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Jesus is the Same Forever!

I shot this short video last week to remind you that your circumstances may change, but Jesus is the same forever! He’s still in the miracle working business! Amen!

P.S. I’m so glad I didn’t have to wear a scarf or jacket for this video! Hooray for new seasons!

Did this video encourage you? Please hit “like” and be sure to sign up below to have my weekly encouraging blog posts e-mailed straight to you for free. When you subscribe below, you’ll also receive the free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF I created to help inspire you as you write/journal.

For more encouragement and to learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my new website www.aboundingfaith.com. You can also find me on YouTube and Pinterest.

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Write On!

super 5th grader
My first masterpieces!

Long before I was blogging, years before I worked at a women’s magazine or had any desire to major in journalism, and way before I was an editor at my college newspaper or the editor-in-chief of my high school newspaper, I was already enthralled with magazines.

I didn’t want to just read them. The picture above is of the collection of magazines that I created at home. The Super Fifth Graders magazine was quite an ambitious endeavor for little me. I did all the writing for the pretend celeb profiles, sports section, and movie reviews. I also did all the drawings and was the production person who “bound” the issues together with tape. Gosh, I was a magazine-making machine!

I think my one and only reader was my older sister (she’s still one of my greatest supporters). I don’t think I ever shared them with others. It was more for my enjoyment.

I’m so glad that I kept the copies of my mini-masterpieces. They’re a great snapshot of who I was back then. I also have tons of diaries and journals that chronicle my life.

There is just something that fascinates me about the written word. There’s something so special about recording and reflecting on life as it happens.

I guess that’s part of the reason why blogging seems like a natural fit for me. It’s a chance to share the ordinary ins and outs of life with all of you. It’s also a way for me to share what God has been speaking to me. I’m so touched that what I’m writing is resonating with you!

When God asked me to lay down journalism years ago, I thought my public writing days for all intents and purposes were over. Sure, I’d still journal but that would be something I kept personal. My writing went into hiding. I had nothing to really say. No reason to share my words with others.

But God had another plan.

I had a funny feeling God would one day ask me to write for His Glory. And that’s the season I’m in right now. I’m delighted that you are taking this journey with me. I’m looking forward to sharing more about what God is laying on my heart.

I know He’s speaking to you, too! Perhaps reading my posts have inspired you to tap into your inner writer. If so, what a blessing!  I encourage you to write down your prayer requests, hopes, dreams, and goals. Don’t forget to record all the answers to prayers, too!

To help you as you journal, I’ve created a free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF file that you can download when you sign up to get my weekly blog posts e-mailed to you. Each question will help inspire you as you journal what God is doing in your life. It’s my way of saying, “Thank You!” for reading my blog! You can sign up here.

Perhaps one of these weeks I’ll chose a question from the list and we can all share our responses! I’d love to hear what God is saying to you!

I can’t help but think of David and how he must have spent hours writing love songs to the Lord and sharing his angst and pain and his joys and victories! Or Paul who spent hours pouring out his heart in letters to instruct and exhort the early church. What about the disciples who left us vivid accounts of Jesus’ life, ministry and miracles and Moses who meticulously wrote down the law and the prophets who recorded the messages from the Lord. They all played a part, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, in writing God’s love letter to us! Amazing!

Imagine who you could inspire by writing down your life stories and sharing them. Your friends? Your kids? Or even just yourself when you read through everything the Lord has done in your life.

What are you waiting for? Write on!

Blessings to you as you find creative ways to express your love for God and His love for you! He’s wild about you, you know!

“The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17)

Did this encourage you? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And don’t forget to sign up below to have my weekly encouraging blog posts emailed straight to you for free. When you subscribe below, you’ll also receive the free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF I created to help inspire you as you write/journal.

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For more encouragement, read my books Waiting on God Well: How to Prevent Breaking Down on Your Way to Your Breakthrough and Abounding Faith: 30 Bible Heroes Who Will Inspire You to Believe God for the Impossible! To learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com. Check out Abounding Faith’s online store here. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Dream Big!

clouds NYC 5-2014 copyright
Looking up from Manhattan the other day.

Are you a dreamer? Me too!

I love coming up with ideas for new projects, experiencing and learning new things, and planning and preparing for what’s ahead.

It’s fun to daydream about what to do next and even better to actually accomplish those goals! I’ve been doing a lot of dreaming lately, and God has been removing obstacle after obstacle. I plan to share some of those updates in upcoming posts.

