Mother of 5 beautiful children, friend of books, avid reader, bubble baths are life! I enjoy long walks and hiking, I seek adventure. Writing makes me a better person, I love to share my thoughts.
“Every man has his own destiny: the only imperative is to follow it, accept it, no matter where it leads him.” -Henry Miller
The road to new life.
Do you believe in destiny?
I used to struggle with this concept because I believe in God, but I know he gives us freewill. Do you believe that we are led to do certain things at certain times, for a higher purpose? We choose our day to day and yet there are divine appointments for all of us. To be at the right place at the right time. Lately when I am feeling down, I turn on this old show from the 1990s called “It’s A Miracle.” This show is full of stories about all kinds of different miracles.
This show has been very encouraging to keep faith in all circumstances. In many of the stories, people describe an overwhelming feeling to go to a certain place. One man shared that he couldn’t sleep for weeks and he kept being led to this pier close to his home. He would go day after day and couldn’t understand what was compelling him to go there. Then one day he saw a man fishing on the pier and he felt an urge to talk to the stranger. The two men struck up a conversation and became friends quickly. They agreed to meet and go fishing and he learned during their talks, that the guy he met had kidney failure.
The man that felt led to the pier due to a strange restlessness said that the feeling left him soon after he met his new friend. This friend was joyous despite health issues and need for dialysis each week. He was in need of a kidney very soon. The doctors had yet to find anyone that would be a good match. Then a thought came to the guy and he went home and told his wife that he felt he should do the testing to see if he could be a possible match for the donor surgery. His wife became upset and thought it was a crazy thing to do for a complete stranger!
The next day after their disagreement, she was behind a van that had a special bumper sticker it read: “Kidney Donors Save Lives.” That was all she needed to see and she immediately told her husband to go through with the testing. It turned out that he was indeed a perfect match for his new friend even though he was white and his friend was black! The surgery went great and the two men were bonded forever for one simple act of obedience.
“An individual’s destiny is an overarching thing, a shape or a pattern that runs through their whole life, and it can only be seen in retrospect.” -Helen Macdonald
Today in prayer, I asked God for my purpose. Then in quiet reflection I heard an odd phrase, randomly. My mind was bouncing around, but that was calm and quiet. I quickly wrote it down and pondered its meaning. It felt like a call to action. It was a comforting phrase, but it was also a divine mission. I admit I wasn’t expecting that at all. Then I felt led to a song, from a particular artist named CeCe Winans. The lyrics just came to mind and I began to sing.
Then the song led me to a memory when I actually met her at my old church many years ago. I grabbed my phone and found the photo and listened to the video of a song she sang that day, so long ago. This song was a different but so very beautiful. I cannot fathom everything but I think I know what I have to do.
Have you ever felt a calling or a destiny moment? Have you ever been compelled to go to a certain place?
Lord, I hear you please allow me to be at the right place.
Where the Lord leads, he provides! We are never walking alone, but it may be lonely on the path to destiny. Not everyone understands your calling or dreams. Do it afraid, accept the challenge friends!
You never know who you may meet in the process or whose life you could save! God has his angels, but we too can be a divine blessing to others!
Was it a calling card from heaven or mere coincidence?
Because sometimes we all need a sign.
Yesterday was a good day, but yet again there was a tense conversation with my husband. My heart heavy with heart break and unfulfilled dreams.
However each day I will myself to find joy in something! I defiantly listed things I was grateful for, as I walked frustratedly through the rose garden. I drove there on a whim because I was full of anger, I so badly want this season over with! And yet, God is growing me up! He’s teaching me to cool my jets, slow down, and think clearly.
Absolutely gorgeous
“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,” Ephesians 4:26 ESV
As I stormed to my car, I didn’t want to pray. I felt the Holy Spirit nudging me over and over. I relented and prayed. I vented a bit to God, and then I heard a small voice say in my heart: “Go to the rose garden.” I definitely wasn’t planning on going there. I decided to obey because I knew nature would help. Nature has been my refuge in this hard place. No one can understand in depth the way I feel but God alone.
