A New Time and A New Site

I am so thankful for the way that God led me to begin blogging almost five years ago. Five years! I went from a woman too timid to share her words with the world to a woman who was ready to be a vessel whenever God asked.

It has been tough because I don't always feel compelled to say yes to God. Yet, I was determined not to give up.

Then a time came, about two years ago, when my fears and overwhelmed state of mind led me to put down my pen. Over those two years, I struggled with whether or not writing was really my calling. Did my words even matter? Was it worth putting my time into blogging? Did I misinterpret my conversations with God about my calling?

After a while, it became easier to push aside my blogging past since it had become a habit. Through it all, the Holy Spirit persistently worked to soften my heart. I am so grateful that God never gives up on His children. Aren't you?

Not only does He not give up, he changes hearts. Amen!

Today I can proudly say that I have relaunched The One Source Blog on its new site, theonesourceblog.com, and will move forward differently than before. I can't say that I will never be discouraged again, but I have learned that it's worth saying yes to him.

Let's head over there now for the complete story of how God moved in my life! I know you'll love it.

The new One Source Blog!

Content, Who me?

2017 has marked the year when I was finally able to step off of a plane into the eastern hemisphere—praise the Lord! It was a long time coming, yet I was filled with anticipation for the unknown more than excitement for just experiencing something new.

I began my three week journey though two countries of Southern Asia in Hyderabad, India. After that I traveled throughout southern India taking in all that I saw, tasted, smelled, and heard. So, this is what India was like. A developing country indeed. Extremely populated. Vast lands filled with miles and miles of farmlands in between small and large cities.

However, at the heart of it all, I wondered if they were happier? That's what I've always heard in the past from people who have gone on mission trips to developing countries across the globe. They would share how simple the lives of the individuals were that they encountered, yet they were still very happy. These individuals filled the air with laughter, had contagious smiles, and shared their food.

So, what did I experience? I met genuine people of all walks of life who laughed, made me smile, and fed me until my heart was content. Then... I met those who only saw what they were deprived of. Their smiles were false and the conversations lacked laughter.

Hmmm... I wasn't expecting that.

But why not?

Everywhere around the world there are people who struggle with gratitude. That is not just an American thing.

Then the concept came together in my mind. No matter who we are or how full, or empty, our bank accounts are, we ought to be content in whatever circumstance that we find ourselves in. (Philippians 4:11). I was looking for others to show me how to be content in all circumstances. I was looking for proof that a simpler life guarantees happiness. I was disappointed. Instead, I found people just like me who have to choose to enjoy life from day to day. They could be depressed and hang their heads, selfish and ignore the plight of others, or choose happiness and share their brightness with others. I have to look to God to show me how to daily live with a content heart. Otherwise, I will find myself saying, "See, they're not content. I told you it's not really possible." Or I could say, "They are struggling the most, of course they're unsatisfied. It's completely ok."

"Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise."

God is teaching me that no matter what, He is worthy of our trust and faith. For "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." I have to chose to be content everyday even though I don't see how this chapter ends. Certain parts of my story have yet to be revealed and God is not required to provide me a certain lifestyle in order for me to deem Him worthy of my appreciation. I have to appreciate him just for being the God who actually loves be as the word is defined. So, whether I am rich or poor, destitute or a billionaire, have my dream job or one that pays the bills, God is worthy of all the praise that I am capable to expressing.

I loved my trip to India as well Myanmar. I will have much to say about it, but for now, I am thankful for this lesson:

All people—American, European, India, Burmese, South American, African, Australian are called to put their complete trust in God whether they are rich or poor. Praise God. Trust God. Be content with the place that he has you in, because he has you there for a reason.

 * * * * * * * * * * * * 

What do you think? Do you find yourself struggling with being content with where God has you now? Share you thoughts with me. I would love to hear from you. 

Living for More than Just Myself

Short thought of the day:

"Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge." 

