To My Blog Friends...

 

Hello friends! I’ve been away from blogging for the last couple of week, but a lot has been going on and I’m so excited to now be able to share it all with you.

My husband and I have been living in Wyoming for quite some time, and the opportunity has finally come for us to move back South. Next week we will be moving back to Texas-closer to friends, family and the southern lifestyle we know and love.

A couple of weeks ago we purchased our first home together, and couldn’t be more excited about our future and what’s to come.

We’ve learned so much during this journey. We’ve learned that God’s grace and goodness is beyond measure. We’ve learned that patience really is a virtue, and once you learn the importance of it you then begin to let go and let God. We serve an amazing God and I praise him each and every day for this journey He’s lead me through. I am nothing and can do nothing without Him.  

I’ve started yet another online Bible study, and my friends, if you’ve never experienced these studies I encourage you to do so. They are truly life changing.

I wanted to share with you a little from this study because I know this is where so many of us are right now, today. The book is called “Stressed-Less Living” by Tracie Miles, and this study couldn’t have come at a better time in my life with a big move and all. But honestly, I’m so happy to share that my stress level during this time is nothing compared to what it would have been a year ago. God has done miraculous things within me. I wish I had the words to truly express what I feel inside and how he’s changed me-it’s beyond words.

I want to share with you some, as Tracie calls it, stress busting scripture. This comes directly from the book. I would encourage you to write these scriptures down, highlight them in your Bible and begin memorizing them. Keep them in an easily accessible go-to spot for when you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, troubled or scared. This way they are right there for you to stop and lean on God’s promise. If you’re interested in joining the Bible study, please visit melissataylor.orgmelissataylor.org. You’ll be glad you did!

 

I have set the Lord always before me.

Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

~Psalm 16:8 NIVp

 

Cast your caress on the Lord and he will sustain you;

He will never let the righteous fall.

~Psalm 55:22 NIV

 

 

In my distress I called to the Lord: I called out to my God.

From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came to his ears.

~2 Samuel 22:7 NIV

 

 

The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.

He rescues them from all their troubles.

~Psalm 34:17

 

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.

Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you.

I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

~Isaiah 41:10

I have so much enjoyed all of my blog friends. For the next few weeks, and while the move progresses I will most likely not be as committed to my blog, but as I continue this study I will share with you what’s on my heart. I’m thankful for each of you. I enjoy getting to know you, and thank you for allowing me to share my life with you.  Stay in touch!

Many, many blessing!

Rachel

 

Happy Friday: An Inspiring Word

Happy Friday, y’all! I guess I should also extend a “Happy March”! I’m so excited it’s March, because that means it’s almost Spring, and I am so ready to say goodbye to Winter!

I took a little break from blogging this week to focus on a few projects around the house that I’ve wanted to conquer for a while now. I’ve had a pretty successful week. I’ll share some of those projects on my blog next week, but today I wanted to share with you my daily devotional. I wasn’t planning on posting today, but I really enjoyed this devotional and it’s too good not to share.

When you tell someone about your faith, do you give them religion…or relationship?

The Bible says we must be born again. It doesn’t say we must be religious.

There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit. John 3:1-8

Unfortunately, we as Christians often present the Gospel to people like it’s a list of religious rules, not a true relationship with God.But following “Christian” rules and going to church won’t make you a Christian anymore than sitting in a garage will make you a car.

Religious rules and regulations can be harsh, hard and pressing, but that’s not what Jesus wants for people. Jesus wants people to live in a relationship with Him.

If someone asks us, “What religion are you?” we should talk about our personal relationship with Jesus instead of what church we attend. I like to answer that question by saying, “Thank you for asking. I don’t have any religion, but I do have Jesus.”

We need to start asking people, “Do you know Jesus?” “Is he your friend?” “Do you have a personal relationship with Him?”

Next time someone asks about your faith, give them relationship…not religion.

Prayer starter: God, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that someone needs to follow a list of rules to really be a Christian, but that’s not the kind of faith You want from people. Empower us to share Your Gospel with others in a way that leads them not into a religious system, but into a one-on-one, life-changing relationship with You.