The rose garden was busy and that irritated me more. I don’t have a poker face so I’m sure I looked ticked off. I tried my best to avoid people on the paths through the hundreds of roses. When I am hurting or angry I isolate. It’s a coping mechanism from childhood trauma. I learned very early that I had to protect and take care of numero uno!
Again God is breaking that habit too. I’m talking to people more and more. I’m being vulnerable a lot and it’s exhausting. I am proud of who I am becoming though. I feel the changes throughout my entire being. My mind being renewed daily. In fact YOU CAN teach an old dog new tricks! It won’t be easy though!
After I rambled off my mental list of things I’m grateful for I felt calmer. The more I moved my legs I felt better. I intentionally walked slower than usual. Demanding that my mind and body come into submission. Anger has a way of fueling your physical body. I want so badly to be justified in my plight! My mind screams, “I have been wronged!” Meanwhile my heart burns with intensity of the emotion.
When the storm within began to pass, I felt better. I had rode the waves and not drowned! Lately I have longed to see an old friend. I’m not even sure why exactly, but I told myself it’s because she knew me in my purest form. She bought me my typewriter and she made me feel safe. I was ten years old when I met Diane. I didn’t even know her last name, but after some Googling I found her.
Unfortunately I already knew she had passed away. I never got to say goodbye. She never got to see me become a woman. She was my granny’s neighbor, but I felt a bit guilty. So lately I’ve asked God to let me see her or something. I want a sign from only her! I don’t even know why, I really don’t believe in that. This season has made me question a lot of things and challenged me a lot.
As I walked around I said this beautiful garden would be a place she would have loved. I whispered my prayers for Diane in my heart. This prayer feels too foolish to say aloud. It was pretty hot yesterday so after walking a while, I found a bench. A family walks up to me and asks if I can take their picture. I do it politely and I decide to get away from them quickly. The entire time I’m willing myself not to cry.
I think to myself I cannot cry here, it’s a public place. However my eyes filled many times throughout the visit. Thank God for sunglasses! I finally found a bench in the back area that’s under some shade trees. I sit down relieved and just look at the beauty around me. The smell of roses all around. Many people associate angels with roses. Roses are said to have high vibrations.
The garden did not disappoint!
I sit watching birds and the trees sway in the warm breeze. Then as I quickly brushed away tears, I happen to glimpse something shiny under the bench. I realized it’s a dime, sitting heads up. It wasn’t the sign I wanted by far. However when I picked it up and examined it, the year on the coin shocked me! This coin was shiny, clean and looked new and yet the year was 1998! How would a coin from twenty-seven years ago look brand new?
I met Diane in 1998! That was the summer I spent many afternoons with her. I was so happy when I found her picture! I read her obituary and learned new things about my sweet friend. The photo was a younger one of her, but undeniably it was her! I saved it to my phone. I don’t know if I looked at her photo before I found the dime or after.
I want someone to give me guidance and immediate answers to what’s my next move. Im in a limbo of sorts, a ballroom dance of the unknown and I’m unskilled in this dance! My heart and mind torn with love and war! No one wins either way. Which way to turn? In the depth of my being, I know all this is not unbeknownst to God. Why should I worry, when I serve a God who is beyond time and space? Where are you Diane?
It’s all so foolish and I apologized to God for it. He knows my feelings, I can hide them from many but not him. I know I’m divinely protected, love immeasurably but my heart still hurts. Thank you Lord for dimes from heaven! This too shall pass!
“Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face.” Job 13:15 ESV
Today, I’m wearing the garment of praise! I’ve been a worshipper of Jesus a long time, my robe is worn, tattered, and well loved in. Like my Bible it’s got miles on it!
