A duck out of water???

At church this past Sunday morning I was listening to my Pastor preaching his sermon and he said something that really stuck out.  It wasn't directly about his sermon topic, but just came up while speaking.  So naturally I started thinking about it and since my electricity is out due to it storming outside, I decided that I HAD to write a short blog posting...

I personally know a lot of people that feel like they don't need to go to church.  Either they feel like being a good person and saying a prayer every day is good enough.  Or they are just too busy to go to church on their day off...better things to do.

 

I used to believe that I didn't need to go to church to be a good Christian woman.  And I still don't think you HAVE to attend church in order to have Jesus in your heart.

But since I have had this hunger for more of Christ, He has been revealing things that I need to change in my life...

Doesn't it kind of go against who we are as Christians to not go to church?  I mean, if we are trying to be the people that God wants us to be then won't we WANT to be in church trying to grow and seeking after Him?  

My husbands often says, "I'd rather have never heard the name of Jesus, than to be a lukewarm Christian."

"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!  So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." - Revelations 3:15-16

By purposely not going to church, you are not growing spiritually.  It is almost like an open invitation to allow sin to sneak its way back into your life.  How can that be pleasing God?  We as humans are weak.  We need that regular encouragement and reminders.  We need our "God fix".  

As men and women of God, we were created to serve Him and worship Him.  

Yes, you can watch church on TV and you can listen to worship music at home, but what better place to be than the house of God, to grow and experience His presence?  

"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” - Matthew 18:20

I've heard people say that they didn't need to go to church because they already know what the Pastor is speaking about and they can study the Bible in the comfort of their own home.  In my opinion, that's a selfish excuse.  We shouldn't go to church for ourselves, but for God...

"People are often motivated toward church attendance for how it will bless themselves, however we should remember that the primary purpose of the corporate gathering is to bring "service" to the Lord as a blessing to Him"  - Dr. Dale A. Robbins

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." - Hebrews 10:24-25

As children of God, we know the times that we are living in and how things are only going to get worse...we know what our future holds, we know what's promised in the Bible.  Why wouldn't we WANT to be in church??  

Now back to the statement that my Pastor made during his sermon...

"If you're a Christian, you will go to church.  

If you're a duck, where will you be?  In the water.

If you're a Christian, you will be in church." - Pastor Clarence Crane

It makes PERFECT sense!  

I found this interesting bit of information on ducks that are kept out of water...

"Ducks are waterfowl. They evolved to eat, swim, play, and clean themselves in water. But on factory farms, they never even see it, except dribbling out of a pipe from which they are to drink.

Without water, ducks are deprived of their natural habitat. Denied this fundamental requirement, they can’t preen properly and find it difficult to keep warm. Without water they may develop eye diseases that can result in blindness."

A duck can survive out of the water, but it isn't pleasant for them. 

"I will declare your name to my people;
   in the assembly I will praise you."- Psalm 22:22

Life's a Beach...

I remember when I was a little girl, my parents would take me and my brothers to the beach a LOT.  I think we stayed on the east coast for a vacation at least once every summer.  We always had a blast playing and swimming in the ocean.  We would jump over the waves and let them knock us over.  We would sit down and just wait for the waves to come up and knock us backwards.  We would laugh and play.  I remember some times even just floating under the water and allowing the waves to push and pull me around.  It was fun!  

We were fearless.  I don't remember for a second being scared of those powerful waves and currents.  I might have heard a little something about them, but never really thought about it.

Ben and I took the kids on a day trip last weekend, over to the east coast for the first time this year.  The kids are now at an age where they are fearless just like I was when I was little.

Until now they were always scared of the big waves crashing down.  But for the first time in their lives, they ran and jumped right into those waves!

They were jumping the waves and letting it knock them over. 

They were sitting and laying in the water like I did when I was little...just being kids, carefree, and having fun! 

It seemed it was the funnest time they had had at the beach so far...while I found it really difficult to relax and completely enjoy it.  I was a nervous wreck!  I couldn't keep my eyes off of them, just worried that something awful might happen.  Of course now that I'm an adult I know about all the dangers of rip currents and under toes.  It scares me to no end to think of what could happen if my kids were to lose their stepping or go under with a wave.  