This is something my daddy always taught me and my sisters. Today, I’m so thankful for my relationship with God. How comforting it is to know he is always right here with me. I don’t have to go far for him to hear my prayers, my thoughts, my concerns, my fears, my joy, my happiness.  He is my friend, my strength, my comfort-that’s what brings me peace each and every day.

Have a great weekend friends,

Rachel

 

Worry: The Paralysis of Faith

Who out there is a worrier? I’ll be the first to admit-I am! However, my level of worry has decreased drastically in the last six months, give or take. I can still remember my momma telling me, “Rachel, if you don’t stop worrying like you do, you’re going to have ulcers before you’re twelve!” I thought I had worries then, can you imagine how I felt as I got older and had “real” worries? I know there are so many of us who struggle with the sin of worry. Yes, I said sin. I remember listening to Joyce Meyer preach about worry, and when presented with the question, “Did you know worry is a sin”, I think my heart stopped. I know I’m sinner; we all are, but all the years of continuous, extreme worry…I was convicted and I knew I had to change.

Maybe I’m stupid to not have ever looked at worry this way before, but I just didn’t. But knowing this now is what has changed my life, decreased my worry and built my faith. I didn’t want to be disobedient towards God; though he commands us to not worry, I did every day of my life. Worry really did paralyze me. For those of you who may be in the same boat I was in, I want to share with you pieces of my bible reading from this morning. These readings make you stop and think, and want to cry out for forgiveness. I know I did.

 These quotes and scripture come for The Woman’s Study Bible NKJV Second Edition.
 

Worry causes fear to crowd out faith. Thus in the final reckoning, “the cowardly” are listed alongside the “unbelieving”.

Worry is sin and confession of lack of faith.

In place of anxious thoughts, you then freely offer thanksgiving from a heart established with trust in God as all sufficient.

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.

And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. ~Hebrews 11:8-10

I wish you all a blessed day. Happy Friday, friends!

Rachel

 

Just a reminder the Clever Container Blogger Party ends tomorrow at 10PM (Mountain Time)

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Working for the Ultimate Boss

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.

                                                                                                                             ~Colossians 3:23 NIV84

Before I even started the Let. It. Go.  Bible study, this scripture had been penetrating my heart. I always marvel at how God works in my life. One day, I have this scripture that I say over and over in mind in order to get me through the day, and then a couple of weeks later he brings it back to me so I can delve deeper into its meaning, and begin applying it not only in challenging situations, but in my every day-in everything I do.

 

About three weeks ago I was placed in, what was for me, a challenging position. For the last two months I have been substitute teaching here in our little town. The school district has it set up in such a way that the substitutes can simply go online and choose the assignments they wish to take. We have the option of choosing the grade level, subject matter, teacher and even days that we prefer to work. It’s really great, and with starting a business it allows me days to solely focus on my business while taking a couple of days out of the week to get out of the house and interact with others. Besides, I love substituting. The kiddos just make my day!

 

One weekend I noticed there was an available position for a teacher (or paraprofessional, meaning there would be a certified teacher in the room as well) who would be gone for four days the following week. This class was held at the high school. I hadn’t yet been brave enough to work at the high school, but knew I needed to do it eventually. I figured since another teacher would be in the room, this would be a great way for me to learn the ropes and see if I would ever want to venture up to the high school again. Something else that was different about the job was that the teacher, of whom I would be replacing for the next 4 days, did not leave a lesson plan nor did she give any explanation of what a typical day was like for her.  In the past, the teachers had always given me a heads up on what to expect, so I always felt mentally prepared for the day.

 

The first day of my assignment I quarreled about what to wear. In our orientation we were told to dress professionally, and that meant no jeans expect for on Fridays. I settled with a skirt, sweater, tights and heels.   When I arrived at the school and signed in, the secretary asked me, “You do know you are working with severely handicapped kids today don’t you”.  At that point it didn’t hit me that the way I was dressed is what triggered her to ask me the question in the first place.  I politely said, “No, I did not know that. The teacher didn’t post any information for me to review prior to coming in”. She directed me to the class room where I was met by the teacher and the other paraprofessionals (6 to be exact). They began briefing me on what to expect, and explained that the rest of the week it would be wise to wear more comfortable clothes. I know I looked like a deer in headlights when they began explaining to me that the kids (ranging in ages from 16-20) I would be working with are severely handicapped, mentally and physically-blind, deaf, in need of feeding tubes, diapers, unable to walk or even talk.

