Purpose and a Plan

Sometimes it's hard not fully knowing God's plan for our lives. When we are waiting for answers, it can be stressful. We want life to make sense, but often there is an intricate plan that has to come together in His timing before we can truly see what God is doing in our lives. If you are feeling lost, or wondering why God is answering your prayers in a different way than you hoped, remember that even in our confusion, God is not confused. He has you in His steadfast hand. He will guide you whether things are clear or you are walking through a fog. Trust in Him and know that He created you for a special purpose!

"Perhaps you were born for such a time as this." Esther 4:14

Journey on!

I'll Do it Tomorrow

Have you ever struggled with procrastination? I know at my house there are always projects waiting to be finished and rooms to be cleaned...lots of things to accomplish in our lives that we may not want to do. It's easy to say, "I'll do it tomorrow. Or the next day. Or never."

When we choose procrastination for comfort's sake, we are actually deceiving ourselves. Perseverance is a much holier calling, not just because we are doing the work that God has set before us and honoring Him, but because we are living God's best for our lives. There are so many more blessings that come when we press forward. It seems like the most comforting path is to put things off, but when we accomplish our tasks, we actually find we have more peace, joy and balance in our lives. Go get started today!

"You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." Hebrews 10:36

Journey on!

Be Renewed for a New Year

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. - 2 Corinthians 4:16

I'm not sure if anyone is sad to see 2020 come to an end. It's been a crazy year! While we spent this year caring for loved ones, protecting our communities, surviving political battles, and wondering what 2020 would bring us next, we also gave thanks for the blessings and triumphs in the midst of the hardship. As the earth prepares a new revolution of the sun, we can put the old behind us and look with hope towards a new year! 2021 may bring challenges of its own, but we can learn from last year and continue to grow. We can choose to find joy and peace, and we can look to the future with a smile. What are your goals for the coming year? Put your hope in God and He will walk you through this new adventure. 

Happy New Year! 

Raise a Hallelujah

"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Like 1:13-14

This week, as you celebrate Christmas with those you love, lift up the holy and beautiful name of Jesus, and give thanks to God. Worship the King, the precious child born to Mary, the Son of God, the Holy one, the Bread of Life, the Savior of the World! Lift your voice in praise just as the angels did so long ago on that Bethlehem night. Embrace the wonder and majesty of Jesus' love for you, and share that joy and light with those around you. Merry Christmas!  

"O Come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!" (I Come All Ye Faithful) 

Journey on! 

Receive the Gift

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

It's so much fun to watch children open gifts at Christmas. Their faces light up when they first see the brightly wrapped packages, and they are giddy with excitement tearing into the paper to see what's inside. It's such a special time for parents and grandparents to see these sweet children fully immersing themselves in the joy of Christmas morning. As adults, we don't always appreciate the fun of getting gifts. God has blessed us with so many amazing gifts every single day, and we often overlook them! This week, appreciate all the gifts that the Lord has given you. Take time to name each one and thank Him. Remember that as we enjoy the gifts we share, the most important gift of all was when God sent us His son, Jesus. What love the father has for us that He should call us His children and give us the gift of salvation! 

"Light and Life, to all He brings, risen with healing in His wings." (Hark the Herald Angels Sing)

Journey on! 

Notice His Presence

"...and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” Matthew 1:23b

What things help you experience Christ's presence right now? Do you hear him in the beautiful lyrics of silent night? Do you see him in the calm of the stars on a clear evening, or the soft blinking glow of a Christmas tree? Maybe you feel Him in every kind act or gift given. You may experience God through incredible miracles, or the tiniest breath of a baby...in a place of quiet solitude or amidst the laughter of friends and family. Jesus came to this earth born as a baby not just so the people in biblical times could experience his presence, But for all mankind! Take time to truly notice His presence this week. 

"Rejoice, rejoice, Immanuel

Shal come to us, o Israel." (O Come, Immanuel)

Journey on!

