The story of Jesus' birth gives us assurance, confidence and joy because even though the waiting lingered for decades, God broke in at just the right time.
Are you in the midst of going through a tough or trying time? Are you struggling with a lack of faith? Let me bring you some encouragement and hope. It doesn’t take much faith to get God's attention. When Jesus was here on earth he told the people, "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” Matthew 17:20.
I’m sure you have hear the saying “You can grow a tree in one day.” That’s very true but here is some good news for you! Jesus Himself invites us all to begin with a tiny seed. He encourages us to watch it grow and wait for it to become all that you dreamed it would be. This is a truth from Jesus’ own lips as we read in Matthew 17.
I read the following in a devotional:
"We expect everything to be at our fingertips the moment we have the desire for it. It's a world we're growing into and it's addicting. We live in a world of easy downloads, instantaneous email, on demand and food prepared in a few minutes. Yet God finds ways of making us wait. Waiting and faith go hand-in-hand."
We wait for the baby we've dreamed we'd hold in our arms.
Some are waiting for their prodigal son to come to the end of himself and return home.
Many of us are waiting for the phone to ring so we can return to a job with a normal salary and benefits.
Others are waiting for an eye-opening spiritual breakthrough.
The Christmas Advent season is all about faith and waiting. Let me ask you a question, what are you waiting on God for? Have you been waiting days, week, months or even years? Speaking of waiting, God's people waited for years and I mean years for the Messiah but they held on to faith that His promises were true! But the Messiah came! God sent His son on that very day in Bethlehem. As you reflect on the birth of Jesus reflect on the fact that God's timing is quite different from ours. The story of Jesus' birth encourages us to not give up and to keep believing for what we are believing for.
If you are struggling this Christmas season I encourage you to hold on to faith and to remember the promises of God. He is faithful and will come through for you.
“It’s amazing that when you look at what you have, instead of what you won’t or don’t have, you usually see that in one form or another you’ve gotten what you wished for. “ Sara Frankl
Did you know that the most repeated command in the Bible is “give thanks?” I had no idea until I read that statement. Knowing that God asks us to “give thanks” in all things really challenged me and I had to ask myself if I had a heart that was overflowing with gratitude and joy so I did some digging in the Scriptures and I thought I would share those with you.
In Colossians 1:9-11 it says, “may you be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding so as to walk in a manner fully pleasing of Him, being strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy,” What exactly is this joy that is mentioned here?
I read the following in my morning time with the Lord this morning. "Biblical joy is a perpetual gladness of the heart which stems from knowing, experiencing, and trusting the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Christian joy is unaffected by outward circumstances. We look at Jesus to understand true joy: “Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who forthe joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). Jesus knew that the will of God for His life was to suffer the utmost pain by dying on the cross to save us, sinners. Yet, despite Jesus’ excruciating death, he remained joyful, because Jesus understood the supreme glory that his death and resurrection bring God daily.” Annie Harris
Wow! Can you imagine being joyful even as you are being executed on a cross? I don’t know if I could have done the same thing that Jesus did for us.
Jesus had three kinds of joy that are mentioned in the Bible: Abounding joy, abiding joy and abundant joy. This is the same joy Jesus wants us to have. How to we find or have that same kind of joy? We can have that same joy by first surrendering our lives to Him. Then depending on God to see us through and not depending on our own strength. Also, obeying His commands will bring us joy and cause us to rejoice because His joy is in us.
Gratitude in all things is God’s will for us and it’s based on trusting his unfailing love. We shouldn’t base our practice of gratitude on the circumstances of our lives. They can change in a heartbeat. One thing to remember is that our life without joy is meaningless and true joy can only truly be found in Jesus.
Have you ever gone hiking in a new area and came upon two trails and you weren’t sure which trail to take?
