Change

How often are we ready for a change?  Just plain tired of where we are at or what we are doing in life.  How often do we think or feel we are better than what or where we are and want more?  How often do we get some type of revelation or have an eye opening experience and realize a change that needs to be made but, stop short of the actual change itself?  Whether we feel we have been in a particular place too long, want different or need the change; it’s my opinion that often times one of three things happens before we can actually achieve that change. 

1.   We deny that change needs to occur because we don’t want to see the wrong in ourselves.

Sometimes we’re hit with a reason we’re stuck and it’s because of something we need to fix within ourselves.  Because it’s a harsh reality we can soon fall into a denial to the point that we completely dismiss it all together.  It can be a really hard and painful thing to digest knowing that the reason we can’t get anywhere, finish anything or achieve much is due to our own mistakes or possibly our own laziness. 

2.    We get this big eye opening experience but, never take the necessary steps afterwards to complete the change.

We think to ourselves…Wow, this is what I do or I can really learn something from this.  We think up these wonderful ways to change things to include how and when we’re going to do this or that.  Only for days, weeks and months to pass and we’re still stuck in the same place doing the same things because we weren’t disciplined enough to follow through with reaching our goals. 

3.    We walk ahead of God in hopes to fix or change things by ourselves.

This is where we come up with the bright and wonderful ideas failing to consult God in prayer about them first.  We think we have it all planned out and begin to do this and that, often times in vain because either we end up right back where we started or further away from the better side of things.  There really has to be a better way so that we aren’t stuck in our rut and not able to achieve our goals or the greater that He has for us. 

Throughout my Christian journey I’ve noticed times when I would have a wonderful revelation about myself (and by wonderful I don’t necessarily mean it always felt good..lol) realizing what needed to be changed and even why.  However I also found myself still stuck weeks even months later! I’ve come to understand that I can be as gung ho as I want but, if I’m ill prepared and not taking the proper steps, more often than not it will not work.  I don’t know about you, but sometimes I get really tired of traveling around the same mountain…over and over and over again!!

Isaiah 42:16 (NLV) ¹⁶ I will lead the blind by a way that they do not know. I will lead them in paths they do not know. I will turn darkness into light in front of them. And I will make the bad places smooth. These are the things I will do and I will not leave them.”

                Over time and yes, sometimes still with fail, I’ve learned to realize the change that needs to come and pray about it.  To take it to God in prayer, asking for His guidance and wisdom.  Praying that He will open my spiritual eyes and ears to hear Him and for the patience to wait on Him.  I find that when I sincerely seek Him, He is more than happy to order my steps and bring me out on the other side.  I won’t lie and say that it’s always easy or quick because it’s not.  Sometimes it’s very frustrating and even infuriating…especially when I think it’s not my wrong or I think I’m doing the best I can.  I can only control myself so my best bet is to look within and change what I can. 

Sometimes I don’t think we realize the importance of seeking God first in absolutely everything that we do.  He knows all and sees all, from beginning to end, so why do we forfeit requesting knowledge and help from someone like that??  Maybe because we think we can just fix it ourselves, maybe we think it’s such a small thing that we don’t want to bother God with it or maybe it’s just too painful to work through.  No matter what the reason, bottom line it’s our excuse!  God is so much bigger than our sins or issues and He’s just waiting on us to ask Him to lead the way. 

Lamentations 3:25 (NLT) ²⁵ The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him.

Stepping out of Condemnation

Sometimes our past mistakes and sin, whether still committing them or not, can consume us and our future.  Too often we are our own worst enemies when it comes to forgiveness.  We can’t let go of what we’ve done, therefore we can’t imagine that anyone else can…let alone God Himself.  We hold onto thoughts of being unforgiveable or too far gone as well as doubt and shame taking over our thoughts.  Things that people have said about our past seem to linger in our minds and our imagination feeds off them. 

I used to say something all the time and it’s not until recently that I found out it’s from a Dr. Seuss book.  “Those that matter don’t mind and those that mind don’t matter.”  I like this because to me it’s the truth.  If someone is for you and knows that true forgiveness is the right path then they are not going to hold things against you, if they do then they really don’t matter.  When they forgive as Christ has forgiven…those are the ones that really matter.  Once we repent and ask for God’s forgiveness, that’s it.  We are forgiven…He doesn’t do take backs!

