Anticipation....

As we enter the season of advent we are asked to wait, with joyful anticipation. Faith, the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. A time to reflect, contemplate, and rest. Much like the farmer, the seeds are in the ground, we are patiently waiting knowing that the seeds will sprout in due time, with a knowing, because it has been proven.

In much the same way we can trust in our Heavenly Father to do what he says, because we have our past experiences that prove he is faithful. So as we wait, patiently with expectation, remembering all he has done for us with a grateful heart, knowing he hears our prayers, and is working behind the scenes preparing us and our circumstances for our best.

In Psalms 37:3 God's word says to "Trust in the Lord and do good, delight yourself in the Lord and he shall give you the desires of your heart". The rest of the chapter continues to give encouragement of hope, while waiting, resting and trusting him. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbGruMKwi7M

So as we anticipate the annual celebration of Jesus our Savior, may we be reminded in our waiting, that God is with you. He loves you more than you can imagine, and is working behind the scenes, directing your steps. Trust, wait and yes anticipate all he has in store for you, his child!

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Faith,+Hope+and+Love++Connie

Blessed to be a blessing....

When we give our all to Jesus, he can work miracles with our efforts. The other day a former colleague and former students of mine in India met with the "street lady", Madathi, whom I have been blessed to help support with help from others in the US, and their help on the ground in Kodaikanal, India.

To be God's hands and feet, where we are and around the world, gives an awesome sense of purpose and meaning to our lives. I read a sign the other day that said the key to happiness is loving someone, doing something meaningful, and having something to look forward to.

For me, giving is just that. It shows God's love through our acts of kindness, it is meaningful to whomever we give in ways we may never fully understand, and when we surrender our lives to Christ, he will take us places and fill our hearts in ways we never imagined!

Attached is the short video my colleague took where Madathi, the street lady, is blessing us the givers......Thank you to all who have given to make this possible, and may we all be encouraged to be God's hands and feet each day, in all we think, say and do.  Namaste....

Don't Ya Give Up!

When we are taking ground, it is easy to become distracted or believe the lies around us, yet if we keep pressing towards the mark, keeping our eyes on the author and finisher of our faith, God promises he will see us through. My encouragement today is not deep, but it is the most important thing you need to remember, don't give up!

If you've fallen, get back up, if you've been resting, start moving again, if discouraged, take it to Jesus. He will never leave or forsake you, his plans for you are good, to give you a hope and a future, so don't give up!

Hebrews 12:1-3 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

Listen to this song and be encouraged today....

Song:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtSKzHxVqxQ

Never Gonna Stop Singing!

This title, is a song that is on my heart. Listen and be encouraged today to reach higher and higher and never stop singing!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ncc3fdjoY6s

Five Loaves and Two Fishes....

Most of us are familiar with the biblical story of the little boy who gave his lunch and Jesus blessed it and fed thousands. What that brings me to is what I have. If you are like me, I can identify with this little boy. This is all I have Jesus. In the natural it is so little when compared to the dreams in my heart to do much. How do I move forward is a natural question that follows? How do I make much out of little?

You see how without even realizing it, I turned the Jesus in the bible story to I in my story. Is it any wonder I am discouraged, I hijacked my own efforts. Instead of surrendering my all, I am trying to do it, whatever that is for any of us, on my own. I have on my natural glasses, looking for the answers in this realm. Then I am reminded of the five loaves and two fishes. Not much, but with God all things are possible. I can do all things through Christ Jesus.

Are you tired? It may be like me, you are trying to multiply whatever it is on your own. All Jesus asks is that we surrender our little and let him bless it. He gets the glory, because without him it would not have been possible. My dependence stays on God and not the material world that we live in, yet how easy is it to slip into that mindset without even realizing it. Faith as a child. It really is too simple. Let go and let God show up in mighty ways that only he can do.