 

As much as I hate to admit this, I thought to myself, “I can’t do this. I’ve never been around anyone like this. What if I do something wrong? They need someone who is trained to be here, not me! What am I going to do! Why didn’t they let me know what I was getting in to so I would be better prepared, at least mentally.” I was terrified, but I knew the last thing I was going to do was leave, so I began to pray to God. I asked that He be close to my side throughout the day and the rest of the week. That He be my hands and my words. That day was a very long day. It was physically and emotionally exhausting, but I got through it. And as I reflected on the day that evening when I got home, I knew I had done something I’d never done before, but it never felt like I was the one doing the work. I believe with all my heart God was guiding me in everything I did-He truly became my hands and my words.

 

The next morning as I was getting ready for the day this verse came to me, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men”.  Shortly after that my mom sent me this text message, “Have a good day babydoll. I am praying for you! I love you so much!! Remember, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you!!! And remember Jesus said, “What you do for the least of these you do for me”.  At that moment I knew, it wasn’t the school who asked for my help, Jesus did. And I knew he wasn’t going to give me something I couldn’t handle. He put me in a situation He knew I could handle. I called on Him to be with me, to guide me and direct me and most importantly to work through me. I have gone back and worked with those wonderful kids every week since.

 

I know, the point of this post was to share simple ways you can live out the scripture of Colossians 3:23, and the point I wanted to make, is that no matter how hard something may seem, or how much you really don’t want to do it, when you reflect on this scripture it motivates you to do things you don’t want to do or may seem too hard to do.  I can honestly say that if I had known what I was getting myself into that week, had the teacher explained to me what the days would be like, I wouldn’t have taken the assignment. It was all part of God’s plan. I’ve been putting this scripture to work in my life for the last few weeks now, in everything I do. It gives everything a new meaning and gives me a purpose. In this life, I’m working for the Ultimate Boss, not man. 

 

Rachel

   

 

"Greater": So, What's Next?

This week as I complete my first Online Bible Study, “Greater”, I wonder what’s next. Seven weeks ago my heart was renewed, my life was changed and a calming peace I’ve never known before fell over me. Just from reading the first chapter I knew this was going to be an incredible journey for me, one I needed to take. But as I completed the final chapter last night, a sense of sadness came over me. This overwhelming joy I’ve come to possess over the last several weeks, will it fade? Will I fall back into the mediocrity of “good enough”? Will I let that little voice of fear and negativity creep back in to my heart, and pollute my mind with doubt?

The honest truth is I don’t know what’s next. I’m still not sure where God is leading me, but I know He is. I know I’ve come a long way from where I was 7 weeks ago, and there is no turning back. I can’t turn back now…I won’t.

This morning as I was reading scripture from John 15, I jumped a couple of pages ahead and this passage was presented at the top of the page I turned to titled, “Perfectionism: An Unreachable Goal”.

The compelling need to be more than what you are capable of ever becoming is the driving motivation behind perfectionism. It stems from deep insecurity, a gnawing fear that being the woman God made you to be is somehow not good enough. The longing for absolute perfection is rooted in the lost recollection of Paradise. Within every believer is an internal barometer of how things ought to be, a deep yearning for the perfection that only heaven will bring. Something inside knows that no matter how good things are-they should be better. One day they will be, but not now. Knowing how it could be while living with how it actually is often causes an unhealthy tension. Understanding the innate desire for perfection can lead to a deeper anticipation and hope in eternity. It also helps release the demand that life in the present must satisfy all longings. At the same time, the Lord calls each believer to pursue wholeness and soundness of spirit-concepts that are frequently described as “perfect” in the New Testament (Matt. 5:48). The foremost trait you are called to perfect in your life is the ability to love (1 John 4:17-19). “Completion” or perfection as human beings is not possible, however, as the result of your own striving. It is the manifestation of God’s work in you (Heb. 13:20, 21). ~ NKJV, The Woman’s Study Bible, Second Edition.

