Are You Wandering?

While sitting on the beach a group of monks walked past me. It reminded me of life's wandering and searching. The quest to quench a deep seeded thirst for truth. A life journey to fill an empty space. I remember all the things I'd try to fill my emptiness with before I truly accepted JESUS into my heart and life. Some things would temporarily cover the hole for a short time, but slowly, I knew deep within, I was missing something truly important in my life. Eventually, sadness and longing for more crept into my every day routine; something meaningful, healing, restoring. I wandered in search of the next thing to plug the hole, only to find the same end result. 

One day, after a dark, despair filled night, I decided to go back to church and take my whole family with me. I'd tried everything else and realized that it was time to give JESUS a try. My approach was different in that I chose to make it more than a Sunday sermon affair. I decided if I was really going to seek HIM, I needed to get into GOD'S Word and read it for myself...daily. How can you get to know someone without doing your part to get closer?  As I made a commitment to read the Bible ten minutes a day every morning, something began to happen, the truth of GOD'S words began to heal the hole in my heart. It began to heal the hurt in my soul. It began to heal my thoughts, changing my attitude, reminding me that I was loved and made for a purpose. 

I'm thankful JESUS CHRIST found me in my wandering. I'm thankful HE pulled me close. 

Friends, if you're in the wandering stage of life and still feel emptiness at your very core, I want to challenge you to seek JESUS. Don't take my word for it or anyone else's, go straight to The LORD in prayer. Ask HIM to reveal HIMSELF to you. Open up the Holy Bible and read GOD'S Words, love letters written specifically for you and I. A guide to true healing in every single area. GOD created an open place in each of our hearts that only HE can fill. 

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."~John 14:6

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

When Your Mistake Costs Much

So I was watching football after church today because duh...isn't that what everyone does during the most amazing season of the year? Anyways, while waiting for my Packers game I had the Eagles vs. the Lions game on. The Eagles were undefeated and on their way to yet another win when all of a sudden the Eagles running back fumbled the ball and the Lions recovered it. The cameraman continued to flash over to the running back whose error cost the Eagles their first loss 23-24. 

The running back was sitting alone and visibly upset at the magnitude of his error. Again and again, the camera went back to focus on him. I felt so bad for the guy, he was so distraught over his fumble. Finally he put on his helmet with a dark visor attached to keep the camera off him. 

This visual reminded me how we often react to our life mistakes. We sit alone too long, mulling over again and again, mentally beating ourselves up. 

Today I'm thankful for the knowledge that while I'm not perfect and mess up often, I don't have to carry the weight on my shoulders, hiding behind a dark mask of shame and guilt. I'm thankful for a relationship with JESUS CHRIST that allows me to be forgiven, forgive myself, as well as others. 

Friends, if you've been carrying a burden for too long, it's time to let it go. Don't sit alone and hide. GOD's got big plans for you and it doesn't include moping around and looking behind. The past is past. Ask The LORD for forgiveness; lay it down and don't pick it back up. Keep your eyes on JESUS, ask HIM to take away your sins, forgive you, and come into your heart and life, making all things new. HE already paid the price, accept HIS forgiveness, the free gift HE gave to you upon the cross, rising on the 3rd day to newness of life. You've been called for more. Let the Light of CHRIST shine into the darkness. Let it go!

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

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

When HIS Words Pour Over You...

When you sit longer and the LORD pours HIS Love upon your heart, mind and soul, spilling over onto the pages. HIS Words bringing a complete refreshing to my parched spirit...

"I Am with you. Do not forget this truth. Stop laboring in your mind, body and spirit, rest in ME daily. When tasks crowd and fill your mind, your thoughts wander as you seek to grab something to steady your emotions. As you learn to continually take every thought captive into the truth of MY Word, you will find peace. I Am not a burdensome taskmaster, but a safe place to rest your weary soul. Come to MY Unending Fountain of Love, Mercy and Grace. Let it wash over you. 

