So..........for the past few days I've been struggling with an issue. I've spent much time in prayer - I've spent much time weeping because I didn't know what to pray - feeling defeated - feeling unworthy - and unsure. As I woke this morning I looked to GOD once more for direction.........HE reminded me, through HIS word - HE was never the one who made me feel defeated, unworthy or unsure.......HE is the one who holds me under HIS sheltering wing - in HIS divine protection and always - always has a plan.......in HIM alone I will place my trust.....and when I fall short of my goals - HE alone will lift me up, set my feet on solid ground and give me direction for the kingdom work HE has for me! Today I'm renewed - I'm looking ahead and knowing in my heart that HE has a great work in store for me - for the sole purpose of HIS KINGDOM!

I pray if you are struggling with something today - this word will touch your heart and give you the same peace and direction it has given me!

http://girlfriendsingod.com/let-go-trust-god/

Comparison Kills Confidence..............

See Link Below:
So once again this "comparison" topic has raised its head in my daily devotion.....think GOD's trying to tell me something?? LOL - It's so easy to let others "attempt" to define, belittle and discourage us - but in those moments I remind myself I BELONG TO JESUS!! :)

I may not be the best wife, mom, teacher (coach), dance mom....etc... but I know I am not defined by what other wives and mothers accomplish or their talents nor as a teacher by some state "ranking" or other nonsense. My worth is clearly defined in GODs Word and HE alone will direct my path! So for those out there struggling - remember these key points:


Goliath fell at Davids feet - because David followed GOD

Daniel overcame the lions den - because Daniel followed GOD

Elijah called down fire from heaven- because Elijah followed GOD

The Egyptians were swallowed up by the sea - because Moses followed GOD

- those people who seek to STOP the work of GOD by making men and women of GOD feel defeated, discouraged and insecure (through comparison) WILL NOT HAVE VICTORY!! AMEN!! So quit looking to others to find your worth! Stop attempting to have control of your life and the lives of others! In everything you do put GOD first - do not make ONE decision personally or professionally without input from GOD first - then you will have no need to compare yourself to others because you will know with all certainty that GOD was in control in the first place!!

http://girlfriendsingod.com/comparison-kills-confidence/

Comparison Kills Confidence..............

See Link Below:
So once again this "comparison" topic has raised its head in my daily devotion.....think GOD's trying to tell me something?? LOL - It's so easy to let others "attempt" to define, belittle and discourage us - but in those moments I remind myself I BELONG TO JESUS!! :)

I may not be the best wife, mom, teacher (coach), dance mom....etc... but I know I am not defined by what other wives and mothers accomplish or their talents nor as a teacher by some state "ranking" or other nonsense. My worth is clearly defined in GODs Word and HE alone will direct my path! So for those out there struggling - remember these key points:


Goliath fell at Davids feet - because David followed GOD

Daniel overcame the lions den - because Daniel followed GOD

Elijah called down fire from heaven- because Elijah followed GOD

The Egyptians were swallowed up by the sea - because Moses followed GOD

- those people who seek to STOP the work of GOD by making men and women of GOD feel defeated, discouraged and insecure (through comparison) WILL NOT HAVE VICTORY!! AMEN!! So quit looking to others to find your worth! Stop attempting to have control of your life and the lives of others! In everything you do put GOD first - do not make ONE decision personally or professionally without input from GOD first - then you will have no need to compare yourself to others because you will know with all certainty that GOD was in control in the first place!!

http://girlfriendsingod.com/comparison-kills-confidence/

We were made to THRIVE!!

Enjoyed a great concert this past weekend with Casting Crowns, Sidewalk Prophets and Mandisa.  It was a gentle reminder that we, as Christians, are made for more than merely surviving in this world; we were meant to THRIVE in it! Jesus and His disciples THRIVED - they dove deep into the teachings of JESUS - spreading the gospel and aiding those in need. They made mistakes but with intent ears and hearts they took the opportunity to listened to the Master as HE corrected and guided them back to their true north in Him. JESUS is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow - HE is waiting and HE will do the same for us............................We were made to THRIVE!! 

Psalm 1 -- Jeremiah 17:7-8

http://www.takethethrivechallenge.com/thrive  

This is all I have to offer you.............

This past Saturday I had the privilege of meeting a great poet and writer, Mr. Jimmy Santiago-Baca. During our time together Mr. Baca asked us to use his poem "I'm offering this poem ...." as a model to write our own version...........here is my attempt.

This is all I have to offer you..........

This is all I have to offer you, my strength
Wrap yourself in it when you feel the nausea of disease creep in

Wear it like armor
When your body wages war against the drugs

Stand firm on it
When your bald reflection says you are weak

Hold on to it
When the searing pain of endless needles pierce your skin

Hope for it
When the world says you will be a statistic

My strength is all I have to offer you
As I lie here watching you fight...................

Rouge to Orleans

(Location - Natchitoches...........member of the NSUWP Advanced Institute)

In the fall of 2012 myself and some very ambitious beautiful women (an one crazy man) set out on a journey of 126.2 miles. The Rouge to Orleans is a relay race that begins at the break of dawn in downtown Baton Rouge at the USS Kidd and ends in New Orleans at the Audubon Park.  Living together for 24 hours in a 16 passenger van was an experience all its own but the real experience for me began the moment I took my first steps beside the river in Baton Rouge.............

I began running in 2010 when our daughter was diagnosed with Stage IV high risk Neuroblastoma. Running was my medication - my way of dealing with cancer when I couldn't deal any more. I had never been a runner before - I thought it would always be "cool" to say "I'm a runner........LOL.......I totally got more than what I expected!"

Before Rouge to Orleans I had run several races including a couple of 1/2's and even an obstacle course race. But nothing could have prepared me for the person I discovered on that long lonely cool night on the Mississippi's levee just me and my thoughts.............

(this writing is a work in progress...................)

Whispers of Hope

WOW - I love how when we pray for something..........GOD always shows up!  

From Beth Moore's "Whispers of Hope" -- 
"Imagine this poignant scene. The child of God musters her last bit of strength to collapse before the throne of God. Words do not come - just groanings. They are not her groanings, though they emerge from so deep within, she thinks they are hers. The Spirit of God searches her heart, gathers her pain, and lifts it to the Father of all comfort. The Spirit of God, knowing both the depth of her agony and the will of the Father, can bring forth glory from even this. The Spirit insists the Father usher overflowing comfort. He urges the child of God to let the Father have His way. The Spirit prays for things the child of God could not bear to pray - that she lacks the courage to pray. The Spirit prays for glory." (Re: Romans 8:26) --

How awesome to be reminded that when we can't even speak the words in our hearts - and only tears or groanings come........the Holy Spirit intercedes for us before the Father and He hears our prayers.........