A Long Trip To Humble-Town

LORD, I am nothing without YOU. My pride says, "I need to handle this alone." My *self-focus* tends to rush in and take over. But LORD, YOU continually show me that as I humbly seek YOU in the face of adversity, YOU lift me up. YOU lift my family up. YOU lift my friends up. Prayers answered time and again. LORD, please help me walk this path to a continual *humble* heart and spirit. My sufficiency is in YOU. JESUS, YOU are my Provider, Healer, Comforter...my *Savior*. Whom or what shall I fear? I have no reason to raise myself up...for "YOU, O LORD, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head."~Psalm 3:3

*Join me on my daily journey to reach *Humble*-town, a difficult place to find in this prideful world we live in.

3 

It's A Prayer Thing!

It's been a long, hard week. Sometimes the roller coaster ride of emotions can leave you tired and frazzled. I'm *choosing* to stay focused on The LORD, for when I do, my weakness is covered in HIS strength. And if we're honest...the days can be a struggle when we're trying to go it alone. So join me today in remembering that whenever we're facing anything, let that be a *prayer trigger*, right where you're at. Call on the Name of JESUS, and watch HIS Peace immediately flood over the entire situation. 

I'm thankful that my help is but a Prayer away! What an awesome reminder as we head into the weekend. 

"Peace I leave with you, MY Peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."~John 14:27

Come Out Of The Shadows!

Sometimes, when you've been walking in the shadows of your past, it's time to stop looking back and turn your gaze towards the LIGHT. You are not your mistakes. You are not your short-comings. You are not your failures. You are not your weaknesses. You are not a disappointment. You *are* a brand new creation in CHRIST JESUS. Let go. Look to HIM. You've been set free from the chains of bondage. Lift your head weary friend...turn towards the TRUTH of who you truly *are*...a beautiful, loved, restored, renewed, forgiven, redeemed child of GOD!

"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."~2 Corinthians 3:18 

"Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."~2 Peter:1:1-4

IS YOUR LIFE RIPE YET?

I look up and there it was, late into the sumer...bountiful fruit on thin tree branches; faithfully sprouting. Through spring and summer, the tree remained bare, but the owner knew if this tree was watered, pruned and cared for, the fruit would come. When it seemed too late in the season, the tree blossomed with a sweet, ripe, harvest. It produced food to fill the body with nature's nutrients. A blessing in the waiting...trust.

You too are created to bare fruit. The fruit of "Christ in you, the hope of glory."

"To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:" Colossians 1:27

When you allow THE LORD to water, prune and care for your soul, HE fills you with HIS nourishing Word and Truth. This nutrient produces abundant fruit in your life. The cares, worries, doubt, pain, fear and sorrows, give way to the fruit of the Holy Spirit. This fruit fills you for the journey THE LORD has planned for you. A travel that requires constant Spiritual Food. The good stuff you need inside of you, the feeding of an often parched and weary soul. This fruit is invisible to the naked eye but seen through the nutrients it produces; "Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control."

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." Galatians 5:22-23

The true light of JESUS CHRIST shining first in you and then through you. You begin to do and say things that uplift, not tear down. You have strength to say, "Yes LORD, YOUR will," in the midst of tough situations you may be facing,

"saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Luke 22:42

You know that the strength of your LORD is carrying you beyond the, "all about me" focus...to the lost, hurting and broken who are sitting in darkness. Your life, having been pruned, forgiven, renewed...now being used to lead others to JESUS CHRIST. He restores the failing heart and soul; each Scripture, each Prayer, each Word of Encouragement HE speaks deep inside the soul as you spend time with HIM...FOOD! 

The Lord is asking you to be faithful in the waiting. Stand firm in your resolve to seek HIM daily. Let HIM fill you. You were made for more. You're a special, chosen child of God. 

During the pruning seasons, stand strong in the knowledge that The LORD will work ALL things "together for good to those who love HIM, to those who are the called according to HIS purpose" 

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

And then, in that perfect moment, all the growing and waiting springs forth the fruit of JESUS CHRIST in your life. Be faithful; patient in the waiting...God's not done with you yet...HIS MASTERPIECE!!!

BE BOLD!

