Things have been crazy. Just thought I'd finally make the time to come on here for a bit of an update.
We got a puppy. Yep. It's exhausting. More than my normal exhausting. Then she got spayed and having to keep her calm is even more exhausting than that! Though that night she spent at the hospital was a sigh of relief for us. We got to sleep in... well I should say J got to sleep in. Between having a puppy and a stepdaughter, I now know why mom's hide out in bathrooms! But hey, I finally got my little white puppy and the only one I've not been allergic to!
Besides that my health has been shaky. I got so hot and dizzy at a church luncheon, I had to just leave. Fever comes and goes. Pain, weakness, all the normal stuff and then some. Weird rash on my neck out of no where brought us a trip to urgent care and some more antibiotics to be safe. Lyme disease or co infection yet again? Who knows. I'm exhausted.
So between helping my husband with church stuff, being a step mom, having a new puppy and trying to do normal stuff that needs to get done like bills and eating a meal here and there, I've had no time to write. I used to want nothing but to leave living at my parents house. Now I miss the days all I had to do was lay there, rest, read and write. God used that time to prepare me, and now that I'm in this next chapter it almost seems like the chapter of writing is closing. I miss it, but I'm handing it over to Him and if He wants me to keep writing, I'm sure I'll find the time again soon.
I had a dream someone hired me as an editor... maybe I should look into that... after all, I can do it from the convenience of the bed or couch. I've been given the gifts of finding mistakes (not sure that's really a gift lol), and the situation of a chronic illness. Partner the two together and I've got quite the qualifications ha ha. I'm so very thankful I can actually partner those two things together to benefit my husband's ministry, even if it's just editing sermons and bulletins. It's hard to be behind the scenes and feel like you are invisible in this very visible world, but I've got to remember it's not about me. It's about Him. And if what I'm doing, as little as it may be, points the way to Him, I'm being used for His glory and that's all I could ask for.
How can your gifts and talents be used this Christmas season to glorify and lead the way to Him? Think about that, and then, as little as it may be, do something that will put that into action.
Thanks for reading! Blessings to you all!
Monday, December 5, 2016
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Update
Just a little update for those following my health.
I've been experiencing a new issue or symptoms for about 2 weeks now. About a week in I called a doctor here and made an appointment. They did testing and said they would call me back. Knowing the day they would call me back was a Friday and I didn't want to worry about this all weekend, I called mid afternoon for an update. I was told I'd get a call back. So later that day some doctor who is not my doctor calls me. He explains basically it could be this, that or anything, and to call back Monday if I'm still having symptoms because we may need to do surgery. Umm?
Also concerning was the fact that we were supposed to take a little get away and use a gift certificate at a hotel that next week, 2 hours away. Should I travel? Should I not? Is this serious? Is this not? Who knows. I prayed. We prayed. Others prayed.
Well Monday roles around and I'm still having symptoms. I really didn't know what to do. Call this same doctor's office where they appear to be clueless with what's going on with me or try to find another doctor for a second opinion? I came to the conclusion that I would call 2 other doctors to try to get in. That was my plan. Well, I called the first one and even though they mention my insurance on the message as you are waiting for someone to talk to, they tell me no they no longer take that insurance for new patients. Who knew you could decide who you can and can't accept the same insurance from. Not fair in my book. So on to calling the next doctor. Well this next one's receptionist seemed very nice. She put me on hold and talked to the doctor about my concerns. She comes back and says he can't see me if there is any chance of it being an emergency (which one of the possibilities of it would be). So we ended that call with the agreement that I'll call back for an appointment if I find out it's not that.
So now what? Still no answers. Still no 2nd opinion. I call my original doctor's office and let them know what's going on. No call back.
Today I got a call from the doctor, the actual doctor not a different one or a nurse. He talked to me for probably a good 10-15 minutes and explained everything. But explaining everything is really just that- everything. There is still no answer, every possibility still exists from no big deal to super serious. Which one is it? I guess only time will tell now.
A new agreement. We will take this little trip we have planned, pray we can enjoy it, and on Monday if I'm still having symptoms I will call back yet again for another appointment. Though at that point I may start looking for yet another different doctor to help me out here.
I know I'm no textbook patient, but geeze. I feel like a walking science experiment over here. I do not not not want to be thrown back into the medical system. It's a mess. It's a disaster. I've been treated like a number and not an individual. I've been through it all before and I don't want to go through it again. But what on earth are you supposed to do when you have these ongoing symptoms without answers? Look up, that's what you're supposed to do. Look up.
Please join me in praying for God to guide me through this, to bring me healing and to give us a safe, enjoyable relaxing time away ready to come back and continue to serve Him. Thank you!
…8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9But He said to me,“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. 10That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.… 2 Corinthians 12:8-10
I've been experiencing a new issue or symptoms for about 2 weeks now. About a week in I called a doctor here and made an appointment. They did testing and said they would call me back. Knowing the day they would call me back was a Friday and I didn't want to worry about this all weekend, I called mid afternoon for an update. I was told I'd get a call back. So later that day some doctor who is not my doctor calls me. He explains basically it could be this, that or anything, and to call back Monday if I'm still having symptoms because we may need to do surgery. Umm?
Also concerning was the fact that we were supposed to take a little get away and use a gift certificate at a hotel that next week, 2 hours away. Should I travel? Should I not? Is this serious? Is this not? Who knows. I prayed. We prayed. Others prayed.
Well Monday roles around and I'm still having symptoms. I really didn't know what to do. Call this same doctor's office where they appear to be clueless with what's going on with me or try to find another doctor for a second opinion? I came to the conclusion that I would call 2 other doctors to try to get in. That was my plan. Well, I called the first one and even though they mention my insurance on the message as you are waiting for someone to talk to, they tell me no they no longer take that insurance for new patients. Who knew you could decide who you can and can't accept the same insurance from. Not fair in my book. So on to calling the next doctor. Well this next one's receptionist seemed very nice. She put me on hold and talked to the doctor about my concerns. She comes back and says he can't see me if there is any chance of it being an emergency (which one of the possibilities of it would be). So we ended that call with the agreement that I'll call back for an appointment if I find out it's not that.
So now what? Still no answers. Still no 2nd opinion. I call my original doctor's office and let them know what's going on. No call back.
Today I got a call from the doctor, the actual doctor not a different one or a nurse. He talked to me for probably a good 10-15 minutes and explained everything. But explaining everything is really just that- everything. There is still no answer, every possibility still exists from no big deal to super serious. Which one is it? I guess only time will tell now.
A new agreement. We will take this little trip we have planned, pray we can enjoy it, and on Monday if I'm still having symptoms I will call back yet again for another appointment. Though at that point I may start looking for yet another different doctor to help me out here.
I know I'm no textbook patient, but geeze. I feel like a walking science experiment over here. I do not not not want to be thrown back into the medical system. It's a mess. It's a disaster. I've been treated like a number and not an individual. I've been through it all before and I don't want to go through it again. But what on earth are you supposed to do when you have these ongoing symptoms without answers? Look up, that's what you're supposed to do. Look up.
Please join me in praying for God to guide me through this, to bring me healing and to give us a safe, enjoyable relaxing time away ready to come back and continue to serve Him. Thank you!
…8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9But He said to me,“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. 10That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.… 2 Corinthians 12:8-10
Saturday, October 1, 2016
Pastor Appreciation Month
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Honestly, I never knew or thought of this until I first started dating a pastor. But now that I am married to him, of course I want to recognize him, and all the pastors out there. I never knew all the behind the scenes work a church has. I fell into the thinking many probably do, that a pastor prepares a sermon during the week and shows up Sunday to preach it, with a few other things here and there. Boy, was I wrong, and it's only now that I can see that. Especially in a small church, when the pastor is the only one who works there and the only secretary is the wife's assistance, a pastor sure does do a lot.
To all the pastors who do it all and then some, who-
<3 study God's Word daily in preparation
<3 read, research and collaborate for sermons
<3 write, rewrite and rewrite again their sermons
<3 deliver sermons on Sundays and sometimes Wednesdays, Saturdays, any day
<3 create slides, media or visuals to go along with the sermons
<3 run their own slides, media or visuals during a sermon
<3 Sunday School preparation and teaching
<3 Communion meditations
<3 Communion preparation
<3 schedule and lead meetings
<3 innitiate, build and lead teams and committees
<3 visit people at home and in the hospital
<3 answer calls at any hour of any day even while on vacation
<3 answer the door at home at any hour of any day
<3 funeral planning and funerals
<3 marriage prep and weddings
<3 choosing and leading Bible Studies
<3 creating, printing and folding bulletins
<3 Children's bulletins
<3 building and maintaining a church website
<3 building and setting up a backdrop
<3 song choices, media for worship, running it during the service
<3 recruiting and overseeing guest worship leaders
<3 starting up, recruiting and overseeing Children's Ministry volunteers
<3 outreach event planning, preparation, advertising and day of attendance
<3 church member events
<3 renovation planning and collaboration
<3 cleaning, organizing and set up to make sure everything is presentable at it's best
<3 arriving before everyone arrives at each church service
<3 leaving after everyone has left each church service
<3 ministerial association meetings
<3 prayer meetings
<3 showing up to lead prayer whenever called upon
<3 leadership conferences, conventions or travel
and so so much more depending on the church, type of ministry, etc.
and then go home to be a husband, father, family member and friend, doing work around the house and for others that never ends.
