ministries 

while reading Limitless Life by Derwin L. Gray.

{Limitless Life} God's Masterpiece

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Do you ever get the feeling God is trying to tell you something? That is how I have been feeling this week. This verse has been following me everywhere!

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Ephesians 2:10

It is the memory verse for my bible study this week and it came up in my personal devotion time. A friend even gave it to me in a thank you note saying that she read the verse and I immediately came to mind. It seems when God wants to tell you something, He does not let it go!

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For we are God's masterpiece. What does that even mean? A masterpiece is a person's greatest work (dictionary.com). So I am God's greatest work. Okay, but me and everybody else, right? Well, yes, Genesis 1:27 says, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." We were all created in the image of God, so we [human beings] are His masterpiece.

So how does being God's masterpiece help me? Honestly, it doesn't always make me feel warm and fuzzy that God made all humans in His image. In fact, there are some humans that are just plain scary. First John 3:8 says, "Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil." The truth is there is evil in the world. Satan prowls around like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8) ready to infect the hearts of man with pride, lust and fear (among other evil things).

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However, just as God created us in His image, He also created us as individuals with our own unique story to tell:

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.
Psalm 139:13-16

We do not surprise God with our choices. He created us and gave us personality and spirit. He knows our flaws and He loves each of us anyway. We were all woven together, many pieces melting into one another, to create a greater story - God's story.

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Going back to 1 John 3:8 for a moment, John says that the reason Jesus appeared was to destroy the works of the devil, which is sin. Ephesians 2:10 says that God created us each anew through Christ Jesus. When Jesus sacrificed Himself, a perfect man and a holy God, He defeated sin and gave us a power that can change us completely if we only have the faith to believe. Jesus creates us anew - that means all those flaws that God already knows about is a moot point. We are no longer bound by our mistakes, we are set free by the truth of the One who loves us most (John 8:32).

Once free of bondage we can do all of the good things that God planned for us long ago. Not only can we do good things, but God is leading us to and through all of those things! Jeremiah 1:5 says, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations." God knew what our potential was even before we were born. He gave that potential to us! It is up to us to make the choice to believe and to act, but God is behind us through the messes, through the trials, through the valleys. He is with us up to the triumph. He stands in our victory. He helps us find the message through the mess.

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For we are God’s masterpiece... We are His special possession (1 Peter 2:9). We are the many stories that He has masterfully woven together to create a great story. 

He has created us anew in Christ Jesus... 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." Jesus polishes off all of our rough edges. When we devote our life to being more like Him, we enter into a lifetime of joy and peace that only He can offer. We are no longer our old, sinful selves, we are anew, washed by the love of Jesus.

So we can do the good things he planned for us long ago...

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
Ephesians 1:3-6

God created us to worship Him. He wants all of His children to be adopted as children into the Kingdom of God. He blesses us and loves us. There will be tough times, indecision, doubt, but behind all of that uncertainty is a God who just wants you to lift your hands and say, "Father, I trust you! Catch me when I fall, lift me up when I am down, and love me through it all. I thank you and I love you!"

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It seems Ephesians 2:10 has a lot to say to me. Thank you God for the persistence to show me the great love you have for me. I pray that you can learn from the lessons God teaches me and He touches your life in very special, personal ways. You are God's masterpiece, I am God's masterpiece, We are God's masterpiece and we are new creations in Christ. We can do the good things He planned for us long ago. Amen.

Prayer Changes Us

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On the way home from church today, Zoey told me that her Sunday School class prayed for her. She said that they heard her coughing and prayed. They, just as I, know that she has had this cough for about a month now. After two different trips to the doctor, we have concluded it comes from a sinus infection that has been further aggravated by allergies. We now have medicine that seems to be working; however, she is still coughing. Thus, the moment of prayer over Zoey.

I expressed to Zoey how wonderful it was for her class to pray for her. I asked her if she felt any better. She said no. Then I asked her if she felt happy that her class cared enough about her to pray and want her to get better. She said yes, that she felt loved by her class. It seemed their prayers really affected her in a positive way.

This conversation made me think a little more about prayer and the power it has. Prayer is how we communicate with God and He with us. It is how we express our dreams and fears to our Lord. However, it doesn't matter what we say about ourselves or others, it does not change God. It will not change his mind because He cannot be changed.

1 Samuel 15:29 -- "And he who is the Glory of Israel will not lie, nor will he change his mind, for he is not human that he should change his mind!"

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However, prayer does change us. I've always believed that expressing to others that you will pray for them, and actually follow through on it, is one of the most powerful things you can do - especially when you stop in the moment to lift up prayers with them. It is not even that God would change the situation, though it is within his power to do so; instead, it is a simple way to show others, through action, that you care what happens to them. And that, in itself, is a very powerful thing indeed.