Proverbs 14:26

Reading this verse during my devotions this morning brought something to mind. What if we were to live our lives while we are young for our kids in the future? So many parents find themselves in compromising or hypocritical situations when their past misdeeds come to the surface. Wouldn't the logical thing be to not do certain things so later on in life you won't regret it? Instead society pushed everyone to believe that they can do whatever they want, whenever they want, with whomever they want and that's fine because that's what their heart desires.

"Wise people are careful and stay out of trouble, but fools are careless and quick to act." 

Proverbs 14:16

The Bible teaches something completely different. The Bible says that you are counted wise if you DON'T do everything that your flesh desires to do.

"Fools don't care is they sin, but honest people wok at being right." Proverbs 14:9

There actually are some things out there that God does NOT want us to try. Although it may not be mainstream to seek a pure and noble lifestyle, it's the wise thing to do.

So, for those of us without kids of our own yet, think of them and how our actions shape the type of life they will have. For each one of us, think about all of his children God has allowed to come into your life; our actions shape the type of life they live as well.

What habit should you quit for the sake of others?


photo credit: 09-October_falon_matt_0004 via photopin (license)

Let My Life Song Sing to....??

If there was a song composed about your life here on Earth, what would it be about?

....

    .....

         ......

Have your answer? Great. 

Now, recalling that good things glorify God and bad/sinful things glorify the Devil, who would your life song praise?

"Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. and if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." Revelation 20:11-15

Our "lyrics" are written daily in the book of life. Unlike earthly songs, there is not bias or ulterior motive for its existence. The facts are there plain and simple.

On these old scales, it was easy to compare the weight of one item to another. The heavier the item, the further down it would fall. Let's say that the left one is all of the sin you allow to stay in your life. So it would make sense that those sins would have greater weight in your life right? If sin has a greater presence, then it will also take up most of the verses in our song. We may be able to deceive ourselves, by the scale never lies!

Christian band Casting Crowns composed a song entitled, Lifesong. Here is a snapshot of one of the verses:

Let my lifesong sing to you

Let my lifesong sing to you

I want to sign your name to the end of the day

Knowing that my heart was true

Let my lifesong sing to you

Our daily testimony should glorify God; not how we are on the fence or how we are trying to serve to masters. Yes, in the end it is the compilation of all of our testimonies into a song that will sing off of the pages of the book of life.

"For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due for us the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." 2 Corinthians 5:10


What is your life song about?

photo credit: Study of harmonics via photopin (license)

photo credit: Scales of Justice via photopin (license)

You are What You Eat

I believe that most of us have heard of the saying, "You are what you eat." The first time that I heard it, I was in elementary school. Back then my friends and I honestly believed that we would turn orange if we ate a ton of carrots. Now I understand that if I eat only sugary food, my body will perform based of all of the processed sugars I've ingested. Let's just say my performance would be pretty sad if all I ate was sugar.

If that saying is easy to grasp and believed my most human beings, how about applying that in a spiritual sense. If we only "consume" worldly things, then we shall become worldly. Seems simple enough right? Yes, however mix some denial in there and the outcome is too many Christian living today.

Whether or not we honestly believe that we can have our cake and eat it too, one thing that is certain is that one day we will have to explain our sweet tooth to our Heavenly Father.

"So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God." Romans 14:12

"But I tell you that everyone will have to give an account on the day of judgement for every empty word they have spoken." Matthew 12:36

For those lifestyle choices that we chose to call good evil and vice versa, God will ask us why? Standing before the Great I Am is not going to be the same as standing before our parents.

"As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'Everyone will bow before me; everyone will say that I am God." Romans 14:11

There will be no skirting around that fact in the end. That includes Atheists, Sikhs, Buddhists, Agnostics, Hindus, and any other world view or religion. EVERY SINGLE PERSON who has ever lived and will ever live will acknowledge God as God.

So, what I was reminded of this past weekend is that no matter what you decide to hold onto against God's will, it will not go unnoticed. That sin will arise again when the great Judge calls for you account for why you loved that sin more than you loved Him.