Make sure to take the time this month to recognize your pastor. It's a ministry, it's a calling, but it's sometimes a lot of behind the scenes, long hours, sweat and tears that goes into it. Pray God's blessings over your pastor's life and that of his family's as well.
To my husband, my father-in-law and all the pastors out there who have chosen to answer that call, to minister to the body of Christ and be and hands and feet of Jesus, to be a godly example of what we all should be... Thank you and Happy Pastor Appreciation Month!
To all the pastors who do it all and then some, who-
<3 study God's Word daily in preparation
<3 read, research and collaborate for sermons
<3 write, rewrite and rewrite again their sermons
<3 deliver sermons on Sundays and sometimes Wednesdays, Saturdays, any day
<3 create slides, media or visuals to go along with the sermons
<3 run their own slides, media or visuals during a sermon
<3 Sunday School preparation and teaching
<3 Communion meditations
<3 Communion preparation
<3 schedule and lead meetings
<3 innitiate, build and lead teams and committees
<3 visit people at home and in the hospital
<3 answer calls at any hour of any day even while on vacation
<3 answer the door at home at any hour of any day
<3 funeral planning and funerals
<3 marriage prep and weddings
<3 choosing and leading Bible Studies
<3 creating, printing and folding bulletins
<3 Children's bulletins
<3 building and maintaining a church website
<3 building and setting up a backdrop
<3 song choices, media for worship, running it during the service
<3 recruiting and overseeing guest worship leaders
<3 starting up, recruiting and overseeing Children's Ministry volunteers
<3 outreach event planning, preparation, advertising and day of attendance
<3 church member events
<3 renovation planning and collaboration
<3 cleaning, organizing and set up to make sure everything is presentable at it's best
<3 arriving before everyone arrives at each church service
<3 leaving after everyone has left each church service
<3 ministerial association meetings
<3 prayer meetings
<3 showing up to lead prayer whenever called upon
<3 leadership conferences, conventions or travel
and so so much more depending on the church, type of ministry, etc.
and then go home to be a husband, father, family member and friend, doing work around the house and for others that never ends.
Make sure to take the time this month to recognize your pastor. It's a ministry, it's a calling, but it's sometimes a lot of behind the scenes, long hours, sweat and tears that goes into it. Pray God's blessings over your pastor's life and that of his family's as well.
To my husband, my father-in-law and all the pastors out there who have chosen to answer that call, to minister to the body of Christ and be and hands and feet of Jesus, to be a godly example of what we all should be... Thank you and Happy Pastor Appreciation Month!
Monday, September 12, 2016
We will never forget.
There are days I sit in the pew at church watching and listening to my husband preach, and feel so blessed and honored to be his wife. The biggest reason why- because I clearly can see God working wonderfully through Him.
It can be a challenge and a struggle to allow God to work through you. We all have a choice. Sometimes we want to do it our way, even though God knows it's not the best way. But when we surrender, when we give it all to Him, and all the glory to Him- life is so much better. And more importantly, we can receive eternal life- through His Son Jesus Christ who suffered and died on that cross for us.
So with that, and with J's permission, I am sharing here what he shared for a communion meditation yesterday, edited slightly to try to match what he added to it while speaking yesterday.
It can be a challenge and a struggle to allow God to work through you. We all have a choice. Sometimes we want to do it our way, even though God knows it's not the best way. But when we surrender, when we give it all to Him, and all the glory to Him- life is so much better. And more importantly, we can receive eternal life- through His Son Jesus Christ who suffered and died on that cross for us.
So with that, and with J's permission, I am sharing here what he shared for a communion meditation yesterday, edited slightly to try to match what he added to it while speaking yesterday.
"Luke 22:17-20
And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he
said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. For I tell you that from now
on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And
he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them,
saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out
for you is the new covenant in my blood.”
There are events that happen in our life that we
don't easily forget. September 11th 2001 was such an event for most of us in
here. We remember that terrible day. The motto of New York and our country that
came out of that day was "we will never forget." And we haven't.
Every year on this date, we remember. This needs to be true, not only for
events like these, but also for us as Christians. September 11th was
a major event, but an even more major event took place 2000 years ago that
changed the entire world forever. The crucifixion of Jesus Christ: His death,
burial and resurrection. That event changed everything. Through His death and
resurrection, we could now be in a right relationship with God. Our sins could
now be forgiven. A free gift of salvation was granted once and for all.
Jesus wanted us to remember this always. So he
instituted the Lords supper for all those who believe. We do this each week to
remember His horrible death but to also celebrate our salvation. Let us never
forget that Friday He died, and the Sunday He rose again. As we take these
emblems today, let us never forget.
Let's pray."
Originally Posted: Why do marriages fail?
***When I returned to Chicago 3.5 years ago for my surgery, I started a blog as one place all family and friends could go to read updates on my health. I then realized it was also a way of promoting awareness. Shortly after that, I started a second blog, for the purpose of sharing my faith. As time went on, I became convicted about something.
It was wrong of me to separate the two, as my faith, Jesus, is the absolute reason for my strength in getting through this. I could not exclude Him from my health blog even if others suggested to do so. Thus, I started talking more about my faith on my main blog. Now, many times, it's more about Him than me, which is where I came up with the current title 'About Me, Not About Me'. This story may be about me, but really it's not about me, it's about Him. That old blog still sits out there no longer being used. So I decided over time I will begin to move those posts from there to here to have everything in one place.
In just beginning to read some of my first posts, I've realized the amount of work God has truly done in me. A lot of times we hate the journey and want to get to our next destination, but it is in that very journey that God molds you into who He created you to be.
And this here is my last post to transfer over to this blog. It was just shortly before writing this post below that I met the man I am married to now. Crazy how the good part of what I was talking about was already in the works. God is truly amazing.***
Originally Posted: August 27, 2014
Why Do Marriages Fail?
Two people fall in love, get married and live happily ever after. Right? Wrong. And that misconception is exactly why some marriages fail.
Marriage is about love, I would agree with that, but 'what is love?' should be the real question. How we define love and more importantly how we act upon it may be what keeps two people together or splits them apart.
God is love. Period.
We can fall in love with how someone looks, but that someone is going to age and their looks are going to change. They may get in a serious accident in which you no longer can even recognize them. Then what?
We can fall in love with someone's personality. We may feel strongly about who they are as a person, their character, traits and how they live their life. We may get along really well and similarities may make it seem like it was "meant to be." But people change, people grow. Sometimes people change for the worse and sometimes people grow apart. Then what?
We can fall in love with the idea of love. We can build this fairy tale idea in our head that this really is our happily ever after. She's my princess and he's my prince charming. Nothing can take away this love we have. That love is a feeling. But what happens when feelings fade, when trials come and arguments happen, when temptation arises from another person brought into the middle. Then what?
Nearly everything can change, can break, can end. Everyone can get sick, go into debt, lose a job, even have a personality change. None of those things are guaranteed to last forever. So if we put our trust in those things, if we base our "love" in those things, we are setting ourselves up for failure.
God is love. God is the only One who does not change, who does not leave nor forsake us, who will always be there in the good times and the bad, the only One we can fully and always trust with our lives and with our hearts.
Love is not merely a feeling with butterflies and goosebumps and bubbly hearts all around us. Love is a choice. Love is an action. Love is a commitment, a vow, a promise, a forever.
A true marriage is a union of two souls coming together as one through God. Marriage takes three. Marriage takes commitment, dedication, humility, sacrifice, strength and so much effort. But if God is the center, that effort is going to bring such reward. That effort is going to ultimately shape us into who God wants us to be. That marriage will come closer to what God truly intends for marriage to be and a representation of Christ's love for the church, for us.
In knowing that, I know if I ever get married again, that marriage will be based off of and centered on God. I have heard before, "Have your heart so deeply in Jesus that a man needs to go to Jesus in order to find you." and I couldn't agree more. Furthermore, I always want to stay there. God first. God center. God always.
God bless.
It was wrong of me to separate the two, as my faith, Jesus, is the absolute reason for my strength in getting through this. I could not exclude Him from my health blog even if others suggested to do so. Thus, I started talking more about my faith on my main blog. Now, many times, it's more about Him than me, which is where I came up with the current title 'About Me, Not About Me'. This story may be about me, but really it's not about me, it's about Him. That old blog still sits out there no longer being used. So I decided over time I will begin to move those posts from there to here to have everything in one place.
