30 Days of Gratitude: Day 24 - My Husband

 

Today I'm thankful for my husband.

This post could go on and on because that's just how amazing my husband is. Such a hard-worker, and such a wonderful leader to me. It is so hard to only see him like 2 hours a day, but I know he is working hard and that we'll cherish times together more.  He picks me up when I'm feeling defeated and reminds me to keep relying on the Lord.
So today, I dedicate to the love of my life. <3 Pin It

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 23 - My Faith

 

Today I'm thankful for my faith.

In a world full of scary twists and turns, and people...I know I can always rely on God to carry me through those overwhelming times in my life. I don't know where I'd be without my faith and without the power of prayer. He is amazing. Pin It

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 22 - The Word "NO"

Today I'm thankful for the word "no". 

Sounds like a funny thing to be thankful for, but yes, I am thankful for it today. As we enter a season of non-stop dances, musicals, parties, shopping trips, programs, church events, and other random life activities, I'm so happy for my ability to just say "no". This is a secretary's magic word. If only I could exercise it a little more... Pin It

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 21 - Hot Showers

Today I am thankful for hot showers.

After spending time in the Dominican Republic, I've come to find a new appreciation for hot showers. Though taking a cold shower after working in 90+ degree heat all day (usually +), a cold shower might sound quite nice, but it sure takes your breath away! Here, a hot shower is quite soothing after coming in from a cold day! Pin It

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 20- GEMS

 Today I'm thankful for GEMS.

Girls Everywhere Meeting the Savior - a program we hold from girls 1st-8th grades. Tonight, we reached 76 girls - our high of the whole year! This program not only reaches out to the girls of our church, but to the girls of our community! Only about 30% probably attend our church, the rest come with friends or by word of mouth. It is a good reminder of just how important our children's programs are in the church, and I am grateful we have had such success in it this year! Pin It

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 19 - Medical Technology

 

Today I'm thankful for medical technology.

This may sound like the dorkiest post ever, but really, I am so grateful that God has provided us with the medical advances He's provided. Without them, I'm not sure where I'd be, probably not around. And we got to use it today to see our baby in 3D! It is quite amazing, and today, I appreciate it greatly. Pin It

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 18 - Friends

 

Today I'm thankful for friends.

As you may or may not have noticed, I haven't touched on the obvious gratitudes (friends, family, etc.) quite yet, but you all know I need to get there. So today is dedicated to friends. Today was a great day for being reminded of how needed they are in my life. From those praying for me to the ladies that just give me that much-needed night out, I'm grateful for you all! Thanks for being in my life! Pin It

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 17 - Football

 

 Today I'm thankful for football. Yes, football. 

Though this post totally makes me sound like a shallow dude, I can't tell you how relaxing it is to curl up on the couch after an early morning at church with pouring, stormy rain outside and just let the football games roll. No efforts on my end. No having to think about anything. Just the white noise of the crowd and commentators. Go Bears. Pin It

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 16 - A Day to Myself

 

Today I'm thankful for a day to myself. 

It was nice to have a day home alone to just clean, continue unpacking and organizing and to just do what I needed to do without distractions of work and people. Though I missed my husband quite a bit, I do feel accomplished too. =) Pin It

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 15 - Pumpkin Pie

 

Today I'm thankful for pumpkin pie. 

'Nuff said. Pin It

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 14 - My Ridiculous Pets

 

Today I'm thankful for my ridiculous pets.

I have a dog who is loyal and can be the biggest coward in the world, and a cat that is braver than he ever should be, yet is very skittish when unknown people come into his territory. They wrestle and usually the cat wins. Yet, they provide us with hours of entertainment and laughs. Sometimes, they leave us with multiple frustrations, but we love them regardless. So, today is to Inge the cat, and Naomi the dog. Pin It

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 13 - Our Jobs

 

Today I'm thankful for our jobs. 

I'm so thankful that we have steady income, and though it is tight at times, we are always taken care of. I'm glad to work in a church with great people and wonderful coworkers, that make my job more than just a job. Though it's not every little girls' dream to be a secretary, I must say, I'm quite blessed to be where God has landed me. It is certainly a job that provides in more ways than one. Pin It

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 12 - The Power of Prayer

 

Today I'm thankful for the power of prayer. 

After a day like yesterday, and because of the path of uncertainty I walk, I am so thankful for the power of prayer. Because of it, I walk with faith and support, knowing that God hears them, and I can take comfort in knowing He has a plan. I've seen His incredible work thus far in my life, and I know His will for me is where I am now. So I thank you all for your prayers and support. We couldn't do it without them! Pin It

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 11 - Warmth

Today I'm thankful for warmth. 

