Women and moms, God sees you!

We are called as women to impact the lives of others, whether we are women who give birth, serve others who are in need, spend time listening to others who need hope, open our home to mentor or foster children, or become moms of adoption.

Infertility is a part of my story, yet so is adoption as a mom of three and a child of God baptized in water and by the Holy Spirit.

Today at church, my amazing pastors ( women and men) shared their life stories. Their willingness to be transparent about their struggles and Gods’ goodness brings hope to all sinners, myself included who are saved by the grace and mercy of Jesus.

The story of Deborah in the book of Judges 4 is amazing because it shares the power of God and a woman willing to walk in the calling of God despite social constructs.

Deborah was a judge, prophet, and warrior bold to answer Gods call for her life, however, this scripture was brought to mind today at church. Powerful message as Deborah was also a mother to Isreal. ( we are spiritual mothers to whoever the Holy Spirit intersects with our lives). ❤️

Judges 5:6-9 MSG
In the time of Shamgar son of Anath, and in the time of Jael, Public roads were abandoned, travelers went by backroads. Warriors became fat and sloppy, no fight left in them. Then you, Deborah, rose up; you got up, a mother in Israel. God chose new leaders, who then fought at the gates. And not a shield or spear to be seen among the forty companies of Israel. [9] Lift your hearts high, O Israel, with abandon, volunteering yourselves with the people—bless God!

I never heard this part of Deborah’s’ story, she was listed as a mother in Israel. This story is for all of us, mom’s especially, daughters of King Jesus, who volunteer for God with abandon. May the Holy Spirit bring favor to you.

Happy Mother’s Day to moms of all types: single, married, step moms, foster, adopted, grandmoms, great grandmoms, spiritual mentor moms, dads who serve as single parents too. God sees you! The best way to feel the fullness of His unconditional love, grace, forgiveness, mercy and blessing is to get to know Jesus!

Those who have regrets in miscarriages or abortions, God sees you too. Call out to Jesus! Find a Holy Spirit led church that directs you in the Word of God. The Bible is our instruction for life.

Father God- I thank you, Lord that you are the God that sees each one of us: we are uniquely created in the image of Jesus. I ask you Lord Jesus to direct whoever is praying this prayer to a deeper relationship by the Holy Spirit. All power all might all glory comes from you Heavenly Father. Thank you Lord for the story of Deborah. It’s a great reminder of how much you love mothers and how you equip those you call into service, in Jesus name, amen.

Photo credit by Pexels.com

Hope at Christmas

Take a deep breath. Take a deep breath to the count of four. Exhale to the count of 4 to 6. Feel your body calming down and your mind clearing. I’ll take another deep breath and do the same in and out. Breathe in and out.

We can find the peace that surpasses all human understanding, and gain a clear mind, when we remember the one, Our Creator God, who gives us breath.

Our next step to find hope comes when we stop and give thanksgiving to the same God who has plans for our lives. speak aloud your gratitude for who you are.

Psalm 103:1-6,8,15-22 NLT
Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. [2] Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me. [3] He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. [4] He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. [5] He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! [6] The LORD gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly. [8] The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. [15] Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. [16] The wind blows, and we are gone- as though we had never been here. [17] But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children [18] of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! [19] The LORD has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything. [20] Praise the LORD, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands. [21] Yes, praise the LORD, you armies of angels who serve him and do his will! [22] Praise the LORD, everything he has created, everything in all his kingdom. Let all that I am praise the LORD.

As we get closer to the celebration of Jesus Christ’s’ birth, we are given a yearly opportunity to meditate on the goodness of our God! When He created the heavens and earth, He had unconditional love and a plan for His children.

He created Adam from the dust, and Eve, from Adam’s’ rib as his helper (Hebrew word, is Eber!) Even though Adam ( the first Son) and Eve, his partner, sinned in the Garden of Eden, God did not give up on His relationship with His children.

God still had plans to guide our lives and watch over us! He holds the whole world in His hands. Hope in Jesus not the symbols of religion, it’s about a relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

Psalm 32:8 NLT
The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.

The hope of the world is Jesus Christ! Jesus is the bridge to our relationship with God! He came as a baby ( half man and half God). He was born of the Virgin Mary who humbled herself to be used by God.

Matthew 1:18-19 NLT
This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. [19] Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.

Joseph, her soon to be husband had a visit from an angel as well. The Holy Spirit shared the amazing miracle to come.

Matthew 1:20-21 NLT
As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. [21] And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

The Lord God used simple people to achieve His plans. They submitted to His plans and we, His children have benefitted for generations.

