Search and rescue

Don't give up praying for the things have been broken, may lack or are missing from your life! 

 God is in the business of restoration, healing and blessings!!!

There's that old song - that says...

 You may be down today, just look up - help is on the way!  Dark clouds may dim your skies, but He will answer you by and by!!

I am seeing God's healing in my own life.   I can't tell you all the ways He's healing my life's brokenness - I can just tell you He is.  My husband told me last night that he's seeing a bit of the Jamie he's missed come back and well, I am trusting that to be true.  Each day I pray for God to heal me from the inside out.  I've been praying that prayer for as long as I can remember now and little by little the evidence is there to show me just all He's doing on my behalf.

He doesn't just heal one part - He heals it all.  We just have to be patient, have faith and know God is our greatest advocate, healer, physician, counselor, friend and loving father.

As you take on your day, with all the ups and downs, 

just keep telling yourself that God is on your side.  You too, will start to believe it and receive it.

#startingover15 #healingcomes #recovery #restoration

Taking a time out

Don't you wish you had someone telling you that you need to go take a nap?  Or maybe you've been inside too long and you need to go outside and play for a while?

We get so wrapped up in our lives sometimes that we forget to slow down and take some time for ourselves and our loved ones.  

I recently took a new position for a company that has me away from home far more than I or my husband likes.  I'm up early, on the road for close to an hour, at work for an 8 hour day and then traveling home again.  It takes my time and my energy just to keep the pace up and if I'm not careful it will rob my time and energy away from the ones who really matter.

As I was driving to work this morning I began praying that God would show me how to balance it all and not lose myself in the midst.  Making sure I give the proper time to God, my husband, my family, my job and myself.  It's not always easy - but it is possible, and sometimes - we just have to make the time.

He tells us in Hebrews Chapter 4 that He's made a way for us to enter into His rest.

When I trust Him to meet my needs - I am able to take some time for my family, my husband and myself.

I am looking forward to this weekend, where I can recharge my batteries, enjoy my husband and enter into His perfect rest.

Here's to #startingover15

Don't give up...

I want to send you a note of encouragement.  Don't stop praying for whatever need you have in your life.  I actually did give up for a time...you know?  I settled for less than I deserved and was never satisfied with my life or relationships.  What a terrible waste of time and energy.

So for those of you who read this little blog - please don't make the same mistakes I did.  Don't settle for less in your job, in your relationships and your friendships.  If you aren't getting out of it what you're putting into it - pray, pray, pray!!!  God does answer  prayers and He does provide.

I'm not telling you to ask for a divorce or quit your job.  I'm saying pray about it.  Give it to God and let Him work things out for your good.  Don't rush it or make decisions based on feelings.  Let God open and close doors for you.  Let Him heal your broken spirit and bring peace in your life.  Let Him calm the storms and carry the burden.  I know from experience - prayer brings change.  Just don't give up!!

Some days I feel like I need to pinch myself.  I know I cried many tears, prayed an endless prayer of thanks and gratitude for my "single" life and cooked more than my fair share of dinners for one over the last 6 years...but as I sit here and type my heart is full with gratitude to God alone for providing me with such a gift as I've found in my husband.

My thoughts are with you - with all of us that we be consistent in our prayers.  That we exercise our faith and keep believing that God can and will!!

#startingover15 #dontquitbeforeyourmiraclehappens

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!!