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31 Days, Articles, Christian Living, Devotionals, Friendship

Day 10 – God is Faithful

One week ago today, my dear friend Erin got married. It was such a joyous day and I was so thankful to be a part of it as a bridesmaid. That day was such an answer to many prayers prayed over the years and evidence of God’s faithfulness in both her and Jeremy’s lives. Even in crazy hurricane weather, with power that did not come on until thirty minutes before the ceremony, all ended up being well and everything was beautiful. It was such a great time of seeing and catching up with old friends.

Weddings are also a reminder for me of God’s faithfulness and the great love He has for His children. We are His bride, His beloved, and He pursues us daily. He is always standing at the end of the aisle with a smile and embrace ready for us to come to Him and commit. He treasures us and fulfills our greatest desires with Himself. He is truly the greatest lover of all time and any other love is second to His.

God is my rock and even in the midst of this season of trial, God has shown up and reminded me that He is faithful in ALL things, even in the hard. He is the faithful leader in my life and has great plans for me even when I do not understand. He rejoices in me and wants me to rejoice in Him. Isaiah 62:5 states, “As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.” As I have spent time in the Word today that is exactly what God has been reminding me of. On the days where I feel tired, overwhelmed, or lonely, He reminds me that He is all I need and He loves me with an unfailing love! When I think of God in this light it is hard to be discouraged because His faithfulness and love are so evident. Take a moment and dwell on God’s faithfulness in your life today and thank Him for all the ways He has been there for you.

To read more posts from this series visit here.

31 Days, Articles, Christian Living, Devotionals, Disability

Day 7 – Remember Calvary

Happy Wednesday, friends. Thanks for staying with me on this 31 Day writing journey. Over the past few days I have had some sleepless nights, but each day God is showing me His grace in new ways.

One of my favorite missionaries is Amy Carmichael. Amy was a missionary in India for many years, but later in life dealt with physical illnesses and suffering that left her homebound. During that time she wrote about things that the Lord was teaching her. Last night I read this quote from her that helped put things in perspective for me. She states,

”Above all there is this, look at Calvary. Look steadfastly. Take time to look and all within you will be hushed. For power streams forth from Calvary. We never need to know defeat.”

Wow! When I read that it reminded me of what Jesus did for me on the cross and that I am not alone in my suffering. There is nothing that I am experiencing that Jesus can’t relate to, and He is always by my side offering His comfort and strength. I do not know what you are facing today but whether it is good or bad take time to dwell on Calvary and take comfort in the healing presence of Jesus. As Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). Praise God for that, and for the gift of Jesus, for with Him we can make it through anything that comes our way.

To read my other posts in this series visit here.

31 Days, Articles, Christian Living, Devotionals, Disability

Day 6 – Joy

Philippians 4:4 states, “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice.” Note, that this verse does not tell us to only be joyful in the good times but to be joyful always no matter what comes our way. All of us have been through seasons where certain struggles tempt us to be less joyful than others. In my own life recently I have had some health problems, and some days I do not feel like having joy in the midst of them. Other examples could be struggling to find joy in your singleness, the mundane of your job, your marriage, etc. As I have said in previous posts, some days are just plain crappy. Thankfully though, we have the word of God that leads, guides, and helps us to find the joy of Christ each and every day in these and any other situations we may face.

An excellent example in Scripture of a person who displayed joy in good times and in difficult ones was Paul. Paul experienced many hardships and sufferings while following Christ, and Scripture tells us that he dealt with a “thorn in the flesh,” but through it all he remained joyful. Paul tells the secret to this joy and contentment in a letter he wrote to the church of Philippi. Philippians 4:11-13 states, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content in whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether fed or hungry, whether in plenty or in want. I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” With Christ, we can endure anything because of His strength that promises to sustain us through whatever comes.

No matter what is going on in and around you, you can still have joy even in the worst of times. That is when Christ can shine the most. It is easy to get caught up in what we want, and be selfish. It is also easy to think that a joyful life is defined by a series of good moments and fulfilled desires.

However, life is really defined by the work Jesus Christ is doing in you, and how He allows the “not so good moments” to mature you.

I want to encourage you today to not let your circumstances steal your joy. Be thankful for what God has given you. Spend time reading His word daily and ask him to give you His never-ending joy, and follow His command to rejoice always! If you do this, the weight of your worries will lessen, and life will suddenly seem brighter. Be encouraged that in his presence their is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11), and remember that God works out ALL things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). I am praying for you today as you put into practice this fruit of the spirit and embrace the joy Christ has for you. I ask that you pray the same for me.

