Recent Lessons I Learned

Lesson 1: Show Christ, don't just talk about Him

I learned recently, or rather was reminded, that it's great to talk about Him to others, but if others can't see Him in you then your talk is worthless. What's the point of talking about how wonderful God is and how much He's done for you, and what He's brought you through...if others can't tell by the joy in your step, the beauty of your smile, the stride in your walk, and the grace of your spirit...what's the point? Show who He is. Show that by the way you carry yourself, the way you deal with confrontation and the way you talk to people. Show Him by showing His love as you deal with others. Speak the truth in love and don't let emotions get the best of you. *Show Christ, be a reflection of Him.*

Lesson 2: Forgive and let go.

Sometimes the closest people to you are the ones that hurt you. If a stranger does something to us or says something about us we may get upset, but for the most part we blow it off and keep it moving. But when someone that we love does or says something to us that is hurtful, we hold tight to that pain. We can't keep it moving. Why? Because we're hurt. How can a person that is so close to me, so near and dear to my heart, my bff, my family, how can they say or do that to me? We let our emotions override our judgment and blinds us from our spiritual vision. This has happened to me and recently actually. My emotions, my hurt, my pain, my "I can't believe..." took over my "maybe I misunderstood, let's be real they wouldn't try to intentionally hurt me, let's talk this out" rational thinking. On top of that it took over my spiritual vision that says, "He forgives me and erases my wrongs, why shouldn't I forgive them? Why am I holding onto pain when we could be laughing right now?" My keep it moving mentality was on pause. I learned and was reminded that it doesn't matter the problem, person, or situation *Pray, talk, and keep it moving!* I'm SOOO thankful for that lesson and am still having to remind myself of it daily.

Lesson 3: Love looks like Him

I'm thankful for my first love! He is an awesome, amazing, loving, caring, providing, protecting, advice giving, patient, and geeee so much more, kind of man. He is not only my best friend, but also my father, mother, brother, sister, teacher, lawyer, banker, security guard, He's everything I need Him to be and more! I can talk to Him about any and everything. I can cry and He'll listen. He always leads me in the right direction. His advice is always that which is best. He never lies to me. He's always there for me. He treats me better than I could ever treat myself. He cares for me in such a way that all I can do is be thankful. He is my First Love. He will always be my First Love. No one and nothing can or will come in between me and my Heavenly Father, my First Love. My future husband has the qualities of my First Love. He is my second love and I'm thankful for him. I'm thankful that God sent me someone such as him. I'm thankful that He prepared him for me and that he came suddenly. He isn't anywhere near my First Love, but he's definitely in the same ballpark on the same league pitching for the same team! God knew what He was doing when He sent my second love.

You Get What You Get, And You Don't Throw A Fit

"You get what you get and you don't throw a fit." Kids learn this phrase at a young age. They may want the pink plate or the blue spoon, but they end up with green. Or they may think that someone else has more milk than them.

A student was complaining about something today in the Home Center and one of the other students told her, "You get what you get and you don't throw a fit."

That's the mentality that we as Christians must have. We may want certain things in life but God may give us something else. "...don't throw a fit." There may be a direction that we want to go, but God may step in and lead us another way. "...don't throw a fit." He may lead us to another career, another path, another person, another job, another state, etc. You may have one thing in mind, and He may have something completely different planned.

Deal with the hand that's dealt to you. "You get what you get..." Quit worrying about what you don't have or what you should have due to "good behavior." Remember it's not about us, it's all about who?? That's right Jesus! We serve a God that wants and has the best for us. If we just accept what He gives us graciously and with a joyful heart then the stress of wondering, worrying, planning, doubting, fearing, etc would cease.

So like the child who reminded her friend to stop complaining, we must remind each other the same thing. "You get what you get and you don't throw a fit!" Instead, throw a praise party!

He Reminds Me...

After a great workout today at the gym, I spent some quality time with God!!! He taught me so much in our conversation on the way home and then as I just sat and talked to Him in my car. I thank Him for continuing to work on me and for reminding me that He's not finished with me yet. He reminded me that He's in control and it's all in His timing. He reminded me that I am free...free from sin,free from the past,free from finances,free from worries,free from fears...when I don't just sit back and let Him be the driver that's when I get tangled up by seat belt.

I'm used to having things planned out. I'm used to knowing what's going to happen next, what to anticipate, what to look forward to, etc. At this stage in my life, I'm not quite sure. I have no concrete plans. I don't know what's going to happen next or when. So, it's a bit hard for me to handle that or even know how to handle it. But I know, according to Jeremiah 29:11, that He has a plan for me. And I know that He tells me in His word that He works for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). He just reminded me to let go and let God. Let God do what He does best. I may not get it or understand it, but I'm leaning on my banner verse, Proverbs 3:5-6 and I'm trusting Him and not my own understanding. Because Lord knows I don't get it! :)

So what is He trying to teach me right now?

Patience. He's telling me to wait on Him. But as I wait, He wants me to continue being obedient. He wants me to smile and not worry about the future.

Faith. He's reminding me to have faith in Him and not sway. He's reminding me that I'm attached to the vine! He wants me to not question what I don't understand and just trust Him. He's reminding me that He has my back and has the best instore for me. He wants me to quit looking around and just look at Him.

