Yes, I do! How can you not?!?

Our church is currently going through a series about the local church, the importance of it, the structure, the value and ultimately, the glory of God and the fullness of God (Eph 3:21). I had sat next to one of my friends named Jennifer and another dear friend who's name is also Jennifer sat down on the other side of me. She said, "You are the middle of a Jennifer Sandwich!" I hadn't realized it till she said it and of course, it made me laugh. Then, throughout the sermon, in the back of my mind I was still giggling about being between these two awesome Jennifers. These girls have been such dear friends of mine for many, many years now and I am so grateful for their friendships, and their prayers. I have been blessed with several of these true and special Sisters in Christ and enjoy all the many hugs and prayers from so many each week, all from my local church!! When I miss for a very random and rare reason, I really miss it!!! God uses us to encourage each other, not just Ina  emotionally way, but spiritually!! I certainly count my blessings for the richness of a heart overflowing with thankfulness! 
We have attended this church since before the doors opened over 11 years ago so it is a very comfortable place. It's our home church. It's where we feel cared for, accounted for and a safe place to spread our wings and learn to fly (Isaiah) in the places of ministry God has called us within the church. Our Pastor will lay it all out and provide many scriptures about the local church, but as I sit here reflecting on MY local church, from my point of view, I don't don't know how someone can NOT be a part of a local church. I seriously don't know what I would do without mine! I am blessed with a great family but my church family has to "live" with me week after week. 
I know he mentioned tonight that we don't join a church for how they will serve you, but that you go where God has a harvest for you to serve, and I agree. But let me tell you...what a blessing He gives when we serve in His name, in the place He has sent you!! When we are where we are supposed to be, our hearts grow fuller and out of that we fill others, all to the glory of God. 
We are to encourage one another and love one another! It's been a joy to do this for others as I serve, but to also be on the receiving end is what makes life so much sweeter, and do-able! My church is where I feel "covered." My church is my "go to" in times of trial and a place of celebration in life's victories. My church is a training ground where I get to stretch and strengthen my spiritual muscles. My church is where my prayers and worship goes deeper and wider. My church is where my journey with the Lord "straightens out."  I rely on the accountability and the teaching and the love of my local church to help me to grow in the understanding and knowledge of Christ so that I can receive His love and therefore share it with others, ultimately giving to God the glory, while enjoying the "fullness of God."
So, I don't know if you are part of a local church, but I don't know how you can't be. We need each other! If you are waiting for "the perfect church," stop looking because there isn't one, and it's not really about you eventhough you will reap the blessings of fellowship with the Body, it's about the Lord! 
If you're reading this and you feel alone, I challenge you to look within your own heart and ask yourself honestly if you are sharing it with others. When we keep a wall of protection or pride or pity, bitterness or doubt around our heart, it neither gives well or receives well.  I know this from my own cautious life. When our hearts are full, (Deut 6:5, 10:12) it flows in each direction!! Up-Down-Out-Across!!! Start with loving The Lord and being loved by Him and I can promise you that your life will be full in the goodness of God and He will draw you to others to share this love with and highlight His very sweet love!!!!
Okay, rant over!!...now if you want all the "church" teachings-stay tuned to the upcoming series!!! How can you not?!?

Reflections

Out the back window.

What a beautiful view out the back window this morning. I had not noticed the distant mountain range until it began to glow, growing brighter and brighter. Well, obviously, it was reflecting something. I sat my coffee down and ran over to the front of the house and there was the source of the light. The intensely, gorgeous, stunning, colorful sunrise was stretching across the skies, rising up, conquering the once dark blue skies. It captured me and illuminated my morning!!

The Source of Light in the front.

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

We, as Believers, are to reflect the Light of Jesus Christ. We are a "city on a hill," a "light in the darkness." The illuminated mountain in the back of the house was a direct reflection of the Sun...and we should be too. 