It made me think back on when I was a child and not once can I remember being afraid, and how my parents must've been a nervous wreck watching us too.  I guess I always knew that my parents were there if I needed their help.  

I think the beach is a lot like life.  The waves can represent the tempting and sinful things in this world, trying to pull us under.  They are constantly present, there, threatening us. 

When we're kids we don't have any clue about the dangers that are out in the world.  It's not until we are older, maybe teenagers, until we really start to see first hand what can really have an impact on our lives.  That is why I am thankful that I had my parents, just like when I was at the beach, there to grab me in cause I lost my stepping or a wave pulled me under.  They kept me in church and on the right path.  I learned to stay away from those temptations and sinful things.  I learned what to do if I ever got caught in a rip current.  I learned to be careful because of under toes.

Before I had kids and would go on beach trips as a teenager or a young adult, I was well aware of the lurking dangers of the ocean.  I was careful, but still enjoyed my time in the water.  I had knowledge of it all and I also knew what to do in case something went wrong.  I had Jesus living in me, so I was still able to have fun, but just a little more cautiously.  Instead of my parents being there in case I lost my stepping, I had my God to guide me.

I might have gotten knocked down and a little disoriented by a wave or two, but because I knew what to do to get out of the danger, I never allowed the ocean to completely take me.

Now that I have kids of my own, it is my job to watch them carelessly enjoy the beach.  It is my job to keep them in church and on the right path.  As long as I am faithful in teaching them about God and how we are supposed to live our lives for Him, then one day when they are faced with the dangers of life, I will trust that they will apply that knowledge and handle it the way that we as Christians are supposed to.  They will get out of the rip currents and the under toes that this life throws at them because they will have Christ living in them.  We will raise our children to when they're older, carefully enjoy the beach AND to stay away from the dangers it imposes.  They too will have God to help and guide them when they are too old for Mommy and Daddy to always be there to pull them out of the danger.

 I'm thankful that I was raised and taught how to enjoy the beach and LIFE in a responsible way, (with Christ living in me) that will keep me and my family above the waves. 

Thanks Mom and Dad for not letting me get taken by the ocean when I was a little girl!

It's that simple...

I used to have index cards with specific Bible verses on them hanging on our walls and refrigerator.  I thought it was good to have little reminders for us here and there.  Not just for me and Ben but also for our kids.   Scriptures like...

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." - Proverbs 15:18

and

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." - Philippians 4:6

We recently moved and during the move I threw out the index cards thinking that I would just make new ones with updated verses once we got settled at our new place.

I started thinking about it the other day and which verses would be good for my little family to have around. The scriptures that I had hanging before were all fine and wonderful, but I started to think about my kids and how they are reading now (except Aslyn, but she will be soon enough). 

Will they really understand those scriptures?  Then I realized that I needed to think of something else.  Something more simple for them to grasp.  So, I started doing some research and reading in my Bible.  What I found took me back to when I was a kid.  Remember way back in Children's Church being taught the fruits of the Spirit?  And then probably hearing about it through the years all the way through youth group?  Well, I do.  Who knew there was actually a very good reason for my teachers to teach so much about one subject...

It made sense to me to hang something with the fruits of the Spirit on it for my kids.  But when I was reading scripture and trying to find ideas online, I found that not only is this great for the kids but it's something that I need to remember more in my personal walk.  And I think maybe a lot of Christians need to go back to their childhood basics and really try to apply these simple guidelines to their every day lives.  I say 'basics', but now I realize that it is so much more and deeper than just that.  I was really amazed at how powerful the phrase, 'the fruits of the Spirit' really is.

