We Found a Puppy: Meet Mishka.

Last Wednesday night, I was heading home from church and thinking of my man. So, I called him just to say "hi" and let him know I was almost home. He picked up, said he had a great day at work, and when I asked him what he was doing there was a pause and then, "um, well...I just picked up a puppy on the side of the road..." My response: HUH?!? What occurred after that was a lot of "no you didn't... are you for real?... tell me the truth...seriously, don't joke about this... and, I can tell it's you fake panting." But when he sent me a picture of the "puppy" in our garage, I became a believer. Meet the white fluffy "puppy" that Tyler picked up off the side of  the road and brought home.

This dog was HUGE!! When my niece saw him she said, "wowwww, he's like a white sparkly horse!" And he was...like a horse. We put up signs, checked with the vet to see if anyone had called about him and finally, we broke down and bought a leash in case we couldn't find his owners. Since we didn't know his name, we came up with several names including Sammy and Optimus Prime (Ty's picks). I have to admit he grew on me rather quickly. I am a sucker for big dogs, and apparently white fluff. I couldn't wait to get home to see how he was, check his water and food, and love on him.

The best part about this "little" guy was that when I was home, all he wanted to do was to be with me. Sounds a little self-absorbed, lol, but it feels good to be loved! I went to kitchen, he went with me, like right beside me. I went to the laundry room and he followed, paid the bills and he was there, took a shower and he's waiting outside the door. I sat on the couch and he squished himself in between the coffee table and couch just to put his head on my lap, and somehow he worked his way up to sitting on me, on the couch.

Gotta say, it was nice! When Tyler wasn't home, I felt comforted with Mishka by my side. I never thought I would say that! But now I can see how people say their animals become "part of the family." Mishka was awesome, and we found his parents soon after our search began. He went back home to two little kids who were ecstatic to see him, and I was left with a leash... and a HUGE puppy itch! Don't fret I have already hinted to the hubs! Valentine's Day is right around the corner!

Mishka being with me non-stop for a couple of days reminded me of the word Emmanuel, God with us. God with us, always. God with us, everywhere. God with us, through all things, and situations, and hardships, and mistakes. God with us. An eternal companion, friend, comfort, and protector. Funny that this  "little puppy" sticking by my side for a couple of days reminded me of the Savior that is with me always, always by my side. I think we all need that reminder sometimes. The reminder that he is there, with us always, and that we can lean on Him a little more deeply than before. I know I need it.

I pray all is well for you and that in all you are going through you sense Emmanuel, God with you. He is with you and loves you dearly!

Blessings,

Bri

The Resolution

"Splendor and majesty are before him, strength and glory are in his sanctuary." 

Something about beginnings always get me and I tend to approach them with anticipation, hope and lots of gusto! The first of anything is a reason to celebrate in my book and the first of each year is no exception. Each year January 1st arrives with a list of resolutions holding the allure that if completed, the year will be different.

This year, January 1st rolled around... then the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and so on, and as I watched each day roll by, I continuously put off setting my resolutions. Just because they weren't set, doesn't mean I wasn't thinking about them. I was definitely looking forward to 2013 and the newness it would bring. It's just as much as I love a first, I dislike a disappointment. Last year in particular, I had some heavy life moments...and I guess I had so much hope for the new year, I didn't want to set myself up for any disappointment that I didn't feel like facing. Not exactly "living in victory" but hey, that's reality!

In my life, pen to paper is when it really happens. I let thoughts roll around for a while, I think of different scenarios, but pen to paper is the commitment. Silly I know, but I almost feel that once you write it, it's out there for the world and you to see. Can anyone relate? So, I did some heart searching before I put pen to paper. What is it I really want? And there was only one answer, I want more of God. In every way, not just more reading and praying but more experiencing, more dwelling, more of him changing me. And not more of God in a way that I could take credit for, not more works, not more checks on my list. More of Him. 

