A Light In Dark Places

Have you ever had a job where you worked with moody, rude, and insensitive people? You try to be nice, but it seems like people are always grumpy or ignore you altogether. What about those times that you have to wait in line in a store or at the doctor’s office. Doesn't it seem that when one person complains, it becomes a ripple effect and others start to complain, as well. If you’re not careful, the negative behaviors of other people can rub off on you in such a way that you might develop an attitude of impatience.

Scripture reminds us in Matthew 5:14 that we are the light of the world, and encourages us to be a light in dark places. But what does it mean to be a “light?” It simply means that if you find yourself in an atmosphere of chaos or conflict, you can be a peacemaker and help change the atmosphere. Sometimes just a simple smile can make even the most irritable person calm down and become rational.

When things get stressful and you notice that someone is having a bad day, speaking a word of encouragement can make all the world of difference. This week, I encourage you to seek ways in which you can be a light in dark places. Seek out opportunities where you can speak words of encouragement to someone, and can help in ways that will allow the Light of Christ to be visible in your daily walk. 

God Is Not Finished!!

I praise God for another year of life and making it through 2012. There have been some highs and lows, including joys & sorrow, but I am grateful for God's presence through it all, and the effectual & fervent prayers of the people in my life. While we strive to make the new year different from the previous year, be mindful that there are some things in 2012 that you CANNOT leave behind. There are some things that is necessary to carry into the new year with you because God is still doing a work in your life through that situation.

The year 2012 is finished, but God is not. As difficult as it may be, ask God what it is that you are supposed to learn while you walk through those fires in your life. We often learn the lesson AFTER the fact, but sometimes it is important to seek out the lessons in the MIDDLE of the trenches so that you can see God in a way like never before. I know this from personal experience!

Let's be realistic--A new year doesn't mean you will be problem-free, and the hell (yes, I said H-E-L-L) you went through last year may still be an issue for you right now.  But it can create an opportunity for you to develop a different perspective as you look at your circumstances, and a greater opportunity to lean on the One who is faithful to stick by you when you're on the mountain, as well as, in the valley.

Blessings to you all in 2013. Strive to do better, be better, and if you haven't already, start working on what kind of legacy you will leave behind. What will people say about you when you leave this life? Will they say that you cared, were you always bitter, did you love life? This is your challenge--start NOW!! :-)

                         WATCH OUT!!

“And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately.”  Mark 13: 7 (NLT)

These are the words that Jesus spoke to some of His disciples, who questioned His prediction that the Temple would one day be destroyed. They asked Jesus, “When will this destruction happen? Will there be a sign?” Jesus answered them by saying that they would hear stories of wars, famine, earthquakes, and family discord. Yet, He encouraged them not to panic, but to be ready, be prepared, and be on guard.   

In this life, we often find ourselves looking for signs and wonders to explain things that are going on in the world. In our minds, we may believe that things don’t “just happen.” There has to be a reason for everything, right? Two days from now will be December 21, and we have been constantly hearing about how the Mayans predicted that the world would end on that date.

With everything that has been happening in our recent history with school shootings, devastating hurricanes and  terrorism, it can create a wave of panic so severe that even Christians have started to fall victim to this mass paranoia.  As believers, we know that the Bible says in Mark 13:32 that “not even the Son of Man knows when the end will come.” Only God knows, and so our job is not to panic and not to create our own explanations for these events, but to be on guard and to stay alert.

What does that mean for those of us who are trying to balance all of these questions in the midst of our fears? Jesus promised in Hebrews 13:5 that He will never leave us or abandon us. Life will have its ups and downs, but Jesus can be our peace and comfort when things get chaotic.

During this holiday season, take some time to really think about how Jesus has been a peace in the storms in your own life.  Reflect on the times that you may have felt hopeless and alone, yet at the same time, you felt the arms of Jesus surround you with love and protection. We are human, so it is perfectly normal to experience anxiety when things come your way that you are not prepared for. Moving forward, make it a priority to be ETERNALLY prepared in regards to your relationship with God. If it’s God’s will for the world to end on Dec. 21 or another future date, I have no need to fear whatever may come because I am confident in Jesus Christ, my Savior. Are you?