In just beginning to read some of my first posts, I've realized the amount of work God has truly done in me. A lot of times we hate the journey and want to get to our next destination, but it is in that very journey that God molds you into who He created you to be.
And this here is my last post to transfer over to this blog. It was just shortly before writing this post below that I met the man I am married to now. Crazy how the good part of what I was talking about was already in the works. God is truly amazing.***
Originally Posted: August 27, 2014
Why Do Marriages Fail?
Two people fall in love, get married and live happily ever after. Right? Wrong. And that misconception is exactly why some marriages fail.
Marriage is about love, I would agree with that, but 'what is love?' should be the real question. How we define love and more importantly how we act upon it may be what keeps two people together or splits them apart.
God is love. Period.
We can fall in love with how someone looks, but that someone is going to age and their looks are going to change. They may get in a serious accident in which you no longer can even recognize them. Then what?
We can fall in love with someone's personality. We may feel strongly about who they are as a person, their character, traits and how they live their life. We may get along really well and similarities may make it seem like it was "meant to be." But people change, people grow. Sometimes people change for the worse and sometimes people grow apart. Then what?
We can fall in love with the idea of love. We can build this fairy tale idea in our head that this really is our happily ever after. She's my princess and he's my prince charming. Nothing can take away this love we have. That love is a feeling. But what happens when feelings fade, when trials come and arguments happen, when temptation arises from another person brought into the middle. Then what?
Nearly everything can change, can break, can end. Everyone can get sick, go into debt, lose a job, even have a personality change. None of those things are guaranteed to last forever. So if we put our trust in those things, if we base our "love" in those things, we are setting ourselves up for failure.
God is love. God is the only One who does not change, who does not leave nor forsake us, who will always be there in the good times and the bad, the only One we can fully and always trust with our lives and with our hearts.
Love is not merely a feeling with butterflies and goosebumps and bubbly hearts all around us. Love is a choice. Love is an action. Love is a commitment, a vow, a promise, a forever.
A true marriage is a union of two souls coming together as one through God. Marriage takes three. Marriage takes commitment, dedication, humility, sacrifice, strength and so much effort. But if God is the center, that effort is going to bring such reward. That effort is going to ultimately shape us into who God wants us to be. That marriage will come closer to what God truly intends for marriage to be and a representation of Christ's love for the church, for us.
In knowing that, I know if I ever get married again, that marriage will be based off of and centered on God. I have heard before, "Have your heart so deeply in Jesus that a man needs to go to Jesus in order to find you." and I couldn't agree more. Furthermore, I always want to stay there. God first. God center. God always.
God bless.
Thursday, September 8, 2016
Originally Posted: Heaven on Earth
***When I returned to Chicago 3.5 years ago for my surgery, I started a blog as one place all family and friends could go to read updates on my health. I then realized it was also a way of promoting awareness. Shortly after that, I started a second blog, for the purpose of sharing my faith. As time went on, I became convicted about something.
It was wrong of me to separate the two, as my faith, Jesus, is the absolute reason for my strength in getting through this. I could not exclude Him from my health blog even if others suggested to do so. Thus, I started talking more about my faith on my main blog. Now, many times, it's more about Him than me, which is where I came up with the current title 'About Me, Not About Me'. This story may be about me, but really it's not about me, it's about Him. That old blog still sits out there no longer being used. So I decided over time I will begin to move those posts from there to here to have everything in one place.
In just beginning to read some of my first posts, I've realized the amount of work God has truly done in me. A lot of times we hate the journey and want to get to our next destination, but it is in that very journey that God molds you into who He created you to be.***
Originally Posted: May 9, 2014
Heaven on Earth
Thanks to a gift from a sweet friend I am reading the daily devotional "Jesus Calling." Yesterday one line in there stood out to me, "Do not seek your heaven on earth." Have you ever thought about this?
Every day this is exactly what we are trying to do even if we don't realize it at the time. We constantly want more, want better, and we do it in the worst way possible. We do it often times without God's lead.
Here on earth we are separated from God, and we will be until we one day join Him. But our desire for Him is SO extremely strong. And instead of reading His word, seeking His will and building a relationship with Him, we do just the opposite. We bring on destruction.
We look for this heaven within the earth. We will never find it here but we keep on looking. We look to other things. We look to other people. We look to desires, physical relationships, affairs, alcohol, gambling, revenge, money, etc. We in fact look to evil and sin in search of something so much greater. These things will never please because they don't last. They are brief moments of pleasure that give us a high for that instant. They are fleeting. And they are extremely damaging to ourselves and those around us.
Our time here on earth is brief compared to all eternity but we have a purpose. We must continue to remain close to Him, grow into who He wants us to be. We need to treat others with a loving heart. We need to not expect or search for heaven on earth... but maybe, perhaps through our actions, we should strive to create as close to it as we can for those around us.
Jesus Calling says "Do not seek your heaven on earth."
I say "Be a little piece of heaven for this earth."
Let God flow through your words, through your actions, through your life here on earth. When others see you, pray that they instead see a glimpse of Him.
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. John 15:12
It was wrong of me to separate the two, as my faith, Jesus, is the absolute reason for my strength in getting through this. I could not exclude Him from my health blog even if others suggested to do so. Thus, I started talking more about my faith on my main blog. Now, many times, it's more about Him than me, which is where I came up with the current title 'About Me, Not About Me'. This story may be about me, but really it's not about me, it's about Him. That old blog still sits out there no longer being used. So I decided over time I will begin to move those posts from there to here to have everything in one place.
In just beginning to read some of my first posts, I've realized the amount of work God has truly done in me. A lot of times we hate the journey and want to get to our next destination, but it is in that very journey that God molds you into who He created you to be.***
Originally Posted: May 9, 2014
Heaven on Earth
Thanks to a gift from a sweet friend I am reading the daily devotional "Jesus Calling." Yesterday one line in there stood out to me, "Do not seek your heaven on earth." Have you ever thought about this?
Every day this is exactly what we are trying to do even if we don't realize it at the time. We constantly want more, want better, and we do it in the worst way possible. We do it often times without God's lead.
Here on earth we are separated from God, and we will be until we one day join Him. But our desire for Him is SO extremely strong. And instead of reading His word, seeking His will and building a relationship with Him, we do just the opposite. We bring on destruction.
We look for this heaven within the earth. We will never find it here but we keep on looking. We look to other things. We look to other people. We look to desires, physical relationships, affairs, alcohol, gambling, revenge, money, etc. We in fact look to evil and sin in search of something so much greater. These things will never please because they don't last. They are brief moments of pleasure that give us a high for that instant. They are fleeting. And they are extremely damaging to ourselves and those around us.
Our time here on earth is brief compared to all eternity but we have a purpose. We must continue to remain close to Him, grow into who He wants us to be. We need to treat others with a loving heart. We need to not expect or search for heaven on earth... but maybe, perhaps through our actions, we should strive to create as close to it as we can for those around us.
Jesus Calling says "Do not seek your heaven on earth."
I say "Be a little piece of heaven for this earth."
Let God flow through your words, through your actions, through your life here on earth. When others see you, pray that they instead see a glimpse of Him.
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. John 15:12
Friday, September 2, 2016
Originally Posted: Think on these things
***When I returned to Chicago 3.5 years ago for my surgery, I started a blog as one place all family and friends could go to read updates on my health. I then realized it was also a way of promoting awareness. Shortly after that, I started a second blog, for the purpose of sharing my faith. As time went on, I became convicted about something.
It was wrong of me to separate the two, as my faith, Jesus, is the absolute reason for my strength in getting through this. I could not exclude Him from my health blog even if others suggested to do so. Thus, I started talking more about my faith on my main blog. Now, many times, it's more about Him than me, which is where I came up with the current title 'About Me, Not About Me'. This story may be about me, but really it's not about me, it's about Him. That old blog still sits out there no longer being used. So I decided over time I will begin to move those posts from there to here to have everything in one place.
In just beginning to read some of my first posts, I've realized the amount of work God has truly done in me. A lot of times we hate the journey and want to get to our next destination, but it is in that very journey that God molds you into who He created you to be.***
Originally Posted: April 3, 2014
Think on these things
Why is it that we hold back our feelings? Hold back our emotions? Hold back words?
Why when asked something sometimes we feel the need to fabricate the truth, tell a story or omit things?
Why do we basically portray to others a life different from the one we are living?
It was wrong of me to separate the two, as my faith, Jesus, is the absolute reason for my strength in getting through this. I could not exclude Him from my health blog even if others suggested to do so. Thus, I started talking more about my faith on my main blog. Now, many times, it's more about Him than me, which is where I came up with the current title 'About Me, Not About Me'. This story may be about me, but really it's not about me, it's about Him. That old blog still sits out there no longer being used. So I decided over time I will begin to move those posts from there to here to have everything in one place.
