Let each move forward to live out what we are fully capable of being without hindrance or excuse ~ Sarah
Monday, November 12, 2012
Speaking the Truth in Love
Today’s culture is a culture of ‘tolerance’. Too many times this simply means ‘an acceptance of anything and everything’. Catchphrases such as, “What’s right for you, may not be right for me” and, “You see it your way and I’ll see it mine” are simply attempts to broaden the definition of what is considered right and wrong. Since these discrepancies about right/wrong and good/bad exist, it sometimes becomes necessary to confront someone with a truth that may be uncomfortable.
In these instances, we must turn to the biblical record for guidance on how to approach someone in a God-honoring way. The Bible tells us that we should, “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15a ESV). The apostle Paul wrote these words in the context of building one another up in their faith. The purpose of ‘speaking the truth in love’ was in order that we might be more like Jesus and that the church would be built up in love (Ephesians 4:15b-16).
Seven Tips for “Speaking the Truth in Love”
1. Pray before, during, and after one says what must be said.
What we say must be the truth
The Bible tells us to ‘pray without ceasing’ (I Thessalonians 5:17) and when one is about to confront another on some sensitive issue, prayer must be the starting point. Prayer should also be going on during and after the discussion. It is always a dangerous endeavor when one sets out on a task without asking for God’s guidance and blessing. When we operate apart from a close connection with Him, we cannot be assured that we will say or do the right thing. Only when we are fully surrendered to the guidance of the Holy Spirit can we know we are doing what He wants us to do.
2. Make sure God wants you to say anything at all.
We need to make sure that it is God who wants us to say something to the other person/people rather than it just being our own idea. Sometimes our pride or our ego is really the motivation for us confronting someone. We must be sure that we are motivated by God’s love and not our selfish motives.
3. We should have a relationship with the person with whom we are going to talk.
Developing a relationship with the person, or people, with whom you are going to talk creates an openness in which you will more likely be heard. It does not have to be a deep relationship or take long to build, but it must be a relationship that allows you to say what you are going to say. The person to whom you speak should sense that you are speaking out of love for him or her.
4. We should attempt to conduct the conversation either with the individual alone or with just a few people.
People are more likely to have a reasonable conversation when there are no crowds around. Many times, if crowds are present, it becomes more of an opportunity to show off than to have an honest heart-to-heart discussion. As was mentioned before, we are not confronting anyone just to boost our own ego; our desire should be to help the person to whom we feel led to speak.
5. What we say must be the truth.
We must be sure that what we are about to say is what God wants us to say. We should be convinced that it is God approved, as it were. Much prayer should be prayed before any words are uttered. We must not use this as an opportunity to attempt to manipulate anyone (Philippians 2:3). Our goal is to share the truth, and help the other person to understand it.
6. We must make sure we are speaking from an attitude of love.
Too many people say they are speaking out of love when they are merely using that as an excuse to blast someone. The entire encounter must be done out of a motive of love and carried out in the spirit of love. It cannot be a heavy handed, holier-than-thou, confrontation that does more harm than good. We should be seeking to help the one with whom we are speaking. We must seek to build the person up and glorify God at the same time.
7. We must guide those to whom we speak back to God, and the Bible.
Our opinions and feelings must not guide our discussion. Neither do we simply want to make the person we speak to feel better. The reason we are confronting the person in the first place is because God has laid a truth on our hearts concerning another person’s beliefs or actions that need to change. Merely, turning a person’s focus in on himself or herself, instead of toward God, is not helpful. We should not promote a cure that consists of fixing the symptoms to make a person feel better without addressing the real problem. A doctor would not be very effective if he/she merely covered up the symptoms of an illness while never addressing the actual illness itself. This would be deception of a most dangerous kind. Let us apply this to spiritual things: How much more dangerous to convince someone that they are innocent, or good enough, in God’s eyes when in reality they are guilty (Romans 3:10) and deserving of His judgment?
When a person believes that ‘all he needs is within him’, he relies on himself and actually cuts himself off from the true source of life…God. The power needed to change the heart is spiritual power that only comes through an intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Apart from God, we can do nothing to rescue ourselves or anyone else (John 15:5).
Conclusion
Whenever we seek to counsel, console, or reprove anyone we need to maintain the balance between truth and love. We must not sacrifice the truth in the name of love, nor should we deliver the truth in a less than loving manner. By “speaking the truth in love”, we are able to encourage people in their relationship with God and not push them away from Him by employing a mean-spirited, judgmental attitude.