"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

When I "shine before men," and they see my "good deeds," who's reflection will they see? Who will they praise? Our Light should be a direct reflection of our "Father in Heaven."  

"But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:13-16

God, let me shine for you!! May it be Your glorious beauty that others see when they turn around and look for the source of my light. The Joy of You, is my strength!! You hold my heart! How empty they would be if they only saw the good of Michele, and not of You. You are the One Source for all we need or want. May the words of my mouth, all that I say and so, bring honor to You! You alone are satisfying and sustaining. Forgive me Father God when I have taken the reflection and made it my own. My heart desires to reflect You, the One True Light, intensely, gorgeously, stunningly, colorfully illuminating the skies that surround us. Give us the wisdom to make the most of every opportunity of all that You make visible. Shine bright Lord and reflect upon us, the glory of You. In Your Son's Awesome, Beautiful Name, amen.

The way you are.

The way you can light up a dark room with your joy.

The way you make others feel soooo loved and special when you speak to them.

The way your eyes look deep into the heart of others, past the walls they have attempted to put up.

The way your laughter stirs the room.

The way your smile touches our hearts.

The way you choose to sit close when others are far.

The way you can speak simple, yet profound truth.

The way you give hope when all appears hopeless.

The way you show strength and courage. 

The way your hug melts the heart of stone.

The way your presence ushers grace and confidence.

The way you share, have compassion, seek out the lonely, share your heart, look into the heart of everyone, find the sweetness in every situation….it's the details of you that make you special.

God created each of us equally by flesh and bones, but it is the uniqueness in the details of you that God gave you to make you a special you! You cannot compare because you do not compare to any other! You are fearfully and wonderfully made!!! I am soooo glad you are you!!!!!

*Inspired by the love and uniqueness of my children who are all so very different! I love each of you so much and am grateful to get to be your Mom!!! Blessings on and thru each of you! With great love, Your Mama

Feeling weak, weary and worried?

Ever have those days or sometimes months where you feel attacked and overwhelmed. The little things in life seem so much bigger and you feel the weight crushing you? I'd like to share a prayer woven through the scripture with you that I am praying in my own life. It is the protection instructed to be worn in Ephesians. The actual scripture in ESV is in italics and my words are the rest.
I pray you will find strength and a renewed hope as you remember Who Your victory and Strength are in. It is not within you to overcome. It is Christ in you that gives you the victory.Trust Him. Prepare yourself for battle and pray endurance till the end!!  Gird up your faith and hang on! Saturate yourself with His Word and hide it in your heart!! It's a crucial weapon you must have with you!!!
If this isn't you and you know someone who needs to be encouraged today, please pray this over them. Jesus is our healing, our victory and our hope. He is the answer! Blessings in His name, Michele


Father God, today I lay my broken and weary soul at the crown of Your Holy and Healing feet. My spirit cries out to You Lord God that I Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Help me Father God, Warrior King Jesus to Put on the whole armor of Yours God, that I may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore help me Lord to take up the whole armor of God, that those of us who serve You may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Lord Jesus, as both a witness to Satan and his evil destroyers and as a witness testifying to Your Conquering Victory, I Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth,  refusing and rebuking all the lies he tells me that I am weak and defeated, worthy of death, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, that in my anguish I will choose good over evil, guarding and protecting my heart in Jesus' Name that my heart will remain fully and completely consumed by the Love of my Savior. Steady my feet Lord to walk  and witness to Your Love in a manner worthy to honor You above all others, wearing as shoes for my feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
In all circumstances, especially those that are difficult, leaving me to feel exhausted and weary, help me Holy Spirit take up the shield of faith, with which I can extinguish all the  flaming darts of¹the evil one as he seeks to devour me day and night; and take my permanent helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is Your word God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. Recall to me Your Word hidden in my heart that I may not sin against You and encourage and strengthen me with fervor in your Word each morning and throughout the day.  
To that end it is my deep desire to keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, getting outside of my own troubles and intercede for those God has placed in my world to stand alongside, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. Lord open my eyes to see what You see before and around me and grant me strength and endurance to persevere through each and every circumstance, escaping the schemes and traps of the enemy laid out to destroy me. I am Yours Lord God and I trust in Your strength. Guard me in Your Name King Jesus. May my courage be a bold witness to the enemy and rebuke him to his crushed place under my feet and lift my eyes to where You are so my heart and mind may be restored. Cleanse me and revive me Lord for You are my God! I worship and adore You alone. It is with eager anticipation and holy determination that I count it all joy today as I stand on the battlefield. No weapon of the enemy shall proper where You are so Lord today, keep watch over me that I may not give the enemy a foothold! I stand in You! Thank you and Bless you Faithful God. AMEN!