"So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want." - Galatians 5:16-17

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance/patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.  Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other." - Galatians 5:22-26

This is pretty simple to me...if we apply the fruits of the Spirit to our personalities, to our every day walk, then we will begin to be the people of God that we are called to be.  If we truly are living like we SHOULD be living, for Christ, with the Spirit, then we will have no desire to sin or be a part of sinful things.
I originally was thinking about hanging something like The 10 Commandments on my wall for the kids.  Which, don't get me wrong, they absolutely need to know them too.  But I really like the idea of teaching them good things to work towards, instead of the bad things to stay away from.
I think that if we teach them to strive to have these Godly characteristics then the rest will just be there.  As long as my kids are striving to bear these good fruits, then they will not bear bad fruit.  It's that simple.

"By their fruit you will recognize them.  Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?   Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.  Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them." - Matthew 7:16-20

I know a lot of people exhibit the 9 different qualities that make the fruits of the Spirit.  There are plenty of decent people out there that don't know Jesus as their Lord and Savior, that show love and patience, have joy, peace, are kind and faithful, gentle, and show self-control.  But the difference is Jesus.  His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control is perfect and like none other.  That is what we are supposed to bear as our fruit.  We are supposed to strive for the supernatural fruits that is Christ's own.  That is what sets us a part and that is what should be recognizable.  

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.  He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.  You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.  Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.  I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.  If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.  If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."  - John 15:1-8

 

I love this...this is so powerful to me. 

This explains exactly how we can achieve those supernatural fruits.  'No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.  Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.'  Of course it is not an easy task to have Godly love or patience, but if we ask Him for help and remain diligent, then we will see a change.  And once we begin to bear fruit, then we will bear even more fruit!

At the end of Galatians 5:22-26 Paul says, "Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other."  There's a reason for that.  Let's be honest, we as Christians tend to look at each other and yes, judge each other.  Maybe not always, but we have all done it.

I came across this quote when I was researching online...

"Once we truly have the Love of God in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, we will understand. Until then, we are simply beating ourselves and others with the branches, rather than producing fruit."

I love that.

Lord knows that I'm not perfect, nobody is.  This is a never ending process.  But it's something that I think is forgotten all too easily.  If we follow this simple guideline and strive to bear these Christ-like fruits, then I think we will find that everything else will fall into place a lot more easily.  And instead of watching others, judging, and talking behind each other's backs, we need to uplift and encourage each other.  Pray for one another.  If we continue to talk about and judge others, then we will never 'bear good fruit'.

Something that started out with trying to find a way to teach my kids turned into me renewing very important life's lesson in myself...how amazing!  Now I know what to hang on my wall for MY WHOLE FAMILY.  It's that simple!

Prayer, Faith, and Love...

This will probably be the longest blog that I will ever write.  This is the story of my family...

"You don't choose your family.  They are God's gift to you, as you are to them."  ~Desmond Tutu

When I was 18 years old I had come to a point in my life where I was fed up.  I was away from God, living for myself and not for Him.  I grew up in church and had a great relationship with Christ, but a few years before, I had gotten hurt by the church that I was attending and was really confused about a whole mess of things...I will save that for a different post.  So I was doing my own thing, nothing terrible, just being a teenager...but acting like one who didn't know Jesus as her Lord and saviour. 

Like I said, I got fed up.  I knew that I was missing something.  I knew that I couldn't keep this lifestyle up.  So I made a decision in my bedroom one night to make a change.  I wanted to be close to my God again.  I missed Him.  I rededicated my life and that's really where my story begins...

Every night before I went to bed I would pray that God would lead me to where He wanted my life to go.  I prayed that He would bring the right people into my life that would help me stay on the right path.  Of course I was selfish and I prayed that He would bring a Godly man into my life.  I was sick of dating the wrong guys.  And since I still wasn't attending church it was difficult to come across good Christian guys.  

I prayed and cried out to God that He would send the man that He had made just for me.  Every night I asked God to bring me my future husband.  I know that probably sounds silly to some people, but it didn't to me at the time, and it still doesn't today.  

It wasn't long until my Mom started telling me about this guy that she knew from working at the pharmacy in Winn-Dixie.  She knew that he, at the time that she knew him, was a church going guy and just a "good kid".  I wasn't too interested but she took it upon herself to get his phone number and leave him a message to come see her at work.  Well he did, and to make a sort of long story short, we went on a blind date and soon fell madly in love.  His name is Ben...