I put off writing, staying busy in other things. I know the Lord wants me to write and yet, I hold back. I shrink back. I let the enemy fill my mind and days with busyness...emptiness; things not of the Lord. And yet He calls me. He gently encourages me...

"Speak My Words, Write My Words. I Am the Holy One. The Creator of this world and everything in it. Stand in awe. Proclaim my name to the world. Let Me always be on your mind, in your heart and on your tongue. A Beacon of Light to the lost and broken. I will give you increased strength for this journey I'm taking you on. My good and perfect will guiding your every step, your every word, your every action. Spend more quality time with Me. I have much to tell you. You are Mine and I am yours. 

Do not continue to shrink back in mindless activities. You will never get those precious minutes back again. Be edified in the renewing of your mind. Let My Words wash away doubt, worry and fear. Be bold. Stand. Go forth in My Name for I am your God and you are the children of my pasture, the sheep within my care. 

Therefore, be ye Holy in all thy endeavors, that it may go well for you. I have not called you to shrink back but to be bold in and through Jesus Christ. Allow Me to fill you up to overflowing, for out of My unending love, you will be restored. Focus on Me. Meditate on My words, morning, noon and night, that they will always be on your tongue and sweet to the taste. Be mindful of sound doctrine and do not be carried away by deceptive words. Test everything you read and hear against My written truth. For in this, "The truth will set you free." Do not waste time and do not shrink back. You are armed with the breastplate of righteousness in your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Be Bold! Pray! Seek Me often, for in this you will find the glorious treasures that is found in nothing else. I Am yours and you are mine. BE BOLD!"

"Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." 

1 Peter 1:13-16

"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God," 

1 John 4:1-2

"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” 
John 8:32

"Stand therefore, having your loins girded about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness,"

Ephesians 6:14

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” 

Joshua 1:9

Are You Prepared?

Our Hike Last Year "The Narrows" at Zion National Park

I'm preparing, training, working towards an upcoming goal. This is not going to be easy and I need to be ready for the big hike (Mt. Timpanogos.) The steep elevation and lack of oxygen is something that I worry about. I've had altitude sickness before which put me in bed for a week with severe flu-like symptoms. Now that  I'm aware of it, I know what I need to do to prepare. I'm not only training my muscles and doing cardio, (lifting weights, riding my bike, stair stepper and yoga), I'm also hydrating. I'm ready to counteract the lack of oxygen this, sea-level living girl, normally receives. I'm also allowing several days of acclimation adjustment before embarking on this memorial hike to honor my dad.

The key to any journey in life is preparation. Being ready for the expected as well as the unexpected (as much as possible) that which "may" or "could" happen. If my body is in tip top shape when the unexpected arises, I will be strong enough to endure it.

Your daily life requires preparation for the trials and tragedies that may come upon you. This however requires a different type of training. You will need to train your mind and spirit. It requires seeking your Creator. The One who knows the obstacles on your road, "before" they come upon you. Building your faith and trust in The Lord through prayer, daily scripture study and quiet time. Spending time with Jesus allows you to grow stronger inside, as He reveals truth and hope right there in the middle of the storm. A peace found in nothing else. Daily spiritual training sets captives free. The Lord renews strength when you feel unable to go on. He lifts you up. He puts your feet back on solid ground. A beacon of light shining brightly in the darkness.

Don't go through this life unprepared; hopeless, lost or alone. Seek a "relationship" with Jesus Christ and allow Him to be your life guide. Your trainer. Your hope. Your Savior.

"To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Colossians 1:27

"For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come." 1 Timothy 4:8

A Breeze Blew In

NOTICE GOD'S LOVE FOR YOU...IT'S ALL AROUND!

I was sitting in church on a hot spring day enjoying the beautiful worship music the band was playing. The words to a song filling me up as I focussed on the truth of each and every verse.

As we were singing, a cool breeze whisked in through the open door, refreshing the entire room from the warmth of the day. It seemed to be perfect timing...reminding me of God's renewing love which He showers upon us each day.

Unfortunately you may be too preoccupied with worry, anxiety and the daily struggles of life to even notice. But the truth is, He is ALWAYS right there, waiting for you to call out to Him in prayer. Waiting for you to notice Him in the beauty of His creations. Waiting for you...to remind you, HOW HE LOVES YOU!   