Will you chose God over the sins you struggle with?


photo credit: Carrots via photopin (license)

7 Hours

7 hours
           420 minutes
                       25,200 seconds.

If I had to account for that amount of time that I had been given, what would be my response?

Yes, we can say that our society is very materialistic and selfish. I have a greater impact on my own life than that of societies. So, I should follow after the greatest quality of life whether or not that quality if condoned my society.

So... was my focus today solely on things and/or all on myself? How many people did I pass going about my day? Did I speak more positive things or negative things into fruition?

We measure a man's success by the legacy left behind,

7 hours 

                             420 minutes 

                                                           25,200 seconds.

If I were to reflect on the past 7 hours, what would I conclude was my impact?

I was humbled this evening to recall that we impact others with our words, actions, and on our knees. No matter where I was today, I could have been there for someone.

It may seem like no big deal because my life has not ended, yet if I declare that I love others, then it is a BIG deal. Love should not be about convenience-- I'll love you when I feel like it. Instead, it should be an enduring principle.The biggest part of our earthly legacy is how much we loved or did not love others. Of all that "evil people" to ever live, they are all disliked because of their lack of love for others. Did we focus on things and ourselves, or did we seek to focus on other more?

There shouldn't be a long conversation with oneself when asked to account for ones time. Thumbs up or thumbs down. However, if I profess love from my lips... then my time better be spent keeping my word.


How can you account for your day today?


 photo credit: Number 7 via photopin (license)

Thoughts of the Mind

I feel like I can honestly say that everyone is familiar with first step in recovery being acceptance, maybe except for those in denial. The reason being, is that there is no where to move if, your mind sees no reason to get started.

A lot of thoughts can roll through your mind everyday, between 60,000 and 80,000 says the science world, taking our minds many places. Some of those places we readily zoom to and others we avoid like the plague. How about those thoughts that nag you? You're not really sure what they are about, or what they mean, but their consistent presence annoys you.

What do we do with repeating thoughts?

Acceptance has more to do with life than just with recovering from a bad habit, it is about healthy living. Denial may be comfortable, but it sure is not healthy. God desires to be in a healthy relationship with us. I guess that means dealing with some of those thoughts.

Fear and doubt.

Let's be honest, a lot of the thoughts we avoid center around our fears. Man...fear. It's of the Devil! It just get's in the way and messes with life. How many times have we messed up in relationships because of fear? Those fears may of led to doubt, or to lies, or to holding back.

Yesterday, I refused to leave my bed before God took control of my racing thoughts. There was something bothering me, actually for a couple of weeks, and I was no longer going to deny its existence in my life. For whatever it was, it was bringing me down.

Time ticked.... 30 minutes.... 1 hour.... still distracted by unrelated topics... finally my brain slows to a steady beat and focuses on the target thoughts.

Before I knew it, a list of unlabeled fears where bubbling to the surface. I had had no idea so much was festering in my spirit. 

FEAR: Lord, that if  my finances don't come together this year         ...........
                                                    that my trust in you would have been in vain.

. . . . . . . . . .

The curtain has been drawn. No more distraction. Denial gone. This was the core of so many thoughts. 

I felt horrible for thinking it, but it explained my distance from God. 

There were many more that God and I talked about. 

It hurt at first, but then hurt turned into to trust as I realized that, "Thy word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against thee." Psalm 119:11. I knew that I was in good hands because, "'I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Jeremiah 29:1.

Our loving God does not judge- condemn- us for opening up to him. So, He would not hurt the way humans would; instead, love will pour out to me. That's what I realized.

Fear was using its best tool: isolation.

I implore you give your thoughts over to God. Open up your mind and heart and come to terms with how you actually perceive God. Then walk through those thoughts together. Otherwise fear's best tool will consume you.

What fears would do you think are lurking in your heart and mind?

photo credit: 010lab via photopin cc

Are You Offended??

Short thought of the day.

Isaiah 36 and 37 chronicles the battle between Israel and Assyria. Isaiah 36:13-20, captures the harsh words of the king of Assyria. He spares no words while condemning the Lord of Jerusalem and any other God he had defeated in the past. The army of Israel keeps to the command to hold their tongue while anger infuses in them.