We must make sure the person to whom we are speaking knows he or she is not in a hopeless situation. No matter what the issue is that prompted the need for confrontation, God is the cure. He forgives us, gives us understanding, and empowers us to live the way He wants us to live. Anytime we ‘speak the truth in love’, the ‘truth’ must be God’s truth, the ‘love’ must be God’s love, and we must be His faithful servants as we share both with those to whom we speak.
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths,
but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion,
that it may give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29 ESV).
but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion,
that it may give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29 ESV).
Article taken from: http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/speaking-the-truth-in-love-7-helpful-tips/#ixzz2C1QTu6h7
Saturday, November 10, 2012
TODAY
Today, remember that your life is significant.
You are a part of God’s eternal plan, whether
you feel like it or not, You have a pivotal role
to play in HIStory. Don’t ever underestimate the
power of your words or actions. Be bold today
and follow whatever God has placed in your heart.
You may not be in the spotlight, but you will be
rewarded for every act of obedience, for every person
you encourage, for every act of kindness. When your
actions speak to the heart of just one person, you are
building a legacy of faith for future generations!
That is living a #PurposedPassionateLife
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Admiration vs Inspiration
Understanding the difference between admiration and inspiration.
When it comes to your kids' spiritual growth, it's important to help them distinguish between admiration and inspiration. Admiration for someone can be a wonderful thing. We may respect a person for the depth of their character or even stand in awe of their achievements. But admiration has its limitations. The core meaning of the word suggests that we regard someone "with wonder," or that we "marvel at them." The implication is that we may look up to someone, but we feel the quality we so admire in them is unattainable for us. An individual like Mother Teresa or Ghandi, for example, may fill you with wonder, but their actions seem beyond what the rest of us are capable of achieving. That's why there aren't more people just like them.
Inspiration, on the other hand, is when a person's life influences you in such a way that you're motivated toaction. That's an important difference. Inspiration helps you to believe that if someone else could do it, so can you. Help your kids find role models who inspire them—whether they be modern day leaders, historical figures or heroes of the faith from Scripture. As the writer of Hebrews admonishes, "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith" (Hebrews 13:7).
I believe this is true for al of us, no matter what our age, we can look to those who inspire us to help propel us forward into ALL that God has for us!
"For more ways to strengthen your kids' spiritual growth, visit FocusOnTheFamily.com."
"Article from Focus on the Family blog 10-23-12"
When it comes to your kids' spiritual growth, it's important to help them distinguish between admiration and inspiration. Admiration for someone can be a wonderful thing. We may respect a person for the depth of their character or even stand in awe of their achievements. But admiration has its limitations. The core meaning of the word suggests that we regard someone "with wonder," or that we "marvel at them." The implication is that we may look up to someone, but we feel the quality we so admire in them is unattainable for us. An individual like Mother Teresa or Ghandi, for example, may fill you with wonder, but their actions seem beyond what the rest of us are capable of achieving. That's why there aren't more people just like them.
Inspiration, on the other hand, is when a person's life influences you in such a way that you're motivated toaction. That's an important difference. Inspiration helps you to believe that if someone else could do it, so can you. Help your kids find role models who inspire them—whether they be modern day leaders, historical figures or heroes of the faith from Scripture. As the writer of Hebrews admonishes, "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith" (Hebrews 13:7).
I believe this is true for al of us, no matter what our age, we can look to those who inspire us to help propel us forward into ALL that God has for us!
"For more ways to strengthen your kids' spiritual growth, visit FocusOnTheFamily.com."
"Article from Focus on the Family blog 10-23-12"
Monday, October 22, 2012
Sometime we need to withdrawal
Even when it seems you are in your darkest hour-you have lost hope and possibly the will to keep going- PRAY- Just as Jesus did in the garden of Gethsemane.
It is important we remove ourselves from the situation, find a quite place and spend time talking with our father in Heaven. This is what will strengthen us and give us hope.
Luke 22:41-43
AFTER Jesus prayed He was STRENGTHENED!
Do you need strength?
Do you need hope?
Do you need the will to keep going another day?
Spend time with the one who created you, He knows what you need.
It is so comforting to know that we have someone we can go to for all of our needs no matter what they are, HE cares about us and wants to strengthen us.
I encourage you-PRAY!
It is important we remove ourselves from the situation, find a quite place and spend time talking with our father in Heaven. This is what will strengthen us and give us hope.
