The Path Has Already Been Laid..Now Walk it Out

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not to thine own understanding.  In all thy ways, acknowledge Him and He shall direct they paths.  Proverbs 3:5-6


I don't know about you, but there are numerous times that I've struggled with trusting God.  With trusting the direction that my life happens to be going.  Trusting His timing, His guidance, His choices, etc...etc.  I often question myself about my choices..and if they are coming from God.  See, I happen to be one that has always jumped the gun when it comes to decisions...

I freak out, (now) about every decision I make!  "Is this right?"  "Is this wrong?" "Should I have spent that money?"  "Do I have enough money for this?"   "Should I be friends with the person?"   "Should I take this job?"  "Should I quit this job?"  "Did I do this right?"  "Did I do this wrong?"  It's so chaotic, isn't it?  Even reading it is making me anxious!  Here is what I am coming to know...

Nobody is perfect...in this life we will make plenty of mistakes.  Refusing, however, to live LIFE because of past mistakes only hinders our growth.  God intends for us to live an abundant life.  If that is not happening, that is not of God...what does the enemy come to do?  Steal, Kill and destroy..if your stressed out about decisions..check with Jesus (say a prayer) about it and watch your peace come back to you.

God's ways are not our ways...even if the direction we go in looks crazy (as all get out) He still knows where He's leading us.  Now listen, even in all my silly, outrageous, "shoulda-known-better" decisions, God STILL worked them out for my good!  He will take every experience, Good & BAD and make those situations flow in the right direction for your life. Now ain't that something?  I have recently started looking at my own experiences and it makes sense, now. At least some of it makes sense....The reality?..God ain't surprised about ME or YOU.

Again...God ain't surprised about ME or YOU.  I can't tell you how many times I worried about what's next and tried to figure things out on my own without consulting God.  I figured, "If I got myself into this mess, then why am I asking God to help me get out?"  I said, "Look at my circumstance..this is way to big for me to handle so can God do this?"  "Will He do this for me?"  "I haven't been faithful with my relationship with Him, so I won't ask Him for His help."  "I am not deserving."

I will (and have) driven myself crazy with my own questions..with trying to make the best decisions for my life.  BUT...God IS STILL Faithful!  He already knows what we are doing and where we are at in life.  ALL HE WANTS FOR US TO DO IS CAST OUR CARES ON HIM AND ASK HIM FOR HIS HELP.  HE WANTS US TO MAKE HIM A PART (FIRST PART) OF OUR LIVES.  We are not self-reliant..we just aren't.  I am not equipped to live without Jesus. I just am not..I've tried, trust me on this one.  

What I am finding is that I need my Creator's help in everything I do..and that no mistake that I've made or will make keeps me from the direction that He has me going.  His purpose for my life will be fulfilled and completed no matter what. He knows that path I take..even when I cannot see the path ahead. And even when I have to face the mountain (see picture). I have to trust that He will guide me through it.

The question is...will I (& you) listen? Choose to listen, I am.

Flowing with the Inevitable Changing Life

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 NIV

One thing in life is for certain...change.  This week, I received news about two co-workers moving on to other positions.  Both very surprising, yet my astonishment was met with two different reactions.  One with indifference, the other with sadness and yet both with regret?  Both had been at the company less than a year and I worked closely with each.  I never assumed the mid-day gripes about work politics, fussy software applications or policy restrictions would lead them both to suddenly quit.

In my mind, I wondered had I been kind enough?  Had I treated each of them with respect? What could I do now?  Regardless of how I felt or how many questions I had about my own actions, they still were leaving.  I couldn't stop the inevitable, the CHANGE. I had to adjust to something new whether I liked it or not.  Living this life, in this world, in this society changes are expected.  

Technology changes almost every year (or less).  As soon as you buy a cell phone, its virtually out-of-date.  The rules of the nation change constantly.  Many things ruled illegal 20 years ago are now very legal and worth a taxable profit.  (Now that's funny!)  What's in is out, what's out is in, what's hot, what's not..it all changes so fast. And with the internet, fast has become warp speed!

Change is inevitable and it happens all the TIME. However, when it comes to us individually...our own little private domains, why is change so hard?  Do we get so set in our ways that we neglect to see the possibilities of a new, better reality?  Are we afraid to believe that there is something greater in the future?  Or do we think that the best has already been accomplished?