Matthew 1:22-23 NLT
All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: [23] “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.'”

He came to bring us new life, as a baby, born in a manger. He came for poor and rich, for all nations, tribes and tongues. He came for you and me!

The nativity shows a small microcosm of Gods’ children. The host of angels singing praise and Glory to the Lord. This snapshot of peace, love, grace and Gods’ provision isn’t for small children but for all Gods’ children; young and old.

Luke 2:13-14 GNT
Suddenly a great army of heaven’s angels appeared with the angel, singing praises to God: [14] “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom he is pleased!”

So this Christmas, take the time to thank your Heavenly Father for not giving up on His children. Thank Him for the hope found when you accept the free gift of love, grace and mercy, that came as a baby.

He is the Savior of the world! We need to extend our hearts, minds, and hands and openhanded accept Him!

John 12:46 AMP
I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes and trusts in Me [as Savior—all those who anchor their hope in Me and rely on the truth of My message] will not continue to live in darkness.

I am crazy

Call me crazy! However, the more I walk this planet, the more I see some pretty unbelievable circumstances. How about you? Do you feel a little crazy?

The foundation of truth found on the Rock of Ages, the Father, theCreator of heaven and earth is unshakeable. God never changes! His Word is alive and cuts through the bone and marrow. ( Hebrews 4:12)

Hebrews 4:12-13 MSG
God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon's scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to God's Word. We can't get away from it-no matter what.

Hebrews 4:12 NLT
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

Find out for yourself what truth is as you personally dig deep into the Bible. Then you will understand the crazy people! I am one of them and glad to be in amazing company.

Crazy People, a song by Casting Crowns, is so well written. It is fun loving and yet serious about who some of us crazy people follow. Enjoy this song! And join the circus led by the Amazing RingMaster, Jesus, who loves you!

Crazy People by Casting Crowns

Crazy in love with Jesus is amazing!

Measure of success

Tim Tebow at a conference shared a story of a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer that took a photo of a young African girl who was sick and unable to move. she seemed alone on the dry, desert ground. A vulture was near awaiting her death. The photographer did not touch her or save the girl as he was told she had a contagious disease, instead he shooed the vulture away and took a photo. Even though this photographer won this prestigious award, his life was lacking, and sadly the photographer committed suicide a few months later.

Success is sharing the good news, the gift of Jesus, and life eternal with Him, loving and serving God’s people, this is a success for the present and future with eternity.

It doesn’t match the world’s view of success, status and wealth are fleeting. Material things can break or whither away, as dust on the wind. The status of audiences on social media; or enough likes will not fill the empty space of insecurity. But only connection with the Father who created us will complete us.

By what audience, do you measure success: the world opinion or the Lord? What brings you significance? Is it eternal or temporary? As parents, we are called to teach the truth in God, and we want to leave this legacy of faith in Jesus alone! It will remain after we die physically. we want to give our children gifts for good not evil, hope over despair, joy over anger /fear, and a future with Jesus!

Significance in what…. Having success is not outward appearance it’s serving Jesus, bowing before Him every morning asking Him where or who you can tell about His message of hope, to love like Jesus without stopping! That is a success by the Lord’s standard, sharing the gift of Christ to guys and girls even if you are afraid to be mocked. (Psalm 23) Fear no one but God. This is a success!!💜

Confess your sins to Jesus, Repent and turn away from them, believe He is your Savior, seek Jesus to full measure, get yourself in the Bible, and ask Him to show you the way to success. Listen for His still voice.

God is the carpenter of your life, He has the measure for success, He is the answer!

Who’s stirring the pot?

The pot is boiling, who is stirring the pot? Things are heating up. It’s time to step up to the stove.

2 Timothy 1:14 AMP
Guard [with greatest care] and keep unchanged, the treasure [that precious truth] which has been entrusted to you [that is, the good news about salvation through personal faith in Christ Jesus], through [the help of] the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

The treasure of the good news about salvation through Jesus Christ alone is a gift to share not hold onto ourselves.

The gift effects the mind, body and spirit for eternity. It is more priceless than gold or any currency. It is more life changing than the most pampered spa visit. It leaves you refreshed from head to toe.

The peace that surpasses understanding can not be attained without Jesus. No power of hell nor scheme of man can pluck us from the hand of God.

Picture this: A huge black or red copper pot is filled with water, boiling at high temperature, the cook is placing one mistake after another into the pot. He stirs the water and contents with a huge slotted spoon. A creepy laugh escapes his lips, as a smile curls on his face. If the enemy can get those created in the image of God, all of us, to turn from the gift of relationship with Jesus, then the enemy wins our souls and we die.

