Rejoice.... ALWAYS

1Thes 5:16-24 tells us to - Rejoice always, pray continually and give thanks in everything... because He who calls us faithful.

It's easy to rejoice and be thankful when things are going well and promises have been fulfilled. But it's what we do when we're waiting. I think for most of us, we feel like the waiting part takes up most of our journey. I challenge you to take a different perspective of 'waiting'. Because it's in these moments that we are groomed, fashioned, refined.

Being refined... not easy. It means dying to self, letting go so that God can give you something better. Trusting in a way that you neither feel capable of or comfortable with. Believing with every ounce of your being that God has the very best for you - and not doubting it. REFINED... and REJOICING along the way.


In the last few months, my husband and I have been on quite a journey of faith and hope. Earlier this year we were blessed to find out that we were having another baby. Not just any baby - one that God truly has purposed 'for such a time as this'. From almost the beginning of our pregnancy, we've been bombarded with words from our doctors of the possibilities of death and lack. And throughout each day and week of this baby's life we have felt nothing but joy and anticipation of God's faithfulness. And each doctor's visit brought confirmation of our faith and fulfillment of our prayers. A recent doctor's visit has landed me in the hospital for a few days for monitoring. Words from the doctor 'I'm puzzled - your baby shouldn't be doing as well as he is, but he's perfectly healthy and strong'. And as I sit here in the hospital at 31 weeks being carefully monitored - I am reminded that God uses the weak to shame the strong (paraphrased 1 Cor 1:27). 
All this to say - it's not the circumstance that we should focus on. It's what God's word says about us, and how he will carry, provide, strengthen and bless us.

'I will be with you when you pass through the waters, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. You will not be scorched when you walk through the fire, and the flame will not burn you.
Isaiah 43:2

I am so thankful for the time spent in the mornings reflecting on God's word. So INCREDIBLY thankful that I've bookmarked verses of faith, hope, and rejoicing. I encourage you to do the same.  You may not think it too important as you do it daily and 'ritualistically' but there will come a time when these words of hope will flood your soul and give you unimaginable peace. So I leave you with a few of my favorites to help you build or maybe even start your list of God's promises.


So don't throw away your confidence, which has great reward. For you need endurance, so that after you have done God's will, you may receive what was promised.
Hebrews 10:35-36


So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10


Haven't I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9


We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God; those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28


We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5


Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.
Psalms 55:22


Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart's desires. Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him and He will act, making your righteousness shine like the dawn, your justice like the noonday.
Psalms 37:4-6


For I know the plans I have for you, plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

What's your bumper sticker

I admit, I've always wanted to be one of those people who can say they've completed a half marathon and place the ever coveted '13.1' sticker at the back of my car.... alas, the dream has yet escaped me for at least another year. But it got me thinking. What do I want people to know about me. You know, what's my bumper sticker?


Do I want the world to see that I've strived to be a great wife and mother? Faithful friend? Follower of Christ? A seasoned athelete? Good employee? Good student... good listener???

Maybe it's all the above.

Whatever your list may be, take a moment and recognize what you are striving for.
- Is it in line with God's word?
- Is it helping you or hurting you?
- Are you overcommitted or undercommitted?
- Is it something YOU really want for yourself... and not an expectation from someone else

Sometimes we get so busy being busy that we neglect to really focus and give place to those things that we really want to define us. Those things that inentionally or unintentionally become our 'bumper stickers'. And sometimes, if we're honest enough with ourselves... we are trying to 'keep up with the Jones' and striving for something just because someone else has it or has accomplished it.

Just some food for thought --- this is YOUR journey.
God has given YOU a gift that no one else has, a path that no one was meant to take.

(1) Let God  lead your steps
  - Work to make sound choices, and not those lead by emotion or obligation
   Probverbs 16:3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

(2) Be sensitive to God's voice so that you know your next step
  - Spend time in God's word
  Psalms 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.
  James 1:5-6 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without 
                       reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith with no doubt, for the one
                       who doubs is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
  Ephesians 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of
                       wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him.
  Ephesisans 6:17 Amd take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of
                       God.

(3) No one is perfect. Change comes is steps - not leaps
   - Be forgiving of yourself
   2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for
                       correcting, for training in righteousness so that the man of God may be complete,
                       equipped for every good work

(4) Enjoy the journey
  - Take into account what YOU love to do
  - Enjoy each moment and soak it up for all it's worth
  - Know that each success (and failure) is a lesson learned, and one to take you to your next step

Unrelenting faith... God's uninterupted peace

Today I'm reminded, yet again, to rejoice in hope - patient in affliction - and persistent in prayer (Romans 12:12). It's been a pretty rough last six months. My faith has never been more tested. Everyday life, pressures on all sides with no relief in sight. I have to admit that I didn't live up to my own expectations and allowing myself to be defeated. I lost my joy.

But today... I CHOOSE to have unrelenting faith and live in God's uninterrupted peace. I take authority over all those things that cause confusion and brokeness. I CHOOSE to speak God's Word over me

• I will 'not lack diligence, and be fervent in spirit, and serve the Lord cheerfully' - Romans 12:11
• I will ' remain confident of this; I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.' - Psalm 27:13
• I will trust that 'the Lord will guide me always. he will satisfy my needs in a sun-scorched land and will strenthen your frame. I will be like a well watered garden whose waters never fail.' - Isaiah 58:11

Be encouraged. Know what God's word says... take authority in your life, live in peace and run this race with JOY!!!!

Love is....

Growing up I loved to look through the comics section in the Sunday paper at my grandparent's house and cut out the 'love is' comic. I'd daydream of the day that I was happliy married with a dozen kiddos in tow (yes, I actually wanted a dozen) and living in bliss.