Does change mean failure?  Does change mean progress? Does lack of change show too much pride?  Or not enough pride?  I could ask hundreds of questions and can only answer a few regarding my own situation.  One thing is for certain, IT IS UNCOMFORTABLE. Anything new will be and if its not, then what is being faced is nothing new.  Maybe that's reason enough not to change?

However, to grow, we all must be willing bow, stretch, flex and expand through the challenges that life bring. Everything and anything that grows, changes (nature is a great example).  Our willingness and flexibility to "go with the flow" of changing situations determines how we progress through it.  I firmly believe that if we aren't growing or progressing, then something in our camp needs to change.  And more than likely, it's you, individually. 

Here is the good news for us (if we take it).  God is the only One I know that never changes. The Bible says in Hebrews 13:8, Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.  God is Love...God is faithful..God is Our Helper and God Loves you and wants you to grow.   He said,  Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”  Deuteronomy 31:6.  He is consistent through all of the changes!

If you are still here (living) and not progressing or not willing to change, I challenge you to let go of the familiar and trust The Lord through your situation. You will have to adjust, but whatever the adjustment may be..I guarantee there is something far greater waiting for you on the other side.

Forgiving Is For You....

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. - Matthew 6:12

Forgive...simple to say, easy to remember.   It is only two syllables and combines two words (for and give). Most assuredly, any three year-old could win a pre-K spelling bee with it.  It's not a complicated word at all! But ain't it funny, how such an uncomplicated word can become very complicated when put into practice?  

Yes indeed, this is the crossroads that most of us find ourselves.  Trying to let go of the bad things, bad people or bad experiences that have happened to us, yet not finding it easy to do. Most times, we hold on to those toxic situations through grudges, thinking we are justified with our actions.  And grudges aren't just outward expressions, either.  9 times out of 10, they are the things we carry in our hearts...not a good thing.

Society has a great way of telling us that it's okay to "get even" and so will folks around you. I have fallen into that trap the majority of my life. I knew, (as I stated earlier) that I WAS JUSTIFIED. "Didn't they hurt me?"  However, God began to open my Spiritual eyes (yes your spirit has eyes) and I saw how toxic UNforgiveness can be.  It had spread like a virus, from one area of my life to the next.

It turned into bitterness, envy, jealousy, rage, depression, guilt, pride and sickness (mentally and physically).  As soon as I became aware of the issue, I started to dig into my life.  I started to pin-point the original offenses and ask God to HELP me to forgive and let it GO.  I knew that if I didn't change my mind about those things, I would live an unhappy, unfulfilled life.  And that is never God's plan for us.  

Is it easy?  Sometimes it isn't! Let's be real, even Peter asked this question...  21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. Matthew 18:21-22  BUT Jesus, our Lord and Savior said to forgive and that we can (& should) do it.  After all, if He died for me and has freely forgiven me..how much more should I forgive?

Here's what I've learned:

1. Forgiving is a process.  You may not feel it in your emotions, initially. However over time, the pain of the offense will no longer be painful.  Be patient with yourself.  Don't fight the process, flow with it because it will hurt. Trust that the pain will bring a greater reward very soon.
2. Forgiving is a gift to YOU.  There is no greater way to move forward with your life than to simply, LET IT GO.  It is freeing and brings about a change of perspective about everything!  It also unclogs your blessings in Life & Love..it removes the physical and spiritual block.  Your body will start to heal again (releasing the stress).  You'll start to love again and be open to life!  

Others that have been through the process may have more to contribute, but this is where I am.   In Life and Love, things can (and will) happen that may have cut to the core of your spirit, mind, body AND soul.  Situations can tear you apart, IF you allow them.  Stop giving unforgiveness power over your life.  There is so much more awaiting us. So many relationships, opportunities, joys, hopes..make the choice and save your life.  

God is waiting for your decision..Trust Him today.

 "...You must not be bitter. Bitterness is like cancer. It eats upon the host. It doesn't do anything to the object of its displeasure...." - Maya Angelou

What Do You See? It's All About Perspective...