Free Photo Library
“to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.” Isaiah 61:3 ESV
Worship in nature
There are many things to worry about in each of our lives. We have to actively choose to set aside fear, worry, doubt, depression, and anxiety. A garment covers and protects our bodies from the elements. When we choose to put on the garment of praise we are clothing ourselves in hope, faith, and trust. Remember God knows what we need.
Many times the voices around us can become negative and we begin to tune in. We start complaining more or feeling frustrated often. We must remain in good spirits! I am the first to raise my hand that I can let worry talk me out of blessings! However the more I fill my mind with the word of God, and worship; the less time I have to entertain those things. Don’t beat yourself up if you get off track, just gently pivot.
The word repentance, means to turn away from sin and go back to God’s way. One way of God, is to be filled with supernatural joy. Joy that’s not about fame, riches, status, health, etc. This joy comes from being content. We put on the garment of praise, even when it’s hard to utter one grateful word! Right now my leg has a cramp, I could complain. It hurts but I choose to reframe, my leg is sore from exercising and it will yield results later.
Maybe you have a deep emotional wound, health issue or financial burden. I understand the frustration we all have problems. However I’m encouraging you gently to take a step back and gain perspective. Tell yourself, “ I am well capable of handling this problem, and I choose to remain positive.” At first it feels silly to be positive when we are angry, sad, frustrated or hurt. Put on your garment anyway!
There is an old song we used to sing at church that says, “Late in the midnight hour, God’s gonna turn it around!” This song is an upbeat anthem that our problems won’t last forever! We choose to believe that God CAN and WILL show up if we remain in faith! Remember midnight is the darkest part of night, that’s why it’s significant. Just when it looks like day will never break, and I’m talking about in our problems! Sometimes it does get worse before it gets better.
In the Bible, two men were imprisoned for sharing the gospel. They had been beat up and thrown in prison. Paul was what we call a frequent flyer! He spent time in jail often for being a follower of Jesus. On this particular night, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns late into the night. Mind you, these men were just stripped of their garments and beaten with rods!
Their clothes removed, their bodies battered, tired and exhausted from preaching and traveling. How could they have mustered up the energy to SING AND PRAY? This is the supernatural power of praise! They put on the garment of praise and it caused a great miracle to occur! Now I have been in a lot of situations, but not like this! And yet like these men I’ve had to praise from a place of knowing who God is beyond my feelings!
Have you ever had to keep a smile to keep from crying? How many times have you told someone at the store you were fine when asked the question we all hate, “How are you doing?” That question at the wrong time feels almost intrusive! It seems to come up on days that aren’t going so good! And what do we say? “IM FINE/GOOD HOW ARE YOU?” Our sweet, little, hospitable hearts don’t usually want to say what we actually feel! “NO! Susan, I am NOT fine, I’m having a terrible day, please go away!”
All joking aside friends, I’ve been there! I know you have too. Paul and Silas did not feel good, they were hurting. They choose to lift their own spirits by singing and praying. They did what God asks all of us to do. Be content in all circumstances. Content, not fake or lying about your feelings. We just take a stance of peace. I choose to put on the garment of praise. Some may say an attitude of gratitude.
So what happened to Paul and Silas?
What they thought was just a comfort for their weary hearts, blessed an entire prison.
Worship changes atmospheres! Joy is contagious. (Image: Google Gemini)
“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened.” Acts 16:25-26 ESV
Put on your garment of praise, you never know what doors it may open in your own life! Remember God is never late, he’s always right on time!
I have been through some unimaginable trauma and abuse. It went on for so long that it caused my worldview to be shaped by it. I learned how to medicate, mask and suppress my pain. It was a deep set rage. It would rear its ugly head whenever I felt the walls closing in. I heard once that “Anger is just love with nowhere to go.”
