Good Good Father

You’re a good, good Father, that’s who you are. As the chorus to this song is on my heart I reflect on all the good things God has done for me and my family. He is a constant companion in my daily life. If I didn’t have Him to carry my daily concerns too I would be stressed, uptight and worried. Yet the Bible reminds us that God is always with us, guiding and directing our steps. Rest, peace, love, hope and a confidence that all things are working for our good, even in the difficult times. Peace that passes understanding is how the Bible puts it.

Whether I am in a car driving, working, or relaxing, my thoughts and whispered prayers are of gratitude and thanksgiving for all God has blessed me and my family with. These memories add  confidence to keep walking, hoping, and believing for Him to do the impossible in my daily life, and those on my prayer list. I am wowed by God’s goodness as His child.

If you’ve never accepted Christ as your personal Savior, I encourage you to do so today. Simply pray and ask God unto your life. I promise your life will never be the same, for the better! Listen to this song and be encouraged on your walk today.

Song: https://g.co/kgs/T8D8MY

Here Comes A Comeback!

How many times in life have you been knocked down and are tempted to stay there? If we are honest, I would dare say most of us know exactly what that feels like. As most have also learned though, it’s not how many times we get knocked down, but how many times we get back up!
This life  can take a toll on you, but I am here to encourage you to get back up! God hasn’t brought you this far to leave you now! Get that comeback spirit in you and show the devil who is boss! You’ve got the spirit of the almighty God in you! Don’t believe those lies from Satan. He may have knocked you down, but it ain’t over yet! Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world!
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Faith,+Hope+and+Love++Connie
https://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-walk-in-anothers-shoes-connie-skrmetta/1124357269?type=eBook
Sing this song and raise the roof! We’re getting ready for a comeback!
https://g.co/kgs/Bd7e3z

Still Working...

The song that comes to mind this morning is that God is still working on me, refining , polishing and smoothing off the rough edges, so that I reflect Him better. I don't know about you, but the refinning is a humbling process.
I remember being overseas where all my dependence was on God to see me through
each day.  I had no life line, backup plan, or family to lean on. Nothing to call my own. I also recall thinking if I can keep this gratitude in the midst of abundance that, that would be the ultimate!
Now back in the states, it is developing that habit of gratefulness everyday that keeps
me centered and appreciative for the little things in life.
My prayer for those who have lost so much in the recent storms, is to see God's hand of protection even in the midst of your trials and daily struggles. We all have to go through hard times, so why not come out better as a result of those hardships. Becoming that beautiful vessel that God wants us all to be. Humble, sweet, grateful and loving even in the midst of our hardships.
Be assured God has not left or forsaken you! He started something good and He is gonna complete it! Listen and be encouraged today! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Faith,+Hope+and+Love++Conniehttps://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-walk-in-anothers-shoes-connie-skrmetta/1124357269?type=eBook

There Is No One Like Our God

I wanted to take a moment and reflect on all the answered prayers in my life and those around me. When I whisper a prayer of protection or favor for myself, family or loved ones it is without fail that God hears my prayer. The constant affirmation is astounding! I am wowed and grateful to have God as my Father to whom I can run too for my concerns and those of my loved ones.

I look at the storms of this world and read of all the prayers and see God's hand of
protection on so many. Even in the struggles there is much to be grateful
for. Let us count our blessings and be grateful children, for all God has done in our lives. May His love shine bright through us, in all we think say and do.

https://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-walk-in-anothers-shoes-connie-skrmetta/1124357269?type=eBook

Greater things are yet to come! I am encouraged with this song and I trust you are too. Listen and be inspired today! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=s5rbA2k4JwM

Forgiven....

Child of  God you are forgiven. This morning this phrase is in my spirit and I just wanted to share so that you may also feel God's forgiveness afresh and new this day. As we enter into the final day before Christ's ultimate sacrifice for us all, I am reminded that I don't have to carry the guilt of past mistakes, failures or missteps. Christ has forgiven all of our sins and we are washed in His blood, spotless without blemish, truly, completely, forgiven! Say goodbye to all the guilt and shame, we are forgiven!
I pray this day that that thought resonates in your spirit to live a truly free life of hope, and forgiveness, and as we have received such unmerited love and mercy that we would then share that same forgiveness to those around us, even those who are as undeserving as we were in God's eyes. Truly we have received mercy, freely give! We are saved, blessed and forgiven so that we might shine as lights, reflecting that same mercy to all we meet!
Go in peace today to love and serve the Lord!
Song: https://youtu.be/NZVjKrmvYYQ

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

At The Cross...