You may or may not know that we were planning to get married in March of 2003, but I became pregnant with our first child...

We were young and stupid.  I can't say that I regret our choices because those choices gave us our first baby girl.  It ultimately led us to where we are today.

  

Ben and I cried in each other's arms over the choices that we made, even before we found out about me being pregnant.  We gave it to God and He forgave us.  

Any who, we obviously had to move the wedding up a few months.  

On October 19, 2002 I married my best friend, the man that I cried out to God for, the man that He made just for me! 

Our baby was due April 16, 2003.  We were so excited!  In January 2003 my blood pressure started to run high and I was starting to swell up like a balloon.  I was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia and put on bed rest.  My doctor set up a consultation with a Neonatologist, a high risk doctor, in Tampa on February 26th.  He did an ultrasound and looked over all of my other tests that my OB-GYN had previous ran.  He sent me over to the hospital and told me that our baby was very sick and they needed to deliver. 

I would have to have a c-section because she was breech.  So, I got all set up at the hospital with IV lines and all that fun stuff.  The doctor came in and told me that he wasn't going to do the surgery yet.  But if any little thing was to happen, then he would.  I wasn't going anywhere until the baby was born.  Later that night I got a head ache...something common when running high blood pressure.  The nurse gave me Tylenol-3.  After an hour or so my headache was getting worse.  I let the nurse know and she told me the doctor was on his way.  He came in and told me that we were going to go ahead and do the c-section and deliver the baby.  

While preforming the c-section they found that the baby had flipped herself and was not breech anymore and also had tied 2 "true knots" in the umbilical cord.  If I had not gotten that head ache, our baby girl probably would not be here today.  

She was born at 3lbs 3oz.  She was perfectly healthy, just needed to gain weight.  She stayed a month, to the day, in the NICU.  She had to be on a heart monitor until she was about 7 months old and we had to give her caffeine to keep her stimulated.  She came home on my birthday, March 27, 2003.  

She is now 8 years old and has the sweetest biggest heart.  She is so smart and so tender hearted.  I could not ask for a better child than Mikayla Denee'.  Mikayla, by the way, means 'gift from God'.  

In 2004 we were ready to have another baby.  Our next pregnancy was problem free.  We wanted a little boy.  I won't lie, I prayed for a little boy.  I even bought cute little socks with fire trucks on them.  I told Ben that it was an "act of faith".  :)
We had our little boy on July 6, 2005.  He was 7 lbs and 8 ounces.  We named him John Brayden, but we call him Brayden.  

He just turned 6 years old and is ALL boy.  He is FULL of personality and is so smart.  He keeps us laughing and on our toes.

In late 2006 we were again, ready to have another baby, our last baby.  We knew that we only wanted 3 kids. 

We got pregnant in January of 2007.  We were beyond excited of course.  In March I went for my first doctor's visit and found out that I had miscarried the baby.  We thought that I was 11 weeks along, but the baby had passed away at 9 weeks. 

Having a miscarriage was the hardest thing that I have ever went through in my life, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  I blamed God.  I couldn't get over the fact that He had given me a baby just to take it away.  We had already picked out names...for a girl, Caydence Mackenzie and for a boy, Parker Noah.  It was a very trying, difficult time for me.  It was difficult for Ben too, but his faith was stronger than mine at that time.  I will explain more about that in a few.

We decided after a lot of thought and discussion to try one more time for our 4th and final baby.  We agreed that if anything went wrong with this pregnancy, then we would not try again.  It was too hard to go through the ups and downs.  In August 2007 we became pregnant with our 4th baby.

We went right away to the doctor to confirm the pregnancy.  It was confirmed, but when they performed the ultrasound, they couldn't find the baby.  They sent me to the hospital for more tests and better ultrasounds.  The doctor told me that I had an 'ectopic (tubal) pregnancy'.  Which means that the baby had found its way into my fallopian tubes and had to be taken out or it could cause my tube to rupture and that could kill me.  I asked the doctor if he was sure.  He called the Radiologist and said that he and the Radiologist were 99.9% sure.  They scheduled the surgery for the next morning.