"HOW HE LOVES,"
By: David Crowder Band 

"He is jealous for me,
Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realize just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me
     And oh, how He loves us oh
     Oh how He loves us,
     How He loves us all
     He loves us,
     Oh how He loves us,
     Oh how He loves us,
     Oh how He loves.
We are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,
If grace is an ocean, we're all sinking.
So Heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss,
And my heart turns violently in side of my chest,
I don't have time to maintain these regrets,
When I think about, the way...
     He loves us,
     Oh how He loves us,
     Oh how He loves us,
     Oh how He loves.

"My son, give me your heart and let your eyes keep to my ways." Proverbs 23:21

The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace." Psalm 29:11

Feeling Trapped?

Two butterflies gracefully floated by as I sat overlooking the ocean on my lunch hour. I stopped and watched them fluttering about and then glide as the wind carried them off over the steep ocean cliffs. I marveled that only a short while ago they were crawling on the ground, confined to their limited surroundings.

You may feel trapped in the daily struggles of your life. But God has more for you. He wants to help you soar into all that He has called you to be. Don’t lose hope...don’t lose patience; for just like those butterflies, there is a work being done in the waiting and in the struggles. Think of it as being inside  a cocoon. You’re being stretched beyond what you thought you were capable of bearing. You’re being transformed into something so incredibly wonderful that when God says, “Fly my precious child,” you’ll be filled with His transforming wisdom and grace to accomplish all things He's placed before you. You will move out of the confining darkness and into His marvelous light.

Do not fight the process. Pray for His strength to see you through; then you can grow to your full potential, prepared to fly to new heights, a new creation in Jesus Christ!

“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” Psalm 29:11

"The path of the righteous is level; you, the Upright One, make the way of the righteous smooth. Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts. Isaiah 26:7-8

"Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will lift you up." James 4:10

Come Join The Party!

The party was just beginning, white tables & chairs set up near the palm trees. Colorful balloons securely tied around each table. The jumper was pumped up and the entire park appeared to be in party mode. The kids began to excitedly arrive one by one with their parents. It was going to be a wonderful celebration.

I sat in church, surveying the party outside as we began to sing praise music. We lifted our voices in joyful sound, worshiping the Lord: the harmonious sound resonating out the doors, throughout the park. We too were celebrating, honoring the Lord. Lifting up our hearts for our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. We were having a party. There were no balloons, jumpers or physical presents. But we gave something greater...ourselves. We were letting go and trusting Him. We gave our brokenness, fears, loneliness, joy, openness, time, faith, hearts and most importantly...our Love. We are His greatest treasure. He desires a relationship with us. When we celebrate Him; He rejoices. We are His children and He created us for a Love relationship with Him.

Don't allow anything to keep you from spending time celebrating your Savior Jesus Christ, (your past, sins, shame, hurt, fears, addictions, and/or insecurity.) Remember, you are no surprise to Him and for your mistakes and weaknesses, He freely gave His life so you would no longer have to carry the weight and burden of your poor choices. There is complete and utter freedom in His Glory, at the foot of His Throne.

If you've been carrying a heavy load, a burden that's weighing you down, go to a quiet place and pray, ask for forgiveness; ask for help in forgiving yourself. He hears you, and is faithful to answer. He wants you to join in the party, celebrating your new found freedom, joy and life in Christ Jesus. His Love for you is unending!

Hosea 6:3 "Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.”

Hosea 11:4 "I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them."

 Micah 7:7 "But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me." 

Nahum 1:7 "The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him." 

1 Peter 1:3 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."    

Unmistakable Image of Christ

Hiking two mile's, 800 feet up, to the top of the glorious, Seven Sacred Pools waterfall; braving the slippery, treacherous rock path over the river. Standing in awe, gazing at the beauty in front of us, we realized the journey was worth it. The sight of the waterfall, cascading hundreds of feet over the rocks, plants and moss, took our breathe away. It wasn't until we got home however, when my husband, while looking through the pictures we'd taken, saw something even more glorious than the waterfall. It was unmistakable. It was in almost every single shot. The picture, taken with my cell phone
was the most brilliant.

At the bottom of the waterfall, on top of the water, the image of Jesus Christ, clothed in a robe of white, with His arm extended upward, toward Heaven.

