Inspirational

Good Morning Beautiful! Simply be the qualities u seek in others...Love this!

Made With Love Ministry

I had written this entry on the 16th of February but never posted it. I wrote I am so excited about this ministry that I am starting on so many levels. First, I am doing something that has been laid on my heart for a year and it's starting to grow. I am giving back to my church and community. Not only are we providing for a need but it is also a bonding time for all of us. We will get to know each other better. I know we will share laughs and I am sure we will shed a few tears. We are being brought together for the greater good and His divine purpose.

Now, two weeks later I write this...Last night at Bible study, I received confirmation that I am doing the right thing and I was supposed to start this ministry. God is soo good! A lady had brought her daughters Monday night and her youngest had said how much she enjoyed it and can't wait to come back. You see, this is what I wanted. It isn't so much about making things as it is getting to know others and forming  relationships. We are going to find out that we need each other and will help each other along the way. My ministry is going to reach many people in many different ways. Thank you God!

I also had another confirmation about this ministry. A friend of mine asked me if I wanted to donate prayer shawls that I had made to their ministry. I had to decline because I had started my own group. I am just so glad I am on the right track and am doing what I am called to do.

God's Love

Just a reminder that God loves u. He is the only one who loves us unconditinally and his love is never failing. Share His love today with someone who may not understand it. If you don't realize how much He loves you, talk to me. I would love to share my story with u.

Travel

I am getting really excited about my trip to Guatemala and I am not even going until Aug. I have started to question if maybe once I go overseas if God will not call me back over and will it be long term? Or could I possibly travel across the country and spread His love and word. How awesome would it be to touch lives and to bring hope to people who have lost everything? It would be so exciting to give someone or a family a new beginning. Let them know that people still care :)

Working on something

I am actually working on a post of how I got saved. Will blog it tomorrow :)

Allow God

I want to share this quote from Daily Inspiration: "Your past is not your future." Unknown It's often said that past behaviors are a predictor of future performance. However when an individual seeks the heart of God, no one can predict the unexpected mysteries that unfolds when God's will is sought and prevails. God's love gives the seeker the power to break the patterns of the past as well as the wisdom to overcome poor decisions of the past. Allow God to use your weakness for his strength and glory. Just remember....where your future is concerned, let God direct your path. Get this Free Daily Inspiration App: http://bit.ly/sHLiiS

Heavy Heart

I know my purpose is to spread love and encouragement. Tonight, as I write to you, I am writing with a heavy heart. A dear friend of mine lost a close family member over the weekend. I am asking you to please keep them lifted up in prayer. All of us have lost someone and we know how difficult it is. I pray God will bring them peace, comfort, and strength during this difficult time.
Remember, I love you my friend and I am here for you!

Sunday

Good Morning Sunshines! It is simple today...Spread Your Love Sunday! Have a blessed day :)

Make A Difference

I want to let my light shine and be a positive force in my church and community.  I want to be the girl that when others see me they will say,"What changed or happened to her?" I want people to SEE the change in me. Each one of us has the opportunity to change. Will your change be for the better? Will your change effect others in a positive or negative way? What is holding you back from the change to make a difference? Our community is full of negative. Let's step out and make a positive difference! Happy Saturday friends!

Encouragement

Its simple today people....Sparkle and Shine!

Help Someone

I want to share this quote from Daily Inspiration: We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone. Ronald Reagan 40th American President (1911-2004) Does life feel mundane and without focus? Are you looking for significance in your life? Has life's circumstances plummeted you into a rut of ruin? Turn your day around. Choose someone to focus on. Speak into someone's life by bringing them a bit of unexpected joy. Find someone who needs attention and affection from a visitor, a cheerful word, or an animal to pet and love for a little while. Help that "one" someone today. Be the sunshine that someone needs. Get this Free Daily Inspiration App: http://bit.ly/sHLiiS

Beautiful

Create a beautiful Monday!

