Do You Need A Heart Transformation?

We were late when I asked my hubby to pull over so I could run in and grab a quick treat at a gas station mini-mart. As I went to pay, swiping my debit card, the machine completely froze. The cashier told me to swipe my card again. While we waited to see if it'd work, we began talking about Christmas. I found out he had to work on that day. He stopped mid-sentence to tell me to try to swipe my card again, and then picked up where we left off. He told me he didn't mind working on the 25th because he is from Egypt and they celebrate Christmas on January 7th. Then he went on to say in very broken English..."Our days of celebrating JESUS may be different but one thing I've noticed, people often celebrate Jesus outwardly but not in their hearts. Do you know what I mean?"

He pointed again to the frozen machine...try again please. I swiped as I replied, "I know exactly what you mean. There needs to be a transformation of the heart, allowing JESUS to change us from the inside out."

"Exactly!" He said with a smile. "There is not enough of that going on in the world today."

My card finally went through. We said our goodbye's and I thanked him for the reminder. 

As I got in the car I told my hubby, "Sorry it took so long but The LORD had a special appointment waiting for me inside with an Egyptian Christian man. My card wouldn't work until our conversation was done!"

Friends, I'm thankful for GOD'S appointments and reminders. I pray my encounter will remind you also that today is a brand new *fresh* start. Day 1 of the New Year. I pray you and I will grow in this coming year allowing a deeper and more meaningful *relationship with JESUS*...a complete and total transformation of the heart. 

"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come."~2 Corinthians 5:17

Jump on the Thankful Train...what are you thankful for?

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

Who's In Control?

By: Lisa Petrarca

As the New Year begins, we need to strive to stop letting our thoughts control us. They are just feelings, momentary bursts of emotions. They can often pound us down, like huge crashing waves, leaving us gasping for air, paddling to reach the surface..

Waves of emotions hit us each day~happy, sad, frustrated, angry, hurt, annoyed, scared, worried....they are never ending.

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself, "Who's in control of my life?"

Imagine a day that you were able to actually stop and rationalize the situation you're going through without following your feelings.

This year take a stand...

Stop letting your thoughts interfere with your faith.

As your emotions begin to overwhelm you...STOP....PRAY...ask the Lord to fill your heart and mind with His peace.

An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.
Proverbs 12:25

I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called 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