Faith

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

I am finding faith to be a much bigger concept than I once thought. It seems as I step out in faith, there is just another step to take. Perhaps that is the maturing process.

There are those who claim to have faith, but aren't growing. They sit in judgement of others. My heart breaks for those people.

My heart also breaks for those who justify their sin, who make excuses rather than just deal with it. God knows we have all sinned. He just wants us to repent and run into His arms. But I guess that whole repenting thing requires faith.

Amazing Husband

I have the most amazing husband. Brian is like David of the Bible - a man after God's own heart.

He has character, integrity, compassion and a servant's heart.

It is so cool to watch him in his new job - can't wait to see how God is glorified through him!

I am so in love with Brian.

Edge of the Promised Land

Over the past few months I have probably grown more in love with Jesus than ever before. It has also been the most painful months I have ever experienced.

I have chosen to follow the way of obedience to the Lord and do what He asks - even though it is contrary to what the world would say. The answers haven't come yet, but I know God is working.

Over the years we have overcome some really terrible things - being falsely accused (trial and all); addictions (that through the grace of God were overcome); accidents; deaths; living in different states; the foreclosure of our home, a rebellious child. I know that once this challenging time is over - we will be walking into The Promised Land.

God so wants to bless us. All the tears we have cried will be waiting for us as blessings. All the time we have lost will be given back to us. God is going to amaze us with what He has been preparing (after all He's been working on it for almost 20 years and look what He did in seven days!).

I am so thankful for hope.

Challenging Season

As we have been going through this challenging season in our lives I have turned to the Scripture and prayer for strength, guidance and comfort. Haven't been reading many other books.

One I have is the Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie OMartian. She wrote something that really struck me - We have to go through the pain to get to the joy. So if I extrapolate a bit - perhaps the greater the pain - the greater the joy will be. And in my mind, joy can be translated into blessings. So I am expecting fantastic blessings for us!!

I am amazed at how God ALWAYS sends words to me when I need them most. Sometimes He uses His Word, sometimes other books, sometimes people and sometimes it is the Holy Spirit whispering in my ear.

God is so good.

Judging

As a fully devoted follower of Christ sometimes I don't understand the way we believers treat each other. We have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and yet at times we judge.

Perhaps more confusing to me are those people who feel judged when they have not been. Is it the guilt of their sin? I see this in Jay so much. He is a different sort of person. He feels all people judge him when I don't think that is so.

There will always be people who will judge - but the bottom line is we will each stand before the Lord and answer for what we have done (even those who falsely judge!)

The most important thing is - when we realize we have sin in our life - confess it, repent of it and ask forgiveness. The cool thing - God wants to forgive us. He desires that we walk in fellowship with Him. He wants us reconciled to Himself.

I have a picture in my mind of God sitting on the front porch, waiting for me to come to Him. Then, He takes me in His arms, He rocks me and loves on me telling me how very much He loves me and how glad He is I am home.

Reconnecting

Today I reconnected with an old friend. It was good. She is such a woman of faith. She was able to encourage me and she said I encouraged her.

It was kind of interesting, a nudge from the Holy Spirit to phone her. She was working late, normally she would have been gone.

Sometimes you wonder why the Holy Spirit brings friends to mind. Perhaps it is to say a prayer. Perhaps it is to make a phone call. Perhaps it is to encourage.

I am so glad I followed the leading of the Spirit. I should do it more often!

Questioning God

I am questioning God. I love that He is big enough for me to do this.

Why is He taking so long to answer my prayers? I know what I am praying is totally in His will as it follows Scripture. Yet, the answer is slow in coming.

Perhaps it all comes down to Romans 8:28 For we know that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. It's all working together - just not on my time.

I can't wait to be in Heaven, no sin, no hurt, no tears. Just get to be with Jesus all the time plus the people I love so much.

Just need to trust Him - He is in control.

Catching Up

It has been awhile since I blogged. I have a Facebook. I think I like blogging more - more room to vent my feelings, and fewer people reading.



Over the past two plus months I have learned so much about God. How faithful He is to me, how much He listens to me, how much He protects me.



I have total faith God is working even now to bring glory to Himself through the deep waters we are in. All things work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.



He is a God of order. The challenge I face right now is not knowing how He is working - I have to rest in the fact He IS working.

I am blessed with an amazing husband, great children. I have no room to complain.

Love Dare

Brian and I are doing the Love Dare journal. It is really cool. Each evening we are reading the devotional - then we have an assignment for the next day.

So far it has been pretty easy - don't say anything negative, do a kind act, buy something special. It is fun to think of things to do for Brian. Since I truly enjoy serving him and doing things for him, it has been somewhat challenging to think of new things to do.

It is also interesting to see what he does for me. He is so creative.

It is good to go to the roots of our marriage and work on the stuff that we have not focused on because we have been doing life and children. God is going to use this to bring us closer and to a deeper level of intimacy. I am so excited!!

Peace

Recently I have felt so peaceful. There are LOTS of things in my life right now that are in a state of flux. But, thank you Lord, I am at peace.

Last Saturday I was able to spend some time evaluating where we are, how God is working and the options I have. It all comes down to - God is so in control.

That is a huge lesson I am learning - giving up control.

It is working wonderfully in our marriage too. For too long I tried to take control of everything - now I have stepped back and am letting Brian be the head of the house. I am so stupid for not doing this sooner. Things are working amazingly.

I guess when we follow the laws God has established - it works that way.

Blessed

I am blessed.

• An amazing Heavenly Father who sent Jesus just for me.
• A Holy Spirit who is always with me.
• A husband who loves me.
• A husband who is a GREAT Dad.
• A husband who is also my friend.
• Children who are growing in the Lord.
• A secure job.
• A home to live in.
• Fairly stable finances.
• We live in a free country

Even though we are in the midst of challenges - I am blessed, AND a day closer to eternity with Jesus.