Romans 8:1-3 (NLT) 8 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. ² And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.

Trust me, I do realize that sometimes it’s easier said than done; to let go of things of the past.  It’s especially hard when we have made some very serious mistakes that have caused lifelong issues and changes.  Because of this we allow the thought of being evil or unworthy to consume us.  These are lies from the enemy and if we aren’t casting them out with God’s word they become truth in our own minds.  We have to learn to shut out the lies the enemy tells us and instead learn to speak light into our lives.  God’s word is light and the enemy’s lies are darkness and the two can’t co-exist in the same place.

Something I think is so hard for us to understand is that simple because we can’t forgive ourselves doesn’t mean that God can’t…and hasn’t!  We just have to learn to accept that forgiveness.  I realize how hard this can be, especially if we continue to fall.  Each time we condemn ourselves and try to hide from God, when this is the time we should be seeking Him the most.  There is nothing in or of this world that can separate us from the love of Christ.  We find ourselves saying I can’t do this, the weight is too heavy for me to bare…as we turn to this or that for temporary comfort.  What we have to understand is that He doesn’t want us to carry it by ourselves…He calls us to give it to Him. 

1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) ⁷ Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

We have to somehow figure out how to give it to God and leave it there, so that He can begin to heal and transform our thoughts and order steps.  This, I know from experience, is sometimes a very difficult thing to do.  We can wake up some mornings feeling great, thinking the past is the past and I’m not looking back; I give it to Jesus and I’m pressing on.  Then, something will happen…maybe a thought will cross our mind or someone will bring up the past and we are suddenly unworthy and unforgiveable all over again.  It’s at this point that we need to pray and give it back to God.  In the beginning we may need to do this daily…until we have truly let it go. 

A way to achieve this is continual prayer and seeking God.  Going back to my saying that Darkness and light can’t co-exist in the same place; by continually seeking God and His word, we are leaving little to no room for the enemy to fill our heads with his lies.  One way we can do that is to find something that fills us with His love.  Maybe it’s a spiritual song or a particular scripture that speaks to us.  Listen to or read it daily, asking God to help you stay focused on Him and His goodness.  When the bad thoughts or emotions begin to cloud you again…reach for that scripture or song and push them back out.  It will probably be very difficult at first, but don’t give up.  Keep on pressing on and I promise you that soon His light will begin to out shine anything the enemy can throw at you. 

“The greatest enemy of the spiritual life is self-rejection BECAUSE it contradicts the Voice that calls you Beloved.” –Henri Nouwin

Feeling Grateful

I woke up this morning with such thanksgiving in my heart!  As I walked from my lot this morning I was gazing at the sky, clouds and feeling the air blowing my hair back and I totally felt His presence all around me.  I almost stumbled on the curb because I couldn’t take my attention away from all the beauty that was around me…LOL.  If I didn’t have to punch the clock I surely would be sitting somewhere at a park reading His word and enjoying the His scenery around me.  

God is so good that my mere words can’t even come close to describing His greatness.  I’m grateful this morning; grateful that He saw fit to wake me one more time.  He’s kept watch over me and those that I love through the night and gave us another opportunity to be a blessing to someone else.  We have a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs and food on the table.  We are blessed with family and friends that love and care for us…not to mention the wonderful prayers that surround us.

Ecclesiastes 7:13-14 (MSG) ¹³ Take a good look at God’s work. Who could simplify and reduce Creation’s curves and angles to a plain straight line? ¹⁴ On a good day, enjoy yourself;
On a bad day, examine your conscience. God arranges for both kinds of days So that we won’t take anything for granted.

With this overwhelming feeling of joy and thankfulness that has overcome me this morning; I am reminded of how much we sometimes take things for granted.  Whether it’s the people in our lives, the jobs that pay our bills or the reasonable amount of health that allows us to make it through each day…we are blessed beyond measure.  How often do we stop and thank God for all His blessings?  Myself personally, I’m sure not even close to what I should…but, today makes me want to strive towards better. 

