JOY.

This past week has been one of those weeks where God has put so much in my path to remind me of one specific thing: Joy.

My devotionals, bibles studies, everything has either told me to have joy or reminded me of joy.

I love how He is so "hands-on" in my life. He puts things before me to build me up so that when I suffer a blow of some sort- I can easily handle it and remember Who is holding my hand.

I am doing a Bible study on facebook that Mark Hall (lead singer of Casting Crowns) is doing via facebook video everyday. And it has been a serious blessing. We are studying the book of James.

‎"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4

That verse speaks to my heart on so many levels!

I have really been dwelling on it this past week.. and counting all of my blessings and taking joy in the trials that I have faced- because truth be told- I got through them all with Jesus' help! That perseverance did in fact strengthen my faith!

Yesterday, I got a little agitated by a news report that I saw about a little boy with Spina Bifida. His uncle had fabricated him some pretty awesome wheels out of a bumbo seat and some plastic tires. However, the reporter's words were "He smiles constantly.. though given what he's been through.. he has every reason NOT to.. He has Spina Bifida." That really got under my skin. I am sure she meant nothing by it.. but it still made me feel offended. Molli has EVERY reason to smile. She has a family who loves her, friends who adore her, and a Savior who died for her! How can we not smile?? How can we not have JOY?

Father God, I find so much joy in your love. Help me to spread that love and joy so that everyone will know You. I love You!

Being an "Activist for Jesus"

God has really been putting this on my heart these past few weeks so I decided to share it with you all!

People ,in general, always tend to fight for what they think is right or what is or is not needed in their communities. As I Christian, I pray that I can and will fight for what is REALLY important.. and that is being my "brother's keeper" so everyone will know the love of Jesus Christ.

Occasionally, I consider myself somewhat of an "activist". Elections and local issues- I am always right there on the scene trying to help get the word out and fix things. But when it comes to my faith.. am I out there working and pleading as hard for people to know Jesus as I am for people to vote against worldly issues? I'd like to think so.. but it is definitely not the case. I understand that jobs, homes, and communities are important.. But without Jesus they're NOTHING. I am not saying it is wrong to stand up for what you believe in.. But I am asking that you search your hearts and ask for God's direction.. and to simply step back and see which of the two you're putting more focus into: Serving your community.. or serving your God?

I pray that I will be more active in my faith and share God with as many people as He puts in my path! Thank You, Jesus! You are the ONLY thing worthy of praise.

I Must Go Through the Valley

My precious little baby girl got her first set of wheels today and I had so many mixed emotions! I hate to admit that I am not as strong as I'd like to be when it comes to hiding my emotions regarding my baby. I love her so much and want her to be as happy as can be (and she is-unless we rob her of a balloon or two lol)! I am so happy for her.. yet there is that bittersweet feeling of "I can't believe my baby is in a wheelchair".
Satan was working hard on me this afternoon as I watched her therapist and daddy set her up in her new stander. I could not help but cry. My friends were texting me telling me how happy I was supposed to be.. and I was.. but that devil would not leave me alone with depression and self-pity.
This afternoon, I was driving to Canton, and I was dwelling on everything that had happened and how horrible I felt for letting the devil push me around like that.. and then my ears suddenly tune into my car stereo and I hear:
"yes I must go through the valley to stand upon the mountain.. Yes i must go through the valley to stand upon the mountain.. YES I MUST GO THROUGH THE VALLEY to stand upon the mountian of God."
So then I started bawling my eyes out and continueously saying "Thank You Jesus!" and praising God.
I love how God is CONSTANTLY reminding me that He is with me.

Peace in His words

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33


"..But take heart; I have overcome the world."

" I have overcome the world"


I could just read that verse over and over again. There is so much PEACE in that scripture! Yes, I have problems. But, NO I don't have to really worry about them because HE HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD!

Psalm 27:1 says "The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?"

So really? WHOM SHALL I FEAR when I know that I know that I KNOW that HE has overcome the world? No one. Nothing.

There is so much hurt in the world today. It is so easy to lose focus. But as long as I keep my prayer-life live and in action.. whom shall I fear? As long as I am living and working in the presence of the ALMIGHTY GOD.. whom shall I fear??

Thank you Father for the love and peace that I experience in your presence. I am so thankful for Your hands in my life!