Today I'm 40!

Well, the day has come...I'm 40!!! I have to admit, it was one I wanted to put off for a little while longer. It's one of those things that is inevitable and something you just can't do anything about. But, I've decided that rather than fighting it I will embrace it for all it is. This is my next chapter in life and darnit I'm gonna make it my best too. My first 20 years were interesting and the next were even more interesting. But, these next 20 can be a chance to take hold of all my experiences and apply them to help someone else, right? I'm actually very excited to see what God has in store for me. So, here I go. I'm ready Lord. Thank you for this day because this is the day You have made and I'm going to rejoice and be glad in it!

One Day All My Dreams Will Be Fulfilled

Last Sunday's sermon was so great. If you ever want to hear great teaching go to http://www.newlifechurch.org/ and listen to Pastor Brady Boyd.

I left church that morning feeling so encouraged. How often do we allow ourselves to fall into the world's temptation to make more money, to be more popular, to have the best physical appearances, to climb the career ladder etc. etc. or rather, blah, blah, blah. I fall into that trap when I'm not content with my life. I fall into that trap when I put my hope in things outside of Christ alone. I fall into that trap when I choose to spend my time outside of His Word. But, as patient as He is with me I felt Him calling me to be patient with Him and His return. The return to my final home, the place where all my dreams will be fulfilled. The place where I can finally be with the 'lover of my soul...forever!' I heard His voice speak into my spirit, saying 'Melisa just be patient my child. I'm coming soon and then all that I have planned for you will literally leave you speechless'...to say the least! So, I have to remember to be content in where I am. To remember that if I'm not living out my dreams here, I will be living them out in heaven for eternity. That's my hope when I become so drawn to the world's ways because one day all my dreams will be fulfilled in Christ and in Christ alone!

The Path That Leads to God

I am like a salmon swimming up stream, I live in a world I am not to conform to, I'm like a square peg trying to fit into a round hole and the inner struggle is simply because I am a Christ follower. That is not the 'PC' thing in our culture anymore. It's simply not cool to love Jesus. He did warn us that we would experience this type of struggle. But, being set apart is His perfect will for me and I trust Him. Although I may 'feel' different at times, deep down I have a peace that comforts me, grace that sustains me and a hope that encourages me. So, as times are only going to get harder and more pressing to 'conform', I must stand firm on the ever constant God, Jesus Christ. Through, Jesus, I will have the strength to swim up stream, live in a fallen world, and 'fit in' to the perfect plan He has set before me. Thank you for the narrow path for which I walk upon because I know it will lead me to the everlasting God.

Thankful Thursdays

The Uncooperative Sheets

Last night we were putting freshly laundered sheets on the bed and I found myself getting so frustrated as I tugged and pulled to get each corner wrapped around the edge of the mattress. 'UUUUgggghhh...I hate making this bed,' I said under my breath. And with a lovingly, but truthful response my husband gently reminded me of how blessed we are to have a bed to sleep in, much less having sheets that cooperate when making it. Oh, how right he was. I stepped away from that thanking God for a warm house, a warm bed, sheets, and laundry machines to clean them. It made me also realize how often I take for granted the simple things in life when there are others out there on the 'streets' just looking to find a decent place to lay their head at night. Thank you God for the struggle in making my bed; for in that my eyes were open. You do work in almost comical ways at time. Love you Lord.

Freedom to me is...

• Adventure
• Being myself...true Melisa
• Being heard
• Change
• Child's play
• Creating
• Dancing
• Drinking a cup of coffee over a good conversation
• Driving with the windows down
• Eating Chocolate...actually
• Eating any food I want
• Encouraging someone just because
• Exercising for fun
• Exposing my sin to a trusted friend
• Expressing myself with confidence
• Family time
• Feeling good emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually
• Forgiveness
• Fridays
• Giving without expecting anything in return
• God's grace
• Home schooling
• Honesty
• Jumping on the tramoline
• JESUS
• Kicking back and just 'being'
• Laughing until it hurts
• Lazy mornings
• Learning something new
• Letting go of the 'unnecessary'
• Living among the pines
• Living in God's perfect will for my life
• Loose fitting clothes
• Loving others for who they are and being loved for who I am
• Mocha Lattes
• New encounters, new places, new 'scenery'
• No Calendars (uuugh...makes me feel too caged up)
• Not letting what other's think of me affect me
• Praising God through dance or lifted hands
• Purging (getting rid of 'stuff')
• Quiet time
• Reading
• Running
• Shopping with cash in hand
• Singing
• Sleeping in
• Soaking in God's beauty through nature...bodies of water, mountains, sunsets, sunrises
• Spontaneity
• Taking walks
• Telling the Truth and hearing the Truth
• Texting a friends when you know you can't engage in a long phone conversation
• Traveling with no time constraints or money contraints
• Understanding
• Vacation
• Walking along the seashore
• Watching my children laugh and play
• When people 'get me'
• X,Y and Z...can't find words beginning with these letters, but I believe the above list describes a little more about me and how I view freedom.
  
  Christ died to set us Free. Let us live according to that Truth. He came to liberate the captive from their bondage (Isaiah 61). Thank you for Freedom.
  

I am Still Around

It has been some time since my last blog. Yes, I am still alive, for any of you who are perhaps wondering. I needed a break. I am waiting for God to give me something to write about. I hope all is going well for whoever views my blog.



Much love,



Melisa

'Encourage one another daily'

Do you have a favorite word? Mine is encourage. I love that word. It embodies hope, confidence, motivation, and love. According to one definition it is a contribrution to the progress of growth. "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25. Heb 3:13 even goes as far as to say, 'encourage one another daily.' Wow, how we would progess in our growth as Christians if we had that daily encouragement.

Some synonyms I came across were... to infuse courage. Perhaps many of us would overcome certain fears if someone would simply infuse courage into our lives.

To nourish hope is another way to encourage one another. When I think of nourish I can't help to relate it to food. We all need our physical nourishment, but more importantly we need our spritual nourishment. One way I am nourished is when I listen to certain bible teachers. It nourishes hope within me when I hear the word of God being spoken over my life.

Sometimes a pat on the back can encourage and motivate us when we are weary and wanting to quit.

And lastly, to cheer for each other is another way we encourage. It sends a relief that we are not on this journey alone. Let's face it, when we have a little help from the "stands" through our cheers for one another we tend to dig in harder, press on farther, and run all out to the finish line. I suppose since I have a background in running and racing I relate much of this life to a race. I'll always remember hearing my mom's encouraging voice from the stands cheering me on towards the finish line. Oh, how that not only set me at ease, but it invigorated my soul to run with all my might. I believe that is what Jesus would have us do for each other in this life.

The final Day is approaching and may we be diligent in our encouragement for one another. Keep on keepin' on, fix your eyes on the Lord Jesus and do not give up. Remember, He has great and mighty plans for you and your life.