This week has been a good week for me. I have been consistantly reminded of God’s grace, love and encouragement from a variety of sources. I, myself, have been attempting to be more of a living, walking testimony of who He is, and His love for others. I have had it on my heart that we are not guaranteed tomorrow. For so many people, the choice to accept Jesus, and follow after the heart of God is something taken for granted. Something that they assume can be put off until tomorrow. Because of God’s grace, it often can. But, for far too many, their tomorrow never comes.

For that reason, among many others, I have felt a passion unlike ever before. I know now is the time to be real.  God is truly a God of love. He has loving hands that are not to short that He cannot reach and hold me / you.

Along these lines, I was paid a compliment today that melted my heart and made me smile. I recently became friends with a person which I knew quickly that God had initiated contact. It was said that a friendship can be born in an instant, but can grow and flourish over the course of time, and into eternity. This is a very real person – with many similar struggles and very real pain. Through the writing I read, I was encouraged on so many levels. It just instilled that God is all powerful, all loving, and full of grace.

Anyway, what this person told me is something that made me smile. It was this: “Matthew 5:14 -You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Thanks for being the city through which His Light passes!!” That may not seem huge to you. And, in reality, it’s not. It just goes to show that the things we say and do really can and do have an impact on other people. What it says to me is that as the days pass, I am allowing God more access to shine through me. As stated before, I want to be someone He can work through – in whatever method He sees fit.

This morning I was driving to one of my childrens appointments and began to think.  I was pondering the day and also what to come here and write about.  Just as soon as I had the thought, exactly what to write about was just before my eyes…the beauty of His creation.

As I drove, I got a glimpse of His magnificent love for us, as displayed by the artwork beautifully painted on this canvas in the world all around us. The trees are just beginning to change colors.  Fall is in the air. The colors are so bright, vivid – simply breathtaking!

So many people (myself included at times) wonder if God is real while also wondering where He is.  They can’t see or feel Him near. 

I would challenge this with a separate thought.  Take the time and see Him all around you.  Take a moment to reflect on the clouds in the sky, the green grass, and at this time of year – the beautifully changing leaves. 

I cannot personally understand how anyone could take in this exquisite beauty and question His existence.  While you may not always see or feel Him in your every situation, remember He is ever present…and you are forever loved!

I’m not honestly sure who I am writing this post for, or to.  However, I feel strongly prompted to let someone reading this know that you are going to be okay.   I have no idea what you are going through, but I want you to believe in yourself.  Do not even consider giving up.  You’re worth so much more.

If you are struggling to see the virtual light at the end of the tunnel, know that you aren’t alone.  What you might look at and see as an insurmountable object really is temporary.  Even though you might feel overwhelmed right now, I want to urge you to take things day by day.  If that seems like a struggle, take things hour by hour – or even minute by minute if need be.  What I just want to stress is that what you are going through is going to pass.

Your story is important, and I do not believe it is complete – it’s still being written!  This life you may be struggling in the middle of is a fight worth continuing to fight.  You are worth it – your story matters!

There is one scripture in the Bible that has come to mean the world to me, and I hope it brings you peace and comfort as well.  “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11

If you find yourself struggling, and seemingly unable to see life beyond the present, please know I’d be happy to stand with you in prayer and friendship.  If you’d like to talk, please feel free to leave a comment below, or privately through my “contact me” page.

Smile and know that you ARE loved.

I have a short little message on my heart. I have realized the true and present need to live life with expectation. And, by that, I am not talking about things that are just easy for you. If you live every day just expecting to be alive, well – God willing – you will succeed in that. However, the thing we need to remember is that we, as human beings, need to be stretched. Learn to go out of your comfort zone, and it is there that you will find the greatest rewards.

See, if you expect things that are easy, or already within your grasp, this will not stretch you. We need to be passionate, and start expecting things that are outside of our current grasp, but that are promises that God, and perhaps God alone can help us with. He has promised us that He will never leave or forsake us. Take that message to heart, and know that you are not alone. Expect great things, and they will come. Expect nothing, and it will come.

If there is one realization I have come to lately, it is that we should strive to really and truly enjoy life. This means taking a look at reality, and learning to not sweat the small stuff – the stuff that (in the great scheme of things) just does not matter. There are things more important in life than that petty arguement you just had. We each find ourselves in situations where, I know, that is easier said than done…to focus on the important things. But, I think if we actively try to focus on God, and the bigger picture, all these other things WILL be okay…or at least fall into line.

Another thing that is paramount:  Prayer. Prayer is a powerful tool in the hands of believers. Deuteronomy 32:30 explains this concept to us: if one can put a thousand enemies to flight, and two can put ten thousand enemies to flight, just imagine what we can do when we all come together. “When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I will be there.” (Matthew 18:19-20, The Message Bible) The Bible tells us many, many times that we should “pray without ceasing”. (1 Thessalonians 5:8, KJV) Paul tells us in Phillipians 4:6 that we should “not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” God does answer prayer.