Life will always take us down numerous trails or paths. Following the wrong one can cause a lot of frustration, hurt and anxiety. How do we know which road or path to take? Well, Jesus clearly tells us in the Bible to stay on the narrow road. Matthew 7:14 says, "But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” The wide road is easy, many people walk on it and go and do whatever they please. Staying on the narrow road means we listen God even when He says what we would rather not hear. You will find that the narrow road is not very popular to be on compared to the wide road where you will find most populated.
Every time we make the difficult but right decision we are walking on the narrow road. In the world we live in today it is tempting to follow whatever everyone else is saying or doing. It’s normal not wanting to feel left out or that we are missing something.
Walking the narrow road is sometimes difficult. It’s like swimming or rowing upstream. To make it even harder, the things we are exposed to brings plenty of things into our lives that look good to the eye but not good for the soul. It is then that we have to decide are we going down the wide easy road or to turn and say no to those things that look captivating and inviting but in our hearts we know that it’s not the way to go so we turn towards the narrow difficult road.
Even though it might be hard to choose or walk the narrow don’t forget that God gives us grace. When the road gets hard or life gets challenging and we don’t seem to have the strength to keep moving it is then that we can ask for help and He will be there to see us through.
We always need to remember that we don’t have to face the narrow road alone. He is always there right by our side willing to help and guide down the path that was meant for us to succeed, grow and live a vibrant and fulfilling life. Jeremiah 7:23 says, “Live exactly the way I tell you and things will go well with you.” Think of it this way. Jesus is the guide on the trail who says, “Do not go that way!”And when we ask why he just says, “Trust me!”Many times God will not tell us why we should do things a certain way, in fact Jesus rarely explained in detail the benefits of following his instruction or commands.
It's that time of year where we are all writing out our holiday gift giving lists. Whether it's for family or friends now is the time to think about what you want to give. Also, with the supply chain craziness we have going on right now in our country it might be wise to shop ASAP to make sure you have all your gift buying done sooner than later. Here are a few ideas that might help you cross some people off your list.
Gifts Under $100
I love to grill but there are times that the weather doesn't permit it so I was excited when I heard about this Smokeless Indoor Grill. I have been using it for at least most of this year and I love it. I have. grilled steak, pork chops, chicken, hamburger and fish. Everything has come out perfectly and cleanup is super easy! Easy to use and to clean, this countertop appliance has two dishwasher-safe, nonstick cooking plates (one griddle and one grill plate) and a built-in fan that helps to reduce the amount of smoke released into the air.Whatever the weather, you can still enjoy the delicious taste of barbecue from the comfort of your kitchen If you know someone who likes to grill or who is a foodie and you need a gift that is under $100 check this one out by PowerXL. First time customers use code HOLIDAY to save another $10.
Do you have an NFL football lover on your holiday gift giving list? If so, I know they would love this NFL full zip hoodie. All NFL teams are available in sizes XS through 5X. This graphic-packed, color-blocked NFL hoodie lets everyone know exactly who you're cheering for. A full-front zipper is joined by your fave team's name, logo, and city boldly splashed all over the front and back. So whether your seat's in the stadium or on the sofa, you've got the gear to cheer on your team. Check out this NFL Full Zip Hoodiefor that sports lover on your list that's currently on sale for under $55. First time customers use code HOLIDAY to save another $10.
My last gift idea for under $100 are these super cool 2 pack of these Tiki Torch Bluetooth Speakers with Ground Sticks. We have these on our back pool patio and we use them almost nightly. I love that you can use them with or without the speakers and they recharge with an USB cord. Perfect for parties or days spent working in the garden, this pair of tiki torch wireless speakers will be the ultimate addition to your backyard. Use the included ground sticks and sync them together with your Bluetooth-enabled device to enjoy your favorite tunes outdoors. Once night falls, turn on the bright LED flame inside each speaker for extra ambience. This set of 2 is under $65 but if you are a first time customer use code HSN2021 to save $20 more!