This morning as I prayed, I asked the Lord to keep me focused, aware and alert to how He’s working in my life. That I not lose my edge and fall back in to the comfort of mediocrity and settle with good enough. That though this physical journey with “Greater” is now over- emotionally and spiritually I can continue to live it every day.

I know I’m not alone. So, do I think I’m capable of continuing this journey to “greater”; capable of overcoming every obstacle I may face along the way; capable of becoming the woman God created me to be? 

I'll answer this with the words of Steven Furtick... 

My Father says I am.

Rachel

My Most Memorable Blessing

Prior to meeting my husband on August 19, 2011, and after a long bout of experiencing a broken heart, I had decided to completely surrender the dream of meeting my perfect match to God. I prayed  that God, if it was His will, would bring me the man He created for me. I was determined to be patient, living each day knowing I would be content with what and who God wanted for my life.

When August 19^th came around, the day started just like any other day. It was a Friday, and all week my sister and I had planned on a girl’s night-coffee date and a movie. The thought never crossed my mind that in just a few short hours I would meet the man I was to marry. An hour and half away, Matt is preparing for a night out with his friends. He has flown in from Cody, WY to Oklahoma City to spend the weekend with them.  As the evening progresses, the original plans we both had had changed. He was frustrated, I was frustrated and within a few hours we both would end up in the same place at the same time.

In order to keep this short, and not bombard you with my “love story”, I am leaving out some detail, but when I think back on this night, I marvel at how God orchestrated the whole thing. Had the changes in our plans not occurred for both of us that night, are lives would be very different right now.

The second he walked up to me, I knew he was the one God created for me, just for me. The fact that he lived a thousand miles away didn’t make me question whether this was right or not. I went home that night and prayed for God to speak to my heart. From that moment on I had complete peace about Matt and our future. Not once did I question it. We are celebrating our first anniversary next month. Though this last year has been a whirlwind, and both of our lives changed so much so fast, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. We complete each other, we encourage each other, we lift each other up, and most of all we love each other unconditionally—something neither one of us had ever experienced.

With that being said, my husband is my most memorable blessing. He is a true gift from God, he is my angel. He saved me in so many ways and nothing that amazing comes from anywhere else but heaven.

 

Rachel

 

This "Greater" Journey

We are now in week four of the Greater Online Bible Study. In these short four weeks my life has changed so much. I mean, if you looked at my life four weeks ago, and then took a look at it today, on the surface not much looks different. I still live in the same house, in the same state and I still have my normal daily routine, for the most part. So nothing drastic has changed on the outside, not yet anyway, it’s more within. The change I’m talking about has happened within me-my heart, my mind, my spirit and soul are refreshed and renewed.

 

Last week I was unable to make my weekly post reflecting on the weeks study, “Digging Ditches”. It gave me a lot to think about-“What ditches do I need to begin digging in order to have a greater life and to do greater things? I had already discovered what had been holding me back all this time, that being the fear of not being good enough. So, now that I’m on the road to letting go of this fear and putting complete faith and hope in my Savior, I am learning and most importantly, listening to what small steps God is calling me to take.  As I thought about this I realized there are several ditches that need digging in my life in order to take those steps of faith that will lead the way to greater things.

1.       Digging the Ditch of Prayer: I need to begin praying for those in my life who are lost. I know who they are and occasionally I remember them in prayer, especially if I’ve spoken with them recently. But I don’t want to remember them every once in a while. I want to remember them every day. I want to lift them up in prayer always. God put them in my life for a reason, they mean the world to me and I should cherish them and thank God for them. I will pray for their protection and pray that one day they will come to seek God and live their lives glorifying Him.

2.      Digging the Ditch of Trust and Faith: Here I am letting go of my fear. I’m not listening to that little voice of negativity anymore and I am believing in the greater things within me and around me. 

3.     Digging the Ditch of Sharing my Faith: I’ve come to realize that for a while the Lord has been pushing me to be more open with my faith-to truly share my experiences and what my life has been like in my walk with Christ. This whole time, I’ve pulled back, in fear of rejection, of people thinking I’m weird, or of losing my friends, possibly even family.