I realized that I not only want more of Him, I really need more of Him. His heart and kindness, his love and grace. His perspective on what's important, his perspective on me. His gently correction and his bold courage. I need him. All other things fall under that one truth.

After several weeks of thought, I woke up one morning, made my way to the couch, opened my journal and put pen to paper, "this year, I want to grow with God." Sounds common, but after much thought it was my deepest truth, my resolution. It all boiled down to not just my desire for him, but my need for him. And it was freeing because it was something that I couldn't mess up with my actions, times a week to the gym, or waking up early for quiet time. I made a resolution that was less about me and more about Him. I decided to grow with him and learn from him, put him even more in the place that he deserves in my life. Somewhere inside I let go of my time line, agenda, and priorities and ask him to take the lead in these areas. And for a girl like me... that was tough! But I was so ready.

I didn't list any specifics on how, no mention of the number of times a week I go to church, no amount of books I will read, or time amount I will spend each day with him. Just a simple, I want more of you, and a soft cry of show me how. Show me when.


Because perfectly meeting a list of requirements, set by yourself or others, is never easy. And at some point we all need a little grace, a little strength, and what I am coming to learn is that even though I love my resolutions, goals and check lists, I can never be perfect. But that's okay with me when my ultimate goal is to serve a God who looks on me with the deepest of love and affection. He knows my weakness, forgives me and strengthens and helps me through this life.

I came across this verse a couple of days ago and my heart welled up inside of me.

"Splendor and majesty are before him, strength and glory are in his sanctuary."Psalm 96:6

"Splendor and majesty are before him..." sometimes it does me good to remember that God is a King and that I am a child of his. I can't think of a time I have used these words to describe a human, and I would say that not many (if any) of us has, but these are God's adjectives. He is truly majestic, glorious, overwhelmingly wonderful. And He is our King. I read these words and I can't believe that this King knows and loves me. That he sent his son, so that I could talk with him and spend time with Him. It's beyond me.

And I love how it goes on to say "strength and glory are in his sanctuary." God knows that this life has hardships and more than anything we need Him and His strength. It's hard to get to that place of knowing our need for Him, and staying there. Because right when we feel like "we got this" on our own, the harsh reality hits that no... no we don't. What strength and peace come from God. We gain strength in God's presence. Not strength of our own, but strength from the confidence of knowing what a great God we serve.

After my initial pen to paper moments, did I write some other resolutions and goals for this year? Sure. I have goals and high hopes for this year, but the difference is I am not relying on myself to achieve anything. But my one goal remains the same. More of him. When I involve him in each area of my life I find peace and strength. I find help being healthy, making better decisions and even getting to the gym. I need his discipline and plan for each day. I find he knows what to start on first at work, he can give me wisdom and the right words to say. I find He has a way of putting it in perspective. That the laundry can wait. That the conversation, the person, and the relationship is more important.

The pressure is off of me as I rely fully on Him. I want to grow with God, but I guess more than anything, I want to be with Him more, rely on Him more, trust him more, and let him lead me and change me, every day. Because the more I live, the more blatantly obvious my absolute need for Him becomes.

Numbers 6: 24-26 "May the Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace" in this new year and always. And may he give me the grace to and discipline to sit down and blog more often, because I have missed you all! :)

A Little Dance, A Little Song

One of the best and most fulfilling parts of my life so far has been being an aunt. Don't get me wrong, daughter, sister, wife, friend... they are all important but the aunt role has a special little place in my heart. Maybe it's because I was the youngest in my family, so I never had someone to baby and cuddle... or boss around. :) But I really think it's because we aunts, we have it the best.

An aunt can let nieces and nephews sit on the counter and stir the brownie mix, getting the mixture all over them. With an aunt, extra sprinkles is okay. With an aunt, you can jump on the cushions and play pretend. An aunt gives little drops of advice, that though heard every day, may stand out when it is said from an aunt. An aunt gets to give some of the best gifts because you ask your brother or sister what they REALLY want! An aunt is a friend, mentor and best of all FAMILY for life. I have three nephews and five little nieces. They are all absolutely precious and my heart just melts over them when I get to spend time with them. 

