There is so much to be thankful for each and every year. Three things I am most thankful for this 2012 year are: 1) My relationship with God. For without him, I wouldn't be where I am today, or be the person I am now. It's all because of Jesus, that I'm alive. 2) My amazing Fiance, Johnny. God definitely knew what he was doing, when he created him. As a little girl, I always dreamed of the qualities I wanted in a husband. Johnny not only has met those, but has far surpassed them by leaps and bounds. He truly is my Angel from God, and the most amazing best friend a lady could dream of! 3) My cherished family. My family has been such a huge support and encouragement to me though the years. I am also thankful for my family-to-be as well. I love them all so very much, and I can't wait to finally be a Calathes here next June!

Johnny and I recently were in Philadelphia for about 3 weeks, and got to visit the Amish country for a day. As we were driving to each Amish location, I saw just how simple they live. From plain clothes, to working hard in the fields each day, not to mention all the laundry the women wash by hand and leave outside to dry each day. It reminded me of how much I take for granted every day. I'm also reminded of how many people I know who are struggling in life right now. Whether it's finding a job, trying to make ends meet, or just having a lot of difficult stuff going on in their lives.

This Thanksgiving that we all recently celebrated, reminded me of not just the special people and family I'm thankful for, but also for the every day luxuries I enjoy that I take for granted so often.

I think it's ironic how each year most Americans take one full day just to be thankful to God for what we have, then turn around the following day and try and get all the best deals we can, while pushing and shoving just to make sure we get the latest greatest item. Now before you get your feathers ruffled, I'm not saying shopping Black Friday is a bad thing. As a matter of fact, I'm a huge fan and enjoy shopping every year. But my point is this...instead of having 1 day each year to have Thanksgiving, let every day be a day of Thanksgiving for what we enjoy and are blessed with. If you put things in perspective, we really are more blessed than we know.

I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful week of being thankful to God for everything He has given us. Let's take the challenge to find at least one thing each day this upcoming year to be thankful to God for. Some days it might be difficult to find something, but there will always be something to be thankful for.

Bountiful blessings to each and every one of you!

Hi Friends!

I hope y'all are enjoying a wonderful transition into the Autumn season. Here in Florida it is absolutely beautiful! It rains almost every day for a bit, greenery is everywhere you look, and many fantastic beaches are within about an hour's drive. But the thing I love the most is being much closer to my amazing Fiance' Johnny. He is God's greatest blessing to me!

I have to admit, it has been difficult leaving family and cherished friends behind. There isn't a day that goes by, that I think of a family member or one of my amazing girlfriends. But I've learned a valuable lesson in all of it...

It really got me thinking about what I put most of my time and energy into. What is it that I truly value and cherish most? What is it that I put my reliance and trust in. Not to say that family and friends shouldn't be close. Nothing could be farther from the truth. But my point being, I had put my most important relationship on the back burner....my relationship with God. I was wondering why I was feeling this 'feeling.' I realized I had got all caught up in the excitement of moving to Florida, and enjoyment of being with my Fiance more, that I didn't choose to make time for God, as I did before I moved.

First and foremost, my relationship with God should be priority one. Not out of a legalistic mentality, but rather love, because I owe my whole life to Him. I wouldn't be where I am today without Him. Then, comes family and friends. It's like a foundation for a home. If your foundation isn't set right, everything else fails. I want my love for God to overflow into all my relationships I have (ie. Johnny, family, friends, etc.).

As y'all know, I love listening to music and discovering new songs. Recently after I moved to Florida, I heard a song entitled, 'Finally Home' by Kerrie Roberts. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukyynPEHmnA I've listened to it pretty much almost every day since I've been here in beautiful Florida. It is a great reminder of what our focus should be on. What it is that drives us, and gives us motivation to keep on about our daily lives each day. What makes us want to the best we can be? Basically, what is our hope and purpose in, and why? I hope that as you listen to the song, you feel the same way I do.

On a personal note...I've been reading a wonderful pre-marital book entitled, 'Marriage on the Rock' by Jimmy Evans. I've always been told that one of the keys to a successful marriage is about being selfless. For example, whenver you see or talk to couples who've been married for a lengthy amount of years, you usually see how much they truly care for each other, and are wanting to better the other person. It finally clicked. It made me think, not only in marriage do I want to be selfless and giving everything I can to Johnny, but in every day life as well. How can I better someone's day and make them feel special as well. Life can be soo much richer if we choose to not focus on ourselves, but rather the other person. Lesson learned....marriage is not about what you can get out of it, but rather how much you can give to better the other person (your best friend).

Ever wonder what God has planned for your life? What does He want you to do; or how to use you to bring glory to His name?

