When you don't know what to do, do what you know.
I coined this phrase a few months back,
when the world as I'd known it
pretty much started to crumble.
I froze.
What on earth could I possibly do at a time like this
that would make any difference?
The 'time like this' can be any situation
you are facing that is new,
scary, crazy,
upside-down, inside-out,
or just downright hard.
Do what you know.
Do what is familiar.
Do what is comfortable.
For me, back then, I made some stuff
I knew people could use and I gave it away.
For me, right now, it's pray.
There are days I don't have words.
I like to think God still hears my silence.
Friend, don't overthink it.
In the midst of your pain,
anger, frustration, resentment,
heartache...
Tonight, just do what you know.
And let God handle the rest.
Until next time... blessings!
"Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all." Psalm 34:19
Friend, look deep... deeper... Deeper....
Do you see more than just an acorn?
Do you see the potential that is inside?
I found this acorn over the weekend,
and I have been learning a bit more about
what it takes for the oak tree to spring forth.
It's fascinating.
I go into more detail HERE
if you have 10 minutes to spare
and want to take a listen.
If you don't, I'll get right to the point.
You have so much potential inside you.
In order for it to take root,
you may just need to go through a really dark season.
In order for it to spring forth,
you may just need to be broken.
In order for it to be nourished,
you may just need to rely on others.
When you are walking through the
dark and broken places,
don't miss what God has put
right in front of your face.
He has equipped you with
everything
that you need to survive.
Stay rooted in Him.
Stay connected to your support system.
Stay focused on your growth.
Don't miss what God has placed
right in front of your eyes,
but be open to thinking
beyond what you actually see.
Until next time... Blessings!
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PS: If you are needing some extra support and encouragement,
we just started a brand new series over in our group,
Guarding the Gate... 21 Days of Encouragement.
Sister, you don't have to walk your path alone.
Join us!
If you have ever found yourself, or are currently in, a season of struggle, frustration, discouragement, ready to throw in the towel... this is for you.
"I know your heart been broke again
I know your prayers ain't been answered yet
I know you're feeling like you got nothing left
Well, lift your head, it ain't over yet, ain't over yet so
Move, keep walkin' soldier keep movin' on
Move, keep walkin' until the mornin' comes
Move, keep walkin' soldier keep movin' on
And lift your head, it ain't over yet, ain't over yet"
Those are lyrics from a song by Toby Mac, "Move (Keep Walkin')". If you'd like to listen to the whole thing, HERE is the link.
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If you have ever found yourself, or are currently in, a season of struggle, frustration, discouragement, ready to throw in the towel... this is for you.
Those seasons of life are normal. You need to be present in them, feel them, work through them... these are the seasons where you can pitch your tent, but DO NOT build your house! That is not where you are meant to live.
Those seasons will grow you, strengthen you, and prepare you for what's ahead.
Those seasons will grow you, strengthen you, and prepare you for what's ahead.
"If you could see how close you are to a life altering breakthrough, You would be praising Me already."
God is working. God is moving. God is doing His thing.
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If you have ever found yourself, or are currently in, a season of struggle, frustration, discouragement, ready to throw in the towel... this is for you.
"Praise Him in advance.
"Praise Him in advance.
Praise Him destitute.
Praise Him weary.
Praise Him broken.
Praise Him frustrated.
Praise Him hurting.
Praise Him until your heart breaks.
And watch the heavens unfold in your favor."
Praise is what keeps you moving.
Praise is what brings down the walls.
Praise is what carries you through to the next season.
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Friend, this is for you today.
God is not done with you yet. MOVE, keep walking!
"Opportunity often comes disguised in the form of misfortune or temporary defeat."
Here's a link to a short video where I dig a little deeper into this (and get a little fired up!).
Until next time... BLESSINGS!
Happy Wednesday, my friend!
I decided to switch things up a bit today and give you the chance to actually here my voice... if you want to listen.
I decided to switch things up a bit today and give you the chance to actually here my voice... if you want to listen.
I had such a great chat with an amazing friend this week over in FB world, and instead of trying to type up a transcript, I thought I would just share the recording.
If you are a plant-lover, you will love some of the analogies that are used here in reference to plants getting root bound when they outgrow their container and how that can cause them to stop growing. It is necessary to be transplanted into a more spacious container if you want to see that plant continue to grow and thrive. But that processes isn't always fun... oh, I don't want to give it all away... my typing doesn't even convey half the message, you just gotta listen and be blessed!
I am not up on all this techy stuff yet, so hopefully you can see it below and just click to listen, but if not CLICK HERE for the direct link.
Here are direct links to the groups that we mentioned if you want to check those out too...
Until next time... blessings!
Did you ever play this game as a kid (or maybe even as an adult)?
You are just going along your merry way, you have almost made it to the finish line, that 100 square with the big ribbon on it is in sight... and all of the sudden you hit a chute! Just like that, you find yourself all the way back to the bottom of the board. You are crushed, devastated, ready to give up because the board is filled with so many chutes you wonder if you will ever be victorious.
Such is life, right?
We find ourselves just going along our merry way... then BAM! Tragedy strikes, sickness is diagnosed, a job is lost, the stock market crashes, the economy is turned upside down, bills aren't getting paid... you have hit a chute and it sends you spiraling to the bottom of the board.
So what are you going to do?
Become frustrated because it feels like you are faced with so many obstacles?
Wallow there because you know more problems are waiting?
Determine that there is no point in trying again?
OR... grab a ladder and climb out!
Oh the joy that comes when you land on a ladder... you are at the lowest of lows, there are so many squares on the board and so many chutes that you need to get by, right? But then, one spin of the spinner lands you on the biggest ladder on the entire board and you climb all the way to the top. Oh, glorious day!!
You have the ability, with God's help, to shift your perspective and climb the ladder!
See, when you encounter a problem, it does not have to send you into a downward spiral. That is what happens when we are not being good stewards of our mind and we allow the problem to consume us instead of focusing on the solution.
Immediately, look up. Ask God to allow you to see this problem from His perspective. What is the end result that can only be reached by walking this particular road? Oh my, when we can take that high road and look at things from above, we quickly realize that "our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2 Corinthians 4:16
(Ok, wait... let's be real... we may not quickly realize that truth, but it is possible to eventually be able to recognize the good, see the light, and find the purpose.)
Yes, you will be faced with difficulties and challenges.
Yes, you will hit chutes in this life that will send you spiraling.
Yes, you will find yourself being blindsided with trouble.
On these days, look to Jesus and affirm your trust in Him.
Yes, you will have days when life is good.
Yes, you will have moments when problems are absent.
Yes, you will experience times of victory.
On these days, rejoice and thank Him continually.
No matter if you find yourself at the bottom of a chute or the top of a ladder, always keep your eyes on the prize, the end goal, the hope of Heaven.
Until next time...
Until next time...
Blessings!!
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If you are looking for support and encouragement, and a group of like-minded women looking for the same, you are welcome in Guarding the Gate. We are getting ready to embark, together, on a 30-Day Transformation Challenge to take back control of our days and shift our focus. Find us HERE, the gate is open for you, friend!