Luke 22:41-43
And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw and knelt down and prayed,
42 Saying, Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but [always] Yours be done.
43 And there appeared to Him an angel from heaven, strengthening Him in spirit.
AFTER Jesus prayed He was STRENGTHENED!
Do you need strength?
Do you need hope?
Do you need the will to keep going another day?
Spend time with the one who created you, He knows what you need.
It is so comforting to know that we have someone we can go to for all of our needs no matter what they are, HE cares about us and wants to strengthen us.
I encourage you-PRAY!
Thursday, October 11, 2012
In Pastures Green
by H. H. Barry
In pastures green? Not always;
sometimes He Who knoweth best,
in kindness leadeth me In weary ways,
where heavy shadows be.
And by still waters? No, not always so;
Oftimes the heavy tempests round me blow,
And o’er my soul the waves and billows go.
Oftimes the heavy tempests round me blow,
And o’er my soul the waves and billows go.
But when the storms beat loudest, and I cry
Aloud for help, the Master standeth by,
And whispers to my soul, “Lo, it is I.”
Aloud for help, the Master standeth by,
And whispers to my soul, “Lo, it is I.”
So where He leads me I can safely go,
And in the blest hereafter I shall know
Why in His wisdom He hath led me so.
And in the blest hereafter I shall know
Why in His wisdom He hath led me so.
Friday, September 7, 2012
BLESSED!
Numbers 6:24 (KJV)
The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:
The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it.
The Lord will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and He will bless you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.
Blessed is every one who fears the Lord,
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, The people He has chosen as His own inheritance.
The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace.
WE ARE BLESSED!
Saturday, September 1, 2012
WAITING?
Have you ever waited so long for something you get frustrated and want to give up. What about worked on a project..... supposte to have help, and you seemed to be the only one doing "your part" You think you're doing the right thing, but eventually start feeling a bit unsure because you don't see the results you were hoping for.
Sounds familiar to me!
In the Bible, Noah followed God's directions for building the ark. He gathered the animals as God had told him, and boarded up the arc. Then he waited 40 days and nights for the rain to stop. The Israelites followed God through the Red Sea. Then they all waited 40 years in the desert before they saw the Promised Land.
Do you think that being patient was easy for them?
EASY?
I don't think I really ever have known the meaning to that word. We often want to overcome challenges and problems as quickly as possible, or to take the easy way. Am I right? L
Psalm 33:20 Our soul has waited on Jehova; He is our help and our shield. This is the scripture Noah and the Israelites must have used during their waiting period.
I know in my life there have been many times and things that still are present now, when I have been waiting for things to change, circumstances to get better, a promises from God to come to pass. Is it easy....NO.
Do I always have patience and a good attitude toward the situation, NO!
But waiting for a breakthrough or a change in your situation is easier when we put our hope in the one and only UNCHANGING thing in this universe ......God. Knowing that in HIS time He will bring good things — such as the Rainbow and the Promised Land, just as He did for Noah & the Israelites.
God works "all things together for good for those who love the Lord" (Romans 8:28)
We can strengthen our hope in God, and learn how to wait on Him, as we pray and read His Word.
I know for me, I have to have the unfailing love and positive reinforcement poured into my heart before I do anything else in my day....ok I get coffee first, but then STRAIGHT to my Bible. :)
I know I can't do my days with out it. I have tried and I fail miserably. This world is full of so much negative and junk that pulls us down that to have the time in His word Before all else, changes the course of things. I encourage you today dear friend to be in His Word daily.
This is where we find hope, this is where we see love and truth laid out before us. We will not find it anywhere else. All else will fail us because we live in a natural world where we are all flawed and things fall apart.
HIS perfect love never fails us. (1Corinthians 13
Keep your chin up.
"The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I hope in Him!” (Lamentations 3:24)
You will see your change, I promise. It may not be in your circumstances or situation immediately, but in your heart you will sense a change. A newness of hope that can only come from reading the word, and spending time with your Heavenly Father.
Start today!
Sounds familiar to me!
In the Bible, Noah followed God's directions for building the ark. He gathered the animals as God had told him, and boarded up the arc. Then he waited 40 days and nights for the rain to stop. The Israelites followed God through the Red Sea. Then they all waited 40 years in the desert before they saw the Promised Land.
Do you think that being patient was easy for them?
EASY?