In just beginning to read some of my first posts, I've realized the amount of work God has truly done in me. A lot of times we hate the journey and want to get to our next destination, but it is in that very journey that God molds you into who He created you to be.***
Originally Posted: April 3, 2014
Think on these things
Why is it that we hold back our feelings? Hold back our emotions? Hold back words?
Why when asked something sometimes we feel the need to fabricate the truth, tell a story or omit things?
Why do we basically portray to others a life different from the one we are living?
Why have some people done this so frequently that the truth becomes forgotten, and the entire life lived is just one big lie?
Imagine if everyone just said what is on their mind, no holding back and no lying. I'm not talking saying mean stuff to people... I'm talking if you have a feeling, an emotion, a need, something you want to say- you say it. Let it out there. Imagine if everyone did this. Wouldn't it stop all the wondering? The second guessing? The lack of closure or need for explanation? The worrying and stressing what the other person is thinking or doing?
Now imagine if we guided our thoughts to those which were positive hence all we said was mainly positive, aside from occasional venting about things we cannot control. We would build each other up. We would both give and receive encouragement and support. We would be filled with the blessing of love.
I believe it spreads in the way that a pay it forward would. So pay it forward with kindness, with truth, with love.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8
Originally Posted: Idols
***When I returned to Chicago 3.5 years ago for my surgery, I started a blog as one place all family and friends could go to read updates on my health. I then realized it was also a way of promoting awareness. Shortly after that, I started a second blog, for the purpose of sharing my faith. As time went on, I became convicted about something.
It was wrong of me to separate the two, as my faith, Jesus, is the absolute reason for my strength in getting through this. I could not exclude Him from my health blog even if others suggested to do so. Thus, I started talking more about my faith on my main blog. Now, many times, it's more about Him than me, which is where I came up with the current title 'About Me, Not About Me'. This story may be about me, but really it's not about me, it's about Him. That old blog still sits out there no longer being used. So I decided over time I will begin to move those posts from there to here to have everything in one place.
In just beginning to read some of my first posts, I've realized the amount of work God has truly done in me. A lot of times we hate the journey and want to get to our next destination, but it is in that very journey that God molds you into who He created you to be.***
Originally Posted: March 27, 2014
Idols
Reality TV- American Idol...A show almost everyone used to watch, nearly no one does anymore. But there is still Dancing with the Stars, the Bachelor and many other reality shows. We HAVE to see it, can't miss it, must talk about it, enamored by it.
Sports- Oh don't get me started on football. I do like football, but it's become a religion of sorts to some. Sunday is football day. Nothing gets in the way of a game, no person, no thing, no illness, nothing. Football, basketball, baseball, soccer, golf, etc. Sports in general are loved by many.
People- boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands, wives. Actors, actresses, musicians, pop stars, models. Even political figures. Everyone has someone they look up to in a way that can almost border on obsessive. We hang them on the wall in adolescence, scream at the top of our lungs when we see them in concert, nearly faint if we can touch the hand of someone or catch their used tshirt. We think so much of someone we may know nothing of.
Things- material things. Items. Clothing, shoes, purses, accessories, sunglasses, hats. More things- tv, stereo, car, decor, art, big houses, more more more. We always need more, but it's not a need it's a want that got mistaken as a need and it becomes an addiction.
Idols.
At first thought, none of those are idols. Maybe movie stars or something like that, but none of those other things are idols, right? They can all be idols. An idol is anything that comes in the way of putting God first. We idolize so many people and so many things and we typically don't even realize it.
Don't even stop there. We often idolize money, power and pleasure too.
Furthermore, we must remember, though there are images of Jesus and representation of Him, those images are not the real thing. We must not idolize an image but remain strong in a relationship with Him.
Idolatry is a sin.
I'm not saying take away football or stop enjoying your favorite actor. I'm not saying sell all your things and never again watch tv. But those things must not come before God. They must never replace God. And we must not look to them in such a way that places them at the same level or higher than God.
We are instructed to put God first, before anyone or anything else. We can't do all these other things, nearly worshiping them or placing others on a pedestal, then cry out to God when we need help, only visit God on Sundays, when it's convenient. We must put God first, always, no matter what show is on tv, no matter what game we will miss by going to church, no matter who is doing what in Hollywood, no matter how much we love our significant other, no matter how much we desire something.
Do not love the world, love the One who created it.
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 1 John 2:15
It was wrong of me to separate the two, as my faith, Jesus, is the absolute reason for my strength in getting through this. I could not exclude Him from my health blog even if others suggested to do so. Thus, I started talking more about my faith on my main blog. Now, many times, it's more about Him than me, which is where I came up with the current title 'About Me, Not About Me'. This story may be about me, but really it's not about me, it's about Him. That old blog still sits out there no longer being used. So I decided over time I will begin to move those posts from there to here to have everything in one place.
In just beginning to read some of my first posts, I've realized the amount of work God has truly done in me. A lot of times we hate the journey and want to get to our next destination, but it is in that very journey that God molds you into who He created you to be.***
Originally Posted: March 27, 2014
Idols
Reality TV- American Idol...A show almost everyone used to watch, nearly no one does anymore. But there is still Dancing with the Stars, the Bachelor and many other reality shows. We HAVE to see it, can't miss it, must talk about it, enamored by it.
Sports- Oh don't get me started on football. I do like football, but it's become a religion of sorts to some. Sunday is football day. Nothing gets in the way of a game, no person, no thing, no illness, nothing. Football, basketball, baseball, soccer, golf, etc. Sports in general are loved by many.
People- boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands, wives. Actors, actresses, musicians, pop stars, models. Even political figures. Everyone has someone they look up to in a way that can almost border on obsessive. We hang them on the wall in adolescence, scream at the top of our lungs when we see them in concert, nearly faint if we can touch the hand of someone or catch their used tshirt. We think so much of someone we may know nothing of.
Things- material things. Items. Clothing, shoes, purses, accessories, sunglasses, hats. More things- tv, stereo, car, decor, art, big houses, more more more. We always need more, but it's not a need it's a want that got mistaken as a need and it becomes an addiction.
Idols.
At first thought, none of those are idols. Maybe movie stars or something like that, but none of those other things are idols, right? They can all be idols. An idol is anything that comes in the way of putting God first. We idolize so many people and so many things and we typically don't even realize it.
Don't even stop there. We often idolize money, power and pleasure too.
Furthermore, we must remember, though there are images of Jesus and representation of Him, those images are not the real thing. We must not idolize an image but remain strong in a relationship with Him.
Idolatry is a sin.
I'm not saying take away football or stop enjoying your favorite actor. I'm not saying sell all your things and never again watch tv. But those things must not come before God. They must never replace God. And we must not look to them in such a way that places them at the same level or higher than God.
We are instructed to put God first, before anyone or anything else. We can't do all these other things, nearly worshiping them or placing others on a pedestal, then cry out to God when we need help, only visit God on Sundays, when it's convenient. We must put God first, always, no matter what show is on tv, no matter what game we will miss by going to church, no matter who is doing what in Hollywood, no matter how much we love our significant other, no matter how much we desire something.
Do not love the world, love the One who created it.
“You shall have no other gods before me.
“You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
Exodus 20:3-6
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 1 John 2:15
Monday, August 29, 2016
Children
2 nights ago I was in so much pain. It felt like my muscles were being ripped apart inside me. Yesterday, I didn't make it to church. <Gasp> a pastor's wife didn't make it to church? I know, right? But get this. I'm human and I have struggles just like every other human on this planet. My biggest struggle is my health, and many times it does not allow me to do what I would like, including church. You see mornings are my hardest. So even if I can get going by the afternoon, I still might not be well enough to function in the morning. And then by the end of the day I'm done for again. And here I go explaining/defending myself for no reason again. Well, anyways, I'm still in a lot of pain and very weak. And you know what, I believe God has a purpose for this. Writing. I need to get back to writing.
So this is what's on my heart.
Our church is very small. It currently does not have a children's ministry. That means there is nothing for the kids besides a bulletin to draw in. This is tough. At times it lays heavy on me. I want to do more. I want to be the person that starts up a children's ministry. I want to lead their hearts to Christ. But then reality hits. And it hit hard with this current flare up.
You see, our church has been working on updating things, starting new things, with one of those being starting a new children's ministry, because seriously who will bring their young family to a church without one? I very casually mentioned to J maybe I could start it. Well, I kind of mentioned that without thinking it through. We went with that initial idea that I could do this and thought maybe I could start just by putting in a Veggie Tales video so they at least have some sort of teaching on their level. But then this flare up and I got to thinking realistically more and more. Really, what was I thinking? Me and multiple kids, or sometimes even just one, don't always go well together. Kids very quickly pull all the energy and strength out of me. Even just putting in a Veggie Tale could become a big problem. The kids room is downstairs. Walking stairs with a neuro-muscular disease is not easy. I already have to walk one set to get into the church. Kids ask a lot of questions, oh how quickly I've learned this in my short time as a stepmom. Just answering those questions and interacting, again really pulls out my energy. What if someone got sick, if there was a baby needing to be changed, if one kid ran one way and another went the other? What would this one person with health issues do?? And that scares me.
