WHAT'S MY LIFE CALLING?

Do you have areas in your life the Lord has shown you that you're gifted in, yet you continue to doubt it? I have struggled with this for years. Yes, I know God can do amazing things. Yes, I know that God has given me talents and abilities. Yes, I know that I'm supposed to move forward in the areas God is asking me to...but, yes, there it is, "I don't know if I can do it? What if I fail? What if I make the wrong decision and it blows up in my face?" The key words that play in my mind over and over again (I don't know, fail, wrong decision, you can't, you're not good enough.) These words are powerful and every time I allow thoughts like this to linger, I quickly find myself sinking into despair.

These negative thoughts and words are not truth. These are tools of the enemy to keep you firmly planted right where you are; locked up, a prisoner...no growth, no movement, no truth, no change...something I like to call ineffective living. Fear is a large prison cell. Fear is exactly what the enemy counts on. When we allow fear and lies to control us, we are left powerless; ineffective for Jesus Christ. But there is something you can do. There is something that you can change each day. You can start removing the lies by replacing them with truth (I am a new creation in Christ~2 Corinthians 5:17, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me~Philippians 4:13, My strength is in the Lord, whom shall I fear~Psalm 27:1, I am more than a conqueror~Romans 8:37, I am the head and not the tail, above and not beneath~Deuteronomy 28:13. The enemy has already been defeated at the cross of Jesus~Colossians 2:15 & Philippians 2:9-10, the Lord has great plans for me~Jeremiah 29:11, I will rejoice in the Lord, again I say rejoice~Philippians 4:4,7,8. My God goes before me to prepare a way~Philippians 1:6.) The key is to replace the lies with GOD'S TRUTH.

I would like to challenge each one of you to replace each negative thoughts with truth about how the Lord feels about you. Open your Bible and let Him breath life giving, life changing, life restoring~forgiveness, truth and love into you. Allow Him to show you who you truly are in His eyes. Soak in that truth and begin to move forward into the things He is calling you to do. Today make a decision to stop the enemy in his tracks. Speak God's truth to yourself and go out and be EFFECTIVE for JESUS CHRIST. You were made for more! 

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Romans 8:37

"And the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the Lord thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:" Deuteronomy 28:13

"And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." Colossians 2:15
  
"Therefore God has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth.”  Philippians 2:9-10

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 

"Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice." Philippians 4:4

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:7-8

"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

What's More Important Than Money?

We just received a *FREE* brown leather sectional couch that has a sofa sleeper and recliner. It's been years since I've had a new couch and my old sectional was no longer in the best shape. As my hubby put the old couch out in the garage, my mind started spinning with wonderful ideas. I can list our old couch on Craigs List and we can make some money off of it (it's in better shape than a lot of couches I've seen listed.) Along with the couch I have my kids old bunk beds I can also sell. As I started counting the dollars in my mind, trying to figure out the most money I could get for it, my hubby decided to rain on my parade. "Why do you want to sell everything? I think we should just give it away. We were blessed with a free couch, now we can bless someone else."

Gulp...ahummmm, "Well we don't have a lot of extra money and I figured it would help us get caught up," I quickly replied in my defense. He didn't say much else, but it continued to churn in my mind. I knew that it was the right thing to do. I mean, we'd been totally blessed with this awesome new couch, I now had the means in turn to bless someone else and what was my first natural human thought? MONEY!

How often do we think about money? Is there anything more important than money? If you look at your everyday life, how often are you thinking about money? (I don't have enough, I need more, how can I make more? Why do they have more? They got this and I didn't, I need to win the Lotto, etc...you know, just everyday thoughts.) We all know money is important, but how much importance are you giving it in relationship to your happiness? Do you know that with more money, comes a whole set of new problems (How do I keep my money? Who's trying to take my money? I need to make more money. Where should I invest my money? Am I managing my money right? The stocks are crashing, I'm losing my money! etc.) Do you get the picture? Life becomes an endless battle, pursuit and non-stop focus on MONEY. If we trust in ourselves and our human nature, the most important thing in this world is MONEY. When we live by this rule, we are in a perpetual state of stress, worry and uncertainty. We all need money but when money becomes the most important thing in your life, you are headed down a long, dark road to misery.

