The Beauty of Fall

Fall is a wonderful season. The leaves change colors, the air gets a little cooler some days, and people enjoy all the fall activities with their families. It's one of my favorite times of the year to be outside enjoying the beauty of nature: the leaves crunching underfoot, pumpkins on porches and the cool breeze making everything sway to the rhythm of autumn. Take time out this week to pay attention to the beauty of fall that God has created. Enjoy His presence through nature and thank Him for these blessings.

The heavens declare the glory of God;the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1

Journey on! 

Hope Does Not Disappoint

When you hope for something that never seems to come to fruition, it can be very discouraging. But if we can allow that longing in our hearts to draw us closer to God, we can find peace. Just because something isn't going the way we would like doesn't mean we can't still have hope in the Lord. God is with us, wrapping his arms around us, and He has a plan greater than ours. He wants the best for our lives, and sometimes that isn't the easiest way. Usually,  it requires stepping out of our comfort zone, waiting, and trusting in Him. Hold onto hope in the midst of whatever you are facing this week, knowing that God's love is poured out for you.

"Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:5

Journey on! 

Put on Your Armor

Do you ever face doubts in your life? I know I do. Sometimes we might think we aren't good enough, or not strong enough. Other times we convince ourselves that our sin is not really all that bad. Perhaps we even doubt that God is real. It is Satan's intention to confuse and cause doubt in our hearts. How do we protect ourselves against it? The Bible tells us we must put on the full armor of God and be prepared for those spiritual battles. But what does that mean? Ephesians 6:10-18 tells us that we do this by being rooted in truth, righteousness, faith and our salvation in Him. We daily make the decision to focus on God. We fight our battles through prayer. We seek out truth and wisdom by immersing ourselves in scripture. Most importantly, it says that we stay alert to what is going on in our spiritual lives. Are we taking time out of our day to do a heart check? These are all ways we can succeed in battling our doubts and fears. When we turn to God, wearing our spiritual armor daily, we can face whatever comes our way.  

"Thereforeputon the fullarmorof God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to standyourground, and after you have done everything, to stand."Ephesians 6:13

Journey on!

Keep Pushing Forward

Do you ever have those days when the things you need to accomplish seem insurmountable? Sometimes I have whole weeks like that! When you are facing what feels like an uphill battle in your life, remember that God gives you strength. Hold on to His ability to overcome anything you could possibly face. Trust that even though the moment might seem tough, if you keep persevering, there will be a reward at the end of your hard work. Don't give up, keep pushing forward, and rely on God when you feel weak. You can do this!

"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”  Chronicles 15:7

Journey on! 

Live a Life of Praise

David was such a great example to us of how to praise God with our whole hearts. The following Psalm reminds us that we need to focus our hearts on praising God, giving thanks, having a good attitude, and remebering ALL the things God has done for us...that we are HIS children. Meditate on this passage this week, and let it transform how you begin each day.

"Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
Know that the Lord, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!" Psalm 100:1-4

Journey on! 

Contentment Brings Peace

Social media is a powerful and incredible resource: we can stay connected with friends and family far away, connect with other who share the same interests, and get inspired for projects and goals. But at the same time, if we aren't careful, it can lure us into a state of comparision. We see people who have better homes, more fashionable clothes and hair, nicer cars, and elaborate vacations every other month. It can leave us feeling like our lives are not enough. We can start living with envy or feeling depressed. Studies show that the more time you spend on social media, the less content you become. As you enjoy the benefits of being on social media this week, take time to also disconnect. Make a conscious effort to meditate on a the blessings you have in your lives. Being thankful and content can bring a lot of peace.

"A heart at peace gives life to the body,
    but envy rots the bones." Prov. 14:30

Journey on! 

You Matter

You Matter

Sometimes we don't realize the value of our lives in the grand scheme of things. We might not feel like our lives really matter, or that we aren't great at anything. If you feel this way, remember that God created you, formed you specifically as you are, to be a part of His beautiful story. You matter so much to God! Yes, we are all human and imperfect, but we were also created in His image and He has an incredible plan for us. Be in prayer this week that God will reveal to you all the amazing ways He wants to use you to shine His light. Thank Him for creating you and loving you, and take time to appreciate who He made you to be.

"Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." 1 Corinthians 12:27

Journey on! 

He Cares in the Details

As you go through this week, don't get too distracted to remember that you are so incredibly loved by God! As you are filing paperwork, smile at the thought that He is looking down at you, proud. As you pray with your family, feel His loving arms around you. When you run into conflict, be aware of His hand holding yours through it all. When you celebrate a victory, praise Him for being your strength and allowing this to happen. When we learn to tune in to God's prescence in every detail of our lives, it is such an encouragement and a blessing. It gives us patience, hope, and joy, and keeps us intimately connected with our Father. Take time to notice God's love even in the smallest details this week.

