Sight

Sometimes in the blindness of our own selfishness, Jesus comes in and removes the film from our eyes and the hardness in our hearts and gives us glimpses of His perspective. He often reveals these glimpses through a flooding of emotions. Tears, laughter, heartache, in our sickness, even in our bondage. But most of all He reveals them to us through His Word.

We have a choice, we can remain in His perspective and allow His love and healing and cleansing to take place within us or we can fall back into our own blindness.

What glimpse of perspective has Jesus given you and what are you doing with it?

"So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ-that's where the action is. See things from His perspective." Colossians 3:1-2 (The MSG)

We Might Just Be Surprised

Why do we find the "Real" us to be not good enough or worthy enough? 

What has caused us to step out of our homes with masks on, instead of who we truly are?

What fears you the most about exposing your true self? 

We might just be surprised to find that the real us, is actually more than good enough. 

Jesus, You have created us with beauty and detail and love. Forgive us for trying to cover up or hide the beauty of Your craftsmanship. Each morning as we step out of our homes may we step out with confidence and humility and joy for who we are, how we were created and with the biggest Jesus glow that others can't help but be drawn too. Amen

11 YEARS!

11 years with the Mr. today. I could go all out and tell you how amazing he is, because mercy he is AMAZING. But the truth of it all, Jesus in the center of our marriage is the best thing about us. Jesus is amazing. Jesus had the perfect plan for me and him and we are so thankful to be living out that plan together. Serving Jesus together is the greatest part of us. We are better together than we are on our own. Jesus knew we would be the best team. I am so thankful to be from this mans ribs! Baby, every year with you gets better and better. Thank you for loving me like Christ loves the Church. I am blessed beyond what I deserve. 😘😘

Selfless Service

To serve others, I love.
To serve my enemies, hard.
To serve my three boys, hard, amazing, hard and sometimes even depends on the day.

Okay truth be told serving most times can depend on how I feel. That's awful isn't it? But its true. It's something I battle daily. Overcoming how I "feel" and doing what I know is right and obedient.

Jesus said, "For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28

That is selfless serving at its finest. Its true, genuine, real, authentic and completely amazing. If He came and did it, and He lives in me, I can do it too.

How?

First step, die to myself.

"If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life." Luke 9:23-24

To "die" to myself literally means suffocating selfishness until it can no longer breath. This is so darn hard, but the more I focus on Christ and others, with a genuine love and godly motives, the more I begin to pull oxygen from self.

In my head this makes complete sense. In my soul, I know this is absolutely what I desire, but in my heart is a war.; a war between self and the Spirit.

The Pharisees struggled a great deal with this. They focused more on the law serving them and their wants, they failed to see the reason, meaning, purpose and love of serving Christ and others.

YIKES! Is the inside of my cup dirty?

Are my motives for serving to receive gain and honor and praise?

Sometimes, yes. Admitting that is hard, but its truth and freeing and brings me to a position of humbleness that is completely required to serve selflessly.

Serving will never come natural. It is an intentional action, I must chose to live out daily, with the purest of motives for Christ and others.

I might be eager to run into the trenches with hurting and broken and messy women, but in doing so I need to make sure my heart and motives, better yet I need to make sure the inside of my cup is clean.

Am I doing this because Jesus is the ultimate lover and victor of my life?

Am I doing this because I want others to receive the same mercy and grace I receive daily from Christ?

Am I truly willing to count the cost, give up my life, shoulder my cross and follow Christ to the place of death?

This is what is required to selflessly serve Christ and others.

Selfless serving requires us to walk into the unknown, the scary, the dirty, the broken, the unfamiliar and give up our time and self so others can know Christ.

Jesus, reveal my true intentions and motives for why I am serving. If it is for selfish gain, correct me and stop me immediately. Jesus fill my heart with a desire to serve selflessly. I know the cost, I know the responsibility is great. I know the privilege is a gift. I know my trust is prudent and necessary and a must. I know my purpose and design is to serve You. I know all these things, Jesus, so help me live them and do them with a loving, merciful and compassionate heart that has been rescued and redeemed by the Most Holy of Holies. Amen

Two Beasts-

Survival mode. It seems to be the term used most often with moms. I have even used that term several times. But when I think about it, am I really in survival mode. No!

Survival mode is the mama who spends hours sitting at the side of a hospital bed.

Survival mode is the mama who just lost her spouse and is trying to figure out how to raise her children on her own.

