An encouragement for you

This sweet memory popped up for me today out of my Facebook photos, and I can do nothing else but think of all the ways the Lord has been faithful to us these last five years. 🙏 I had no idea what the path ahead would be – but HE did.

Me changing my sweet son just before he turned a year old

“God’s grace to sustain us through painful circumstances is stronger and is mightier and is much better than any deliverance out of those circumstances.”
-Joni Eareckson Tada

🙌 Amen!

God’s grace these last 5 years as I have learned more deeply what it means to be a wife, a mother, and most importantly a disciple of Christ – has been life giving!

God’s grace is greater than any diagnosis, financial difficulty, broken expectation, or hurt. Insert your own hard into this fill in the blank:

God’s grace is greater then my ——————-!

God has great compassion for His children 👇

“but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not afflict from his heart or grieve the children of men.”
‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3‬:‭32‬-‭33‬ ‭ESV‬‬

God allows for us to suffer for a little while so that we will be strengthened and so that our HOPE will rest in Him 👇

“My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭71‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God answers prayer 👇

“Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭50‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Share His hope and testify of His goodness 👇

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭50‬:‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Experience the Joy that is ONLY found in God’s presence 👇

“You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭16‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

While everything else will fail you and waste away –
Jesus can be trusted 🙌

REST in HIM!

👉 “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.❤️ My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Friends, be encouraged!

June 8, 2024 0

By His stripes we are healed

”Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”“
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬-‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Our worth comes from the ONE in whose image we are made.

I can distinctly remember the moment that I realized God from the beginning created us to subdue our surroundings… and this command extends to our thoughts and experiences.

”The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.“
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I am so thankful for the advocacy of the Holy Spirit, without whom I would have never been able to see that I had elevated the trauma of my life, over the fact and truth that I am an image bearer of God.

Secular therapy, psychology, and pharmacology has thrived off of the idol of trauma.

I choose the word “idol” here because therapeutic intervention says, “work through these experiences and address your trauma in order to be able to ———“. At the onset your trauma and experience is placed at the highest level of priority and thus elevates itself above God, and your relationship with God. It points you back to yourself. How can we be both be our own problem and our own solution?

The Imago Dei tells us from the beginning that we can subdue our environment, scripture further tells us:

Jesus is greater than any experience we will encounter in this world. (”You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.“
‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬)
God is close to the brokenhearted and dries up all of our tears. (”The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.“ Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬) (”Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll— are they not in your record?“ Psalms‬ ‭56‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬)
The Lord continually renews us with His spirit everyday. ”because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.“
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭14‬, ‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬)
Jesus heals us and is our place of safety. (”“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.“
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭NIV‬)

Friends, if you’re hurting bow down to the only ONE who heals, redeems and restores LIFE! It is only through Jesus that all of the dust and ashes from our past can be made into something new and beautiful.
(”He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.“ Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬)

We are seeing “mental health” crises at an all time high. And although I do believe there are certain situations that may need medical or professional intervention, majority of what we are seeing is people being given over to their brokenness, they are hurting and lost. They are grasping at interventions that keep them digging holes while being told they are wells.

Only one fountain can satisfy this type of thirst.

”On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”“
‭‭John‬ ‭7‬:‭37‬-‭38‬ ‭NIV‬‬

And finally when we are grieving, we have these promises:

”“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.“
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

These verses contain more wisdom than all of the doctors, therapists, and DSMs combined.

When we repent and seek Jesus:
The blood of Jesus will cover your past addictions.
The blood of Jesus will cover your past assaults and abuses.
The blood of Jesus will cover the abortion you had and deeply regret and hurt over.
The blood of Jesus will cover the horrible things your have said to loved ones.
The blood of Jesus will redeem your sexual sin.
The blood of Jesus will redeem your life.
The blood of Jesus will bring reconciliation.

Jesus gets us… but more importantly He changes us.
All of these tears and turmoils pale in comparison to the future glory of those who love the Lord.

February 29, 2024 0

He Sets the Captives Free

So thankful for these moments; everyday moments the Gospel meets us in…

We need Jesus’ sacrifice and hurt so that we can sacrifice for others.
We needs His death to give us life.

