A Step of Faith

At the beginning of this year, the Lord moved me into a new chapter of my life, which truthfully I was grateful for. I was ready to move forward, to write off 2010 as an experience that I was thankful for, but hopefully not one that would need to be repeated. In 2010, the Lord grew and challenged me in ways that were not only painful but a real eye opener to my faith, character, and where I stood before the Lord. Not only did last year bring me closer to the Lord but it also prepared me for the journey I'm on now with him.

That's the funny thing about God. You ask him to "grow my relationship with you Lord" and "allow me to be dependant upon you God". And that's what he does...but very seldom is it the way you want or expected it. Only God knows what will truly light a fire under our feet, refine our rough spots, and move us closer to his goodness and it's usually not our safe/toddler proof route. God's GPS is divine, without flaw, maps out our destination without a hiccup or wrong turn, and is always on time.

Are you allowing God to map out your route even though there are a lot of turns and narrow cliff dropping spots? Or are you playing it safe, staying in your neighborhood, sticking close to home hoping to wait out the storm? I promise you one thing, you photo bucket with God will always be a much more glorifying display than any "playing it safe" Wal-Mart collage. Simply said, it's up to you. Are you buckling up and coming with us or staying home worrying about whats to come? Allow your faith to take that next step.

2 Peter 1:3-9

Blogging

Stay tuned...my journey is underway and will be updating soon!!

Stretching-growing is a common phrase in our office, but I think we used it more today than we have in the past month. It is so good when we allow God to work in us and through us. Today will be a marker stone for me that I will forever be able to look back on. Thank you Lord for using me, I am willing...

"We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future your children will ask you, 'What do these stones mean?'" Joshua 4: 6

The Climb

God places the most amazing and different people into our lives. Today, as I sat with both friends/coworkers, I asked him to help me see each of my sisters through his eyes. I want to take this time to lift up and encourage each of these women.

Debbie - You have a heart of praise, you stand firm in your beliefs and have a mind of a scholar. You are more than a Martha, you are a loving and giving sister. You are blessed with the details - a woman after God's own character - God is the details. As you grow with God, I am privileged to gain from your knowledge and understanding of our Father.
Cindy - You care for people as Christ cared for us. Your heart continues to seek out those details about each individual in your life. God has given you a merciful and loving heart. You go to the depths of your soul for people. Your actions speak louder than words. God has given me a sister that gives of herself. What an example you are in this time of the world.
Jennifer - Your heart seeks out that which God has put within you. You yearn for community and relationships and I see people drawn to you. God has put a special calling on you, not only within our ministry but out into the community. You are impacting the kingdom, you are making the climb and I'm glad I get to partner with you & be a part of your journey.
Stephanie - Your gifts are unmeasurable. God continues to pour into you and you graciously and humbling step into his calling. You listen - you are still and allow God to speak into your life. You are obedient and our Heavenly father smiles down upon his humble servant. I have so much to gain from your obedient and serving heart.
Ruth Ann - You are taking that step, you are transparent, you are relying on our heavenly Father, your heart is reaching out, and your hands are lifted up. Girl, you put me in awe. I feel the Holy Spirit pouring out of you and I just want to put my hands out to catch the overflow. Words can't express how thankful I am that you've been placed in my life.
Thelma - You are so faithful, good and faithful servant. Your experiences and advice has God so intertwined. God has called you to be intentional, to seek out that one needing His divine mercy and grace, and you show them the way to Christ's love. I have so much to learn from you, a sister after God's own heart.
Becca - You have your eyes upon the Lord, sitting at his feet, taking in his words. God has called you to make an impact in this world, in our lives. How amazing it is to stand by your side and watch God work through you. You are the best leader and friend anyone could ever ask for; I sit speechless before God and can only express my heart of gratitude through tears and mummers of my soul. You are our mentor, our leader and we lift you before the Lord; we pray for you, your family, and the relationships to come.

Every step I'm taking...my faith is shaking...i got to keep trying...there's always going to be another mountain...sometimes I'm going to have to loose...it's not about what's waiting on the other side...it's the climb...keep climbing...keep the faith...climb

"We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers." 1 Thessalonians 1:2

Reading my Parents magazine while waiting for the doctor (get there 15 minutes early just to wait another 30 in the waiting room) a familiar face passes by. I think to myself "Surely that can't be her? I haven't seen her since graduation. That can't be her, how radom would that be that at a given time, over 300 miles and 9 years later, we met up at a doctors office in the suburbs of Dallas?" Well guess what, it was her :). Crazy?!? I know!! Wow, God has a purpose here and I can't wait to find out what it is!
Have you ever been somewhere and thought "Wow, this is the most random place to run into that person?" But how great is it to know that nothing is to suprising to our God. That He has placed devine apointments in our lives for a purpose...for an Only God Story. Share your stories with others and give glory to your awesome maker!!

"O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list..." Psalm 40:5

You've Got Mail

Have you ever received a call, checked caller ID, and let your phone go to voicemail because you didn't have time to chat with "THAT" person right now? Wow, harsh words right? But that is how complex our lives have become in this day of technology. I'm always finding myself in a rush. In a rush to get ready, in a rush to get to work, in a rush to check email and voicemail, in a rush...in a rush...in a rush. In our daily rush, we forget to take a moment to be still and ask God "What do you have in store for us today". Something very simple and would make our day flow so much smoother, but for some reason we think that we know best - we know what we need to do to get the job done.

I confess that I had a reality check this week. As I got my phone calls of inconvenience, I would let them go to voicemail not once but multiple times this week. One from a friend who wanted to chat onto another one who cried out in desperation. I passed by God's first call with "I will call her back later" to end the week with "Lord help me, I don't know what to do". In that moment, God was knocking on the door to my heart asking to come in - we need to have a chat. I hate that it takes such extremities to get my attention. God is constantly bringing people our way that needs an encouraging word, an ear to listen, or a warm embrace. If we focus on what our plans/agendas are then we are missing out on God's missions for us and unfortunately we then become the people that we are trying to reach. We become broken and torn down without Gods mercy, love, and direction. The challenge I give you today is this: Will you take a moment? Will you allow God to work through you to make an impact? Will you reach out to that person and let them know that they are not alone? Will you rest in him?




"Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. 'I am willing' he said." Luke 5:13

A Time for Celebration

My baby girl will be turning 4!! How crazy and remarkable is that? For those of you who read this and haven't known us since we were blessed with the PRINCESS I will include pics :)

Elizabeth has brought forth so many blessings to our life. I laugh as I think back about the funny things she says or the way she has to do it her way. This past year Elizabeth has really shown me how much she is growing. She has gone from asking "Mommy can't you push out another baby, this one wont stop crying." to "Mommy, where is your self control?" The last one makes me giggle because she said that to me not more than a couple of weeks ago. She was learning about the fruits of the spirit, and wanted to let Mommy know that it was not ok to correct her little brother in that tone. Isn't it amazing how much truth comes out of a child's mouth? I marvel in the ways that God is growing her even at the young age of 4. As I watch her grow, I can't help but to pray and ask God to show me the ways to encourage, love, guide and teach her. I want to encourage you to pray over your children and ask God to give you direction and wisdom for each one. God has so much in store for us; are you willing to hand over the reigns and enjoy the ride with your great creator?
ENCOURAGER
LOVE

INTELLIGENT

ZOETIC

ACTIVE

BELLE

ENTERTAINER

TRUST

HELPER

Newborn1 yr 2 yr3 yr Princess @ 4

"Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers - not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be..." 1 Peter 5: 2