Ephesians 6:13-43

They Attacked my Joy!

They were out for my JOY!!!! Yes they were!! I was walking with a friend and after we had been walking for an hour (insect free I might add), we walked through a wooded area and all of a sudden mosquitos from the entire neighborhood flocked onto me!! Where in the world did they come from?! They ambushed me!! I noticed a few landing on my arm but she could see the whole family clan all over my arms, back and face. She said, "What oil are you wearing because they sure want it!!" At first I said I wasn't wearing any because that morning I didn't remember putting any one, and then it came to me. I did. 
There is an essential oil called Joy which is made from rose and I had placed it in my diffuser necklace which I was wearing! Normally, I can have Peppermint or Purification mixed with some lotion on me and I am not bothered once from outdoor insects. But, this morning it was just my Joy I had on and they wanted to suck it right out of me!! Some of the mosquitos I could feel biting me but apparently the other 199 I could not feel or see around me. Needless to say, I came back through a different way.
What a reminder of how Satan can blindside us sometimes and ambush us, sucking out our Joy. God is never caught off guard but we can be. Trials may come and go, gradually building or appearing in our life but there are times when - BAM!, you turn a corner and there it is! What Satan wants is our Joy. If he can get us to loose our Joy, we loose the center of our Hope and our Peace. The Joy of the Lord is my strength. Joy in the Lord is how I have hope, peace and comfort. When my joy depletes, I find my days weary, dreary, lonely and hopeless. The Joy of the Lord is my strength. He is my strength to face my trial because I know He is with me and that gives me hope. He is my strength to face hardships because I know He is for me and will fight victoriously for me and that gives me peace. I need my Joy to keep awake in my spirit, heart, soul and mind so that my steps will keep moving forward and not grow weary and loose all direction and motivation. 
I did not return to that same area where I had been ambushed by those blood thirsty suckers. Wisdom says be cautious and prepared and find another way if necessary. It is crucial to arm ourself with Joy, The Word and Prayer. And if you don't, don't be surprised when you are met with pesky little suckers who are there to deplete your Joy! Be alert, Be prepared. I promise you that next time I walk, I will be wearing my other oils to deflect the blood thirsty insects!!
How grateful I was to have someone walking beside me that noticed the ambush which I could not see on my own and helped me fight them off! That's exactly why God says for us to love your neighbor. Living life together (should) reflect God's love for us. We ought to walk alongside and stand firm with one another in love, to encourage, to intercede, to lift up and to forgive one another…and fight a clan blood thirsty suckers when they attack! Oh the blessing where "two or more are gathered!" 
Friend, are you feeling ambushed today? Are trials mounting up in your life? Do you feel like you can't get a handle on your heart and mind? Do you feel weary, tired, at a lose? Then, may I remind you to get out of the woods and walk on the clear path beside you. Gather up your Joy and move forward!! Get up off the floor, or out of bed for some of us, and life up your eyes. If you lay down and crater under the trial, you will become a greater victim. You must keep walking! You must guard your Joy with The Word of God (like my Purification oil that heals and protects) and by prayer with thanksgiving (like my Peppermint oil that invigorates, gives clarity and settles my tenseness). And if you still find it difficult and overwhelming, then find someone who can help you see what you cannot see and ask them to help you walk out of the woods!!! Be joy-full, hope-full and peace-full in Jesus' Name knowing He is your Defender and Strength!! He is King of kings and Lord of lords, The God of gods. He holds the whole world in His hands!!! He is a banner over me and I am His!! Praise His holy and redeeming name!!! Amen!!!