Survival mode is the mama fighting for her own life because cancer has taken over her body.

Survival mode is the mama whose husband has been cheating on her and she is trying to figure out what to do next.

Survival mode is the mama who is beaten by her husband or significant other and is praying she wakes up from the blow she just received to her head.

Survival mode is the mama who just laid to rest her two little children who were killed by a drunk driver.

Survival mode to me, is literally the fight for your next breath, your next step, your next…how.

I feel selfish thinking I have even been in survival mode, because the truth is. I haven't. I have this overly blessed life with a husband who loves and adores me and his two boys.

I have two boys who are healthy and can walk and see and hear and think and feel and talk and laugh and do.

So life gets a little stressful, but it's just that, a little stress brought on by me taking on more than I should.

Survival mode and stress are two different beasts. But they are beasts that the Lord steps in and gives us  extra doses of strength to rise and overcome and move forward.

As I begin studying Serving/servanthood/A servants heart, I want to be able to look outward to needs of those who are in survival mode or stressed and show them I am willing to walk into the trenches with them, and whether we sit there for a moment or stand, I will sit or stand with you.

I might not know what to say, or how to help you put one foot in front of the other at that moment. But with the Lord's help and guidance we will figure it out together.

To me, that is what serving and loving and doing life with and caring for others is. It's walking into the messy and scary and unknown and dirty.

It's being still and real and honest and vulnerable and compassionate and an ear that listens and a heart that says, 'I care. I am here. We will do it together.'

Jesus, I know this month will be very life changing, and I welcome those changes in my life. They are needed, necessary, and welcome here. I seeking an attitude like Yours. A heart like Yours. A vision like Yours. Jesus, its scary, but I trust You. Its unfamiliar, but I believe in the One who is familiar with all things, all situations and all people. Amen

Changes

The little is graduating today. 😭 it's a combination of joy and sadness all rolled into one. Joy and thankfulness for God's goodness towards him, allowing him to learn and go to school and grow. Sadness because he is growing way to fast. My baby is just not so little anymore. 😔 Jesus continue to walk with him, filling him with wisdom beyond his years. May his desire to learn grow and grow. Use him to spread Your Word and Your name with love, passion, compassion, kindness and boldness. Thank you for his ability to learn and to grow. We don't ever want to take those special abilities for granted. Amen

We can't slow down time, but we can enjoy every moment and every minute. Spend more time living than wishing.

Y O U

There is only one YOU. Be the you God created you to be. There is beauty in who you are, how you were designed and the purpose you have been given.

Lessons From A Turtle

Do you ever feel like a turtle? A turtle is probably not the first thing that comes to your mind, but maybe after today it will a little bit more. 

In this season of many of our lives we feel like it's just easier to shrink back into our shells than face what's in front of us or around us. But may I remind you, Jesus had a different plan in mind when He created you.

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self discipline. So you must never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord." 2 Timothy 1:7 

Nor should you shrink back in your shell because you are afraid to fail. Christ never fails, so trust in Him and walk boldly. "The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand." Psalm 37:23-24

For others you might feel like your dreams, goals and desires are progressing very slowly. But Jesus wants you to think differently. He wants you to find joy in ALL He is planning for you, but most importantly He wants you to be still and wait patiently. 

"Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act." Psalm 37:7

Finally, for some they are searching for protection, rest, hope, and comfort. Just like the turtles shell protects him, the Lord and His armor protects you and me. 

"The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold. I will call on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, for he saves me from my enemies." Psalm 18:2-3

"Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil." Ephesians 6:10-11

The turtle will never be able to out run its attacker, but it's clothed in an armor that can save its life. 

Our armor is Christ, who is in the business of saving lives. And it just so happens our attacker, has no chance of beating Him or destroying Him. Christ defeated Him when He died on the Cross. 

So strap on your turtle shell (the armor of Christ) and move (even if it's slow, every step counts) in confidence and trust. 

Can We Try It?

Can I challenge you today to put your Bible Studies away and let the Lord teach you directly from His Word? 

Don't get me wrong, I love me a good Bible Study. I am thankful for the countless number of men and women who have put so much time and effort into writing them. But when all is said and done, are we able to open our Bibles and learn from the Word itself? 

This is something that is constantly on my heart. 

It is my prayer that we will have a greater desire to study God's living Word than anything else. 

Why? 3 reasons. 

1. "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

2. "Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. They give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises." Romans 15:4

3. "For the Word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are." Hebrews 4:12

God's Word is solid. It never changes, it will stand the test of time and it is available at all times. We just have to be willing to open it. 

