Bloomin'

Do you feel like you are going through a little bit of a rough patch… at times you might feel like you are losing your mind? :) Some may be hormone related, some may be the enemy.  Please know and believe that through it all if you can keep looking to Jesus and keep praising God… you are on the right track.  You may be praising Him through the tears, and that is okay at least you continue to praise Him.

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” I Peter 4:12-13

It is hard sometimes to realize when you are going through something painful, those are the times you can be growing the most in the Lord… those are the times when God’s glory can be revealed more through you… those are the turning points in your Christian walk. It is hard when people may not understand the choices you make… choices you know God has called you to. It is difficult to have people turn their back on you. I was reading how when trials come it is like having the soil turned over in our “potted plants”… I need to let my soil be loosened up and weeds pulled out. God wants to loosen things that can choke our lives and stop us from radiating joy. And yes, unfortunately it may be those same people that have turned their backs on you that also could be choking out your joy.

It is not fun to go through painful or troubled times, but if stirring up your soil is what it takes to move you forward in your walk with the Lord… look with anticipation for the joy and fruitfulness to come… it will be greater than you could ever imagine! It is not easy and sometimes can be lonely but choose to surrender it all to God.

“Those who bless God in their trials will be blessed by God through their trials.”

Rejoicing in Truth!

You Are Not Forgotten...

Do you ever have moments, maybe even days, when you feel like you are alone and forgotten?  You feel invisible at work… the kids are growing up and spending more time away… you have not met the “love of your life.”  All these things can make you feel isolated and alone.

I know for myself when I have those moments I would rather just lay on the couch and pull the blanket up over my head.  And I might do that for a short time.  But I have come to realize that when I “feel” forgotten or alone… that is definitely a time to do the opposite of what I am feeling.

My encouragement to you today is that you are not ever forgotten… you are never alone! As a child of God, you know He is always with you… even when you don’t feel like it.  All the things you have done for the Lord will always be remembered... as a "warrior" you may end up hurt and distraught... but anything done in faith and love will be honored by God... don't let life make you feel insignificant or discouraged.  God remembers the good done in His name.

“God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure.  We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” Hebrews 6:10-12

And you know one of the best ways to not feel forgotten is to take your eyes off yourself and put your eyes back on God.  He has given each one of us so many opportunities to serve Him and reach out to those in need.  And this seems like a great day to start! So my challenge is for each one of you to pick up your sword and get ready to slice through the feelings that are bringing you down!

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

Let the high praises of God be in your mouth, and a two-edged sword in your hand. (Psalms 149:6)

Rejoicing in Truth!