My Thoughts - My Journey

Praying a blessing over everyone this Memorial Day. A day of somber remembrance....a day of celebration. Praying a special thanksgiving for all who serve, who have served, and for those families who no longer have their loved one because of the ultimate service they gave to all of us. Praying safety for all of you who are traveling today. Praying for our country in these troubled times, for the decision makers, and for those who execute the charge to keep our country safe and protect our liberties. When passing by an American flag, pause just for a second, to give it the honor well deserved. It stands strong for our freedom, for lives saved, and for blood shed....Freedom.  I hope each of you enjoy a very Happy Memorial Day!  <3

We find out about the Father and the Son in the Scriptures, but those same Scriptures tell us we should be in a living relationship with God. That's why the apostle Paul wrote that he wanted to know Christ and the power of his resurrection (Philippians 3:10). And that is why he prayed for the Ephesians that the Father would give them a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ (Eph 1:17). It is knowing Christ Himself that is important....not just knowing about Him. †

Tonight, what you are facing might be much bigger, much stronger than you are. Nevertheless, if God is for you, who dare be against you? There is no battle to large and no weight to heavy that we cannot be triumphant from. He will wage war on our behalf. He will carry our burdens if we will just hand them over. No one.....NO ONE.....has more love for us, more desire for us to succeed, and no more power to make all good things happen for us than our Holy Father and Creator God! † Nothing Can Separate Us from God’s Love....... "What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?" ~ Romans 8:31

Somewhere in the day-to-day, we can forget how important it is to support each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. We can forget the need to foster a sense of community. And, as soon as we forget these things, it's much easier for thoughts of judgment to creep in. In those moments, it's crucial to remember that being a source of encouragement is our biblical calling. Let's make a pact to build each other up. To not judge one another. Ever! Even when we see things differently. Build each other up, encourage, speak words carefully chosen, and with love. † "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today," so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." Hebrews 3:13

If you live your life in the past....your life is history! Live life to its fullest. We can reflect on what "was" as a reminder how to move forward in a different direction. Live in the present and enjoy every blessing that is poured-out on you. In Genesis 9:13 we read, "I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth." But, it can also signify the calm after the storms of life. He has given us a rainbow....a promise of a better day to come. Embrace Him, His way, enjoy today, and long for that day which is yet to come....on the other side. †

Sometimes what we are most afraid of doing is the very thing that will set us free! We pray, we say we trust God for the answer.....we feel the nudge telling us what we really need to do, but we hold back. We stop in our tracks and refuse to move forward. Fear, doubt, questions take over....we wonder, what if I do or what if I don't?  Then, we just stay....remaining complacent, stagnant in our not so comfortable spot, but it is our familiar spot...although not one of happiness, not one of fulfillment. Yet, we continue to box ourselves in, smothering....peaking over the top of our little box we can see freedom at a distance not so far away. Just climb out, take the steps.....He will walk this path with you. BE FREE in your journey! †

Sometimes the waves are so high, the turbulence so strong....feeling like being fully engulfed....The waves crash with monumental force! The skies dim as the sun fades behind the clouds and the rain starts to beat down. There is no unders tanding of why....Why did the storm have to come and rip happiness right out from under….Why? Weakness, despair, fear, complete sadness stomps as if there is no resistance against....just a sense of giving up...giving in. A heart rendered broken in pieces with wonder if it can ever mend.  Dropping to knees, helplessly falling face forward, arms lifting to the heavens, uncontrollable crying, pleading…..overwhelmed, but yet in the middle a release is washing over, a freeing. Captured by His presence, hope comes in as doubt and fear are being chased away. His voice whispers….I said I would never leave you, I am here. His promises come flooding my soul like a mighty rushing wind. I will dry your tears, My comfort will be outpouring as My arms stretch ar

In the middle of circumstances, we can not see, feel, or sometimes even believe the truth that is bundled in the words from Isaiah below. However, when we realize that there is no other comfort, there is no other strength, there is no other to lift us in our darkest time.....we learn the meanings to these words like never before. Life can forever be changed...in the very second it takes to breathe; however, through Him - His power - His strength - His loving comfort, we can h old on and without fear we can live another day......and some-days, living seems to be the hardest thing we can do. So many in deep heartache, sorrow, loss, illness....on and on, but Jesus will not leave us alone...... "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 Dear Merciful and Most Holy Father, please reach down and wrap Your loving arms around those who are hurting,

Many times we have read this text and many times we have allowed it to go into our minds, let it sit there for a bit, then release the words without allowing them to pierce our souls. These are words for us to live by, to die by, and to which we will be judged by. They are not simply words on a page that have meaning to "someone." No, they have "real" and "serious" meaning for each of us. I was led to share this message....not for some of us, but rather for each and every one  of us. Be Blessed! † The Judgment - Matthew 25:31-46 “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left. “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdo

People question about pain and suffering, where does it come from and why do good people suffer; therefore, just thought I would share a few words on the subject. We are told in the Bible that God is loving, compassionate, and merciful; God is perfect; God is so divine and inherently good that we mortal, sinful beings cannot even stand in his presence. In the Old Testament, leaders like Moses had to remove their shoes or veil their faces to be anywhere in the vicinity of God, because the very space that God occupied was holy. First John 4:8 says simply and concisely: “God is love.” Based on this understanding of God, we see that inflicting suffering on his creation would contradict God’s fundamental nature. So, if not from God, then who? The answer to the question is satan. The book of Job speaks to this in some detail as Job is victimized by the devil through attacks on his family, possessions, and, finally, himself. The interesting thing to note here, however….and what gives some

We are all in desperate need of grace. As our Father lovingly blesses us with His grace, we are to unselfishly give that grace to others. "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." ~ Colossians 4:6 The biblical writers speak of a "new earth." Something about "heaven" will be so much like "earth" it is called a "new earth." John in his Revelation also uses the word "city." In fact he calls it the "New Jerusalem." These visions help us grasp the meaning of the Lord's Prayer...."Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Studying the Bible is like discovering hidden treasure. With the right tools, you'll find what you're looking for. The wealth you find....priceless! † Been spending my morning at the foot of the cross, lifting prayers to my gracious Father through our Savior and

We do love to boast and brag don't we? No problem with sharing our achievements, but never at the cost of making others feel less. And in many cases, it is our bragging that is exactly for that purpose....to lift ourselves above someone else. Shame on us when we do that. To build ourselves up only to hurt another is not pleasing to our Creator. Most of us, at some point, have known the feeling of being less-than; therefore, let's keep that in the forefront of our minds and sh ow meekness rather than pride. In our professional life, titles and accolades have their place, but in our day-to-day, we don't need the titles. Keep in mind that Jesus loves the "least of these" and wants none of His children to be hurt by another. If your horn is to be tooted, let it be done by others. That is an occasion for you to exude a humble character and maybe even an opportunity to lift up someone else. "Don't brag about yourself let others praise you." ~ Proverbs

People question about pain and suffering, where does it come from and why do good people suffer; therefore, just thought I would share a few words on the subject. We are told in the Bible that God is loving, compassionate, and merciful; God is perfect; God is so divine and inherently good that we mortal, sinful beings cannot even stand in his presence. In the Old Testament, leaders like Moses had to remove their shoes or veil their faces to be anywhere in the vicinity of God , because the very space that God occupied was holy. First John 4:8 says simply and concisely: “God is love.” Based on this understanding of God, we see that inflicting suffering on his creation would contradict God’s fundamental nature. So, if not from God, then who? The answer to the question is satan. The book of Job speaks to this in some detail as Job is victimized by the devil through attacks on his family, possessions, and, finally, himself. The interesting thing to note here, however….and what gives some

There are times when God wants to use us in someone else's life; it may not be pretty or comfortable, but they need to see Jesus! It isn't a mere cliche...for many you and I are the closest image some will see as Jesus in their life. Be a good listener, exude compassion, express love, and overflow with grace and mercy. Speak when necessary; however, in many cases a few words go a long way, but the other qualities I mentioned are powerful and can be life-changing. You MUST choose to love everyone! Even those nasty-tongued people who talk about you. Yes, even them! You don't have to like them....or hang out with them, if they cast darkness in your life. Learning to offer your love to those who do not love you, to those who mistreat you, can be very difficult. It is only through your loving relationship with Him that you can do this. Love and just let the bad stuff go! Just know that God will handle it and live in joy, peace, and freedom ! Always lift those who are negative

Many times we ask...But who am I? I'm just_________(fill in with your name)! I don't feel I have a clear grasp of who I am; therefore, how can I ever figure out my real purpose? After all....who am I anyway? Well, if you are in Jesus, I will tell you who you are…… I am accepted! I am God's child. John 1:12 ~ I am Christ's friend. ~ John 15:15 ~ I have been justified. Rom. 5:1 ~ I have been bought with a price. I belong to God. ~ 1 Cor. 6:19-20 ~ I am a member of Christ's body. 1 Cor. 12:27 ~ I have been adopted as God's child. Eph. 1:5 ~ I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit. Eph. 2:18 ~ I have been forgiven of all my sins. Col. 1:14 ~ I am complete in Christ. Col. 2:10 I am safe! I am free forever from condemnation. Rom. 8:1-2 ~ I am assured that all things work together for good. Rom. 8:28 ~ I am FREE from any condemning charges against me. Rom. 8:31-34 ~ I cannot be separated from the love of God. Rom. 8:35-39 ~

We must learn to follow God's lead without knowing where He is taking us. Easy...No way! Necessary? Yes! We will only reach the end destination that we desire by submitting all we have and all we are to Him. A life of surrender requires trust, and that trust is developed in the context of relationship. In order to surrender our lives to God, we must believe that He is good and is worthy of our trust. Perhaps that sounds easy and for some, it might be easier than it is for others. For many that is easier said than done and it is often due to doubt and disappointment from past experiences with people or churches.  It is possible to become weary and harden our hearts by such things, but there is hope! We can begin to trust Jesus when we understand what He has done for each of us. He left heaven, He felt hunger, hurt, rejection, He was beaten, and crucified....all for us. He proved His love, He earned our trust, and He wants a relationship with each of us. As we magnify our Lord