May you be encouraged with me, in your little and uncertainty today, surrendering your all, gifts, talents and time and see him make it beautiful, as a testament to his love for us, his children!

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fC3FLqDgWRE

Live In The Wonderful!

I love this song, "Live in the Wonderful," that was recently put out by the young people at Lakewood church, as it resonates with my spirit. I am drawn to reach higher, go further, do more than is possible with what I have, or is even in my skill set.

My brother called the other day to wish me a happy birthday and in the process shared a personal story of answered prayer. As he would say, "I am not the most religious person with all the answers to biblical questions, but I know God has moved in my life and my personal testimony is what I share".

He went on to mention how his wife needed some dental work, but there was a hurdle of a $600 co-pay that stood in the way. In the natural they didn't have it and she was tempted not to pursue the needed work, however my brother has learned through his own personal life that God can make a way. He said, "Hun, in his country way, you go ahead and make that appointment and we're gonna pray and ask God to supply the need".  So they did and went their separate ways. He said it wasn't but a few hours later he got a call from her and she said her boss had just walked in and handed her a check for a bonus she was due from last year for exactly $600!

Are you fretting, wondering how things will work out, or dreaming to do the impossible for God? I am here to encourage you that God cares for you more than you can imagine, and wants to have that personal relationship with you as well. There is nothing too big or small for God. Won't you trust him today? Step out in faith and live in the wonderful!

Listen to this song and be encouraged with me, to keep pressing on, even in the most unlikely situations.

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=la-HOcfWFb4

Dream Big!

When my daughter applied to dental school from undergraduate school, she was met with a lot of rejection for not having high enough scores in her science classes, as well as her DAT exam. Instead of giving up however, she decided to apply to graduate school and get her masters in science, that would then better prepare her for the rigors of dental school.

What is interesting is that though she was discouraged, she did not give up. She was hesitant and definitely not as hopeful in getting into graduate school, after the heavy rejection of dental schools. That however did not stop her from trying and applying to some very prestigious schools with extremely high entrance bars, in addition to a couple of easier ones. The key here is she never quit dreaming!

The first acceptance she received was from a small college that she liked, and she was pleased that at least she had the opportunity to go to graduate school. It was soothing balm to her battered spirit, and it gave her hope that she would be able to achieve her dream of dental school at some point after all. What happened next though blew her away! She received not one, not two, but three acceptance letters from Ivy league colleges that said they were impressed with her application and wanted her to attend their school for her masters in medical science. To say she was elated would be an understatement! It was the extra confidence she needed to heal her wounded spirit and encourage her to keep pressing on! Now her biggest dilemma is which school does she choose out of all these excellent choices?

 Now as she has completed her Master's program in biology, she has 2 upcoming interviews to great dental schools. Would you agree with me, and hold her up in prayer that the Lord would continue to grant her favor and open the right doors, where he would have her go, in Jesus name.

As we hope to become stronger Christians, we also may have dreams of singing in the choir, teaching a Sunday school class, serving in a mission field, or going to dental school. The next question then is how do we make our dreams a reality? Remembering what scripture says "Faith without works is dead." would translate into action on our part, but where do we start?

The first step to attaining anything is to have goals, followed by steps, that lead you to the desired outcome. Once we are on the path to our dreams, with the hope of making them a reality, we must then be determined and consistent to not get discouraged along the way. No matter the pace or size of the steps, the key is to keep moving towards the expected outcome, without quitting in order to make them a reality.

How about you? Have you been hit hard, knocked down and tempted to give up? Are you doing what is right and getting slammed with no apparent way out?  God's word says it like this. Galatians 6:9. "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Matthew 6:33 say,“But seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.”
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Faith,+Hope+and+Love++Connie

My encouragement today is to put God first and do not quit when you are hardest hit! You can trust in your heavenly Father to take you places you have never dreamed of! A saying and song I have used for myself and my daughter throughout the years is "Dream Big, it's God's desire for you."