One of my nieces is named Kaitlin, she is absolutely a kick. She loves to sing and dance to her Disney princess songs, or the little church songs they learn at her school. She is only four years old, but she has quite the song list. She keeps her brother Andrew up at night because she won't stop singing. While this is very frustrating for my sister's entire household, I secretly love it! It cracks me up because I was the exact same way. My brothers and sisters would call down the stairs, "Mom, make Brittany be quiet!!"

When Kaitlin and Andrew's Christmas Production came around, we were all excited to go watch them sing on stage. We came with video and cameras, and set up as close to the stage as possible. I have to say, even if you don't know anyone on the stage, watching a hundred 2-5 year old children is hilarious. 

They marched on stage, we spotted them and immediately started waving, taking pictures and then the music came on. Here we go!

Andrew was a typical oldest child, every move to perfection and every word memorized. Kaitlin, the little singer, the dreamer, the dancer: nothing. She was not moving, staring downward with a very concerned look on her face. She remained that way the entire time. All of us were saying "Kaitlin, dance! Sing!" We were rooting for her with all our hearts. Did it matter to us if she was perfect? Did we care if she did all right moves? Would we look down on her for messing up? Of course not! We would have only cared that she had fun and went for it! But in that moment, our little singing, dancing, princess was paralyzed with fear. 

It was then that God showed me part of his heart for us.  If in my heart as an aunt, I took so much joy in watching Kaitlin and Andrew live and have fun, how much more is God's heart for us to live freely, unburdened by fear. I imagine when God sees us in fear, he says "don't worry, don't be afraid, it doesn't have to be perfect! Live for me, speak about me, love other people in my name, give, share, dance! Even if you dance a little, sing a little, I will love it and be proud that you did even that much". He wants so badly for us to enjoy our lives and be free from fear. How many times do we stop the song or dance of our lives because we are afraid? How many times have I shied away from doing the things God has called me to do? That is not God's plan for us who are called to his purposes. He wants us to dance, sing, have fun, laugh, play, and dream.

God's heart is rooting for us. When I saw Kate on stage afraid, I wasn't disappointed in her. I only wanted to encourage her that she can do it. When we hold back or hesitate to what God has for us, I believe God has that same heart, "you can do it, I am here for you, don't give up." I know that if I as an aunt felt that way, how much more does God, our creator, feel that way. He takes joy in us. We are His children. Just as many of you have your own children, remember that we are God's children, and His heart is even more for us than ours is for our own children... or nieces and nephews. :)

He is a good Dad. And His heart is for you.

There is no scripture that I looked for to back this up, although I know I could find some. There is no big concept here to grasp. Just a little moment in the life of a four year old, and an aunt who got a glimpse of God's love for us and wanting us to dance. 

And the next time Kaitlin went on that stage, my heart overflowed as she danced and sang. 

Confessions of a Southern Girl.

I am a Southern Woman. I capitalize it because... we are kind of our own group. ;) I identify with almost all things southern. Some of the southern women stereotypes include that a southern girl takes care of her man,  loves fiercely, protects her family, is hospitable, keeps her house clean...and don't even get me started on Southern Mommas. They are capitalized because I believe they are their own group too! I live a southern life: sweet tea, accents, outdoors, decor, sunscreen and moisturizer, and of course family. I say things like, "sweet heart, bless your heart, yes and no mam, y'all come back, stop by any time". The list goes on...

But I have a secret shame to my southern girl life. Ready for it?

.....I can't cook.