The answer I seem to come up with in one word is, Story. The power of a life transformed by the Gospel and God’s great work in one’s life, speaks volumes. Just think of it, as many of us do on a weekly basis, of meeting up with friends and family to keep in touch; God desires us to do the same thing about Him, and the work He’s done and still doing in our lives.

Growing up, I always thought I never had much to share about Jesus, except the fact that He commands my destiny and is the most important thing in my life. As I’ve come to realize, we all have something exciting to share to the world about who Jesus is. We all have different stories and everything, but no one testimony is the same as another. We’re all different and unique in our own God-given ways.

I’ve attached a link below of a wonderful woman, Heather Williams. She’s a new Christian singer/songwriter. Listening to her testimony made me realize God allows certain things in our lives to happen for a reason (draw us closer to Him, teach us a lesson, etc.) And what we do with those events, tells everyone around us, what we’re made of, and what God’s transforming power can do in one’s life.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7cnMDwdm3k&feature=related

So I encourage y’all to never underestimate what God wants to do in and through you. Simply live out what you believe to be true from God’s Word.  And, as God provides those opportunities to share with others your testimony, take it and see what great things God does because of that.

May God bountifully bless you this week, as we share God’s transforming work to those we see on a daily basis!

Wow! I didn't realize how fast time has gone by since I've posted on the blog. Please forgive me for the long lapse of time.

During this lapse of time, I have since gotten engaged to the greatest man God could ever bless me with! Honestly, I never thought I would have the joy of getting married, given mistakes I've made in the past. But our God is a God who restores, mends and heals our hearts once they've been broken. With God blessing me with my future hubbs Johnny, I'm reminded that God truly desires the best for each and every one of us. Right now, John and I are enjoying wedding planning and planning for our future together. It is our prayer and hope that we are a light to our generation of what a godly marriage looks like, amidst a culture where a marriage founded upon Jesus Christ, and full devotion to one another is foreign.

I want to encourage you who are reading this, that no matter what's going on in your life, where you are, or what you've done, God loves you! Yes, I'm sure you've heard it a million times (especially if you grew up in church like I did). But think about it....God chose to create such a beautiful masterpiece as you!! He (God) thinks the world of you! He created it for you to enjoy. Furthermore, He wants nothing but the very best for you! If you're single right now, I encourage you to bask in the love of our Heavenly Father who loves you more than any person could ever love you in a lifetime. Take the extra time you have now, to draw close to God, let Him remind you of who you are in Him. Patiently continue to wait for the special, treasured one, God has picked out just for you. The waiting can and will be difficult at times, but I promise you, as one who's been where you are, it is totally worth the wait!!!

I'd like to share a new song I heard last Sunday in Church. Some of you might have already heard it before. It's called, 'Holy' by Matt Redman. No matter where we all are in life right now, we can worship God, for who He is and His sacrifice for our sins, so we can spend an eternity with Him, forever. I hope you are able to worship Jesus through this song; not based upon what is going on in life, but for who He is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQ8MFn4yikA 


Bountiful Blessings to You, in Your Walk with our Great Savior!!

Good Morning Ladies!!

I just heard this song, this morning and wanted to share it with you. Nichole Nordeman sings about our beauty in Christ. The music video has characters from Veggie Tales because it was originally made for one of their films. But I love the lyrics, and I pray you are blessed by it bountifully today!!

You are Loved!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orc4TuIO56s&feature=related

 

Is there something I’m holding onto that I know I need to let go, and place in God’s hands?

Do I have any resentment, unforgiveness, bitterness, anger or rage for someone(s), something/event?

Why am I holding onto ‘this’ soo tightly? What is holding me back from trusting fully that God can handle ‘this’?

How is holding onto ‘this’ affecting my life daily? How has it overflowed into my relationships with others?

These are some questions to ponder, as you listen to this song. I want to share this ‘Dangerous’ song by KJ-52 which I heard just last week, because it is soo profoundly true.

Dangerous: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IM7gUpKB2MQ

If you don’t already know, God really uses music to speak to me in a special way. When I heard this song for the first time, I was reminded of where I once was, many years ago, and where God has brought me today.

I don’t know your story of what’s happened to you, or who’s hurt you soo deeply. I can say, as one whom has been healed by God and restored from abuse, that God is saddened by the injustices done to you. He wants to be your hero, who mends your heart and soul.

I short little testimony…Many, many years ago, I had bottled up a lot of hurt and brokenness that had occurred over many years to me by an individual. With continual wounds, I felt as though I never had time to heal from the previous wound. Why? I was holding onto the injustices done to me, as a way to control how I ‘handle’ the situation/circumstance. I didn’t realize I was only doing more damage to myself by bottling it all up, because I finally erupted like a volcano early in college. It was soon afterwards, that I discovered that God doesn’t desire or want me to carry that unnecessary burden. But instead, trust Him and give all of it over to Him. I also learned that God wants to use what we’ve gone through to glorify Him, and bring others to His saving knowledge. If we choose to hold on soo tightly, where we’re white knuckling it, how can we truly walk in the freedom of forgiveness that He desires us to enjoy? Furthermore, how can we grow in deeper trusting relationship with our Heavenly Father if we’re holding onto something that we’re not meant to carry?