"I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." John 10:9-10

"Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the LORD, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you." As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight. The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips. The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16

For those who are interested and will ask: you can purchase oils or sign up at www.youngliving.org/1003168. You can find TONS of information on Google and YouTube or email me and I will answer what I can:) They have helped me with my anxiety, stress, aches, insects and general first aid. I am thankful for the natural remedies God has given me!!!!

   

Why Lord?

"Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on GOD who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. On HIM we have set our HOPE that He will deliver us again. YOU also must HELP US by PRAYER so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the PRAYERS of many." 2 Corinthians 1:9-11

Have you ever felt like you were going die? That your circumstances were so great you thought you were going to die, or maybe you wanted to die? Illness, family crisis, unemployment, loss of a loved one, emotional distress, broken or difficult relationships, physical ailments and extreme anxiety just to name a few of life's heartaches that can drop us quickly to our knees.
We wonder Why Lord? Why is this happening? Does He hear me? Will He help me? How will I make it through this? Satan would like us to feel overwhelmed and feel like we are not in control and headed over a cliff. But, we actually do have control over our mind and heart. We have the choice to sit in despair or set our hope in Him. It is soooo easy to sit in despair, shut down, become self-absorbed and close ourselves off to the outside world. That's exactly what Satan would hope you would do but the Lord is LIFE. Life Who conquers death! AMEN!!! John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. "
When we search the scriptures, we find the steadfastness and faithfulness of God for those who believe and set their eyes on Him. Those who wonder, fear, fail have taken their eyes off Him and went out on their own wisdom. It is important to take time in these moments to give thanks as you remember how the Lord has been faithful in providing deliverance in your own life and even in the life of others that you yourself have witnessed. That doesn't mean every time your life has been perfect, but every time the Lord has provided and rescued you, bringing comfort even amidst the trial.  
The Lord is faithful, He will do it again. This passage gives us two ways we can stand firm and keep our spirits up...1.) Our hope must be set on Him and 2.) we must ask for prayer. We are helped by the prayers of others. They are actual BLESSINGS!!!
Whatever you are facing today, are you relying on yourself or on the God who raises the dead? Have you been lost in despair and lost hope? May these words today set your hope back on Him. May you reach out today and ask for the prayers of many? As much as our journey is personal between us and the Lord, it is part of the working and growing of The Body. As we live life together, we have to be in eachother's lives so that we can be part of the process of healing and hope which ultimately highlights and reflects the glory of our faithful and loving Father.
What do you need prayer for today? Who is God asking you to bless by the offering of your prayers?  

"The LORD is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him." Psalm 28:7

