Waiting On...

The other day, I was sitting in traffic and just started thinking about all the time we spend waiting in life. We wait in traffic, wait in line at the grocery store, wait for a promotion, wait for a relationship to turn around or wait for a prayer to be answered. It seems we spend a lot of time in the waiting room of life!

God sees us and is saying to us today, "I want you to wait the right way." What is the right way to wait? If you look up the word "wait" in the original Hebrew, it's translated to mean hope and expectancy. See, God wants you to wait in Him. He wants your hope and expectancy to be in Him. Isaiah 40:31 says, "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." (NKJ)

God has promised that if we wait the right way, then we'll have the strength to wait. We won't feel overwhelmed, frustrated and "zapped" of all of our energy. If you wait in Him, you'll run and not be weary, walk and be lifted up, and soar like the eagle. This verse tells me there are seasons of waiting. Sometimes we have to walk through some things while we wait. Sometimes we run and the season goes by quickly. And sometimes, we'll just rise above the circumstances and soar through the season of waiting. No matter what, God promises to strengthen and empower us when we wait on Him.

How do we wait in Him? First of all, we need to wait with praise and worship in our hearts and mouths. Praise always precedes the victory. God says He inhabits the praises of His people, and when God shows up, the enemy has to flee!

Another way to make sure you are waiting the right way is by watching your words, thoughts and attitudes. Your thoughts direct your words which ultimately direct your life. Make sure your words line up with His Words. Come in agreement with Him because your strength comes from your unity with Him.

You've probably heard it said that your attitude determines your altitude. If you want to rise high above the storms of life, you have to set your mind on things above, not on the cares of this earth. You have to keep your focus on Jesus because He is the Author and Finisher of your faith.

Today, if you're waiting, make sure you're waiting the right way. Keep an attitude of faith and expectancy and a song of praise on your lips. Know that He is faithful, and He will renew your strength and lift you up when you choose to wait in Him.

BIG Questions in Life

QUESTIONS

· How do you keep moving forward?

· How do you keep from comparing your life to others and not get down?

· What is your reassurance that reassures you that you will get the break in life you know you are promised?

To Move

There must be a marriage between faith and trust; they cannot be divorced from one another. Movingforward is another way to say: Look forward and not backwards at your life. When we look backwards, itslows us down…just ask any runner. We tend to question and over-analyze things from our past. We
cannot change the past. We cannot un-do the past. So why keep focusing on something that is out of your control? What you have control over is your attitude. Are you going to continue to dwell in the past OR are you going to learn from your past and move forward? Look at your hand. Clench your hand into a fist. Think of yourself as the clenched fist. You’re tight, holding on, and tense! That is what it is like when we try to control or when we are fighting for our timing or when we are holding on to the past. Now release your hand and open it up. You’re only truly able to receive from the Lord…when your hand is open; He has space (your palm) to place the new thing HE is wanting you to have. How can you receive something if your hands are clenched? You want to be moving towardsomething that is in front of you. None of us know what that something is, because only God sees the BIG picture and knows what’s to come…and that is where the faith and trust come into play. You have to trust and believe that your something is going to be good, because God is good.

Ephesians 3:20

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”

Romans 8:28
“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.”


Move forward with a positive attitude. Move forward by stop looking back. Move forward by letting go and being open to receive. Move forward by staying in God’s word and HIS promises. Do what the Lord says in Philippians 4:8, so that you’re rooted with a strong spiritual and mental foundation to carry you on your journey…

“…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.”

To Compare

"If God had wanted me otherwise, He would have created me otherwise."
~ Johann von Goethe

When we see someone who seems to have everything we want, what we’ve been waiting and praying for…

It’s real easy to say, why not me? It’s real easy to wonder if you’re going to have your lucky break. It’seasy to think nothing is ever going to change. It’s easy to ask God, when? It’s easy to ask God, how is thisgoing to happen? I have found myself even saying toGod a time or two…What did they do or say to get that-What am I doing wrong?

The “it’s real easy” stuff…is a lie to take your eyes off the Lord. When we compare, the underlining thought is…Where’s the special plan for my life? Again, more lies.

We are ALL designed with a unique purpose and plan. The truth is…God DOES have a special plan for your life. God knows the beginning from the end…nothing is a surprise to HIM. Set-backs are really divine ordered steps set in place before you were even born. When things seem to be going wrong, in reality, things are going right. Wrongs doors must close in order for the right doors to open. Be thankful for when something closes, because it ultimately means protection. Why would you want to be somewhere, where you don’t belong?