1 Peter says, "People are like grass that dies away; their beauty fades as quickly as the beauty of wild flowers. The grass withers, and the flowers all fall away. But the Word of the Lord will last forever." 1 Peter 1:24

Jesus help us to cling to your Word more than the words of man. Thank You that Your Word is living and powerful and life changing. Draw us into You and what You want to show us through it. Amen

Here are some questions for you to think over today. 

1. What do you prefer the most, a Bible Study, or a study from a book in the Bible? 

2. What do you get the most out of, a Bible Study led by someone with a study guide and book or your own quiet time in the Word?

3. What happens when the Bible Study you attended ends? 

4. Do you have a specific way you study the Bible? 

5. Does studying the Bible intimidate you or even overwhelm you? Why?

6. If the Bible was the only Study offered, would you attend? 

7. Would you say you allowed your intimidation to keep you from studying God's word?

8. What kind of Bible studies do you like the best? 

We Are In This Together

Ladies we must represent our homes and our husbands well. It is one of the greatest honors and privileges we have. Let's take joy and pride in our roles and homes. We set the tone, so let's set it with grace and love and laughter and let's fill the air with the sweetest aroma of God's Word. And remember sweet ones, you are needed and loved and valued by the Most Holy of Holies. Find joy in serving Christ by serving your family. Let Him lavish His compliments upon you. Let's stop focusing on our need for attention or appreciation or praise and let's focus on giving Jesus the praise, appreciation and attention He so desires. We are in this together! 😘😘

He Overcame

"He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying." Matthew 28:6

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Thank You, Jesus! 

Kindness Month

At the beginning of every year, I sit down with the Lord and together we plan a word for each month, He wants me to focus on applying and living out. 

April's Word-kindness! 

Join me as we dig into God's Word and listen and learn everything He has to say about Kindness. 

"Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart." Proverbs 3:3

This month will you commit to doing one act of random kindness every day for the next 29 days! 

It's not to late to start. There is still plenty of today left! 

Three Beauties

Have you ever seen three more beautiful women? Well if you have ever met these precious ladies, your answer would be no, I haven't! 

These women have hearts for Jesus and others that is unparrallel. 

They have been through more together than you could believe, and yet their faith and trust in Jesus is unwavering. 

Oh how I adore these women of God, and pray I will be half the woman they are today. They have loved, cried, celebrated, encouraged, taught and cared for me in every phase of life thus far. 

I, of course, am a little more partial to the beauty in the middle, my mama! Isn't she a beauty? Oh the love that overflows from every pore within me for her is the greatest feeling. Her smile is the greatest medicine, her sweet voice on the phone is my greatest comfort and her hugs and kisses always reassure me, recharge me, motivate me, fill me up, and in their unspoken manner tell me it's all going to be okay. 

I love her and those two amazing women! 

Jesus, thank You for the gift of these three women and the example they have set for me as a woman and mama. Thank You for their faithfulness and commitment to You. Fill them with an extra sense of Your presence today that brings about a great abundance of joy and comfort and love and peace. Amen

How Do You Love?

How do you love? Selflessly or selfishly? 

Selfish love, loves based off how it "feels." 

Selfless love, loves in spite of how it feels. 

Jesus help us to love selflessly, just has You have loved and love. Remind us how fickle our feelings are. Jesus thank You for demonstrating such selfless love as You hung on the Cross. There is not, nor will there ever be a greater act of love displayed. Amen

May we choose today to love selfLESSly! 

"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Knowing Why.

If we know our "why" we are more likely to stick with it. 

Do you know "why" you chose to follow Christ? 

Do you know "why" you are doing what you are doing right now? 

Do you know "why" you pray?

Do you know "why" you feel the way you feel or think the way you think? 

Sometimes knowing the answer to the "whys" can be hard to figure out. But know this one thing. 

Jesus' why....was YOU! 

Why did He come...for YOU. 

Why did He die...for YOU. 

Why did He rise from the dead...for YOU.

Why did He leave the Holy Spirit...for YOU. 

Why did He create you...to please Him! 

Why does He want a relationship with you....because He loves YOU. 

Why should you commit your mind, body, soul, strength and life to Him...because He gave up His...for YOU! 

Come be apart of our amazing team! We want to walk with you as you seek to honor Christ with your life, health, mind and body. 

