SHAPED BY THE STORM


 At some point and time in our lives we will all encounter a storm. We all have a story or two about weathering a storm; some of us just made it out of one, many of us are in the middle of a storm at this very moment! Storms pass through in a variety of ways and they don't appear with a guarantee of how long they will remain. Storms have the ability to destroy; they attack our health, our families, our finances, our jobs, our relationships and most importantly....our faith! It is when our faith is under attack, that everything else in our lives is exposed and made vulnerable to the damaging effects that a storm brings. There are times when we are warned about a storm and we prepare for its arrival by taking the necessary steps to reduce the damage the storm may cause. When faced with a possible health storm, we can make necessary changes and take preventative measures to minimize the situation and possibly change the outcome. When in a family or relationship storm, we may see the storm brewing and we may be able to lessen the blow by what we say and how we choose to deal with the circumstances. Many times, the effects of the storms we see heading our way can be reduced by the choices that we make. BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A STORM COMES OUT OF NOWHERE WITH NO WARNING, KNOCKING DOWN AND COMPLETELY DESTROYING EVERYTHING IN ITS PATH....WHAT DO YOU DO THEN? What do we do when we open our eyes and we look to the left and to the right and we think that there is no hope in being able to repair the damage that's been done? We need to find the strength to pray!! Just because our human eyes see no way out....God ALWAYS delivers a way out of the storm!! We have to allow our faith to be stretched and keep our hearts and our minds focused on the promise that God gave in His word, Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV) "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for The Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." Every storm that we encounter, whether it big or small, is shaping us for greatness! We have to set our minds on knowing what God purposed for His children and that is that He wants us to experience a life of joy! We never leave a storm without a testimony and that testimony has great power!! It holds the key not only to your success in handling future storms, but it has the potential to impact the lives of others and helping their faith to grow! We all have an assignment while here on earth and that is to follow the teachings of God and to draw others to Him....that is what your testimonies of weathering the storms do!! Please remember that you are here with a purpose and that each storm you experience is shaping you to impact the lives of others! You are in my prayers!! ❤

                         LOVE WITH YOUR WHOLE HEART


Love is a feeling that is meant to be shared,
It brings joy, peace and happiness when it is declared.
Every human exists with a need to feel love,

it was designed and created by our Father above.
There are so many ways for us to show love,
and to let those we care for, know how much their thought of.

We are not only to express love to those who love us,
spreading love to our neighbors is also a plus.
Love is truthful and kind, forgiving and free,

We should love with our whole heart....unconditionally.
Love comes in all shapes and sizes, it covers the globe,
love requires true trust and the patience of Job.

When we love like we should, we will always impart,
how important it is to love with your whole heart.

1 Peter 4:8
Above  all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.  (NIV)

Written for the HAPPINESS NOW Newsletter (March publication)

         





















I recently endured a family tragedy that required much prayer, time and attention....it still does, but only by the grace of God can I see things beginning to fall into place and  can I see light at the end of the darkness!  Please keep me in your prayers as I continue to seek God's direction where needed.  I pray to be back on track soon and able to share the thoughts and words that God places on my heart.  I truly know that it will be done...Only By The Grace Of God!!


                   ONLY BY THE GRACE OF GOD

Only by the grace of God~do we rise up every day.
Only by the grace of God~are ways made out of no way.
Only be the grace of God~are we sheltered from the storm.
Only by the grace of God~are we kept safe from hurt and harm.
Only by the grace of God~do we have all that we need.
Only by the grace of God~ through forgiveness are we freed.
Only by the grace of God~do we survive things that are tough.
Only by the grace of God~ are we loved more than enough.
Only by the grace of God~ are we given eyes in which to see, the magnificence, power and grace of God that lives through eternity.

                                NO MATTER WHAT THE WEATHER!!

As I headed home from the gym on Monday this week, I noticed how brightly the sun was shining and how much warmer the temperature was compared to that of the previous Monday. The highs peaked around 50* that day, which was in complete contrast with last weeks' temperature.  The week before, the thermometer reached record low temps and many of us struggled to maintain our wits about us as we trudged through mounds of snow!!  My first thought was," WOW, what a difference a few days can make!"  But then my thoughts quickly moved to an undeniable fact, when God created heaven and earth, he supplied us with the same amount of hours to use in each day and that none of our days should be taken for granted...no matter what the weather is!!  In spite of the weather, we can still be productive in the areas that God requires of us; spending time in His presence, showing love and concern for others and by strengthening our faith and striving to be an example that will stand to draw others closer to Him!   Life has a way of bringing on MAJOR distractions that keep us focused on an abundance of things that aren't necessarily vital to our journey.  I too found myself complaining about the brutal temps and piles of snow, which only perpetuated my lack of desire to accomplish ANYTHING!   A lapse in motivation can give us a false sense that there isn't enough time in the day, to get things done.  The issue is really about our personal choices and how we use the time that we have been blessed with each day.  I took full advantage of the somewhat balmy temps that day; I exercised, ran errands and even found the time to complete a few inside tasks that I managed to keep putting off.  Why was I so much more productive that day?  Because when our surroundings are sunny and bright, we tend to have a more positive attitude about everything.  The light from the atmosphere generates energy and light in us; we smile more, we extend ourselves more to others and we find it easier to be joyful and show gratitude in the warmth and radiance of the sun. But God wants us to embrace each and every day that we are given with joy and gratitude and He NEVER wants us to take ANY day for granted!  Each day is more precious than the next and should be treated as the gift that it is.....NO MATTER WHAT THE WEATHER!   :-)