After a snowy, cold, windy day I must say that today it is good to be warm. Changing the church sign today without gloves was rough, and I'll have to get a pair to keep from now on at church. After that, I can't take warmth for granted. Today goes out to all things warm. Heaters, fires, hot chocolate...whatever. Pin It

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 10 - Church Family

Today I'm thankful for my church family.

Like any family, there are the flaws, the conflicts, and the moments that make you go "awe", but that is life together. God has set me in a place with loving people who encourage and show me that it's ok to have flaws in this world, yet to experience the grace of God together and worship side by side. So I dedicate today to that. Pin It

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 9 - A Child

Today, I'm thankful for a child.

I never thought I'd ever have the opportunity to give a child to my one day husband. And now that I've been married to a wonderful man (another story for another day), and God has blessed us with this pregnancy, I can't even express how grateful I am to have what I do in being a mother at only 20 week of being pregnant. So today, I express a strong gratitude to that and the Lord's provision in this way. Pin It

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 8 - My Brother

 

Today I'm thankful for my brother.

It is my brother's birthday today! Thus, I'm dedicating this day to him. We've been through the typical childhood and teenage years of angst with each other. (We are 18 months apart). I'm thankful for the laughs and the years of growing up together. I wouldn't be the same person without him as my brother.

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30 Days of Gratitude: Day 7 - Music

Today I'm thankful for music.

I love to listen to it, play it, and worship my God with it. I admire artists who use their music to express raw, undeniable faith. Today, one of my favorite artists put out a new CD. One of my very favorites is Lecrae. He makes it real and could care less what others think of his faith. This is the kind of music that empowers and inspires. So I'm thankful for music, and today, I send a special shout out to Lecrae. Pin It

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 6- Bed

Today I'm thankful for bed.

A bed and going to bed. After two long days, and another one ahead of me, bedtime is becoming one of my favorite times of the day. I must say that I was never the kid in class who could just dose off, no matter how tired I was, but now as a 19-week pregnant lady, I'm pretty sure I could fall asleep at the drop of a hat anywhere. So today goes out to bed and bedtime. With that, I say "goodnight".

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30 Days of Gratitude: Day 5 - My Team

Today I'm thankful for my Dominican Team. 

The laughs, the tears, the laughs and the tears together, fellowship, passion, and just an outpouring of love to all, I'm proud to be called a part of this crazy group of people - probably because they make me feel normal. Serving the Lord together near and far. We learn together and strive to be disciples who go make disciples.  Pin It

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 4 - Forgiveness

 

Today I'm thankful for Forgiveness.

Not gonna lie. Today was rough for me in this area. I'm a screw-up (more than I'd like to admit). And whenever I get called out on it, I have to taste the bitterness more than if I just sulk in it on my own. But today, I'm trying to remember that God's grace and forgiveness is all that matters. Even when the little things don't seem like a big deal, they are to me when they hurt those around me. So today, I'm thankful for that ultimate forgiveness. Pin It

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 3 - Warm Blankets

 

Today I'm thankful for warm blankets.

Because on cold, November days, who doesn't want a warm blanket? Pin It

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 2 - Home

 

Today I'm thankful for home. 

Some days I just feel down or gross. Honestly, today was one of those days. Thus, a perfect day to stay home. Warm, inviting, no pressure, just home. Pin It

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 1 - November

Today, I'm thankful for November.

It is the time right before the exciting time of year hits. Kind of like the calm before the storm. November has something homely and soothing about it. And though we should be thankful all year round for everything, November is just a strong reminder.
So here's to the month of November and all the beautiful things about it. Pin It