This world seeks to distract you with many things. I have come that you may have Life – More Abundantly. I Am the Living Water. Come near and wash away the lies of the enemy. Do not shrink back at the difficult tasks I've place before you. As you lean into MY Strength, I Enable you to accomplish all things that bring ME Glory. Be still. Rest in MY Embrace. I Am more than enough for whatever you face. I Am the LORD your GOD, the Maker of Heaven and earth… Rest in ME. I will strengthen and renew you daily. Do not continue running through your day, giving no thought to MY Will. Stay in the moment with me. MY Grace is Sufficient. 

Accomplish what I place in front of you right now, giving no thought to what lies ahead. Wait on ME, as I take the reins of your life and your heart. Let ME lead and you follow; for in this you will find rest. You will be Renewed, Revived, Strengthened and given Wisdom to carry out MY Good and Perfect Will for your life. More of ME and less of you. Do not forget who I AM. Stop limiting ME in your life. I've called you to be a Bold, Fearless, Faith-Filled servant of your Mighty and Holy GOD. Behold the work I've place before you. Lead souls back to ME." 

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."~2 Corinthians 12:9

And then He told them, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone."~Mark 16:15 

Let's Be More Like Annie!

Her hair was short, blonde and disheveled. Her face wore the marks of difficulties. Her cane bore the weight of a limp. Her entire life belongings stuffed into two baskets. A large, long, waterproof Edison jacket shielded the wind from her frail body. 

As I passed her I told her I liked her jacket (being an Edison fan and all😉). She turned to look at me, smiling as she said, "Thank you! A kind woman took it off her back on a rainy day and gave it to me."

"Wow! So you were Blessed," I replied. 

"Yes I was, but they will be Blessed also for their kindness!" she exclaimed with a knowing nod, her eyes squinting as her smile broadened. 

I asked if I could buy her lunch. 

"Oh no, someone just fed me and I'm full. But thank you!"

"So GOD is making sure your needs are met?" I asked.

"Yes HE is!" She assured me.

"Can I pray for you? I love to pray for people, what's your name?" I asked.

"Annie." 

"Well Annie, what do you specifically need prayer for?"

Her brows furrowed closer together in deep thought. 

"How about your leg? Can I pray for healing for that? I suggested.

"Oh yes! I was hit by a car and shattered my pelvis and hip. I also have arthritis in my knee and ankle on the same side," she said.

As we said our goodbye's I told her I'd continue to pray for her. 

"Have a good day Annie," I said, smiling and waving as I headed to my car.

"You too," she said waving back. 

As I reached my car she yelled, "Have a *Blessed* day!" Her eyes but small straight lines as her smile overtook her entire face as she emphasized *Blessed*.

And since my "Thankful Train" doesn't have a limit on how many things one can be thankful for...I'm thankful for Annie and her reminder of Blessings in the midst of struggle. She notices and is grateful for each and every daily kindness. 

Let's notice friends. Let's see things more through Annie's eyes. 

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."~Galatians 6:9

HE is Risen!

HE is Risen! 

"He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay."~Matthew 28:6

On this day, Resurrection Day, I'm reminded of the gift of The Hope and Glory that JESUS CHRIST has given. A gift so insurmountable. New life. Eternal life for all who believe in and on HIM. Holy, Mighty and Powerful is HIS Name. The Name above all Names, JESUS CHRIST. "Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name"~Philippians 2:9

HE is Risen! I am forever thankful.

Friends, let's not forget the true reason we Celebrate this day. Don't take HIS Gift of New Resurrected Life, Eternal Life for granted. Don't let another day go by without asking HIM into or back into your heart and life. 

Climb aboard the "Thankful Train"...let's join in thanking JESUS together today!

WHEN THERE WAS NOTHING LEFT...HE WAITED!

He swiftly flew in. The white, gray and black coloring stood out against the dark tide pool rocks. I had food...he wanted it. As people walked by, he'd move a short distance away only to return again. He was patient. I tossed some crumbs in his direction.

After a short time, another seagull flew in. He was smaller in size and a dull, dingy gray in color, blending perfectly with the backdrop. I was partial to the first seagull who came to share my day, giving him all the food as the smaller bird stood back and watched in hopeful expectation. I finally relented, throwing some remnants in his direction also. I finished eating, crumpled my trash and put it in my bag.