                   OH JUST FOR ANOTHER MOMENT!!
 We live in a world filled with hustle and bustle and often there just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day to complete the never-ending and exhausting list of tasks that WE believe to be important! Many of us pop up in the morning from a restless night of slumber; our minds were set in overdrive before our heads even hit the pillow the night before. As soon as our feet touch the floor, we are in a constant state of motion; we rush to work, scramble to make appointments, we pick up the kids from school and juggle their after-school activities and other planned events. We scurry through dinners, important family gatherings and we even have the nerve to try and rush through an illness that sneaks up on us, like a cold or the flu, by taking a variety of medications that claim "instant healing" in order to quickly return to our fast-paced, all consuming routine that we call life! I personally find myself seeking peaceful moments throughout the day to hear God's take on how I choose to spend my time. I imagine that MY choices are very different from His plan and desire for my day. God knows that we have many hats to wear, plates to fill and agendas to maneuver, but He still wants us to find time for peace and rest, He tells us that throughout His word. Here are several scriptures that remind us of God's promise when we look to Him for help in times of chaos and stress!


 Matthew 11:28-30 "Come unto Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."


 Exodus 33:14 The Lord replied, "My presence will go with you, and and I will give you rest." 


Mark 6:31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even a chance to eat, He said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."


 We all wish that we had the power create more hours in the day and we would love to have just one more moment to get through all that life brings, but God distributed the same amount of time to each one of us and He wants us to learn to manage it well and to use a portion of it for rest. We all strive to learn better ways to multi-task; one great way to put the practice of multi-tasking to good use is to spend some time in the presence of God; talking, praying and giving honor and praise to Him while you are taking time to rest. Time with God will bring a balance of peace and joy, which will clear your mind and soothe your soul. Taking time out of our busy schedules and giving God a few minutes of our time each day, will help us appreciate and cherish all of the other precious moments that He has given.

                                                ALL THINGS ARE NEW

All things are new in Christ Jesus; He prepared a path for us,
He guides us through our trials and storms which builds our faith and trust.

All things are new in Christ Jesus; and as we enter a new year,
we must seek His presence daily, to remove all doubt and fear.

Each year has new beginnings and every moment that unfolds,
comes with opportunities and blessings to acknowledge and behold.

All things are new in Christ Jesus; and it is important that we see,
all the necessary changes that will help to set us free.

To be more loving and more patient in the up-and-coming year,
to be obedient and forgiving, as well as grateful and sincere.

We've all been blessed with gifts and talents that were meant to glorify,
knowing the plan and purpose for your life, will lift you up and fortify.

All things are new in Christ Jesus; He died because He loves you so,
embrace all that God desires and watch favor and blessings grow.

As we embark on new beginnings and search all that there is to find,
may this year be filled with all things new and may you enjoy all that God designed.

                                                               
                                               THE ART OF GIVING

CHRISTMAS IS A TIME FOR GIVING, but it's not just all about the pretty packages! It's about the GIVING of your time~ when someone needs a helping hand or maybe just an ear to listen. It's about the GIVING of your talents~ we all have been given special gifts like; music, art, writing, teaching, the list goes on and on!  Each gift we posses has the potential to encourage, uplift and bring joy to the lives of others, while also giving honor and glory to God!  It's about GIVING love to others~ we are not only called to love those who love us back, but we are to also love those who may find love difficult to give OR to receive.  It's about ForGIVING~ we are charged to forgive those who may have caused us hurt, anger or pain.  Practicing forgiveness can be challenging, but is necessary for our own well-being and it allows us to live a life full of joy!  God gave His Son, so that we may have life and live it more abundantly.  He GIVES us guidance, protection and comfort and He loves and blesses us beyond measure!  Our ability to GIVE should extend beyond the Christmas Holiday, but it is especially important at a time that we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior JESUS Christ, for He truly IS the Reason for the Season!!  May your heart be filled with joy and your mind be filled with peace as we enter into a New Year of GIVING!!~MERRY CHRISTMAS!!