I know this is a tough thing to discuss and bring up. I understand this is something can is often, easier said than done. I mention it though because, as one whom God has healed and helped relinquish to Him all the hurt and pain of physical/emotional abuse, He desires the same thing for you too. It’s the most freeing thing. God is no respecter of persons (He doesn’t play favorites), and wants to use your hurt and what you’ve gone though and turn it around into a beautiful masterpiece.

Let’s strive to quickly surrender hurt when it occurs, and extend forgiveness in the same way God, our Heavenly Father does for us on a daily basis.

Many blessings to you, in your walk with Jesus! You are loved!

Hey there Ladies,

I just heard this song tonight, I was soo blessed by the lyrics. It is a great worship song to our Savior, about Him being our Forever Love. I hope it blesses you today as well! :)

Forever Love by Francesca Battistelli
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtMx2mWRStw&feature=g-vrec&context=G203b6d9RVAAAAAAAAAg

Hey Ladies, I hope this Monday finds you enjoying the mercies of God that are fresh every morning. I know I say it a lot on the blog, but you truly are beautiful, just the way God made you to be. I want to share with you this new song that was just released on Sunday (25th) off Britt Nicole's newest album, 'Gold'. I pray this blesses your heart, as you continully seek God's truth of who you are in Him, and are transformed more and more into the woman He has destined you to be...Blessings!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9W-19rbPEIM

Just being with God…an important lesson I was reminded of this week.

This past week has been a little difficult, personally for me. After a good 6 months of prayer, God finally gave me the ‘okay’ to make a decision to go into another area of ministry that I am passionate about. It is difficult because I will be leaving Children’s Ministries, and I don’t want the kids to stop having worship time, but on the other hand, I have such an overwhelming peace about making this decision. In addition, a friend of mine asked how I was doing, and I was open about what’s going on in life. It was as if the Holy Spirit spoke through this individual...

Have you ever felt as though you’re not where you assumed you’d be 5 years ago? Well pondering on what ‘my plans’ were and what amazing things God has done I am thankful for His work in my life, leading me another direction. Sometimes I feel as though I have to earn God’s favor and love. That is nothing but a lie from Satan. (Have you felt that way before?) Well, sometimes I have the hardest time just being quiet before God and letting Him speak to me, and me be silent. Well, this friend of mine reminded me that God takes great joy in me, and is already pleased with me. That brought me to tears as I was reminded of God’s faithfulness and never-ending, forever love. He just wants to be with me.

I say all of this to encourage you ladies that no matter what lies we tend allow Satan to feed us, God says otherwise. God has destined us, as women to be women of faith, pursuing Christ daily, making Him our first and foremost priority. As we seek His face, He will lead us in the direction of life that He will bring most glory to His name from.  It is my prayer that God’s desire and heart for my life become mine; not the reverse. Yes, I have my hopes and dreams, but even those don’t weight as much on my heart, than what I really, whole-heartedly desire from God.

I am reminded of Esther and Ruth in the Old Testament. I’m sure Ruth never intended on her husband passing away, moving to a completely different country with her mother-in-law, meeting another man from that country and getting married. Esther, an orphan, having her cousin Mordecai raise her, and end up becoming Queen of Persia and saving her people.

Whether you believe it right now or not, God has you placed in the place you are right now for a purpose. We don’t have to understand the ‘why’, but trust that God is working is beautiful plan out in our lives, as we daily walk in loving obedience to Him.

Let’s continue to trust God fully (like a trust fall into Him) daily, and watch with anticipation, how He works in our lives, and uses us for His glory and honor.

I pray you all enjoy a blessed weekend, enjoying the joy and peace and freedom in Jesus Christ!