Christian Living, Disability

Hello, September

Okay so yesterday September 1, 2015. Where is the time going? This year is flying by and I am sad to say that summer is leaving. I will miss the pool time so I am soaking up every bit of time out by the pool that I can get. However, I know that there are some good things ahead for the fall such as FOOTBALL. I am just a little excited! Go Gamecocks! Go Patriots! I will try to keep my football posts to a minimum but I can’t promise..haha!

Seriously though, as I look ahead to the next couple of months, I am not sure what God has planned but I am trying to remember that He does indeed have a plan. This past weekend I saw the movie, “War Room.” If you have not seen it yet I highly recommend that you go to the theaters and watch it. It is a wonderful Christian film with a heavy focus on prayer, and was a much needed reminder for me of the power prayer has in our lives. As I have mentioned in recent posts, I have been concerned with health issues and what my future looks like health-wise and in general. So much change has occurred in the past six months but as I have been worrying the Lord has made me remember what Philippians 4:6-7 states, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Instead of spending time worrying about what’s next I need to spend that time praying and being thankful for what God has already done in my life. Scripture has a way of putting things into perspective and offering the comfort and peace that comes from no one else other than Jesus. For that, I am so thankful.

Spend time in prayer with the Lord today and give over whatever worries you have to Him. Have a great Wednesday!

Articles, Christian Living, Family

It’s Simply Tuesday

For most, Tuesday is just another day of the week. Boring. Uneventful. But it is yet another day to be grateful. This morning I go into the hospital for a very small procedure which is not very fun. However, in the midst of the mundane and hard there is joy to be found, and things continually to be grateful for.

This past weekend my family and I spent the day on Lake Norman. We went on a lunch cruise around the lake and then met up with some friends who have a place there and spent the afternoon with them. It was such a wonderful family day and brought much joy to my heart. Also, being out and about again gave me glimmers of hope that my body is indeed continuing to heal. I praise the Lord for that. Sometimes its the simplest things that bring the most joy. I am so thankful for the family God has blessed me with and the time God has allowed us to spend together, and that they walk with me through the good and the bad. On this Tuesday, what are the joys of your day? Trust me, they are there, so take time to look for the joys God has given you today and be thankful.

Articles, Christian Living, Disability

Health Update

2015 has been quite the journey for me thus far. I turned 30 this year and I joked with someone the other day that I want a 30 do-over and that I hope 31 is kinder to my health. Although, since my last surgery in February, I have made some wonderful progress, and over the last couple of weeks I have started getting out and doing more activities. I even made it to church and that was a huge blessing because I have not been physically able to go in so long. I realize these things are not major for most people, but for me they are. That being said, I have definitely been feeling hopeful about the days to come. However, since this last surgery, I have been having problems with my bladder. I have had bladder issues for years and have had multiple surgeries for it. Over the last few years things have been under control — until now. To make a really long story short, I have bladder problems from Cerebral Palsy, and had bladder surgery when I was in 7th grade where the surgeon completely rebuilt my bladder. But in recent tests we have found that my bladder has majorly shrunk in size which is the reason for the issues I am having. Unfortunately, we believe my colon surgery as well as treatments and extended time in the hospital are probably the causes of this. At this point the treatment for my situation consists of two things: Botox in my bladder and eventually another major bladder surgery where my bladder will be removed. Depending on how the Botox works this surgery could occur one or three years from now. As you can imagine, this was not the news I was hoping to hear and in the moment I asked God, “What are you doing? I don’t even begin to understand this. Can my body undergo yet another major surgery and be okay? What about my hopes, dreams, and when can I get back to life as normal? ”

But after much prayer, God reminded me not to worry about tomorrow and focus only on things of today as He commands in Matthew 6:34. He has given me so much to be thankful for. He is continually restoring and giving me life. Yes, I may have major bladder surgery in my future, and it may come sooner than I would like, but if and when that occurs God will be with me like He always has. I am not being obedient to God and His Word by worrying about the what-ifs and creating scenarios of what might happen in my mind. That is me giving into my fears instead of turning them over to Christ. Why is it that we make things harder on ourselves than they have to be instead of letting the peace of Christ rule in our hearts? I want to encourage you today that no matter what your worries, fears, or circumstances are Christ is strong enough to take care of them all. Give them over to Him, and let His strength carry you.

I believe greatly in the power of prayer and I know prayer is one of the main reasons I am here today. Tomorrow morning (Tuesday) I have to go into the hospital for a small procedure to have botox put in my bladder. Please pray that all goes well with that, and most importantly pray that the botox works. If it works well then it could be 2-3 years before the major surgery so please pray this brings some much needed relief. Also, pray for healing of my bladder to where surgery could not be needed down the road. I would love to pray for you as well so please let me know how I can be lifting you up. Thanks for your continued prayers and encouragement. I hope your Monday is going well.