I’m going for it-I’m not letting fear hold me back any longer. Like I said in my prior post, I know this isn’t going to be easy. I wish fear had a switch, but it doesn’t. This is going to take a lot of prayer, a lot trust and a lot of faith. Every day, since beginning this journey, I’ve felt myself become stronger and more at peace. I’m so thankful to God for leading me here.

 Many Blessings,

Rachel

"Greater": Ready to Drop My Net

 

“At once they left their nets and followed Him”. –Matthew 4:20 NIV84

“For Jesus’ disciples, burning the plows meant leaving their fishing nets and boats” (Matthew 4:18-22). So, what is my net? What am I going to burn or leave behind in order to experience the greater life God has designed for me?  When posed with this question, I first began looking for something tangible-something I could physically “burn” or get rid of.  But for me, it isn’t something I can go pick up and toss into the fire and it be gone forever. In fact, I wish it was. That would be easier. But no, it’s emotional. It’s something within me and it is fear. It’s a total lack of confidence in my abilities to be greater and to do greater things in life. I continually compare myself to others. There is always this little voice, or apparently loud and overpowering voice saying “you aren’t good enough”, “others are better than you, let them handle it”, “you’re going to mess up, spare yourself the embarrassment.” I say this voice is overpowering because it wins every time. It keeps me from approaching people. It keeps me from doing things I have a passion for. I may go halfway, but I never go all the way because fear stops me and I return to my comfort zone.

There are things I have accomplished. Fear didn’t keep me from going to college and getting a degree. It did, however, keep from attending a bigger college like Oklahoma State University or University of Oklahoma. But I went, and I’m glad did. I even went back to school to work on my masters degree in counseling psychology, but even then as I continued my courses, that voice was always there…”these are lives and minds you’re going to be working with. What if you don’t make them better, but you make them worse?” Though this was something I wanted to do so badly, I never believed I could be successful at it. So when I met the man, whom I am married to now, and moved to Wyoming, I was okay with quitting school. I wasn’t going to be a good counselor, and besides I didn’t need to take out more loans for school, especially if all I would do was hurt rather than help the people I would work with. That was a plausible excuse for me. It’s hard to be this honest and open to whoever may read this, but this is good for me. I’ve always known this about myself, but to actually write it out, to be given the question “What has kept you from doing greater things with your life?” and having to come up with the answer, and knowing what the answer is, that’s hard.

I think if you knew me personally, you would probably think I wasn’t being very honest. I don’t think I come across as an insecure person. But that’s just it; I’m being very honest, and finally honest with myself. This week I’ve really faced the facts. I’ve let fear control a lot of my life. The things I have done, I’ve made myself do, but it’s never been easy. There has always been a fight within myself to do certain things, for example, apply for jobs, go on job interviews, volunteer, start a business (this is another one of those things I’ve only done halfway). Even starting this blog was hard for me. Every time a make a new post, I get sick to my stomach, and the voice starts once again.

As I read the discussions on Melissa’s Blog, I clearly see I’m not alone. There are several of us that face this fear or lack of confidence in our abilities. But as I prayed this morning, it hit me, when I question myself, when I question my abilities, when I question whether or not I can do something God has so clearly put in my heart to do, I’m not only questioning myself, I’m questioning God.  I love this quote by Anne Ortlund, “Whatever God asks you to be, He enables you to be.” I know God’s been speaking to my heart for some time now, but I was never ready to drop and burn my net, mainly because I never knew what it was. Well, no more excuses,  I know what it is now, and I’m ready to let it go. Did God say it would be easy? No. Did He say I wouldn’t face rejection, embarrassment or ridicule? No. But He did say I can do it, and He’s telling me to go. 

So today I ask for forgiveness. Lord, forgive me for letting fear control my life. I’m ready to drop my net. I know it’s not going to be easy, but with You it’s possible. Walk with me always, and give me the strength to do what You ask me to do. Amen.

 

Rachel

 

Online Bible Study: "Greater Things"

This week I started an Online Bible Study, and I can’t express to you how thankful I was when I found this opportunity to join thousands of people all over the world come together to experience what great things God has in store for us. It’s only the first week, and my heart is filled with joy and extreme peace. This is going to be an amazing journey.