In the meantime, I’d like to help inspire you to keep dreaming. And not just tiny dreams. No, I mean Big Dreams! Ones that seem out of your reach. Yes, the type that stretch you beyond your comfort zone. I’m talking about those ideas that you need God to step in and help you out with.

God is so creative! He created the stars, moon, sky, the birds of the air, the flowers in the field. He created YOU and me in His image!

He has given us ideas and dreams, talents and gifts, skills and knowledge, and His Holy Spirit to help us accomplish His will for our lives. We’re to use our abilities to bring Glory and Honor to our Maker.

Let’s marvel at Jesus for a moment and consider this:

“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” (Colossians 1:15-20)

What an Awesome God we serve! The world really does revolve around Jesus!

What is God asking you to do? What is on your God-inspired bucket list?

Sure there will be roadblocks that get in our way, detours that try to distract us, and uncertainties about the next steps, but if God is for us who can be against us! Nothing can stop you from achieving what God has for you!

As I see God putting some of the puzzle pieces together in my life, I’m reminded that He really does Order My Steps and makes a way where there seems to be no way so that I can accomplish His purpose for my life.

He is at work in your life, too!

As you walk with Jesus, you’ll be working out your faith and patience muscles. That’s part of the process. Be sure to let Jesus lead you all the way. Take a quick break when needed, but then keep Moving Forward. Don’t let the ups and downs and curves in life stop you in your tracks. Instead Stay the Course!

Each taste of victory will be so sweet to your soul!

Blessings to you as you remain steadfast on your journey and live the life that Jesus planned out for you before the beginning of time!

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10)

Did this encourage you? Please hit “like” and leave a comment below!

To get these encouraging posts e-mailed to you for free and to receive the “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF that I created as a gift to help inspire YOU to write/journal, click here.

For more encouragement and to learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my new website www.aboundingfaith.com.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Obey God Anyway


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Ever notice that sometimes obeying God doesn’t make sense?

I just finished taking a class on the Old Testament prophets and the Bible passage that I focused on for my final paper is found in Jeremiah 32. God instructs the prophet Jeremiah to buy a field from his cousin in a town that is already being occupied by the Babylonians.

For 40 years Jeremiah had warned the people in Judah that destruction was coming, but they refused to repent and continued worshipping idols. Poor Jeremiah was beaten, isolated, and imprisoned.

But now the prophecies are coming true. Judah is under attack and the people are about to be taken into captivity. In the middle of all this, while Jeremiah is still imprisioned, God tells him to buy the field and to have it witnessed.

In the natural, that looks like one of the worst investments ever, right?

Jeremiah must have found this request absurd to say the least. Here’s what he said, “See how the siege ramps are built up to take the city. Because of the sword, famine and plague, the city will be given into the hands of the Babylonians who are attacking it. What you said has happened, as you now see. And though the city will be given into the hands of the Babylonians, you, Sovereign Lord, say to me, ‘Buy the field with silver and have the transaction witnessed.’” (Jeremiah 32:24-25)

Jeremiah doesn’t understand why God is asking him to do this.

Isn’t that what happens in our lives too?

Sometimes God asks us to do things that seem a bit outrageous or uncomfortable. We know it’s from God, but we’re not sure why He’s asking us to do it. It doesn’t even have to be something extreme. He could ask you to reach out to a certain person, volunteer to serve in a particular area or to bless one of your enemies in some way.

What do you do in those moments?  Do you wrestle with God for days or weeks and try to convince yourself you must have misheard God or misunderstood Him?

Or do you obey?

Jeremiah chose to obey. Then he prayed and praised God for being the maker of heaven and earth and for all the miraculous signs and wonders He performed as He brought the Israelites out of Egypt. He declared that nothing is too impossible for God and all the way at the end of his prayer he basically questioned why God asked him to buy the property.

God’s response to Jeremiah is classic and it applies to us today as well, “… I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27)

Yes, God is Sovereign and He has a plan and His plans will come to pass no matter what.

God goes on to say that judgment was coming, but after 70 years He would restore His people to their land and that’s exactly what He did.

Jeremiah buying the field was a step of faith and a sign that God would keep His promise.

I don’t know what God is asking you to do, but I want to remind you that when God speaks, He means what He says.