Ephesians 4:29 (NASB) ²⁹ Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.

Not only do I want to be more aware and thankful, but it’s also time to be more mindful of the complaining that I do.  Sometimes it’s because it was a bad day at work or because I have to run the kids all over the place…even because of the way someone acted or treated me; complaining is a bad habit that needs to be broken.  I mean if I’m honest, nine times out of ten it truly does no good anyway, except to bring a bad attitude and often times affects the people around me.  I want to be all that I can be for God and that means changing what I can with the things around me and within myself.   If I’m faithful to that, God will be faithful to take care of the rest! 

With all that being said, my prayer for myself, as well as all of you, is that God will open our eyes to His beauty that surrounds us.  That we will become more grateful for His blessings and the people in our lives.  I’m praying that we will close our mouths to the grumbling and complaining and instead be thankful to Him that we are even here.  I would also like to say how thankful I am to you, my readers, for taking the time to read my blog.  Have a blessed and beautiful day!

New Focus

You ever feel like you’ve put so much of your attention into a problem or situation, but can never seem to fix it or come up with a solution?  Day in and day out you attempt to focus and find a better way for whatever it is that is consuming you and your mind.  Sometimes to the point of feeling like a failure and falling deeper and deeper into despair; it’s all you think about and all you can do to keep your head above water.  Through experience, I’ve learned that sometimes our biggest revelations and growth can come when we stop focusing on our own mess or problems and look to help someone else. 

God doesn’t want us so consumed with ourselves that we forget to do His work here on earth; and when we can’t see past our own stuff that is exactly what we are doing.  When we are so focused on ourselves and our problems we can become clouded and bogged down with pain and confusion.  It can make our issues seem like they are getting bigger and bigger with no end or solution in sight.  It can also cause great depression and anxiety which intensifies the situation or problem. 

Something else, that we probably don’t want to hear, is that staying completely focused on ourselves and issues can sometimes be a selfish act.  It’s hard to swallow, but anything that we put before or above God is wrong!  If we are spending all our time worrying about current problems and how we can fix them, while falling deeper into them, we are not putting God first in our lives. This is also where we depend too much on ourselves to “fix” things instead of trusting God…when we dwell on it, instead of leaving it with Him. 

Matthew 5:16 (NLT) ¹⁶ In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

When we can begin to see past ourselves and reach out to others God can begin to heal, transform and strengthen our own spirits.  It not only shows Him that we trust Him for our own lives, but that even in the midst of going through it we still want others to see and know Him.  You know, it’s my opinion that much of what we go through is not just for our own growth…but, for the growth and guidance of someone else.  I do not unrealistically believe that we can just cast all of what we are going through to the side.  However,  I do feel that if we would take a step back from it for a moment and focus our attention on something or someone else that we open the door for our own healing…while being a blessing to someone else. 

Philippians 2:4 (NLT) ⁴ Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

There was a time when I was consumed with what was going on in my own life, when I thought I had to figure it all out.  I tried this and that to fix everything I thought needed fixed only, to find out that my own personal plans never worked… but when I stepped back and focused on something else God began to reveal things to me.  While He was using me to bless others, He was also healing me and transforming things in my current situation by showing me what to do and how to control what I could control and trust Him to take care of the rest. 

Now, I’d love to tell you that I’ve come to a place where I no longer resort back to focusing solely on some of the things I’m going through…but, truth is I still find myself there from time to time.  It’s then that I pray that God will direct my path and focus to where He wants it to be instead of where my emotions are at the time.  I am a work in progress and I am ever grateful to God that He is still here guiding my path and never giving up on me.  I’m also thankful that He offers the same to you! 

More than just knowledge

Our spiritual growth and Godly walk are not always just about the knowledge you can retain…whether worldly or biblical…it’s also about our works and faith.  I mean, if we are being honest even the devil knows the bible from front to back and you see how far that gets him.  He has much knowledge, both worldly and biblical, but is getting nowhere (nor cares to) in spiritual growth. 

I used to be very intimidated by people who really knew their bible and scriptures.  I felt like I wasn’t as good a Christian because I didn’t know as much as they did.  I shied away from certain conversations, groups or meetings because I didn’t want to look biblically stupid.  It also made it hard for me when God wanted me to start my women’s group…I’m thinking I’m no leader and I don’t know enough about my bible to start any spiritual group. 