We didn't notice it while we were there, right in front of it. It wasn't until we stepped away and looked at it from another view. Through the lens of a camera, were we able to see this incredible 

picture of Christ. We were overwhelmed and consumed by so many things, 

we missed His image right in front of us.

In your life, you may not know why things are happening, as you view the situation from close-up.  But God's View, is All Seeing, All Knowing, All Powerful. Seek Him and His View of your situation. Step back and ask Him for His Strength, Comfort, Courage and all consuming Love. He will fill your heart with a Peace that will enable you to view things differently than you would relying on your own strength and limited view.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” 
Joshua 1:9 

This is what the Lord says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's.' 
2 Chronicles 20:15  

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."
Proverbs 16:9 

The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness."
Jeremiah 31:3

"Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always." Psalm 105:4

HOW STEEP IS YOUR MOUNTAIN?

story by: lisa petrarca

Life's mountains are steep, climbing them hard, but throughout the journey you're becoming stronger. You're being challenged, stretched, pushed to the limit as you climb each new peak. Once you reach the top, you barely catch your breath, enjoying the beauty...finding moments of peace, then it's time to move on again.

You have more mountains to climb.

Each one more challenging than the last, knowing that you have climbed difficult mountains before and made it through. You forge ahead, strong in this knowledge, you keep striving to achieve your hopes and dreams.

Your mountain of life, given to you by your Heavenly Father, equipped with his son, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, enables you to achieve more than you ever dreamed possible if you rely on His strength not your own. Let go of your will and seek His. You will never see the true beauty He has for you...the top of your incredible, glorious mountain, until you allow Him to guide you on the right path. You will begin to grow progressively stronger, filled with a never ending peace even in the midst of trials, confident in the knowledge that the Lord is with you on this journey and He has equipped you with all the tools you need to handle the task before you.

"Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in His paths."
Micah 4:2

He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
Matthew 17:20-21

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16

"You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. And instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.This will be for the Lord's renown, for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed"
Isaiah 55:12-13

Thankful List

story by: Lisa Petrarca

When you woke up today, did you remember to look over your Thankful List? This list always seems to get hidden behind our, To Do List, I Want List, I Need List, and the ever popular, Why Me List.

Everyday we go through our endless mental checklists and somehow the Thankful List gets buried or lost. Even in our daily prayer life, we pray for our wants, needs, hopes, dreams, wealth and health. But do we remember to thank our Heavenly Father for all the things He has blessed us with?

Each one of us should place our Thankful List on top. When you wake up in the morning, check this list FIRST, then head down your other mental lists. I'm sure that you'll find with a simple "Thankful" adjustment your other lists wont seem as long.

I'm challenging each one of you to try this. Think of 10 things you're thankful for before getting out of bed in the morning. Next, say a prayer thanking the Lord for these things.
I'm sure He doesn't get to hear the thank you's very often.

"Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." Psalm 106:1

I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, "You are my servant"; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:9-10

He Wasn't Afraid

Pictures & Story By: Lisa Petrarca


Once you become more diligent in prayer, your desire to read the scriptures and understand Gods word becomes stronger. The things that used to be important are no longer the main focus. Your transformation starts to take place.

Standing stoically, alone in the middle of the Huntington Beach pier was one man, holding a large wooden cross, stretched high above his head, reaching towards the sky. On the cross was carved, "Jesus, Lamb, God my Redeemer, Grace, Wonder working power."

He was handing out a paper with a Bible verse to all who walked by. He was one man, standing alone in a sea of people. Standing for faith, for Jesus Christ, Proclaiming the life saving message to anyone willing to reach out their hand and take what he offered.


As always, there were those who scoffed at him, laughed and thought he was crazy. The man didn't seem to mind, actually, he didn't seem to notice those who were taunting him. He was standing for the Lord.


In the United States, people are afraid to talk about our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, they're afraid of being ridiculed. In other countries people are actually getting killed for their faith.

How deep are you willing to go?

Are you willing to stand up for what you believe in, even if it means others will laugh at you, think you're crazy or, as in other countries, seek to take your life? Are you willing to stand alone in a sea of people? When everyone around you is living for themselves, are you willing to deny yourself, take up your cross, (whatever the Lord has put on your heart) and stand alone for Jesus Christ?