Gifts Under $50
If you have a makeup lover on your gift list check out this set of four Tarte Lights, Camera Action Mascara's. This set normally retails for $92 but you can get them now for under $43 and FREE SHIPPING. Plus they come with holiday gift bags. This four-in-one mascara volumizes, lengthens, curls, and conditions the look of lashes. The ultra-black pigment delivers darker, defined lashes with a vitamin-rich formula that conditions with each coat. Plus, get an instant lash lift with the magniLASH wand that boasts shorter bristles add the look of intense volume, while the longer bristles add an instant curl. First time customers us code HOLIDAY for another $10 off.
Most every woman loves to have nice nails! I have a product that I have been using for years that is now part of a 6 piece set. It's byPerfect Nail Treatment and Color Kit!Perfect Formula Gel Coats create a think protein rich coating over nails that add an instant temporary strength and thickness effect. This set retails for $96 but it's currently on sale for under $32. First time customers use code HOLIDAY to save another $10.
I love cross necklaces! I found a beautiful one that is done in sterling silver that I think you will love as much as I do. It's called theHe Is Faithful To Complete It necklace that's based off of Philippians 1:6. This cross sterling necklace is a beautiful reminder of God’s grace, love, and redemption. A sweet simple design with such a powerful message makes this the best gift for a special occasion or just because. Made in sterling silver and hung on a dainty 18" sterling silver chain. It's available for $45 but use code EMILY15 to save 15%.
Gifts under $25
I have been using these amazing7 piece Makeup Remover Towel Set. Use with a cleanser or just water to gently and thoroughly remove all makeup, dirt and grime! This set redials for $104 but it's currently on major sale for $26 and free shipping. There are four color print options to choose from. When you first get them wash them on the gentle cycle by themselves with no fabric softener. You can tumble dry or just set out to dry. After that you can wash them with other things but just not ever with fabric softener. First time customers use code HELLO10 to save another $10.
I love essential oils and we love diffusing them daily and nightly in our home. ThisEssential Oil Diffuser we have in all our bedrooms! We have also purchased many of these as gifts. We love diffusing lavender each night to help us sleep. I love this one because you can set it to go on for 30 seconds and then off for 30 seconds. Plus, there are all different light color settings you can choose from. I love the compact size which is perfect for a night stand, desk or countertop! We've had ours for at least three years and it's going strong and it's only $15.
This last items is a great gift but would also make a great stocking stuffer. it's called the ID Police and it's an amazing invention. Use the ID Police to cover bank statements, credit card statements and offers, prescription labels, shipping labels, court documents, tax documents, and anywhere else your name, address, phone number and/or social security number is printed. The ID Police is so incredibly easy. Simply roll it over your personal info you want hidden and that's it! There's no inking pads or stopping to re-ink your stamp. Just one roll is all it takes and it's under $15.
"We have been created with a soul which means we have been given an eternal nature. Therefore, you and I are a reflection of God our Creator."
Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” God who created Heaven and Earth in the seven days of creation saved the best creation for last - Mankind! His very own reflection. Genesis 1:27 says, "And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”
God created us in His image and made us each uniquely. Psalm 139:14 says, “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made!" As a Christian and as one who professes to follow Christ I am called to represent or reflect Him in my actions, my thoughts and my words. Why? So that others may see the love, grace, and kindness He has brought into my life. By reflecting God’s attributes in all I say and do my hope is that others will want to know Him too.
In the Bible, there are several times where we are encouraged to reflect God. John 8:12 says, “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” We are to reflect God and shine His light to others, as His light is shines onto us. When I said “Yes” to Jesus I was filled with a “spiritual light” that shines so that others can see God’s goodness and grace and love.
Every day we are faced with stressful situations whether they be with friends and family, or with strangers that we meet as we go about day to day. It’s in those times that we can either be quick to react negatively, or look at the each incident through God’s eyes with love, understanding, and patience. I read once that it is easy to show God’s goodness when we are in a positive place both mentally and emotionally, but our true image and character are conveyed most in the situations that we cannot control. That’s such a true statement. When we walk close to God we can find peace and understanding in each situation. Each situation helps us to grow in God and all He has to offer us.