A thought came to mind of a story about a boy who meets a knight from the 13th century. The story is about what it means to be chivalrous, but there was a big lesson on respecting God in there as well. The knight was appalled that there was little reverence of God in the modern century. The knight was ready to draw his sword and defend the name of the Lord and the first misuse of His name. That is not how we respond when others take the name of the Lord in vain and attack His character.

Back to Isaiah. King Hezekiah quickly got word of what the enemy king has said, Isaiah 37:1, and he tore his clothes and put on rough cloth. He was distraught. Not because his name and character had been slandered, but an invisible God.

Questions: how do you respond when others attack God? Do you tolerate it because that is their personal belief or because they are on their own journey? Or would you defend God like you would your own family member or close friend?

I am ashamed that I have not defend my God at all times; but thank you Father and that today is a new day!


Will you defend God today if you see someone attack him?


photo credit: marfis75 via photopin cc

God Has Your Financial Back

This week, my devotional is studying how God will seek justice for His children. Monday discussed how the love of wealth has destroyed so many souls and based on the testimonies from the Bible and the lives around us today, what is our attitude about wealth.

One person commented: "We should pray to God such tat our earthly possessions do not control us, but rather we to use them purposely to spread the good news in the world."

I completely agree. At the heart of all the financial advice in the Bible is: Trust in God. No matter what, if you don't trust God to guide your financial decisions, then something else will help to guide your decisions.

I can see how in the human mind it is so hard for us to grasp the power and influence of money. It doesn't seem that bad or harmful. Similarly with alcohol or sex. In these modern times, society tells us that both are controllable and since they are fun we ought to enjoy them to the fullest degree. However, God put parameters on them because he knows the true power and influence these two things can have over a fallen creation. It's the Serpent's lie from the Garden manifested again. We really know the difference between good and evil; and sadly Eve had to find out what that meant after she experienced its effects.

The same can be said about money. It can be hard to understand its total potential without experiencing it, but that's why God gave us His word. There are His warnings and then the testimonies of others that are there to help us. Why? Because there are some things that we will have to wait till heaven for God to reveal in its entirety. As fallen beings, we no longer are capable of fully understanding financial wealth without a high risk of falling subject to it. We have to trust God to guide us with our money like a baby trusts his/her parents to be there when he/she is learning to walk. Because having to experience everything in order to choose to trust God is overrated and unwise.


How many have lost their salvation because they fall for the lie that dates back to the Garden?

photo credit: Johnny Vulkan via photopin cc
photo credit: Thomas Hawk via photopin cc

A Little Bit in Each of Us

A little bit of prodigal in each of us.

Tonight I watched a quality film called A Long Way Off and it really touched me. It is the best movie make of the parable "The Prodigal Son" that I've ever seen. All of a sudden certain details that Jesus put in the story were more relatable. The prodigal character almost seemed like a role that could have been mine had I made different decisions in life. Actually a lot of different people beyond the typical "wild child" could play that role.

What type of profile comes to mind when you picture someone in your mind that you classify as a prodigal son/daughter? Maybe they left the church right out of high school or college? Maybe they left their family for a more promiscuous lifestyle? Or maybe they have chosen to make career number one instead of more fulfilling things.

Now look in the mirror and ask yourself how far off from being classified as a prodigal from God are you. What if all of your financial investments began to fail? What if you lost your job and received little to no severance? What if your ministry just started to fall apart? What if former addictions became hard to resist again? What if more than one of these things happened in a one month span!?

Would you take your all the blessings, memories, and knowledge of God and walk away from him? Would you grow weary of his lifestyle and seek something else more "satisfying?" Would the prayers trickle? The Bible seem less appealing? Or would you justify not having to respond to any of the Holy Spirit's urging because you got this?

Whatever you see, is most likely not going to be pretty and not going to be comfortable--but do take that time to look....

