I recently had someone ask me if I am the same person I used to be. My initial response upon hearing this question was.... "Well, yes." But like any other female in the world, my thoughts raced to wondering if there was some underlying idea that I used to be the opposite of what people see when they look at me now. I would like to think my heart has always been beautiful. I would like to think it has always been gentle, sensitive, loving, caring, compassionate, and full of encouragement. I've always had a tender spot for others and their trials. I have always wanted to make a difference. I have always tried to be someone my mother would be proud to call daughter. I have always wanted to give more than my budget says I have to give. Just ask my husband, ha! So, upon being asked this question, my insides screamed an emphatic YES! But you see, sometimes the most uncomfortable, unlikely question of judgement can give life to thoughts God intends for us to share with others. He knew I would fail daily. He needed me to fail so that someone else could succeed. I would learn hard lessons in the process of my failures. These discrepancies in my life were needed in order to heal my soul from the burdens of this world.
God loves us enough to bestow upon us the process. The process grows us. The process creates who we are in Him. The process allows us to fail by human choice so that we know the difference between that choice and heavenly grace. Sometimes we live life in fear of our scars; the scars of who we are. That is what the enemy wants. He wants you living under the oppression of defeat. He wants this because he knows your power will shake the world once you have found freedom from scars. Your choices, mishaps, and wrongdoings in this life don't define you. God defines you. His grace is amongst those scars you wear. That amazing grace is why those scars are no longer open wounds. He knew you needed those scars to tell a story, a story that would change someone else's life. A story that would give someone else the will to fight another day.
Are you the same person you used to be? I hope you give thought to this question. I hope your heart is like that of the little child you used to be. I hope equally as much that you have scars. And I hope that those scars have changed who you used to be. I hope you acknowledge that grace lives within your scars. Your scars are beautiful.
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." I John 1;9
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
What moves you?
What is it that makes you happy? What makes you joyful? What moves your deepest desires? What drives the passion of your heart?
These are questions that I have pondered over the last few years. I think everyone has these moments of deep thinking in their quest to find purpose.
These moments are needed. You must quiet your soul long enough for God to breathe His peace and purpose into your life. You simply must. You have a purpose to serve others in a way that only you can. That is why you are here...living, breathing, loving, giving, and the list goes on. You are YOU and that makes you exceptional. No one can do what you do like you do! In the world we live in, it is easy to compare and allow negative self image to deter us from shining the light of who we truly are. Sometimes I think it has become the norm to doubt. Never give in to doubt. It is not of good will. What IS of good will is the light inside of you. It yearns to get out. It wants to reach the unreachable and burn with an everlasting glow that shines as a beacon of hope. Today, I encourage you to seek out your light. Like a ship looking for it's lighthouse in the harbor, search diligently for your light. Search hard. Your light will serve you well in your quest to reveal your deepest passions. And it will save others along the way; just wait and see.
"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16
These are questions that I have pondered over the last few years. I think everyone has these moments of deep thinking in their quest to find purpose.
These moments are needed. You must quiet your soul long enough for God to breathe His peace and purpose into your life. You simply must. You have a purpose to serve others in a way that only you can. That is why you are here...living, breathing, loving, giving, and the list goes on. You are YOU and that makes you exceptional. No one can do what you do like you do! In the world we live in, it is easy to compare and allow negative self image to deter us from shining the light of who we truly are. Sometimes I think it has become the norm to doubt. Never give in to doubt. It is not of good will. What IS of good will is the light inside of you. It yearns to get out. It wants to reach the unreachable and burn with an everlasting glow that shines as a beacon of hope. Today, I encourage you to seek out your light. Like a ship looking for it's lighthouse in the harbor, search diligently for your light. Search hard. Your light will serve you well in your quest to reveal your deepest passions. And it will save others along the way; just wait and see.
"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16
Starting Anew
For the past several years, I have used this space to document special family memories. It has been amazing and such a blessing to share my family with you. I have, however, decided to archive those sweet memories and begin using this space to inspire rather than simply share. I hope God will use me as I seek Him to speak words of life over my readers. Be blessed and stay tuned!
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