Be Strong and Courageous

It so challenging sometimes when we face an insurmountable trial or task. Our flesh gets in the way and we start to have a thread of worry. It is in those times we are to kneel before our Lord and rely on His strength and simply meet Him there. We know that whatever we face He will carry us through. What ever challenge confronts us, whether it be a Goliath or a lion, as He was with David, our Lord is with us. I am reminded of God's endless faithfulness when He walked the fiery furnace with three young boys who stood for righteousness. We too can face each day or each trial with the same courage and strength as these men did.

Joshua 1:7 "Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go."

Sweet Endings and New Beginnings

Tomorrow as summer vacation ends and a new school year begins, I can already feel the pressure rising with to-dos, paperwork, soccer, volleyball, etc. Although my anticipation of routine will soon start with early mornings, I must be sure to continue my early mornings with Jesus. I must abide in Him, so that I can face each day along with its challenges and victories. Keeping Him at my focus will enable me to joyously walk through this next year. I am so excited to see what God has in store, but apprehensive to see how hectic it may become. Whatever is ahead I am reminded that, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil 4:13).

Always Smiling

Today as I saw my kids' excitement for school, I smiled. The anticipation we all face when we're looking forward to something new and exciting can't help but burst out into smiles. We count down while counting the hours and minutes in anticipation. If only we had this same excitement and smile when we faced the hard times that come our way. I am reminded in James 1:2, "to count it all joy when you fall into various trials." This is no easy command. Really, count it all joy? We can do this only in His strength, knowing that the testing of our faith produces patience (Jms 1:3). If you're excited about something new you're about to face, or if you're suffering through a trial, remember to smile.

Altogether His

No matter what your background, history or journey know today that you are altogether His. His beloved...is how He thinks of you. I often wonder what life would be like if I had..., or if I hadn't... done such and such. If all my daydreaming had really happened I would not have experienced the highs and lows of the journey I have walked. Despite past mistakes, failures and losses, God is still on the throne. His love is still reaching and His faithfulness never ceases. Whatever your story be encouraged by Hebrews 12:1b "let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." As I enter a new chapter in my journey, I am anxious to see God's hand move and direct in amazing ways. I must however, keep running with endurance. Together we can watch and see what God does in our lives. Run my friend, run.

Trustworthy or Not

Proverbs 31:11 "The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain."

Our roles as women, wives and even mothers can be a daunting task. With every hat and chore to juggle, our lives can become a disarray of tasks and disorganization. Although this might be you I'm describing, rest assured that the virtuous woman described in scripture was noted as trustworthy. Amidst her many tasks we'll later discover, and second to her value, is mentioned her trustworthiness. Am I trustworthy? Does my man safely trust me? Although we may focus on our outward tasks, duties and even our appearance, this verse draws attention to a heart issue. The dictionary gives the following definition of trust:

TRUST: reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, confidence; confident expectation of something; hope.

As I look at my own heart, reflect with me and see if you can be safely trusted.

Lord, fill in our gaps and fill us that we may be safely trusted in every possible way.

Change It Up With Pillows!

Freshen up your spaces with a new pillow or two. You can pretty much make a pillow out of anything! Try something creative like re-using some dinner napkins, an old dress, a sheet, or old drapes. Use something that has a pattern you love but maybe needs a new purpose. If you don't have the ability to use a sewing machine, you can buy no-sew or even hand-stitch the edges. By simply being creative you can add a splash of color or whimsy to your space. Sewing is no new art, the Israellite women used this craft so can you! Try it, create something unique!

Exodus 35:25 "All the women who were skilled in sewing and spinning prepared blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen cloth, and they brought them in. "