My hope and prayer is that every time I reach out in love, act in kindness, soften my heart in forgiveness, show a little extra patience, and follow through in faithfulness, that others would experience the character of God through me.
May you all have a very blessed day and remember Jesus love you very much!
"Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith." Harold Ward Beecher
I always want to be honest with you here on this account. I wouldn’t be telling you the truth if I didn’t admit that this week I could feel anxiety and fear welling up inside me. A few days ago I was on my daily 3 mile walk. As I was walking all the emotions of everything that is going on in the world finally hit me and overflowed into tears. I started thinking of it all - the mandates, people losing their jobs, food and other supply shortages, inflation and the price of everything going up, the southern border, election integrity, medical freedom and so much more.
As the tears began to flow I looked up to big blue, vast sky that had big fluffy clouds floating in it. I tried to look as far as I could see even past the clouds as if I was trying to look right into heaven. I then said to God, “Lord, I know you must see what’s going on down here but it feels like things are spiraling out of control. Every day we wake up to another insane reality of what’s going on. It seems the only place I feel peace is when I am asleep. I know you are bigger than my fear! I know you are bigger than my anxiety! I know you are bigger than the problems and chaos we face! I know you are the true Peace Giver! I need You God more than every before! I need to feel Your presence even stronger than ever before. I need You Jesus!!”
After I spoke those words to God I felt a calmness and peace come over me. I kept looking up to Jesus! I felt the burden lifting! I felt the anxiety lifting! I knew it was a sign that He had heard me and He was there and He was going to see us through. That peace and strength He gave me that day was just what I needed to keep on keeping on. He took away my troubled heart and caused me to instead be courageous to face whatever we have to face.
Are you facing something that is causing fear or anxiety to well up in you? Is peace missing from your life? Look up to Jesus! Call on His name and He will answer you! He will fill you and He will cover you with the most beautiful peace. John 14:27 says, “I leave the gift of peace with you - my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts - instead, be courageous!”
I took the picture above while staring out at the Sea of Galilee the last time I was in Israel a few years ago. This is the same water where Jesus calmed the waters and even walked on water. In Matthew 14:22-33 we read the account of Jesus walking across the water to the disciples in a storm. They were frightened and thought he was a ghost. So Peter, yelled out, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” So Jesus told him to, "Come!" Peter took a step out of the boat and we can see below what happened when he did.
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith, he said, “why did you doubt me?”
When we read this story of Peter we kind of hone in on Peter's fear but it wasn’t the fear that sank him. Jesus didn’t say, “why did you fear?” He said, “why did you doubt Me?” Look at verse 30 ... "But when Peter saw the wind, he became afraid." Peter only began to fear when he took his eyes off Jesus and looked at the storm.
So here is a lesson we can all learn. When we take our eyes off Jesus, we start to lose faith. When we don’t see Him in what’s happening around us, we lose focus and we lose faith. Is there something you are fearful about that is taking away your faith and peace? Let me know below in the comments and I will be pray for you that the Lord would take away all fear and replace it with strong faith and His sweet peace.
My husband and I have been blessed with two beautiful daughters and three handsome sons. I love all five of our children equally but I have to admit back when I was birthing children there was something so exciting when the doctor would say, “It’s a girl!!” I remember after hearing those words with babies #2 and #5 I would say to myself. Oh yes!! I get to purchase all the dresses and bows and girly toys like dolls, Barbies and tea sets.