In our human nature, this would be impossible, but when we have been filled with the gift of the Holy Spirit, we can stand up, stand out, face our adversaries, knowing that we have a purpose. Go deeper in your prayer life, pray throughout the day, let go and let God take control.

As I walked back by the man, I noticed a peace, marked with a complete love for his Savior. He stood for Jesus Christ, whom so many years ago sacrificed himself for him.

Are you willing to stand?

But the Lord said to me, "Do not say, "I am only a child." You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the Lord. Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "Now, I have put my words in your mouth.
Jeremiah 1:7-9

To whom can I speak and give warning? Who will listen to me? their ears are closed so they cannot hear. The word of the Lord is offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it. But I am full of the wrath of the Lord, and I cannot hold it in.
Jeremiah 6:10-11

Eagle in a Storm

Author Unknown

Did you know that an eagle knows when a storm is approaching long before it breaks?

The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it.

The eagle does not escape the storm. It simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm.

When the storms of life come upon us - and all of us will experience them - we can rise above them by setting our minds and trust in the Lord. The storms do not have to overcome us. We can allow God's power to lift us above them.

He enables us to ride the winds of the storm that bring sickness, tragedy, failure and disappointment in our lives. We can soar above the storms of our life. He sent his only begotten son, Jesus Christ to show us the way.

Remember, it is not the burdens in life that weigh us down, it is how we handle them. Turn them over to the Lord, let Him be your wings. Do not doubt, have faith, and complete trust...He "will never leave you or forsake you"! Pray & then know that He has heard your cries and is faithful.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns: Christ Jesus, who died-more than that, who was raised to life-is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?

No in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future nor any powers,, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:31-35 & 37-39

Finding the Faith

by: Lisa Petrarca

I've spent so much time in prayer and feel that the Lord always answers. When we received our new house without a single bit of effort on our part...we were then left with another lesson. He showed us His faithfulness and then continued to stretch our faith.

We were left without a single dollar to live on.

Now here is where my human nature began to kick in. I started to worry and doubt. I felt the stress overwhelming me.

Even after the Lord opened every single door...I still doubted that He would continue to provide.

Why?

I know that He has continuously answered my prayers, according to His will. But that doubt can be so powerful, so all consuming.

I stopped myself and began to earnestly pray for more faith and trust. To be free from the worry. As the day progressed, I found myself stopping whenever a negative thought entered my mind and I would pray.

What power in the knowledge that the Lord is with me ALL DAY, just at the call of His name. He is only waiting to hear from me.

As I let go and trusted, He once again provided for us.

The people we had borrowed some money from, told us that they prayed about it and they didn't want us to pay them back. This was the exact amount of money that we needed to live for the next month.

The Lord worked through amazing, faithful, caring, trusting, loving people.

So I ask myself and you...when the Lord sends you answers to your prayers, do you thank Him and then continue to worry about the next problem?

Pray for more faith in the coming weeks, so that you will know that Jesus gave us an example to live by, so that through Him we will be able to have complete trust and faith in our Father in Heaven.

The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. The Lord watches over all who love him but all the wicked he will destroy. My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.
Psalm 145:13-20

Determination

I’ve been thinking a lot about determination lately. The dictionary defines determination as: the act of coming to a decision or of fixing or settling on a purpose.

We all have hopes, dreams and goals, but how many of us can say that we have determination?

Somehow over the years, I think most of us have lost our purpose. We’ve let the things that are important slip off to the side as we continue stumbling through our life...incredibly busy, doing unimportant, trivial things or hanging on to bad habits.

What are we waiting for?

We have lost our determination in the waiting. We need to remember that while there is always waiting, we need to be fixed on our true purpose and determined to stay on course.

It takes just one right decision at a time, each day. That's it! When faced with a familiar situation, be determined to make the right choice. Complete determination to break any bondage (Habits) that are holding you captive. With each right choice...you are one step closer to breaking a bad habit...BE DETERMINED!

Jesus Christ was our example. He came to this earth to fulfill His Fathers will. He knew He had a purpose and spent His life pursuing it.

Determination...He gave us an example to live by.

As you seek your life calling...BE DETERMINED to start your day with scripture & prayer, asking for help to continue to be DETERMINED to do that which you were made for.