I don't think I really ever have known the meaning to that word. We often want to overcome challenges and problems as quickly as possible, or to take the easy way. Am I right? L
Psalm 33:20 Our soul has waited on Jehova; He is our help and our shield. This is the scripture Noah and the Israelites must have used during their waiting period.
I know in my life there have been many times and things that still are present now, when I have been waiting for things to change, circumstances to get better, a promises from God to come to pass. Is it easy....NO.
Do I always have patience and a good attitude toward the situation, NO!
But waiting for a breakthrough or a change in your situation is easier when we put our hope in the one and only UNCHANGING thing in this universe ......God. Knowing that in HIS time He will bring good things — such as the Rainbow and the Promised Land, just as He did for Noah & the Israelites.
God works "all things together for good for those who love the Lord" (Romans 8:28)
We can strengthen our hope in God, and learn how to wait on Him, as we pray and read His Word.
I know for me, I have to have the unfailing love and positive reinforcement poured into my heart before I do anything else in my day....ok I get coffee first, but then STRAIGHT to my Bible. :)
I know I can't do my days with out it. I have tried and I fail miserably. This world is full of so much negative and junk that pulls us down that to have the time in His word Before all else, changes the course of things. I encourage you today dear friend to be in His Word daily.
Everyday, Everyday, Everyday!
This is where we find hope, this is where we see love and truth laid out before us. We will not find it anywhere else. All else will fail us because we live in a natural world where we are all flawed and things fall apart.
HIS perfect love never fails us. (1Corinthians 13
Go to the source from which ALL love and promises flow.
Start speaking My HOPE is in the Lord!
"The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I hope in Him!” (Lamentations 3:24)
You will see your change, I promise. It may not be in your circumstances or situation immediately, but in your heart you will sense a change. A newness of hope that can only come from reading the word, and spending time with your Heavenly Father.
Start today!
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Thieves of Joy & Passion
If a person were going to plan out a robbery what is it that they would plan to go after? A robber comes to not take junk but things of value correct? The greater to value the greater their desire to steal it.
The greatest thieves of passion and joy are self-pity and worry. These two thieves like to steal our joy and our state of mind. They do this by making a person think more on their troubles and the outward circumstances of their life and worrying, stewing over those things in the past or things the can not change rather than focusing on their purpose in life and their passions and what they could fulfill right now today.
Self-pity looks at life's circumstances and surroundings and says I'm unable to do anything, saying life isn't fair, and has an attitude that brings people down. Self pity destroys initiative and saps self-confidence. It compares, always making the person in self pity not pretty enough or good enough, not educated enough, and never getting enough breaks in life. Does any of this sound familiar?
The Bible says do not compare yourselves among yourselves in doing this you are not wise. so we are not to compare ourselves and get in self-pity we need to do what is placed in our path.
2 Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
Any and all self comparison should be exactly that, with yourself. Judge yourself based on your progress against your previous progress or efforts. Are you doing better than you had before. Are you living up to the goals that you have set for yourself?
That's the real comparison.
The person who knows their destiny and God-given assignment, has decided and is determined to fulfill their purpose in life, has no room for self-pity.
We must start right now, right here, where we are, and be willing and passionate about the things that we can do and contribute to that on a daily basis.
Worry is an even more prevalent joy and passion robber.
When we were born into this world as infants, we cried and made noises when we needed something. When you cried you had an adult that checked your diaper gave you food, cuddled you , took care of your needs, at least for the most part. You didn't have to worry about if someone was going to come, they just did. We grew up physically, and as we grew so did the mental state of our being, we acquired different coping mechanisms and learned different things from our environment. Worry was not an inborn trait we acquired it. Worry is a mental habit that we have taken from other people. It is a learned behavior.
The good news is because worry is a habit, habits can be broken. It has been said that if you're trying to change a habit and you do something different for 30 days it becomes a new habit. So if we are aware that we have a worrying problem and when we start to feel that we are worrying about something, we exchange the thoughts of worry and replace them with positive affirmations, like reading through your note cards thoughts that have your dreams written on them or think toward your purpose and passion in life. (note cards, writing your vision is in my book)
When you know God has ordered your steps and you are on the path that He has lined out for you there should be no worry.
God placed in you everything you will ever need to carry out and accomplish all that He has destined for you. He wouldn't have let you come this far, to find out all these wonderful things inside of you only to let you fail. It is the thieves that are trying to take away your joy.
Most people have a challenge going to the next step. They allow these thieves of passion, people and life circumstances steal their future.