Instead of focusing on what’s going wrong or what’s not happening just yet in your life, focus on what you do have. Everyone goes through trials. Everyone. Don’t compare yourself to others, because you never know what someone goes through. You never know what trial or set back occurred before their success…all you see is their success. You never know what trail someone might face in the future. If it’s success now or success later, the bottom line is…we all go through trials; it’s part of the human experience. God is with them just like HE is with you. Next time you see someone that you start comparing yourself against, remind yourself that if God did it for them, then HE will do it for you too.

"Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead ofa second-rate version of somebody else."~ JudyGarland

Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

To Reassure

What is your reassurance that reassures you that you will get the break in life you know you are promised?

It’s through my experience with the Lord that gives me reassurance. It’s knowing and continuing to learn about the Character of our Lord that gives me reassurance. It’s remembering the times the Lord fulfilled promises, and keeping that spark alive for future promises.

Every promise in the Bible is for you and I. Every promise. God is all love. God is good. If God promises you something, then you know it’s going to happen, because to know God, is to know that HE is not a liar.

Numbers 23:19

“God is not like people. He tells no lies. He is not like humans. He doesn't change his mind. When he says something, he does it. When he makes a promise, he keeps it.”

If I am not getting something that I feel has been promised to me, then I would conclude that it’s not the right time. God is at work all the time. Everything has a divine order to them. When God is working in our lives to prepare us for that promise, keep in mind that HE is also arranging and preparing the other people who will be involved in the situation. Don’t get anxious about the when’s of life. When things happen, let them happen in God’s anointed time…because that is when you will experience grace and protection; HE knows what’s best for you.
Knowing God loves me and Knowing God’s character is what gives me reassurance.

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”
~Luke 12:25

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
~1 Peter 5:7

“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

In Closing

A caterpillar goes into their cocoon, hidden from theoutside world. The caterpillar goes through such atransformation in the cocoon…once thetransformation is complete, it breaks free…it’s able tofly in complete freedom and is admired for its beauty.

Let God transform you. Keep stretching, reflecting,and hoping. Think positive, say what is positive, andbelieve what is positive.

1Peter5:10

“In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.”

CLC

Happy Ending?

Am I the only one not happy here? I constantly make the mistake of getting on FB and judging people by how their lives appear. I don't know anything that's going on in their life but it seems like everyone around me is doing freaking fabulous. Everyone is graduating college, marrying or (getting engaged or in a serious relationship), having KIDS (that's all I see on FB is pictures of their kids and about their kids birthday parties and potty training), traveling, checking into places they travel with their friends. Why am I the only one that nothing fabulous is happening to them!?!My life isn't interesting or exciting. I'm single not dating anyone interesting, no kids, no college education, no fabulous job that takes all of my time, no family I'm really involved in, still living at home, no fabulous friends I see or hang out with all the time, and still living in the same home town. NOTHINGS CHANGING IN MY LIFE.

Everyone says count your blessings and be grateful for what you do have.

I am grateful for what I have and thankful for life but its hard not to get discourages sometimes. WHEN IS MY BIG BREAK COMING LORD...?

discouraged and down and out

CLC

Future

When I have NO Faith that my life is going anywhere I search for answers. There is no better answers then from the Bible.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Joshua 1:9

BE strong and courageous. Do not be terrified;do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Psalm 71:5

For you are my hope Lord God; you are the trust from my youth.

Psalm 119:9

How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.

Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp to me feet and a light for my path.

Proverbs 3: 5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all of your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your path straight.

Proverbs 19:21

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lords purpose that prevails.

Romans 8:28

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those that love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Jeremiah 1:5

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

Good Things ARE Coming...

Today's Word From Joel Osteen

Everyone has experienced disappointments in this life. Sometimes they are small and easy to get over. Other times, they are severe and can completely debilitate you if you let them.

In the Bible, Adam and Eve went through a great disappointment. Their son, Cain, killed their son, Abel. You can imagine how devastated and distraught they must have been. But they said in Genesis 4:25, "God has appointed another seed unto us." They were saying in effect, "We might be knocked down. We feel like we've been wiped out. But we're not going to stay down because we know God has another option." And in your difficult times, when you don't feel like it could get any worse, God is saying to you, "Take heart; I'm going to appoint another seed. I'm going to do a new thing." For everything you've lost, everything that's been stolen, everything that's been taken away, know this: God has another plan. He has another seed for you.

I believe the reason God uses the word "seed" is because it talks about the future. It talks about what's coming. If you can just do your part to let go of the old and start pressing forward, you will give birth to more in the future than you've lost in the past.

I see so many people who have a tough time letting go of what lies behind. They're always focused on who hurt them, how unfair it was, or wondering why this happened. The whole time, their gifts, talents and dreams are being pressed down. All of their potential is lying dormant on the inside underneath the weight of bitterness and regret.