I want the best for the next generation and I want them to receive teaching about Jesus. But I don't feel I am the best for that position. Not because I don't want to or can't in my head, but because I don't feel that is where I am meant to be nor qualified physically to be there given my situation.
I got to thinking more. Now I'm going to start this by saying I do not at all feel this way from our church and this is not at all directed at anyone. However, I have read, heard from others and learned that many times being a pastor's wife is a very tough, thankless, under appreciated "job." A pastor's wife is often expected to work alongside the pastor, filling in at the church wherever is needed, show up at everything, lead groups and ministries, have and raise a family, and sometimes have her own career on top of all that. Like I said no one has said these things directly to me or made me feel this way, but I often am too hard on myself so I take things like this and then feel bad I'm not doing more.
But something hit me this morning along with this current flare up I'm struggling through. What is my job as a pastor's wife? My answer- Supporting, honoring, respecting, serving and loving my husband. He is the pastor. I am his wife. Yes I love the church, but as a Christian I believe I am to put God first, then my husband, then others. If I try to take on more than I can handle. If I use up all my strength and energy on a children's ministry, what have I got left to give to my husband? Is it wise of me to make myself more visible at the church only to come home and need to lay in bed the whole rest of the day and let cooking, cleaning and everything else fall on him? Is it wise of me to be so drained I can't even connect with the one God has blessed me with? My answer- absolutely not. What is wise of me is making sure I keep my priorities set and straight- God, husband, others.
So yes I want to serve, and yes I will keep doing so. But it will have to remain behind the scenes. It will have to be even more of a thankless type of position because no one sees it- the editing of his sermons, bulletins, website, creating business cards and handouts, the brainstorming sessions with him of how we can grow this church, the endless discussions and prayers about and for this church and God's Kingdom. But it is also serving in another huge way- serving him. When I have the energy to cook and clean, do laundry, take care of bills and keep up this house, I am serving him by allowing him to rest and refuel, to come home where home should be a refuge and retreat, to relax and enjoy some time together and as a family, so that we can then together best serve God to the best of our ability- different unique abilities where one is very visible and a leader and the other is behind the scenes in a supportive role that was meant to be.
God makes us each very different. I believe he definitely did that for a reason. Everyone has a purpose and a place. Some are visible and in the spotlight, others are behind the scenes or unnoticed. But God sees you. He sees each and every one of you, and He created you for a purpose. Pray that you find that purpose, and then live it. It is together as a body of Christ, each in our own unique roles, that we can be the church God meant for us to be. No matter your age, your disability, your circumstances in life, if you are here you have a purpose. Accept that purpose and glorify God through it, even if no one can see it except Him.
And with that, I have this on my heart as well...
So this is what's on my heart.
Our church is very small. It currently does not have a children's ministry. That means there is nothing for the kids besides a bulletin to draw in. This is tough. At times it lays heavy on me. I want to do more. I want to be the person that starts up a children's ministry. I want to lead their hearts to Christ. But then reality hits. And it hit hard with this current flare up.
You see, our church has been working on updating things, starting new things, with one of those being starting a new children's ministry, because seriously who will bring their young family to a church without one? I very casually mentioned to J maybe I could start it. Well, I kind of mentioned that without thinking it through. We went with that initial idea that I could do this and thought maybe I could start just by putting in a Veggie Tales video so they at least have some sort of teaching on their level. But then this flare up and I got to thinking realistically more and more. Really, what was I thinking? Me and multiple kids, or sometimes even just one, don't always go well together. Kids very quickly pull all the energy and strength out of me. Even just putting in a Veggie Tale could become a big problem. The kids room is downstairs. Walking stairs with a neuro-muscular disease is not easy. I already have to walk one set to get into the church. Kids ask a lot of questions, oh how quickly I've learned this in my short time as a stepmom. Just answering those questions and interacting, again really pulls out my energy. What if someone got sick, if there was a baby needing to be changed, if one kid ran one way and another went the other? What would this one person with health issues do?? And that scares me.
I want the best for the next generation and I want them to receive teaching about Jesus. But I don't feel I am the best for that position. Not because I don't want to or can't in my head, but because I don't feel that is where I am meant to be nor qualified physically to be there given my situation.
I got to thinking more. Now I'm going to start this by saying I do not at all feel this way from our church and this is not at all directed at anyone. However, I have read, heard from others and learned that many times being a pastor's wife is a very tough, thankless, under appreciated "job." A pastor's wife is often expected to work alongside the pastor, filling in at the church wherever is needed, show up at everything, lead groups and ministries, have and raise a family, and sometimes have her own career on top of all that. Like I said no one has said these things directly to me or made me feel this way, but I often am too hard on myself so I take things like this and then feel bad I'm not doing more.
But something hit me this morning along with this current flare up I'm struggling through. What is my job as a pastor's wife? My answer- Supporting, honoring, respecting, serving and loving my husband. He is the pastor. I am his wife. Yes I love the church, but as a Christian I believe I am to put God first, then my husband, then others. If I try to take on more than I can handle. If I use up all my strength and energy on a children's ministry, what have I got left to give to my husband? Is it wise of me to make myself more visible at the church only to come home and need to lay in bed the whole rest of the day and let cooking, cleaning and everything else fall on him? Is it wise of me to be so drained I can't even connect with the one God has blessed me with? My answer- absolutely not. What is wise of me is making sure I keep my priorities set and straight- God, husband, others.
So yes I want to serve, and yes I will keep doing so. But it will have to remain behind the scenes. It will have to be even more of a thankless type of position because no one sees it- the editing of his sermons, bulletins, website, creating business cards and handouts, the brainstorming sessions with him of how we can grow this church, the endless discussions and prayers about and for this church and God's Kingdom. But it is also serving in another huge way- serving him. When I have the energy to cook and clean, do laundry, take care of bills and keep up this house, I am serving him by allowing him to rest and refuel, to come home where home should be a refuge and retreat, to relax and enjoy some time together and as a family, so that we can then together best serve God to the best of our ability- different unique abilities where one is very visible and a leader and the other is behind the scenes in a supportive role that was meant to be.
God makes us each very different. I believe he definitely did that for a reason. Everyone has a purpose and a place. Some are visible and in the spotlight, others are behind the scenes or unnoticed. But God sees you. He sees each and every one of you, and He created you for a purpose. Pray that you find that purpose, and then live it. It is together as a body of Christ, each in our own unique roles, that we can be the church God meant for us to be. No matter your age, your disability, your circumstances in life, if you are here you have a purpose. Accept that purpose and glorify God through it, even if no one can see it except Him.
And with that, I have this on my heart as well...
Romans 12New International Version (NIV)
A Living Sacrifice
12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Humble Service in the Body of Christ
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a]faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Love in Action
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[c] Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[d] says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[e]
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[e]
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Originally Posted: What do you desire?
***When I returned to Chicago 3.5 years ago for my surgery, I started a blog as one place all family and friends could go to read updates on my health. I then realized it was also a way of promoting awareness. Shortly after that, I started a second blog, for the purpose of sharing my faith. As time went on, I became convicted about something.
It was wrong of me to separate the two, as my faith, Jesus, is the absolute reason for my strength in getting through this. I could not exclude Him from my health blog even if others suggested to do so. Thus, I started talking more about my faith on my main blog. Now, many times, it's more about Him than me, which is where I came up with the current title 'About Me, Not About Me'. This story may be about me, but really it's not about me, it's about Him. That old blog still sits out there no longer being used. So I decided over time I will begin to move those posts from there to here to have everything in one place.
In just beginning to read some of my first posts, I've realized the amount of work God has truly done in me. A lot of times we hate the journey and want to get to our next destination, but it is in that very journey that God molds you into who He created you to be.***
Originally Posted: March 12, 2014
What do you desire?
There are days I decide I'm not going on my computer... for whatever reason... I need to rest, I have other things to do, I need to take a break from technology, etc. Those most often seem to be the days a topic is placed inside me to write on. Most of the time it passes before I get on the computer, sometimes I write it down to write later. But by the time "writing later" arrives, the energy of that topic has subsided. It all brings me to realize with God's time, the time is now. It doesn't matter what I have planned or don't have planned. If he placed something in my heart, it is my job to carry it through.