Ladies, I heard this song recently and thought of you...you are Destined for Greatness! It's easy as women to compare ourselves to others, or go back and hold onto the broken chains God's released us from of guilt and shame. God desires to use our story of His redemption, healing, and forgiveness to encourage others. One of your greatest witnessing tools is your testimony. Don't bottle it up inside, assuming it's not important. Rather, seek God to provide opportunities to share God's work in your life. You never know if your story might just be the very thing that will be a breakthough for another woman. God see's us as His children, loved, cherished, valued, eternally loved...now walk in the freedom our Great God has graciously given us.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4DK7arkztw&feature=relmfu

Ladies, here is something to bless your day as you begin to wind down for the day....Bountiful blessings!!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPqLA89Mj3I&feature=bf_prev&list=AVAYMcY2vx8GSY4mnt6aKTZu4jW6tvH9xN&lf=list_related

Life Check

“All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the Lord blows on it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”   ~Isaiah 40:6-8

“To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? Says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these?”  ~Isaiah 40:25-26

“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” ~Isaiah 40:28-31

“For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I am the one who helps you.’” ~Isaiah 41:13

“I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you.” ~Isaiah 41:6

“Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth. “ ~Isaiah 42:10

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” ~Isaiah 43:1

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” ~Isaiah 43:2

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing an new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” ~Isaiah 43:18-19

“I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.” ~Isaiah 43:25

“Sing, O heavens, for the Lord has done it; shout, O depths of the earth; break forth into singing, O mountains, O forest, and every tree in it!” ~Isaiah 44:23

As I meditate on these Scriptures from Isaiah, I am reminded of the constant struggle of my flesh, and the vital truth of trusting God and walking in obedience to Him. How many times do we find ourselves comparing ourselves to other individuals? God has created us who we are, where we are in life, and what we do for a specific reason and purpose. I think sometimes we tend to get impatient with the work God is trying to do in us, and we try to become someone we are not. God is God. If we could understand why He chooses to do everything He does, how would we learn to trust and depend on Him? Maybe this might scare you, but I challenge you to take a risk and take a trust fall into God. I promise you, it is safe to fully and completely trust God. I’ve learned recently the importance of complete trust in God. At first it might seem to be a frightening thing, as one who doesn’t trust people easily due to having trust broken in the past. But why should I compare God to others who’ve broken my trust in the past? God is God and that is more than enough to trust him with my whole life. No matter what we’re going through in life, God is with us and will always be with us, every moment of every day.  We might not always feel his presence or Him close to us, but as it says in Deuteronomy 31:6, God will never leave us hanging, or forsake us. I like what my dad says, ‘Whatever God leads you to, He will lead you through.’ It is so very true. Philippians 4:13 says, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Matthew 19:26 states, All things are possible with God. He will never give us more than we can handle (although sometimes we tend to differ about that). I think we tend to sometimes get caught up in the past, whether it’s sin or just circumstances that have occurred. How can God grow us, if we choose to dwell on the past? God has greater things for us. Yes, those things happened, but God also wants us to move on, heal us and mold us to a shining picture of His love. Not to mention the God-ordained opportunities to be His hands and feet, to those who need to see Jesus. Who knows, you might be the only ‘walking Bible’ an indvidual(s) see in this lifetime. So let’s make the most of every opportunity God gives us, seek God’s wisdom and discernment to identify those opportunities and boldly proclaim God’s love those those in need. Let’s choose to praise God for who He is, His unconditional love and sacrifice for us as we passionately pursue God and let Him have 1^st priority in our lives.

Remember, God chose to created us, love us, he greatly desires for us to have an intimate relationship with Him. His love is unlike any other love we will ever experience in this lifetime. Why? It’s because His love will never stop. His love is unending, unconditional…forever!  “You are precious in my eyes… I love you.” Isaiah 43:4

Questions to ponder…

What am I living for/striving for in my life?

What am I holding onto that God wants me to surrender to Him?

What is God leading me to do, that I am reluctant about, that I need to be obedient?

Is there any unforgiveness or grudges I have against anyone? (If God has given me such forgiveness and grace, how can I not be forgiving to this individual(s)?)

What am I caught up on, that I just need to trust God with, even though I don’t see the whole picture?

May God continue to mold and refine us into His image so the world will be drawn to Him.

Have you ever wanted a second chance at something?

I am so thankful we praise and serve a God who gives us second chances. Sometimes even third and fourth chances too. What is it that you greatly desire to have another chance at? Tell God right now, and let him hear your heart.  Or, maybe you already have story of how God has mercifully given you a second chance. Have you ever had an opportunity to encourage others about God’s grace from your second chance story?

Ladies, we serve a remarkable Savior, who doesn’t favor one person over another, unlike some people we might know (Romans 2:11).  He is a God of redemption (Ephesians 1:7), forgiveness (1 John 1:9), and faithfulness (2 Thessalonians 3:3). He loves us so much that he won’t let us stay where we are. But, he is always lovingly, moving us forward to the destiny he has for us. (Jeremiah 29:11).