It's been a trying time recently. Being hurt by friends. Hurt by family. Not being treated the same way I treat others. Being lied to. And feeling a bit alone or left out. The good news is that I am pushing through and moving on. He is with me and that's all I need and it's what matters most. So as I keep it moving I will continue to do whatever He's called me to do. I'll keep on keeping on. :) And I'll remember His words to me as I continue to keep Him in my heart.

I DIDN'T DO IT!!!!

People, people, people we need to understand that we didn't do it!! Do what? EVERYTHING! God is ALWAYS in control! That job you got was by God's will! That house you have was given to you by God! The bills being paid is by God's grace! Your health...praise God! Your car...praise God! Your kids...praise God! Your sanity...praise God! Your happiness...praise God! You...praise God! That car accident you walked away from wasn't due to impressive driving...God had you! The college acceptance letter you received wasn't because of your good G.P.A....God wanted it for you!

There's so many things we take for granted. There's so many things we think WE did yet in all actuality He did! We must remember to praise Him for all things!! Even when things look bad, we must still praise Him. Because Romans 8:28 says 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. We must keep Him in our heart and remember that He has our best interest in mind. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Therefore, nothing bad can happen to us or in our lives without God having a bigger plan. Praise God for that!

He is always in control! We don't own anything! We shouldn't take credit for anything! It's like plagiarism or something...taking credit for something that is yours. Let's not plagiarize God! Lol! Let's give Him the credit He deserves! Because if it wasn't for Him...we wouldn't be.

It's ok to cry...

Tears can bring about change. They can pour out your heart to God. They can make you think. They can change your mind. They can change your attitude. They can raise your standards. They can teach you. They can bring you back to obedience. They can bring you back to His feet. They can make you worship Him. They can make you praise Him. They can ask for forgiveness. They can rejoice. Tears can bring peace to your mind and rest for your soul. They can encourage you to get up. They can encourage you to move forward. They can help you succeed and hinder your failure. They can bring humility. They can overcome sadness. They can allow the Holy Spirit to remind you that you are victorious. Tears allow you to rest in His arms so He can tell you it will be okay. Tears can show you there is another way. Sometimes it's hard when you don't understand, but Proverbs 3:5-6 says He will direct our paths. All we have to do is acknowledge and trust in Him and He will see that we always win. No matter the situation, no matter the obstacle, whether we're up or down, remember there's no need to frown. We are all His. It's okay to cry out to Him. Just remember that after the tears have fallen, after we've told Him all that we can...God still has the master plan.

Idk a poem/rap/just thoughts

I'm sitting in silence, listening for His voice. Not exactly knowing what He's going to say. I'm waiting patiently, still hearing nothing. So much going on in my head from throughout the day.

What is it God? What are you trying to say? I must hear from you today. Speak to me Lord. Do not remain silent. Your voice is so loud and at times so quiet.

Where would you like me to go? What would you like me to do? Have Your way Lord. It's all up to You. I can't run from You. I can't hide. You know it all Lord. You see me from the inside. I don't wanna do anything else Lord. I just wanna worship You. I want to be obedient to Your will every single day. There is absolutely no other choice, there's no other way. You are my all. There's none like You. No one else in the world could ever replace You. No one can do what You do.

I hear You Lord! What is it that You say? Be patient dear child, don't delay. Your time is coming. It's just not right now. In the mean time, turn that frown upside down. I've promised you greatness not mediocrity. You shall receive all that I've promised thee.

But first there's a big task at hand! I've hand picked you to go into the land. Now do this deed and tell all that you see, that the great I AM is coming back. Now's the time to choose. 'Will I acknowledge Him or will I turn my back on Him? Will I remain luke warm until the end?' Let them know there's not much time. Will you choose to be mine?

Here's what you do after they've chosen: Go and make disciples of those who chose Him. Teach them My ways and how to apply them to their lives. And then send them out to affect others lives.

Remind them that My ways are not their own, and the only way to walk it out is to make His light shown. The flesh is weak but, praise God, the Spirit is strong.

Once they've understood this they can't go wrong. Tell them to save others using Romans 10:9. For if they just trust and believe they will become mine. No stumble or missed step will separate us. Why? Because my grace is sufficient enough.

Wow!! Praise God!! Thank You Lord!! Thank You!!

Faith

2 Corinthians 5:7 says we live by faith not by sight. Although we can't see what's ahead of us or know what will happen next we must continue to have faith in God knowing He's got our back. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Therefore, we know the God we serve doesn't want to do us any harm so we must trust, obey, and follow Him. It's like when I first got "Tammy" my GPS. She would say, "turn right'" and I would be like she don't know what she's talking about and I'd turn left. Tammy would then recalculate and direct me from where I was to the destination I was trying to get to. After awhile I realized that no matter which wrong turn I made, Tammy somehow was still going to get me where I needed to go. I now have faith in her. That's like us and God. It takes time to build that relationship, but once it's built there's no reason why we shouldn't have faith in Him. And He, better than Tammy, will always steer us in the right direction. We just have to choose to listen, be obedient and follow directions, and have faith that He'll get us where we need to be.