What do you see in your self that's pulling you away from God?

photo credit: Jon.B. via photopin cc
photo credit: king of monks via photopin cc

Beggar by a Waterfall

For my devotions this morning, I captured this great passage from a lesson called "Friendship with the World."

When The Word often refers to His wandering children as prostitutes, it makes you wonder how to make that uneasy label go away:

"Grace is the only real solution to our plight. The proud, however, have placed themselves in a position where they can't easily receive that grace. Someone wrote that we get grace as do beggars holding out a tin cup before a waterfall. Only a person humble, meek, and aware of his or her utter need and dependency is open to grace, to the unmerited favor bestowed upon those who are in every way, unworthy." 

What a silly concept. Can you imagine a homeless person hiking up some hill to get to a waterfall and extend his arm to actually expect handouts? That would not happen! Yet, then there are those of us who have so much pride and selfishness eating away at our core, that we devise such plans as to how we will attain our grace. In our eyes we do not look foolish. In our eyes, that is the only way.

We scale hills and mountains in our lives for the sole purpose of achieving grace, forget love. "What's love got to do with it?" to borrow the famous lyrics. That's how we act when we are wandering away from Christ like a prostitute--a little that makes us shudder. For it is impossible for you to manipulate God into giving us grace for things that have become our idols; for characteristics that we refuse to give up. 

"'And she didn't care that she was acting like a prostitute. So she make her country unclean and was guilty of adultery, because she worshiped idols made of stone and wood. Israel's wicked sister didn't even come back to me with her whole heart, but only pretended,' says the Lord." Jer. 3:9-10

Each day is a new day. God takes us day by day for a reason, That reason is so that we don't have to feel so overwhelmed over how to change. We need to give things over to God step by step, day by day. Otherwise we will find ourselves looking foolish by a waterfall.

So, are you going seek God daily to help you change?

photo credit: Ian Sane via photopin cc

A Birthday Wish from my Father

All I have is gratitude in my heart.

These past few months have been no joke. Easy was not a part of the recipe. Comfortable was not an ingredient. I have been broken, but PRAISE GOD that He restores!

What does it take to break Shana? Poverty? Taking my entire family away? Taking all that I love? Breaking my body? Funny, that didn't work for Job? So, clearly that's not a full-proof plan. I am no Job, but will all that I went through there is nothing that Satan can do that God can't turn for His good.

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Genesis 50:20

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Despite the fact that my trials are continuing, He has blessed me with a new year of live. November 17th marked the renewing of my life and an extension of my time here.

What comes next? God fulfilling His will in my life. And that promise is my happy birthday from my Father.

It's turning around for me!

Do you truly believe that things can turn around? photo credit: PetitPlat - Stephanie Kilgast via photopin cc

No, We Do Not Have the Right

What if what we are looking for to fill the gaps in our lives has been there all along? 

What if our desires have never been lacking?

What if the next best thing has nothing over the best thing you have already had?

What if the "more" you have been looking for was never lost, but just out of sight?

"Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!" Job 40:2


Something that I have been struggling with for the past couple months is understanding self righteousness. Christians who have given his or her life to God and all that comes along with that, have taken on a life whose demands are great. Still being human, there seems to be some things missing--things desired and not yet attained. We look into the future and there seem to be pieces to the puzzle missing. What type of home are we to create? What type of career are we to posses? What type of people are we to reach? Who is to be our partner through it all?

Those are questions that others seem to get to ask without regard. However, when we ask, guilt creeps in. Maybe we should have asked a different question or asked that same question in a different way. Despite the guilt, the reason behind the question still lingers. The "more" that we want lingers in our heart.

We allow it to stay because it is apart of who we are. Why wouldn't I want to create a Godly home or have career that is more than a mere job? We are still human beings--beings with desires! So the "more" lingers in our hearts.

Self righteousness.

It was not the mourning that Job was dealing with that was the problem. He had lost everything! It was not the illness he had to daily endure that was bothering our Lord. God did not have a problem with Job feeling sad.

"Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him?" Job 40:2

It was that Job felt big enough to correct God for "messing up." So Job relinquished his trust and replaced it with condemnation. It seems so silly, wild, or even ludicrous to say that God messed up,yet let's not pretend as though we have never treated God the same way Job did. We often times have a mental picture of how God could have done things better or we settle for God's way.

This time was different. The Father had plenty to say, abut three chapters worth of things to say to Job and He delivered those words personally. Why? Because God wanted this lesson to be as clear as day--no human being has the right to say that God is done wrong. I know, blows your mind doesn't it? That is not what society believes today. It believes that it has the right to call wrong whatever it pleases. Lord forgive us. Job's pain had not elevated him to a place higher than the King of kings.

He had to be reminded that the one who fills gaps had been there all along and was beyond capable.

He had to recapture the vision of the desires that God has for him that more than satisfy his desires.

He had to hear from the maker Himself that there is no "next best thing" after the Creator.

He had to experience more to realize that "more" was code word for God.

We are going to feel a lot of things in this life, but seek to never let those emotions blindly lead you to try and remove God from His throne. No one would fit there but God himself. No matter how blameless we perceive self to be, we are not without sin. We DO NOT have the big picture, so we don't understand it all. Which means we do NOT have the right to be self righteous.

So when the demands of this life seem great and the struggle all to real, don't focus on the evils and get swept into the trap of self righteousness. Instead trade in your condemnation of God's methods for trust.

Don't just take my word for it, read Job 38-42.

"I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. You asked, 'Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?' Surely I spoke of things that I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know." Job 42:2-3

Our God is beautiful, wonderful, gracious, omnipotent, loving, all this and MORE God! The way that He wraps us in light and cools us with wind. He quenches our thirst with water and steadies our feet with a firm foundation. He divided the day from the night with the sun and the moon. What a great God!

How do you feel God is currently working in your life? In your favor? 
Let's recommit to trust Him through it all! Through all the ups and downs. Isn't He worth it?



photo credit: ecstaticist via photopin cc

Today is a New Day

Woke up this morning? Check.

Breath in my lungs? Check.

A working mind? Check.

Health? Check.

A loving and forgiving God? Check.

I will lift mine eyes unto the hills. He is my present help. Ps. 121:1, 46:1. So, I will be glad that I have today. I didn't have to have today, but I do.

As I look out my new window of my new apartment, I am at peace. I love the nature and its beauty. However this peace did not arrive because today I did everything perfectly, but because I am thinking about my very perfect God. He crossed my mind and made me smile. :-D How about that.

There is something very profound about God. Could it be the way his bright and beautiful rays kiss the earth? Or could it be his tall unwavering trees standing ever constant in my life? No, it must be the security I feel of knowing that as the weather changes I have warm clothes. Yes, that must be it!

Today is a new day and tomorrow shall be one as well. I'm just going to take life one step at a time allowing Christ to prepare the way ahead of me. :-)

Are you glad that there is hope for a new day?

The Basis of Your Hope

To say that this week has been challenging would be an understatement. I have felt more strong emotions this week that I have in a while. Sadly, though "a while" is not as long as it should be. The past couple months have really been trying. God is calling my character forward into the light through some intense trials. There are some days when all I want to do is scream, other days I want a waterfall to come gushing out of my eyes, then there are days when I have nothing to say. Yet, in every moment of every day, I have yet to feel alone. Yes, I may miss my friends and family, but I do not feel alone. God is with me.

It is easy to feel like there is no one on the planet who at a precise moment has not a clue how you feel.  No gets you.... Wrong! There are many people who understand what you are going through. You just may not have encountered them yet. This week I sat on a bench soaking up the warmth from the sun while encountering someone who got what I am going through. As I spoke with one of my friends, to my shock, I was not the only one going through such a specific and tricky tribulation. I was not alone.

When I would feel the feelings of loneliness and confusion creeping in, God would send a messenger my way. It would come through a needed quote, from a phone call at the precise moment needed, a Bible verse, a song, and words from above spoken through any willing vessel. Wednesday was that day. It still shocks me how persistent God is. All day long, message after message. He would not give up! God never gave up on me.