Even if your situation looks hopeless, or God asks you to do something that you don’t understand (like buy a field in a city that is about to be destroyed) you and I need to trust God. He knows what He is doing and He knows what’s best for us!

Did this encourage you? Please click “Like” or leave a comment below.

To get these posts e-mailed straight to your inbox weekly, and to get my free e-booklet MiraculousLovely Abroad: Lessons and Snapshots from the Mission Fields, click here.

For more encouragement, and to learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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5 Ways A Mother’s Love Reflects God’s Love

Flowers May

In honor of Mother’s Day, I’d like to say that God really blessed me with a wonderful Mom! I’m so grateful for all her support and encouragement throughout the years and so thankful that we’ve remained close! This week I’ve asked my Mom to share a few thoughts with you. Enjoy!

God’s love is so amazing that we can’t understand it. The Bible says, “We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)

A mother’s love for her children gives us a glimpse of how God loves us:

  • A Mom’s Love is Unconditional! – A mother gives love without expecting anything in return.
  • A Mom Loves Her Children all the Same – She has no preferences or favorites. She has more than enough love for all of her kids.
  • A Mom’s Love is Pure – She wants the best for her kids.
  • A Mom is there for her Children at all Times – Whenever they need her, Mom is there.
  • A Mom’s Love is Forever – Her love has a beginning, but no end.

I pray that you receive God’s abundant love and His strength not just today but always.

Did this encourage you? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And don’t forget to sign up below to have my weekly encouraging blog posts emailed straight to you for free. When you subscribe below, you’ll also receive the free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF I created to help inspire you as you write/journal.

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For more encouragement, read my books Waiting on God Well: How to Prevent Breaking Down on Your Way to Your Breakthrough and Abounding Faith: 30 Bible Heroes Who Will Inspire You to Believe God for the Impossible! To learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com. Check out Abounding Faith’s online store here. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest.Did this encourage you? Please click “Like” or leave a comment below.

 

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Stay the Course!


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Last week we had some unusually cold, rainy days. On one of those evenings, I was battling the elements on my way home from work.

I was two blocks away from my house when this big gust of wind almost knocked my umbrella right out of my hand. It was pretty brutal that day.

The easiest thing for me to do at that moment was to turn around and go in the opposite direction of where the wind was blowing or to run into a store for shelter, but as I mentioned I was almost at my destination. It would have been silly for me to go anywhere else but straight ahead.

So I squared my shoulders, made a decision to keep moving forward and kept on walking towards home. As I took one step at a time, I felt the Lord showing me how important it is not to let anything stop me in my tracks. Especially not when my goal was so close in sight!

Isn’t that what happens in our lives though? We’re going along fine, minding our own business and then some wind comes to distract us or to force us to make a detour.

I’m here to remind you that the Lord knows the plans He has for you, and sometimes the best thing we can do is to persevere and to stay the course!

Don’t make sudden moves or changes. Pray. Wait. Obey what God says to do next.

Sometimes we just want to give up or run away. But God knows what He’s doing even when it looks like you’re heading into a storm. And His purposes for you will be fulfilled in His perfect timing.

Blessings to you as you purpose in your heart to endure and to keep going! Your journey may be tough right now, but it will be worth it!

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Did this encourage you? Please click “Like” or leave a comment below.

To get these posts e-mailed straight to your inbox weekly, and to get my free e-booklet MiraculousLovely Abroad: Lessons and Snapshots from the Mission Fields, click here.

For more encouragement, and to learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Works in Progress

construction

I pass by construction sites all the time. Usually I’m oblivious to what’s going on, but this sign stood out to me because it proudly displayed what the building is going to look like when it is complete.

There is nothing but a large pit behind this sign, but no matter. The architect and the builders know exactly what’s coming. They have it all planned out. They know how much time and effort it will take to accomplish their goal. They won’t stop working until their designs become a reality.

Wouldn’t it be something if we all came with signs like this?  After all, we’re all works in progress.

Perhaps then we would have more patience and grace with others and with ourselves!

Every obstacle we encounter, every sorrow or joy we experience is helping to mold us and shape us into the image of Christ. There is purpose to what we’re going through.

We may not understand everything, but I can just see God, the Master Builder, looking at the blueprints that He has for each and every one of His children and proudly showing them off!

I can almost hear Him saying, “Oh, things may look rough and broken now, but just wait! I’ve got plans for you! You’re My Work in Progress! I’m not finished with you yet!”