If someone got too close, I pushed back. The many times I let my guard down and thought I was safe, often something would happen. The person would hurt me in some form whether intentionally or unintentionally. This would trigger my guard and defenses up. I would react in anger or I would shut down. I think many times it was such a quick reaction I didn’t even notice it. Or at times I would tally up the offenses in my heart. Yesterday I heard in my heart, “You are acting like a skittish dog.”
We had an abused dog once, he was so scared. He didn’t want to be touched or played with. He would keep his distance. I remember trying to throw a ball at him and it accidentally hit him and that was it! He went and hid from me. He looked wounded and hurt! I’m thinking, but I didn’t mean to hit you! I wished I could tell him, but like me he wouldn’t have listened. He had decided the world was unsafe. He decided love was too risky.
Through this season of my life God has allowed everything around me to become silent. The silence so loud it made me listen to things I didn’t want to hear. I had become like the people that hurt me. I was closed off from truly letting my true self be seen. I am very tender hearted by nature but anger has a way of taking that and making it a weakness. I started to pretend to not care.
For many years I couldn’t talk about the abuse I went through. I was so angry that I stuffed it deep down. I hope that I would never have to sit with it. Until the little girl inside demanded to be heard. She needed healing that she never found. I started to listen, to feel and to allow it in. I began to grieve the pain. I watched as the flashbacks would come, some terrifying.
God does some of his best work in the dark seasons of life. I felt punished, but I realized it has been necessary. Today in prayer something shifted! I felt it throughout my entire being. The feelings so intense it shook me to my core. I never experienced anything like that, but instead of running I welcomed it in.
Afterwards I was so exhausted I could hardly make it to my bed. I tried to eat and immediately became ill. I felt a sense of victory although my body felt death. I knew I had made a breakthrough. I felt an odd peace. It’s really hard for me to do these posts. However the more I open up my world, the bigger it becomes.
Healing is nothing like I thought it would be. I didn’t realize what it would cost. However, yesterday I read the story of the stoning of Stephen. A man in the Bible, who was full of God’s spirit and spoke the truth! He told people what they didn’t want to hear. They were so angry that they gnashed their teeth at him and yelled insults. Then they took him and stoned him to death. His dying words were words of forgiveness!
“And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” Acts 7:59-60 ESV
Now when I read this my first response was anger! I thought about all the injustices in my life and the lives of those I love! It struck a nerve in me. How could he be the one to die? He was the one doing the right thing! He deserves to die a horrific death after he obeyed God’s Will? I admit I don’t think I could have done it! Then it hit me, this is what God wants me to understand!
The justice that we seek may never come on this side of eternity! However hear me out, that does not mean that the person or persons got away with the actions committed! I have been in this space lately. I want justice I beg for it, cry for it and the longer I have the more hurt I became. I asked God why so many times. The simple answer is that God wants to allow it to change us ultimately!
Now if you have ever been hurt or wronged maybe you feel like me! Maybe you knew what happened was unfair and you would like to see them get their share! Friend, I can tell you for certain God wants you to let it go. He wants you to take the high road and not let the darkness of others steal your light. We illuminate what is dark in them not by punishments or get back. We shine a light on their darkness by remaining kind, tender, loving and true to ourselves!
I know, I know it all sounds so cliche! It sounds like a cruel joke! You mean I am the one that needs to change? I asked God the same thing with a dramatic groan and eye roll with it! You really mean this I am to love others like I love myself? How is this possible? Through the Spirit of the living God! Before Stephen the martyr died, he was operating in the Spirit. He was doing God’s Will despite the hate he received.
Before he said his final words, he saw a vision of the heavens opening up. The moment of death and pain awaited him. Yet before he saw death, he saw his next destination. He saw where he was headed! If we can get a little bit of perspective on our journey we can see that where we are headed is more important. The next step requires us to let go of all the things holding us down.
“Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”” Acts 7:54-56 ESV
Vengeance belongs to the rightful judge. God promises to pay each of us accordingly to our sins. For those who accept the blood of Jesus as payment, will not bear their sins. They will be pardoned. What a horrible day for those who chose not to take part in this radical forgiveness! I cannot rightly assess anyone because my worldview has been altered. That’s why God said do not judge.