I had the good pleasure to visit the beach during my Spring Break and just relax. It was a refreshing time of beach walking, and reflecting. On one particular day as I was making my way down the endless miles of beach, I decided to head up towards the dunes to lay my towel down for a short siesta. As I randomly walked towards the dunes, I noticed these 3 crosses pictured below. I laid my towel underneath them and thought, how symbolic this was of how I needed to live. To lay my burdens at the feet of Jesus and rest. I was wowed by how much God loves me, to allow me this symbolic reminder that He is always with us, no matter where we go. His fingerprints are all over creation and his thoughts towards us are good and more numerable than the sand.

I was wowed and I hope you are too, enough to lay your burdens down at the cross and remember this Lenten season just how much God cares for every part of your life, even down to the smallest detail!
Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF-5aO2GYiY

https://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-walk-in-anothers-shoes-connie-skrmetta/1124357269?type=eBook

Never Too Far Gone.....

This chorus is in my spirit. "You can never outrun my love, my love". What a wonderful thought. For those who have ever been in relationships, you know they have their ups and downs. As parents we can come close to understanding, but even then we don't have it perfect. Yet with God you do not have to be perfect, and make no mistakes to be assured of being loved. That is what is so amazing about his love. It is genuine, unconditional, forgiving, always! We can never be too far gone.

Radical is what comes to mind. I truly cannot even comprehend, but am wowed by the thought. I cannot outrun God's love, never! Listen to this song and be encouraged today, and accept God's unconditional love and mercy, fresh and anew each day. You are never too far gone! God has already paid the price for every mistake we have made or will make, yet he loves you unconditionally! Won't you consider his love today....John 3:16  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIpyRH8-08g

Grace Wins Every time....

What fun it is to dream of striking it rich and becoming instantly wealthy, yet there are many instances in this life that would say having untold wealth is not all it's cracked up to be. In the bible it says if we have gained the whole world, but lost our soul, what is really gained? Matthew 16:26. It also tells of a man who had an increase in wealth and with that abundance stored up more for himself, only to die the next day. The rich young ruler comes to Jesus and says what do I have to do to inherit eternal life? We all know what Jesus said, go and sell all you have and give to the poor and follow me. The ruler left sad, not because of his wealth, but his love of his wealth, more than God.

The other day I bought a lottery ticket with dreams of striking it rich, and the thought occurred, what if I didn't have excellent health, would money be able to replace it? What if I didn't have a sound mind, could money buy it? What if I didn't have salvation, family, friends etc. the list was endless. At the end of my thoughts, I realized I had already won the lottery!

Isn't that how it is with grace? God promises forgiveness always! We are all winners, just for the asking. With our winnings though are we sharing the same with others? Are we being stingy or with holding forgiveness from those who have hurt us? The Lord's prayer is a great reminder for us to forgive, as Christ has so graciously forgiven us.

So whether it is riches in this world and or forgiveness for eternal life, we all have much to be grateful for. We are then called to freely give of what we have recieved and be a servant to all, sharing God's love that lives within us for riches in this life and the world to come....

Songs:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZ9dvAWNvsw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFRjr_x-yxU

https://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-walk-in-anothers-shoes-connie-skrmetta/1124357269?type=eBook

Love Unending....

On this earth we will have tribulations, trials, hardships, and setbacks, but be of good cheer I have overcome the world! During our toughest times here are earth we are reminded to be of good cheer. God is working all things to our good, even in the most unlikely circumstances.

If you are going through tough times, then you are living, engaging, participating in life. The only way to avoid conflict and hardships would be to isolate yourself from the world, but God has a better plan. He has called us into community, that we may shine as lights in a dark world. He however, does not require that we go through it alone.