JESUS showed us the most important thing we can do is trust in Him and reach out to people; helping, sharing, caring and loving PEOPLE. The Lord is more than capable of supplying all your needs. Your needs do not necessarily mean an over abundance. Sometimes the Lord gives you "just enough." Just enough to be comfortable and then He will highlight people He wants you to share your "just enough," with. Sometimes it may seem like you don't even have "just enough" and yet He still asks you to share and give not only to bless others, but also to bless yourself. This strengthens your trust and faith in Him. Remember...everything you have is from Him.

As I cast aside my original idea and start searching for somewhere to donate my items, I find something strange happening. My focus is no longer on money, but on who will be blessed by this?  A single mom? A woman trying to start over after fleeing an abusive relationship? A family who lost everything? Kids who have been sleeping on the floor? The list is endless. I start to get excited with the possibility of who I can help. I'm someone who has "just enough," and can be a blessing.

What's more important than money? JESUS CHRIST. LOVE. PEOPLE.

"Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless." Ecclesiastes 5:10

"No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." Matthew 6:24

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." 1 Timothy 6:10

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

"The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep." John 21:17

 

 

The Power of Your Words

Let the Lord be the wind in your Sails

Do you know there is power in your words? Your words can build up or tear down. I had the incredible opportunity to use words to help someone. This was a young girl on the other side of the world. A girl I’d never met personally, but through my blog, I “stumbled” across her blog. I will use the word “stumble” very lightly because I know that God was answering my prayers. I asked to be used. I asked to help someone who was hurting, just as Jesus Christ helped me and put people in my life to encourage me to keep pushing ahead when I wanted to give up; pointing me to the Lord and His ability to make all things new.

When I “met” this sweet, broken, lost girl, she was suicidal (which unfortunately is very common in the Asian culture due to the high pressure to succeed.) With each of her posts I found myself without words, unable to “talk” her out of the thoughts she was having. But the one thing I did know; God was highlighting this young, beautiful girl and HE knew the words that she needed to hear. I spent time praying, reading the scriptures and asking for HIS WORDS to fill me up as I typed my responses to her. I knew that God had a plan and I was finally open to be an instrument in His hand.

I know that I am no one particularly great or special, just a once broken...now healed woman through Jesus Christ's forgiving love. I have been given the ability to write, a gift from God and I want to use it FOR HIM and HIS PURPOSE. My hands floated effortlessly over the keyboards, thoughts spilling out, pouring God’s life affirming words of love, forgiveness, kindness, grace, hope, promise, truth and the perfect and wonderful plan He has for her life. I watched the words spring to life; a new encouragement in response to her heart ache each and every week. I consistently prayed and relied on the Lord for help to reach this lost, hurting girl.  Slowly, as the months passed, she began to change. Her posts were no longer of suicide, but of hope. She was beginning to see herself through God’s eyes. The lies of the enemy, washed away through the Lords truth and love.

It’s been several years since our first meeting. She now affectionately refers to me as her “American Mama.” I recently posted a story about my dad on my blog on the one year anniversary of his passing, “CLIMB YOUR MOUNTAIN-A TRUE STORY OF DAVID BOLDA,” and I wanted to share a portion of a comment she left after reading my post: “I would not have survived my struggle with suicide and the depression I had back then if it wasn't because of your constant caring, uplifting and understanding comments. I am living a good life now, and I too will take on his example. I will fight everything that comes my way, I will look at the world positively and I will be grateful and happy.” God had worked a miracle! He had reached this young girl all the way across the world!