Prepare for the Season

"He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth." Luke 1:14

The Christmas season is upon us, and all around you can see the beginning preparation. People are decorating their homes, purchasing the perfect trees, listening to Christmas music, and buying gifts on sale. There is something exciting about the beginning of this season every year. The world buzzes with anticipation and hope. As you begin your preparations for this holiday, remember to prepare your heart and mind to receive all the blessings that God has to give you. Take time to read the Bible, pray, sing, and listen closely to what the Lord wants to reveal to you as you reflect on the birth of his son. May this be a season of peace, joy, hope, and love after a difficult year! 

"When I think upon Jesus

The King of all days

I can't help but respond

With an offering of praise

Like the wise men and shepherds

I'll follow Your light

Like the angels I'll lift Your Name high" 

-Hillsong Worship

Journey on!

Psalm 100 (NIV)

A psalm. For giving grateful praise.

1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
2     Worship the Lord with gladness;
    come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the Lord is God.
    It is he who made us, and we are his[a];
    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Photo by Timothy Eberly on Unsplash

Psalm 95:1-3 (NIV)

1 Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.

2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.

3 For the Lord is the great God,
    the great King above all gods.

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Prayer Warriors

"To do more for the world than the world does for you - that is success." (Henry Ford)

It’s tough to watch people we love go through difficult times. We often feel helpless when the circumstances are beyond our control. But there is an incredible thing that we CAN do for others…pray. Maybe you underestimate the incredible power that your prayers can have. If so, be encouraged, because God hears your prayers and they do make a difference! We can pray for guidance, comfort, protection, and strength for our friends and neighbors. We can pray that the situation will get better. We can pray that God will provide for their every need. Our prayers can become huge blessings to those we pray for. Become a prayer warrior today. Make an effort to pray hard this week and be a “Prayer Warrior” for someone in your life.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." (Ephesians 6:18).

Journey on!

Stillness with God

“Be still, and know that I am God…”( Psalm 46:10) 

Life can be stressful. It seems like it doesn’t take long in a day before I’m bogged down with responsibilities! There are kids to feed, emails to send, work to do, meetings to attend...the list is long. When you get hectic and scattered in all directions, turn your face to the Lord. Remember that He is so much bigger than anything your day can throw at you. He will give you the strength you need to make it through! You don’t have to be overwhelmed, but simply be still in His presence and allow His peace to fill you even as you work. Check out these lyrics to Don Moen’s song, “Be Still My Soul.”

When the ocean rise and thunders roar,
I will soar with you above the storm.
Father, you are king over the flood,
I will be still and know you are God!

Find rest my soul, in Christ alone.
Know His power, in quietness and trust.

Journey on!

Sovereign Lord

In this election year, many of us feel anxious wondering who our next leader will be and what it means for our country. It's incredibly important for us to pay attention to what's happening and do our part to make this country a better place; but as we are tackling these political issues, keep in mind that no matter what happens, the Lord our God reigns over all. He has you in His hands and He loves you so dearly. You don't have to live in fear! Stand up for the things you believe in, but know that it is in God's hands. Trust that He will do amazing things in the coming years regardless of who is in office, and we can still continue to fight for what matters. Your ability to impact this great nation is not dependent on who wins the election. Trust in God and He will do great things!

"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.” (Isaiah 40:28)

Journey on! 

Make Space for Peace

We spend a lot of time online getting the latest information about politics, weather, and all kinds of other news. It's an incredible thing to be able to access any information we would like to know! Unfortunately, there is also an abundance of negative media stories, and it can be overwhelming. It's important to take time away from this assault of negativity sometimes.

How much time have you spent this week getting out in nature, reading a good book, spending time in scripture or praying? Maybe you like to do art projects, go fishing, or go to the beach. Everyone relaxes in different ways, but no matter what you like to do, make sure you prioritize peace this week!

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

Journey on!

Path to Success

"We are what we repeatedly do, excellence then is not an act, but a habit." Aristotle

Often when we reach for our dreams, things don't go exactly as planned. When we strive for a goal and it doesn't quite work out, we may be tempted to give up completely. But greatness is rarely achieved in the first attempt; it is accomplished through perseverance, self-discipline, passion, and seeking wisdom from the Lord. He has given you talents and abilities, but it might take some time to discover what you are meant to do with them in this season of your life. Trust that He has a plan for you, and don't give up! Keep trying new things with confidence and praying for God's direction. He will guide you on the right path!

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7

Journey on!