He determines the number of the stars
    and calls them each by name. Psalm 147:4

Journey on!

Take a Break

It's summer and everyone I know is planning or returning from vacations! Vacations are a fantastic way to get some rest, but often when we aren't going anywhere, we find it hard to relax and take a break. We want to keep at our to do lists and feel guilty if we "waste" a day relaxing. While we wouldn't be productive people if we did nothing everyday, we need to also appreciate the importance of slowing down. Even our mighty God took a day of rest when he was creating the world- not because He needed it, but because it shows us the great value in taking time to stop and reflect, renew and recharge. 

The bible says, 

"Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind."

(Ecclesiastes 4:6)

Do you need to make space for quiet relaxation this week? The funny thing is, if we take time to rest, we will be able to face all the tasks of the week with more energy and well-being. It really is important, even though we can feel like we are wasting time. Try to do one really relaxing thing this week, and see what a difference it can make. 

Journey on!

Spiritual Refreshment

If you live in the south, you already know it is hot outside! July and August bring some of our most sweltering temperatures down here in the Bayou. It's critical that especially during the summer, we stay hydrated. We need to drink 8-10 glasses of water a day, and that number goes up in the heat. We can't just stop drinking water and expect to go on doing fine. Water is essential. Maybe that's why Jesus compared himself to water when he told the Samaritan woman at the well,

"Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."  (John 4:13-14). 

Just like our bodies need constant refreshment with physical water, our spirits need to stay connected to the Living Water. Are you spiritually dehydrated today? Spend time in the fountain of His word. Worship Him with songs. Pray and invite Him to flood your soul with His goodness. You will be refreshed and rejuvenated as you tackle your week. 

Journey on!

God Bless America

"In God We Trust." - the official motto of the United States of America

As Americans, it's easy for us to see all the things in our country we wish we could change. We don't always agree on what is right for our people. We see corruption and problems that aren't getting solved. But our country allows us freedoms that many other countries do not enjoy. Our troops put their lives on the line to protect us and allow us to have these freedoms. God has given us so many blessings in America. If you remember in bible times, not all who were in positions of leadership made godly choices. But God is powerful, and God knows the plans He has for our lives. He can work in our country even when we think things are not going well. We have to remember that it is in GOD we trust. We can pray for our leaders, pray for the difficult decisions they have to make, pray for our lawmakers, pray for the judges who have to hear cases that affect us. We can stand up for what we believe in and make a difference, yet still love others and treat them with respect. This fourth of July week, remember to thank God for the amazing things He has done for us here in America, and pray for God to show you ways to shine His light both in our country and all over the world.

Remember His marvelous works which He has done. –Psalm 105:5

Journey on!

Christ in You

"You're an overcomer, you stay in the fight til the final round. You're not going under! 'Cause God is holding you right now..." Overcomer by Mandisa

This world is full of difficult situations that we consider unjust. We may deal with an unfair boss, someone might cheat us, or our plans don't go the way we hoped. What do you do when faced with disappointment and persecution? 

As Christians, we know that Christ is our strength. He lives in us, and we can trust in Him to get us through our toughest problems. That doesn't mean solutions happen overnight, although they absolutely can. But more often, Christ displays His strength in the waiting. When we are waiting for resolution, we can turn to Him and know that in all things, He has already overcome. Speak that victory out loud and declare that He already knows how it will all work out, and you are believing in Him to stand up for you and work in you. What do you need Christ to give you strength in right now? 

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.1 John 4:4

Journey on!

Waiting to Hear from God

What do we do when we can't hear God? We pray and ask God for an answer, and He seems to be silent. All we want is to know He's there and know His will. In those moments, remember that faith is believing even when you can't see. God has made a promise to you that He will never leave you, nor forsake you (Heb 13:5). Take time to be still, pray, listen, and wait. Sometimes our problem is that we don't want to wait for the answer. I struggle with impatience, and find myself wondering why God isn't answering me by my timeline. But God has a perfect plan, with perfect timing, and it's up to me to trust in Him even in the waiting. What are you praying for today? Seek Him with all your heart and don't give up hope in this season of waiting.

 “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” Psalm 27:14

Journey on!

New in Him

We all sin, and when we feel like we've really messed up, it can be hard to believe that God will really forgive us again and again. But the Bible tells us that Christ died for all our sins, and we are forgiven through Him! Don't let your bad moment define your relationship with God. He loves you and His mercies are new every morning. It's a new day, a new chance to walk with Him. If you simply come to Him, He will welcome you with open arms, day after day. You are a new creation in Him, and as you strive to walk in love and serve Him, He will continue to bless you abundantly. 

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

Journey on!