Category Archives: Change

Do you even know what you want?

25 Thursday Feb 2016

Posted by in Change, Reflection

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I hear myself say things like:

  • I want to eat healthy, exercise, and lose some weight.
  • I want to have close relationships with my children and grandchildren.
  • I want to be a speaker at Christian women’s events.
  • I want to have a clean organized home.
  • I want to enjoy time with my husband.
  • I want to encourage my friends.
  • I want to rest.

And so on and so on…..

When I look at my complete list of what I want to do (and no, the list above is not a complete list), it doesn’t take me long to figure out I can’t do everything I want to do.  If I did everything, there is no way I would ever feel rested  and I want that, too. LOL

I am in a time of transition.  It is causing me to redefine my priorities and expectations.  It is causing me to let go of some things and reach for new things.  It is unsettling and exciting at the same time.

Life constantly changes. If we are not intentionally mindful, we end up being carried along with the rushing flow of life – doing way too much and being unsure of where we are even going.

Let me encourage you to take time for reflection.  Are you directing your days or are the days directing you?  Better yet, are you allowing God to direct your days?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do  not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.  Proverbs 3:5-6

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Too Many Choices! UGH!

12 Tuesday Jan 2016

Posted by in Change, Future, God's Will, Opportunity

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I love Bible studies where the discussion is honest, invigorating and thought provoking.  Last week, one of the young ladies expressed her struggle.  She asked such a wonderfully honest vulnerable question!, “How do I know if what I want to do is just something I want or if it is something God wants?”

Here are a few thoughts:

  • I do not know God’s will for your life.  But I do know He wants you to abound in the work of the Lord no matter where you are or what you are doing.  I Corinthians 15:58
  • I do know God has created you for His glory.  He has something for you to do that only you can do.  He has gifted you in a unique way for your unique purpose.
  • I do know that as you spend time in His Word, He will guide you and cause you to want what He wants.  He will work in you to accomplish His plan.  Philippians 2:12-13
  • I do know that God may use other believers to encourage and guide you.  But I also know that ultimately it’s between you and God.

Paul thought Apollos should come to Corinth to encourage the believers.  But Apollos said ‘it was not at all his desire to come to Corinth now but that he would come when he had opportunity.’  1 Corinthians 16:12

Here are a couple of questions:

  1. What do you desire to do?  Does it agree with the clear truths in God’s Word? If so, do it and enjoy it!
  2. What opportunities do you have right now?  Make the most of them!  And don’t be afraid to explore new opportunities!

Most importantly, relax and believe that God is working in you, through you, with you and for you!  He is doing that right now and He will continue to do so!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Life Throws a Curve Ball at You!

03 Thursday Sep 2015

Posted by in Change, Encouragement, Rest

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I sat in the tiny little waiting room.  The doctor was looking at the results of some medical tests.  I would know soon what the next few months of my life might look like.

As I sat there, I realized there were many unknowns.

  • What journey, if any, was I about to embark upon?
  • Would I be able to continue helping others or would I have to humble myself and receive help from others?
  • Would my daily routines radically change or pretty much stay the same?

As I sat there, I also realized there were many ‘knowns’.

  • Whatever my journey,  the Lord would be with me.
  • Whatever my situation, I would continue to serve others with whatever strength the Lord gave me.
  • Whatever my daily routines, my ambition would be to please the Lord.

You also have unknowns and ‘knowns’.  

Unknowns create uncertainty because they have the power to cause change.  The change may be minimal or radical. The change may be anticipated or a complete surprise. The change may be perceived as good or bad. The change may be desired or dreaded.

But take hope!  Be of good courage!

Unknowns never come alone.  “Knowns’ always come with them.  

‘Knowns’ create certainty!  ‘Knowns’ never change!  

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever.  Hebrews 13:8

For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; 2 Corinthians 1:20

For I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.  2 Timothy 1:1211987051_990102464384269_1238060120673557229_n

Our ‘known’ is a Person.  It is Jesus.

Rest in the ‘knowns’.  Rest in Jesus.

Confidently say with me, ‘I am His and He is mine.”

The Best Thing I Can Say About Myself

22 Monday Jun 2015

Posted by in Change, Encouragement, Faith, Fear

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The best thing I can say about myself is, “I’m learning to trust God today.”

Every day is a faith walk!  This is how God intends it to be.

If you’re like me, you may find yourself longing for just one day without concerns, difficulties and struggles.  This day will come but not until we see Jesus face to face.

Difficulties encourage us to fix our eyes on Jesus instead of trying to do life without Him.  It is for this very personal relationship that Jesus died.

What do we know about faith?

  • Our relationship with God begins with faith – faith in Christ alone.
  • Our relationship with God continues and grows by faith – faith in Christ alone.
  • Faith pleases God.
  • Faith is a fight – a good fight.

Jesus is the author and perfecter of faith.  He walked by faith when He endured the cross for us, giving us an example of faith in action.  He kept His eyes on His Heavenly Father. Hebrews 12:2

Are you facing a difficult situation today? Is someone you love in trouble? Are you in the midst of change?  Are you feeling anxious?  Are you afraid?

Fix your eyes on Jesus! He is willing and eager to help you. Put your faith in Him – not in your own strength, not in your circumstances, not in your bank accounts, not in other people – but in Him alone. Fight the good fight of faith!

I am fighting the good fight of faith.

  • I have walked away from my career as a CPA to follow God’s call on my life.
  • I am trusting God to guide me.
  • I am trusting God to provide opportunities of service.
  • I am trusting God with my future.
  • I am fixing my eyes on Him.

file000551198693 (1)Faith is assurance of the unseen! Hebrews 11:1

Change is Scary!

10 Tuesday Feb 2015

Posted by in Change, Faith, Fear

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Change is scary! Change is confusing!  Change creates anxiety, fear and doubt! And for these very reasons, change is a wonderful opportunity!

  • Change is an opportunity to go running to your Heavenly Father for comfort.
  • Change is an opportunity for increased clarity about God’s purpose for your life.
  • Change is an opportunity for your faith to become stronger and purer.

My life calling is undergoing radical change. Following the Lord’s leading, I am transitioning from being a full time CPA to being in ministry full time.  The transition is messy.  Sometimes I’m scared to death. Sometimes I’m confused. Sometimes I’m full of anxiety, fear and doubt.  Questions abound.

  • Is this realPA281186ly what God wants?
  • What about money?  Will God really provide?
  • Can God really use me?
  • What will really happen when I step out?
  • Will there be any opportunities to speak?
  • How do I move from where I am now to where I believe God wants me to be?

I am learning to take one step at a time and to trust that my Heavenly Father knows what is best for me. When I run to Him, He comforts me and reassures me that I am not in this alone.  It is His plan for me.  I can trust Him.  He never changes!

Are things in your life in upheaval?  Are you feeling confused and anxious? Seize the opportunity to run to your Heavenly Father.  Let Him lead you.

Casting all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.  I Peter 5:7  

The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:5b-7