Trusting GOD In the Waiting...

I've been praying for something for a while. I truly try to dig in deeper when worry or doubt threaten to overtake. Then the other day, I received words from someone who was in a position to help move things along. Nothing has *actually* changed. My prayer still hasn't been answered, however all of a sudden I haven't been as hyper-focused on it. 

After doing my Scripture Study/Praying this morning...I was filled with this thought, "Why was I so eager to trust the word of man over the things The LORD has already put on my heart regarding this situation? Why was I continually picking up the burden? Why did I let someone's words speak stronger to my heart than GOD'S Word?

Today I'm thankful for reminders of areas I still need growth in...Faith, Trust, and Patience. I want to wait on JESUS, constantly believing in *HIS* Word over *every area* of my life and my family's no matter how things appear in the moment. I want to be so strong in my trust that no matter how long I have to wait, no matter what others may say or not say, no matter the outcome (prayers answered specifically to my request or not answered at all) I'll know that The LORD'S Hand was on it/in it/around it/through it, and it's *exactly* how it's *supposed* to be.  

Friends, join me in praying for increased Trust and Faith in The LORD in the midst of it all. May *HIS* Word bring Truth and Light to every area of your life.

"Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”~John 4:13-14

Do you see the heart formed by the shadows of the leaves on the water?

When You Mess Up...

•"Holding on number _____!" 

The ref announced over the microphone letting the players on the field, coaches, fans in the stands & watching by TV know who'd just messed up. 

•"Pass interference on number _____!" 
•"Offsides on number _____!" 

•"Personal foul on number _____!"

Everyone's mistakes shouted loud and clear for all to hear; teammates shook their heads at the cost of the mistake...loss of yardage/farther away from the goal for offensive fouls or closer to the goal line they're defending for defensive fouls. The guilty party pleading their case with the ref, hoping no one had really seen the mistake.

Today, I'm thankful life isn't like that! 

•Lie just told by ______!

•Worst decision ever made by______!

•Arguing/causing trouble by______!

•Gossiping/hurtful words shared by______!

You get the picture. 

As a Christian I'm thankful for the knowledge that my mistakes can be forgiven when I take them to The LORD. I'm thankful that JESUS Loved me/you/us enough to nail them to the cross, giving *newness* of life/a fresh start, found only in and through HIM. 

"having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross."~Colossians 2:14

Whew! 

How amazing & awesome is that?! It's no longer by the letter of the law (trying to be good enough in our own ability), JESUS took care of that!

Let's be honest, we're all a *big* work in progress and blow it frequently, (but getting better day by day.)

So today, join me in taking those *less than perfect moments* to The LORD, asking for forgiveness/help to do better, to become more loving, kind, thoughtful, caring, forgiving, wise in actions & words. Let's shine bright today, soaring above it, lifting up and encouraging...stopping to pray before we act/speak. 

Don't Miss Your Opportunity!

Today I witnessed something pretty amazing! The two teams gathered around their coaches on opposite sides of the field for the usual after game lectures. But something different and out of the ordinary happened right in front of me. A very true picture of what it's really *always* about! 

One of the players from our team had stepped up for an injured player from the opposing team. He had taken him aside and was praying for him!!! He was doing The LORD'S Will. He put the game loss aside (his feelings/hopes/frustrations) and looked to be a Blessing in someone's life.

WOAH! 

Now you don't see that too often. 

Today I'm thankful for this amazing picture and reminder. We are given opportunities to touch people's lives, no matter where we are, what we're doing, or what we may be going through...we should always be looking to be a Light for CHRIST. 

How powerful is this picture?! He did not care what anyone thought of him. He did not care that he was supposed to be over listening to the after-game talk. This injured player needed prayer for healing. He chose to pay attention to what JESUS had placed in front of him and answered the call without hesitation. 

"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men"~1 Timothy 2:1

Be looking for the opportunity to shine CHRIST'S Love today friends, it's always placed right in front of you!