From this long week, I can truly say without a shadow of a doubt that I KNOW that God is with me. That is not speculation or hear say. I still have no idea how He is going to take me step by step, but He will. I have experienced loneliness, so I know what God's presence feels like. I have experienced fear, so I know what God's comfort feels like. I have heard silence, so I know what God's voice sounds like. It was the hardest week, but it was not impossible! God was seeking for me to feel and experience who he really is. This week God was not a figment of my spiritual imagination, God was, and is, a real being who is taking my life by storm.

For all those out there who feel like there is no hope, recall what the basis of your hope is. Is it because of the stuff you have in your life or is because of the God in your life.

How has God shown His worth to you?


photo credit: merlinprincesse via photopin cc
photo credit: splityarn via photopin cc

Oh Ye of Little Faith

Today was an interesting day. I received some bad news that upset my plans. Since I am currently in transition in my life, I thought everything was finally falling into place. So receiving bad news was no where near on the agenda.

But, wait.

I call a friend, and she shares with me a miracle that God worked out just today. One of the hubcaps off her car tire fell off last week, so fixing that was today's mission. The store clerk informs her that he does not sell singles hubcaps. Shock! Horror! Come on. Really? So what does God do? He gives her a free one. Yes, He does. Someone she knew bought new hubcaps and saw that she needed one, so he put one on her car. Just like that.

Oh ye of little faith.

I have nothing to say. Fear and doubt crept into my heart sooo quickly. But, then my Protector reminds me who how strong and capable he truly is.

Oh ye of little faith.

God says to me that if He can supply the tires needs, how much more shall he supply the needs of His daughter-- His child?

Oh ye of little faith.

Don't doubt, guys. Life will throw you plenty of curve balls, but remember the HUBCAP!

"He replied, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?' Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm." Matthew 8:26

Gone through any trials lately? How has God reminded you that He will take care of you?


 photo credit: That Hartford Guy via photopin cc

What I Experienced during #PrayerWeekend

After dedicating this past weekend to prayer, I can look back and see how God was working. My eyes were opened to see things more of the way that God designed for me to see things.

Awareness. Most people have had at least one best friend, or someone they were really close to, at some point in their life. As the relationship deepened, so did the understanding of what made each person tick. Spending so much time in prayer, made me more aware of God's handiwork throughout the day. It's almost as if I now saw more reasons to pray as I went throughout my day. Things that I ignored or just didn't notice before, now clicked and meant something.

Tenderness. As relationships deepen, the sentiment increases. There was an intimacy that I experienced with God that left me with the warm and fuzzies. I had a longing for Him and felt at ease when I was in His presence.

Endless words. So often time when I'm praying, I feeling like I'm searching for words. So in order to avoid the awkward, I set a time limit on the prayer. When things are heading south, JUMP SHIP! However, that was not the case. I felt that my knees would break before I ran out of words. It was awesome! So many people came to mind; so many instances; so many want and desires. I could have never ended.

* * * * *

There is power in prayer. If nothing else, I gained a stronger bond with my Savior. However, I know that I gained so much more. I wish I could see all the ways that God answers all of my prayers, but I know and trust that He is already working things out in so many lives.

How has God revealed himself to you? How has he answered prayers?


photo credit: Stella Dauer via photopin cc

Paradigm Shift

I get this awesome idea of the ideal meal to cook. I am hungry and can't wait to consume the goodness. So, I toss some of this and that into a mixture and into the oven it goes. What if this happened next:

"Hey," says Mr. IAmAnEgg, "why am I not green like Mr. Greenpepper?"

"Because you are an egg," says Shana.

"But I can really envision how I would be so much better as a green egg."

"You are an egg just in the way that I need you to be. I wouldn't have it any other way," responds Shana.

"Ummm.... I mean I hear what you are saying chef, but how about considering my texture? Mr. Flour's texture would be ideal for me. Just recall how he felt between your fingers," says Mr. IAmAnEgg with confidence.