Things were smooth sailing raising the girls until they hit around age 12 and then I have to admit rough waters began. When I think back to those years I wish I could have a redo but I know that’s impossible. My parenting “girl” skills were not the best and when you combined that with all the hormones of them becoming teenagers it was a collision course for rocky times. I have to admit mothering the girls in their teen years was hard and I put most of the blame on me. When the girls would clam up . .. so would I. They didn’t talk to me so I didn’t really talk to them. I felt like they were pushing me away and didn’t want anything to do with me so I just sadly did nothing out of hurt. This is something I wish I could go back and change.
Author Paul Tripp states that this strategy of mine was a parenting mistake on my part. He says, "Sadly, I am afraid, many parents accept the moat that teenagers tend to build around themselves. They adjust to the lack of time and relationship with their teen who, only a few short years ago, wanted to tag along with them everywhere they went. They quit talking when their teenager quits talking. So, at the point where significant things happen, which the teenager was never meant to deal with alone, Mom and Dad are nowhere to be found.”
I know that the Bible commands me as a mother to teach and instruct our daughters in the ways of the Lord. (Proverbs 1:8). The Lord wants us involved with our kids and that process definitely requires a relationship. For me to have any kind of influence over my daughters it requires me to be close to them, be actively consistent and involved in their worlds even if they act like they don’t want it. What I should have done was been more involved and more intentional about creating that relationship with my girls whether they wanted it or resisted it. Thankfully the Lord forgave me for my mistakes and my girls did too. There have been some very rough years which I take the blame for but thankfully the Lord heals and restores and that’s what He did with me and my girls. Are things perfect today? No but they are getting better with each passing day.
If you and your daughter/daughters are having a rocky time or you fear you are on the road to that go to the Lord in prayer. The Lord wants to hear our prayers concerning everything but especially our prayers for our children. Author J.C. Ryle encourages parents with this quote, "The Lord is far more willing to hear than we to pray; far more ready to give blessings than we to ask them — but He loves to be entreated for them. . . . I suspect the child of many prayers is seldom cast away.” . So never forget that prayer is the key to accessing our daughter’s heart so with faith and boldness we can ask Him to restore or strengthen our mother-daughter relationships.
Building a close mother/daughter relationship can take time especially if there has been hurt and mistrust but don’t let that stop you from building and developing a friendship with your daughter/daughters again. Keep the Lord in the center of it all and He will be there to see you through it all! How do I know . . .. because He did it for me and my girls.
“There is a silence and stillness that should overtake us in the presence of someone that is so overwhelmingly holy and glorious. The call to all is to be still before our holy, awesome, and glorious God.” John Casteel
This is the final post of my 3 part series on #EmilysPinkPosts where I have been sharing Bible verses that have brought encouragement and helped me through the last month. Over the last two weeks we have looked at Psalm 56:3 and Psalm 41:1. Today we will look at the third verse which is, “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10a.
In a world where chaos runs rampant how do we find peace? In a world where life brings turmoil in relationships, family and friend how can we fix thing? In a world where where there are always trials, tribulations and hardships .. . .what can we do to stop the noise, anxiety, fear, stress, worry and tension? One thing we can do is to . . . . . Be still! Here in this verse the word still comes from a Hebrew word meaning to “let go” or “release.” We have to be willing to let go of those things that are causing the stress and worry and surrender everything over to God.
Just when we think we can’t take it anymore and we are about to buckle under the weight of it all God reminds us to “Be still”. But honestly have you ever thought about just how hard it is to be still and let go and let God? When we are in the that mode we hardly ever take time to be still. We toss and turn at night. Our nerves are shot from the worrying. We constantly have noise filling our ears with even more chaos. So how are we to Be still in the storm? I’m going to share with you some practical ways I have found that help me bring myself back to center and to calm my emotions.
1. Get outdoors - When I am outdoors all I have to do is look around and see God everywhere. He is in the colors of creation - the sky, grass, flowers, trees, clouds, sunsets and sunrises. Have you ever really looked at the colors of flowers or even vegetables growing in your garden? Have you ever seen a caterpillar and thought about the transformation it goes through to becoming a beautiful butterfly? Even going on a walk and breathing in the fresh air and knowing that He has supplied the the oxygen we need to survive on this earth. This is so much outdoors that help us to remember to Be Still.