I have so many second chance stories of how God has brought praise and glory to His name.  Years ago, back when I was in my freshman year of college, I was dealing with a lot of hurt that had built up. I had internalized it for years, and didn’t feel safe opening up about it to anyone, for fear of it spreading around like wild-fire, and also fear of rejection.  That year, because the words kept cutting deeper and deeper, I didn’t have time to heal. So I started doing physical damage to my body, thinking if I feel physical pain, that will take away the constant (it felt at that time) emotional pain I was feeling.  That led me into a state where I ended up deciding to end my own life. I thought if I ended it all, I’d be in heaven, safe with Jesus and the continual verbal abuse would stop, and I wouldn’t have to deal with it ever again. So, one night I decided to overdose on some pain meds.  Little to my knowledge, God had another plan than what I had, and I woke up the next morning shocked I was alive. I found myself starting to pray, as if the Holy Spirit was praying for me.  I told God, if he has given me breath in my lungs to breathe today, obviously he has a bigger, greater plan to use me. I realized he wasn’t through with me yet, even though I thought he was. It was then, that I decided after God giving me a second chance; how can I not want to live a life that pleases and glorifies God. He had given me my life back, and I wanted to bring glory to His name doing that.

I share this to encourage you ladies, God loves you soo passionately that He won’t allow you to stay in that pit of despair and hopelessness. I have met a lot of women who have struggled with depression and other similar issues, due to abuse and neglect as a child. God isn’t out to hurt or punish you. Jesus knows what it’s like to feel sad and cry (John 11:28-36). He loves you and wants nothing but the best for your life! He wants us to run to him with our problems and issues, not internalize them and keep them confidential. Little do we know, our testimony of God’s work in our lives, might be the miracle God uses to bring someone out of their despair. 

Since that early time in college, God has restored to me the joy of his salvation. Just ask anyone of my friends, and they’ll tell you what an outgoing, joyful person God has made me to be.  I wasn’t always that way; I was shy and somewhat introverted as a child. Also, the verbal abuse and pain has greatly diminished, and I have found a healthy way of dealing with it when it occurs. Thanks be to God for healing my brokenness and restoring to me the cherished joy, of a relationship with Him. I know I can come to God about anything (big or small) in my life without fear. Ladies, it is SAFE to trust God!  I’ve also discovered what ‘true Christianity’ is as well. I grew up with a legalistic view of Him, and now understand the freedom of walking with Him in complete openness and honesty, and what he intended a relationship with him to be all along.

It is not just today that God is transforming broken people into beautiful blessings for Him. In the Bible, many people were given a second chance. Aaron, Moses’ brother was the spokesperson before Pharaoh, while the Israelites were in captivity. He was the person who spoke what God had impressed on Moses’ heart, ‘Let my people go’ (Exodus 5:1).  After many plagues that God sent to get Pharaoh’s attention, ending in the death of Pharaoh’s son, Pharaoh finally let the Israelites leave.  While the Israelites were in the desert, Moses appointed Aaron and his sons as priests of the Tabernacle. Aaron was the high priest and ended up creating golden idols of worship for the Israelites, after Moses had left to be with God on the mountain. After Moses returned from Mount Sinai, he was shocked at the site. But God gave Aaron another chance, and still got to be high priest, experiencing God’s presence in the holy place of the Tabernacle.

Another example is Sarah, Abraham’s wife. God promised her and Abraham that she would bear a son. Sarah, who was beyond child-bearing years, decided she had a better plan than what God had. She encouraged her husband to commit adultery, and take Hagar (Sarah’s Egyptian servant), and have a child that way. I assume Sarah had given up on the promise of God, and thought the timing had run out and was impatient. Hagar ended up giving birth to Ishmael. But God, gave Sarah a second chance. Some years later, she finally gave birth to Isaac in her old age (Genesis 21). 

Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, a fisherman at trade, denied Jesus three times. Yet after Jesus’ death and resurrection, Jesus gave Peter a second chance (John 21:15-17).

Also, Jonah a prophet was told by God to go and speak with the people of Nineveh. Jonah for whatever reason, saw it as an interruption in his life, rather than a divine intervention and opportunity from God. It would’ve taken him about 500 miles to Nineveh. Instead, he fled about 2,000 miles in the opposite direction. He ended up being swallowed alive by a huge fish (an act of God’s grace to preserve Jonah’s life; he wasn’t through using Jonah), that brought him back to where he had started. Then Jonah obediently went to Nineveh (Jonah 3) by God’s grace that granted him a second chance.

Are you feeling like you have gone so far that God can’t forgive or give you a second chance?  You might want to think again. Our God, is a God who wishes that no one perish.  Maybe you’ve never even stepped foot inside a church before, or ever prayed before. The most amazing thing about God is his unconditional love. There is nobody on earth who can give you that unconditional love, except the one who created you, God. You are special and treasured by him. He chose to create you, he has a magnificent plan for your life. He sent his son, Jesus who is perfect, to take on all the sin (past and present) of you and I, upon himself on the cross. He did that so that you can enjoy salvation and a forever friendship with him. You don’t have to do a bunch of good stuff, hoping that will outweigh the bad, or jump through hoops in hopes of attaining salvation. All you have to do is ask. Just be honest and open with God. He is a gentleman so he won’t force himself on you. He’s waiting for your request to let him be a part of your life. He’s the giver of second chances.