GOD IS FAITHFUL 🙌
He will be an ever present help to the Mother who is longing to live out the Gospel in her everyday life, (Psalm 46). Side note: Great news, this is available to all who believe, not just Mothers.

“ In Christ we are not left without hope. God overcomes the curse by giving people another way to experience birth- not through a physical womb, but through the Holy Spirit.* While a mother gives birth through physical groan-ing, sweat and tears, her water breaking, and the shedding of her blood-
Jesus makes a way for life through his physical torture, sweat and tears in the garden, water pouring from his side, and his pure, perfect blood shed for us on the cross.
The story of the crucified Christ is the best birth story ever told, with elements that parallel the gospel picture in each labor and delivery room.
But Jesus doesn’t deliver babies he delivers captives.
Through his death and resurrection, Christ has perfectly fulfilled everything expected of us as mothers.”
Risen Motherhood Book, page 46

I am so thankful that Jesus set this captive free 🙌
Only in Jesus is my discontentments, bitterness, groanings, and complaining turned – towards the Cross. Towards laying down my life.

Jesus has us bring these sins to the cross.
They are washed in the blood of Jesus.
And there – they can be offered up, what may seem like crumbs to us are quiet acts of obedience, and worship, and are refining and preparing us for a future weight of glory.

He turns my moanings into:
A deeper love of Him
A fuller hope in salvation
A greater motivation to be obedient
And what He is really currently working on in our home life, a greater need to be in community with other believers.

God is our refuge and strength
An ever present help in trouble

Psalm 46:1

June 6, 2023 1

More lessons from my Son

Kind of bittersweet Jackson is now old enough, that his favorite alpaca lovey is breaking down. It’s amazing the comfort this little raggedy, falling apart alpaca gives to him. To some it would be time to put this little stuffie in the trash, but not Jackson. As the last pieces of leather and stuffing fall out he gently picks them up and stuffs back in what he can and discards the pieces he cannot – but to him this is the same lovey that he met as a newborn coming home. His place of safety, familiarity. I pray that Jackson’s care for his alpaca is an indicator of how strong his faith will be. I pray he will grow to be a man to follow after God’s own heart. I pray Jackson’s life and personality will be a testament of God’s glory.

“And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.”
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭6‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This morning as I look at this little tattered thing I think of our Savior. I think of Mary seeing her son whipped and beaten beyond recognition. And I think of how dark it must have felt those hours during the crucifixion. I wonder did Mary see her baby boy up there, the child she had given birth to and nursed and raised. Did those watching begin to doubt Jesus being their Savior as they watched Him being broken and poured out? Did those with faith a little stronger still see the strong Rabbi they had come to love and believe to be the Messiah.

“But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands. I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among the rebels. He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭53‬:‭5‬, ‭7‬, ‭10‬, ‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

And likewise, I think of how God sees us. What we see as the least of us, the broken, the utterly sinful – when God sees us He sees us made in His image. When we come to Christ and accept Him, God sees us through the righteousness of His son. We are made a new creation. We put on our new selves and take off the old.

“throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭22‬-‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

What an amazing love.

““For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

March 21, 2023 0

Less Hustling & More Trusting

Joshua 9:1-18, “7The Israelites replied to these Hivites, “How do we know you don’t live nearby? For if you do, we cannot make a treaty with you.” 8They replied, “We are your servants.” “But who are you?” Joshua demanded. “Where do you come from?…14So the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the Lord. 15Then Joshua made a peace treaty with them and guaranteed their safety, and the leaders of the community ratified their agreement with a binding oath. 16Three days after making the treaty, they learned that these people actually lived nearby!

Reading through this passage in Joshua made me consider the amount of times that I am caught up with myself and what I think is best or right – that I FAIL TO CONSULT THE LORD!

There is a ton going on in this passage. We have a group of Kings joining together to come against Joshua and the Israelites, then there is the people who are in the land afraid, and then we have Joshua who is now leading the Israelites and constantly assessing their state of affairs and their next moves, both militarily and practically.

