Tag: faithlife

Summer Graces

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To every thing there is a season… Eccles. 3:1 KJV


If you’re like me and not much of a cold weather person, the excitement for January’s start can quickly fade once the heart and harshness of winter settle in around us. Though I love hot chocolate, a good bowl of chili, and being wrapped in my favorite blanket in my favorite spot on the couch, I have to be honest: summer can’t arrive soon enough! My bones yearn for sunshine and the graces of a new season – hurry, please!

Well, winter’s grey has left us, and spring has birthed a new set of days with promises for life to abound. Summer is here!

I do enjoy summer’s opportunity for spontaneity, but like you, I do make some semblance of a plan so as to get the most out of the season’s days (because winter WILL return, right?). Here’s my list of what I’m looking forward to!

Thankful just to be able to start again, to welcome the new!

My “shetreat.” No, husband, you ain’t going, sisters, friends, nobody! Just me and God. I’m headed to beautiful Charleston SC this year, and can’t wait to partake of my favorites.

Outside of Charleston, I don’t have plans for a lot of other travel, but an extra beach trip is always in order. I can sit and look at the ocean all day…

What’s summer without a book or two? Hope to dig into Fervent by Priscilla Shirer, Grace from Max Lucado, and maybe something fun and totally random. Any suggestions?

I’m glad to be able to give and help someone else along. Looking forward to volunteering this summer at a local charity that’s doing great work for those in need in the Triangle NC area.

Time spent with family and friends is made extra special when you can cut up and just have some good ol’ fun. My family and I know how to do this quite well. Join us, won’t you?

Well, your turn! Tell me what’s on your summer’s horizon. Whatever you set out to do, be safe and enjoy!

Faith of a Woman

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For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. (Mark 5:28 KJV)


It is the belief that God is there, with her always. It is what keeps a smile on her face when times are hard. It’s the joy in her spirit when the world says she should worry. It is seeing it happen when no one else can or will. It is the size of a mustard seed, because that’s all it takes.

It is the faith of a woman – strong, hard, daring. Perfectly centered on her perfect God. Believing, seeing, knowing. How is faith achieved? How does one have faith? Have you ever met one of those women of God and witnessed the faith she has?

I believe faith is a gift. It is given of the same God to which it is aimed. He bestows it in a willing vessel for His glory and for others to behold. If received and used by the vessel, it is a powerful force, capable of moving mountains, opening and closing doors, making ways out of no ways.

The woman in Mark 5:28 had faith. She had no other choice. She was at the end of her rope; Jesus was her only option. Had been all along. Her faith brings her to Him. Or, to hem.

If I could only touch Him, she said. That will do it. That’s all I need. Just one touch. Her faith moved through Jesus so powerfully that He felt virtue leave Him. Where did it go? He had to know. He turned and saw a poor face. That’s where it went – to her.

I want to be that kind of woman, with that kind of faith. The faith that causes Jesus to stop in His tracks and look for me, to look at me, through me. To see it all. I want His love to heal me, save me, cover me, fill me. What a blessed way to live.

Nothing’s more beautiful than a woman with faith in her God – arms stretched out to hem, her first love.

Repost: New Day, May 2015

How have YOU demonstrated faith in God?

 

Grateful Friday

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“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” 1 Chronicles‬ ‭16:34‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This month I’m giving thanks for:

Blessings. Sometimes when you’re not looking, God will send a blessing that leaves you in complete awe. I’m so thankful for certain abundance He sent my way which I never saw coming. Then my husband surprised me with the DVD set of The Book of Negroes which became one of my favorite TV movies when it ran earlier this year. Yep, even thankful for that – and him.

She Speaks 2015. I mentioned this conference, hosted by Proverbs 31 Ministries, in earlier posts, and now I can say it was ABSOLUTELY AWESOME. The people, the Word, the worship, and the learning – it all left me changed, charged, and ready to embark on this ministry path. I’ll be highlighting my experience all September here on New Day, so be sure to come back and read all about it!

At She Speaks with Lysa TerKeurst of Proverbs 31 Ministries
At She Speaks with Lysa TerKeurst of Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Life. I know that’s a bit general and can cover the two points above and EVERYTHING else, but news of a family member’s illness, or hearing about the sudden passing of a hometown friend will make you stop and think… I am so blessed and I am so thankful for each and every day. It grieves my heart to see people taking life for granted, living recklessly and without heed to wisdom. Friends, only GOD knows the end of our days. You can’t waste time by engaging in foolish behavior. All we have is now. Be thankful, live with purpose, show compassion to others. When you wake up each morning, consider who you want to be rather than what you need to do. How will your worship form today? Will you be in prayer, or will you be in judgement of everyone? Make each NOW count.

Lastly, I’m thankful for you. I appreciate the support of this space and all your helpful feedback. Pressing forward to new things!

What’s on your grateful list?