The first seagull realized his food was gone and quickly flew away to find the next meal further up the beach. The grey bird remained by my side. There was no reason for him to. As people passed, setting up camp, he made himself comfortable in the shadow of my chair. I soon found myself wanting to reward him. He seemed extraordinarily dedicated to me. I reached into my bag, opening the ball of trash, looking for something to give him. I found a few slivers of tomatoes, lettuce and bread crumbs. I set the food down very close to me as he bravely came to get it. After another 20 minutes passed, I shuffled through my trash, wanting to find something...anything. 

His perseverance and faithfulness at remaining by my side touched me. I wanted to feed him. "What a strange feeling," I thought, "it's just a seagull...who isn't even much to look at for that matter."

Then it hit me, the similarity of how I must appear when I come to The LORD; some days I show up, wait a short time to be filled and then go about my day. 

However, on the days when I feel extra needy, I slow. I sit patiently waiting for HIM. I am dedicated, determined, unwavering and faithful in drawing closer, waiting for the full abundance of HIS Love and Blessings to pour over on me.

Oh how I want to be like the second seagull...always waiting in hopeful expectation. I want to never lose sight of JESUS' Love and all that HE has to share as I sit at HIS Feet, drawing closer in expectancy. I want to be steadfast in faith as HIS Mighty Hand reaches low to feed, help, guide, direct, forgive and save me.

"Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?"~Matthew 6:26

Join me in persevering friends. Don't wander. Don't chase after the next thing that will never fill the emptiness. Let GOD'S Love envelope you. Be like this steadfast bird who in his faithful persistence, caused me to reach in again and again looking to bless him. 

In your seeking...you will find HIM.  "Be of good courage." HE will "strengthen your heart" and reward your faithfulness with HIS Love.,,"Wait, I say, on The LORD." 

Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!~Psalm 27:14

Bring It To The Light!

So yesterday I had a plan for my day today. I was going to spend the day cleaning and writing (forcing myself to stay in -no adventures- and get some things accomplished). But it's weird, I've just had this sadness that's creeped in from nowhere that I can't shake, so I'm just laying here in bed with zero accomplished. It seems like whenever I'm determined to dig deeper, get closer in my walk with The LORD, do what HE'S calling me to do...the enemy fills me with all kinds of depressing thoughts.

So today I'm determined to push past these lies and negative thoughts, setting my mind on Truth and Praying that whatever this sadness/hurt thing is that's pouring over me goes away, in JESUS' Name. This Christian walk is never smooth, it's a day in and day out steadfastness in seeking my SAVIOR. So here's the truth...as a Christian, I still struggle. I'm not perfect. But I can look to The ONE who is. I can sit at HIS Feet in all my messiness and let HIM Heal me. Because when I say, "Have YOUR way in me JESUS," there's always going to be some ugliness deep in there that comes to the surface...things that need to be brought to The Light of CHRIST. 

Today I'm thankful for the reminder...the negative thoughts and feelings are not Truth. They are just *feelings*. So when I take them to The LORD in Faith, asking for HIS Wisdom, I'm throwing them into The LIGHT of HIS Love and Truth. 

"But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says:

“Awake, you who sleep,

Arise from the dead,

And Christ will give you light.”~Ephesians 5:13-14

I Called To Him...

I kneeled, softening my voice I coaxed him near to me. He responded. No hesitation. He sensed my hope. He stood right next to me, standing at attention...waiting. Suddenly fear took over. Unsure. Did I do the right thing calling him to me? Did I really think he would come? 

He just waited. Still. Motionless. 

I had his full attention, and yet *I* began to waiver. 

How similar this situation is to our walk with JESUS? We call HIM near to us in hopeful expectation and then we waiver. Doubt. Fear. Uncertainty. 

Is HE really going to answer?  

Is HE going to draw near to me in this moment? 

Often times we slowly back away, while HE waits attentively, patiently, lovingly, for the next moment you seek HIM hoping you'll *still* long enough, to allow HIM to fill you, guide you, give you peace, love, comfort and direction. 

Today, do not move away but call JESUS closer. Give HIM access to *every* area that "so easily entangles." For it is in the letting go, putting all faith and trust in The LORD that HE is able to move. 

