1.30

Hey, hey, hey!!!  In my last post, I mentioned that I had started two posts, but didn't finish them.  I wondered why that was (to myself of course), and then I realized that it was OK.  I have given up cable during this season, so Jesus and I have had some amazing time together.  And I think from that time, came a quietness in my spirit, because He is moving. 

I am not in a place to 100% share what has been going on for the past two week...NOTHING is official, and I definitely don't want to speak out of turn.  But, I can't wait to share the back story with you.  It really is neat, and it is only something that God could have done. 

I asked God to show me the beauty in my greatest fears yesterday, and I cannot wait for Him to reveal that to me....do you understand what I'm asking?  I want Him to show me Himself in my fears.  Because it is only when that happens, that I will be able to get over them and myself, and have true freedom.  And freedom is where I want to live!

Pray with me for that please.  And also that I do not grow weary in waiting for the promises He so graciously promised.  Have a great weekend friends!  I hope I can share this little secret soon!

~J

Truth vs. Lies

It has been a while since I have posted, and it's not because I fell off the face of the earth.  I have started two separate blog posts, and haven't published them.  I don't know why....just wasn't feeling it, they didn't feel finished....heck, I don't know!

I started reading The Bondage Breaker by Neil T. Anderson a while back, and WOW!  It is just that.  I highly recommend it.  It's nothing like you would think...somewhat of an easy read, and totally interesting. 





One of the things that rings in my mind all of the time since I began reading the book may seem trivial and like duh to you.  But, I can easily fall into the trap of telling myself lies, and allowing myself to believe them.  I'm not an outwardly negative person, but when it comes to me, my life, and my view of how I'm living it, I can be super critical of myself.  In fact, if you're ever in my presence, and are wondering what I'm thinking about you....chances are not a darn thing...because of the inner conversation I'm having with myself about  myself. 

I've come to realize that this tactic is from the enemy, and quite frankly, it gets me every.single.time.  So today, I took out a legal pad, and wrote down every lie that the enemy was leading me to believe about myself, prayers I had prayed, and things I desired.  I'm telling you, when I looked down and saw these things on paper, they were laughable.  I dare you to do it.  Especially if your struggle is the mind.

Now, I'm sure I seem absolutely mad, or like a nutcase, but oh well...those who understand understand, and those who don't struggle with this struggle with something else that makes you look foolish...HA!

I am so glad that God shed a little light on this for me, and allowed me to get over myself, and to stop this destructive behavior.  This is a win folks....believing lies can set a sistah back!  Can I get an Amen?!

This year...

ÑI want to laugh more than I've ever laughed. Travel more. Experience more even if I date myself, and love people right where they are!

Bring it on!

2014!!!

Well guys….we made it!  2014 is here, and I am thrilled at the opportunity to have a fresh start, to turn the page, and start anew.

2012 and 2013 were valley years.  I learned a lot, enjoyed kicked and screamed through months of pruning, and prayed several prayers that I felt never made it past my ceiling fan.  But around September 2012, God laid a word on my heart, wrote it on anything that would stay still long enough for the ink to dry , and even had a dream about it over Thanksgiving…..RESTORATION!!!  Isn't that an awesome word!

While I haven't seen much restoration yet, I am faithful.  My faith is strong.  I know what it's like to pray and worry, and I choose to never venture that way again.  As I said goodbye to 2013, and hello to 2014 last night at church, Pastor J spoke on REBUILDING from the book of Nehemiah, which is where our first sermon series will come from.  What joy my little heart felt to know that what was on my heart was also on God's.  (As if He didn't give me the word to begin with).

I have spent so many years trying to juggle what I know God was calling me to do, and pleasing others, wondering if they approved of my actions.  But it doesn't matter to me anymore.  The only thing that matters to me is that I have a heart and life that pleases God.  That my steps are ordered by Him.  That souls come to know Him because I was obedient, and not playing it safe.  Even as I type these words, I know that there will be some things that happen, and people will judge me; sadly those that are the closest to me, but I have trusted that the Lord will perfect that which concerns me, and that is more than enough for me.

Jesus is real folks.  His love for us is real, and His commission for us is of great importance.

I love quiet times, and I love a good bible study to accompany my quiet times.  It's no secret that James is my favorite book in the Bible, and Beth Moore has a study on James!  So, guess what I'm starting 2014 off with…..yep!  JAMES!!!!  So excited!  Oh, and not to mention that it was time for a new journal….fresh starts all the way around!  I love it!!!  I have a little nook in my bedroom that I have made special just for my quiet times…I'm so proud of it.  I'll post more pictures when it's just right!  I can't wait to plaster the walls with scriptures….yes yes YES!!!

I posted in Instagram last night a little short video of highlights of 2013.  I cannot WAIT to see what 2014 holds for me.  I know that it will be exceedingly, abundantly, more than I can ask or think, and that makes me SO HAPPY!!!

Happy New Year Friends!  May His perfect will be completed in all of us this year!