This is the attempt of Satan, to steal kill, or destroy each of us, created in the Image of God. He knows each weakness, the enemy knows our places of regret, shame and guilt.

On the other hand, if with every attempt to drop our sins in this pot, we repent and ask Jesus to forgive and save us from this death, the pot of boiling water can’t overflow. We can seek Jesus for life changing futures. We will be saved to new life, our destiny is not written in the boiling water but in the One who created us for a purpose. We will have peace that surpasses understanding and if in trial we will no longer walk alone.

The healing balm of anointing oil from our Savior Jesus is just a repentance away! Be renewed in mind, body and soul. Jesus is Savior, Wonderful Counselor. Prince of Peace, King of Kings.

We may need to repent and turn from past mistakes and sin. Even in our past lives, we can learn and comfort others with the wisdom we gain in relationship and salvation in Christ. That is the key, our lives can be a story that draw others to Him.

So, if you know Jesus as Lord of your life, now is the time to share the gift with others. Don’t be afraid, someone likely prayed for you to meet Him. Ask God to bring the boldness of David against the giants in this world. He will prepare you with His Words in this hurting world. He needs your witness to those lives you intersect, we must answer the call to love like Jesus.

Psalm 32:8 NLT
The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.

Photo courtesy by Pexels.com

Sapphire

You are a jewel! Photo courtesy of Pexels.com

Do you know you are a Jewel?

You’re a shining example of Christ! Jonathan Cahn in his “Book of mysteries”, a 365 day devotional shared Sapphire comes from the root word, “ Saphir”in Hebrew. It means: to speak, to listen, to be bold.

Did you know you are a jewel? You’re created to shine brightly with your life, you are meant to illuminate God‘s Light through your life.

It is true, you may have some imperfections such as a scratch here, or a chip there, however, you still can be used for the Kingdom of God.

There are opportunities where we can overcome the negative mindset while being scrubbed by unhealthy relationships, or scratched by life circumstances. We can use those opportunities for a shinier interior to be shown, however, Jesus wants to help you to reflect His character.

When we allow God to heal the cracks, we allow His illumination through the cracks. We grow further in our knowledge of who He is and what He can do in our life.

So you’re a sapphire! Or maybe you’re a topaz or a diamond in the rough.

Rak Chazek Amats!!!

It is an Israeli war cry found in Deuteronomy 31:6. Joshua pumped up the people reminding them no matter how insecure and fearful, they must be strong and courageous.

Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT
[6] So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Be ready to have your luster shined up. You are a jewel.

Prepare

Cascade mountains breathtaking Photo by Mary Mesikapp

Prepare your minds for action! Exercise self-control!

1 Peter 1:13-25 NLT So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.

Hiking in the Cascade mountains fills my mind, body, and soul. Exercise for the body brings a healthy physical state, and emotional stability and burns stress. The importance of preparing our minds for action is spiritual health and learning to exercise self-control with a fixed mind in Our Creator is a necessity. Our exercise plan must include seeking Jesus, and gaining spiritual muscle through His Word.

14] So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old living ways to satisfy your desires. You didn’t know any better then. [15] But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. [16] For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”

Our whole body and mind will be more content, and able to endure all life’s detours when we care for all parts of our body. Obedience to God and His direction is not punishment, it is a loving direction and at times discipline to be holy as He is holy. For life endurance, we must exercise this priority.

17] And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time here as “temporary residents.”

Reverent fear and awe of Our God will bring rewards. He is a just God and faithful to be trusted with your life. Our pride in following our own trail even when we see obstacles takes us from a peaceful hike. We miss the beauty when we trudge on with impulsive steps. Whether you are single or married, with children or not, it is the same message, preparation is crucial.

18] For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. [19] It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. [20] God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but now in these last days he has been revealed for your sake. [21] Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory. [22] You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart. [23] For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God.

In the description above, in 1 Peter, God paid a ransom for you, by sending Jesus to the earth as a bridge for our benefit. This bridge of Jesus’ death on the cross as He accepted all our sins is a fantastic love. Our relationship with Jesus is secure when we take this precious gift and treasure its purpose, we can live in love for each other. You can be born again, meaning, death to your sin and a new life in Christ.

24] As the Scriptures say, “People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades. [25] But the word of the Lord remains forever.” And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.

The Word of God is provided in the Bible as a passport if you will on the journey to your eternal destination, heaven. His Word is beautiful and remains forever. Your reward awaits!