Never Alone

I want to share this quote from Daily Inspiration: For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone. Audrey Hepburn - British actress (1929-1993) What could be a better philosophy than to live by those very words: look for the good in others, use words of kindness only, know that you are never alone. How you view your surroundings with your eyes, mouth and mind will paint your daily experiences. How do you want your life painted... with love, hope and grace or with fear, negativity and despair? If you are drawing closer to God, He will draw closer to you and you truly will never be alone. Never be alone; know His presence. Get this Free Daily Inspiration App: http://bit.ly/sHLiiS

Galatians..Answers Revealed

Well, here I am again in the middle of the night posting an entry. This was given to me  in prayer earlier in the day. I actually had gotten two answers from it. We were sitting in the beginning of prayer and our prayer leader is talking about the spirit and how we need to listen to it. It will only give us bits and pieces and we need to work together as the body of Christ to figure it out. As I was sitting there, my spirit said Galatians. At the time, it didn't mean anything but I knew the answer would come when I read it. I had been asking the Lord to please let me know if I should go our teams mission trip to Guatemala. We had just had our first meeting and I knew that I was going to raise the money but I just wanted confirmation that this was what I am being called to do now. So, I read Galatians and it hit me. It had talked about one gospel and how we are to preach it to others. Paul didn't preach The Word in the beginning.  Like the Apostle Paul, I didn't spread The Word either. I didn't advance another religion, I just choose not to speak up about The Gospel...until now. I will spread The Word here and on my missions trip, like Paul when he traveled to other regions.

The second message I received was in 4:8-20. It speaks about the fears for the church. I have been trying to find answers since October about how we can get our members to rise up, become a family, and not be so dead. It really has been upsetting to me for awhile. I can only imagine how God must feel. I ask, what can we do Lord to get them stirred up? I pray and I ask would you please set a fire in them? So, I come home after prayer and I finally get part of an answer....our members have lost the joy in their salvations. So, now this raises a new question, how do we fix it? How do we help our church family reclaim their joy? Are they in chains again? Do they need to be set free again?

I will continue to pray for my church and I pray that they will wake up and rise soon. I also pray that God will not do something drastic to reach them and open their eyes.

Squash the Negative

Ok, I don't want you all to think that I am perfect and I don't have bad days. I do have days where I struggle but I choose for the most part not to let it define me. I also want to bring happiness to the people around me. We all know that negativity is contagious. Let's squash the negativity and make happiness contagious. You choose how you set the tone for your day and others around you! So, sparkle and shine today girls.

Other's Problems

So many times we get caught up in our problems that we can't see the problems of others. It's amazing how God can bring to light the problems of others to make our problems so small. I was brought down a few notches a few mornings ago when I realized what was going on with a friend. I knew something was wrong but didn't ask and knew God would let me know when and if the time was right and if He needed my help. He let me know that morning. So, just a reminder He does know everything about us, even our unspoken requests.

So, my post is two-sided. First, when you think you have it bad, stop and think of the other person. The couple having martial problems and are headed for divorce, or the Father who just lost his son, and the Mom who was just diagnosed with cancer. Yeah, I know our problems don't seem that bad compared to others. But I don't want you to think that I am down playing your issues. I am not by any means. I just want us to take a look at the other person, me included. The best part about this is that God is big enough to help all of us! Speaking of God, He is my second point. He knows everything about us including our innermost thoughts. He will bring everything into the light when He knows we are ready.

A Friend

I want to share this quote from Daily Inspiration: "Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend." Albert Camus - Nobel Prize author (1913-1960) What does it take to be a friend? Patience, kindness and understanding. Fun and laughter almost always accompany good times among friends. Invest yourself in becoming a good friend and know that joy of caring for someone special. Walk beside someone; listen, share and enjoy. Get this Free Daily Inspiration App: http://bit.ly/sHLiiS

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I am not a fan of today. I never have been. It's not because I don't have a sweetheart. I don't feel we should have a certain day to show someone how we feel. We should express our feelings of love every day and not only on Feb 14th.

With this being said, the same theory goes for God.  Are you only showing Him love on Sunday? He wants all of you every day. How do you feel if you only speak to someone you love once a week? You probably miss them like crazy. You are lonely and upset. How do you think God feels? He is the only one who loves you unconditionally. Honestly and truly He does. When we mess up, He is always there to pick us back up, give us some love and begin again. Who else will love you like this?  No one.