So today, as I am recovering from the prayer of a lifetime. I realize that it’s my job to release the hostages. I must look ahead at what’s more important. I hope you will join me in forgiving and letting go any weights you may have been carrying. It’s too heavy, and slowing you down to get to your next destination.
I know somebody prayed for me! I know someone loved me when I was hard to love. And I know Jesus paid it all for me to be free. I choose his way. I surrender. I chose to put away bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness. Won’t you join me in singing the song of freedom?
““Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.”” Isaiah 12:2 ESV
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5 ESV
Yesterday evening I took a walk through a trail in the woods at my local park. It was after seven, and the woods were pretty dark and quiet. The sounds of squirrels rustling in the leaves and the song of the birds were all I could hear. I haven’t been on this trail much and I was amazed at how wooded this area is compared to the other path I walk. I was praying and looking around at all the sights. It’s a beautiful area, that makes you feel like you are far from the city. The silence gives nature the full stage.
I was pondering things I have read, heard, and seen throughout my day. Nature always seems to reflect what I am pondering on back to me. It’s funny how light has a way of piercing through the trees and reminding me that I am not in the darkness completely. No matter how wooded the area is the light still made it way through. That’s how I felt. I knew that although some seasons of life can feel heavy, dark, wooded that the light still cannot be erased.
The purpose of light is to make what is unseen visible. To bring what is void and formless to order. When you bear the light wherever you are, you illuminate the world around you. Sometimes we make someone feel seen who feels unseen or forgotten. We can shine a light on the evil deeds of this world by using our voice. We can be a light of generosity to those around us. We all know someone like this, who just makes the atmosphere change with their presence. Friends is your light on today?
The darkness that we perceive in our lives can be in different forms. It could be ignorance of not knowing God or not understanding spiritual truths. Then there is darkness that comes from evil forces, negativity, external opposition, uncertainties, emotional pain, etc. Anything that causes a lack of clarity can feel like darkness. The way to find the light again for me, has always been to turn to my faith in Jesus.
““You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 ESV
Jesus is the Light of The World, and when we follow him we too become the light. You do not have to walk with the darkness of life alone! No matter what circumstances that you find yourself in, God has a plan for you! He wants to come alongside of you and walk it out with you. Maybe you have fallen in sin, temptation, or maybe you are ignorant of the things of God. That’s okay, because we all have to start somewhere! I would rather see a person get saved at 99 than never to experience the abundant life that Jesus has for us!
As a gentle reminder, Jesus is not a genie, and he doesn’t say that life will be perfect or without suffering. When we take part in suffering with HIS spirit inside of us and that’s what makes it easier. He promises to help us bear the weight of suffering. He also redeems our suffering for eternal glory. We use what we go through to help others, grow in character, and draw closer to God. Whatever darkness may be on your path, let it be for a greater good!
“And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness.” Genesis 1:3-4 ESV
As I was turning around to head out of the wooded trail last night, I noticed once I walked up the small hill and out of the darkness; there was light! The light in the picture doesn’t do it justice it was radiating through the trees, full of beauty and warmth. It felt like hope rising in my heart that after a period of darkness the light must return. The light inside of me cannot be diminished by this heavy and dark season of life. As long as I stay connected to the source of light. When we get to heaven, we will see the light of glory, so bright that we will not even need the sun!
Whenever you feel discouraged by the darkness around us, remember that God has appointed all the seasons of our lives. They must change and trouble doesn’t last forever!
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;” Isaiah 61:1 ESV
I have been intentionally not blogging for a bit to rest. However, last week something truly special happened and I just had to share it! One thing that I do to be involved in my community, I am a prayer partner for You Version Bible App. I have been on the prayer team for two years now. It has been such a blessing! I have always had a God-given spirit for prayer. Some call it an intercession, watchmen, gatekeeper, etc. I have been so blessed to be witness to many answered prayers from my own friends and family. I wanted to share my faith with others because sometimes life can beat us down.