This week our reflection verse comes from John 14:12…”I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”

When I read these words, they seemed a little outrageous…do even greater things than Jesus? That’s impossible. And even if it was possible, how overwhelming is that?! These were the thoughts going through the head as I read this verse. But that’s not what the verse is saying at all. I can’t do greater things than Jesus, I am not perfect like He is, but with my faith in Him I can be greater than what I am today. With Him, I can do greater things. I can do what God designed me to do with my life.
 
Recently, I’ve been overwhelmed with this desire to want to do more for others, “save the world” if you will. That’s how I’ve felt, as though I was going to save the world. In other words, I was taking on too much and at the end of the day, did nothing because it was too overwhelming and seemed impossible. But during this first week of the Bible study I’ve learned that I don’t have to reach “greatness”, I just have to work towards being “greater”. God is going to grant me the abilities and the strength to do what he asks of me. I just have to start small and listen. This is possible, with God anything is possible.

It's not too late to join this OBS. Just go to http://melissataylor.org/

22 Days of Giving Thanks: Day 2

Day 2:

I am thankful for my wonderful husband. I never forget to thank God everyday for giving me Matt. 
 

 

There is no doubt in my mind that he was a gift from God, and we were made for each other. He is my encourager, my rock, my supporter, my help and my best friend. I really can’t imagine my life without him because he is my life.

 

I never thought I could love someone so much until the day I met him. We’ve only known each other a little over a year, but I feel like I’ve known him forever.

 

 

There is no one like him. I’m at complete peace when he’s by my side. Thank you, Lord for putting Matt in my life. I love you, Matthew!



22 Days of Giving Thanks: Day 1

Happy November! Gosh, I can’t believe it’s already November and Thanksgiving is right around the corner! I love this time of year-the fall weather, beautiful colors, football, chili, family time, and an opportunity to reflect on the year and marvel in all that has happened and give thanks for what has and is yet to come!

Every day I thank God for all he has blessed me with, but it’s rare that I specifically speak every blessing that has been bestowed to me. There is so much I have to be thankful for-it's purely amazing. Since it is November and we will all be celebrating Thanksgiving in a few weeks, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to take a moment each day, for the next twenty-two days, and reflect on all that I am thankful for. I first thought this may be difficult as the days go by, but I as I began thinking about what I have to be thankful for, the blessings began pouring out and I had to start writing everything down. 

I think this is a great exercise for me because I’m getting the chance to really stop and reflect on how God has worked in my life, and ultimately changed it. That’s why, for Day 1, I am thankful for my faith: being saved and forgiven.  How wonderful it is to have the ability to share my faith openly with others. “Thank you Lord for dying for me and saving me. Thank you for coming to live in my heart, forgiving me and working through me each and every day. Thank you for changing my life.”

 

I would love for you to join me during this time. It would be a joy to hear what all you have to be thankful for. Please join me in “22 Days of Giving Thanks”.

God's Gracious Works and Getting Back on Track

So, last week my husband got the news that his job needed him in North Dakota for the next three weeks, and he thought it would be best that I go back home to Oklahoma while he was away. Therefore, I’ve been a little out-of-pocket the last few days but found a moment to sit down and share with you all that’s happening. Also, I have something for the month of November that I’m pretty excited about sharing. Hopefully you’ll enjoy it as much as I know I will.

Monday morning, as my husband and I read our devotional and prayed together before our long day of travel, I expressed to him how worried and uneasy I was about being away from each other for three weeks. I am so blessed to have a husband who is very positive, encouraging and comforting. He said to me he knew God was working and would use both of us for good while we were away from each other, and in only a few weeks we would reunite and spend a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday together. He further explained how he knew God worked things out this way for a reason, and that when I arrived back home I would soon know what the reason(s) was. And boy was he ever right…

I arrived in Dallas on Monday night (I know that’s in Texas, but I’m going back to Oklahoma next week) to visit my sister for the week.  Kelly (the middle sister) and her husband live in Texas and they are expecting their first baby together in December. We are so excited! This will be the first grandbaby for my parents and it’s just such an exciting time in all of our lives. Before this trip came about I wasn’t sure how I would have the ability to help Kelly decorate her nursery or even make it to her baby shower and now here I am. So far Matt was right. I wasn’t happy about being away from him for three weeks, but God’s timing is always so perfect and miraculous. I’m so thankful that I’m here to help her finish up the nursery, go to her baby shower this weekend, and just spend quality time with her before little Jaxon arrives.