Yes it is hard, no it is not fair, but with God who lives in you, all things are possible. Do not lose heart, trust in God, lean on him, commit your ways to him and he will guide and direct you for your good. In the bible his promises are real. Proverbs 3:6, Proverbs16:3, Psalm 37:5, just to name a few.

Remember as Christians you have a GPS inside of you, guiding, directing you, warning and saying turn around, go back, watch out etc. The bible puts it as a still small voice. Our job is to listen to it, like the GPS in a car or smart phone. Very similarly though it will not make you go a certain way, but it will continually speak to you for correction on missteps. You do have a choice though to turn it off or ignore it. It will not demand obedience, and neither will Jesus, but when we learn to trust him, we can be confident that he is working all things to our good that love him and are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

So when bad things happen, whether through our doing or someone else's, we can trust in a living God on the inside of us, to make our crooked places straight and get us to our destination despite the circumstances. He will never leave or forsake you!

If you've lived very long, you can look back on your own life and see where God has been with you and made a way, even in the most unlikely circumstances, so don't give up now. Remembering those times can encourage you in your present circumstances, to trust him now. God has you in the palm of his hand.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_2qG22SPwU

https://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-walk-in-anothers-shoes-connie-skrmetta/1124357269?type=eBook

Calling All......

With the help of a colleague's wife from India, and the good fortune of being able to maintain my Indian bank account, I have been able to send funds to help the "least" of these as the bible puts it, in India.

Prior to traveling to India I had no idea how some people lived there, but at the same time, I admired their determination and perseverance even in the midst of such difficult circumstances. It has been a privilege and a blessing to offer support in some small way monthly, with the sacrificial help of family and friends.

I am please to report that now after almost 4 years later we are still able to share God's love to orphans and widows there, who have a daily existence and work hard to have enough money for the very basics of food and covering. I am blessed beyond measure to have this opportunity and pray in the years to come, much will come out of the seeds we are planting.

I have included the sweetest picture below that was just sent to me, of our friend the street lady Madathi, receiving a gift of chocolate and a single rose, as she rests on the side of the street that she is cleaning..... Reports are that she was awed by this simple gift.

This is a reminder to each of us, everyday to be a blessing to someone, near or far and shine God's love bright through word or deed, and see if you aren't blessed more in return. Together we can make a difference in this world!

Blessings to all who continue to made this outreach possible.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jCnAAeEJSQ

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Come Alive!

Are we spending our days filled with distractions and not really pursuing our God given gifts? Are we using our time wisely, the only commodity that we cannot replace? We all have jobs, duties, and hopefully a purpose that is higher than us. I heard a colleague once say that if you aren't willing to die for something, then you aren't living. Do you have that passion, a sense of purpose that says this is why I am here? Are you pursuing your dreams, taking risks and getting out of your comfort zone?

In order to truly come alive we have to constantly be growing, moving, developing. Though there will be seasons that are slower than others, our purpose is tied to action. Doing something that God wired us for. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. No one else can do what you are wired to do!

It's time to come alive!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XAeyFagceQ&list=RD7XAeyFagceQ

You Are Loved!

The bible talks about spirits. God's spirit that resides in us as we accept him as our personal savior, and the spirits in the world. It goes on to tell us that God's spirit trumps those that are in the world. Look at the biblical stories that reinforce that. Without getting into every example, I want to challenge each of us to consider our life and what it means if we truly believe that God's spirit is within us.

The world knows there are spirits, and Christ himself warns us not to have anything to do with the spirits of the world. They are the deceiver it says, that have come to kill, steal and destroy. Other countries are filled with spirits and the people are aware of it. I had a colleague friend that was afraid to go to a certain area of India because it was known for all of their spirits. I found it odd at the time, but after traveling there I better understand.

The world knows how to tap into spirits through rituals and meditation. As Christians are we aware of the spirit that lives within us? Are we tapping into God's power and following his promptings? Jesus prayed daily and leaned into God's spirit daily for his guidance while on earth.

I would encourage each of us to consider the power that lives within us and lean not into our own understanding, but in all our ways acknowledge God and he will direct our steps. Proverbs 3:6. He has come to give us life and life more abundantly! John 10:10.