 Listen and be encourage in your hopes and dreams today! "Dream Big" lyrics by the Martins.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vloj1LlqxEY

Just Be Held!

There are times in our lives that come in bursts of activity, followed by periods of calm, and uncertainty. Each day however is a gift from God. We have to intentionally seek his face and direction daily, so that he can continue to guide and direct our steps for his glory.

At the beginning of each day, throughout and at the end of the day we should be confident of all we do, whether in rest, activity or frenetic activities, that his will is being done in our lives.

Sometimes however, we need to hit the pause button, and rest in his arms and just be held. Let go of all of our to do lists, responsibilities and worries, and allow God to wrap his arms around you and just be held!

Listen to this song and be encouraged today to rest in God's love and promises.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yutmTFtalKs

My Hope Is In You Lord!

It is easy to get caught up in the political frenzy of this candidate and that one, and take our thoughts off of our one true source of hope. In the bible it reminds us that we will have troubles in this life, but do not fear, I have overcome the world.

John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4 "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."

Whether it is a physical diagnosis, a monetary set back, or election year, life can and will consume us if we are not vigilant in resting in God's promises.

The bible calls us to put on the whole armor of God. Ephesians 6: 11-12 "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

We are in a spiritual warfare, whether we understand it or not. Our weapons are not carnal. The good news is we do not have to fear what man can do to us. Our faith and hope is in the Creator of the universe, who loves you more than you can imagine!

Surrender your thoughts, hopes, dreams and yes fears to him today, for he cares for you, and find a peace that passes understanding...

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RRZgr7wNDs

Thy Will Be Done....

This song is on my heart and I just thought to share it with the hope that it will speak to you as well and encourage you to embrace this prayer, whatever your situation! Blessings...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAmh3yvmzXs

It's Time....

Have you ever had ideas, hopes, dreams, uncertainties and not sure which direction to go with all of them. The more ideas you have the more confused you get. Your mind is like a foosball going all over the place, but never really getting anywhere.

The message that resonates with me today is to get my hands dirty. In other words, get doing and not just thinking. The question then is where to start? As Yogi would say, "When you come to the fork in the road, take it"!

Sometimes in life we get paralyzed with where to start. Like you, I have a lot of hopes and dreams that are yet to be realized, but not sure where to take action. 

Dear Heavenly Father, in Jesus name, give us ears to hear your promptings, what you want us to do and then help us to be willing to move. Amen....

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq-6pXBHCZM

All I Can Do Is Say Thank You!

You ever have those moments that are surreal, where all you can do is say thanks! Well I call those God moments, but what about our everyday lives.? If you are like me you read the headlines, facebook and wonder how we became so self centered! People whining about staying in a shelter after a life saving rescue, focusing on what is not perfect and ignoring the miracle. The list is literally endless!

Now I do understand difficulty, and I can appreciate a child or young adult saying this is hard, but as parents, teachers, Christians, I urge us all to reflect not only inward to show more gratitude, but remind others in your sphere, that there is much to be thankful for!

While reading about the recent floods in LA and people in shelters bemoaning their situation, I am reminded of all the homeless people who live not only with all their belongings in a bag, depending on someone else for help, but without shelter on a daily basis. Someone's worst day is their 24/7. How bout we turn our discomforts for a season, into compassion for a life time to those who are less fortunate.

We all have choices on how we look at things. As we hear about the Olympic athletes and some of their incredible stories of overcoming difficulties and being a stronger more determined athlete, not giving in or giving up, may we be encouraged to pick ourselves up and open our eyes to how grateful we all should be, even in the worst situation we can imagine.

The bible puts it like this, "Yay though I walk through the valley of death I will fear no evil, the Lord thy God is with me." We all have much to be grateful for, on any given day, we just need to refocus our hearts and minds on all God has given us!

Song:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2JX7ps5kvk

I Will Cast My Cares on You!