"Ok, Mr. IAmAnEgg, everything about you is the way that you were intended to be. From the very moment that you were concetualized, your design was right. Your design has no flaws. You scan through the other ingredients trying to put together this plan of what you should become. No need. You have been already crafted. Just allow yourself to be baked so that the useless parts of you are dead and gone and all that is left will be just what is needed for this dish."

***********

There needs to be a paradigm shift in our minds. We are not to seek who we are to become as if the perfect design wasn't in existence already. We are to ask God to reveal what He has created. Then as he refines us, more of His handiwork is revealed. Yes, sin is real and has messed things up, but it is written, "I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

If we only embrace truly being God's creation instead of what "creation I wish I was," more people will look at us and only see Christ.

So, instead of asking God "why" because of our dislike for some of the changes He is doing in our lives, we need to say, "Reveal more Creator. Your creation is ready to be your instrument."

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5

"The carpenter stretcheth out his rule; he marketh it out with a line; he fitteth it with planes, and he marketh it out with the compass, and maketh it after the figure of a man, according to the beauty of a man; that it may remain in the house." Isaiah 44:13

Who has God crafted you to be?

photo credit: bitzcelt via photopin cc
photo credit: bill mcallen via photopin cc

Prayer Weekend

I am at a pivotal point in my life right now and I need to be doing a lot of pray over the next few days. So, as late as it is tonight, I sit at my computer following the beckoning of the Lord to set up  time to pray A LOT this weekend.

"Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." ~Matthew 18:19,20

Everyday I am reminded us of how we are all going through trials and need to lean solely on the power of Jesus to carry us through.

"My friends, do not be surprised at the terrible trouble which now comes to test you. Do not think that something strange is happening to you." ~ 1 Peter 4:12

Then why are we so susceptible to trying to stand in prayer alone? God never said we had to.

PLAN OF ACTION. That takes me to God's master plan. This Saturday and Sunday I am dedicating to prayer.

#PrayerWeekend

What does that mean for you?

Send me your prayer request through any other means I have provided on my connect page or post a comment with your request.

What does that me for me?

I will pray without ceasing. Period. Now matter what it takes.

What about people I know?

Spread the word to everyone you know! Share my post on Facebook. Email others you know. Send a text to friends.
Tweet: #PrayerWeekend Post your prayer requests to http://ctt.ec/SaZzg+ @brownetime08

When is the latest I can send in a request?

Any time up until midnight of Sunday.

Then what?

We open our hearts and hands to receive the answer in God's time. That could be two hours or 2 days or 2 years. Whatever timing God has deemed.

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

"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!" ~Psalms 37:7

"The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him." ~Lamentations 3:25

I could go on forever, but I will leave some room for you to search the scriptures yourself. :-)

******************

Let's go! Send me your prayer requests! :-) It's time to give God all the glory and all the power.



photo credit: rennes.i via photopin cc

Don't Underestimate Your Words

Doesn't it feel that sometimes one comment that someone says to you throws off your peace of mind completely? Well, I feel like that happened to me today.

As I went through my day, I tried to recall where my peaceful state of mind went. Was it because I was hungry? Nope, filled that need. Was it because I was tired? Nope, probably because of the full belly. Well then what could it be?

I prayed a short prayer to God, because I needed His help. I knew that he would be able to shed light on my heart for me. 

After my prayer, He revealed where my unrest came from. Someone had said something earlier to me that challenged my security in Christ and it shook me. All I want to do right now is feel secure in Christ.

What then is stopping me?

Now that I know what the issue is, it can be resolved. I can either allow doubt to creep in and begin chocking out my trust in my protector or I can throw that mess away and believe no matter what. I will chose to believe no matter what.

What is the morale of the story? Always keep your thoughts in check with Jesus's help. That's what the battle is over-- our thoughts. So, don't let Satan win, even over the little things.

Have you surrendered your thoughts to God today??

photo credit: anna gutermuth via photopin cc