But wait there’s more! Yesterday Kelly found out they have an opportunity to purchase a house and can actually move in as soon as they can. They have been searching for a new home for a long time now, and I’ve continued to tell her that when they did find something I would do my best to be there to help her get moved in and organized. This was truly an answered pray for all. Again, this is the work of God. If they are able to move in, I’m here to lend a helping hand like I’ve promised all along I would. Yesterday I also found out, next Tuesday, my dad is finally having the surgery he’s so desperately needed to have and I’ll be there to help my parents during that time as well. Yet another prayer answered.  The Lord has taken care of everything! Oh, and on Tuesday my baby sister, Mykell, flew in from Las Vegas and she’s also here with us for the rest of the week. We’re getting in some serious sister time, and it’s much needed!  There is so much going on and so much I can devote my time to that these next three weeks are going to be over before I know it. Thank you Jesus for working in our lives and for always taking care of us! We love you!

 

 

How Volunteering Changed My Life

After getting married and moving to Wyoming a few months back, I wasn’t quite sure what I was going to do with myself. I had applied for a few jobs without any luck of getting one, so I turned my focus to finding somewhere I could volunteer. I wasn’t in a situation where it was crucial that I have a job, and I had always been too busy to volunteer in the past (or at least that was my excuse), so here was my opportunity to volunteer my time for a good cause. But what would that be? My efforts were unavailing. I searched everywhere in this little town for opportunities to volunteer, and I always came up empty handed. Even the hospital didn’t take volunteers.  I continued praying for answers and guidance. I just knew in my heart God brought me here for a reason, and it wasn’t to clean the house over and over again, or to sit on the couch catching up on my shows that I never had time for back home. No, I was here to make a difference, and I would soon learn that difference would be made in me.

"Whatever God asks you to be, He enables you to be".
~Anne Ortlund

One day while having tea with a wife of one of my husband’s co-workers, she mentioned they announced at church a crisis pregnancy center was looking for volunteers.  She wasn’t sure of the name of the center, so I left with very little information. Shortly after my conversation with my friend I decided I’d look up crisis pregnancy centers in Wyoming. There was one in the town just a few miles from where we live called Abba’s House. This had to be the one she was talking about, so I gave them a call. Sure enough, the sweet little lady, Carol, who answered the phone said, “Yes, we are in much need of volunteers. You are an answer to our prayers! When can you start?” Little did she know, they were an answer to my prayers and I would come to know that even more as I spent time with these women.  

Abba’s House, or “Our Father’s House”, is part of an organization known as Care Net, a prolife, Christian organization. Keep in mind, I did not know any of this when I walked in the doors to fill out my paper work. They don’t have a website so I kind of walked in blind, but I wanted to know what it was all about. What I was about to discover was going to change my life, and for the better.

While meeting with the director, she filled me in on Abba’s House and their commitment to care. They are a Christian organization, and their sole mission is to bring lost women to Christ. The clients we see are underprivileged women who are pregnant or may be pregnant. We assist them during their pregnancy, and up to a year after they give birth. We are a prolife facility, and therefore, when faced with a client who is considering abortion, we express to them the alternatives they have to parent the child or choose adoption.

To be honest, hearing all of this made me very nervous. I didn’t know much about abortion, and though I grew up in church and accepted Christ into my heart when I was sixteen, I had never been part of a mission such as this. I had never helped lead someone to Christ. I was scared. What if I don’t say the right thing? What if they look at me like I’m crazy? What if they reject what I’m saying or don’t understand? What will I do then?  I didn’t know, but there was no turning back now. God had brought me here and I soon learned that it wasn’t only to help lead others to Him, it was also to bring me back to Him.