2. Play praise and worship music - One thing I love about Christian worship music is that the lyrics help to take my eyes off my circumstance and place it on the the Lord instead. It reminds me of my need for His help and to look to Him! It reminds me of His faithfulness and His promises. It reminds me that He fights my battles because He cares and love me. It helps me to stop with all the negative thinking and fill it with positive thoughts and ways of God.
3. Stop all the noise - This means putting down my phone, shutting down my computer and turning the TV off. It’s in the quiet where we can truly quiet our soul and we can remember all that God has personally done for us and His faithfulness towards us.
4. Pray - When we turn off all the distractions it is then we can turn our thoughts toward God in prayer. What is prayer? Praying is communicating or talking to God. It doesn’t have to be a formal conversation. I talk to Him like I am talking to my best friend. Praying is a way for us to be honest with our feelings where we can confess our fears and failures and then cry out to Him to move. . As we take the time to pray it is in those moments where we remember what is true and beautiful.
5. Read the Bible - The Word of God is living, powerful and active! It is in the Word where He can speak to you, give your guidance and help to take your eyes off your problem and on to Him.
We are living in crazy times where chaos and uncertainty is pressing in around us but we have to remember who is the One who can bring peace. Also, remember being still is doesn’t mean doing nothing. Regardless of our circumstances that are all around us, we can still our hearts with worship, praying, remembering in the quiet , and reading His truths. Remember . . .be still and know that He is God and you will soon feel all the heaviness leave.
“In order to find security in God, we have to stop finding security in everything else. …Nothing in this world will offer you the security you have in God.”
Last week on #EmilysPinkPosts I shared with you the first of three verses that have helped me through this last month. The first was Psalm 56:3, “When I am afraid I will trust in You.” This verse reminds us that anytime we are having a situation we can’t control and fear tries to grip us that if we put our total trust in God He will see us through no matter what we are facing. Once we trust put our trust in God what do we do next?
In those troubling times God gives us life giving words that can be found in Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Trouble shows itself in many forms - illness, financial hardship, relationships, loss of a loved one and much more. When troubles come our way they in a sense threaten us, they leave us feeling vulnerable to the unknown and they leave us feeling empty and helpless. But I have good news! God is our refuge and we can run to Him and He will shelter us from the storm. He is our protector and He is always there to help us. He gives us strength when we are weak and at our lowest point. This verse reminds us that when we run to God for that refuge we don’t need to fear.
The Hebrew word for refuge is chacah and means “to flee for protection, to confide in, to put one’s trust in.” The dictionary defines a refuge as a shelter or protection from danger, trouble, or to take refuge from a storm. It’s a place of safety, or anything to which one has recourse for aid, relief, or escape.
There are three distinct practical ways that God is our refuge.
1. We find refuge when we go to the Father in n prayer. God is a Person in which to confide our troubles. He wants us to cry out to Him and share with Him our fears, what’s causing our anxiety, stress or worry. He wants us to be totally honest and share exactly what we are thinking and what we are going through. Psalm 142:2 says, “I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare my trouble before Him.” and Psalm 34:17 says, “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears and recuses them from all their troubles.”
2. We find refuge when we commit ourselves to obeying the Word of God no matter what the cost. God’s Word is a Place of protection and safety when we find ourselves in trouble and it’s true the place we must run to in times of trouble. God truly becomes our refuge we we trust His Word more than we trust what the world says or what even our own feelings are saying. God’s Word is the only place we will find security and protection because it truly is the only source of truth. Proverbs 30:5 says, “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.”