Ever think, God has great things planned for certain people, and not for others? How about, doing great things for God is done in your life, and He’s finished using you? Think again…

Life’s choices; circumstances both good and bad; whether we choose to accept or reject those opportunities, they have a way of bringing us to where we are today. BUT, God also has a beautiful way of making miracles out of our mistakes, and showing us through His unconditional love, that failures are forgivable. God is a God of forgiveness, healing, restoration, comfort, peace, and joy!

In my study of Jonah, I’ve learned how very much God is a God of second chances. Jonah was swallowed up by a fish we’ll call, Grace.  God could have easily allowed Jonah to drown in the turbulent waters, but chose to give Jonah another chance, out of His divine love. Jonah might not have seen it that way at the time, but God has a way of creating interruptions, or as I like to call them, divine interventions that place us back in the path He designed for us from the beginning. I’d like to share a quote that Priscilla Shirer shares in the study that brings the message home. “God’s good at taking our messes, our leftovers, and doing something good with them. Parts of all our lives we’d just as soon forget, yet in the hands of a Master, our mess can become the greatest miracle of all. He has a way of chopping, dicing, and reconfiguring the parts that we thought was of no use. He’s got a knack for pouring on His Spirit and sprinkling on a bit of grace and mercy. Then, voila`! Fresh out of the oven of a trial or two [He knows exactly how long until we’re ready to come out of the oven] there’s something delicious from your life that you never thought possible.”

One venue God used to do an awesome work on my heart was, Mending the Soul. It has been almost 5 years since that time, but one thing He showed me was, the vision of how He sees me.  I challenge you ladies to write down on a note card or piece of paper, all the ways God sees you as. You might want to take some time in quietness, and listen to His voice as He speaks life and truth to your heart. I encourage you to save that and put it in a place where you won’t lose it (in your Bible, posted on a mirror, etc.), so you’ll be reminded daily of how God sees you, His cherished daughter, whom He created for His glory. “He loves you because you are His—in spite of what you have done or where you have been.” Isaiah 51:12 says, “I, I am he who comforts you.”

I believe God has called all of us ladies to do remarkable things for His glory!  If you look at women in the Bible, all of them had to overcome and conquer a challenge that seemed impossible for them. Esther received divine courage to go before the King to save her people; Rehab was given great bravery and boldness to take the risk of hiding Hebrew spies; Mary faced negativity from the people in her community who didn’t believe her, as she carried the Son of God in her womb; Dorcas was a leader in her community who most likely overcame a lot of adversity given the times in the early church and rampant persecution taking place; and Priscilla and Aquila (her husband) were ejected from Rome because they didn’t believe the same as the Romans did, moved to a new environment that was unfamiliar to them, started up a church in a polytheistic community, and even hosted Paul in their home at one time.

I want to encourage you today to be intentional about living the life God has given you, and pursue Him in everything you do. Try not to settle for mediocre, basic living, but strive to be all that God has destined you to be. He’s not finished using you yet! As Christians, we’re born to stand out above the others, and bring honor to God’s name. As you follow God’s direction for your life, be open to what He has for you, and see what extraordinary things God wants to do in and through you this 2012. As the Chris Tomlin song goes, “Greater things have yet to come, and greater things are still to be done.”

Points to Ponder

Have you ever been surprised by how God allowed good to come out of a time of rebellion in your life? What did God accomplish?

What challenge/obstacle are you facing, that God is desiring you to right now in your life? What would it require to be obedient to His call? How will you respond to His calling?

Is there something that you are holding onto with a death grip that God is wanting you to surrender to Him?

Is there anything holding up back from fully obeying God (unforgiveness, rage, habitual sin, selfishness)?

Verses of Victory

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:18-19

 “For the Lord will again take delight in prospering you, as he took delight in your fathers, when you obey the voice of the Lord your God, to keep his commandments and his statures that are written in this Book of the Law, when you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 30: 9b-10

“For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

“Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” Psalm 25:4-5

“Trust in the Lord, with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12

“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers and example in speech, in conduct, in live, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have…” 1 Timothy 4:12-14

“Let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ…” Philippians 1:27

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

“For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” 2 Corinthians 2:15

“For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, ‘I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.’” 2 Corinthians 6:16

Romans 12:1-2, 9-21

Proverbs 31: 10-31

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6

Was it a scene from 'The Bachelor' or Divine Favor?

Esther 2:1-18

Main Points

King Ahasuerus calms down (anger about what Vashti did-see Ch.1) and remembers what he decreed against her.