23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought. 24 And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. 25 After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly. - Mark 8:23-25 KJV

Look at the image..now, what do you see?  There is a lot going on, once you take the time to really look at the picture.  Examine each little image individually.  Look at the detail, the colors, the positioning.  Now try and focus on the larger image.  Pretty cool and very innovative, huhn?!

Its interesting how so many little images combine to create the larger one. Clearly, there was some serious attention to detail about every aspect of this picture. Just think about the time, effort or even the thought process that the artist went through to create this masterpiece?  If there were just one little image out of place or not there, we wouldn't be able to see the final result!   We would miss the point of the whole thing...remind of you something?  

How about life?  Take time to think about it, really. Pause and consider everything that took place and how it all happened...for a reason.  Maybe to shape and create the "Bigger Image" of who we are.  The people we loved and kept or those we loved and lost.  The jobs we were hired to work and the ones we were fired to never work again (at least at that place).  Joys, pains, ups, downs, gains and loses...each of these events (or images, keeping the picture in mind) help to create YOU.

Oh yes, it true!  Could it be that we don't have the right perspective about our lives?  Could it be that God knew exactly what He was doing when He made us? How He made us? After all, Jeremiah 29:11 says,  11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.  Yup..it sounds like God knows what He's doing, even if we don't agree at times.

Look up at the picture again..the individual images, the details and then the "larger complete image" created by combining the smaller.  Did you see greater detail this time?  Maybe some things you didn't see before?  Makes sense because sometimes you have to look up and take a second look at things to see clearly.  Just like the scripture says, 24 And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. 25 After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly. Mark 8:24-25.

Its important when our perspective about life starts getting "muddy" that we ask God to help us clear it up.  And there's nothing wrong with asking until you can see, either.  He knows our way, He knows the bigger picture and He will show us if we TRUST Him.  It's really about trusting in God..not easy at times but it is WELL worth it.  He is our Master Artist and we are his beautiful masterpiece..each piece fitting perfectly in its place.   

There is a purpose...Trust Him.

Obedience is a Good Thing and not Just for You...

I saw the picture, it resonated with me.  Not so much because of the image, but because of the language.  "If you love me, obey me."  Funny isn't it?  Who would ever think that following orders had anything to do with, of all things...Love?  Often, when I consider the act of obedience, I associate it with following orders regardless of how I may feel about the outcome or circumstance...obey anyway.  

Did you hear that?  Regardless of the outcome or circumstance, do what you are told to do. But because of LOVE?  Look at this scripture, John 14:15 says, "If you love me, keep my commands."  This is Jesus talking not me. And in John 14:21, Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them."  Let's make it plain, if Jesus would not have obeyed God by fulfilling His assignment to die on the cross for our sins then, guess what?  We would be forever lost and never reconciled to God.  BUT He DID do it...all because of LOVE.

Well, I won't act as if I have passed the "Obedience" test. HA!  Oh yes, I have failed quite a few times. However, when recently given a specific task to do, I obeyed.  Initially, my plan was made and I just knew how the day was going to go UNTIL God said..."Obey."  His plans supersede our own, when we get that we gain wisdom and freedom!  But in the end, when I obeyed, I say the manifestation of a WONDERFUL blessing.   

The point of it all is, God uses us in ways we don't even understand and when He does, there is a purpose for it.  When He instructs us to do something, there is a reason. Sometimes He'll fill you in on the details and most times, He won't.  Regardless of the circumstance, He wants us to TRUST Him enough to do what He asks.  Remember Abraham and Issac and the ram in the bush? - Genesis 22:3-14.

When I said, "Yes" to the task, God used my "Yes" to bless several people because of obedience.  He loved me enough to use me, and loved the others enough to bless them because of one, "Yes!"  Jesus said, "Yes" and God sent Him because of His Love for us and He knew that Jesus would say "Yes"...because of Love.  It all makes sense to me...Obedience = Love.  My hope is that it all makes sense to you too, if not now, one day.

I was glad to have seen it all unfold though, then I could write about it.  Not only that, but bear witness to the POWER of obedience.  When you decide, more and more to just say "Yes" to the Lord, it has a ripple affect.  Others will be blessed because of your passing the Love (obedience) test.  Try it, just try it..you never know who your act of Love will touch.

I Will Not Fear.....