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.~~John 14:27 (NIV)

                                  Hope For The Holidays

Is it just me or does it seem like the moment we reach the month of October, we begin a rollercoaster ride straight into a new year? As we approach this fast-paced journey through the holiday season, there are mixed emotions that we all seem to experience. There is the excitement of the fall season, the beauty of leaves in warm colors that unfold before our eyes, the crisp air, and not to mention that one extra hour of sleep! There is also the time of preparation for family gatherings, shopping, gift exchanges, and carrying out traditions that have been a foundation in our lives.

However, there are also emotions that we face that involve grief, bitterness, loneliness, and loss. When we think of grief, it is often in reference to losing someone that you love, but there are other life changes that bring about grief. There is the loss of jobs, relationships, health, finances, opportunities, all of which can make the holidays seem unbearable to get through.

There are a few things that you must know as you prepare for this holiday season. The first and most important thing is to understand that you are not alone. Sometimes you may feel that no one understands what you are going through and that no one cares. We forget that God also knows what it’s like to experience grief because of the sacrifice of God’s only Son, Jesus. God knows what it feels like to be hurt, angry, and grieve in the same ways that we do, which can help us find comfort in the One who understands.

Secondly, the emotions you are experiencing are perfectly normal. People may tell you that you need to get over it and move on, but what they fail to realize is that you never get over your loss, but with God’s help, you can get through it and your ability to cope will become a little easier.

Third, we all have experienced those moments in which we try to find quick and easy solutions to our problems. Whether it is turning to alcohol, drugs, overeating, rebellion or any other type of destructive behavior, it is important to understand that those are not solutions, but cover ups. It’s like putting a band-aid on a broken arm—it doesn’t get to the root of the problem in order to bring healing. Be aware of those “cover ups” that you rely on, and try to find positive ways to deal with your emotions, such as taking a walk, talking to a friend, writing, painting, or things that will help you cope and avoid destructive behavior.

Finally, make a promise to yourself that you will do your best to make it through the holidays. This is not to say that you have to lie or be phony, but even if you don’t feel like getting into the holiday spirit, determine to do the best that you can to keep a positive attitude. If you tell yourself that the holidays will always be a miserable and unpleasant time for you, then they will be. Sometimes people work through their losses by helping others. Knowing that you can bless the lives of someone else can bring healing to you in ways that you could never imagine.

As you prepare for this holiday season, be comforted in knowing that God has not abandoned you. Whatever your loss is, God will help you through it, and will continue to heal those areas within you that have been deeply wounded. Just take it one day at a time, continue to move forward in life, and allow God to do the rest. By doing so, you will be a little closer to truly experiencing hope for the holidays. 

..................In Due Season.............

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up~Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

I can recall a time in my life when I was in middle school, and I talked to God about my dreams. I prayed that God would answer my prayer, and that God would help me to be patient while I waited. Over the years, my mind would go back to that prayer, and sometimes I would feel doubtful because time had passed and my prayer was still unanswered.

Finally, after 15 years, the prayer was answered and I experienced mixed emotions. Part of me was overjoyed that God answered the prayer, but another part of me was also saddened by the fact that it took so long. I began to think about other prayers I had prayed, remembering when I first prayed them, and how long it took before they were finally answered. Sometimes they were answered quickly, and other times, it seemed to take longer than my patience would allow me to wait for.

Has that ever happened to you? Have you ever prayed for God to do something and along the way, you felt discouraged, frustrated, and wanted to give up because it wasn’t happening as quickly as you had hoped? I believe we have all felt that way. The waiting process is never easy because we can’t put a time stamp on when something will happen. As people of faith, we say that we trust God and believe that God has the ability to answer our prayers. But truthfully, it scares you when you know you have to leave it in Someone’s hands and you surrender your control over it.

Galatians 6:9 tells us not to grow weary in well doing. It is frustrating when you’ve been putting in the time, effort, commitment, sweat, blood, and tears. Yet, you’re at a standstill when it seems that your prayers aren’t being answered. In addition to that, maybe you’ve had to sit back and watch others receive the same blessings you’ve been praying about, and feel you have worked harder to get it. But the Scripture goes on to say that in DUE SEASON, you will reap if you don’t give up. That means that at an appointed time, all of your hard work, prayers, and tears will pay off, and the blessing will be right on time.

So whatever it is that you have been praying and working hard for, DON’T GIVE UP!! You may become weary and feel that what you’ve prayed for will never happen. And there is no concrete answer as to how long your “due season” may be. It could be weeks, months, years or even decades. But be comforted in knowing that God has not forgotten about you. For in God’s time, you will reap bountiful blessings if you don’t give up.