Your words have life giving power. Allow the Lord into your day. Ask for His Words to fill you up and help you be a blessing to others. In my own ability, I would never have been able to reach into that young girl’s life, but the Lord knew exactly what she needed to hear. Are you willing to step outside of your comfort zone and ask the Lord to use you? It may be difficult, but never underestimate what the Lord has in store for your life. Are you willing to allow Him to use your words and life for HIS GOOD AND PERFECT PLAN? Pray today and ask for His will in your life…there is someone who needs you. God is waiting for you to say, “Send me Lord!”

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galations 6:9

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

“O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” Psalm 34:8

Are You Clinging To A Lifeless Branch?

I came upon a tree that had one lone leaf still clinging to the lifeless branch. It survived the fall and continued to hang on through the winter. It somehow never realized that it was time to move on. By clutching the dried up branch, it was actually harming the tree, causing the branch to remain open and exposed to the cold elements. It also was forcing water to be released to the leaf...water that needed to be stored within the tree during these winter months to help it endure until spring.

You can often be just like that leaf, clinging to a lifeless branch in your life. You may know it's time to let go but you're afraid of change, afraid of the unknown, afraid of giving up your security blanket...(fill in the blank~whatever that may be.) We all have them, they come in many forms and can cause more harm than good. A false sense of security, but slowly it eats away at you; taking the much needed nutrients away, hindering your growth.

Just like a tree in the spring, which sprouts bright new life giving leafs, branches and even brilliant colored flowers; there are areas in your life that you need to let go of. Things that you continue to grasp that need to be cast aside enabling you to grow into all that God has for you; His good and perfect plan for your life. Change can be painful, letting go may seem impossible and fear can become almost debilitating. But God is bigger than your pain and fear. God is able to do remarkable, immeasurable things in your life. Have you asked Him for wisdom and guidance in this area? Have you listened to His promptings...trusting Him more than you trust your lifeless branch? If not, I encourage you to spend some time each day reading the Bible and praying, asking for God's life giving truth to be poured out over...(fill in the blank)___. Don't continue to hang on to your lifeless branch, let go and fall into the Lord's capable, loving arms. You are His child and He is guiding you safely toward HIS good and perfect plans for you. LET GO AND LET GOD!

"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." Proverbs 3:5-6

" What shall I say? he hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done it: I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul. O Lord, by these things men live, and in all these things is the life of my spirit: so wilt thou recover me, and make me to live. Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back." Isaiah 38:15-17


"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:28-31

ARE YOU LOST IN A FAMILIAR PLACE?

"Can you help me, I'm totally confused and we've been walking forever?" the woman said with a sigh, as she approached me. I sat at the edge of the bluffs overlooking the ocean on my lunch break, trying to think of something inspirational to write and include in my weekly prayer requests I send out.

"Of course," I replied. She continued, "I've been here before and I parked by an entrance that was near a walkway leading down to the beach, but I can't seem to find it." She was carrying a large heavy bag and beach chairs. She had two little girls with her who were also weighed down with umbrellas, toys and towels. They looked tired of searching and ready to give up, head back to the car and go home. "Where am I? I can't find a trail down to the beach," the woman desperately asked, glancing down at the girls with droplets of sweat shining off their bright red faces.

I smiled and said, "There are two ways down in each direction. If you want to head back towards your car, there's a trail at the end of the road or you can go down the driveway in the same direction you're now heading." With relief she asked, "Which one's closer?"

"I would walk down the driveway that's just around this corner," I replied, pointing to my right. All three exhaled, as if they'd been holding their breathe, afraid they might have to walk miles farther. "THANK YOU!" they answered in unison. As they walked away I heard the woman apologizing to her exhausted girls.