 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.   Isaiah 41:10 NIV

It's been a very long time since I've written anything in my blog, but today I felt the need to say something.  Transition has been the main word (or phrase) in my life lately.  There have been many changes, quick changes, necessary changes (good & bad), nevertheless change.  Most times when change happens, regardless of the circumstances, there is an element of the unknown..which can produce fear.  Life always changes and we have to be "bright" enough to adjust with it understanding that it may lead us to unfamiliar places.  

Oh, wait!  There it is...the unfamiliar...bummer!  With my recent changes, like a new job, mom to a high school grad, turned college student (leaving me NOW as an empty-nester), end of a romantic relationship, etc., etc...(you get it) I found myself in a whirlwind of rearranged priorities and reworking previous plans.  Most of these reworked and rearranged plans and priorities included ONLY ME.  Isn't that funny?  When you find yourself, by yourself, you find a lot out about YOURSELF.  I had spent so much time making other things a priority that when it came to the slate of my life, I had nothing.  

The discovery was that I was missing from my own life...I was the missing piece to me.  This of course, brought about a mixture of emotions with the predominant one being...fear.  What in the world had I been doing for the past 20 years?  Who am I outside of being a mother? Who am I outside of a romantic relationship? What have I accomplished that is meaningful or apart of my purpose?  As a matter of fact...what IS my purpose?  

As these questions rattled in my mind, the idea to tackle and find the answer to each one became overwhelming, even worrisome.  The more I pondered about this new life, the more I became fearful.  The more changes from what had become my norm, the more terrified I became at starting over.  Then I had the urge to write, I remembered this blog and opened the last page that I didn't finish and there it was....Isaiah 41:10. The very scripture I needed, when I needed it most...God knows what He is doing.

What I am learning, LIFE WILL CHANGE.  However, when it does, I am not alone because God assures me that He will be with me through the change. He'll help me through the unfamiliar and newness of my life and give me the drive to discover me, all over again.  The me He created me for, TODAY. You may ask, "does this really help?"  And my answer is simply, "Today, it absolutely did."

God knows what we need, when we need it....don't fear..He has your story written, all over again.

Releasing The Bags...

This picture speaks volumes, doesn't it? I remember when I had it as my screen saver at work and people would always ask if the woman in the image was me. At first, I didn't mind it so much..I need it as a reminder to let go of my own bags. But, I tell you..the longer I had the image up, the more individuals would ask if I was that woman! At some point I began to get very agitated by the reference. I felt like, "She ain't me! I am done with mess from the past!" Super funny... BUT what I failed to see in the picture is that she was RELEASING the BAGS in her hand and walking towards the CROSS!! Ding, ding, ding!! On point..so in essence, I WAS and AM that woman.

Time heals ALL wounds...I had (& am) allowing myself the freedom to heal from past hurts in God's timing. What I had to learn is that forgiveness can take time...and even longer, if you decide to try and do it without God. Learning that lesson too. I have had many a struggle..some struggles I brought on myself and others I didn't. But what I had not realized is that I held on to the pain. The unforgiveness infiltrated my life and spread like cancer.

You see the bags the lady is carrying? Anger, hurt, fear, envy, depression...etc & BIG SIGH..etc. That is exactly what happened to me...weight, mentally, spiritually and physically. Something else, right? Welp..it's the truth no matter how slice it. What I am learning is that when you decide..with the help of Jesus, to Forget those things behind and reach towards those things which are before...you drop baggage. And you will feel the weight drop, I promise you. It will feel like the fog has been lifted from your eyes and you will gain a new perspective about EVERYTHING. However, these things take TIME..that's right...TIME. You can't rush how God chooses to HEAL YOU! ;)

Man, I wish I could change the timing of that...just keeping it all the way real, ok? Nevertheless, we have been called to trust God and His ways aren't ours. Let me just say that it is NOT easy..and if it were, everybody would be doing it. Give yourself permission to heal and don't allow other people to condemn YOUR process. YOUR HEALING IS YOUR HEALING...MY HEALING IS MY HEALING. Just be healed... :)

This life is beautiful...it is a gift from our Creator who loves us more than we could ever know. He wants ours lives to be FREE (in mind & spirit) from life's hardships..He desires to give us abundant life...but we must choose His way...see the pic?? :) It's not easy...but I AM HEALED...speak it as if you have it already...and I am open for my blessings!!