Yesterday at school I had a young student who is confined to a wheelchair ask if he could use his phone to communicate with the nurse, by his dad's side in Mexico. I of course said yes, as he shared his dad was dying in Mexico, and he was planning a bus trip that evening to try and see him before he passed. He said the nurse there was asking now for permission for him to see his dad as he was under 18 and not allowed in that part of the hospital. Later in the day he informed me that the hospital had said no, he could not go in because of his age.

It was then I found myself sharing the story of when we moved to India from Istanbul and we were told no pets were allowed in and we had a cat. We attempted the journey anyway though and through an unlikely turn of events was able to get our cat in after all.

I encouraged the young man to try and I assured him I would pray for favor as he made his journey through the night. Based on their plans, he should be within an hour of approaching the hospital now and I would like to ask for prayer from all who read this post in the next few hours. I know God did it for me and he can do it for this young man. Thank you in advance for your prayers and being willing to be God's hands and feet right where you are.

Godspeed Claudio.....

Update on Claudio's dad. I was asking for favor for this young man to see his dad once last time before dying and unfortunately they decided not to make the trip because of the negative report, but God had a miracle in mind! Claudio's dad has made a miraculous turnaround after being given hours to live following a full blood transfusion and he will be released from the hospital in a couple days. The blood transfusion has resolved his symptoms, though he is still dealing with inoperable ulcers, he has been able to communicate with Claudio verbally and given the boy a ray of hope after all. Prior to today, he was resigned to being able to go to his dad's funeral, and was grateful for that. Now he has been given life! Wow! Wow! Go God! Thank you to all who have prayed and I trust you are encouraged and strengthened during your time of need, to trust in a living God who knows our every need! Blessings to all.....

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKuAMmTqUbs

Now What?

You have started your race, you are on the way, but things are not going as you thought they would or should. Are you tempted to give up and settle where you are? If you answered yes, you are honest and human. I think we've all been there if we have embarked on a new task, job, skill, relationship etc. If we are in the game of "life", there are going to be set backs, stumbling blocks and disappointments. That is the result of being engaged in life!

So that brings me to what now? How do I survive the mistakes, the heartache, the disappointments and set backs? Where is my hope? Am I built on rock or sand? Matthew 7:24-27, reminds us that to build on rock, we must follow God's teachings, so that when the hardships come we will be able to stand. If we rely on our own strength, wisdom or even others', then it is the equivalent of building on sand.

The bible teaches us that hardships and persecutions will come. The question then is what do we do when they come? Do we have a plan? Do we know where to look, do we panic, run or even hide? If you are like me, the answer is yes, yes and yes! Thankfully God is patient and full of mercy. Like a loving parent, he forgives us, understands us, and is always willing to help us, if we ask.

My own daughter is finding her wings so to speak, and as a parent it is very trying. You would think based on her reactions to my suggestions, that she thinks I wished her harm. It baffles me as a parent that despite the fact that I've invested my life to support and protect her, that she would ever think that I have any intention but good for her.

Are we not like that with God. He says go here, do this and we in our stubbornness, say no, resist or even run away like Jonah. For some reason we think he means us harm? If you think like a parent, you can best understand, how could that be?

So that brings me back to my initial question, what now? We have all been there, we have lost the job, encountered unfair situations, etc. We are hit by the storms of life. What do we do now?

Like the parent to the child, our heavenly Father, loves us more than we can imagine! When we learn to surrender our will to his, we are on the way to an everlasting peace that the world does not give, even in the midst of our storms, our house will stand because it is built on solid ground.

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4K2yuZtVfLg
Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SCorW9r_Is

In the Eye of a Storm

If you are from somewhere that has hurricanes you are familiar with the phrase the "eye of the storm". If not, it is a brief place of calm after the onslaught of the storm, where the winds change directions as it passes through. You see during this time if you didn't know better you would think the storm was over, you go outside and think okay I made it, but experience tells you the worst is yet to come.