Don't judge! :) For all the non-southerners out there, yeah, I know this isn't a big deal to you. But if you understood how many times a southern girl gets asked this in her lifetime, you would understand the importance of her learning, stat. What makes it even "worse" is my husband cooks... GREAT. That wasn't sarcastic, he really is a great cook. He also loves to grocery shop (sorry ladies, both his brothers are already married). Tyler goes grocery shopping and comes back in 20 minutes with everything we need. I go grocery shopping, ask for help, call my mom for a location on about every other item on my list, circle the store so many times I convince myself that I don't have to work out later, and come back 2 hours later. Needless to say, it has become an issue. You know how most men gain a little weight after they get married? My husband lost weight...fifty pounds! lol...granted I was going to grad school most nights. :) Kidding! I can't take any credit for his success. What was his secret?? Big shocker: he worked out and ate healthy! I know that's not what you wanted to hear! Anyway, no excuses, I have to learn to cook. So recently I found a great little webpage called Dashing Dish. Please find the link below. This is a Christian lady who makes wonderful recipes that are simple to make and healthy. Will I become a member? Why yes. :)

Tonight I decided to tackle chili... made in a crock pot. Our three year anniversary is in December. This is the first time I have used my crock pot since getting married. Let me just tell you, I amped myself up for this cooking event tonight. It was in my planner, I pulled out all the ingredients, I set aside a chunk of time. And then I read the directions. They went something like this:

1. Cook meat and onions.
2. Put all other ingredients in pot.
3. Once meat is cooked, put in pot.
4. Cover and heat for 4 hours.

At least that's my rendition. Really?!?! I had to laugh out loud! Man, I may not know my way around H.E.B. or the kitchen, but I know my way around a crock pot! Mind you, about 98% of the "other ingredients" are canned vegetables. My kind of recipe! So as I was getting through the strenuous part of tonight's cooking, opening the cans, I began to think about how much I had psyched myself out for this "huge task".

How many times are we like this over things? We worry, we plan, we play out conversations in our mind, we consult others about it. Maybe if I stopped and took time to "read the directions" or hear from God, I would realize that what I am so worried about, may actually be easier than I thought. Maybe it's not always a big deal.

Lately, I have been seeing this little post on Facebook... and Pinterest... and Instagram, that says, "have you prayed about it, as much as you have talked about it?" Another confession, sometimes these little one-liners annoy me! But this one stuck in my head and I am reminded of it as I write this blog. Have I, do we, pray about it FIRST. For many of us our natural instinct is to first DO something about it, whether that be think about, or talk about it with someone. But again, I think God's plan and direction is to first hear his word on it. It may be as simple as "pray for them" or "love them". If you are worried about a conversation or relationship, He can give you the right words to heal a relationship or ease a friend's worry. He will give you peace to overcome your obstacle, or strength to do something that would have been hard for you to do on your own.

The ingredients are all in the crockpot now, and what started out as a huge endeavor has ended as one of the most simple things I have accomplished today. Will the things God calls you to do always be easy? No, I believe some will be difficult. But we don't need to worry in advance and magnify it before we have even started. We come to God first, magnify him in our life and in the situation, and wait for His directions. Maybe I should have read the directions first. :) But I am kind of glad I didn't because it allowed God to speak this simple truth to my heart.

Matthew 11:30 "For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light"

Blessings,

Bri

www.dashingdish.com 

Rest.

I woke up this morning to my alarm fervently reminding me that I had stuff to do. I dragged myself out of bed. My alarm was set so that I would have the exact number of minutes it would take me to get dressed and get out the door. I slipped into my clothes, washed my face, brushed my teeth, grabbed my purse, and my breakfast and headed out the door. The way to school was filled with drinking my breakfast smoothie, brushing my hair and yes... putting on my make-up, all while it was still dark outside. I pull up to the lit up parking lot by 6:45 and at 6:50 two students walk in for tutoring. I put on my smile face.

"Hi, good morning, how are you?" I can only imagine that if I haven't adjusted in 26 years to waking up early, I am pretty sure they haven't either.

Their responses, "tired!" It was the expected response. The one I hear at least ten times a day and probably much more, coming from kids, teens, adults... and if I were honest enough and could down right come out with it, I am tired too!