We are foreigners in this land, ambassadors for Christ who lives in us. Be in this world as a light in darkness, but be ye not of this world for it lies in spiritual wickedness. Daily surrender your life to God's spirit that resides in all of us as Christians. Go forth and spread his love to all you meet through word and deed, that others may be drawn to the spirit of God that resides in you!

John 16:33 "I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. but take courage; I have overcome the world!"

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosever believed on him should not perish but have eternal life.

God's love letter to you! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=honbip9amZc

Fighting My Battles!

When we learn to turn over our hopes, fears and dreams we are promised that God will fight our battles. He will make our crooked places straight, he will answer our whisper prayers, he will open doors no man can shut, he will prepare a banquet in front of our enemies, he will never leave or forsake us.

That is where peace that passes understanding comes from. Yay though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil! God is fighting my battles. We don't have to worry, fret, or become caught up in our surroundings. Keep our God glasses on, and look to him to direct our steps with a confidence that he is in control of our life, and is working all things to the good that love him and are called according to his purpose.

Total surrender and submission, says not my will but yours be done, so that when the battles come, and they do, that we have the confidence and assurance that only comes from knowing Christ as our personal savior.

Go in peace this day my friend, knowing that God is fighting your battles!

Song:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kewjLH1rGqo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lACswX-cUAg

You're One Step Away!

As we continue in the season of winter, as mild as it is in Texas, we are reminded that things are happening out of our sight, underground, in the spirit realm, behind the scenes. Battles are being fought, hope is being birthed. we are closer than we think. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Are you walking, straining, hoping, enduring, but tempted to give up?

My encouragement today is to hold on, keep walking, pressing, stretching and trusting in a loving God that is working all things for our good, even when we can't see the way. or understand. Commit each day to his leading and look to him the author and finisher of your faith, you're closer than you think!

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrPJZYywTuA
https://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-walk-in-anothers-shoes-connie-skrmetta/1124357269?type=eBook

Never Give Up!

Just yesterday I texted my daughter and told her how proud I was of her for her perseverance and determination in all she does. She wows me with her tenacity, her unwillingness to give up. When faced with a hurdle or a road block she merely looks for another way around. I remember as a parent this was a trait that drove me nuts! No wasn't no, it was merely an obstacle to be overcome. What I dreaded as a parent, I now respect in her as an adult. Never give up!

You know God's word says much the same thing. Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world, do not be overcome with fear, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, do not be weary in well doing, faint not, keep the faith, the list is endless.

I hope today you are encouraged to keep the faith, keep walking though the journey is hard, keep looking for the window when the door closes and trust not in your determination and hard work, but in God's word that never fails. For we will come to the end of our rope and our own abilities, but that's where the miraculous happens! That's where God gets the credit, for it's not in our own strength, but God's power that resides in us.
https://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-walk-in-anothers-shoes-connie-skrmetta/1124357269?type=eBook
God will never leave or forsake us.....
Songs:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neveyJoWOwI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwsvqVmFV6Y

Loved By You!

With the start of the New Year and all of its' many changes, I am reminded each and everyday of Gods' never ending love! I pray as you reflect and look to God, with a renewed since of purpose and passion that you too can see Gods' fingerprints all over your life in a way that inspires and encourages you into the new year with zeal and passion! Though winter is still upon us, God's light is burning bright within giving us a renewed sense of hope and purpose.

Just the other day my daughter received word that she was accepted into dental school, in a area that she absolutely loved! She was wowed and shocked! An answer to prayer. After many months of personal struggle in a variety of areas I have also seen break throughs and wowed by God's divine provisions in my life, as I continue to do what he has called me to do, even without knowing the end result.

As we enter the New Year I am encouraged to keep pressing on with tangible evidence of God's divine provision in my life and my loved ones. I pray that you too can see God's fingerprints in your life and trust that he loves you more than you can imagine! We are pilgrims on a journey, with some seasons more difficult than others, but when we trust in a living God that lives within us, we can have a peace that transcends our circumstances with a knowing that God has done it before and he will do it again. He is fighting our battles behind the scenes and even when we don't think there is a way, he is making a way!

Our job is to keep walking the walk of faith and trust God as he directs our steps, each and everyday! Be encouraged today and know you are loved by the Creator of the universe. There is nothing he can't do! Listen to this song and be encouraged......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzPeGgL-XnQ