This is what almost happened to my father. My dad was married at a very early age in life. Unfortunately, it didn't work out. Of course, we're not in favor of divorce. I don't believe that's God's best. But you know as well as I do, sometimes it happens. You can't unscramble eggs, and you can't undo the past. You've got to let it go and move on. But my father was so devastated and felt like his days of ministry were over. He didn't think he'd ever have a family again. He basically thought that he had ruined his entire life. One day, he did what I'm asking you to do. Instead of staying focused on all his mistakes and dwelling on all his failures, he decided to forgive himself and let it all go. He told me the hardest thing to do was to receive God's mercy. See, the enemy would love to sit on your shoulder and remind you of every mistake you've ever made. But the Bible says that when we confess our sins, not only does God forgive us, but He chooses not to remember our mistakes anymore. So, if somebody keeps bringing up your past, you need to know it's not God. If God is willing to let it all go, why don't you?

That's what my father did. One day, he got up, dusted himself off and said, "Yes, I've made some poor choices, but I know God has another seed for my future. He has another plan." Not long after that, he met my mother. Over the years, they had five children and ministered all over the world.

Today, I wonder how many people are sitting around wallowing in their mistakes and feeling guilty, condemned and frustrated; feeling like they're washed up in life. In the meantime, their gifts, talents and dreams are being wasted. Please, don't let that be you! If you've made mistakes, know this: God is the God of a second chance, a third chance, a fourth chance—as many chances as you need! I'm not saying to take the easy way out and bale out of a marriage. No, you stick with it and make it work. But if you're already past that, if it's already over and done, don't you dare sit around thinking that life is over and you're never going to be happy. No, God has another seed. He wants to give you that new beginning. Your best days are not behind you, they are in front of you. Quit looking back. Quit living depressed. Receive God's mercy and start pressing forward into the victory He has prepared for you!

good things are coming

CLC

"Falls in Life"

I've had a bad day and I don't have anything good to say!

But Im gonna try...

Sometimes in life, it’s the darkest before the light.

That"fall" that you thought was going to ruin you, is just pushing you towards something really great.

In your "falls", learn to keep your focus on our Lord and not on your circumstances. Know that the Lord can turn any situation around. Everything is subject to change. I mean, everything and anything can turn around, except our great and always good God. Put your faith in the spirit world and don’t worry how many times you have "fallen". Think of it like this: more "falls" equals greater victory. You may "fall" tonight, but joy can rise in the morning; never give up.


If you are experiencing the same "fall" over and over again…stop and think.

What do you need to learn in this chapter of your life?

What do the "falls" really represent in your life?

What lessons does your soul need to learn, so you don’t repeat the same "fall"?

You Were This Way

I just wanted to write a reminder post. I know I have posted before about being yourself and not wishing to have someone else's life, and loving the life the lord blessed you with but I just wanted to do a reminder post to remind any of you that like me sometimes get stuck in the "i wish", "why not me" stage. In the words of Lady Gaga "I was born this way"

It’s so easy to start comparing ourselves with others and end up jealous, depressed, frustrated and even angry. This happened to me recently and this is especially annoying to me because I’ve worked so hard at NOT comparing myself to others and letting me be me and them be them.But sometimes, when we are tired, or feeling a bit overwhelmed by life we can slip back into those old ways of thinking are start wishing we had the life of someone else or start thinking someone has had it easier than us. By the end of the day were praticly screaming at God “Why them? Why NOT me? Why can’t I have that life?!”

Just remember each of us have an unique experience in life, one that cannot be compared to another. We have different kinds of parents, up bringing, siblings and so on. And we all have different natural talents, spiritual gifts and personalities. Each of us are needed in the world we live in. How dull would it be if we were all Johnny Depp? There is only so much you can do as a actor. God wants artists, visionaries, missionaries, doctors, sales associates, secretaries, moms and all the other careers and callings that are needed to be filled with His children. He made us uniquely suited for the calling He has on our life. And you can bet no two lives are identical. We all go through life at a different speed and just because someone has accomplished something before you doesn't mean you cant or want.

When I find myself down and out with my life or frustrated with the way things are going I find it helps to think of what I DO have, things I HAVE accomplished, and things that I am thankful for. Hang in there friend, it gets better.

GOOD THINGS ARE COMING

Scared!?!

Sometimes the things we face in life are scary. Sometimes the 5pm news is scary. Sometimes it’s just down right scary in the world these days.

And where is God when we are scared? When things get to the point where we just want to hide under the covers and not come out?

God is seated on His throne in Heaven. Everything in our life passes before the eyes of the Lord and come into our lives with his approval. Now you might be thinking, “I’ve had some pretty awful stuff happen to me.” Or maybe you’re going through some pretty awful stuff now and you think, “well that’s not very helpful.” But wait, if we can realize that all of the stuff we face is not random and totally out of control, that it has ALL gone before our Lord and He will never leave us in the middle of trials, then it IS comforting. It’s a different kind of comforting, like knowing you have someone to call upon when you feel alone.