So today, I "planned" to rest- watch movies and read some books- all from the library which I stopped at yesterday. I did a lot yesterday and so today I need to rest. That was my plan at least. So I'm watching a movie, "Oblivion" of all things, as well as reading a book someone recommended to me "Chasing Francis" by Ian Morgan Cron. Crazy combination of the two but together they brought about a thought, a topic to write on. I almost let it pass, let it slip away, and then I thought no- there might be someone out there God wants to read this, I have to write it. So I closed my book, turned off the tv, turned on my computer and here I am.
We all have desires... for people, for things, for feelings, for accomplishments. What we desire is what we go after. But will a desire ever be enough? Will any thing or multiple things ever be enough? Will people ever be enough? Will you ever be enough or I ever be enough? Will we ever fill that void we feel with all these things and people? Can we, at any point, say we obtained it? We achieved it? We reached it? And if so what more do we have to go after? If we have nothing left to go after, why are we still living? Are we going after the right thing? Are we living for the right thing? For the right people? Is a desire nothing more than something to keep us going? And therefore is what we desire keeping us going in the right direction?
We want to feel needed, we want to feel wanted, we want to feel like we matter. We want to give and to receive. We want happiness, pleasure, fun, enjoyment, success, enrichment. We want it all, yes as humans we want it all.
Has any human ever had it all? Has any human successfully filled their desires, that void, with people, places, things? And if not, then why not?
I believe at the root of all these desires is the desire for love... to love and to be loved... and everything that falls into the middle. And I believe even if many people realize that the base of their desire is love, that they define it incorrectly and thus end up going after the wrong people and things.
You can define love in so many different ways. But if you look Biblically you find- God is love. So backing up, if the root of all our desires is the desire for love... then the root of all our desires is the desire for God.
We desire God. We need God. Only God can fill that emptiness, that void, that space we desire to be filled.
Deep inside us all is this hole that needs to be filled. We fill it with desires. But none of those worldly desires will ever be enough. No person will ever be enough. I will never be enough for anyone, and no one will ever be enough for me. The only One large enough to fit that space is God.
If we put God first, and always first, He will lead us. He will show us where to go and how to get there. He will lead us to others He wants us to have relationships or friendships with. He will strengthen us. He will equip us.
God works for the good of those who love Him and who have been called to live according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 HIS purpose. Not mine, not yours. HIS.
But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
So I wrote... I had a slight delay of course as I didn't immediately listen to what was placed inside me, but I can only hope and pray what He wanted me to say came out and reaches the right person, whoever that is out there. After all, we all need to constantly be reminded of this as we struggle to live in His spirit with the desires and surroundings of the flesh. Stay encouraged. Stay focused. Keep your heart set on Him. In His love, God bless.
It was wrong of me to separate the two, as my faith, Jesus, is the absolute reason for my strength in getting through this. I could not exclude Him from my health blog even if others suggested to do so. Thus, I started talking more about my faith on my main blog. Now, many times, it's more about Him than me, which is where I came up with the current title 'About Me, Not About Me'. This story may be about me, but really it's not about me, it's about Him. That old blog still sits out there no longer being used. So I decided over time I will begin to move those posts from there to here to have everything in one place.
In just beginning to read some of my first posts, I've realized the amount of work God has truly done in me. A lot of times we hate the journey and want to get to our next destination, but it is in that very journey that God molds you into who He created you to be.***
Originally Posted: March 12, 2014
What do you desire?
There are days I decide I'm not going on my computer... for whatever reason... I need to rest, I have other things to do, I need to take a break from technology, etc. Those most often seem to be the days a topic is placed inside me to write on. Most of the time it passes before I get on the computer, sometimes I write it down to write later. But by the time "writing later" arrives, the energy of that topic has subsided. It all brings me to realize with God's time, the time is now. It doesn't matter what I have planned or don't have planned. If he placed something in my heart, it is my job to carry it through.
So today, I "planned" to rest- watch movies and read some books- all from the library which I stopped at yesterday. I did a lot yesterday and so today I need to rest. That was my plan at least. So I'm watching a movie, "Oblivion" of all things, as well as reading a book someone recommended to me "Chasing Francis" by Ian Morgan Cron. Crazy combination of the two but together they brought about a thought, a topic to write on. I almost let it pass, let it slip away, and then I thought no- there might be someone out there God wants to read this, I have to write it. So I closed my book, turned off the tv, turned on my computer and here I am.
We all have desires... for people, for things, for feelings, for accomplishments. What we desire is what we go after. But will a desire ever be enough? Will any thing or multiple things ever be enough? Will people ever be enough? Will you ever be enough or I ever be enough? Will we ever fill that void we feel with all these things and people? Can we, at any point, say we obtained it? We achieved it? We reached it? And if so what more do we have to go after? If we have nothing left to go after, why are we still living? Are we going after the right thing? Are we living for the right thing? For the right people? Is a desire nothing more than something to keep us going? And therefore is what we desire keeping us going in the right direction?
We want to feel needed, we want to feel wanted, we want to feel like we matter. We want to give and to receive. We want happiness, pleasure, fun, enjoyment, success, enrichment. We want it all, yes as humans we want it all.
Has any human ever had it all? Has any human successfully filled their desires, that void, with people, places, things? And if not, then why not?
I believe at the root of all these desires is the desire for love... to love and to be loved... and everything that falls into the middle. And I believe even if many people realize that the base of their desire is love, that they define it incorrectly and thus end up going after the wrong people and things.
You can define love in so many different ways. But if you look Biblically you find- God is love. So backing up, if the root of all our desires is the desire for love... then the root of all our desires is the desire for God.
We desire God. We need God. Only God can fill that emptiness, that void, that space we desire to be filled.
Deep inside us all is this hole that needs to be filled. We fill it with desires. But none of those worldly desires will ever be enough. No person will ever be enough. I will never be enough for anyone, and no one will ever be enough for me. The only One large enough to fit that space is God.
If we put God first, and always first, He will lead us. He will show us where to go and how to get there. He will lead us to others He wants us to have relationships or friendships with. He will strengthen us. He will equip us.
God works for the good of those who love Him and who have been called to live according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 HIS purpose. Not mine, not yours. HIS.
But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
So I wrote... I had a slight delay of course as I didn't immediately listen to what was placed inside me, but I can only hope and pray what He wanted me to say came out and reaches the right person, whoever that is out there. After all, we all need to constantly be reminded of this as we struggle to live in His spirit with the desires and surroundings of the flesh. Stay encouraged. Stay focused. Keep your heart set on Him. In His love, God bless.
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
Originally Posted: Defining Success
***When I returned to Chicago 3.5 years ago for my surgery, I started a blog as one place all family and friends could go to read updates on my health. I then realized it was also a way of promoting awareness. Shortly after that, I started a second blog, for the purpose of sharing my faith. As time went on, I became convicted about something.
It was wrong of me to separate the two, as my faith, Jesus, is the absolute reason for my strength in getting through this. I could not exclude Him from my health blog even if others suggested to do so. Thus, I started talking more about my faith on my main blog. Now, many times, it's more about Him than me, which is where I came up with the current title 'About Me, Not About Me'. This story may be about me, but really it's not about me, it's about Him. That old blog still sits out there no longer being used. So I decided over time I will begin to move those posts from there to here to have everything in one place.
In just beginning to read some of my first posts, I've realized the amount of work God has truly done in me. A lot of times we hate the journey and want to get to our next destination, but it is in that very journey that God molds you into who He created you to be.***
Originally Posted: February 8, 2014
Defining Success
Are you successful?
It was wrong of me to separate the two, as my faith, Jesus, is the absolute reason for my strength in getting through this. I could not exclude Him from my health blog even if others suggested to do so. Thus, I started talking more about my faith on my main blog. Now, many times, it's more about Him than me, which is where I came up with the current title 'About Me, Not About Me'. This story may be about me, but really it's not about me, it's about Him. That old blog still sits out there no longer being used. So I decided over time I will begin to move those posts from there to here to have everything in one place.
In just beginning to read some of my first posts, I've realized the amount of work God has truly done in me. A lot of times we hate the journey and want to get to our next destination, but it is in that very journey that God molds you into who He created you to be.***
Originally Posted: February 8, 2014
Defining Success
Are you successful?
How you answer that is based off of how you define success.
So how do you define success?
Do you define success as being a CEO of a top company, and yet you are just a mid-level employee having trouble moving up? Then I guess no, you cannot consider yourself successful.
Do you define success as having "things" and you have many of them yet you are deeply in debt because of it, but you don't care about that debt? Then I guess yes, you can consider yourself successful.
Perhaps deep inside you don't feel such a thing is truly success, in your eyes it is different, but you become blinded by what others think and want for you. Your definition of success is skewed based off of how you were raised, your environment, society and even the media.
So what truly is success? Is there any common ground to base a definition or goal to attain off of? And, does it matter?
I think at the end of the day, success, achievement, strength, beauty, every thing- comes down to the bottom line of what you believe in, morals, what is absolutely more important than anything else to you.