However, as I’m grow in Christ I’m realize that reading His word is not all there is to being spiritual and close to God.  A relationship with God is something that comes from within…something that you feel personally between you and God.  Something that doesn’t necessarily come just from His word and retaining the knowledge.  Now, by no means am I suggesting that we shouldn’t read and study the bible daily…but, instead that because we may not be as biblically sound as someone else does not make us any less of a Christian or child of God than the next person. 

Learning this has allowed me to step out on my faith in God.  I can see that through my actions and talk others can see Him in me.  I don’t always have to have a scripture to quote or know exactly where something is in the bible to make a difference for God in my life or someone else’s.  I’m learning to be the “me” that God created me to be and allow Him to use me through my life; through my actions, talk and even my choices others see and are blessed by Him.  I’m not saying that maybe I couldn’t stand to read my bible a bit more, but knowing that I don’t have to know everything that another person may know is sort of a freeing feeling. 

We all really do have a particularly purpose and gift for God and the sooner we realize that, the better off we really will be.  We can stop trying to be other people or do what they do in order to feel like we, or I’ll say, I am accomplishing something for Christ.  Knowing and believing this frees us to walk out our spirituality without condemning ourselves or stunting our growth.  It also allows us to bless others with God working through us. 

1 Peter 3:8 (NLT) ⁸ Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.

Sometimes, in my opinion, I feel that because we know what the bible says we forget to be compassionate.  We may be talking to someone who is not as far along in their spiritual journey as we are and when we get to spitting out scripture and verses…as to how they should do this or that, we can push them away.  I realize the bible is the truth and it needs to be read, heard and spoken…but, it also calls for compassion and building up of our fellow man.   You ever hear that saying…actions speak louder than words?  Well, sometimes it’s better for someone going through a hard time to feel our compassion that to be talked at.  We need to learn to show them the love of Christ at all times and through all circumstances.

Separate the sin from the person

James 4:11-12 (NLT) ¹¹ Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you. ¹² God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor?

Some times when we see a certain person acting a certain way or see them doing things that are so plainly wrong, we think to ourselves why would they do such a thing?  We wonder why people use other people or things to get what they want or why they do things that can only bring themselves harm whether physically or emotionally. 

Most times people don't just wake up one morning and decide they want to be "bad"…or do things they know are wrong.  Just like there are steps to doing the right things…to learn to create good habits, the same is true for bad ones.  There was a process or life changing event to get people to those things in their life.  Whether it was…something that happened in childhood, through a life without a parent or maybe something traumatic that happened in their adult life; these are the many things that can cause us to act one way or the other.

Luke 6:31 (NLT) ³¹ Do to others as you would like them to do to you.

           No matter what it is…we have to learn to separate the sin from the person.  We can't walk around hating people or constantly talking about all the wrongs they do.  We can't shun people or curse them with our mouths because they sin differently than we do…because make no mistake about it, we all sin.  We all have bad habits, wrong thoughts and even sinful intentions…but, we wouldn't dare consider labeling ourselves as "bad".  So what makes us…or better put, gives us the right to do it to others? 

Have you ever heard the saying Hate the sin, but love the sinner?  While I have found no scripture or biblical truth to that; I believe that God despises sin, but loves the person and some how we have to learn to do the same.  We have no idea what has brought this person to this point in their life…and regardless of what it is we are not their judge.  Instead of adding to the sin with hurtful words of gossip or condemning actions for judgment, we need to stop and pray for them instead.  Can you imagine the affect, we as a people would have, if we prayed for those in trouble, in need or lost instead of cursing them?  Can you imagine how good it would make you feel to know that even the person that you have wronged is praying for you and your actions? 

Romans 5:8 (NLT) ⁸ But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

You know; something I constantly find myself saying is…I'm so thankful that God is not like man.  Where would we all be if God, who has the right to turn from us or curse us because of our sins, did as we do to others?  I am so thankful that He is a forgiving God and He sees past my sins to the person that He truly created me to be.  This is something that has truly been weighing on my heart and mind.  So today, I sincerely ask God to help me to pray for those that are wrong or doing things that they shouldn't be…whether towards me, others or themselves.  I pray that God will help me to separate the sin from the person and have a heart of love and compassion towards them, just as He does me.  I thank God today, that He is not like man and that He truly loves me in spite of myself. 

