The Joy of the Lord is our Strength

Last night I had a hard time sleeping because of a heavy heart. I picked up a book that I remembered I had by Joyce Meyer titled Peace...Cast all your cares upon Him. It's short book only totally 56 pages, however, I found myself immersed in its Truth that I couldn't put it down.


Lately, because of some certain trials I am facing, I have had an anxious heart. The greatest truth that encouraged me is that the Joy of the Lord is our Strength. When we are upset, we lose our joy and if we don't have joy then we lose our strength. We need our strength each day to resist the enemy and to live victorious lives through Christ. The enemy's primary goal is to steal, kill, and destroy those who follow Christ. Robbing us of our peace is the onset of his attack to ultimately steal our strength. We can't be powerful Christ follwing soldiers if we are weak. I have recognized several things that cause me to lose my peace. What causes you to lose your peace?


In spite of all the trials I have encountered this week I have actually experienced a lot of peace as well. I am not talking about the peace you feel when you are in a quiet, serene, beautiful setting because that's easy to be peaceful. No, rather, I am talking about remaining peaceful when you are in the "muck and mire". Jesus said He left us peace, not as the world gives, but the kind of peace that "passes all understanding." We can't wrap our mind around it. I believe it's one of the greatest gifts He extends to us. I am looking back over my week right now as I write, and I say to myself "how did I remain peaceful this week among my trials?" That's just it, I didn't do it, but I did decide I would receive His precious gift of peace. So, I encourage those of you who are in a "storm" right now to receive His gift of peace to carry you through and above the "storm".

Bless and not judge

I had a conversation yesterday with a friend that truly impacted me and although I won't share anything personal I would like to share the "theme" of our visit.

I believe if we are truly honest with ourselves we would admit that at times we have a real problem blessing and embracing other people's interests, passions, and callings if they are different from our own. God has wired each of us so differently and for very specific purposes. As I sat and chatted with this dear friend, I believe God revealed to me something very significant. Along with our purpose for living, God has also attached a passion to it. In other words, whatever our passions are than maybe our purpose is hidden within that. How can we do "kingdom" work if we are not truly excited and passionate about it? Isn't that what usually draws us to people and then ultimately to God? I know it does for me.

But, more than that, this conversation really caused me to examine my own life. At least for me, if I am passionate about something than I have a desire for everyone to have that same passion. For example, since I have such a heart for orphans and for adoption then I think everyone should have that same desire. However, God has truly been changing my heart attitude because the limitation that comes with passion can easily be confused with judgement.
As we discussed this, we landed on the fact that if all of us were the "hands" in the body of Christ then the body as a whole would not function properly, effectively, and even efficiently. This is why I believe God has made some function as "hands", "feet", "heads" etc. within the body.

So much of my intentions for wanting others to "do what I do" is because of true Christian fellowship. However, sometimes, we have to step out into our callings even if that means no one joins us. This has been true for me in several intances and it has caused me to lean more on the Lord and to draw closer to Him. But, like I said earlier, if no one is "tracking with me" then my flesh is screaming to judge rather than to embrace the differences. This is good though, because God is dealing with me on this and I am so thankful that He loves me enough to not leave me alone until I "get " whatever it is He's teaching me.

I do desire to "journey" alongside people who are like-minded with myself because there is somewhat of an ease there. Whereas, when we have very different interests there is somewhat of a barrier. But, as we wrapped up this conversation, we decided it doesn't have to be that way. We need to truly embrace eachother's giftings and passions so to encourage and edify each other through Christ.

This may not even be a revelation for any of you, but it has been for me because of my new endeavors. I am so passionate about them and yet I desire not to judge if others are not as passionate, but to harness that passion so that I may glorify God and bring Him honor through what He has called me to do. And rather than wasting energy on judging other callings, I desire to sow into their life by blessing them in what God has called them to do.

So let us embrace and bless our "brothers" and "sisters" and spur them on in their faith so that others may ..."taste and know that God is good..."

My First Blog ever!!!

Okay, bear with me as I am a new blogger! I have several friends who do this and have encouraged me to join the world of bloggers...so here goes!!!



So, why am I stepping into this world? I am not completely sure, however, I do love to communicate through writing. It seems to be easier and "safer" to share thoughts, feelings, and ideas.



I know in the busyness of life we lose touch with family and friends. Although, it saddens my heart to recognize that I have many long lost relationships, it is what it is. So I am reaching out to those long lost friends and family members, as well as, current ones in hope of rekindling our friendship.



I do realize emails and pictures don't fulfill the same need as sitting down face to face over a cup of coffee and a conversation, at least, hearing each others "voice" through the "web" can certainly be better than nothing at all. I also want to provide updates of me and my family, share my heart and thoughts, and hopefully hear from you in return.



Sometimes just sitting down and writing can be so refreshing, soothing, and freeing to my soul. May God's Blessings cover you and your families today. "His Love endures Forever."

The journey of homeschooling has begun. As some of you may know God began tugging on my heart about homeschooling my daughter last spring. I began praying for God's leading and here we are today. We just finished our first week of school in this photo, but are actually going on our fourth week. I am thankful to have this opportunity and know that so much growth will be born out of this experience. It is a calling and who the Lord calls He will equip. Thanks to those of you who are cheering me on and for your prayers, love and support.