DONT LET THAT BE YOU!
Friday, June 29, 2012
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Brian Welch: I am Second
This is for anyone that has ever been searching fro the REAL life. It doesn't matter where you have been, what you have done- this is a a must watch!
click the link below
Brian Welch: I am Second
click the link below
Brian Welch: I am Second
Monday, June 18, 2012
Prayer for Wisdom
Ephesian Chapter 1
15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers:
17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding[c] being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.
- We have understanding in ALL situations
- WE know the hope of His calling for our lives
- We know the richness of His glorious inheritance
- We know and have access to His exceeding greatness of power (if we believe)
Not our power or our trying or anything YOU do or think, it is by HIS power all we are call to do is verse 19 believe.
Do you believe Him today?
Do you believe His word for your life?
Sounds like an overcoming successful life to me......
I CHOOSE to believe!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Rest from your Sorrow
This morning when I went to sad my bible I felt lead to go to the book of Isaiah. Here is what I read
3 It shall come to pass in the day the Lord gives you rest from your sorrow, and from your fear and the hard bondage in which you were made to serve, 4 that you will take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say:
“How the oppressor has ceased,
The golden[a] city ceased!
5 The Lord has broken the staff of the wicked,
The scepter of the rulers;
6 He who struck the people in wrath with a continual stroke,
He who ruled the nations in anger,
Is persecuted and no one hinders.
7 The whole earth is at rest and quiet;
They break forth into singing.
8 Indeed the cypress trees rejoice over you,
And the cedars of Lebanon,
Saying, ‘Since you were cut down,
No woodsman has come up against us.’
The golden[a] city ceased!
5 The Lord has broken the staff of the wicked,
The scepter of the rulers;
6 He who struck the people in wrath with a continual stroke,
He who ruled the nations in anger,
Is persecuted and no one hinders.
7 The whole earth is at rest and quiet;
They break forth into singing.
8 Indeed the cypress trees rejoice over you,
And the cedars of Lebanon,
Saying, ‘Since you were cut down,
No woodsman has come up against us.’
This really spoke to me, I felt as I was reading the first part, verse 3 where it says "the hard bondage" I thought about the hard stuff that I have been dealing with. Not just a little patch or small valley in my life but a continual ongoing issue that has been present most of my adult life, and all of my childhood, And no matter how hard I worked at it, it still was never really resolved. I felt the Lord saying to me there is rest from that, it will cease, the Lord has broken that off of my life and there is rest and peace!
Hallelujah!
I really wanted to share this with you because I know it is not just for me. If you are going through something you feel like you are a slave to, like there is no rest in dealing with that particular area of your life or that problem or issue. God wants you to know that He has freed you from that. All we must do is recognize that He has, and thank Him for it.
The scripture above is actually a "proverb", a song. The last part of verse 4 thru 8 (and past that in the bible I only went to verse 8) is something the people were to sing.
When we sing or say something we do it to remind ourselves....the chorus of a song, because we like the words or to remind us of something or someone special. When we say something, (and i am totally one to do this ask my family and friends) we say something out loud to remind ourselves to do something or talk ourselves through the steps of what we happen to be doing at that moment.
The same is true with the Word of God. We are to say it to remind ourselves of His promises to us.
So if you are in need, or have some bondage you need broken off your life, first thank the Lord He has broken that from your life and then SAY to yourself, you are free from that. It will not effect you life anymore. Sing about how the Lord has given you rest.
I challenge you today dear friend, to look to what the Lord has done for you and think on those things, not the circumstances you "see" but focus on what He HAS already accomplished for you! Move into your rest.
Heavenly Father, I thank you for for Word today,
I thank you that your Word has no beginning and no end,
it is good for us today and works throughout any time and space
that we may encounter.
Father, help us to recognize all the things you have accomplished
for us and to walk them out in our daily lives, help us to remember to sing and to say that we are Free from that which has kept us in bondage. Help us to live out our days focused on you Lord and what you would have us to do and say, not focused on our circumstances.
We praise you and thank you for loving us unconditionally,
no matter what.
In Jesus Name AMEN!
Saturday, May 19, 2012
"Marvellous lovingkindness."
Show me Your marvelous lovingkindness by your right hand.
O You who save those who trust in You, from those who rise up against them
When we give our hearts with our alms,
we give well, but we must often plead to a failure in this respect. Not so our Master and our Lord. His favours are always performed with the love of His heart.