Fast forward 25+ years... I'm happily married with 2 amazing kids and walking in grace.

Since Valentines day is just around the corner... here's my take on what 'love is'

Love is.... a gentle answer (especially when everything inside of you feels like screaming)
    What I've learned in the last 25 years
    - As a wife, I need to respect my husband as the head of our  
      household and love him unconditionally. My opinion may not
      always be right. I need to think before letting rash, hurtful
      words leave my lips
      My counsel to my husband is invaluable and I need to continually pray for wisdom to  
      guard my heart and mind
    - As a mother, I set the tone in my home (for better or worse)
      The tone in my voice makes a world of difference in how my children will respond to
      discipline

Love is...patient and deliberate
   What I've learned in the last 25 years
    - No matter how anxious you are about moving on to the 'next step' - STOP and enjoy
      where you are at. Be intentional about making each day count. I made the mistake
      many years ago pushing my husband for a baby. It nearly tore us apart, he wasn't
      ready and he just wanted to enjoy being with me.
    - Have purpose in all that you do. Make even the small things count. Because those
      are the moments in life that you will build on.

Love is... accepting God's forgiveness
     No matter how many times I fail, no matter how many bad decisions I make - God
     forgives. And He forgives, completely.

Let God's love define who you are. You can't go wrong.
1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

Hope Floats...

Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick; but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

Have you ever been in that moment, where you're waiting on an answer or action from God? Waiting for... the right mate, a baby, a job, test results, a stronger marriage... this list is endless. I'll be the first to admit I'm not a big fan of waiting. I thrive on organizing, planning and understanding what's coming up and when it's coming. One of my strengths is anticipating needs... so having to hope/want/wish for someone or something obviously doesn't fit my journey model well. But in every step of the waiting process, God is always there. And when he shows himself to be faithful in my hope/want/wish - he is more generous than I could have even hoped for. It's the waiting room mentality that we need to step out of. In the waiting room we become anxious, uneasy, 2nd guessing ourselves, over thinking our need, sometimes desperate... do I dare say, not trusting God? When we truly give our hope, need, longing to God - we're no longer in the waiting room, we are enjoying the journey. Find the silver lining in where you are at, because in this 'step' you will find something that will lead you to God's best for you.

So as you wait - be joyful in hope. Stand firm in your faith. Reflect and medidate on God's word

• His timing is always perfect,
• His wisdom will lead you,
• His strenth will carry you,
• His voice will give you peace

And if you feel doubt looming - stand on His Word
Psalm 56:8 "You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book."

God is just as excited (maybe even more so) about the next chapter in your life. Like a parent at Christmas knowing what's under the tree... Enjoy your journey, let your hope... float.

Romans 12:12 "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer."

Patient Endurance

Re posting this because I needed it today...
Hebrews 12:1 ' ... and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us.' -- I LOVE this. Not only because I love to run and the analogy fits me well but I love that God directs us to stay the course with patience. Which to me means that there are going to be things that will distract, encumber, and discourage. But HE who is faithful will deliver me from that if I allow it. So amazed at God's love and and encouragement.
I choose today to be steady, not easily turned, not wavered but set on the course God has prepared for me. And I pursue his calling on my life. I pray for wisdom and blessings to rain on me and my family. I cast out fear, worry, doubt, sickness, strife and bitterness. I will dwell in His perfect love. And taking to heart that we are redeemed.

Deuteronomy 28

28 If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. ² All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God:

³ You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country.
⁴ The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks.
⁵ Your basket and your kneading trough will be blessed.
⁶ You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.

⁷ The Lord will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven.

⁸ The Lord will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The Lord your God will bless you in the land he is giving you.

⁹ The Lord will establish you as his holy people, as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands of the Lord your God and walk in obedience to him. ¹⁰ Then all the peoples on earth will see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they will fear you. ¹¹ The Lord will grant you abundant prosperity—in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your ground—in the land he swore to your ancestors to give you.

¹² The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. ¹³ The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom. ¹⁴ Do not turn aside from any of the commands I give you today, to the right or to the left, following other gods and serving them.

Take hold of what God says is yours. Continue the race with patient endurance knowing that He protects, provides, gives wisdom and is eagerly awaiting the next chapter in your life.

Communicate.... less

One of my favorite memories of the early days of dating my hubs was the abundance of notes and letters I got from him. Not that I want to date myself, but this was a time before email, texting and fb were the common forms of communication.

Things I will always remember: how the letter always smelled like him, his beautiful penmanship, and how articulate he was.

A lot gets lost in technology. It feels like we live in an abbreviated world now. Everything has to come faster, and with less information or benefit. Texting during dinner (instead of quality family time), addiction to online games (instead of getting on the floor and playing with the kids), pintrest, facebook, instagram... --- this is my dirty laundry list, feel free to add :). It's what I call cyber reality. Where I convince myself that it's good mental stimulation and at the end of the day it sure has taken a lot of my time. Taking multi-tasking to it's greatest height and maybe one of my epic failures. Don't get me wrong, this form of communication and ability to gain knowledge is great, but in moderation and should be close to the bottom of the list of things you need to do today.

All this to say, take your time and communicate less with your smartphone, laptop, ipad, itouch, etc. Time is a gift.
- Read a book (to encourage you)
- Go on a date (to keep your relationship strong with your spouse) -- and if you can, with 1 phone for emergency calls from the babysitter only
- Read a book to your child (to build your family)
- Play football/games with your children (to build your family)
- Invest in others
   - Send a friend a 'thinking of you' card
   - Host play dates for your kids
   - Make a meal (or desert) for a friend

Ecclesiastes 3:2-8
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:

² a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
³ a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
⁴ a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
⁵ a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
⁶ a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
⁷ a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
⁸ a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.