I Can Never Stray

As a woman walking through this unpredictable world with tempting offers left and right, I have found it crucially important to keep reminding myself why I can never stray from His love and grace. I found life to be especially hard in this area as I grew through the teenage and college years. I literally had influences waiting to pounce at every corner of my life, and choosing wisely which ones to chase after was the defining moment for me. I found myself in a position where I had to choose between old friends who chased after things I knew were wrong, just so I would have friends, or trying to fit in with a new crowd that did the right thing. Because of this decision (very tough at the time) I am where I am today. Who knows what may have happened between now and then, but I've always had that thought processing through the back of my mind "I can't stray".
I knew that I could never stray from Him. His grace was bigger than everything I could ever do, and running from it was suicide to my well-being. I faced decisions to "make myself prettier" through things that would hurt myself, but remembered that His love was made especially for me, and I didn't need the tactics of the world to feel accepted. Finding where I belong is easy, because I knew I belong in His arms, and He is with me everywhere I go. Who cares what other people think? Pleasing Him was all want. And because of the mentality of "I can never stray" I hold tight to His love only.
Choosing the guys I was with came with the same process. "I can never stray". I would ask God if he was right. Did he seem to know the Bible? Who God was? The REAL God? Did I need to sacrifice my faith to be with him? If any of those answers were shaky, I'd turn. You can change a guy. He can only have the will power to change himself (with God's help of course). "I can never stray" - not even for the potential "one". My life would sink if I allowed this. I dated to marry, and if a guy couldn't fit into my life from day one, it was a no go. Call me snotty, but this is my faith we're talking about. I am told to "guard my heart, because it is the well-spring of life." I could be a light to this guy, but NOT EVER through dating him. Another red flag - He comes to church because he likes you, but once you turn him down in the dating arena, he doesn't come anymore. He didn't come before you existed either. Yep...been there, done that. Good thing you didn't marry him.
"I can never stray." Why? Because everyday I live is because of Him. Everything in this world is unpredictable, scary, unknown, except for Him. Because I have come to realize that I am absolutely NOTHING without Him. If I turn Him away for someone or something that could compromise my faith in Him in any way and in any capacity, I have strayed. I run the risk of never getting back because that's what Satan wants. That's what a lot of the world wants.
He is always there to take me back, no matter how far I stray, but I never want to. 
I feel like I'm in a war with society. Everything points away from Him. I, however, will always point to Him. I choose to be in the minority of faith because I know I can never stray. I need His grace, His love, His salvation, His direction, His comfort, His everything, forever. He must become greater, and I must become less.
I can never stray. Pin It

365 Girls After God - Day 4: Wisdom

Reading: Proverbs 1:1-7

Proverbs kicks off laying out its purpose- to get wisdom! It stresses how important wisdom is to live disciplined and successful lives. "The fear of the Lord, (or reverence to the Lord) is the foundation of true knowledge..." (Verse 7a). We need Godly wisdom to get through the challenges of life, as well as to know how to handle the blessings of life. God stresses wisdom over and over again throughout His Word. This should be a reason to really seek to get wisdom from God.


Reading: Matthew 4:1-22

There is something comforting about reading how Jesus was tempted in the same ways we are. Jesus definitely sets an example here in how we are to handle temptation. Each time Satan tempts Jesus, we see how smoothly Jesus pulls out scripture and applies it to the situation. This is all because of the wisdom and knowledge Jesus has acquired from studying the scriptures. This is just one reason it is so important to get wisdom from God.
Shortly after Jesus is tempted, we read about Him finding out that John the Baptist is in prison for preaching. As you read on, however, you can see that this doesn't discourage Jesus at all, as He goes out to get His ministry started. With wisdom, we can gain much encouragement too. Simply knowing more helps to make us confident. When we know more about the blessings God grants us, or the promises He gives us, or the past work He has done, we tend to be more confident in answering to our oppressors. Just another reason to get wisdom.


Reading: Genesis 7:1-9:17

Get wisdom to be safe in Christ. Noah was a wise and faithful man. Because of his faith, God called on him to build the ark and continue on the world. We learn how to apply our faith when we have the wisdom to read what God wants from us. When we get a phone call from a friend, we usually know right away it is them just by hearing their voice on the other end. Why? Because we've taken enough time to know them and build a relationship with them! The same concept goes for hearing God's voice. When we actually take the time to pray and listen for God's direction in our lives, His voice could be more easily heard and more affirming if we know God well enough to know it is Him speaking to us.


A challenge: Get into God's Word! Get to know Him, so you can take part in His plans and blessings He has for you. Be in constant communication with Him. Learn His voice. Pin It

365 Girls After God- Day 3: Walk this Way

Reading: Psalm 3:1-8

What an empowering passage! When you feel as if you can't do something mighty in Christ's name, just pull out Psalm 3. We walk with a God Who can cause great destruction in order to protect us, yet is small and intimate enough to meet even our smallest worries. We should never fear reaching out in His name, because He has our backs. He is the only one Who can grant you full peace of mind from the battles and worries in our world.


Reading: Matthew 2:19-3:17

Here we see how Jesus was made equal with human kind. Though Jesus didn't need to be baptized and cleansed of sin, He still was baptized by the man who came to prepare the way for His coming - John the Baptist. Jesus came and chose to live among men, just so He could complete the work His Father set out for Him. Baptism holds many symbols to it. There is peace of mind when we are cleansed. It is a symbol of becoming a part of a new family under the kingdom of God. When we choose to follow in the footsteps of God's way, we are walking a confidence with Him, that grants us so much more than we can ever realize. Keep on His path.