You see in life we also have these storms, where things hit us and then we come to a place of calm even before everything is resolved. We are tempted to let down our guard and stay there, yet life experience says if we're to get to where we aspire, we can rest, but then we have to give that final push which often times is the hardest, to get to where we are suppose to be.

Think of child birth, the third quarter of a game, the last 100 yards of a race, the list is endless. That my friend is "life". How we handle the end of the race so to speak, determines the outcome. Many start the race, and some faster than others, but it's how we finish the race that determines our destiny.

Think about the man on the cross next to Jesus, the woman at the well, Joseph, Moses, David, Mary. This list also goes on. The bible teaches us to put our trust, faith and hope in God.

We are all on a journey, going somewhere, doing something. I read that wisdom is gained by reflection, imitation and or experience. Are we where we want to be, are we tired and wanting to give up, are we depending on ourselves, or looking to the author and finisher of our faith?

Are you crossing the red sea today, are you tired and ready to give up, are you frightened of the unknown? What helps us most in the "eye of the storm" is to keep our eye's on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. In ourselves we will get tired and discouraged, but with Jesus all things are possible, if we trust in him and keep pressing on.

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw3zIA1NJU0

Your Love Awakens Me!

The other day while walking in the neighborhood I had the pleasure of viewing some passion flowers that struck me with such awe, that I had to take a picture. Once at home, I couldn't stop looking at it and marveling at the intricacy and beauty. Then the scripture came to mind about how much God cares about us, as compared to his other earthly creations. Matthew 6:25-34.

Are you worrying about something today and wondering how it will work out? The scripture not only compares the beauty of his creation to how much more valuable we are to him, but then gives us direction in conclusion in verse 33. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you".

God is as close as your breath. He loves you more than you can imagine! Take a closer look at this flower and try to imagine how much he cares for every detail of your life!

Song:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIMh6lS6VjE

It's All Because of You, Jesus....

How many times have we been like the 9 leopards who were cleansed in Luke 17:11, who walked away healed and did not say thank you to the one who cleansed us?

I must confess, there are so many blessings and answered prayers in my life, that I would be guilty as well, but oh what a sweet, sweet spirit that remains humble and appreciative for all that is done in their lives, both big and small!

Jesus had another encounter with a sinful woman who poured out expensive oil and washed his feet with her tears and then wiped them with her hair. The leaders were outraged at the waste, yet Jesus pointed out in a parable to whom much is forgiven, their love will be greater.

I am drawn to a humble spirit, one of brokenness and gratitude, yet I know I do not always show that appreciation outwardly for all of God's many blessings he has bestowed on me, and those in my sphere.

I recently received an update from an outreach at a Children's Home in Kodaikanal, India about how something as simple as lotion to put on their dry faces, was like gold.

Could it be that we have access to so much that we've lost appreciation for the big and little blessings in our lives, that happen all around us every day! Food, clean water, medicine, etc. the list is endless....

Lord help us to be more like the one leopard, the sinful woman and these little children with lotion, and remember to give you the praise, always......

Song: https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?hspart=mozilla&hsimp=yhs-006&ei=utf-8&fr=ytff1-tyc&p=song%20its%20all%20beacuse%20of%20you%20jesus&type=

It's Out Of My League!

My personality is one of encouragement and hope, so it is normal for me to dream big. In order to stay upbeat though, I have to intentionally seek to surround myself with positive people, readings and songs that uplift and encourage my soul to reach higher. I have also learned to set aside quiet times  each day where I can hear God's voice, his whisper and peace that the world does not give.

On my recent trip, I had the luxury of watching TV, not something I have at my home, for a variety of reasons, nonetheless though it was fun to watch shows I have enjoyed in the past and see new ones that I had never watched. What became apparent very quickly though was that I had to be intentional in choosing positive, happy, uplifting shows, as opposed to negative, scary and downright mean shows. I honestly was surprised at what I found, both good and bad.