Of course we were devastated. 

I went home and got on my face on the floor, prayed and cried out to God.  I asked for Him to reverse it, I begged.  I knew that we wouldn't try again for another baby and I just didn't feel like our family was complete yet.  I told Ben that I didn't feel like the doctor was right.  I asked him, "What if he's wrong?  Then we are killing our baby?"  I couldn't get that out of my head...if the doctor was wrong, then my baby would be gone.  The next morning I asked the anesthesiologist before the surgery about the possibility of the doctor being wrong.  He sent in my ob-gyn, who wouldn't have came in before the surgery if I didn't have any questions.  I asked my doctor what would happen to my baby if they were wrong.  He said that there was no baby and they weren't wrong.  I started to cry and he told me that we could just try again for another baby.  I told him no, that we wouldn't be trying again. 

After the surgery was over Ben came in and told me that the doctor came out after the surgery and told him that he went in to look around and found a "viable pregnancy" (I'll never forget those words).  It looked to be healthy, so they got out quickly and didn't disturb anything.  I was still pregnant and my baby was right where it was supposed to be!

When I went in for a check up a few weeks later, the doctor came and put his arm around me and said that I was so upset and if I hadn't had showed so much concern then he wouldn't have taken so much caution.  He had scheduled to do a flush procedure first.  That would have ended my baby's life.

Aslyn Elyse was born on May 20, 2008 at 6 lbs and 11 ounces.  Perfectly healthy and perfectly beautiful.  She is 3 years old now and is our precious "baby girl". 

She is a miracle.  I believe that the doctors were right and she was in my fallopian tubes, but God reversed it because I asked Him to and because I was obedient.

Our family is complete.  And even though it hasn't been an easy road, I know that everything happens for a reason.  God wouldn't have just let us go through the heart ache and sadness just because He can. 

I could be wrong, but I think the reason that He allowed these things to happen to me was to build my faith. 

I mentioned earlier that Ben's faith was stronger than mine during the miscarriage.  It was.  He would constantly tell me, "everything happens for a reason.  We have to believe that God has a plan."  (Not just with the miscarriage, but with every day things.)  Of course I didn't want to hear that.  But look what happened with Aslyn.  I cried out to God.  I believe that He worked through me to save my baby's life.  I had to believe that He would make it ok and He did. 

Because of all these things that I went through I have stronger faith.  I believe that He has it all planned out and even though we are in pain at the time, in the end, "we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."  - Romans 8:28

I have been shown favor.  I don't think that I have always deserved it, but look at what He has done for me and my family.  Look at what He has given me.  Look at the miracles God has done for me and my family.  I am blessed.  I am so UNBELIEVABLY blessed. 

Ben and I have been married now for almost 9 years and have 3 beautiful kids here and one waiting for us in Heaven.  We attend the church that Ben has gone to most of his life.  We have amazing friends and family. 

Ben recently got fired from a job that he had since before we got married...a job that was too demanding on him and our family.  A job that I cried out to God about every night.  We wanted a change from that job but was scared because it had always paid the bills.  It was our comfort really.  God made that choice for us. 

Ben was fired 2 days after Christmas and was without work for 2 and a half months...which was much needed time together as a family.  We had no income, but every bill got paid without having to borrow money from anyone.  God provided.

He now has a job that is close to home.  He is off of work and home with us no later than 6pm every night and is off on weekends.  We have never had this before, never. 

It's another answer to prayer.  God is amazing and has never failed us. 

I have learned through the years that if we keep our faith and always believe that God will see us through any obstacle, then He will and so much more. 

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

Let It Go...

When we are wronged by others...

I think one of the hardest things for a Christian to do is truly forgive someone that has really wronged them.  At least it is for me.  It's completely natural to be hurt and angry when someone wrongs us.  It actually proves just how human we really are.  Getting hurt really brings out our human selfishness.  We tend to only think about how WE are affected and OUR personal view point on the matter.  We tend to want to hold on to our anger as a protection mechanism.  Of course we never stop and think about how the person that wronged us are also just human, and like any other human, makes plenty of mistakes.  