Getting Past the Bumps in the Road

Well, little guy has done such a great job without his training wheels, we decided to take some neighborhood bike rides and one of them was on the bayou. The bumpy bayou. As I rode behind him, I gave him navigational instructions like going around certain stumps, watch out for dips, look for trash, etc. Then, we trailed through some loose gravel and he began to stop in the middle of all the rocks and he couldn't balance and get through it. He came to a complete stop and couldn't easily get going again. As I said, "KEEP PEDALING!! You cannot stop in the middle of the bumps because your tires will loose their grip and have a hard time getting back going through it," I felt the lesson pressing into my soul for me. "Yes Michele, when you get to the bumps, keep pedaling and don't stop or you will get stuck too. You have to keep moving forward or you will slip or stop."  Oh how true. 
It had been a very difficult week for me, a bumpy month actually, and I faced lots of bumps in my road. I was moving forward as usual and then came upon some bumpy roads... and I hesitated, not sure if I could go through them, so I slowed down, lost my balance which took me a while to get back going and get past the "bumps" in my "road." 
When we are going through life and we approach the bumps, may our first instinct not be one of panic. We know we must get through them and we know we can get through them if we go carefully, without stopping! The scene from Finding Nemo comes to mind "just keep swimmin' ." With confident assurance, we must continue to navigate through the loose gravel before us and get to the other side of the mess. If we stop, 1.) we will not get where we need to go; 2.)  though it's possible, it makes it very difficult to get started in the midst of the gravel.
The next time I approach bumps in my road, I hope to keep my confidence, and sound wisdom, knowing I can get past them if I will simply hold on tight, carefully passing through, without slipping, stopping or even speeding through like a loose cannon 'cuz that can make you loose control quickly! Just keep pedalin', Just keep pedalin'!

"Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
My son, do not lose sight of these-- keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught." Proverbs 3:5-18, 37-46


Lord, keep us strong, confident and steady on the road marked with suffering. We cling to You. Lead us straight through in peace and confidence as we desire to trust You with all our heart and acknowledge You as the keeper of our path. May our foot not be caught. What Satan intends for evil, You oh Lord, intend for good. We bow our hearts, souls and minds to You, our Faithful God and Father, our Savior and Friend. Thank You for our healing and the refreshment You bring to our bones. You are worthy of all our praise and our cup overflows. Thank You for Your patience and forgiveness when we hesitate. Help our eyes stay fixed on You alone. We will follow You. Help us be faithful. amen.

Do you Believe like they believe?

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 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. " Romans 8:35-39

Ever had that feeling of being overcome by everything Satan has to throw at you? I call it being Jobish. I sure have, recently as a matter of fact! This time, the response was much the same and yet much different. I just completed a bible study in the Book of John and there we were drawn to the theme of God our Messiah, The Christ who comes to save. As with different seasons of life, and the fact that The Word of God is alive and true, the filters with which we work through or see things change. 
We are taught as Believers to believe God has the power to heal. We believe that God is greater than Satan and we are more than conquerors in Him. So, when I was under this attack, I said "God, I believe You have the power to save me and heal me." Then, I felt the Holy Spirit move within and remind me so do the demons. They believe God can heal you. I stopped and had to think knowing this is true, but also knowing there was something for me to learn in this moment.
Of course, my filter of John is flowing through my mind, and one of our memory verses came to mind, John 20:30-31 "Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name." Believe that Jesus is the Christ and by believing that He is The Christ, knowing He is my salvation, the He is The Supreme Authority over all things, people and principalities, it is in His name, who He is, that I may have life in His powerful and Holy name. Satan wants to crush us as weak and blind sheep to the slaughter and God wants to give us life!
So, when we face trials in our life where we need healing or rest, while it is necessary to believe in what God can do in His healing power but we must first believe in who He is!! Nothing can separate us from Him, not because He has the power over all things, but because He is Supreme over EVERYTHING!!! We cannot be separated from Him because He lives in us! Our bodies are His dwelling place within us and therefore, the Authority in my body, mind and spirit is Him! When we simply cry out and ask for healing power to come, if we are not at the same time acknowledging it is because we actually calling on The Healer, we are merely placing our order. Do we achknowledge Who He is and in Him is our victory?!? I don't think we think about that, I didn't. I just asked for what I needed because I know He can do it. But, when I praise His name and remember that it is He that delivers me to life from death, don't you know Satan shudders at the blood of Jesus!!!
Temptations and attacks can come but there is nothing that will overcome me because not only do I have the power to overcome as a Conqueror in Jesus Name, The King of kings and Lord of lords but He is the name above all names who does indeed hold the power to do it!!
The next time you face a trial, remember and claim the Power of Jesus over you and "...seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