I love the way the psalmist puts its in Psalm 139:5-10 You hem me in--behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”

There is no place we can go where God cannot see us, reach us and save us. There is no place we can go that He hasn’t ALREADY seen that we will go. Isn’t that amazing? I love that!

“Nothing can happen to us in this life without coming through God’s filter.”

More comfort! Even when it’s tough stuff we are enduring, we can rest and know that it’s not “totally out of control.” God will see you through it and one of His promises that I love is in Matthew 28:20 “…I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

You’re not alone against the world, people, your circumstances, your health, children or anything else. If God is with you, who cares who is against you?!!!

And remember that we are the CREATED ones, so it makes sense that our CREATOR knows more, is more intelligent and has a better plan for us than we can ever even imagine!

Ecclesiastes 11:5 As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.

Rest in the comfort of knowing that God ALWAYS remains in control.

“not even a blade of grass sprouts up without the approval of God.” How much more valuable are we than grass! God loves you, and when it seems like He doesn’t, remember what He did for you on cross. Loving before you were even conceived in your mother’s womb. People will come and go in this life, but God never will. He will be the stability of your times, but it’s up to you to put all of your trust in Him who is more that trustworthy!

praying that God's comfort and peace wraps you up like a blanket.

CLC

I Just Want To Thank You

Heavenly FATHER,

THANK YOU Father for answered prayers. Thank You Father for listening to my pleas and coming to my rescue. Your so gracious to me Lord. I continue to pray for your blessing and favor over my life. This year will be the year of reaping. The things your about to do in my life are beyond what I ever imagined. I pray for your direction continually Father. Lead guide and protect this feeble heart of mine Lord. Continue this work in me Father and send me where you want me. I pray protection over my family and I. I pray for favor in everything we do. I pray for relationships to grow and strengthen this year lord. This will be the year our careers go further, we make lasting relationships, and our careers blossom. Thank You lord for loving someone like me. I love you Lord

Closing The Door Of The Past

Years ago, when I worked at the Sheriff's Department. There were two sets of double doors about 15 feet apart. They were both automatic doors with a person sitting at a desk to ensure the people who passed were ok. In order for the second set of doors to open, you had to let the first set of doors totally close. As long as I stayed near the first set of doors, the next set would not open. I had to go beyond a certain point to trigger the second set of doors. Really, it's the same way in life. You have to move beyond your past disappointments, move beyond your failures, and move beyond the hurt. You have to let those doors of the past totally close. There's nothing you can do about them anymore. You cannot change the past, but you can do something about the future. What's in front of you is more important than what is behind you.

Maybe you feel like life has knocked you down. The key is: don't stay down! Get back up again, dust yourself off, and move out of the way so those doors can close. If you can't find anybody to encourage you to take a step forward, you've got to learn to encourage yourself. Get up in the morning, put your shoulders back, and look in the mirror and say, "You know what, I've come too far to stop now. I may be knocked down, but I'm not knocked out. I'm going to get back up again. I know I'm a victor, not a victim." Keep yourself stirred up so you can see new doors begin to open. And I believe if you will have the right attitude, you will see more opportunity in your future than what you've lost in the past. This is a new day.

Today let me encourage you, God is a good God, and He has good things in store for your future. Don't camp out between the doors of the past and the doors of the future. Don't settle in the land of "good enough." Keep pressing. Keep believing. Keep moving forward. You've got great things on the inside you. You were not made to be average; you were made to excel! You were made to leave your mark on this generation. Choose to let go of the past, choose forgiveness, and choose to move forward through the open door of blessing God has right in front of you!

"But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead" Philippians 3:13

Enough About Me...

What's the one thing most people like to talk about?

Yeah, you guessed it.....THEMSELVES!!!

Unfortunately, this concept prevents many sales from moving forward. In most sales conversations the sales person spends most of his time talking about his product, service, or solution which means he is essentially talking about himself. However, the prospect has the innate desire to talk about her situation, business, or circumstances. The longer the sales person drones on about his solution, the more likely the prospect will lose interest in the conversation.

The most effective sales people understand the importance of getting their customers and prospects to open up and they spend the bulk of their time listening to their prospect talk about their specific situation. They ask questions that encourage open conversation. They probe when they hear something vague. And they resist the temptation to talk about their product or service until they know as much as possible about each prospect.

The challenge is that most sales people feel that they aren't selling if they aren't talking. But remember, the more someone talks about their situation, the more information you will gain which will help you better position a solution.

Have a productive and profitable week!