What's your testimony?

My husband and I had a couple of young ladies over to our home for dinner last night.  These girls have decided to take on a 2 year mission for the Mormon church here in town.  They come from two separate worlds, raised two different ways, have different life experiences - yet the have the same goal...to draw closer to God and reach others through their outreach.

Although I'm not a Mormon, I admire their commitment and dedication to their church and faith.  As we sat and talked about their testimonies...one of them tended to be ashamed of not always living for God and I felt led by the Lord to tell her that her testimony is just as beautiful as the sister that sat beside her who'd had an ever present unfailing relationship with God her entire life.

You see....God sooooo loved us (all of us) that He gave His only begotten son (Jesus Christ), that WHOSOEVER believeth on Him would not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16...in my paraphrased words)

It doesn't matter when you choose to change your heart and your life....your testimony is just as strong!  He loved you so much that He drew you into His love and care...How wonderful is that?!!!  It's amazing love....

I love the Lord...I am so thankful for where He's brought me from, what He's seen me through.  I just don't want to try life without Him.  God has kept me from many things and has forgiven me for some terrible decisions; yet He consistently reminds me just how much He loves me - I can never thank Him enough.

Serving Him means I don't have to face things alone.  Becoming His daughter - and truly trusting He'll provide for and protect me brings so much peace in my life...He's changed my heart, my mind and my spirit.

Don't be ashamed to #startover.  Don't be ashamed of your #testimony!

Have a beautiful weekend!

Steadfast and unmovable

#startingover #firmlyestablished

What does it mean to be steadfast and unmovable?  

Dictionary.com says this:

unwavering or determined in purpose, loyalty. etc.

it also says:

sure, dependable, reliable, constant, unwavering.  Steadfast, staunch, steady imply a sureness and contentiousness that may be depended on.  Steadfast literally means fixed in place, but is chiefly used figuratively to indicate undeviating constancy or resolution: steadfast in one's faith (staunch).

This is how I want to be with God, my marriage, with my family - all areas of my life.

There comes a time in our lives where we have to take a stand for something.  What drives you to stand firm in your marriage?  What drives you to be unwavering in your love for your spouse?  What drives you to love your children unconditionally?  What drives you to stick to your diet or work out routine?  What drives you to live for God?  It is your spirit man, your heart. your mind....once those areas are made up - nothing can sway you.

Lord create in me a clean heart....a heart that loves unconditionally and God revive my unshakable dedication to you and those I have committed myself to....even myself.  Amen...

Living a blessed life - because I chose to start over....

The Battle is the Lord's

It seems that satan will use anything and anyone to steal our joy. Our spouses, children, sisters, brothers, parents, jobs, money, the politics and weather....whatever can be used, will be used to shake us.  If satan can divide and conquer, he will do just that.

We have to realize that some things in life aren't really our battles.
There's a song that has been sung in many churches over the years that says this...
"The battle's not mine" said little David "Lord it's thine, I'm in your favor.  I've given it all to You, I knew not what to do.  I'm so glad you've let me see, You're really all that I need, for the battle's not mine, I give it to You...Lord it's Thine".

Allowing God to fight the battle means we step out of our own way and let Him move in ways we don't see, know or even understand at times. Always trusting HE has it in control.  We pray about it, and lay it at His feet and truly step out of the way so He can move on our behalf.  He is mighty! Nothing can stop Him from completing His plan.

Today, looking at this image I can see how someone has created a powerful warrior who stands in the midst of all those things that come against us...for with God - nothing is impossible.

Trusting in Him today, as unworthy as I am....knowing He loves me in spite of my flaws, mistakes and failures.  He is great and greatly to be praised!

Starting over each and every day placing my cares on His powerful shoulders.
#startingover

Breaking down walls

Just recently I have discovered that I still have some walls guarding my heart.  I didn't know just how high they were until that terrible thing called fear crept in.  It's so sad for me to realize just how fast my mind can access a situation, formulate a scenario, judge the outcome and start the process of what to do next.  It's not uncommon for those who've been let down to develop these habits, but it's wrong.

I have been in prayer each day since this moment of realization, asking God to break down the walls which still remain.  Walls of doubt - walls of fear - walls of insecurity have kept me from enjoying life and now must be broken down so I can live the life God is blessing me with.  

Sometimes things happen that shake our foundation but it doesn't mean we need to hide behind the walls in order to protect ourselves.  We really need to just boldly trust in God to hold our hand as we walk through the uncertainty - building our faith and trust in Him for He never fails us.

Today I realize I have often glorified my fears as if they were some trophy I was able to show off when I reacted to a situation.  I don't want that in my life.  I want to be humble and face my fears with the strength of God and the promise He gives to be with us.  Today transparency and honesty have to be prevalent in my walk, not only for my peace of mind but for those who are close to me as well.

God never promised the road would be easy but He did promise to lead and guide.

Saying goodbye to the things that built the walls brick by brick as I start over and thank God for this beautiful life He's blessing me with!!

With God - anything is possible

How many of us have had it happen?  You know, the impossible...

For instance...how did a bill get paid when I was broke?  How did I survive that car accident -I should have been killed?  How did my marriage survive - it was crumbling?  How did my child graduate from high school - he hated school?

We are walking through a storm and can't see three feet in front of us and yet when the clouds clear, the rain ceases...we can see we have moved forward in the midst of darkness.

There was a time that each and every day unwrapped a new set of problems.  My truck broke down, my daughter was sick with kidney stones, I was barely making it on minimum wage, my other daughter was facing some terrible situations at school, I was in a battle for child support and had no money for a lawyer.  So many things were stacked against me but somehow...I made it, we made it!   My power wasn't shut off, there was no eviction notice, we didn't die of starvation; we made it by the grace of God and those He sent to help us through.  Miracles....each storm brought a new way for God to show His power in my life.

Today I know that God is in complete control.  Today I know that miracles come in many different shapes and forms and I am so grateful God continues to show them to me.

For everyone starting over, going through a struggle, a down season in your life - please hold on.  If you can't take a step forward - stand still.  Just don't give up, give it to God and God will bring you through.

Your miracle is on the way!