Being Still Requires Work

This morning, the verse, “Be Still and know that I Am God” (Psalm 46:10) was on my heart.

The more I thought about it, the more I realized this–Being STILL requires WORK!

I locked in on this revelation while getting dressed this morning. Literally, I was putting lotion on my feet and noticed how well my pedicure was holding up and then I thought of this example….

I’m one of those people that struggles to stay still when I’m getting a pedicure. For whatever reason, once I’m in the chair, my toes begin to wiggle. I think it’s because I’m often trying so hard to be still, especially once the color is being applied. God used that example to show me how being still requires work.

Being still requires work, but much of that work is internal. We have to cease from our labors and rest in the fact that God is in control. He has not forgotten us and nothing catches him off guard.

Much like when I’m in the pedicure chair. Once I redirect my thoughts, I’m able to still back and relax and eventually, I look up to see that the work is done!

God’s doing the same thing for us right now. Rest in Him. Again, I understand that resting isn’t always easy, and you’ll still have the urge to want to “do something.”

Instead of trying to do God’s job for Him, redirect your energies toward meditating on His promises.

Scriptures to meditate on:

Habakkuk 2:3 (NKJV)
3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it;
Because it will surely come, It will not tarry.

Isaiah 40:31 – But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.

Psalms 37:34 – Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see [it].

Color selections from my most recent mani/pedi session

Keep Going

I thought I shared this a long time ago, but I found this draft yesterday. I was almost upset about it, but I trust that God’s timing is perfect and someone needs to see this now.

Life really came full circle for me yesterday. I sometimes over think this “blogging thing” and won’t share things because I feel like they’re not “developed enough” or are still in draft form. Yesterday, one of my good friends sent me a text about how much her friends enjoy and are encouraged by my posts. I can’t tell you how much that blessed me. Lately, I’ve been telling myself that it’s not about reaching hundreds/thousands. It’s about reaching that ONE. If there’s one hurting/lost person that reads one of my posts and is inspired to keep going and trust God, my purpose is fulfilled. That’s the legacy I want to leave behind.

I shared this as a Facebook post last year. I thought it deserved a place on the blog, so here it is. No matter where you find yourself this Good Friday, Be encouraged. Keep going! Your life matters. Your purpose matters and it won’t be fulfilled if you quit now. You just never know the impact your life’s witness can have on someone else.

My original post: Today was one of those trying days. So, like any mature adult :-), I called my mom for some encouragement. Only to find out:

1. One of my high school classmates stopped her today in my hometown Wal-Mart to tell her how much they are encouraged by my Facebook posts and how I accomplished EVERY thing I said I was going to do back when we were in school. (Faith and works!)

2. My mom has been reading my old blogs AND said they’re an encouragement to her. That BLEW me away. My mommy is THE ultimate encourager. I just wanted to cry. (Mind you, my mom is not a person that goes online much at all. I didn’t even know that my mom knew that I had a blog. I never mentioned it to her because she’s never online.).

God knew I needed THAT today. It’s easy to feel as if you’re just making a drop in the bucket or to wonder if your efforts really make a difference, but then God sends those reminders to let you know you’re on the right track! You may not be where you want to be, but KEEP GOING and, God willing, you will get there!

The world needs more encouragers and people committed to making a difference in this world. That’s why I’m here. From now on, I’m fully embracing the quote in this featured image. I’m not worrying about what anyone may think. I’m focused on the one that I can inspire.

Galatians 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Isaiah 58:11
The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

‪#‎thankful‬ ‪#‎encouraged‬ ‪#‎onamission‬ ‪#‎iPress‬

God is IN CONTROL!

There is NOTHING in your life that’s too hard for God. I’m reminding myself that this morning and want to share that word with you. There is NOTHING– not your job, your health, or your other roles/responsibilities that can present a challenge that God is unable to handle. If/when you feel overwhelmed, take a step a back and speak a word of faith over your situation.

My power verses this morning:

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

2 Timothy 1:7
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Testimony Tuesday: I’m Walking

I just finished my morning mile and tears started streaming down my face.

Tears, because I realized that I was walking without pain and I remembered the many days that I dealt with chronic pain in my hip. Walking was painful, sitting was even more painful. Other than my husband, no one really knew just how much pain I was in. On top of that, I had several doctors tell me that I would always be in pain and their insistence made me believe that the pain was just a normal part of my life.

BUT GOD. I understand that there are many conditions in life that we must deal with, but I decided to cling to my faith. I prayed that God would do what ONLY he could do in the supernatural and that I would do my part in the natural. I spent the last year going to physical therapy, sometimes two and three times a week. This month, my husband and I joined a new gym and have been consistently working out 4 to 5 times a week.

I may have slight pain some days, but it’s NOTHING compared to what it used to be. My therapists don’t understand it. My doctor initially thought I would need surgery, BUT GOD.

Last year, I posted a photo of my handicap placard. I got it in 2008 upon my until diagnosis. That was my registered placard, not my mom/dad/auntie/grandma’s. MINE. And I declared that this time next year I wouldn’t need it. I’m happy to report, not only do I NOT need the placard, I now park at the furthest parking space in most parking lots. God IS faithful!

I’m sharing this testimony this morning, praying that it encourages you to KEEP GOING! Believe God for his best for your life and refuse to settle for anything less.

Matthew 19:26 New Living Translation Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”

Walking: Mary Mary

There Remaineth a REST

I have the feeling today’s going to be a GREAT DAY! Perspective matters so, so much. This morning, my mind keeps going to the declaration my Bishop made of 2015 as the year of REST. It’s hard to feel like you’re “resting” when you’re as busy as I am–I’m working on improving my health and fitness and working out for 1-2 hours every day is a major commitment on top of family, church and work, but its so necessary to reach a place of TOTAL health and that’s my overall goal.

At the same time, I’m learning to REST in the peace of God in the midst of my busy schedule– If I was not as busy as I am, I wouldn’t be as focused on pursuing peace, so there’s another lesson in adopting the proper perspective.

My power verses for this morning are Matthew 11:28-30 (New Living Translation)

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Here’s a song I love, by Donald Lawrence called There Remaineth a Rest. I hope the lyrics encourage you today. Remember– God’s REST is promised. It’s a finished work– just because you aren’t “there yet” doesn’t mean you can’t take on His rest. Keep walking in obedience and carry your burdens to Him. Philippians 4: 6-7

Donald Lawrence– There Remaineth a Rest

There remaineth a rest, a rest
For the people of God
A promise, a finished work
And we must guard it with our hearts
Everything you will ever need
Was provided at Calvary
There remaineth a rest, there is a rest
There remaineth a rest, there is a rest
A Rest, the finished work of the Lord