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."