Love God: He is for Every Nation

Can you imagine what it will be like when every tribe, tongue, and nation will bend its knee? Every Soul connected to the Holy Spirit seems a mystery and not possible. I love the letters of Paul and Timothy who wrote to the church at Philippi, great words of wisdom for an attitude like Jesus.

Philippians 2: 1- 11     Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort 
from his love?  Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 
2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, 
and working together with one mind and purpose.

3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than 
yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

6 Though he was God,
    he did not think of equality with God
    as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
    he took the humble position of a slave
    and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
8     he humbled himself in obedience to God
    and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
    and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

God loves His children! He loves all of His Children. He extends His hand, and He seeks the child ( sheep) who hides past mistakes or is lost too. We are the sheep of His pasture ( Psalm 100:3).

Psalm 100:3      Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
 He made us, and we are his.
 We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

He really calls His sheep to abundant life with Him. He died the sinner’s death on the cross for our sins. What love He has for us!!

Declare: I am a child of God, I may never feel worthy of Jesus’ love yet You extend it anyway. Help me Jesus to open my heart, mind, and soul to Your amazing Love. I want to experience all of You. Amen.

This song by Lindy Conant is so precious, I feel the amazing grace and mercy of God. He calls His children, including all of us, as His adopted Children into His family! We are His!!

Deuteronomy 6: 4-9   “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

We must Love God with all our Heart, Soul, and Strength. We must share God’s wisdom with our children. It can break generational curses and bring generational life-changing futures.

Time to move

The Byrds are remembered for a song, “Turn, turn, turn” that includes a message from words found in Ecclesiastes 3 regarding time. Time can not stand still, there is love and hate, war and peace, and a time for forgiveness and grace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8,11,14-15 NLT

[1] For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. [2] A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. [3] A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. [4] A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. [5] A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. [6] A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. [7] A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. [8] A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace. [11] Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end. [14] And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God's purpose is that people should fear him. [15] What is happening now has happened before, and what will happen in the future has happened before, because God makes the same things happen over and over again.

Every day can be a time to do our own personal reset in our lives, words, and actions. People in positions of power across the world seem to forget the principle of taking time to move for humanity. Before it is too late.

However, I think these moments in history both in the world and within our own communities can give us time to ponder our own reactions. I am learning that I must not hold onto anything that is not in my control to change. I am learning that Jesus can have it all. But I must say the words out loud ” Jesus Have it all!” and then I must leave my concerns in His hands.

This is not an easy task. In fact, I can find myself turning my gaze behind me reconsidering, and picking up the situation. But when I get in the way of the Lord’s plan, I mess up the future and my faith in the unseen future is wrecked again. Can you relate?

Proverbs 16: 1 - 3
1 We can make our own plans,
 but the Lord gives the right answer.

2 People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives.

3 Commit your actions to the Lord,
 and your plans will succeed.

Jeremy Riddle, a Christian musician, and his amazing band recently released an album. It is so filled with the feeling of the Presence of God. This song is amazing, “Jesus Have It All” is my absolute favorite reminder of giving all my worries, fears, and concerns to the One who has better plans. Thank you to the person who put this song into a lyric video less than 24 hours ago. God bless you.

Time is in the Lord’s Hands! He knows the end to the beginning. He is the Alpha and Omega! Rest in His arms. Listen to the Peace that comes when you hand Him your life, all of it!!!

Our Children

I feel drawn to share this October 2021 blog post today, we live in a crazy time and Our Children need our love, the Word of God, and hope. I hope you read this post and find it as timely as I did today.
Thanksgiving can be a day of wonderful family memories or hard, depressed lonely times. We can act in love regardless by praying for the Lord to illuminate our purpose and give us the ability to pray for God’s children (whether we have one or not). Sharing hope and love, our job is to get to work and pray for His people. You are not alone the Lord sees you and loves you. Peace, Mary

Inspiring Light Through the Cracks

Amy Carmichael was a 19th century missionary from Ireland. Amy opened an orphanage at the age of 28. At this time, women were not on the mission field alone. She loved children and sacrificed her life by serving India’s children. She felt the call of God and left her home of comfort to make a difference.

God delights to meet the faith of one who looks up to Him and says, “Lord, You know that I cannot do this–but I believe that you can!” -Amy Carmichael

Modern day parenting is a challenge, however, Amy was a single woman and God used her in a mighty way. Her quote showed what can happen when you trust God, we are called to speak truth and share our faith in Jesus with our own children. We are called to trust God with the unknown. God calls parents to teach their children His ways…

View original post 1,035 more words