I can't help but think we are not supposed to feel this tired! When I think on it, God tells us two things we can do to help us gain energy. The first thing we can do is pray. Jesus would wake up early in the morning to pray. Prayer puts us in God's presence and his presence is full of life, peace and restoration. If we are mentally tired, prayer can give us clarity into situations. If it's emotional fatigue, we finally gain rest by letting God take control. If it is a heavy burden, spiritual fatigue, we gain strength with the renewed perspective that God is on our side. And our physical fatique can be alleviated through prayer by the rest that comes from simply being in his presence. He is a good God and only good things come from taking time to meet with Him.

The second thing to do it literally rest. I have loved music my whole life and learned what the "rest" symbol looked like on sheet music as a young girl. The rest is a slight pause, the director can make it exaggerated or simple but the music pauses and then continues as normal. A couple of years ago I read about a little girl learning to play the piano. She could not understand why she needed to rest when she saw the symbol on her sheet music. Her instructor stated simply, "because the rest makes the rest of the music even more beautiful."

I think on this story often and though I sometimes fight rest with all that I am, I want the music of my life to be beautiful. I want to pour out good things to those around me, I want it to be sweet to the people I love and encounter. And most of all I want to live my life fully because the Lord has given me, has given all of us, breath each day for a purpose. I want to have rested enough to bring Him glory and live my purpose each day.

So when I think I am above rest, when I think that what I have to do is my number one priority or will help me feel better getting it off my check list. I remember that sometimes the most energy doesn't come from marking off the check list or keeping myself busy all day but it comes from staying in prayer with God through out the day and from rest.

A Word.

As I was praying a couple of days ago, I felt like God spoke the words below to me. Any time God speaks a word, whether it's in your heart or through someone else, it makes you feel SO special. I love this because we are so very special to God. Just as parent's adore their children, the Lord's love for us is that of adoration. So here is my word, and I was thinking it just may be for you too.

"It's a clean-out season of life. It's a finish season. It's a time-to-get-back-to-basics. 
It's letting go of the old to receive the new. 
It's a refreshment, a break, an excuse,
to finally let go of anything you've been clinging to...
So, let it go.

Do not fear or worry or say what if, but let it go.
Do not fret or dawdle or dwell or over think, let it go.

Do not be consumed or taken back.
It's not ungodly but freeing. Let it go."

Hebrews 12:1 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

So there it is. My word, and maybe your word too. I pray that God shows me these times as they come this year. That when a "let it go" situation arrives, that I would remember these words. Now, if this does not speak to you at all, ignore it :) But if it resignates with your spirit, pray about it. It just might be God's word to you.

Be blessed.

love,

bri

 

  

Bird Nest.

I know the expected response from any Southern girl to the question, "what's your favorite season?" should be summer. I enjoy ice tea, lazy days on the lake, and my time off as a teacher,  but for the most part I am definitely a fall-and-winter-type girl. Yes, the scarves, boots and holidays might have something to do with it. But mainly it's the crisp weather, crunchy leaves, bundling up, crackling fireplaces, and smell- inside it's warm and cozy while outside it’s clean and crisp as if everything has been washed.

In the summer I have to wait until it is almost dark to go out for a walk or run, but in the winter I can walk outside almost any time and breathe in fresh air that is untainted by humidity. ;)

Over the Christmas break I had the chance to go on many walks and take in God’s beauty. Trees bare and beautiful without leafs; what is hidden a majority of the year is suddenly revealed. Several of the trees that line the paths have small bird nests tucked up high and cozy. These little nests, which have been hidden through every season are now visible enough that I can see each little branch and leaf that holds them together.

How clever… to take the scraps and make a home. What God does in our own lives, he reflects in even the smallest parts of nature. He takes the broken, the left over, the useless and gives it purpose and importance. Those little bits and pieces may never be what they once were, but they are something new.

As you start this new year and especially after the holiday season, what little bits and pieces do you have in your life that need to be given to God? What areas do you need to lift up to God and say, please take this or make it something new.

Stillness: The Most Productive Action Of The Day.