If you don't have a relationship with Jesus Christ, I am asking you to let Him into your heart and see the changes that will take place. Give yourself the greatest gift of love you have ever experienced by asking Him into your heart. If you have accepted Him as your personal Savior, renew your love with Him. He is waiting with arms wide open to get to know you better and to give you ALL the desires of your heart. Come on, will you make that change today?

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Make a love connection with God today :)

Missing God

I am taking this from another woman but this spoke directly to my heart and I have written the words...I miss you, God!!  I want more of you, God!!

This is taken from Proverbs Ministry..Nickie Koziarz

We can miss being with God, but we also can miss the movement God is doing in our lives. Missing God {either way} is tragic and threatening to our souls that long to thrive with God.

Recognizing how much I've missed God, I'm taking some time for reflection of this struggle. I'm burdened but also hopeful in the words He is breathing during these soul-stretching moments.

Maybe you too feel that tug in your heart, pulling you back to Him? I share these three things we can do to move closer to the heart of God, because maybe, like me, you're just as fearful of unintentionally moving too far from God ... of missing Him as much as I am.

1. Find our God-space.

Even if it means it's 3:38 a.m. When life feels busy, stretched and chaotic I can stay open to the Spirit's prompting on my heart to create God-space.

Obviously 3:38 a.m. won't always work for me, so I do need to be intentional about scheduling time with God. Finding the moments of white space where we can fully be with Him is important.

May we find our God-space ... everywhere, knowing He is always near.

"Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." (James 4:8 ESV)

2. Experience the awe of God.

The colors of the sky on the drive into the office ... experience it. The sun warming our skin on a chilly day ... experience it. Giggles from children, the way someone we love smiles, the praise of God's people ... experience it.

May these moments remind us what it's like to be fully alive and connected to Something much bigger than ourselves.

"... stand in awe of God." (Ecclesiastes 5:7b NIV 1984)

3. Have ears that listen {always}.

The prompting in your heart to slow down, to breathe in the moment ... listen to it. A nudge on your soul to say no when you really want to say yes ... listen to it [or vice-versa].

May we not want to just dream about the promises God has for our life, but want to live them by listening to His voice, always.

"And after the fire came a gentle whisper." (1 Kings 19:12 NIV 1984)

There is always an opportunity in the midst of our busy lives to be aware of God. As we find Him, experience Him, and listen for Him, our intentional steps will always lead us closer to His presence

I hope this has helped some of you as it has helped me.  Check out their website for more devotions and encouraging stories.

www.proverbs31.org

A Messenger

A friend of mine responded to a daily text that I had sent out.  She said, "Your messages speak to my heart so sweetly.  You're a blessing in my life."  This touched my heart but it isn't me.  I am only the messenger of God's love.  Each of us have a gift and we are called to use them.  I am only being obedient.  HE is the real blessing!

Is God prompting you to do something? A lot of times I wonder if it's me or is it God?  My Pastor cleared it up for me one day.  He said, "It's either God or the enemy?"  The enemy does not want you to spread hope and love.  As much as we want to take credit for things it isn't us.  We are simply messengers spreading His love and word.  It is always God working through us.  Isn't this exciting?!  For me, it is amazing! God wants to use me. He could use anyone in the world but He chooses me, a girl from small town WV.  Doesn't that excite you how He is using all of us in the grand scheme of it all?  God is truly amazing!!  Until you get a hold of Him, you are going to miss this awesome show.  For me, I don't want to miss anything that God has in store for me.  I know that His plans are far greater than I can ever imagine : )

Other's Needs

I want to share this quote from Daily Inspiration: The true measure of a man is not his intelligence or how high he rises in this freak establishment. No, the true measure of a man is this: how quickly can he respond to the needs of others and how much of himself he can give.” Philip K. Dick - American science fiction writer (1928-1982) How much of yourself are you able or willing to give? Do you find it difficult to share yourself with others? Are you willing to go out of your way to uplift others, to care for their needs, or to provide help? The true test of a person is a matter of degrees. To what degree will you go to assist others and how quickly do you respond? Does it really take intelligence or common sense to respond quickly? Perhaps it's more a matter of the heart than of the head. Measure up where it matters - caring for others where it counts! Get this Free Daily Inspiration App: http://bit.ly/sHLiiS