What that brings me to is the need for all of us to choose what we put into our minds, with an understanding that it will directly result in what comes out of our spirit. Just like food, we can pig out for a while, but given bad choices over a period of time will result in poor health, sooner or later.

Today I would like to encourage all of us to dream big, reach high, become compassionate about something each day. Feel good about yourself and the choices you are making to not only be the best you can be today, but to help someone else along the way.

I personally am encouraged when I hear this song below, to keep pressing on when discouraged or tired and to keep reaching for the furthest star no matter how unlikely it may seem. I hope you also find the strength you need today, to dream big and make a difference in your world!

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFPq9p559II

I Will Trust In You!

The chorus to this song is on my heart and it just makes me want to shout! There are times in this life I will never understand, but thankfully God has us covered and we can trust him no matter what it looks like in the carnal!

Listen and be encouraged this week as you walk through the storm, and know God has you in the palm of his hand and you can trust him!

Blessings,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qv-SXz_exKE

Tell Your Heart To Beat Again....

The title to this blog is the chorus to a popular Christian song, where a surgeon does his work and yet it is not enough. He then leans over and tells the lady to tell her heart to start beating again and it does. Quite a miracle, but if like me, you have been in the hospital setting lately, or flying on a plane, one can only marvel at the wondrous advances that man has made and what we can now do, yet without belief and dependence on God, the maker of the universe, we understand we are still limited in our expertise.

 God's word however promises us even more. Peace that the world does not give. A confidence and trust in our Savior, Creator, Father and Friend. He promises to hear our prayers and is working all things to the good that love him and are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28.

As Christians we can have assurance, confidence that even in bad situations, even if the worst case scenario happens, that God is in control. Peace that the world cannot give as the bible puts in John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

So even when medicine, technical expertise and knowledge are at all time highs, it is still limited when compared to the Creator of the universe. Where is your eternal hope, faith and confidence today? What if today was your last breath?

 As I have recently sat in waiting rooms where others' loved ones have died, and read about plane crashes where tragedy makes the headlines, I continue to offer whispered prayers of protection and guidance for them, myself and those in my sphere, who are also in similar situations. I am given a glimpse of "what ifs", yet the bible says I am to trust and not fear. In my humanness that is not possible, but through Christ all things are possible. So whether in the physical or spiritual, I am encouraged as I listen to this song and I trust you are too....

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfgu6tW8Lg8

God Hears Your Prayers...

If you are like me, sometimes you have to be reminded that God does in fact hear your prayers, because he loves us and instructs us to ask, believing that we will receive. Matthew 7:7 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Just one of many verses throughout the bible.

Remember the story about the disciples on the boat when the storm arose. They feared for their lives and woke Jesus up to say we are about to capsize! Now you would think that after seeing the miracle of the loaves they would have more faith in who Jesus was, but like you and me they had a short memory, or maybe they were just a little thick!

Do you have times in your life that you remember when God has answered your prayers, or are you like others that believe God is too big to be concerned about you, so you do not ask?

The bible says faith as a child, as small as a mustard seed. You see God knows what we need before we ask, but he desires a relationship with us. He wants us to look to him and trust him. This comes about when we understand he loves us, like a parent loves their child.

Just last night the storms were passing through as predicted, and much like Jesus in the boat I was awakened abruptly, but by my beeping phone that warned of danger. As I reached for it half asleep, I prayed and asked for God's protection and to keep the storm away from us. Within minutes the lightning stopped, the winds subsided and I fell fast asleep again, knowing God had heard my prayer.

When you understand your father is the creator of the universe, and nothing is out of his control, you will confidently pray and know he hears you. Peace be still. Even the winds and rains obey his voice.

Are you asking, believing, trusting him today? I pray God will show himself real to you today and know he has you in the palm of his hand.

Grace Wins Everytime....