Do you ever feel lost in a familiar place? Do you feel overwhelmed, tired and at your wits end, struggling just to make it through the day? Just like this woman and her two girls, the right path may be just around the bend. You may be tempted to quit, give up or throw in the towel, but your road to true happiness is so close. It may be hidden from your immediate view. You may need to take the necessary steps of trust and faith in the Lord, praying for His guidance and direction. With each step, Jesus Christ will lead you toward the path that takes you to that perfect place of peace, happiness, love and joy. Let the Lord be your guide. Stop and ask Him for directions today. Don't continue to walk for miles in the wrong direction with a load of burdens on your shoulders. Set them down at His feet and run in the direction He's leading you...to the true treasure He has planned for your life. Don't give up before you receive the glory and blessings He has in store for you. Your guide...your Savior, Jesus Christ is but a prayer away. Don't waste another minute...call out to Him and He will lead you safely through this.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. Matthew 21:21

"Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?" Jeremiah 32:27

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Can You Do More?

With the recent passing of a girl that had come into my life for a short period of time, I found myself asking, "Can I do more?" By worldly standards she had everything, she was beautiful, perfect figure, large gorgeous home in Huntington Beach, CA, a loving husband and children. Not to mention she was a stay at home mom, enabling her to be with her kids and spend time doing the things she loved like volunteering her time and walking along the beach.

I'll admit, when I first met her I was a bit envious. She had it "ALL," along with an incredible, outgoing personality and infectious smile that immediately drew me in. But now, in hindsight, "Did she really have it all?

On a seemingly normal day...beautiful, vibrant, full of life, Annette passed away unexpectadly. No one could have foreseen it. It was a terrible tragedy. A life stopped short at the age of 40. Now I ask myself, "Could I have done more?" My answer...a resounding, "YES!" You see, I don't know if she knew Jesus Christ. I'm not sure because I didn't take the time to talk to her more. I didn't take the time to pray for her to allow Christ to fill her with His peace, comfort and love. I was too wrapped up in my everyday life to even think about it. In my quiet time with the Lord each morning I need to remember to make time for the people the Lord's put into my life. He's placed them there for a reason...it's ALWAYS about the people. We all need to remember that we, who have the love of Jesus Christ in us, have the most valuable treasure that can ever be shared with someone. The gift of eternal life with Him. As I reflect on all Annette had, I don't know if she was missing the greatest treasure of all, a Savior, Jesus Christ. 

So today and everyday henceforth, I'm determined to pray for those who cross my path and those who are in my life, to find Jesus Christ. I will show unconditional love to all I come into contact with allowing the Lord to work in me and through me. I want people to see and know the life restoring gift that can be theirs. I'm not talking about being annoying, judgmental or pushy, but through love and prayer. Allowing them to see Christ's nature in me and then praying for the Lord to open the doors to share what He's done in my life; how He restored a lost, broken, hurt, beaten down, hopeless woman who needed His forgiveness and love.

Can I pray for the people in my life who are struggling, hurting, filled with anxiety and no hope? Can I pray for those who have hurt or disappointed me? Can I pray for those who seem to have the perfect life but may be missing the key ingredient to make them complete? Each and everyone of us need to step it up this New Year. You have a chance to fulfill the Lord's purpose for you. Don't waste another moment...no one is promised tomorrow. Remember...IT'S ALWAYS ABOUT THE PEOPLE! Go share the treasure of Jesus Christ through prayer and unconditional love today!

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

"Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." Hebrews 9:12

"How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance." Hebrews 9:14-15

What's Your New Year's Resolution

Changes don’t happen because you make a New Year’s resolution at the beginning of the year. Changes take place because of daily choices, an undeterred resolve to make the tough decisions every second, minute and hour of the day. A complete and total steadfastness to seek the Lord daily to help you with the tough choices and decisions, allowing the Holy Spirit to fill you with truth.

So today as you see the hope of a new year begin, seek to make changes in you, not others. Pray for others, but know that the only person you can change is you, with the Lord’s loving help and guidance. Remember you are not alone. You have a new beginning each morning; a fresh new day to make the right decisions; to be more loving, patient, kind, forgiving, and caring. Ask the Lord to show you and help you in the areas you need change. Start each morning in prayer and scripture study, feed your soul first thing, it is the most important decision you will make each day.  As you begin to see changes happening within you, the Lord reveals His truth about who you truly are in and through Him.

Happy New Year and remember, you are a new creation in Jesus Christ!