Reading: Genesis 4:17-6:22

When man walks in the way of the Lord, He finds favor in them. We read here how the human race took a quick descent into sin after God had intended for man to be in His likeness. We read that when we do evil, this breaks God's heart. However, when God was planning on wiping out the human race, He remembers Noah, who walked in the ways of the Lord and stayed away from the evil ways of the world. This not only saved Noah and His family, but allowed Noah to be in tune with the great plans God had for him in building the ark and rebuilding the earth. With faith like Noah's, we too can engage in God's huge plans for us and our world around us. Just keep walking in Him, and He will show you what to do. 


A challenge for us is to walk in the ways of the Lord. This should be our daily goal. We see from the passages above that choosing His path will grant us so much. He will empower us, give us peace, take us as His own, and allow us to in His plan when we have faith in Him. These things are only the tip of the iceberg when we walk in the ways of God. Pin It

365 Girls After God - Day 2: Seeking

Reading: Psalm 2:1-12

Simply put in this Psalm is that God can pour out such torrential wrath, but He can give you unspeakable joy if you seek His will and refuge. Honestly, the choice is yours. When we choose to push God out of our lives, as individuals, families, nations, why would we expect to ever see Him show up when we suddenly need Him? Sound like a certain friend or family member in your life? However, when we seek refuge in Him, and strive to do His will, He places joy within us. Even the hard times in our lives feel more supported, because we've learned to fully rely on God in thick and thin. When you have a great life (or week in reality), you might have a boyfriend or girlfriend (for the guys reading this), you may be getting along with your parents really well, you probably are doing good in school. Those are the times you probably feel closest to God. But as soon as a storm hits, is God still there? Of course He is, but you probably don't feel like He is. When you can prove you trust Him no matter your circumstance, that is a true maturity that lasts in Christ.


Reading: Matthew 2:1-18

The wise men ask where they can find the newborn King. I believe this is a question we need to ask ourselves daily, not only in times of needing God. When we seek Jesus in such a way that the Magi did, we will find ourselves overflowing with joy, like they did when they saw the star for the first time. Do you rejoice when you see Christ in your life? We need to choose to worship and seek God daily, especially in today's world and society. There are so many things that can win our attention over God in the media and among our peers. From drugs, to sex, to the newest, coolest gadgets. Don't allow those things to take rule over your life. When all you care about is the next drug you can take, the next questionable party you can attend, or the next person you can hook up with, that is not the kind of life that will satisfy. It will keep you scouring for more. Let God's love and daily seeking Him out be an experience that changes you daily. 















Reading: Genesis 2:18-4:16

This section is chocked full of seeking. We see a very different kind of seeking here though. We see Adam and Eve seeking more satisfaction. They aren't completely satisfied with what God has given them, so they fall for Satan's trap and stumble into the temptation of eating from the forbidden tree. This causes the greatest division between man and God. Sounds familiar in our lives, huh?
However, shortly after this incident, we read the God was walking through the garden, seeking Adam and Eve. This shows that even when we screw up and run from God, He still will seek us out. Sure, there are always consequences to our screw-ups, but God is always holding us and teaching us through these times. The important thing is that you run back to Him and realize the changes you need to make.
Later, we read about a similar seeking of satisfaction from Cain, who gets so jealous of his brother, he kills him. Talk about a messed up family! But as we continue on with the Old Testament and into the New, we'll see just how important and vital Adam and Eve are to the big picture of God's plan, just as you are important in God's plan.


Keep seeking God, in good times and bad. Don't rely on the media and pleasures of this world to give you the ultimate satisfaction of highs, fame, fortune, wealth, sex, drugs, etc. The harder you chase those things, the harder you're going to fall. But the harder you chase God, the more rewarding the end prize will be both here on earth and later in eternity! Pin It

365: Girls After God - Day 1: Beginnings

Reading: Psalm 1:1-6

There is an unmeasurable amount of joy that comes to those who do not follow the ways and advice of the wicked. Following God's Word is what will bring you joy and understanding. At an age where life seems to be going no where, and bring you no one to spend your life with, it is important to remember that God has the reigns, and when you let Him know that, and when you let yourself know that, He will do AMAZING things in your life. Beginning this reading plan as a gal going after God will help you to establish your foundations in Him, so you can establish the foundations you want for a lifetime.
The world will tell you what to do about finding a spouse. God will tell you different. This Psalm is very clear on what happens when we follow the ways of the wicked. Standing on His Word and meditating on it day and night will guide your paths, whether it is making decisions on school, careers, or who to date. The choice is yours, and it begins now. The beginning of the rest of your life is today.