Obedience

I know that all my days aren't going to be best. I also know since I've been on fire for the Lord that the enemy is going to try to bring me down. I have news for him....it ain't gonna happen. :) I had a tiny set back today but I am moving forward. I will not let anyone or anything bring me down.

Why do I do the things I do? Obedience!!! I want to please God and make Him happy. I want Him to be proud of me. Don't get me wrong, I am here to share my story and to give hope to others but this is between myself and God. I don't do this to please others. This goes back to having a RELATIONSHIP with God and not a religion. When He places things in my heart, I know that He is doing it for a reason. And the hard times I have been through can benefit someone else. The road may not be easy but at least I am here along with God to make more bearable.

On a better note, our first meeting of our knitting ministry went well. I can not wait to expand and get more people involved. I want to do great things with ministry. There is more of this story to come :)

A Hymn of Praise

I was led to Isiah 12. Whenever I can't sleep, God speaks to me through His word. It is a word I need or someone else needs it. I believe this word is for me and someone else. The beginning of the verse is God being angry with me but then He comforts me. He is my salvation and my strength. Verse 4 talks about praising the LORD, call upon His name; declare His deeds among the people's. 5 Sing to the Lord for He has done excellent things.

This is where My part comes in, I will sing His praises because He is Great. He is my rock. He did save me from a pit I was in. I was drowning and He came to my rescue. Friends, He has saved me many many times but only did I realize this last year. I finally reached out and grabbed His hand. I have been walking with Him ever since that day. Listen, I want to help you experience the relationship with God. This is not about religion. This is about becoming closer to God about Him becoming your best friend. He is a life saver! I do want you to keep in mind that I wasn't always this way. Remember, I once was on the island with the misfit toys.

What do you choose?

We all go through and deal with tough circumstances. We are defined by how we handle these situations. They either make us stronger or completely destroy us.

As I have said before, my life isn't perfect but I feel blessed. I'm not blessed because of a great job, car or roof over my head. I am blessed because of a loving and forgiving God. Most of you don't know my story. I think its time to share some of it. You see, God doesn't choose perfect people. He hand picks the lonely, the broken hearted, and the torn. We are kind of like the misfit toys. He chooses us because he mold us and shapes us into the perfect children he wants us to be. I was the heartbroken and severely depressed girl. I am still a work in progress but I know with God, I will be made whole again. And that brings me peace and happiness.

I had a choice to make...I could either be miserable or be happy with his help. I also want to be a light and help others. So, which brings me to my question, what do you choose? Do you choose happiness or unhappiness? I hope you choose to be happy.

There is much more to my story but a little at a time. I said this is a journey for both of us. Have a great Monday!

Find Your Song

I want to share this quote from Daily Inspiration: "Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them." Henry David Thoreau - Writer (1817-1862) Each of us had a unique song to sing; talents and specific traits make us who we are. But why do many of us seldom discover the melodies that make life sweeter and our life's work fulfilling? Why do we spend more time analyzing our budgets than we do ourselves. Why don't we examine what makes us tick and how our choices impact our relationships. Seek to know yourself and what it is like for others being on the other side of you. If you're not sure, just ask those closest to you. Listen well; rise above and sing that song you were born to sing. Get this Free Daily Inspiration App: http://bit.ly/sHLiiS

The Beginning

I have tried many times to blog but was never any good at it. I have finally found my reason to blog.  I am here to give people hope and to show my light. God has given me a gift and I will use it. I want to encourage you, let you know you are not alone, and to bring a smile to your face on those not so good days. My life is far from perfect but I know who holds the answers to my future. :)

I hope you will come with me on this journey. Each of us has a gift or talent and I hope you are using it. Not only will it make you feel better but also other people.