I have been in that space many times, in desperate need of prayer. Just like those that I pray for, I have sent in many prayer requests to similar organizations. It feels good to know that someone else is interceding with me to God. Sometimes discouragement can be so heavy, that I feel the need to get with a community of believers! The power of corporate prayer is not one to take lightly! Unity is a one of the greatest gifts that we can have with others.
Last Sunday God had me dispatched to pray for a special young woman. Honestly, it had been a tiresome week and I was debating if I even wanted to go to church. I had an early class that I was supposed to be going to, but I accidentally forgot to set the alarm for the earlier time. Well the Holy Spirit has a sense of humor and decided that he would send me a dream to wake me up! In the dream, all I remember is that I was getting on to my teen son for not being up and ready, that we had class at 9am! Ironically, as soon as I said it my eyes flew open and I grabbed my phone. I was annoyed that I only had one hour to get three kiddos up and ready and myself!
God Moment:
However, I just knew that God wanted me to go despite my feelings and complaints! I hurriedly got ready, then the kids and rushed to the church. We were a late by about ten minutes. I hate being late! Then of course my little daughter refused to go to her own class and I frustratedly took her with me to mine. I apologized for being late and told them my daughter refuses to go to her class. Everyone laughed and said no problem to bring her in with us. The class was good, but I had trouble focusing because I was still tired and my daughter was whiny. She made me hold her most of it and ate snacks.
The class is to join the church, everyone there is fairly new to the church. I just moved to this state and knew I needed to get back in church. As the class ended, and we were walking out I had a strong feeling to talk to the two young women behind me. After a bit of small talk, I started to share what had brought me to the church. One of the women, said she felt drawn to me as well.
She suggested that we all sit down and I just began to share things on my heart with them. Both women immediately started to encourage me and speak life into my situation. It was such an odd encounter, because it was like as I shared my story they were enthralled with it. Oddly it was like it gave them what they too needed. Maybe they were looking to let their own guard down, because one of the girls said she really struggles to talk to people and make connections. As I shared what was on my heart the girl began reading Isaiah 43 to me as encouragement. The woman that I felt the deeper connection to she told me as she listened to my story that she saw me as a “pillar.” She spoke with such conviction and faith. It was like she could see inside of me!
This season has been a really hard one for me due to the move, marital issues, trauma, abuse from childhood and long standing family issues. I couldn’t help but be moved to tears as I talked to them. I was grateful for the instant connection! It was time for the regular service to start to we all decided to sit together. The service was powerful and it felt as if the pastor was speaking directly to me. Before the service was over one of the women said she was leaving, we hugged and she left. Then they called for altar prayer with the prayer partners at the front. The woman that said she felt drawn me asked if I would go with her up there. I reluctantly told her yes, I am a bit shy in front of everyone. My nature is to be in the background.
However after she has spoken such life into me I knew I had to go with her. She stood with me and I went to the pastor that delivered the message. I told him I’m new there and I’m looking for God’s guidance that I’m in the right place. He was a new speaker that I hadn’t got to meet yet. He prayed for me and felt the Holy Spirit strongly. I could feel the energy radiating all around me. He looked over at my friend confused and asked who she was. I sheepishly told him that we had just met and she was my friend. Most of the time, people pray alone with a prayer partner.
For some reason, my friend did not want to talk to the pastor. After he prayed for me, she quietly asked if we could just stand there and pray “ourselves.” I saw that she had something in her hand, and she placed it on the altar for a moment. I told her yes, and I began to offer up praises. Then I felt the strong urge that she needed a mother. It was all that I kept thinking. She had told me earlier that she is raising her brothers with her father and her mother is back in Ghana. I grabbed her and began to pray and then God stepped in. I felt her collapse into my arms sobbing.