A friend told me today that he and is wife were praying and waiting with me – just with regards to a specific situation. That thought, however, has stuck with me. We all need friends in our life to believe in us, to pray for us, and to let us know we are not alone – no matter what. It was something as simple, for me, to hear that someone was waiting and walking along this path we called life with me. I strive to let my friends know the same thing. Are you that voice of reassurance in anyone’s life? Are you a friend to just do nothing more than wait and be there with someone? I am here to tell you – speaking from personal experience – that people need people. I’ve said that before, and I’m sure I’ll say it again. Don’t always try to be Superman. We weren’t created to walk through life alone. Be a friend, and beyond that, let others be a friend to/for you. It can and will make a difference!

When you think about the term “missions” or “missionaries” what is the first picture that comes to your mind?  What do you think of?  If you’re like me, and I’d surmise like many people in the world, the scenario that plays in your head goes a little something like this.  A missionary is someone who sells all they have, lives in poverty, and takes the gospel to a third world country – probably not with the best hygiene, living conditions or comforts of home.  You wonder what kind of person leaves all they know to be true and good, and voluntarily puts themselves in such a situation – with the possibility of getting hurt, sick, living in terrible conditions, or ever persecuted for their faith.  Really, who does that!?

Now, let’s talk short term.  What comes to mind when you think of a short term mission trip?  Do you think of a team of crazy people who put themselves in harms way to just share the gospel with a few people for a few days or maybe even a week or two?  Do you wonder what they’re thinking – or how they could possibly make a difference in that short of a time?

Our church recently sent a team on a medical mission trip to Honduras.  The reports that came in were nothing short of amazing, and all God in action.  Just hearing the testimonials of those who went, about the lives that were changed instilled in me the desire to be on the next team that goes. However, I’m getting ahead of myself here.  What really stood out to me was how much they all went for whatever reason(s) they set out to go on this trip – but all came back with their own lives having been touched as a result.  God worked through them in some pretty powerful ways.  However, he also worked through the Honduran people to see life change happen amongst the team as well.  Many prayed a prayer that God would break their hearts for what breaks his.  What a powerful prayer.  God’s love knows no boundaries.

With all of this in mind regarding missions, I’d like to urge you to take a step out in your own back yard.  Look around.  Drive through your community – observe.  My point is this – you do not need to travel to the far ends of the earth to make an impact, to be a missionary in your own community.  I’ve been praying the same or similar prayer. God, break  my heart for what breaks yours.  I want His heart for people.  That can sometimes be a dangerous thing to pray – because He’ll do it…and suddenly you’ll find yourself loving people and making a difference in ways that at one time seem foreign to you.  Don’t be afraid to reach out.  Don’t be afraid to be that living testimony of and for who He is.  Remember that you have the power (through Him) to make a difference and a lasting impact in our world, in your community, and in the lives of those you have the potential to reach out and touch.

The entire message behind this post is to just illuminate the fact that yes, there ARE those called to be long and short term missionaries across the world.  There are, however, many more of us (every human being alive) called to be missionaries right here at home.  Your city may very well be your mission field.  You may very well be the only Jesus some people see.

The following is a poem that I found particular touching. The words are not my own, and I do not take credit for them. I have no idea who the author is. I will not say any more about this, as I believe the words will speak for themselves:

Someday when my children are old enough to understand the logic that motivates a parent, I will tell them:

I loved you enough to ask where you were going, with whom, and what time you would be home.
I loved you enough to insist that you save ……your money and buy a bike for yourself even though we could afford to buy one for you.
I loved you enough to be silent and let you discover that your new best friend was a creep.
I loved you enough to make you go pay for the bubble gum you had taken and tell the clerk, “I stole this yesterday and want to pay for it”.
I loved you enough to stand over you for two hours while you cleaned your room, a job that should have taken 15 minutes.
I loved you enough to let you see anger, disappointment and tears in my eyes. Children must learn that their parents are not perfect.
I love u enough to let you assume the responsibility for your actions even when the penalties were so harsh they almost broke my heart.
But most of all, I loved you enough to say NO when I knew you would hate me for it.
Those were the most difficult battles

Something that has been on my heart a great deal is love. As I have experienced even a glimpse at or a fraction of the crazy love God offers us, I am finding myself experiencing an inward transformation. I am finding that the more I personally know of and feel loved, the more I want to share that very same love with people. I am finding a burning desire to reach out to people in love. I want to help people – people I know, but also those I do not yet know. All in all, it all boils down to the fact that people need people. People need to know love. Love brings hope. People need to realize that all hope is not lost. I cannot explain why or how things have changed within me.

It is a hard concept for me to understand, much less put into words. However, what I can tell you is this. As I have said time and time again, my life has been changed directly and indirectly by the actions / love / encouragement from others. It has now become a passion, my life’s mission to love others, and share that same love and hope with them. I think people need to know that they are not alone. People need to know that they matter, and that someone believes in them.

Did you know that sometimes just a smile might make the difference in a good or a bad day in another persons life? It’s true. Simple acts of love / kindness can often make more of a difference in a persons life than you might ever know. I know because I have been the recipient. I know because I am human, and have felt many of these same emotions over the course of time.

I pray that God’s love shines through me like never before. I also pray that He keeps this fire burning bright – that my heart’s cry continues to be for His people – that somehow, He can use me to bring hope to a hurting, thirsty and hungry world. May I, even in small part, be able to let them know they are not alone. There is hope. They are loved.