Dream Chasers: 

Overcoming Your Fears

“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

 “Have you ever been nervous?” That’s a phrase from an inside joke between some friends and I. But seriously, can you think of a time (or times) in your life when you were really nervous, scared, or anxious about something? Think back to how it made you feel mentally—did you feel inferior, doubtful or uncertain? What about physically—did you feel sweaty, your heart racing or felt like you couldn’t breathe?

There are so many things that happen in life that can make you feel all of those things, and sometimes can even cause you to miss opportunities to experience all of life’s blessings. The devil knows all about you, and he knows what makes you scared and what pushes your buttons. Yet, in the midst of his efforts, we can be comforted and reassured in the knowledge that God has not given us a spirit of fear. We often spend more time cheering and pushing others to reach their dreams, only to find ourselves sitting on the sidelines while our own dreams die or drift further away and leave us feeling hopeless.

But I’ve got GREAT news—you don’t have to feel hopeless and your dreams can be revived!! Can you imagine what your life would be like if you took a leap of faith and conquered all your fears? Or better yet, think about what your life will be like if you don’t get over your fears. It seems that my recent blogs have shared the recurring theme of stepping outside of your comfort zones, looking fear in the face, and going after every single dream you have resting in your heart. It’s been a constant theme because I am still discovering that boldness within myself. I am destined for greatness and just “settling” in life is not an option for me. I do not believe that God gives us all of these dreams and desires just to tease us and make us worry that our dreams can never come true.

I am going somewhere in life, and I want you to come along with me and chase after your own dreams. This ride certainly has its ups and downs, but God will not leave you standing in the dust of those running the same race. Look fear in the face, lace up your running shoes, and let’s reach our destinies together. It’s never too late—you ready?

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

............... They That Wait .................

Isaiah 40:31--But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run , and not be weary ; and they shall walk , and not faint .

You’ve heard it all before—the fast-paced world that we live in today creates for us a “microwave society.” We want everything now, instantly, with no hassle, no waiting, and our patience seems to get thinner every day to the point that it starts to become non-existent. From fast food to online shopping to Uncle Ben’s Minute Rice, society has become more impatient and less interested in letting time run its course.

In the same way that we become impatient with the things of the world, we also have started to become more impatient with God. We claim that we have faith in God when we pray for healing, financial breakthroughs, and clarity regarding our future. But when God does not answer those prayers as quickly as we would like, we become impatient, frustrated, and sometimes doubtful that God can do what we have asked.

I have learned over the years that God does not operate on our time schedules. My Godmother, Pam, always told me that “God makes all things beautiful in His time”, and it wasn’t until I was older that I began to realize how true those words are.

When we don’t learn to wait on God, we get frustrated and try to do things on our own, which causes confusion and chaos. One thing that we must understand is that God does not move quicker just because of our frustration. I believe God uses those waiting periods to help us grow in our faith and trust in the One who created time in the first place. The frustrating thing is that when God does not answer our prayers as quickly as we desire, we have a tendency to feel that God has abandoned us, ignored our cries, or that God is not concerned at all.

I had a conversation with someone on how frustrating it can be to feel like you have been waiting your whole life for things to happen, yet in the midst of that frustration, I kept doing whatever I could to keep myself prepared. What that means is that when an opportunity comes your way, you have to be ready to grab it when the door opens. We can’t continue to let opportunities slip past us because we are not prepared. If we do that, then what was all the waiting for?

Consider the life of Jesus--He was on this earth for 30 years before His ministry started, yet He spent His whole life preparing. From the time that He was a little boy, He knew that He had to set Himself apart because He understood that He had a purpose in life, and that He had to be ready when God opened the door and told Him to move.

What about you? How long have you been waiting for God to do something in your life that you have been praying about? Has it gotten to the point that it’s been so long that you almost want to give up because you don’t think God will ever answer your prayers? I encourage you to HOLD ON during your waiting period because even when you feel that God is being silent, God is STILL MOVING on your behalf and working EVERYTHING out for your good.

So get busy! Start doing whatever is necessary to prepare yourself for God’s opportunities. Whatever you’re waiting for (career, owning a business, getting a degree, improved health), put your doubts and fears in God’s hands and leave them there. Don’t pick them back up and continue to worry about how things will work out. Choose today to leave your cares in God’s hands, walk away from it, and stand back to watch God work!! I promise---you WON’T be disappointed!!

Psalm 40:1—I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.