For me, that is God. If I place my eyes on Him and let Him be my guide, I know I cannot go wrong. He is the one constant in life. The One and only who will never leave or forsake me. The one unchangeable. The everlasting, omnipresent God. So truly, if I want to be successful, I should base it off His will for me. That will give me something to go after, something to strive for, not based on materialist things or worldly ever changing society filled with confusion. It will be based off the One and only who knows what's best for me. And if I want to be successful, it seems there would be no other way to reach it than that.
What is God calling you to do? We all have spiritual gifts, we just have to find them. Your spiritual gift(s) will lead you to what you should be doing in life. That may be a job that fits into how society defines success, or it may be helping others without getting paid at all. It may fit along with how you define success or what you desire to do in life, or it may not. But truly if you find your calling and follow it, I don't think you can go wrong, because God will be there every step of the way and it is His purpose for you. If we all lived for His purpose, what a beautiful peaceful world this would be.
In society's eyes, am I successful? Let's see. I do not have a job that pays a regular income, I do not own a house, I do not have my own family. Society could very well say I'm a failure.
I am not a failure. What happened to me is not a result of my own doing. I was extremely successful in society's eyes in college. I was on my way to what I thought would be an amazing future. Then the world came crashing down. Guess what? That amazing future still exists. Because my success isn't based off of a job, another person, or money. My success is based off of God. God is with me. God is leading my way. God is the glory of anything good I do. God gives me the words to say and when to say them. God touches others through me as I am only a vessel. Whatever His will is for me, let it be done. He sees me as successful. And if you turn your life over to Him, I know He sees you as successful too.
Some may see this as a way out, a way to feel you are worth more than you are. But again, what is worth? What does it ALL come down to at the end of the day? For me, it's God. He is my judge. He is who I live for. So others can kick me down and tear me apart and tell me I'm not good enough, but God is right there telling me yes I am and He works for the good of those who love Him. I love Him.
So how do you define success, and is it an ever lasting, never changing, brightest light that ever existed to rest your definition upon? If so, go get it! God is with you.
Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3
and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3
Originally Posted: Be a Doer
***When I returned to Chicago 3.5 years ago for my surgery, I started a blog as one place all family and friends could go to read updates on my health. I then realized it was also a way of promoting awareness. Shortly after that, I started a second blog, for the purpose of sharing my faith. As time went on, I became convicted about something.
It was wrong of me to separate the two, as my faith, Jesus, is the absolute reason for my strength in getting through this. I could not exclude Him from my health blog even if others suggested to do so. Thus, I started talking more about my faith on my main blog. Now, many times, it's more about Him than me, which is where I came up with the current title 'About Me, Not About Me'. This story may be about me, but really it's not about me, it's about Him. That old blog still sits out there no longer being used. So I decided over time I will begin to move those posts from there to here to have everything in one place.
In just beginning to read some of my first posts, I've realized the amount of work God has truly done in me. A lot of times we hate the journey and want to get to our next destination, but it is in that very journey that God molds you into who He created you to be.***
Originally Posted: January 31, 2014
Be a Doer
Often you will hear people say "get with the times" or "It's 2014!". All these comments are indicating you need to let loose, adapt to fit into society... their personal notion of society.
Do you?
No.
Let society adapt to fit in with you. That is, if you are a true Christian and striving to live the life of one.
The amount of years I've been on this world is nothing compared to the amount of years since the beginning of time. And yet, the amount of change I've seen over those short amount of years seems like a lot, and not in a good way.
As the years go on, people get further and further away from the truth. Yes, things change, but where we are grounded should remain the same. Why? Because God does not change as times go on. God does not say "oh it's 2014, better let go of that now." Absolutely not. And if we are grounded in faith, remain close to God, we should not change either. I'm talking in reference to morals.
The Bible tells all we need to know. The Bible should be our guide for life. Not other people, not society as a whole, not what year it is.
If we allow one thing to change this year, and another the next, where are we going to be in 20 years? I mean goodness, look where we are already. If you have kids, don't you want them to have a good grounding? Good morals? And wouldn't you want their kids the same? So why do allow such adaptation in the wrong direction? Why do we permit lying, cheating, stealing, so on and so forth? Why do we say it's ok to do something that 50 years ago would have been frowned strongly against? Just because it's 2014? That really doesn't make a lot of sense if you really think about it.
So many people lack commitment. So many people lack strong values. So many people lack morals. And as we are lacking, we are allowing the bad to get in, the evil, the temptation, straying away from the truth. Stop. Stop right now and reformulate who you are and who you are meant to be in Christ Jesus. And lead others to do the same. You want to make a difference? Do it. Be the change you want to see, and make sure that change is in the right direction. Let God lead you.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:22-25
It was wrong of me to separate the two, as my faith, Jesus, is the absolute reason for my strength in getting through this. I could not exclude Him from my health blog even if others suggested to do so. Thus, I started talking more about my faith on my main blog. Now, many times, it's more about Him than me, which is where I came up with the current title 'About Me, Not About Me'. This story may be about me, but really it's not about me, it's about Him. That old blog still sits out there no longer being used. So I decided over time I will begin to move those posts from there to here to have everything in one place.
In just beginning to read some of my first posts, I've realized the amount of work God has truly done in me. A lot of times we hate the journey and want to get to our next destination, but it is in that very journey that God molds you into who He created you to be.***
Originally Posted: January 31, 2014
Be a Doer
Often you will hear people say "get with the times" or "It's 2014!". All these comments are indicating you need to let loose, adapt to fit into society... their personal notion of society.
Do you?
No.
Let society adapt to fit in with you. That is, if you are a true Christian and striving to live the life of one.
The amount of years I've been on this world is nothing compared to the amount of years since the beginning of time. And yet, the amount of change I've seen over those short amount of years seems like a lot, and not in a good way.
As the years go on, people get further and further away from the truth. Yes, things change, but where we are grounded should remain the same. Why? Because God does not change as times go on. God does not say "oh it's 2014, better let go of that now." Absolutely not. And if we are grounded in faith, remain close to God, we should not change either. I'm talking in reference to morals.
The Bible tells all we need to know. The Bible should be our guide for life. Not other people, not society as a whole, not what year it is.
If we allow one thing to change this year, and another the next, where are we going to be in 20 years? I mean goodness, look where we are already. If you have kids, don't you want them to have a good grounding? Good morals? And wouldn't you want their kids the same? So why do allow such adaptation in the wrong direction? Why do we permit lying, cheating, stealing, so on and so forth? Why do we say it's ok to do something that 50 years ago would have been frowned strongly against? Just because it's 2014? That really doesn't make a lot of sense if you really think about it.
So many people lack commitment. So many people lack strong values. So many people lack morals. And as we are lacking, we are allowing the bad to get in, the evil, the temptation, straying away from the truth. Stop. Stop right now and reformulate who you are and who you are meant to be in Christ Jesus. And lead others to do the same. You want to make a difference? Do it. Be the change you want to see, and make sure that change is in the right direction. Let God lead you.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:22-25
Friday, August 5, 2016
Originally Posted: Journey or Destination
***When I returned to Chicago 3.5 years ago for my surgery, I started a blog as one place all family and friends could go to read updates on my health. I then realized it was also a way of promoting awareness. Shortly after that, I started a second blog, for the purpose of sharing my faith. As time went on, I became convicted about something.
It was wrong of me to separate the two, as my faith, Jesus, is the absolute reason for my strength in getting through this. I could not exclude Him from my health blog even if others suggested to do so. Thus, I started talking more about my faith on my main blog. Now, many times, it's more about Him than me, which is where I came up with the current title 'About Me, Not About Me'. This story may be about me, but really it's not about me, it's about Him. That old blog still sits out there no longer being used. So I decided over time I will begin to move those posts from there to here to have everything in one place.
In just beginning to read some of my first posts, I've realized the amount of work God has truly done in me. A lot of times we hate the journey and want to get to our next destination, but it is in that very journey that God molds you into who He created you to be.***
Originally Posted: January 11, 2014
Journey or Destination
They say it's not about the destination, it's about the journey. I've pondered this before.
I think we need to back up even further and ask, what is your destination? Do you know? If you don't know then how can you possibly decide- is it about the journey or the destination? If you do know your destination, perhaps the answer of what your destination is will help clarify this.
My destination is Heaven. Heaven is where I will spend all eternity. This life, even if I live to somehow be 100, is so short compared to eternity. It's about my destination. It's about Heaven. It's about Jesus.
When that is clarified, this makes more sense. Life makes more sense. And it comes about full circle where in fact since it's about the destination, which ultimately is Jesus, it's also about the journey, still Jesus.
Why? Because I am a Christian. I'm not a Christian because I say that is my "religion." I am not a Christian because I go to church. I am a Christian because I am saved and I have a relationship with Christ Jesus. My entire life is lived for Him, because He died for us. I strive to do what is good, what is right what is true. I strive to be the best version of myself, following God's will. That's not to say I don't fail, I do. But Jesus remains in my heart.