The Sweetest Worship

"I could have no greater joy than to hear (see) that my children are following the truth." 3 John 1:4

There is no greater thing than watching you worship Jesus. May your fire and love for Him never be dimmed. I share this not to boast but to give praise to Jesus because You are His and He is yours. Jesus Your filling within him is breathtaking. Thank You for his boldness and love for you. Thank You that in that moment it was all about You and him. May he continue to fall more and more in love with You everyday. Continue Jesus to fill both of them with wisdom beyond their years and with a hunger for You and Your Word. May You always remain right in the center of their lives. Jesus Your presence and beauty in and through him tonight was captivating. Thank You for showing Yourself to Him and through him to us. Thank You that he listened to Your leading, sensed Your presence and worshiped. Jesus may our worship be this pure, this Spirit led, fully committed, with the sweetest intention and love because of who You are and what You have done. Amen

Living

All to often we focus on being, having, and or doing that we lose sight of "living." 

As we begin a new week, I pray we focus on living. 

Living in His presence. 

Living in The abundance of His love. Living in joy. 

Living in the richness of His Word. 

Let's live because He lives. Because He gave up His life so we could have everlasting life. 

Life will not be easier, but it will be better and far more rewarding, because He aligns all things according to His plans and His ways, when we live for Him. 

"While we live we live to please the Lord." Romans 14:8

Dear Mommies

Hey mommies, Jesus never asked us to be perfect or to conquer the world, or to be better than Sarah down the street or Beth who seems to have it all together. He just asked us to be the mommy He designed us to be, and do our part and trust Him to do His.

No, it's not always easy, but He never told us it would be. We have to constantly battle the comparison, and doubt, and the I am never good enough, and I will never have it all together voices Satan tries to fill our minds with.

That is why it is so important we fill our thoughts with His Word and keep our eyes focused on Him.

When we take our eyes off of Christ and put them on the people around us, we are allowing those voices of comparison and doubt to become louder and louder.

When we fail to open His Word and feast on His truths and promises we are allowing the world's opinions to creep in and fill us with unwanted garbage.

Let's remember who we are in Christ, women of worth, value, purpose and clothed in the love and blood of Christ. Let's remember we are His first. He is more than enough for us. He is more than able and capable of filling in where we fail. He is strong when we are tired and weak. He is our constant source of sanity and hope and stress relief and joy and He is our greatest companion, listener, problem solver and comfort.

When we feel bent over and unable to stand up because of all we have placed on our backs, let's remember this one promise.

"The Lord is faithful in all he says; He is gracious in all he does. The Lord lifts up those bent beneath their loads." Psalm 145:13-14

Confidence

In order to teach our children and others how to be confident, we must first set the example. But we must first follow the perfect example...Christ! 

The way we live and the things we do make a HUGE impact on our families lives, especially our children. 

Often times, we need to take a step back and allow God to open our eyes to see what example we have modeled. This will be very visible by the way our children act, the things they do, say and even their habits. 

If our children eat poorly, it's most likely because we allowed, and even encouraged it by feeding it to them. 

If we struggle with over eating, our children could too. 

If our attitudes are negative, more than likely so will theirs be. 

If we don't spend time in the Word, our children probably won't either. 

If we use poor language, they probably will too. 

If we are never content, they might not be either. 

If we have no confidence in ourselves or in our relationship with Christ, then more than likely they won't either. 

Let's learn from the One who was the perfect example, Jesus. 

The more we know Him, the more we will live like Him, and desire too. 

I promise, if your relationship with Christ is intimate and real and growing and you are always talking and communicating with Him, Your confidence will grow. Your actions will be a reflection of Your relationship with Him and it will produce fruit that will be seen through the lives of your children. 

Do our lives show the difference?

"Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too and what they are doing." Philippians 2:3-4

There is a huge difference between selfishness and self LESS ness. 

Selfishness...

1. Hinders our relationship with Christ and others.

2. Interferes with what God wants to do in us and through us. 

3. Says "Me" first

4. Weakens our spiritual growth

5. Blinds us to God's truths

6. Focuses inward

7. Says, "Do for me."

Self LESSness...

1. Says, "God first."

2. Is concerned about others

3. Keeps its focus on God and the things above. 

4. Loves without requirement

5. Speaks truth

6. Encourages

7. Gives of its time 

8. Works for God and to bring Him glory

9. Doesn't seek the praise of man

10. Is aware that time is fleeting and doesn't waste opportunity to serve and share Christ with others. 

11. Has not hidden agenda or impure motive.