I held her firmly and hugged her tight, I prayed and cradled her. I told her I would help her if she needed. I was so moved by her comfortability with me. It was like I had known her my whole life. She did not want to let go. Our makeup was all over each other’s faces. I could feel her burdened heart, she had been through a lot. I knew there was more to her story, but she wasn’t ready to voice everything. I thought it was so odd that she wanted me to pray for her versus all the people that stood there for that very reason!
That encounter was definitely a divine appointment, I knew it. We were so enthralled in the moment that everyone has started to leave and clean up the chairs. I couldn’t hear or see them, all that mattered in that moment was that I stood in the gap for my new friend. I was there to hold her up for at least a few minutes. She thanked me profusely and we both were very moved. I couldn’t stop thinking of it all that day. She was just what I needed and likewise for her. I came in discouraged and left empowered!
Friends that is the power of unity and prayer! When we are open to the move of God, we can see miracles happen. We can be at the right place and right time to be an answer to someone’s prayer! Do not miss your chance to be a blessing! I am honored to be a prayer partner, if you need prayer don’t hesitate to reach out!
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”” Matthew 18:20 ESV
Happy Reading & God Bless! If you have a prayer need email me, I would love to pray for you!
Well I feel that God has asked me to step back for a bit. I’ve been feeling the weight of all my striving, busyness, and the emotional healing process. I’m taking some time to reflect deeper, heal, and process everything I’ve been feeling. I do not like to rest, I prefer to be busy or active. The past few months have been really intense and I know it’s time to reposition myself.
I miss writing and blogging, but all my activity has left me feeling worn. I’m still grieving many things. I feel sort of empty. It’s an odd feeling, I feel God’s love, peace and joy but the deep sadness too. My nights became sleepless and that’s when I knew something must shift. I’m a caregiver by nature, I enjoy encouraging and pouring into others, but I need it right now. In order to heal and come back stronger I must digress.
I’m not sure how long, I’m still actively listening for God’s ultimate plan. I ask for your prayers and kind thoughts as I navigate this time.
I must admit I don’t miss social media like I thought I would! 😂 However I miss my fellow bloggers!
I will share a few nature shots I took last week!
Spring is in full bloom! The smells are amazing! Gorgeous Gardens are so peaceful. Sunshine ☀️
The world offers fame, fortune, and the easy path to success. At what cost? I can take a shot, a pill and loose the weight. If I don’t like my body, face, or dimensions I can change the with surgery. If I don’t want to study for a test I can use AI and cheat my way through. AI is so powerful, that I can create whatever and pass it off as my own thoughts and creativity. Friends these are our modern day idols. The paths that lead to our desired outcomes but are taken through a short cut.
As I sat down to write this the phrase “We will not bow,” came into my mind. I began to think of all the things that we are finding ourselves caught up in today. We have become a very superficial people. We focus on status, wealth, prosperity, and self worship. I’m not pointing any fingers because I too have my own idols. I feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit as I am writing this to you. There are things in my life that I have made a priority over what God wants.
There is a story in the Bible, of three young men that refused to bow. This golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar raised up in Babylon. The King wanted this statue to be worshipped and bowed before every time the people heard any kind of music. This story comes from Daniel chapter 3. He decreed that whoever did not bow and worship the golden image, would be tossed into a fiery furnace! In this time many Jews lived amongst these Babylonians who are known as the Chaldean Dynasty.
King Nebuchadnezzar was the greatest king of this empire. These young men: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, were companions of Daniel. Daniel was favored by the king, despite his faith in the one true God. He was faithful in his duties and service to the king, but he kept himself righteous in the eyes of God. Daniel had his friends promoted when he was raised up into position. There were Chaldeans that were watching them and saw that they never worshipped the image. Like many people today, they couldn’t wait to go tell the king on them. The snitches were looking forward to the show!