Are you in the messy middle of your story? Hold on! God’s not done! He knows exactly what He’s doing. Will you trust Him?

“… being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)

Did this encourage you? Please click “Like” or leave a comment below.

To get these posts e-mailed straight to your inbox weekly, and to get my free e-booklet MiraculousLovely Abroad: Lessons and Snapshots from the Mission Fields, click here.

For more encouragement, and to learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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He is Risen!

I’d like to share this short video I shot yesterday to celebrate Resurrection Sunday! As Believers, we can rejoice over Jesus’ life, sacrificial death, and resurrection every day! Amen! Blessings to you!

Did this video encourage you? Please click “Like” or leave a comment below.  You can view more encouraging videos on my YouTube Channel by clicking here.

To get my blog posts e-mailed straight to your inbox weekly, and to get my free e-booklet MiraculousLovely Abroad: Lessons and Snapshots from the Mission Fields, click here.

To learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com.

 

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Name Above All Names


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When I look at this picture, I’m reminded that the name of Jesus is higher than any other name! (Philippians 2:9-11)

As we get ready to observe Good Friday and to celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection, I just want to encourage you that Jesus is Greater than anything you may be facing! We can trust Him no matter what!

I pray you will have a deeper revelation of how much Jesus loves you and that you will walk in that confidence knowing that nothing can separate you from the love of Christ! May you be so filled with Christ’s love that you overflow and express His love to others!

Have a blessed Holy Week! Rejoice, He is Risen!

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” (Matthew 28:6)

Did this encourage you? Please click “Like” or leave a comment below.

To get these posts e-mailed straight to your inbox weekly, and to get my free e-booklet MiraculousLovely Abroad: Lessons and Snapshots from the Mission Fields, click here.

For more encouragement, and to learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

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Tempted to Rebel?


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I went to visit one of my dear sisters in Christ the other day and she was telling me about some of her 14-month-old granddaughter’s latest escapades.

One of the stories that stuck out to me was about the time she caught her granddaughter pulling a piece of fuzz from the couch. The little girl mischievously looked over her shoulder to make sure grandma was watching as she slowly inched the foreign object closer to her mouth.

My friend obviously recognized the danger and flew across the room to grab the object out of her granddaughter’s hand before the curious toddler had the chance to eat it.

As I heard this story, it gave me a picture of what we must look like to our Abba Father when we’re getting ready to do something we know we shouldn’t do.

Ever find yourself tempted to sin and sheepishly glance over your shoulder to see if God was watching? C’mon, be honest!

I’ve had moments when I’ve said, “Lord if you don’t do X, then I’ll do YZ.” I know that sounds terrible, but it’s true.

Thankfully, my loving Heavenly Father just lets me vent and then calls my bluff. He knows I don’t really want to willfully walk outside of His plans for my life.

But even when we are tempted to rebel and sin, many times isn’t it because we think God wants to spoil our fun or because we’re not happy with how He’s answering our prayers? In reality, He’s like my friend who wanted to protect her granddaughter from the awful consequences of eating that piece of junk.

God knows how harmful our actions, thoughts, or attitudes can be. That’s why He’ll send us warning signs to stop us from going down certain paths.

I don’t know what you may be struggling with, but if you feel the Holy Spirit convicting you and warning you not to do something please heed His voice. He knows what’s best for you!

Thankfully, when the enemy starts lying to us and tempting us to sin we can:

Resist Him – “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

Fight Back with Scripture – Jesus was tempted three times while in the wilderness and each time He quoted Scripture. “Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” (Matthew 4:10)

Look for God’s Way Out – “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Confess our Sins and Struggles to Mature Believers – “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16)

Unfortunately, we sin every day though. The Good News is that as Believers we have forgiveness of sin through the blood of Jesus (Ephesians 1:7). When we do sin, we can repent and ask God for forgiveness.  “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Isn’t it wonderful to know that God forgives us and loves us unconditionally? That doesn’t give us a license to sin. It does give us the security to know that we can turn to God no matter what!

God will give us the strength to overcome whatever temptations we may be facing! What an Awesome God we serve!

Did this encourage you? Please click “Like” or leave a comment below.

To get these posts e-mailed straight to your inbox weekly, and to get my free e-booklet MiraculousLovely Abroad: Lessons and Snapshots from the Mission Fields, click here.

For more encouragement, and to learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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