And these are the Days of Our Lives

Friday, April 20, 2012

It is what it is

Our children deal with so much. They come to us upset, and in search of an answer. We do our best to help them. I remember the days when I could kiss them and hold them close, and it seemed to "fix everything" that was wrong in their world. As they get older, those things are bigger, and beyond what a momma can "fix". I wish I still could. It seems so unfair. I'm tired of things not "being fair", I'm tired of the broken hearts, and the tears shed because of hurt feelings....I'm tired of having to "put up with people" because life is handed to them on a silver platter, I'm tired of people judging others because of "status", or lack of "status". I get so frustrated with these things. And it seems like it is everywhere I turn. I'm tired of so much. I know I shouldn't fuss about things like this. But it's time to get it out. I know I can't fix it...And I don't need to. What needs to be "fixed" is my heart. These may be problems. But I need to let go of the bitterness, and give it to God. So this morning the kids and I handed it over to our Father<3 We all prayed together this morning. Praying for guidance in each and every individual situation. We are all dealing with some things~and no, they might not yield in comparison to world hunger, or international peace. But to the precious people in my "circle"...they matter<3

But I KNOW that our God has a purpose for everything. We can learn from our situations. We can grow closer to the One who is in control of all things. And that is what He wants from us. He doesn't want us to attempt to handle it ourselves. Because when we do. We surely will fail. He wants us to come to Him, just as our children come to us. Not just because we are in a crisis. Not just because we need something. Not just because we are hurting. But simply because we trust Him. Love Him. Period. No matter the circumstances. These things are true for my kids, but also for me. I have been bitter about some things going on in my life here of late. Angry at people, situations, thinking things aren't fair. As I write that down, I realize even more, how I sound like a child. And this morning, I realized, I AM a child. Of the King. And He wants to comfort me, love me, listen, and more than anything, guide me. He is the way. I know. I want to find peace in the struggles our family has been dealing with. and I know He will give it. Sometimes, we find ourselves in a place we don't want to be in. We see so much more for our lives. Want SO much more. Tired of the waiting.... But this morning, finding hope in the "waiting room".

"We’re all in a waiting room of some sort – between where we’re at and where we’re headed. It’s how you respond in those waiting rooms that determine where you’ll go."~Pastor Steven Furtick

I want to live like that
And give it all I have
So that everything I say and do
Points to You
If love is who I am
Then this is where I stand
Recklessly abandoned
Never holding back
I want to live like that
I want to live like that

Am I proof
That You are who you say You are
That grace can really change a heart
Do I live like Your love is true

People pass
And even if they don't know my name
Is there evidence that I've been changed
When they see me, do they see You

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Really?

Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. Philippians 1:12

This verse really spoke to me this morning...It was written by Paul, while he was in prison. He was doing what God had called him to do, sharing the gospel, and he ended up in prison. But even in the depths of his problems....he knew that there was a purpose for his trials.

How can we say that?

It is so hard to have this attitude. We tend to want to wallow in our pity. I know I do. But God used Paul. He ended up in prison, and while he was there, he shared the gospel to those who were around him. Prison guards and prisoners were led to Christ. Was there a purpose in this? Absolutely. So, is there a purpose in our trials? I think the answer is the same. God will use us in our circumstances. Because what happens to me, isn't really about me....Is it? It's how I let God shine through my trials. He is the only reason we are here. To share his love with others. God doesn't bring us to him through a saving grace for us to sit here, and soak, do nothing for others, be selfish, and think we are "safe" now that we are saved. He has called us to do so much more. How does God want you to use your life? What is He asking you to do? Take the risk, it is worth it. God will use you in a powerful way. <3 I'm willing, Are you?

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

The Lord is My Rock

I recently attended Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC. I have listened to their pastor online for almost a year. James and I had an opportunity to attend a Scentsy meeting (the direct sales business I am a part of) in Charlotte, and I was so excited about actually getting the opportunity to worship at Elevation. Some people don't get it. And I am not asking you to. I am not posting this to create any type of discussion about contemporary worship services verses traditional worship ect. This is my opinion.....

My heart was touched while I was there. People of all types. From different backgrounds. Different ages. No one looked at skin color, tattoos, or being "different" as "bad". There is a sense of peace that comes from loving as Christ loves. I think back to the Bible times, and Jesus loved the lowest of the low. He didn't judge someone for their past. He didn't judge someone because they were "different". He loved them with a love as only He could have. I know we can't be perfect. I know that Jesus is the only one is was sinless. But I do know that we are to strive to be more like him. Every day. Love those who are unlovable. Be there for people that others try to "get away" from. We all have faults, and we need to quit looking at everyone else's and do what we are here to do. Share the love that Christ died for......with everyone we know. No matter what. I have such a burden for this lately. I just can't seem to understand why we shun certain people away because they are not like us. Those are the people that He wants us to go to. Why can't we understand that? I want the Lord to be my Rock. In all things. I want to share that with others. Why do we let things get in the way? Why do we keep putting things before Him? I am writing this to myself as well. So, don't think I am judging. My prayer this morning, is that we will See life through His Eyes. He loves the unlovable. He has to because he loves me<3