Reading: Matthew 1:1-25

Here we read about the beginning of Jesus. If you really look at His lineage, you'll see that it was made up of some great and famous people throughout the Old Testament. But you will also see that many of the people in Jesus' lineage screwed up - big time! This just goes to show that God will take our mess ups and turn them into a message. He used each one of these people to bring about Christ and the story leading up to Him. This is a new day! From this day on, you are a new person. Everyday is a new decision. What you decide now will carry on down your family line, like the people in Jesus' lineage.


Reading: Genesis 1:1 -2:17

The beginning of the world and man. God created man and woman in HIS image. We are created with such value that God chose to create us in His image! Do you realize what kind of value that places on us? God said everything He created was good, but for man, He said it was VERY good. Everything around us is a reflection of God and His goodness. It is important to be reminded of Him when we see nature's beauty. God doesn't make junk, and He made you. Never look down on yourself and value you for who YOU are.


So as we begin in a year of daily Bible reading, I can't help but think about this theme of "beginnings" today. Every day is a new day. If we miss a day of reading, we can start new the next day. Just stick to it, and keep at it. You'll learn from the Word no matter when you read it. The most important thing is that you keep in it and build that solid foundation you will need for the rest of your life. Make this life great, but strive for the best life in eternity.  Pin It

Women of God

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Christian Guy VS. Man of God

I found this on a friend's Facebook page and just had to share because I couldn't agree more! I've definitely fallen for the "Christian Guy" and was totally deceived by who he REALLY was under his definition of "Christian".

"Ok girls / ladies, let’s get this straight. 

There is a BIG difference between a Christian guy and a Man of God.

A Christian guy might say he loves you, but a Man of God will love God more than you. 

A Christian guy might text you Bible verses, or have a tattoo of them, but a Man of God will live out those verses and have them written on his heart. 

A Christian guy might go to church, but a man of God will see that his highest calling is to give Christ glory. 

A Christian guy might “accidentally” compromise your virtue, but a Man of God will protect it above all else. 

A Christian guy might be super attractive, but a Man of God will have a beautiful heart, regardless of his looks. 

A Christian guy might take you out, but a Man of God will hold you up before God in his prayers. 

So don’t settle for just a Christian guy, and long to be the kind of woman of God who will attract a man like that."

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31 Days of Prayer: Day 31

"Day 31: Pray that your husband will recognize the lies of the enemy in his life. Pray that his attitudes and actions will be guarded by the truth as he bridges his thoughts and captivity to the Word of God."

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31 Days of Prayer: Day 30

"Day 30: Pray that your husband will serve God and others with pure motives. Pray that he will obey the Lord from his heart, and glorify Him in everything."                         

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31 Days of Prayer: Day 29

 

"Day 29: Pray that your husband will surrender his time and talents to the Lord. Pray that his spiritual gifts will be manifest in his career, at church, and in your home."

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31 Days of Prayer: Day 28

"Day 28: Pray that your husband will be a man of prayer. Pray that he will seek and pursue God in purposeful quiet times."

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31 Days of Prayer: Day 27

 

"Day 27: Pray that your husband will understand the importance of taking care of his body, the temple of the Holy Spirit - for the glory of God. Pray that he will practice self-control by making wise food choices and get sufficient exercise to stay healthy."

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31 Days of Prayer: Day 26

 

"Day 26: Pray that your husband will discover and love his God-given purpose. Pray that he will offer all his dreams to the Lord, and pursue only those goals that will bring God glory and count for eternity."

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31 Days of Prayer: Day 25

 

"Day 25: Pray that your husband will be courageous in his stand against evil and injustice, and that he will stand for the truth. Pray that he will protect you and your family from Satan's attacks."

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31 Days of Prayer: Day 24

"Day 24: Pray that your husband will have a balanced life - that he will balance work and play. Pray that he will fear God, but also gain favor with people he knows at work and church."

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31 Days of Prayer: Day 23

"Day 23: Pray that your husband will be a good father - disciplining his children wisely and living unconditionally. If he is not a father, pray that he will find a young man to mentor in the things of the Lord."

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31 Days of Prayer: Day 22

 

"Day 22: Pray that your husband will practice forgiveness in your relationship and with others. Pray that he will recognize any roots of bitterness and yield any resentment and unforgiving attitudes to the Lord."

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