We go through this world of billions of people, living day to day, hoping to simply make a difference, to matter to someone, and to be loved by someone. When others stop thinking of themselves and take the time, the forethought, and the energy to pray for you, it means that they care. As one among many, there is someone who connects with you and that cares what happens to you. When we all care for each other, look after each other and lift each other up, we are loving our neighbors. It is the second most important commandment given to us by Jesus only after loving God (Matthew 22:39).

Zoey coughing this morning could have been a moment of sadness, frustration or illness; instead, because she has people who love and care about her, it was a morning of happiness, joy and learning. When we lift others up with our words and our actions, when we take the time and effort to pray for others, it changes us. It changes those we pray for, giving them a positive outlook and encouragement during a time of tribulation. It changes us as we pray because it helps us realize that everyone has troubles and we all need some love to help us through the bad days. When you reach out and help lift others up, they will be there to hold you up when you begin to fall.

It is a beautiful thing, the power of prayer. It is a joy to see love in the actions of those around us. Prayer changes us for the better. It lifts you up when you are down, it gives you light when you can't see, it brings love and companionship even when you feel all alone. Pray for others, lift them up, encourage them and when someone offers to pray for you, let them, it may just change your life.

God's Incredible Love For Us

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Isaiah 41:10 -- "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Romans 5:8 -- "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

John 3:16 -- "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

Romans 8:39 -- "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

1 John 4:16 -- "So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him."

No Condemnation

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This is a drawing that really spoke to me. It is depicting a scene in John 8 where a woman has be caught in adultery with the Pharisees ready to stone her. Jesus comes in a completely diffuses the entire situation. He says, "Alright, let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone." All of the men walk away one by one, for all of us have sinned. The woman is left with Jesus who turns to her and asks, "Where are you accusers? Did even one of them condemn you?"

Here is the entire encounter:

Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd.
“Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?”
They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust.
When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn't even one of them condemn you?”
“No, Lord,” she said.
And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”
John 8:1-11 (NLT)

I have always wondered what Jesus is writing in the dirt. It must be important to be included at all. It seems like it would have been something powerful for the Pharisees to back down so easily; they were always looking for a way to trap Jesus in his words. However, in this situation they were put in their place -- as sinners.

This is one example of many where Jesus completely diffuses a situation. I am constantly amazed at the power he has over people. But it isn't in a "I'm Lording over you" way. It is simply a loving and respectful way. He really does live by the commands Love God and love your neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39). He doesn't give into petty arguments or fuss over details. He doesn't condemn for wrongdoings; instead, he provides protection, comfort and guidance. 

There really is something powerful to living this way. To living a life that absolutely betters others. But it has nothing to do with dogma or precedent. It has nothing to do with having to be right or even heard. Jesus is the quiet counselor that helps others help themselves and then he goes on to the next group. It is beautiful. 

This is the kind of life I want. This is what peace means to me. This is the joy I want to feel. I want to live a fulfilled life that betters the world around me. Jesus is a perfect example of that. That is why I want to live like Jesus.

Our Light Overcomes Darkness

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It has been a busy couple of weeks. I sure many of you can relate: you feel like you are being pulled by five different things in ten different directions. That's how I've been feeling lately. I love it, in all honesty, I thrive when I have many things to accomplish; however, that doesn't mean I don't get overwhelmed in the process.

It is really easy to get overwhelmed isn't it. After a while you begin to shrink back into your comfort zone and barely manage the things closest to you. You don't intentionally allow it, but a sense of fear comes over you.

I understand this one all to well. I have been fearful much of my life. It is an all encompassing emotion that will keep you in bondage like nothing else. God has spent a lot of time helping me to expel my fear and fill it with His faithful love. It has not been an easy road. It also isn't over because it still comes back to me sometimes.

Like recently, when I've been so busy with so many things, fear has begun to crawl its way back into my heart. Just like I did before, I am turning to God's Word for the remedy, found only in His strength and presence.

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"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10 

In other words, God has our backs. He's not going leave us in fear, He's going to comfort us and stay with us through every moment. He will give us His strength to overcome fear and hold us up through everything. I don't know about you, but that gives me goosebumps. I may be afraid, but I can do great things while holding my Daddy's hand.

As I was contemplating on all of this and filling my heart with God's love to go out and tackle more busyness God put something on my heart: We are suppose to be a light in the world and to overcome darkness, just as Christ did. 

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12 

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Jesus was the light of the world and when we follow Him we will walk in light, even through the darkness. Jesus is our guide, He shows us the way we are to go and protects us on our journey. God takes us all in many different directions, using our many different types of gifts. However there is one thing we all have in common - whatever direction we are walking with the Lord, we are to replace darkness with light.

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." John 1:5

Darkness can not prevail over light. It's only attack is to take out the light. However when we walk with God, the darkness cannot touch us. It is only when we stray from our light, from God's faithful love for us, and focus on the darkness and the fear that we are in danger. But God does not want us to fear because He is always there with us wherever we go.

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither 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. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

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Since God is light and we walk beside Him, we too become light to the world. Our commission, no matter where we go, is to let our light shine for the world. When our light shines, it overcomes the darkness. However, when we stay in our comfort zone and shine our light only into light, we overcome nothing. 