**Funny, half way through this my laptop powered down...it eventually came back up and got it restored back up and now I can send this out. Even in this, Satan doesn't want this Word to go out! Sorry...God reigns! This glory if for Him!!! It is always my prayer that by sharing my walk with the Most High God, that there comes glory to God through my life. May we know Him better so that we can have life and peace in His name!! We are conquerors because we serve The Ruler over all things!!! To You God, we worship and seek to know and have more of! You are our everything!!! Praise Your name! You are my sword and shield!!!!  I do know You stand before me, behind me and next to me!! Thank You for Your faithfulness!! Amen!!! 
 

Anxiety in the Storm

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)

Today, the storm clouds have rolled in!! While the rains are a much welcomed sight and sound, however, the flooding and havoc that comes with it are not! Thankfully, I was able to wrap up my outside "doings" this morning before the clouds released their bucket loads!
As much as I was inconvenienced by the rains, the end result was worth it. God promised to care for His creation, His grounds and creatures, and of course, so much more importantly, His people. Matthew 6 tells us to "Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?"  
God tells us not to be anxious, because He knows that we will be anxious at the onset of storms or trials. When storms approach, while we acknowledge they are there, how we respond to them is important. We can stand in fear and worry or we can take shelter and wait. Some storms are just plain out frightening! Lightening and strong winds certainly get my heart rate going as I rush around closing windows and gathering kids and pets to the indoors safely. But once inside, I don't need to be so frazzled. I have done all I can do to prepare and simply need to wait it out. 
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Matthew 6:33-34 (ESV)
The times I seem to get the most anxious are when I am alone in the house, my husband may be gone or the kids are already asleep, and there I sit frazzled, on edge attempting to remain calm and alert without totally freaking out at the crack of lightening just outside my window and winds tossing my outdoor furniture around as if it was made of paper. It is scary to be alone in a Texas storm! This is also true when "other" storms come into my life that leave me drenched by "rain and strong winds" of heart and soul. Some can be seen from the "radar" but so many come without warning. All of a sudden, winds knock us over leaving us frazzled and afraid, seeking shelter through the storms. These are as real as a real storm. Winds push against me, waters surround me and my thoughts drenched by fear and worry. Where is my Shelter? How long will this storm last? 
While Jesus is our Ultimate Umbrella and Shelter, our Rescue and Refuge, He gives us spiritually strong people to wait out the storms with us under their umbrellas. What a beautiful sight to see someone coming towards you with an umbrella, rain boots, jacket and a hot cup of coffee! Their presence and help brings comfort and peace to a drenched and weary soul. What a comfort knowing you are not alone in your storm. In rare cases, when you find yourself caught in the middle of a (private) storm and no one else knows, you can be sure Our Sweet Lord and Savior is with you. He sees you. He will protect you. He will care for you. 
Next time you find yourself in a storm, look for nearby umbrellas, as you run to the shelter of His Word. His arms are open wide and His shield will be your comfort.

"For it is You who light my lamp; the LORD my God lightens my darkness. 

For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. 

This God--His way is perfect; the Word of the LORD proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him. 

For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God?-- 

the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless. 

He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights.

 He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. 

You have given me the shield of your salvation, and Your right hand supported me, and Your gentleness made me great. 

You gave a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip." Psalm 18:28-36

"And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." 
Matthew 28:20b (ESV)

"I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble." Philippians 4:10-14 (ESV)

Thank You Lord for your steadfast Love and Your faithfulness to shelter us, provide for us, and care for us. Thank You for the Sun, and the Storms. Help us trust You and wait. Thank You for Your Umbrella and those you send our way with umbrellas of Faith to stand with us in our storm. You are a gracious God and loving Abba Father. Bless Your Name, amen.