Giving God our Best

We go through life hoping and praying God's best for us; that He will take care of us like only He can.  Asking Him to see us through every trial and overflow our lives with joy.  But, how often are we giving God the same?  Are we giving Him thanks the second we opens our eyes in the morning?  Are we doing everything we do to the best of our ability, not for our own praise but for that of God?  If we want the best from God, shouldn't we also give Him our best?

Colossians 3:23-24 (NLT) ²³ Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. ²⁴ Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.

It really doesn't matter what we are doing we are supposed to be doing it as though we are doing it for God.  Whether it’s on our job, in the church or for a friend…everything that we do needs to be done with our best intentions and effort.  Ultimately, it’s all for God anyway.  We have to remember that God lives in all of us and when we’re doing something for someone, we are doing it for Him.  We also need to remember that everything we have or are is because of God. 

I'll be the first to admit that I don't always succeed with this.  in fact I'm sure at some point during most days I fail Him in some type of way;  Whether on my job, interacting with someone else or simply through taking care of my home.  Maybe some days in the hustle of life I forget to put my best Godly foot forward, or maybe some days I allow my attitude to dictate how I act; but no matter what the reason I'm forgetting that I represent God.  However, this is not the time to beat ourselves up and lay down in defeat.  Instead we must ask for forgiveness and that He will help us to walk uprightly for Him and keep pressing on! 

Romans 12:1 (NLT) 12 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.

It may seem silly, but even form eating and drinking to walking and talking…all should be done for His glory and none of our own.  Our bodies are our temples, the place where God resides in us.  I mean, let's think about it…if our houses were a mess, would we invite company over?  The same goes for our bodies; we need to keep them as healthy, clean and pure so that God may dwell in them.  Our bodies are a living sacrifice for God, that we may be fully capable of doing His work here on earth. 

2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV) ²⁰ We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

By presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice to God; we are not only living a life pleasing to Him, but we are also glorifying His kingdom and letting Him shine through us.  This shows the world just how good He is; helping them to turn to Him and want to serve Him too.  We are His hands and feet here on earth…His voice and light that reaches those that don't know Him or have yet to give their lives to Him.  We must represent Him as He truly deserves…with dedication, truth and with our whole hearts. 

As a child of God; as a Christian, we must always remember we are living under a microscope.  Waiting to be scrutinized and judged for saying one thing with our lips and another with our actions; so we must be careful!  Yes…we will makes mistakes, but we must still try to do everything that we do to the best of our ability because we are living for and representing the Most High God…and He is truly worthy of all we can give! 

Spiritual Gifts

Romans 12:1 (NLT) 12 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.

As the mother and step-mother to my children it is my job to stay in prayer over them, to help teach them about God and to teach them how to walk a life according to the scriptures.  Lately I'm finding myself praying intently for my children's spiritual gifts; asking God to reveal them to not only them at this young age, but to me as well. By knowing I can pray for and do my best to help them walk into their spiritual gifts.  My heart truly longs for them to know God intimately, but for them to also live their lives for Him and the furthering of His Kingdom. 

I believe that I truly didn't start walking in my spiritual gifts until I reached adulthood, probably not till after my middle baby was born.  It wasn't until after my son was born that I even truly understood what a spiritual gift was, let alone what mine were.  Once I began to understand, I started praying that God would open my spiritual eyes to them so that I could be what and who He wanted me to be.  This is why I have begun to desire that my children know theirs at such a young age.  It will strengthen their faith in God and bring them closer to Him. 

Our spiritual gifts are very important for many reasons; they are our contribution to uplifting and doing our part for God's Kingdom.  They are also what we are blessed with to walk out God's love here on earth, to help reach other people and bring them to Christ.  There are many spiritual gifts which you can find and read about in the Bible.  Below are two set of scriptures that you can read to help you learn more about them, but I'm not entirely sure if this is the total listing. 