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Romans 12:11-13

The Tear Down

By: Lisa Petrarca

I've been dealing with some difficult things in my life lately. I've been praying, reading the scriptures daily and turning all of my problems over to the Lord. Then on Sunday, after a sleepless night, I received a really powerful message at church. It was the kind of message that made me realize that my Heavenly Father hears my prayers, He is mindful of my struggles and heartache.

Our Pastor Aaron, spoke about life changes. He used the analogy of a demolition crew coming in to tear down an old building or a construction company remodeling a home. In order to make everything new, it has to be torn down and old walls and appliances removed.

It is a hard but necessary process that the construction crew must do in order to rebuild and make everything new and beautiful. It also takes time...but eventually after all the walls are replaced, new fixtures, lights, and floors are put in, along with a fresh coat of paint, the room/building is complete.

Before God can make everything right in my life, He needs to tear down my old, broken way of thinking. He wants me to bring all the hidden things out into the open so He can repair and rebuild it. He will make all things new again.

So, as I sit broken and wondering what now? My Heavenly Father is putting me back together, piece by piece, room by broken room. Remodeling me to become all that He intended me to be.

Are you in the tear down stage too? Just remember, it may take some time, but He has heard your prayers. God is working to restore you. Your are being rebuilt and remodeled into His image.

Hold on...be patient...trust...have faith...your Heavenly Father hears your cries.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 5:10-11

Gripping Fear

By: Lisa Petrarca

Inching closer we stood on our tiptoes to peek through the heads of the thick crowd. My mouth opened in surprise as I looked at my sister, “I’ve never seen anything like this in all the years I’ve lived here.” She grinned, “That is so cool!” We tried to maneuver our way in, kids in tow, mumbling, “Excuse me, excuse me…we just want to get a closer look.”

Perched on the top of the pier railing, long strong beak pressed tightly to his chest, he slowly moved his head back and forth; eyes shifting in curiosity at the large crowd pointing black objects in his direction.

We softly walked closer trying to place the young children as close to him as we dare. Snapping picture after picture, feeling more confident as he continued to stand still and pose, the kids moving even closer.



I looked around to find my teenage son. I wanted him in the picture with his young niece & nephews. I called out to him, “Go stand next to the pelican so I can get your picture with everyone.

“NO!” he firmly replied.

“C’mon…I need to get a picture,” I pleaded, wondering why he was being so difficult. I grabbed his arm to pull him over; he yanked it quickly out of my grasp.

“You know I HATE birds!” He was now yelling at me, “I’m not going to!”

“What’s wrong with you?” As the words came out of my mouth, I flashed back to a time, several years ago on a bike ride. A large seagull swooped down and literally snatched a sandwich out of his hand in mid air. He was very young and so afraid at the time…he cried and cried. That one incident continued to grip him with fear, even as a teenager.

Notice how the young children were eager to stand beside the pelican. They trusted that they would be safe. They hadn’t experienced trauma at the beak of a bird. My teenager on the other hand was no longer able to trust that he would be safe. He felt he had to protect himself. Staying a safe distance away from the bird. Because of this fear, he was unable to get the same beautiful picture that the children did with the pelican.


We too do this in our lives. Because of past pain, we keep a safe distance from people in our lives to protect ourselves. Unfortunately, we are actually missing out on important, meaningful, loving relationships.

Is there something that you continue to hang onto in your life? Has something in your past caused deep-rooted fear and pain? Have you spent years hiding behind protective walls such as, alcohol, drug abuse, poor choices, gambling, explosive anger, compulsive shopping, a negative self-image, or unrealistic perfectionism?

God wants to take our hurt and pain away. He wants us to lay it at His feet. Ask Him to help you get over the pain and be free from the destructive behavior that is keeping you from fulfilling the Lords plan for your life.


In You, O Lord I put my trust; Let me never be ashamed; deliver me in Your righteousness. Bow down Your ear to me, deliver me speedily; be my rock of refuge, a fortress of defense to save me. For You are my rock and my fortress: therefore, for Your name's sake, Lead me and guide me. Pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me. For You are my strength. Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.
Psalm 31:1-5

I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy, for You have considered my trouble; You have known my soul in adversities, and have not shut me up into the hand of the enemy. Psalm 31:7-8

As for me, I will call upon God, and the Lord shall save me. Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud and He shall hear my voice. He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me.
Psalm 55:16-18