When the Gibeonites came proclaiming to be from a distant land, the Israelites sampled the provisions BUT did NOT consult the Lord (Joshua 9:14). Because they failed to consult the Lord they were unable to see through the deception. Israel’s leaders were deceived. Despite the fact that God had already specifically instructed them not to enter into any treaties with the inhabitants of Canaan (Ex. 23:32; Deut. 7:2; 20:17-18).

Joshua knew enough as a strategist to consult the Lord before going into battle – but the peace treaty (covenant) seemed innocent. However, by failing to go to God for guidance they ended up dealing with a lot of angry people and an awkward alliance.

Joshua failed to consult the Lord.

How often do you do the same?

For me personally, I struggle in new situations or changing situations to take the time to slow down and consult with the Lord. So much so, that sometimes I do not even realize the situation at hand is the vehicle God is using to answer my prayers. I forget about the promises God has already given me. I start hustling and depending on my self before I even realize it.

I do not intentionally not consult the Lord.

However, I can fail to be Intentional in consulting Him.

Therefore, I must be intentional with my attention, and actively look for, wait on, and be still for the Lord.

In the example we see here in Joshua, God uses this situation for good even still! Just like He has done for me and probably you too so many times! Such a merciful God!

Romans 8:28-29, ” And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn.

Joshua reminds us that even the best human leaders are fallible and fall short. God was setting the foundation for His Son Jesus, whom would come to be the perfect Prophet, King, and Priest.

Because of the treaty entered into between the Gibeonites and Israelites, the Gibeonites had

The opportunity to come to know God.
The Gibeonites got to experience God’s grace by the security and protection they now had from the Israelite nation.
Because of this covenant the Gibeonites turned from their false gods and came to know the God of Israel.

We share something with the Gibeonites in that we too experience God’s mercy and grace – through our salvation found in Jesus Christ. While we were still sinners He sent Jesus for us (Romans 5:8).

We have the opportunity to know Jesus Christ as our Savior. (see John 3:16)
We get to experience God’s grace when we accept His Son, Jesus, as Lord of our life. This grace is sufficient in all things. (see John 1:16; 2 Corinthians 12:9).
Because of the fulfilling of the law, through the death of Jesus on the cross, completed in His resurrection, we are no longer slaves to sin and death but have been born again through the Spirit (see Romans 6:11).

While Israel needed to be made right with God again and again (Jos. 24), Jesus died for all who would trust in Him to be made right with God forever (Jn. 3:16).

The work has been finished (Jn. 19:30); when life gets busy or your mind is overwhelmed by the chaos, in ALL things, go to the ONE who holds ALL things together.

When we consult with the Lord, we find peace. In His word we find life and wisdom. When you intentionally seek Him – He will direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

September 25, 2022 1

This is the Gospel

How it started: Fourteen years ago, TODAY I was lost in addiction, self-harm, living a sin-soaked life and daily wondering will this get better? I now know I was asking spiritual questions but was looking to the world and man’s answers trying to find the cure. Fourteen years ago, today was the last time I used.

How it’s going: TODAY I am walking with the cure! And His name is Jesus!

The greatest physician, counselor, father, all sufficient God who sees me, created me, & loves me.

Today I am not seeking the next fix – I am seeking Him! A closer relationship to Him and getting to know Him more all the while learning to DENY myself. I am learning that in obedience to Him, I have ALL I need; He is sufficient!

Are you asking yourself the same spiritual questions?

– When will this get better?

– Will my marriage continue to fall apart?

– When will the world no longer be broken?

Ask Jesus – Ask Him to show Himself to you, invite Him into your heart, & admit how much you need Him. In your rock bottom, you can rebuild with a stronger foundation, and Jesus is that foundation, the cornerstone on which ALL stands & is held together. He loves you; He will receive you and deliver you!

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

John 3:16 NLT

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 6:23 NLT

This is HOPE, this is REDEMPTION, this is the GOSPEL.

“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.”

2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT

Matthew 7:24-25, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” (NIV)

Psalm 40:1-2, “I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” (NIV)

August 4, 2022 0