They wanted to see these young men be tossed into the furnace. Immediately the king summons them to him and questions them. He was willing to give them one last chance to bow before the image. Here is how they responded:
“Then Nebuchadnezzar in furious rage commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought. So they brought these men before the king. Nebuchadnezzar answered and said to them, “Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up? Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, well and good. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?” Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”” Daniel 3:13-16, 18 ESV
They had faith that if they were faithful to God that he would be faithful to them. He would deliver them or let them die with honor.
We will not bow.
What idols are you bowing to today? Are you choosing what is easy for temporary pleasures or choosing the right thing? As I ask you this I am questions and pondering my own selfish heart.
LORD help me not to bow to things that are outside of your WILL.
Their response outraged ole King Neb, he couldn’t believe that they were challenging him and comparing him to their GOD! He decided to have the furnace heat turned up much hotter for them smarting off to him. He had it heated 7X’s hotter! He ordered Shedrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be bound and thrown into the flames. The flames were so hot and it was heated so quickly, that it literally killed the men that took them and threw them in! Somebody call the fire department! I cannot even imagine the terror that they faced. Yet I can imagine that they were praying and encouraging themselves that they chose the best thing.
Will you choose to honor God when it costs you something?
As the king and his advisors are watching they see that something strange is happening!
“Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.”” Daniel 3:24-25 ESV The three men were unbound, WALKING around in the fire, and guess what? They were NOT alone! There was an angel of Lord with them! This moment shook the king to his core that he immediately started saying that they were servants of the MOST HIGH GOD! He literally starts worshipping their God! Their clothes, skin, and bodies were perfectly normal! They didn’t even have the smell of smoke as they came out of the roaring flames.
We can change the lives of those around us by being faithful to God. To allow them to see what his glorious power can do! They didn’t have to do this great thing, they could have just obeyed their employer.
We will not bow.
I can be the first to admit that I do not like to be in an uncomfortable situation no more than the next person. I want comfort, ease, and a practical life too. However, I also deeply long to continue to make a stand for my Lord and Savior. I want people to know of his great and wonderful deeds! I want them to hear my stories of his faithfulness. Yet, like many of us I struggle with compromise too. I admire these men so much!
Friends take it from me, compromise only leads to disappointment in the long run. We cannot outrun bad choices. We are not being threatened to be burned alive in our modern times, but we still can make a stand. We can continue to lift up our worship to our God in the midst of unbelievers. We can teach, pray, serve, and be a witness of him. We allow him to get the glory in our victories. Nothing I have came from my own strength and anything that I did earn in my own strength was given through the ability to my Lord gives of me!
The king changed his entire dynasty around and began to serve the ONE TRUE KING! He was humbled in that moment. Think of how many lives were spared by his choice? When we meet with a HOLY GOD our ways seem futile next to his. Our desires become his. We begin to little by little die to self. We struggle with our fleshly desires, but our heart is postured differently. When we encounter Jesus he gives us a new heart and mind. Sin will always come knocking because of this fallen world, but we can still honor God.
How can a sinner like me honor God?
By simply acknowledging our sinfulness, and making it clear that we understand we need a savior. We admit that we cannot love people right without him. We are able to recognize that our very nature is sinful. We often think wrong things, do wrong things and stray from the good path. Not one person walking can say they have not sinned! All have sinned and done evil in the sight to the LORD. Thoughts can be evil, intentions can be wrong, and motives are often rooted in the wrong ideals.
Let’s make the choices to honor Jesus. If he is tugging at your heart or knocking at your door, let him in.
All God wants is YES. One simple word and your life can change. If you feel the stirring in your belly it’s not the food that you ate, it’s the spirit God gave you being drawn to HIM. Choose this day whom you will serve? No other gods are like this one and that’s why he is the most controversial!
We will not miss the opportunity to bow before JESUS!
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“for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.”” Romans 14:11 ESV
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