I had never stopped praying, and I never stopped believing God had a plan for my life but I was still disconnected. There were different reasons for this; I was too busy, too tired, and most of all didn’t feel worthy of His grace and love. Even when I met my husband, I knew he was a gift from God. I mean, I had been praying for him, and he literally was an answered prayer, but I still felt like I didn’t deserve someone like him. But walking in the doors of Abba’s House changed my life and my thinking. I began studying my Bible like I had never done before, I listened to teachings, I took notes, I studied scripture, I read books, I devoted time for prayer, and I began to change. My attitude changed. My thoughts changed. This calming peace came over me. It’s a feeling that is indescribable.

I absolutely love Wednesdays, because that’s when I get to volunteer. I get to work with women who love God and know they have been forgiven. We get to share our faith and how God has saved us and brought us out of dark places in our lives. I get to help women and children in need. I get to hold their hand and pray with them. And when they look at me and say “Thank you for being here”, it’s then I know the reason God brought me here. It’s amazing how God will work and change your life if you will just surrender all to Him.

If you’re interested in finding a pregnancy center near you or would like to learn more about Care Net, please follow these links below:

Ramah International

Care-Net

 

Combating Human Trafficking and How You Can Help

I recently read a story in Guideposts' October issue that I’d like to share with you. In fact this article is the cover story of the magazine and rightfully so. It depicts actress, Mira Sorvino, in her fight to end human trafficking across the world, and yes even here in the United States. It’s hard to believe that slavery still exists today, but unfortunately it is the harsh reality for hundreds of thousands of men, women and children.

I believe this article will shock you and move you to want to do your part in the fight to end human trafficking everywhere. Below I’ve added a link to not only the article, but also to 3 websites that I obtained from the article that will guide you in ways you can help in this tremendous cause. My husband and I have been discussing a way in which we can give more, I think we’ve found it.

“Why I Care” Mira Sorvino

How You Can Help

International Justice Mission

Polaris Project

UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking

Daily Devotionals

Happy Monday and welcome to a new week! I wanted to start this week off by sharing with you a realization I came to this weekend. Every morning after reading scripture from the Bible, I read my daily devotional. I get my devotional through the Joyce Meyer App I downloaded to my iPhone and I absolutely love it. Not only is there a devotional, but I can also watch her videos, listen to her radio show and get the dates of her upcoming conferences. If you’re interested in that sort of thing, I would suggest downloading it, it’s pretty great.

Anyway, back to my realization. These past few weeks my husband and I have been facing some challenges regarding his career; these challenges are by no means negative challenges but very positive ones and in reality we are blessed to have them, as ironic as that may sound. And maybe the word “challenge” is not the best terminology, but when it comes to making the best decision for your career and future family, it can be somewhat of a challenge.
For the last couple of months we have prayed daily for guidance and answers. It seems like it is taking forever and instead of getting answers and solutions that will eliminate our confusion, we’ve only gained more options which have led to more confusion. These last few days have just been too much for me. I told my husband, “I don’t even know what to say to God anymore”. We’ve handing our situation and worries over to Him, we pray about it every day, we’ve worked on having a more positive attitude and most importantly we’ve worked on gaining patience. I no longer knew what to do, and part of me really felt like giving up.

Saturday morning I proceeded with my morning routine by reading from my Bible and then moving on to my devotional. When I read the title of the devotional, I literally froze and thought back on my words I spoke to my husband the day before, “I don’t even know what to say to God anymore”. The title was “Waiting Expectantly”. The first sentence asked the question, “have you been praying for something and you feel as though your prayer is never going to be answered?”  I couldn’t believe it! Could it be that this devotional was written just for me? Of course not, but sometimes it feels that way. The rest of the devotional went on to read about how it can be easy to be passive and just give up (which was where I was at), but to realize that God is working and He is hearing your prayers. He’s not ignoring you, but has a plan and you need to wait expectantly for that plan to unfold. Wake up each and every day knowing that the answer is right around the corner and don’t give up. After reading this I thought back on my devotional from the day before and it had been titled “God’s Timing is Always Perfect”, and I came to the realization that these devotionals that I read every morning aren’t just written by anyone, they’re written by God. God has been speaking to me and teaching me through these devotionals.  How amazing is that?

Thankfully, I have not given up and I have continued to pray about our situation asking that God’s will be done in our lives and I know that day will come when we have the answers and peace about what we should do. And that is when it will be the perfect time. We have an awesome God!