Walking through the seas

There are times in our lives when we feel like we are going to drown.  It's as if we are barely keeping our head above the water and paddling with such an intensity that we aren't sure how much more endurance we have.

We are all familiar with Exodus 14 when God, through Moses, parts the Red Sea.  The Israelites have been complaining, they have been fearful, AND they have been questioning God.  "Why, oh why, would He do this to us?" they cried.

Sound familiar??

You're not alone if you answered yes.  We all, at some time in our lives, behave like the Israelites.  We might not voice it like they did.  But our thoughts and behaviors mirror their words.

As I was reading Exodus 14:15-31 this morning, I became overwhelmed with the truths provided.  I wanted to get down on my knees and praise Jesus for His love...ALWAYS AND THROUGH ALL THINGS.

Here are the things I noticed...

• Jesus is with us even in our dark times protecting us and shielding us from danger. (Ex. 14:20 - The cloud was there in the darkness, yet it lit up the night.  So neither group came near the other all night long.)
• God uses US to bring His Kingdom glory - even in the scariest of times. (Ex. 14:21a - Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea.)
• God performs miracles for all to witness. (Ex. 14:21b - The Lord drove the sea back with a powerful east wind all that night and turned the sea into dry land.  So the waters were divided.)
• God makes a way for us and delivers us to safety. (Ex. 14:22 - The Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with the waters like a wall to them on their right and their left.)
• God crushes those who mess with His children. (Ex. 14:26 & 14:28b - Then the Lord said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may come back on the Egyptians, on their chariots and horsemen.  None of them survived.)
• When we recognize and realize God's great power and love for us, our hearts are drawn to Him. (Ex. 14:31 - When Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and believed in Him -)

God parts seas for us too...all of the time.  He protects His children and brings us to safety.  He uses us to further His Kingdom by allowing us to see His goodness and share it.  God will NEVER allow the enemy to win.  He will rush in, part your sea, and hold out His loving hand for you to grab on to.

One thing that really tugged at my heart as I read this was...

 I wonder how often God parts seas for me and I don't even realize there is water up ahead?  How often does He protect me and I don't even know I'm in danger?

I am in awe at the answer that took over my heart...

All of the time - more than I know.

It is the same with you.  God protects His loves.  Sometimes we know it and other times we are oblivious. 

Are you facing a sea right now?  Do you feel as though you are drowning??  Read God's truths and know with all of your heart that they apply to YOU.  He will not leave you to drown.  He will part your sea, grab your sweet hand, and lead you to safety.

With love-



You are Gifted Soul with Great Purpose in God's Kingdom

Every single one of us has been given gifts by God.  Every.single.one.of.us!

My gifts are great empathy, compassion, the ability to feel very deeply, and the ability to run our home smoothly. 

I used to be embarrassed by my gifts.  This was before I actually knew they were gifts from God.  I thought I was just overly sensitive and some crazy girl who couldn't get a handle on her emotions.  I actually used to get made fun of for them.  Looking back on that, it kind of irks me.  That's a whole other blog post for another day! :) 

As humans, we tend to compare ourselves to others and think that the grass is always greener in someone else's pasture.  We do this with our gifts.  We look at those who are beyond crafty, those who are talented with singing, those who are organized to the wazoo, those who are math nerds (umm, I mean geniuses!), those who are gifted teachers, those who are great caregivers, etc. and wish we had what they have.  Sadly, we beat ourselves up over it.

I think that is the nasty devil trying to get us to focus on what we aren't instead of who we are.  If he can get us to want what other's have, then we won't use our gifts to honor God and His Kingdom.  That makes him happy.  Remember friends, we NEVER want him to be happy.

Our gifts are those things that come naturally to us.  They are the things that bring us joy and give us a full heart. 

It took me a LONG time to realize what my gifts are.  I was involved in a Bible study and would email various ladies letting them know I was praying for them.  I opened my heart and showed great empathy for those hurting and desired to help in some way.  A beautiful young lady (she was 80) who has a great heart for Jesus pulled me aside and told me these were great gifts from Jesus.  She encouraged me and counseled me on using them for God's Kingdom.  She assured me that they were great blessings and not to let anyone squash them.  I am forever grateful to her for loving me enough to talk with me about my gifts.

Since then, I have embraced my gifts and am no longer ashamed of them or embarrassed to share them.  I get great joy out of the gifts that my sweet Jesus covered me in.

Do you know what your gifts are?  If not, take time to recognize what brings your heart joy and fulfillment.  Journal about what brings you great peace and satisfaction.  What stirs your heart so greatly that you can barely contain it?  Pray for clarity and encouragement in sharing them with those around you.  Your gifts are unique to you.  May you embrace them and share them with great love for Jesus and those around you.  