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on JESUS, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)

THE FIGHT

I sat in front of the pier, a group of homeless men of varying ages...early 20's to late 60's sat to my left. I silently prayed over them as my worship music loudly played. Another older homeless man with long gray, straggly hair pulled up on his bike, a worn cart attached to the back with a dog inside. He began screaming at a one of the younger homeless men...who in turn responded by yelling and charging towards him. They seemed to know each other and have some kind of long standing rift. Their anger began to escalate as they stood face to face just a few inches apart, taunting each other to throw the first punch while name calling.

I've never been one to just sit back and let things happen around me without trying to intervene. I quickly turned my bike around and pulled up next to them and shouted, " Stop it! Knock it off!" I repeated it several times, my music continue to blare, as I prayed that it would not escalate. They were oblivious to me or anything I was saying to them. But I continued to try, "Stop it! Calm down...don't do this!"

Finally a friend of the younger homeless man stepped in and pulled him away before either man threw a punch.

ANGER.

It can grip so hard and drag us in past the point of reason.

As I road away I thought about all the times in my life I've let anger get me to a point of really hurting people. I've said terrible things. I've lashed out trying to hurt people who I felt wronged me or my family. But then JESUS stepped into my life and filled my heart.

Don't get me wrong, I still get angry, but my reactions are much more controlled than before. I know how to diffuse it by running to The LORD. The enemy can use anger to control people. He hardens hearts and blinds eyes. He breaks up families and friendships.

Today if you find yourself held in angers grip, steal away to a quiet place, pray, ask The LORD to reveal truth, peace and His love over the situation. Never forget that JESUS makes ALL things new. Don't be deceived, don't stay captive in anger. JESUS has called you and I for more. Let His love seep into those hardened, hurting places. Let go. 

"Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry,
for anger rests in the bosom of fools."~Ecclesiastes 7:9

"So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God."~James 1:19-20

"For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith." Romans 12:3

Meet Mo...A Man Searching For Inspiration

I captured the above shot after "Mo" (in the turquoise shirt) had walked away & met up w/his friends.
I hope he's sharing JESUS w/them now!

Yesterday I met a man named "Mo" on the pier. He approached me and asked what I was writing? I told him, "An inspirational Christian story for my blog." He said he was a writer, (historical history) and it peaked his interest to know what I was writing about. Then he said, "Inspire me!"

Woah, that caught me off guard...spur of the moment inspiration?

The first thing that came to mind is how JESUS changed, softened, guided and directed our hearts to bring lil' Josh (our foster son/soon to be adopted son) into our family. So I shared our story...which all started with a simple decision to spend time with THE LORD *daily* in prayer and scripture study. It changed everything about our old selfish lives...replacing it with HIS Heart, Love, and Will. A transformation that only happened as we *chose* to seek JESUS daily. 

He listened intently. And at the end said, "Thank you for inspiring me today! What parting words would you leave me with? 

I said, "SEEK JESUS."

He smiled, leaned in to give me a hug and said, "Thank you!"

Today I'm thankful for *appointments* GOD has for us. Each day is a new adventure. We need to make sure we're always available and ready to make time for HIS plans in our day!

Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared."~Exodus 23:20

"Seek the Lord while He may be found,

Call upon Him while He is near."~Isaiah 55:6

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."~John 15:1-5

Are You Running Fast Enough?

The boy, no older than 2 years old ran as fast as his short legs could carry him. Laughter filled the air as he glanced several times over his shoulder to see if his dad was getting closer. In just a few short steps he closed the gap, stooping down, he scooped his child into his arms swinging him around and around. He gently set him down and began to walk away. The young toddler, realizing it was his turn to chase his dad, set his legs in motion, awkwardly trying to maintain his balance while increasing his speed. Faster and faster he went, until the pace was too much for his tired little legs. He launched forward, falling to his knees; his father immediately coming to his rescue.

I want to be just like this young child. I want to be running after Jesus so fast that my feet give out and I'm constantly falling to my knees.

"Have you not known?

Have you not heard?

