Thursday, January 29, 2015

Broken

 
As I listened to the Bible this morning, yes I listened, the words of these verses seemed to be screaming at me. Let me tell you the back story...

In 10 days I will be boarding a flight for my first missions trip. I am excited, anxious to serve and a little nervous. God has provided every thing I have possibly needed so far for this trip from the cost of actually going to supplies to my personal needs. His hand has been on this from the beginning and I know He has big things in store. That being said, not only do I know and believe that God is going to do a mighty work, but the enemy knows as well and he is on high alert and full force attacking our team.
The past two months or so, both the ladies and missionaries of our team and our families have encountered some form of opposition from the enemy as he attempts to thwart our focus and attention from the task we've been called to accomplish. Hell must be shaking and the demons must be shuttering!
A couple weeks ago, I decided that I was going to do a 21 day fast in battle and in preparation for the trip to get my head and heart in the right place. I don't think hell likes that I am doing this.

This week, I am drained. Exhausted. Worn out physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually. I'm tired. I have had a hard time focusing and feel so scattered. I have prayed and I have prayed. I even asked God why my head and heart just don't seem to be "in the game."

So this morning, as I was listening to my daily Psalm reading, these verses rang out loud and I heard God clearly say to me, "I have you right where I want you. It is in your brokenness that I can fully use you and fill you. You've emptied yourself of everything and now I have something to work with. Don't be upset or feel discouraged! How you are right now is how I want you, how I need you."

Is there anything better that the words of scripture coming to life? Is there anything better than hearing the voice of your heavenly Father remind you of His plan? In the midst of my brokenness, He is there and He is at work and He is saying that I am enough.

CCLI Song # 7019974
Joel Houston | Jonas Myrin

© 2014 Hillsong Music Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com
CCLI License # 362101

 
 

Monday, January 26, 2015

Are you brave enough to join the #redlipnation?

A few weeks ago, the ladies of a Facebook group I am in decided to be bold and courageous! They started the #redlipnation! Now, I am not one to wear red lipstick...heck I am not even one to wear lipstick! I am a gloss and balm girl. One of the ladies wrote the best blog about this movement and you can read it here http://www.emilyshill.com/2015/01/redlipnation.html?m=1

After reading her post, I decided, what have I got to lose?!? 


I chose a lip paint that I received in my Ipsy Bag a few months ago. It is JCat in Red Potion. I guess it's not so bad 💄

Ladies it is time to be bold and fierce! Walk confidently in our calling, power and femininity! We can be mighty leaders whether at home, the office, from a pulpit or wherever and still look amazing! 

So, are you brave? Find the shade that works for you and share your #redlipnation selfies!


Saturday, January 10, 2015

Human Trafficking Awareness



January 11 is national human trafficking awareness day. 

There are so many ways to learn how to recognize trafficking and even ways to joing the fight against it. One of my personal favorite organizations is The A21 Campaign. At http://www.thea21campaign.org, you can read about the atrocities against people around the globe. 
The 13th ammendment may have been intended to end slavery, but there are more slaves now than ever before in history. 
Make yourself aware of and help end it! 


Monday, January 5, 2015

Understanding...

This life is full of things that we do not understand. We study, we strive, we contemplate, we meditate and yet, there are so many things beyond our ability to grasp. 

That can be really hard to swallow. 

I love what Psalm 131 says. 
LORD, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I don’t concern myself with matters too great or too awesome for me to grasp. Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself, like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother’s milk. Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me. (Psalms 131:1-2 NLT)

We face struggles and trials and beg to understand the reasons why and question the purpose it will have in our lives. Sometimes we figure it out. Sometimes we don't. 

I saw commercial for a TV show the other day...the main character is a young woman battling cancer. The segment I saw, the young woman said, "Maybe it's not about finding a reason. It's trusting that there is one."
That hit me. Hard. The truth in that statement is huge. It all comes down to faith. 
Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. (Hebrews 11:1 NLT)

I simply want to trust Him more and more as I journey this life, confident in where His leading me and my family. Confident that He will accomplish what He plans and that I will not disappoint Him.