King’s young men suggest that beautiful, young virgins be sought out for the king. Having officers in all provinces to gather the women to Susa (capital) under the custody of Hegai (King’s eunuch). Cosmetics be given to all women. The young woman who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti. King liked the idea.

Esther (her Persian name) was a Jewish woman who lived in Susa. Her cousin Mordecai took care of Hadassah ( her Jewish name) because her parents died and she was an orphan. She was a beautiful, attractive woman that was taken to the king’s palace. Esther won Hegai’s favor and he provided her with cosmetics, food, 7 women from the king’s palace. He placed her and her young women to the best place in the harem.

Esther hid her identity as a Jew from everyone the whole time she was in the harem. Mordecai had told her to do so.

Mordecai checked to see how Esther was doing every day in front of the court of the harem.

All the women underwent 12 months of beautifying treatments. 6 months with oil of myrrh and 6 months with spices and ointments. Each woman was given whatever they desired to take to the king’s palace from the harem. The women would not go and see the king again a 2^nd time unless the king summoned them by name.

When Esther’s time had come to see the King, she took what Hegai had suggested. Esther had already won the favor of everyone she came in contact with. The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins. He set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.

*There's a movie called, 'One Night with the King' that's based off the story of Esther. Not all of it lines up Biblically, but it gives you an idea of what life was like at the King's palace, if you want to check it out.

King gave a huge feast for all his officials and servants; it was Esther’s feast. Granted remission of taxes to the provinces, and gave gifts with royal generosity.

 

Questions to Think About

1.       How do you think Esther felt living in the king’s harem, competing for the King’s favor?

2.       Have you ever found yourself in uncertain or unfamiliar situations? How did you go about handing it?

3.       How do you think Esther felt once she was crowned Queen of Persia?

4.       How do you view God’s work in your life? (Ex: Is He active in orchestrating events, relationships, etc. OR do you see Him more as hands-off and more in the background who occasionally shows up?)

5.       As you look back on your life, where do you see the hand of God shaping and working through circumstances and choices?

6.       Where do you find yourself today? What might God be doing in your current circumstances?

When you read Chapter 2, it kind of reminds you of the show, The Bachelor but then as you read further along, you discover it was about divine favor.  Has there been a time in your life when you have experienced God’s favor in your life? What was your response to that? What has God done in your life since then?

From the beginning of this chapter, we learn that Esther’s parents died when she was young, therefore she was now an orphan, and her cousin Mordecai was raising her. She was now living in Susa, Persia;  a land not common to her Jewish heritage. Then, on top of that, she ends up being taken away from her home and taken to the King’s palace. At surface value, you might think, her life is destined to fail. But little did she know how all those events, God is going to use in a remarkable way.  Are you currently experiencing a situation like Esther’s right now? How are you choosing to respond? Do you see it as an ‘interruption’ or a divine intervention’ from God?

Esther might not have known it at the time, but she was destined for greatness! God wants to use us as women in amazing ways too. Instead of focusing on the current situations/circumstances in our lives that seem hopeless or unthinkable, let’s trust God with them and see what remarkable things He does!

Esther 1

Chapter 1 Key Points

King Ahasuerus (India to Ethiopia)

Susa (Modern Day Iran) was capital

Ahasuerus gave party for all officials for 180 days (6.5 months) THEN for all people (small and great) in Susa a feast for 7 days in the court of the garden of king’s palace.

The parties were extravagant! (Custom golden goblets, unlimited food and drink)

Luxury surrounded each guest. The king definitely knew how to throw a party.

 Queen Vashti gave a separate feast for the women in palace.

On the 7^th day, Ahasuerus asked Vashti to come before the people so he could ‘show her off’ to them. She refused and the king became enraged.

Ahasuerus consults with the wise men (seven princes): Memucan proposed what to do:

·         Royal order goes out through all the kingdom in each language stating, Vashti is to never come before the king again

·         Position will to another woman, better than Vashti.

·         Royal order reaffirms the importance of wives honoring and respecting their husbands

·         Every man is master of his own household (meaning: leader of his family)

Despite his anger, Ahasuerus was wise to consult with the wise men. It is important for every Believer to have godly people to speak truth into their live,s and be accountible to. Prayer of course is key! Always go to God first.

Discussion Questions

1.    What are your thoughts on loyalty? What is it? What does it entail?

2.    For what purpose, may God have brought me to the place in my life I’m in right now?

3.    Queen Vashti embarrased King Ahasuerus and the officials with her decision to not come before them. Have you ever been in a situation where someone has put you in a position of embarrasment? What was your response?

Practical Application

1.    Seek God’s wisdom and direction where he has placed you already. Is there something He is leading you to do/don’t do that you need clarification?

2.    Ask God to provide opportunities that you can recognize are from Him, to bring glory to His name (i.e. school, work, family settings, etc.)