The sermon the other day at church was about love. A fitting topic for this time of the year, but one I often didn't fully understand, or a least didn't realize I didn't understand. As the scripture states,  without love and describes all the things we can do, but without love we are nothing. 1 Corinthians 13.

When I give, help, or give my body to be burned as the scriptures say, without love, I gain nothing. How can I do these things without love was always my question for which I justified myself and thought well I'm good there, no worries.

What struck me plainer than day, just recently is the definition of what love is. Love is patient, kind, not self-seeking, boastful or proud. Keeps no record of wrongs, protects, hopes, perseveres.

Maybe like me you are saying yeah, I know that, but what are you getting at. Well for me it was looking inward and making sure my heart was pure of judgement, was not being prideful and persevering when injustice lands in my lap.

You see my strength of being stubborn and hard headed has seen me through some really tough situations, but when looking inward I recognize it is also my weakness. Am I persevering? Am I being prideful? Am I being self-seeking? It says love always hopes, always perseveres, always trusts, and keeps no record of wrongs.

Hmmm.....but for the grace of God, where would we be? Grace- unmerited love, and favor. Grace wins every time! Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HHPcRibA_A

God Is On The Move!

If you are like me, you look at bad things and question why? Not far behind that though I have learned through experience that God's hand is in it, using whatever it is for his good and those who love him, despite how it looks to me.

Our ways are not his ways. When we trust him as our Savior and Guide, his promises are real and greater than we can imagine! What looks like tragedy is only from our view, which is limited in scope.



We are finite, but understanding that God is infinite and omnipresent allows us to trust him, even when things around us do not make sense.

When you are tempted to stress and feel anxious about anything, remember this song and look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith! In time, whether in this life or the next, you will see "All things work to good to them that love the Lord and are called according to his purpose". Romans 8:28

Song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqsafpTaNIw

All I Can Do, Is Say Thank You!

I cannot help but be grateful for the many blessings God has bestowed upon me and my family. His continued protection of family and friends here and around the world. His many answered prayers for those on my prayer list and many unspoken ones. I am humbled and awed by his love, as I can only try to come close to understanding his love for us, like a parent loves their child. I look at God's creation and see that all of his animals are created in a family of love and dependence, modeling his love for us.

As a parent, we can also best understand the instruction he gives us for giving thanks. Think of your own children and how we teach them to say thank you and to pray before eating. We do this because it teaches them to have a grateful heart that is appreciative for what they have and what is done for them. No parent wants a demanding, self centered child that is ungrateful. Yet that is exactly how we behave at times with God and those closest to us.

The scriptures encourage us to be thankful and "With thanksgiving let your request be known to God." We all have much to be thankful for. The young and old I enjoy being around the most are those that are appreciative for all things, little and big. Their spirit is contagious and uplifting.

Reflection.....How am I showing my gratitude today?

Song:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1OE53ZMApQ

Great is Thy Faithfulness!

What a wonderful song and reminder of God's faithfulness, "Morning by morning new mercies I see, ALL I have needed thy hand has provided, great is the faithfulness, Lord unto me."

A thankful, grateful heart, and posture is a pleasing sight to any parent, including God. Am I grateful? Do I see the small and large things God has done for me? Honestly, not so much....without deliberate reflection and remembering his mercy!

Having lived in a city of cats in Istanbul,Turkey, it was our observation that most survived quite well on the streets, since most people fed and took care of them. We also had taken to feeding some of the ones around the apartment and occasionally would bring one in. 

One day my husband brought one in to visit as it was cold outside, and he perceived it to be lonely. Well our pure-breed cat did NOT take a liking to this and trashed at my husband for bringing in the kitten, with a vengeance. Personally I thought  it was hilarious, because our cat knew exactly who to blame and let him know it! He on the other hand was not too pleased with her attitude. He admonished her as if she understood, saying "You always have food and shelter, this little waif is without all the time".