Being Ready for the Stage

She changed her diet drastically to get rid of all the sugars and fats. She gave up hours in her day to be at the gym and work out, eventually giving up nearly whole days to be up at the gym doing cardio and weights. She drank enough water she probably should have a river named after her! She was very intentional about everything she ate and did. Everything working in one accord is what is was going to take to get her where she needed to be.
Then there is me, sure, I have given up most sugars, sodas except on very rare occasions, I enjoy plenty of cream in my coffee and I love my breads!!! And while I was exercising 3 times a week for a while, I now only make it to the gym once a week. So, of course I am frustrated that I have gained weight because of my choices. I stand next to my friend and feel fat!! I see her at the gym and I want to just quit. "I'll never make it to that!" Honestly, I don't want to have a competition body, but a tone and healthy body full of energy would be awesome!!! I know what my end goal is and what it would take to get there, so why don't I just do it?!?
What about you? What in your life are you wanting to achieve so bad and you know what it will take to get there and yet you find yourself standing still staring off into space?!  Going back to school? Spring cleaning the house? Reading certain books? Loosing weight? Changing the family diet? Getting back into church? Deepening your relationship with the Lord? Finding a bible study to join? Seeking counseling for personal struggles, parenting or marriage? Learning a new hobby? Starting a business? Taking the time to catch up on letters? Planning and Saving for a vacation or mission trip? What do you want? You might slowly move towards it, which, hey, forward is better than backwards, but...why are we dragging our feet when it's something we want?! Maybe we don't want it bad enough. Maybe it requires too much hard work? Maybe it means we will have to make sacrifices.
How can we justify our complaining about not having "it" when we are not being intentional to do our part to attain it? I whine and fuss about not looking and being as healthy even half as good as my friend, and yet, I can't complain cuz I am not doing what needs to be done! I have no right to complain. I have no one to blame but myself. My friend can confidently slip on that bikini and look fabulous on stage at the end of her training because she did everything she needed to do to be ready for that moment on stage while I would be horrified due to my own lack of preparation. If only I would have trained. If only I would have done what I was instructed to do to be ready.  
This is sooo true when it comes to our walk with the Lord. We have to be intentional and continually prepare our self so when it's Showtime, we can be confident. When times get hard, do we find ourselves ready and trained up? Have we prepared for the "stage" of betrayal, anger, temptation, illness, unemployment, crisis? My friend was lucky in that she knew the date of her Competition and could plan out her exact daily schedule. We, on the other hand, do not know when we will be placed on the "stage". We must live prepared and ready!
This is why it is crucial to be in God's Word daily! It's why we must gather together and not forsake fellowship with Believers. It's why we must confess our sins and ask God to cleanse our hearts from the unhealthy toxins and make it healthy and pure. This is why we must have accountabilities as we live in community that help us stay serving, growing, focused, motivated and equipped. Our goal as a Believer is to glorify The Lord our God with our life, to be His Light here and show His Love through our lives. It's takes being intentional in planning and consistent disciplines to accomplish that. There will always be reasons and excuses but are we ready to stay disciplined and intentional towards our end goal?! Can we stay motived instead of feeling defeated?!?
So, back to my original questions: You might slowly move towards it, which, hey, forward is better than backwards, but...why are we dragging our feet when it's something we want?! Maybe we don't want it bad enough. Maybe it requires too much hard work? Maybe it means we will have to make sacrifices.
I don't about you but I want to know God deeply and intimately. I want to hear God. I want to feel God. I want His strength and peace and comfort. Ultimately, I want to bring Him honor. The question is How badly? If I wanted it bad enough, it would not matter what the cost to me would be. Look at the example of Christ? He wanted you bad enough that He sacrificed greatly for you. He brought glory the Lord which was His ultimate goal. Whatever it took.
Now, what about you? Are you ready to be "on stage" in life? Will you be confident when trials come? One day, it will be the Heavenly Stage and we will stand with full confidence and beauty, fully complete in every way, lacking nothing!! Oh, Amen!!!!!

"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire." James 1:12-14