I love a check list, being busy and the feeling of accomplishment!

But I am becoming more and more aware that the most productive thing I can do in my day comes out of being still.

It's a very confusing thought and is still working its way through my heart and mind. It just seems to be so counterproductive.

We all know what it means to be productive. The dictionary definition is: having the power of producing, generating, creating. In other words "get busy and make something happen!" Being productive is a very active action and requires a lot of energy. Our world is a huge advocate for being productive. We are constantly being pushed to DO more. And while I think there is a very real place and purpose and need for christians to be productive, this pursuit is void without stillness.

Psalm 46:10 says
"Be still and know that I am God."

For many people in this world the idea of "stillness" is a foreign thought. Stillness is for the weak, uninspired, lazy or dare I say "counterproductive". One of the most scary things for a productive person is the thought of putting energy into something that could ultimately be counterproductive.

But I would challenge each of us to be a little "counterproductive" every day. Yes, being still in God's presence will end up being the MOST productive thing you do every day. It requires very little energy to sit in God's sweet presence and thank Him, talk to Him, WORSHIP him. It is one of the MOST refreshing and life giving things. Bringing peace, insight, strength, revelation, healing and so much more.

All through stillness; I love it!

Let's take time each day to break from all our productivity to do the most productive action of being still before God. If this is new for you, this may be different from anything you have ever done before. It can be one minute or an hour, but I promise you will want more of it! :) You can do this through prayer, journaling, or putting on good worship music.

 

I have been a little in love with this song. I have looked it up the past couple of days and sit still in worship. What great strength comes from recognizing God for who He is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmrXdjilmaY&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7pdoljCKwQ&feature=related

Have a very blessed day!!

Remember When.

I am so happy to be back to blogging. I took a break this summer as I was crunching in a couple of grad school classes but I have missed so much the chance to put in writing the things that God is so sweetly speaking to me. This summer, God did not fail to teach me and speak to me even through the busiest times. He is good and faithful like that.

One of the lines that I keep on hearing and that has been rolling around in my head is a "remember when" season. We all have them, good or bad, overwhelming or small, they come in and out of our life like waves. I think about these seasons through life, for couples it is, "Remember when we met? Remember our first date?" For parents it is, "Remember when they were that small? Remember her first steps?" And of course each of us have our own seasons that are unique to our lives.

One of my first lessons on a "remember when" season happened this summer. I was walking one evening and praying about how on earth Ty and I were going to make it through the summer and this upcoming year. I have mentioned before that we are both in school and working full time. From the world's viewpoint and without God's perspective that looks something like this:
 Full time work + college education + marriage = not seeing each other and very little money.
 LAME and completely scary for a newlywed couple who just bought their first house!

As I walked, God put in my heart so clearly that we were in a "remember when" season. This will be a time that Tyler and I will look back and say "Remember when we were both in school and working ... " I started thinking about these words and remembering all my "remember when" seasons. Looking back, God brought good through each of my seasons. Of course good came from good seasons, but even through the tough ones, God brought good. I grew, my faith increased, thankfulness increased, love for others increased, my relationship with the Lord strengthened, my marriage grew deeper, my friendships taken to a new level, I was removed from harm, protected, I experienced comfort, the list goes on and on. Think back on your seasons and what good God brought from those times.
Romans 8:28 states:

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.

As you can tell from my above formula, "What good are you working through this, God?" is definitely not always my heart or my mouth's first response, especially in a hard season. I am going to go out on a limb here and guess that it is not the first response of many of us. I lovingly call my first response the initial "freak-out" phase. Sure, it's a little humbling for me to write about, but what the heck, why not just throw it all out there? ;) Phase one can look like many things for me. It ranges anywhere from "stressed out, leave me alone, why me, I don't deserve this, what's going to happen? what could happen?, they don't know what I am going through, they can't relate to me, pity-party throwing, this will never end, a positive attitude won't make this any better, I could cry at any minute and yes I will just lay in this bed, say what I want, dare I say- eat what I want, RESPONSE!  This can be inward or outward... but many times, it's there.