Does that not describe us sometimes though? We are privileged, why? Because of God's grace and mercy, not because of anything we did. This morning's reading brings me to Micha 6:8 . What does the Lord require of thee? To do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with they God.

Hmmm.....Now this kitten did not stop purring as loud as could be the whole time she was inside. She was grateful and appreciative for the "little" things. Just a moment of warmth, food and favor. Not a lifetime, but a moment.

"To Do Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly".....but for the grace of GOD where would we be? Thought to consider. How are we showing our gratitude, today?

Song: "Great is Thy Faithfulness" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60o3UP4Kjwg

A New Season

We all go through frenetic seasons of our lives and adjust to the fast pace and then ultimately things slow down. We reach the mountain peak, we accomplish our goal, school is over, winter is here and we have to adjust to starting over and planting new seeds again for the next harvest.

During this time of rest, planting, reflection and slowing down, what do we do? How do we set new goals that are realistic and stay motivated to do the ordinary necessary behind the scenes tasks that are less visible, yet equally important for our success in all areas of our lives.

The ability to stay the course during our planting season requires experience and perseverance. Sometimes when we don't see the evidence of our hard work immediately, it is easy to give up, get discouraged or think we will never accomplish our dreams, and fall just short of them. Yet for a seasoned and experienced person, they know that after the planting of seeds, there will be a time of waiting, planning, maintenance and upkeep.

Surrounding ourselves with people who are further along our path can help us to stay the course. They can serve as motivation and reminders of what can and will happen if we persevere. I love it when my daughter surrounds herself with those who are stronger, more accomplished than she is, with an intrinsic understanding that she can learn from them what she is yet to encounter, and even when she wants to give up, she is encouraged to stay the course, because they are tangible proof that it can be done.

Daily steps, perseverance, even when things are difficult, boring and uneventful, with a knowing that this time will pass and what we do during this time will ultimately affect how successful we are in the next season, as Christians, professionals, students and or athletes. There is a time for every season. Ecclesiastes 3:1.

Do not be tricked, fooled or misled. Our life will reflect everything we do, even when we think it does not matter. Today is "your gift" from God. Make the most of it and accomplish all he has placed in your heart, trusting him each step of the way. Godspeed.....

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF-5aO2GYiY

Rested, Relaxed and Rejuvenated!

After a long break and time with family and friends, I am back to my routines and my own bed! Blessed with so much, my heart is filled with gratitude and thankfulness! I looked back at my post from last year at this time and feel so blessed to be provided for in supernatural ways, and grateful for another year to encourage each of you on your journey!

One of the best ways I can think of doing that is to reflect back on your own year and make a list of all the things God has done for you. When we look back we should be wowed and excited, encouraged to keep pressing on to higher goals, dreams and aspirations. Knowing God has been with us each step of the way, has the ability to spur us on to a faster pace, with increased confidence.

Just the other day I was taking my daughter to the airport in fog that limited our view. In the natural I couldn't see too far ahead, however my high tech daughter had a GPS system on her phone that she was very comfortable using. With some persuasion she convinced me to trust her and her device to go an unfamiliar route, to avoid wrecks and reach our destination on time. I cannot say I was comfortable, but I followed her leading and as a result of the success, I have now grown in my confidence.

Is that not the same way it is with Christ. He takes us through difficulties and shows us the way even when we can't see. He lovingly guides us, despite or fears and encourages us to trust him. My daughter explained to me it was a "generational gap" that allowed her to be more confident in trusting technology. I smiled with understanding. With that thought in mind, how much more is our heavenly Father trying to get us to trust him, despite the huge "wisdom gap". First Corinthians 1:25 "For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength".

My encouragement today is to keep pressing on, with a new confidence and assurance that God is on your side and he is working all things to the good of them that love him and are called according to his purpose. Start each day with a renewed sense of purpose and commit your ways to the Lord. He will take you places you've never dreamed of!

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gt0WluTpFTg