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