James 1:17 - Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father -

Love to all of you and may your gifts shine like the beauties you all are!

Marci



The Struggle is Real

I struggle with fear.  It frustrates me and makes me feel like a phony Jesus girl.  It makes me mad at myself.  However, the struggle is real...

It's not just any fear.  It's a fear of medical issues.  When I worry about medical issues, I get nauseous and can't see straight.  It's not everyday like it used to be - so I suppose that's progress.

I used to worry nonstop about my little ones.  My oldest was born with some congenital heart issues that had to be corrected surgically.  Could that have caused my issue?  Maybe...

But for whatever reason, it seems to get me every time.  I get so frustrated. 

When I am experiencing this, I feel so angry with myself.  I really do love Jesus and trust Him.  Then I question myself...if I trust Him, why am I so fearful??  And then I feel like I have completely disappointed Him...again.

I have been thinking about this recently and have been praying for clarity.  Is this the thorn in my side??  As I was praying, I remembered a sermon I once heard about being discouraged.  Numerous times in the Bible, God tells us not to be discouraged.  He reminds us that He is with us and will fight for us. 

I started thinking about this and realized that I must not be alone.  God knows that we crazy humans will be discouraged and fearful.  He knows that we need reminding again and again and again that He really is with us and is fighting for us.

Jesus knows my heart and He knows yours.  He knows that we love Him and He knows that we struggle.  Your struggle may not be my struggle, but we all struggle with something...pride, anxiety, perfectionism, fear of fitting in, etc.

I think it's important not to beat ourselves up over it.  I think we have to try hard not to give in to it.  However, when we do give in to it we have to remember to cry out to Him for help.  He knows us better than we know ourselves. 

We must to remember that Jesus has not called us to be perfect.  He has called us to love Him and to rely upon Him. 

Our struggles are real and He knows it.  I have to trust and believe that He loves me despite me.

xoxo



Character builders

Character is defined as the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual. (www.oxforddictionaries.com)

As parents, we are instructed to build character in our children.  Deuteronomy 11:19 states - "Teach them (God's words) to your children, talking about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

As Christians, we build character in our children by teaching them about Jesus and how to live as He instructs.  We desire for them to emulate Him in all they do. 

We must also focus on our character and building it up to please God.  In reality, we can preach and teach our little ones but they will ultimately imitate our behaviors and attitudes.  If we are not truly living what we are teaching, our words will be useless.

I have come up with 5 ways that we can build our character daily-

1. Live by God's truths.  Are we living by God's truths about ourselves or the world's truths?  What does our daily self talk sound like?  Do we bash ourselves and compare ourselves to others or do we see ourselves as Jesus does?  He sees us as His beauties, you know!  Philippians 4:8...Finally brothers (and sisters), whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable-if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise-dwell on these things.  Dwell on the fact that you are beautiful to your Savior.
2. Our inner circles should be made up of God fearing, Jesus lovin' people.  Jesus instructs us to love everyone.  He never said only love those like us.  However, He never tells us to be besties with people whose hearts are different than ours.  In fact, if you read through the gospels you will notice that Jesus' inner circle was made up of people who desired to please Him and please God.  They were not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but they really tired hard to do what was right.  These were the people He shared His feelings with.  I totally believe that we can be friends with all types of people.  However, we should be careful who we allow into our inner hearts and who we allow to influence us.  Galatians 5:9...A little yeast leavens the whole lump of dough.  Be mindful not to let a little yeast change your heart.
3. Entertainment.  Do your entertainment choices offend God?  If Jesus were to physically walk into the room when you were watching a program, reading a book, listening to a song, etc. would you be embarrassed and ashamed?  Tough questions, I know.  Romans 12:2...Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. 
4. Treatment of others.  How are we treating those around us?  Are we self centered or Jesus/others centered?  This can be tough when we are in a bad mood, aggravated, not feeling well, etc.  Also, are we listening to the hurts and needs of those around us even when it may inconvenience us?  The way we treat others says a great deal about our hearts and our true feelings towards Jesus.  Hebrews 3:13...But encourage each other daily.
5. Daily inner beauty treatments.  In order to be like Jesus, we must really know Him.  Just like with any relationship, to truly know someone we must spend time with them.  We listen to them, talk with them, and love on them.  It is the same with our relationship with Jesus.  We must take the time every single day to hang out with Him.  Reading His word, praying, listening to praise music, etc. cleanses us of ugliness.  The more we spend time with Him, the more beautiful or hearts become.  We should desire to be the Proverbs 31 woman.  Proverbs 31:28...Her children rise up and call her blessed.  Her husband also praises her-.

Let's be purposeful in building our character.  It's not always going to be easy, but it will always be worth it!

xoxo