3.    Instead of dwelling on what pop culture says women should be, bask in the truths of what God already sees you as, in His Word. Write them out on a note card and put it in a place where you can be reminded of it frequently throughout the day.

Sources Utilized

The Message
ESV
http://groupcurriculum.org/source/ruthesther.pdf
http://bible.org/seriespage/esther-part-i-lesson-6

Praying Fervently

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

 James 5:16b, NIV

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.

Matthew 7:7, NLT

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.

Psalm 40:1, NLT

Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 - 18, NLT

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Hebrews 4:16, NLT

I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray.

Psalm 17:6, NLT

O Lord, hear my plea for justice. Listen to my cry for help. Pay attention to my prayer, for it comes from honest lips.

Psalm 17:1, NLT

You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God's gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own.

Ephesians 2:8, CEV

Have you ever prayed for something then got a response you didn’t expect? How about getting no response, feeling as though God were silent and ‘not answering’ your prayer? Or what about praying for something for a long time, then finally giving up because nothing seems to come of it?

I sometimes find myself praying and then think, what is the purpose behind my prayers? Is it for my own benefit, or to glorify God? Not to say, we can’t ask God for something we want. As this past year came to a close and I welcomed in 2012, I find myself seeking God’s direction and guidance more and more. It’s funny how I somehow think what I plan for my life will come to fruition,  then when it turn upside down, I wonder why God didn’t honor that request. It seems as though the ‘surprises’ of what I’ve seemed to work so hard for haven’t concluded the way I expected. But on the flip side, I find myself desiring more of God’s plan, including those areas of which I’ve held onto so tightly. I think sometimes it’s easy to hold onto what we seem to know is concrete, and then seek God in those gray areas. But I’m learning it’s in both gray and ‘concrete’ areas of life, that I need to daily seek God’s direction and wisdom. 

As you’ve already read the verses above, I truly believe there is power in prayer. If we humble ourselves, and truly seek God’s face on a daily basis out of our love for Him, He will honor that. Let’s not give up on praying, God will respond in His timing. The response or end result might not be what we expect it to be, but we can trust (yes, it is safe to trust God) our Heavenly Father, that He will take care of us, and if we walk in obedience with His Word, we will bring glory to His name. Remember, He sees the bigger picture and we don’t let’s walk in a child-like faith and grow in our relationship with Christ together.  Who knows what bigger and better plans God might have for our lives, or better yet, what charatcer attributes of Christ, He is developing in us while fervently praying...Be blessed this week!!!

A Musical Encouragment to end your day...

Hey Ladies, I just heard this song this evening for the first time. If you're able to take some time away from your busy life tonight and listen to the lyrics, I hope this will be a blessing to you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-bTho69TZI

In a world where we're told we're supposed to be a cookie cutter image of a flawless 'Barbie doll,' this song is a wonderful reminder that we are beyond amazing in God's eyes. It is what He says, that we should believe and bask in His Greatness.

Blessings to you this Thursday evening!

P.S. Remember, you are forever loved by the Creator, who chose to create you...you have one incredible purpose and destiny!!

Loving 'One Another'

“Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning.”

 2 John 1:6, NLT

As I first read this verse I think, ‘Oh, that’s a good thing to do,’ but then I realize how often do I really live this verse out? As Daughters of The King, we are called to live a life that is pleasing to Him, as a response of our love to Him. I think of the perfect example, Jesus. He lived this verse out every day during his ministry on earth. He didn’t hurdle insults when the townspeople and soldiers were crucifying him, nor did he chose to say nothing at all. While on the cross, he asked his father, God to forgive them.

Loving ‘one another’ isn’t just those who we’re friends with or those who we get along with. ‘One another’ includes those who’ve hurt us, and sometimes I feel the people who can hurt us the most are our fellow siblings in Christ. We are all called to a higher purpose. In Matthew 5:14, we (Christians) are called to be a ‘city on a hill’ for everyone to see the light of Jesus. If we are going around gossiping, hurdling backfire insults because we’ve been hurt, and serving justice to those we ‘feel’ need it, how are we portraying an accurate view of Christ. I know this is a touchy subject, but I say this to encourage and challenge you and myself, to live out our destiny in Christ. There is soo much hurt in the church from other Christians that some people have been turned away from Christ altogether. Let’s make 2012 a year, to show mercy and better yet, grace to those who’ve hurt us the most, and see what God does in those situations. As we expectantly wait to see what God does as we live out 2 John 1:6, let’s continue to praise Him daily, for His immeasurable grace He gives to us daily, and ponder His sacrifice on the cross, next time the opportunity to show revenge or hurt another sister/brother in Christ presents itself.

Be blessed this week as you and I both continue to grow in our cherished relationship with our Savior!