Why is it so difficult to forgive?

Maybe lacking the ability to forgive is a lacking in our faith?  I believe that the act of forgiveness is an act of faith.  It doesn't come naturally for us as humans to forgive and let go.  We HAVE to rely on God to really bring us through it.  Without His help, we can't succeed.  Forgiveness is an act of obedience to God and if we have faith and truly forgive, He will honor our obedience. 

"Forgiveness is to set a prisoner free, and to realize the prisoner was you." - Corrie Ten Boom (Christian Holocaust survivor)

When we choose not to truly forgive, we can not let go of the wrong that was done to us.  We dwell on it, we continue to hold grudges, we continue to be angry, and we continue to hurt.  When we decide to release it to God and really forgive, only then will our hearts be set free.  He will change our hearts and only then are we able to move forward.

Giving it God...

"Sincere forgiveness isn't colored with expectations that the other person apologize or change.  Don't worry whether or not they finally understand you.  Love them and release them." - Sara Paddison 

One of my biggest faults are my expectations.  Why should I be expected to forgive this person that has wronged me?  It drives me nuts to no end that I am expected to forgive somebody that can't see the wrong that they have done!  That they will just keep on being the same person that is capable of such wrongful acts...that I am the one who has to change.  I take it upon myself to expect an apology or a change in that person before I can truly forgive and forget.  But, that's not what forgiveness is all about.  That's our selfishness creeping back in again.  And that's where our faith comes into play.  We have to believe that once we release it to God, that He will take care of the rest.  It's not our responsibility to see that the person who has wronged us understands their actions or even is punished for those actions.

'Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written:  "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.' - Romans 12:19

Forgive and forget...

I will be the first to admit that I have always said, "I can forgive, but I can't forget".

I've heard it said, "What if God chose not to forget the things that He has forgiven us for?"  Of course a response to that has always been, "Well, I'm not God and He doesn't expect us to be perfect."  No, He doesn't expect us to be perfect, but He expects a lot more from us than excuses because we are still resentful and not willing to let go.  Let's face it, CHOOSING not to forget, is CHOOSING to hold onto the anger and hurt.  

He also COMMANDS us to forgive one another...

"For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." - Matthew 6:14-15

"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." - Mark 11:25

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." - Luke 6:37

That's pretty clear to me.  

I have struggled in this area and am learning through God how to be the person that I am called to be.  I can't succeed in anything without His help!  

Forgiveness is a process that we have to continue to work at all the time, but if we have faith and give everything over to God...then will we begin to see what He has in store for us. 

Mission...

Growing up in church all of my life I have seen God move in amazing ways, in my life and in the lives of close friends.  Friends that I go to church with now and friends that I grew up with that now attend different churches.  So many of these friends have been given amazing gifts from God...so much talent.  They have long found their "calling" and are in some way fulfilling their purpose.

I have come to a point in my life where I want to be able to give back to Him in some small way.  Because I know that no matter what, I can never give enough for all the amazing things that He has given me in my life.  I think about how I have lived my life and how I am living my life now.  I wonder if God will be really pleased with how I am spending my time on Earth.  I try really hard to be a good Christian woman.  I don't smoke, I don't drink, I don't swear, I go to church, I teach my children about Christ, I pray to and love my God with all of my heart.  But what really sets me a part?  What extra 'thing' am I doing for HIM?  When thinking of these questions and answers, I often wonder...am I really living my life FOR Him or just WITH Him?  

"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."  Ephesians 2:10

So what have I been called to do?  I have always wondered what God has in store for me.

  

When I was younger, probably 15 or 16 years old an amazing man of God, Pastor Jeff Jacob, prayed over me one night in church and spoke to me words that have ran through my head randomly throughout the years.  But have recently been a constant memory.  He said, "Do not be content with where you are.  Do not settle for second best." 

I am not content with where I am and I do not want to settle for second best.  So, I am on a mission.  A mission to find my purpose, my calling, and to finally start living that out...living my life FOR Him.  

"Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:12-13