It doesn't take much time in prayer or in the word of God to know that this is not the heart or life that God has for us! The above verse is a statement of faith. A statement of a powerful and good God who is constantly working good on your, on my, behalf. It may not always be my first response to a hard season but I pray God trains my heart and mind so that it is. God's word is so good. There is power in His word. It is living. When meditated on and spoken, it transforms the mind and heart. It can literally change who you are and begin to change your first response.

By the end of that walk I was excited for this upcoming time period. I had thought about how God had worked through all my other seasons both good and bad. What he brought through tears and sorrow and through the joy and excitement of my life. My thoughts were now, "Wow, what good is God going to work for us?" My first formula was created by my own fear and what the world believes. But God gives another formula.

 Full time work + college education + marriage = not seeing each other and very little money.

Full time work + college education + marriage = new appreciation and love for my husband, opportunity, valued time, better time management, learning to lean on God for all things, seeing God financially provide and so much more. We are through summer and into the school year and God has provided for us in so many ways and I know He will do the same for you. His word is true, He brings good from the hard times. I pray that we can recognize our "remember when" seasons while we are going through them; that we may take full advantage of what God is doing in our hearts and lives. He is such a sweet God.

A pastor I listened to recently said that it is when we are going through something difficult, God seems like only a whisper away; that God graces us with an intimacy with Him that only comes through these times. I loved this thought and am still letting it sink in. I pray that we can let God's word change our hearts and responses to the hard stuff in this world and that we see the "remember when" season while we are right in the middle of it.

Digging in the Sand.

Well it is summertime at last!!! I have spent my first official day of summer for the most part, in bed! I have rotated sleeping, reading, journaling, surfing the web and sleeping :) I must admit it feels GLORIOUS! But now, it is almost five o'clock and I am getting the itch to get going again!

Yesterday I had two of my dearest friends over. Lauren, Abbey and I have been friends for about seven or eight years now and they are two of the coolest people I know. We all three live in different cities and the last time we got together was probably over Christmas. Yesterday we talked for hours and at one point I was telling them how a situation was worrying me. Lauren suggested we pray together about it and while we were praying one of them said, "GREATLY INCREASE OUR FAITH GOD!" As soon as she said that, I thought "oh, wow, that IS what I need." It is something that I don't often pray, but yes, GREATLY INCREASE OUR FAITH GOD!
  
Fast forward to today. While in my lounging state, I have been journaling and talking to God about my life and why I let myself be so worried over something so small. In my mind I got this picture of my feet standing on sand. It was relaxing and the wind was blowing. Then, I start digging. I start pushing and getting further and further into the sand to where my legs could not move. I felt strength in my stance IN the sand. And I hear it, GREATLY INCREASE OUR FAITH GOD.

I felt like God revealed to me that the sand was the word of God, the Bible, His truths and promises. My feet were apart ready to fight and though I was standing on his truths, I was still able to run at any time. That has been the level of my faith lately! Still believing and loving Him, but not letting my feet sink into the truth. When it's gotten hard, my faith in Him has been weak and I have been wanting to run and worry instead of stand firm in the truth that God has given me.

Once I started digging, my faith in God and his promises changed. I was not only standing ON the sand or promises, but solidly SET in them. That way, when something tried to shake me, I was not shaken, or running but set firm and not moving!

This morning was eye opening to how much my faith in God impacts my ability to trust that God is going to overcome the obstacles of this world. When I am SET firm in God's promises and my faith is deep and strong, I am not moving when I encounter opposition.  I am believing that God is going to take care of it. I am strong in God's word when he says that he will work all things for good for me, that he overcomes every enemy, that He is my strength and my shield. That the battle is His!

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

Today I don't know if you are standing on the sand, or are set firm in the sand but you can be assured that I am officially digging. :)

GREATLY INCREASE OUR FAITH GOD.