The Presence of His Lovingkindness

 Even though it is Sunday, I just have to share this thought because it's on my heart. 

I accepted Christ as my Savior at 12 years old. My childhood handed me some difficult cards, and experiencing trauma in those formative years is never an easy thing to move forward from. 

But with the Lord's ever present help, I have done the hard work.

The past few months have seen my relationship with the Lord grow closer than ever. My trust has deepened, & my faith has matured to another level. 

The most precious thing to realize through this new season, is to look back with a heart full of gratitude for His lovingkindness and patience through all of the shame I carried for so long.

The amount of love Jesus has for you and for me is purely indescribable. His lovingkindness is full of tenderness and compassion. 

It is not conditional and He will not throw you away when you need Him most. In fact, He wants your neediness. He wants your emptiness. He wants your fears. He wants ALL of you, so that you may know ALL about who He is. 

"Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?” (Romans 9:21)

I love Him for that lovingkindness. I love Him for the peace He gives. I love Him for His loyalty. I love Him for the joy He has given me.

He will give those things to you as well. All you need to do is let Him have that needful, empty heart of yours. Don't try to fight alone when you don't have to. 

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

"The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee." (Jeremiah 31:3)

His Abundant Love (Thankfulness Series Part 4)

 Decided to have a double blog post day as the Lord laid another message on my heart. I don't think I've stopped eating leftovers this whole live long day! (I could sit and eat a whole dish of my mom's broccoli casserole having no shame at all😋)

I have kept the topic of thankfulness on my heart and mind for most of the day. Another thing that we can and should be THANKFUL for is the plentiful love of Jesus and even those leftover bits of love that He extends to us when we least expect it.

Our hearts can be full and yet have the ability to experience more of who He is. We can indulge in His love without ever over indulging, and without shame. 

Give thanks for His abundant love. 

Be unashamed to proclaim the name of Jesus.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16 KJV)

Walking In The Safe Way (Thankfulness Series Part 3)

 Let's use these last few days of November to remember who He is, living consistently with hearts of thankfulness for His faithful promise of everlasting life. 

If you have accepted Christ as your personal Savior, it is important to also remember who YOU are because of the power of His redeeming grace. 

 The birthstone of November is topaz. One of the qualities represented by this jewel is nobility. 

Nobility refers to possessing a title of honor, or receiving a hereditary title.

The world is filled with stumbling blocks that work to discourage our hearts and darken the light which leads to a sense of worthlessness and a perceived loss of identity. 

"Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth." (Ephesians 4:28)

The greatest weapon formed against us are the stumbling blocks that are so often thrown our way.

Don't allow stumbling blocks to inhabit your life, so that you don't become a stumbling block in someone else's path. May our hearts always be THANKFUL for His saving grace, and may we remember our identity in Christ. 

"Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way." (Romans 14:13)

We are not worthy of anything, but He is worthy of so much praise!

If you have never accepted Christ as your Savior, there is hope in the midst of darkness. Don't let those stumbling blocks steal a chance for you to posess a new identity in Christ. You are infinitely precious in His sight. Let Him lead the way.

"Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, & thy foot shall not stumble.” (Proverbs 3:23)

The Provider of Peace (Thanksgiving 2021)

 There's so much for our hearts to be thankful for this year, but I know the one thing that's on my heart the most is a deep sense of peace. It is important to have a heart of thankfulness for time spent with family & all of the little ways that God has shown His goodness in your life. Even in those moments where the storms of life seem to be raging. Let Him provide you with peace in a world filled with chaos. 

In everything give thanks. It can be difficult to do in times such as this, but it is important to lean on Him in order to find sustainable peace.

 

I promise you, that if you take a moment to remember the smallest blessings, doing so can and will change your perspective.

And for those who are fighting illness or have lost loved ones: just know that Jesus loves you & that He desires for you to get to know Him if you don't already. He desires for you to lean on Him through everything. He is our greatest source of refuge in this world of darkness. He is our only hope in the midst of a hopeless generation.

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV)

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27 KJV)

A Heart of Thankfulness (Thanksgiving 2021)

 

    Thanksgiving is one of my most favorite holidays. The fun of the moment is having the ability to stuff your face with as much food as you can without a care in the world. ( I love my mom's homemade turkey gravy and pour it over almost everything on my multi-sectioned plate.) 

    All laughs placed aside, this year has been devastating for a lot of families. The world has weathered countless storms as a whole; our surroundings are delving deeper into places of evil unrest and division as the days continue. 

We are instructed and encouraged to be grateful for each passing moment and to live with an appreciative spirit for every bit of goodness that God gives us; those small acts of provision that we so often take for granted. 

We live in such a world of entitlement.  Learn to live patiently in the moment and be grateful for time spent with family. Leave the world outside for one day, taking the time to savor His precious blessings. 

Always remember to keep a heart of thankfulness. 

"I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works." (Psalm 9:1 KJV)