3. We find refuge when we depend one the Spirit of God to lead us, empower us and sustain us through every trial or hardship we go through. God’s Spirit provides the Power to sustain us through our troubles and He has provided a way for Him to be with us and that’s through His Spirit. Jesus knew we need the power of the Holy Spirit to help us. He promised His disciples that after He returned to the Father, that He would send us the One who is that very present helper. We find refuge when we depend on the Spirit of God to lead us, empower us, and sustain us through whatever we are going through.
When you walk with God on a daily basis and commune with Him daily we truly can feel more confident when we face problems or hardship or trials. He will give us what we need to endure any hardship we face here on earth. We hen we believe in God and truly believe He is our refuge and strength we can face even the most dangerous or difficult situations with total confidence because God is with us.
For those of you who are new here in the last month, every Sunday I “normally” write a Sunday faith post over on Instagram that I call #EmilysPinkPosts. Why do I call them that? The reason being is that I filter the picture for the post with a shade of pink so that when people see my IG grid they can quickly see the faith posts. It’s been a month or so since I have written an Emilys Pink Post We took a three week break and went back home to Indiana where we spent that time at my sister and brother in law’s lake house and then the day we arrived home Jordan was 6 days being sick. The following month was filled with one week caring for him, then having in the hospital for 7 days after that and then now these last two weeks helping him recover here at home. So, here I am today writing one now that things have calmed down a bit.
Starting today and for the following two Sunday’s I am going to a 3 part series where I share three verses from the Bible that helped me over this last month. I am writing this not only to share with you but also as a reminder for me to look back at so when I go through something like this again I can go back and read them over and over again as a reminder to myself.
When we got the news that Jordan was sick I felt my heart sink to the floor. The last thing you want is for one of your family members to be sick especially with the evil virus. I could feel my emotions start to go all over the place - worry, fear, stress, anxiety started to fill my mind but then I immediately start praying Psalm 56:3 which says, “When I am afraid I put my trust in You.”
Psalm 56 was written by David while he was running for his life from evil King Saul and his army. He lived each day wondering if that might be the day that someone would kill him. Yet, more than once in this psalm he says, “I shall not be afraid” You have to ask yourself how could he even say that when he was running for his life? The reason why David could face horrific terrifying trials and tribulations was that he knew where and who to turn to in those times. So, he cries out, “When I am afraid I will put my trust in You!” Let’s break down the verse. When he says, “I am afraid” he is acknowledging that the fear is real. He isn’t denying he is afraid or fearful but he doesn’t stay there for long for he goes on to say that even though he is afraid he is putting his trust in God to see him through. He’s tell us that he knows where to turn to when he is afraid . . .right to the Lord. This is where he goes from “I am afraid” to “I will not be afraid.” How did he go from one to the other? Psalm 56:4 tell us - “In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.” David gets from one to the other by putting his trust in God and instead of praying “‘prayers of hope” he took the fear, stress and worry and prayed specific promises of God written in the word which is what he hung on to and confessed.
So, that day when worry, stress, fear and anxiety tried to grip me I shifted my thoughts and started to pray Psalm 56:3-4. Confessing and praying the promises of God brought peace, comfort and strength to see the battle through. So the next time fear tries to grip you or come your way, and they will, you will know where to turn to. Turn to the One who can fill you with a peace that surpasses all understanding and who said, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). We, like David, can say, “I shall not be afraid.
It isn’t too often when I fall in love with a piece of clothing but recently my heart was taken with this gorgeous top from The Muses Closet and designer Elizabeth Tabat Klein .
First , the lace is extremely soft which is unlike many other lace fabrics. It feels so good on your skin and drapes beautifully.
Secondly, it has a built in lining that is yummy soft too. The bottom six inch panel can be moved up or down to customize it for a perfect fit.
Thirdly, the scallops on the sleeves are beautiful and the lace placement on the sleeves cover exactly what you want covered on your arms.
It’s truly a beautiful fantastic top and it comes in this pretty blush as well as three other colors. I can promise you .....you will love this top as much as I do.