If you have the same destination, does how you are living clearly tell others that's your destination?
So does it really matter? Is it the journey or the destination or both? And if you don't know your destination can you truly answer this question? And if you can't answer this question, what in fact are you living for and how does that define you? Is it worth it? Is living your life for anything other than the One who died for you to be here really worth it?
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me. Philippians 1:21-26
It was wrong of me to separate the two, as my faith, Jesus, is the absolute reason for my strength in getting through this. I could not exclude Him from my health blog even if others suggested to do so. Thus, I started talking more about my faith on my main blog. Now, many times, it's more about Him than me, which is where I came up with the current title 'About Me, Not About Me'. This story may be about me, but really it's not about me, it's about Him. That old blog still sits out there no longer being used. So I decided over time I will begin to move those posts from there to here to have everything in one place.
In just beginning to read some of my first posts, I've realized the amount of work God has truly done in me. A lot of times we hate the journey and want to get to our next destination, but it is in that very journey that God molds you into who He created you to be.***
Originally Posted: January 11, 2014
Journey or Destination
They say it's not about the destination, it's about the journey. I've pondered this before.
I think we need to back up even further and ask, what is your destination? Do you know? If you don't know then how can you possibly decide- is it about the journey or the destination? If you do know your destination, perhaps the answer of what your destination is will help clarify this.
My destination is Heaven. Heaven is where I will spend all eternity. This life, even if I live to somehow be 100, is so short compared to eternity. It's about my destination. It's about Heaven. It's about Jesus.
When that is clarified, this makes more sense. Life makes more sense. And it comes about full circle where in fact since it's about the destination, which ultimately is Jesus, it's also about the journey, still Jesus.
Why? Because I am a Christian. I'm not a Christian because I say that is my "religion." I am not a Christian because I go to church. I am a Christian because I am saved and I have a relationship with Christ Jesus. My entire life is lived for Him, because He died for us. I strive to do what is good, what is right what is true. I strive to be the best version of myself, following God's will. That's not to say I don't fail, I do. But Jesus remains in my heart.
If you have the same destination, does how you are living clearly tell others that's your destination?
So does it really matter? Is it the journey or the destination or both? And if you don't know your destination can you truly answer this question? And if you can't answer this question, what in fact are you living for and how does that define you? Is it worth it? Is living your life for anything other than the One who died for you to be here really worth it?
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me. Philippians 1:21-26
Originally Posted: [God Moments]
***When I returned to Chicago 3.5 years ago for my surgery, I started a blog as one place all family and friends could go to read updates on my health. I then realized it was also a way of promoting awareness. Shortly after that, I started a second blog, for the purpose of sharing my faith. As time went on, I became convicted about something.
It was wrong of me to separate the two, as my faith, Jesus, is the absolute reason for my strength in getting through this. I could not exclude Him from my health blog even if others suggested to do so. Thus, I started talking more about my faith on my main blog. Now, many times, it's more about Him than me, which is where I came up with the current title 'About Me, Not About Me'. This story may be about me, but really it's not about me, it's about Him. That old blog still sits out there no longer being used. So I decided over time I will begin to move those posts from there to here to have everything in one place.
In just beginning to read some of my first posts, I've realized the amount of work God has truly done in me. A lot of times we hate the journey and want to get to our next destination, but it is in that very journey that God molds you into who He created you to be.***
Originally Posted: December 28, 2013
[God Moments]
God is amazing. Truly amazing. I felt the urge to get on here and write about it. I know if you're reading this you may not know what is going on in my life right now and I can't post it here unfortunately. But just know this, I am going through an incredibly hard struggle that I've been placed within, on top of my health. But as long as I stay with God I am ok, I'll be ok. I truly believe that.
So just to show some "God- moments" as proof of Him working wonderfully in my life... I no longer think there are such things as coincidence. Lately, it's just been too much happening that just has to be worked out by the hands of God.
Briefly, today I was sitting here, thinking to myself, I wish I knew someone going through a similar situation that I could talk to. I must have a friend who has a friend dealing with something like that that they can get me in touch with. And then a specific friend's name popped into my head without thinking about it. At that exact moment, that exact friend messaged me. What did she message me? She wanted to introduce me to someone and that someone to me because she felt God calling her to do so- because of the situations we are both in. Wow. It gets even more "coicidental" for lack of better word, but I'll leave it at that. God is truly at work here.
Here's another one. Some of my friends and some family members have been a HUGE encouragement and of support to me going through this. I am so absolutely blessed to have them in my life and thankful for their time and kind words and gestures. So thankful. There is one woman in particular who I felt a connection with before even talking to. I felt I needed to contact her for some reason without knowing the reason. This was a little while back. After hearing back from her the very first time, I knew it was again God at work. She is meant to be in my life right now. She has been SUCH an amazing blessing to me. Well today I typed something and moments later she told me she had just written out almost that exact thing in a letter to mail to me. God is speaking to me through her.
Lastly, I'm sitting here and yet another friend messages me... about angels... and this comes after another just recently told me that I am surrounded by angels of hope, of protection, of good health and of God's love. And again, at that moment, what do I hear? Bells ringing and immediately the thought of those bells coming from angels and from Heaven came to me. It most likely was the tv in the basement, but you know what? Maybe it wasn't. It was pretty loud to have been the tv in the basement when I'm on the 2nd floor upstairs. Even if it was, maybe it's God telling me "Don't worry child, I got this." Thank you God!
Thank you to all who listen to the voice of God and deliver His message. After all, isn't that what it's all about? We as Christians must keep one another encouraged and close to Christ Jesus. Don't ever let one another give up, stay down or stray away. Always be of positive light, encouragement, hope and love.
Life is SO much better when you have God and Jesus on your side. For if God is for us who could be against us?
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31
It was wrong of me to separate the two, as my faith, Jesus, is the absolute reason for my strength in getting through this. I could not exclude Him from my health blog even if others suggested to do so. Thus, I started talking more about my faith on my main blog. Now, many times, it's more about Him than me, which is where I came up with the current title 'About Me, Not About Me'. This story may be about me, but really it's not about me, it's about Him. That old blog still sits out there no longer being used. So I decided over time I will begin to move those posts from there to here to have everything in one place.
In just beginning to read some of my first posts, I've realized the amount of work God has truly done in me. A lot of times we hate the journey and want to get to our next destination, but it is in that very journey that God molds you into who He created you to be.***
Originally Posted: December 28, 2013
[God Moments]
God is amazing. Truly amazing. I felt the urge to get on here and write about it. I know if you're reading this you may not know what is going on in my life right now and I can't post it here unfortunately. But just know this, I am going through an incredibly hard struggle that I've been placed within, on top of my health. But as long as I stay with God I am ok, I'll be ok. I truly believe that.
So just to show some "God- moments" as proof of Him working wonderfully in my life... I no longer think there are such things as coincidence. Lately, it's just been too much happening that just has to be worked out by the hands of God.
Briefly, today I was sitting here, thinking to myself, I wish I knew someone going through a similar situation that I could talk to. I must have a friend who has a friend dealing with something like that that they can get me in touch with. And then a specific friend's name popped into my head without thinking about it. At that exact moment, that exact friend messaged me. What did she message me? She wanted to introduce me to someone and that someone to me because she felt God calling her to do so- because of the situations we are both in. Wow. It gets even more "coicidental" for lack of better word, but I'll leave it at that. God is truly at work here.
Here's another one. Some of my friends and some family members have been a HUGE encouragement and of support to me going through this. I am so absolutely blessed to have them in my life and thankful for their time and kind words and gestures. So thankful. There is one woman in particular who I felt a connection with before even talking to. I felt I needed to contact her for some reason without knowing the reason. This was a little while back. After hearing back from her the very first time, I knew it was again God at work. She is meant to be in my life right now. She has been SUCH an amazing blessing to me. Well today I typed something and moments later she told me she had just written out almost that exact thing in a letter to mail to me. God is speaking to me through her.
Lastly, I'm sitting here and yet another friend messages me... about angels... and this comes after another just recently told me that I am surrounded by angels of hope, of protection, of good health and of God's love. And again, at that moment, what do I hear? Bells ringing and immediately the thought of those bells coming from angels and from Heaven came to me. It most likely was the tv in the basement, but you know what? Maybe it wasn't. It was pretty loud to have been the tv in the basement when I'm on the 2nd floor upstairs. Even if it was, maybe it's God telling me "Don't worry child, I got this." Thank you God!
Thank you to all who listen to the voice of God and deliver His message. After all, isn't that what it's all about? We as Christians must keep one another encouraged and close to Christ Jesus. Don't ever let one another give up, stay down or stray away. Always be of positive light, encouragement, hope and love.
Life is SO much better when you have God and Jesus on your side. For if God is for us who could be against us?
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31
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