Do you have any areas of your life that you just do not know how to deal with? (Raises hand) Yeah, me. I know I do! As I was thinking about a few things in my life that have caused a great deal of stress for me over the course of time, I was realizing many things. One issue I often have is knowing how to tackle a larger project / chore, etc. Sometimes there can be just so many things that need doing, it is hard to even comprehend a starting point – let alone how to accomplish the entire task. I realize many things need doing – just have not had the foggiest clue how to set about actually accomplishing them all.

Well, I had a very minor (but huge to me) revelation. What I have been asking God to show me is HOW to do these things. Show me, God – how to tackle things that seem unsurmountable. I know you know, God – cause you are God. Help! Slowly, but surely, I have been getting ideas. But, one thing that came to mind today is having a vision. I need a vision of what I want the end result to be. If I want a clean house, I need to actually get a mental image of exactly what I want it to look like when I am done. Do NOT look at the current situation, so much as the future outcome.

Also, it is all in baby steps. Using the analogy of cleaning up my house – get an overall vision. But, along with that, I also need a room by room (or even section by section) vision. I see what is there now, but ask God to give me that vision. Then, ask for His direction to accomplish the tasks at hand.

It is the same with my spiritual life. I know that I MUST have a vision of where I want to be, how I want to get there, etc – or I will wander a road of the status-quo forever, and get nowhere. I am getting to a point in my life that I cannot stand sitting back and doing nothing. Forward motion, progress, or whatever you may call it – is paramount to a healthy life – physical, mental, spiritual, etc. If I sit around and just wait on God to show up, sure, He is faithful. He will show up. However, imagine the blessing that awaits by being proactive, seeking His face, and shining His light out to a hurting and thirsty world. God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. This doesn’t mean he doesn’t love everyone with a passion. It doesn’t mean He doesn’t want a genuine encounter with every single person on this planet. However, he WILL reward His children – those who seek Him.

God is a God of love. I cannot say that enough. He is also a God of grace. His grace is sufficient to cover all my needs. All of them. Not just some of them. ALL! He is a faithful God. When I lose track of my vision, and I need that direction, all I have to do is ask. Often, that is the hardest part – actually remembering that we serve such a loving God, that we just need to ASK for His help. He is ready and willing to help us. It just requires action (asking) on our part.

No matter where you are, no matter what your situation – God CAN reach you. Pray for his guidance and his light. Just as an earthly parent would take care of his/her child, He will take care of you. He will not let you fall by the wayside, unnoticed. You matter to Him. He cares deeply for you. He is a faithful God, and will touch you right where you are. Pray and ask Him to be your comorter. He is faithful, and will hold you. Tell Him that you want an encounter with Him. Ask Him to be real in your life. Learn to live and breath Him. God loves you with a passion, and wants a personal love relationship with Him. Just talk to Him. That is all prayer is. It is talking to God. Tell Him about your day, your hopes, your fears, your goals, your dreams, and anything else you can think of. He will listen. He hears. Open your heart to Him. He will fill it with His joy and His love. All you have to do is ask. Trust Him today.

Okay, so some of that just came purely out of no where. Well, I take that back. God is NOT nowhere! I know that I personally need to hear much of what I just wrote. However, what I can say is this – someone out there needs to know that God thinks you are important. God loves you right where you are. I, literally, did not feel as if I could stop writing until His message was broadcast. Know that you are not alone, and that you are loved. May God be with you today, and as you walk through the future that is your life. Let God hold you. He loves and cares about you.

As I was collecting my thoughts, I started jotting down thoughts, or “little life’s lessons” if you will.

Whatever has your attention and focus has you. Plain and simple. This relates to either the positive or negative things. Whatever it is that you pour your attention towards will ultimately shape your destiny.

To achieve true success, you must get rid of wrong thinking. Learn to think and dream big.  Don’t think you can’t do something because….and fill in the blank.

You must do away with wrong attitudes. Attitude truly is everything. A good attitude promotes success whereas a bad attitude will bring failure.

You also need to check your words. The words that come out of your mouth have the power to bring pain and hurt or the ability to heal. Which do you choose?

Wrong habits need to be elimated also. Your success or failures come from what habits you form.

You need to surround yourself with friendships that promote success. Who you keep as a friend defines who you are.

Be cautious to not harbor unforgiveness. It will suck the life right out of you!

One very important idea is to also get rid of self condemnation. Know that you are forgiven. It’s over – don’t spend another minute dwelling on it.

Clearly, I have been taking a great deal of time to reflect here lately. I realized the need to evaluate my own thoughts, as well as the fact that how I talk, the things I say, the company I keep, etc – are all a witness of who I am. If I choose words that are not glorifying Him, I believe am in direct disobedience of Him and His word for me. As a Christian, I have to conduct myself in a manner that sets me apart from the rest of the world. This does not, by any means, make me better than the next person – it just makes me striving to live a life with God at the center. As Christians, we need to let our actions be a witness for who God IS, not who He is NOT. It is my resolve to be a living testimony of His great love for each and every one of us.