It is when we dispel fear for God's love and step out into the unknown, trusting God to be there with us, that our light shines the brightest for the glory of God.

Blessings,

When Life Seems Overwhelming...

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Last week I had a day that was completely overwhelming. Have you ever had a day like that? One where nothing seems to go right and everything takes 10 times the amount of energy as it should? That was my day and it most definitely hasn't been the first one.

When I have days like that, I tend to get very discouraged. I become insecure in whatever it is that seems hard, I become overly sensitive about what others think of me and I begin to question what I'm doing in the first place. This brings up the question of whether I'm doing anything worthwhile to begin with.

Sometimes these are good questions to ask. They can help direct us to find the right way to go, the way God has called us to go. However, these questions can also be very destructive. For me, on this day, these questions were tearing me up. And it wasn't a moment when I needed to question what I was doing, it was a moment when I knew I was walking faithfully in God's calling. So why was I breaking down?

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I was being attacked. It wasn't a physical attack, though I have to admit there were a few moments when it felt like it. Instead, it was a spiritual attack. It was Satan pushing my buttons like only he knows how. He was making my question God's calling for me, one that had been confirmed in many different ways. My enemy brought out all of my insecurities, especially with relating to other people. He made me feel like I wasn't good enough and that I wouldn't be able to handle what was coming before me.

First Peter 5:8 says, "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

Often when we are on a high, like I was, or in a low point is when we are vulnerable. Satan attacks our vulnerability. We must be watchful, at all times, because the devil will strike when we least expect it. He is waiting for the perfect moment to attack. He is ready to make us feel like we are no enough.

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My enemy was wrong! It is true that I cannot do it, but I serve an Almighty God that can! It is not me stepping into ministry and handling life by myself, no that would be impossible. It is me walking beside my Faithful God who will lead me through each day and make the big and small not only possible, but excellent.

When I have had days like this before, it has taken me hours, days, even weeks to come to this Truth. I has wallowed in insecurity before and it is miserable. I praise God that through my obedience to Him and my daily walk, He did not let me fall apart, but picked up the pieces and fused them to make me stronger. See on this day, it was in a quiet moment after I was completely overwhelmed that I called out to God and He touched my heart.

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Second Corinthians 12:9 says, "But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

It is not in my power that I will be okay, but in His power that is perfected in my weakness. This day I felt very weak, but by calling out to God, I was reassured. God is in control and everything was going to be beautiful.

It is my prayer that when you get overwhelmed, as we all tend to do sometimes, that you call out to God and let Him remind you that He is in control, He has great plans for you and most importantly that He loves you.

A Time For Everything

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Last year God put on my heart to write daily devotions on my blog. It was what I needed in the moment. I needed to really dive into God's Word. I needed to find out more about Him and more about who I was in Him. I learned so much and I am so grateful that I obeyed His calling. It was amazing.

I'm not saying I have it all figured out, I don't by any means. However, this year has brought its own needs for the moment. Every moment in time has its own demands and its own way to learn from them. God has entered me into a time of great activity with my family and leadership in my church. It is time for me to focus on those callings.

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I have prayed over this blog and what I am suppose to do next. God has encouraged me to get involved with my community and allowed me peace over resting in the blogging world for now. I love this blog and I plan to continue writing, though not daily. I want to have an outlet for what is on my mind and what I discover in my personal bible studies without the pressure of meeting a daily demand.

I am excited to see how "Tales from a Mother" will evolve over this year. I want to get creative and allow different types of inspiration to flow through this blog in a way it hasn't for awhile.

I thank all who read these pages. I am so blessed to have friends all over the world who inspire me, motivate me and encourage my growth in this life. I hope to continue to inspire you as well. This is not goodbye, it is only a new direction. However, I wanted to be honest about the change and say how excited I am about all the new possibilities.

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As I've been praying over this transition in my life God keeps bringing these verses to my attention:

A Time for Everything

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

For everything there is a season,

a time for every activity under heaven.

A time to be born and a time to die.

A time to plant and a time to harvest.

A time to kill and a time to heal.

A time to tear down and a time to build up.

A time to cry and a time to laugh.

A time to grieve and a time to dance.

A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.

A time to embrace and a time to turn away.

A time to search and a time to quit searching.

A time to keep and a time to throw away.

A time to tear and a time to mend.

A time to be quiet and a time to speak.

A time to love and a time to hate.

A time for war and a time for peace.

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Part of living, part of being a child of God, is allowing change. Without change we cannot grow to become more like Christ. From one who has never liked change very much, this is a lot to take in. However, in these past few years God has really been speaking to me about how much He can do through me if I only trust Him. I am really taking this to heart. I am very excited about the journey God is leading me on. I pray that He continues to use me to reach out to others and reveal His faithful love. I pray that I keep my eyes on Him and my heart open to His direction during this great adventure.

Stay tuned, it's going to be a wild ride!

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May God bless all the days of your life,