The everlasting God, the Lord,

The Creator of the ends of the earth,

Neither faints nor is weary.

His understanding is unsearchable.

He gives power to the weak,

And to those who have no might He increases strength.

Even the youths shall faint and be weary,

And the young men shall utterly fall, 
But those who wait on the Lord 
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles, 
They shall run and not be weary,They shall walk and not faint."~Isaiah 40:28-31

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart."~Isaiah 40:28-31

UNDESERVED

I sat in the waiting room trying to stay busy and pray for my son, Josh who was in surgery for an extensive ankle break from a recent motorcycle accident.

There were two girls sitting to my left, also waiting for a loved one. A doctor, still in his operating scrubs came directly up to the two women. He began to talk to them about the surgery, his voice lowering to a whisper in the crowded waiting room. He stayed and talked to them for quite a while. Once he left, the younger girl leaned into the older one's arms and began to cry. I started praying for them, assuming they'd received bad news. 

After a few minutes she lifted her head and said very loudly, "Thank You Jesus, Thank You Jesus, Thank You Jesus!" Her tears had been tears of joy. The surgery was a success and she knew exactly WHO to thank. 

How many prayers has the Lord answered for you? How many times have you been blessed throughout your life? Are there too many to count...too many to recall? Do you remember to cry out and thank Jesus each and every time? Does your everyday life reflect your gratitude?

These are all questions I need to ask myself. I don't ever want to get into a place of complacency; a place where I don't thank my Lord for His many blessings. But if I'm honest, sometimes I do. I expect and receive. In my haste and rush I may forget to say, "Thank you Lord." I mean really..how many times throughout the day do I feel His love, His comfort, His peace and His guidance? They are all blessings...not to mention the specific requests answered.

I need to remember to always stay in a constant state of gratitude. The Lord has been good to me. Undeserved Blessings. Undeserved Love. Undeserved Forgiveness. Thank you Jesus for Your unending, over-flowing showers of grace and mercy. May I take my thankful heart and point people to You. Offering them the same undeserved, forgiving, redeeming, restoring love of You, Jesus. May I daily cry out, "Thank You Jesus, Thank You Jesus, Thank You Jesus!"

But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”~Matthew 19:26

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.~2 Corinthians 12:9

Jesus said to him, “It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.”~Matthew 26:64

Are You My Friend?

By: Lisa Petrarca

Imagine you had someone you thought was your friend and often listened to their advice. As the years went by, a pattern began to develop. Your life started falling apart. The friend was leading you down a destructive path.

You started making bad choices (drinking heavily, stealing, taking drugs, lying, cheating, pornography...fill in your issues). You started feeling depressed, unhappy and/or anxious. The things that were supposed to be so much fun and seemed cool in the beginning, now make you feel terrible. The more you went along with the friend the worse life became. You began to spiral out of control.

Once you finally realized the source, do you think you would continue to listen to anything the friend told you?

Would you eventually start to distance yourself from the friend?

..............................................................................................................................................................

This is exactly how the enemy works. He makes us think that something is fun, it doesn't matter if we don't feel right about it, it's no big deal.

He whispers over and over again, "Come this way. Just take that drug or take another drink, look at that pornography, it's only a small lie, if you take it they wont even miss it, it's no big deal."

Little by little you have allowed the enemy to guide you down a self destructive path. One small, wrong choice at a time, until you no longer recognize who you are.

This is why you need to distance yourself from him. Your prayer life and daily scripture reading will force the enemy away, he will flee, he is not your friend, do not allow him into your life.

Jesus has given you the ultimate gift. He has sacrificed his life and was risen on the third day, so that you will be forgiven, saved and have eternal life with Him.

This Easter, take time to reflect on His love for you. Stop and take a few minutes to look at not only your life, but your choices. Are there some areas that you need to make some adjustments?

Don't waste the gift that Jesus has given you. He is your TRUE FRIEND...He gave His life for you. Take this opportunity to start over...Jesus Christ has made it possible. HE IS RISEN!

Take His offering!

Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. for if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection. Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him.

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.

For sin shall not have dominion over you, for youare not under law but under grace.
Romans 6:4-8, 12, 14

Happy Easter.