1.  Romans 12:6-8

2.  1 Corinthians 12 (whole chapter)

           

These chapters and verses not only tell us what spiritual gifts are with the listings, but they also teach us that one gift is not above or below the other.  If willing to walk God's chosen path for our lives, we all play a very important role to edifying His Kingdom.  We all make up the body of Christ and each part is important and necessary.  From the eyes and mouth to the hands and feet…we all must seek God to know who we are and what our role is. 

Knowing your gifts and wanting to serve God with them is so powerful and creates such purpose for your life and those around you. Now…I'll be honest; it has been quite a journey…some days better than others.  Once the enemy/devil (whatever you want to call him) finds you seeking God in such a way he does his best to throw up roadblocks and cause you to fall.  However, I am very grateful to have had my eyes opened and to be used by God.  Through my gifts and praying to be guided by God with them has also brought me closer to Him.  Being closer to Him helps me to get through any and everything that comes my way. 

I can’t stress enough how very important it is, that we take the time to ask God to show each one of us what our gifts are!!  We can do this through consistent prayer and meditation on His word.  Then by being stepping out on your faith in Him to do His will for your life. 

Spiritual Endurance

Sometimes it can feel like your in a storm that won't end or you've been praying for a break through or end to something for ever…with no apparent end.  You’ve tried all you know how to fix it.  You’ve even tried changing yourself or giving in to things that maybe you shouldn’t, all in hopes to bring an end to whatever it is that is plaguing you and your life right now. 

There was a period in my life that felt to me like the walls were crashing in on me on every side to include the ceiling falling in and the floor reaching towards the sky. I prayed for almost the same thing everyday for years without much relief or breakthrough.  Some days were easier than others because I was humble enough to allow myself to feel the Lords presence but, other days the despair and pain took over and I felt hopeless and helpless. 

I couldn't understand why, when I felt like I was doing a lot (I'm know I can't say all) of what I thought I should be doing, things still just didn’t seem to work out.  I spent day in and day out in prayer…hoping and wishing for change.  Wondering when my breakthrough would come or when God would just give me a break.  Asking…or better put begging God to make things right.  I remember my biggest prayer being for peace…peace of mind no matter what I was going through.  I think if being honest, I may have even come close to wanting to give up.  BUT, something in me wouldn’t allow me to.

Hebrews 10:35-36 (NLT) ³⁵ So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! ³⁶ Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.

You see through my prayers and constant reaching for God, even when the moments would arise when I felt like I was going to crumble, I stayed connected to Him and His strength.  He was the one who kept me going because there was no way I could have done it in or of myself.  Through my trials I learned to trust Him and through trusting Him, He helped me to endure and not give up or in.  I learned that just because what I could see was not right, didn’t mean it wasn’t going to work out for my good.  I had to do my best to stay in God’s will for my life because He promised that on the other side of the pain it would be better than I could have ever imagined! 

Romans 5:4-5 (NLV) ⁴ When we have learned not to give up, it shows we have stood the test. When we have stood the test, it gives us hope. ⁵ Hope never makes us ashamed because the love of God has come into our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who was given to us

I’m here to tell you that even though things are still being worked out, that even though certain situations still seem to be hard and some relationships have dissipated…God isn’t through with you or me yet.  Things aren’t what they used to be and a hope and joy have been instilled in me that can only have come from my Heavenly Father.  He’s still building me up and using me not just so that I have a life with Him and filled with true joy, but that I may be a blessing to someone else.  He’s restoring my spirit to its rightful place in Him.  Each time something arises I dig deep and remember that He’s holding and guiding my every step. 

I’ve come to a place in my life that I realize that it’s through my pain and trials that my spiritual endurance is strengthened.  That through Him I have hope and through my hope I have endurance to run the race.  I’m thankful for all that God has done for me and my family; I praise Him because He has never left us.  I thank Him because I am not ashamed for the things that I have been through because I know they have made me who I am today.  So it’s with passion and urgency that I say to you…Don’t give up and don’t give in!  God isn’t finished with you yet and if you just hold on to Him; stay in prayer and allow Him to order your steps, He will carry you through.  And I promise you, you’ll be better on the other side than when you first went in!!