He does not send to us the cold meat and the broken pieces from the table of his luxury, but He dips our morsel in his own dish, and seasons our provisions with the spices of His fragrant affections.
When He puts the golden tokens of His grace into our palms, He accompanies the gift with such a warm pressure of our hand, that the manner of His giving is as precious as the boon itself.
He will come into our houses upon His errands of kindness, and He will not act as some austere visitors do in the poor man's cottage, but He sits by our side, not despising our poverty, nor blaming our weakness.
Beloved, with what smiles does He speak! What golden sentences drop from His gracious lips! What embraces of affection does He bestow upon us! If He had but given us farthings, the way of His giving would have gilded them; but as it is, the costly alms are set in a golden basket by His pleasant carriage.
It is impossible to doubt the sincerity of His charity, for there is a bleeding heart stamped upon the face of all his benefactions.
He giveth liberally and upbraideth not. Not one hint that we are burdensome to Him; not one cold look for His poor pensioners; but He rejoices in His mercy, and presses us to His bosom while He is pouring out his life for us.
There is a fragrance in His spikenard which nothing but His heart could produce; there is a sweetness in His honey-comb which could not be in it unless the very essence of His soul's affection had been mingled with it.
Oh! the rare communion which such singular heartiness effecteth! May we continually taste and know the blessedness of it!
By,Charles Spurgeon
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Potential
Today, I want to remind you that you are full of incredible potential.
When God created you, He deposited seeds of greatness inside of you.
He’s given you your own dreams and desires. You have something to
offer that no one else has. But too often, we allow adversities, disappointments
and setbacks to push these things down, until one day, we find that we’re not
pressing forward anymore. We’re not stretching; we’re not believing to rise any higher.
When adversity comes, it’s easy to think, “Why is this happening to me?”
When adversity comes, it’s easy to think, “Why is this happening to me?”
The answer is because the enemy knows what’s on the inside of you. He’s
going to do everything he can to keep that seed from taking root. But,
he will only be successful if you let him. He can’t stop you unless you quit.
Don’t become stagnate in pursuing your dreams. It’s time to get your fire back! It’s time to press forward.
It’s time to dig deep inside and take hold of the marvelous destiny God has prepared for you!
A Special THANKS
Thoughts for today May 12, 2012
As I sit down this morning to write and begin reading were left off about “Leaving a Legacy” and this weekend is Mother's Day weekend, reading some of the stuff that I wrote last week about what kind of legacy do you want to leave, how do you want to be remembered and you want to continue on the same path as the legacy that was set before you?
And again just relating it to Mothers Day I think about all of the women in my life throughout my years, some mothers, some friends, some just women, who have shaped me, have had input in my life throughout the years. And I'm so grateful. Grateful that the Lord brought certain people into my life at certain times.
Some to help me learn and grow, some to make me feel loved, some to just be an adult there so I wasn't a minor alone, and then there were some who didn't even know, not even today I don't think would know that in their own unique way they played a part in who I have become today. Just by seeing the way they interacted with their children when I was a child, how they took care of their family, lived their life, accepted me in on occasion and treated me as one of their own.
I want to say thank you to those who give unconditional love to children
who need it (which is ALL of them) and may not deserve it.
who need it (which is ALL of them) and may not deserve it.
I want to encourage you women, mothers because it's Mother's Day weekend, but men as well, when kids need a hug, encouragement, love, a place to go, don't be too busy. Don't be so quick to say “no” because of all the stuff going on in your life. You never know what that one small act of kindness, of opening your home, sharing your meal, driving them here doing that, LISTENING to and being Present (in attention) will do to and for their life.
I'm not just talking about your own kids, I am talking young ones in general, don't be too busy for them because of all the little seeds that you plant overtime, here and there, a little gestures, acts of kindness, love, generosity, UNDIVIDED ATTENTION that you give, you don't know who that child is going to grow up to become, you don't know what's going on on the inside of them. God has placed each one where they are to be. You have certain people around you and in your life to make an impact on them.
You may be the one, that 20 years down the road some poor lost little girl who was feeling unloved, nonacceptance, out of sorts, YOU may be the one that she remembers as she sits and reflects about leaving a legacy for her own family.
I just want to say THANK YOU to all the women in my life, from the time I was born until now. If you know me, have been around me YOU have impacted my life and helped me to become the woman I am today.
THANK YOU!
Whether you are a mother or not, Happy Mothers day
from a woman who has been shaped by know you!
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