Photo taken by my friend Sara Rettig.

Articles, Books, Christian Living

Good reads

Hey friends. I know it is a little late to establish a reading list for the summer since the summer is over halfway complete, but up until this point in my recovery I have not felt like reading. If you know me at all, then you know that I absolutely love books. That being said, I have created a Summer/Fall list of books that I would like to read. Below is the list. It is a lot of books but maybe by Christmas I will have them read. Maybe. Ha. It is a good goal, anyways! What are you currently reading? If you have any recommendations to add please share them in the comments section. 🙂

1. Candle in the Darkness by Lynn Austin – This is the first book in “The Refiners Fire” series and so far it is a wonderful story. Also, it is free for download on Kindle/Nook/Ibook Apps.

2. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah – This has been on the bestsellers list for a while now, and my mom loves it so if my mom recommends it, I should read it.

3. Chloe by Lyn Cote – I have literally owned this book for a couple of years now. It’s the first in a series of for books. I am looking forward to reading it. The whole series comes highly reviewed.

4. The Set Apart Woman by Leslie Ludy – I love everything written by Leslie, and her husband Eric, and I am sure this will be no exception. Leslie’s books are always super encouraging and convicting and I always walk away from her writings with a deeper desire to dig in God’s Word.

5. Longing for Paris by Sarah Mae – I’ve recently discovered Sarah Mae’s writing and just received this book yesterday. The cover of this book alone makes me want to start reading, although I know we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover..ha! I have read the first few pages and it is fabulous so far. Sarah Mae speaks directly to the heart of women and has such a beautiful way of communicating. I recommend this for all women, especially my mom friends out there.

6. Leota’s Garden by Francine Rivers – I have almost read all of Francine’s books except for this one. All of her work has been so amazing and I don’t think this book will disappoint. If you haven’t done so already, read “Redeeming Love” and ” The Atonement Child.”

7. The Mingling of Souls by Matt and Lauren Chandler – Matt is one of my favorite pastors and writers and I look forward to reading more of his and Lauren’s wisdom regarding marriage and relationships.

8. One More Wish – Christy & Todd: The Married Years by Robin Jones Gunn – The Christy Miller Series will always be my most favorite. I grew up with these books and have loved this new series based on my favorite characters. I’ve pre-ordered this upcoming book look forward to receiving it and catching up with my “Forever Friends.”

7. At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon – I am from a family of readers, and I think that all the ladies in my family have read this entire series, but me. I know, I know. I am a bit behind, but I plan to remedy that real soon.

8. The Heavenly Man by Brother Yun – I have heard Brother Yun’s powerful story many times but I have never read the book. I am looking forward to reading this intense book on the power of Jesus Christ in one man’s life.

9. Nobody’s Cuter Than You by Melanie Shankle – I have been a longtime reader of Melanie’s blog, “Big Mama,” and I love the humorous ways she tells a story. I’ve already started this book and it does not disappoint. This is a book you should read with your best girlfriend so go pick up a copy for you and your BFF and start reading.

10. Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline – A few months ago I asked my dear friend Sara what was one book I needed to read and she immediately said “Orphan Train.” Sara, is a book lover like myself and has a great blog reviewing some of her favorite books. Check it out here.

11. Devil At My Heels by Louis Zamperini- I greatly respect this man and his bravery and I look forward to reading more of his story.

12. The Wisdom of Faith by Bobby Bowden – Bobby Bowden was one of my favorite football coaches and he is a great man of faith. I look forward to reading this nugget of wisdom.

13. Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee – I have been looking forward to reading this since I heard it was being released. I am sure it will be another classic!

14. What are Your Afraid Of? Facing Down Your Fears With Faith by Dr. David Jeremiah – The other day I was on my Kindle and meant to download the sample for this book, but accidentally purchased and downloaded the full book. I guess God wanted me to read it. 🙂

15. You and Me Forever: Marriage in Light of Eternity by Francis and Lisa Chan – I love the Chans and their deep devotion for the ministry of Jesus Christ. I know that this book is full of helpful advice for married as well as single people, and will bring you closer to Jesus. Also, 100% of the net proceeds from this book will support various ministries including those that help provide shelter and rehabilitation for thousands of children and exploited women around the world. 🙂

16. Lets All Be Brave by Annie F. Downs – I enjoy reading Annie’s blog posts and listening to her podcasts and look forward to reading about Annie’s journey of life and being brave.

17. All the Lights We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr– Everyone else is reading it so I decided to buy a copy to see what all the buzz was about.

Articles, Books, Christian Living, Friendship

Prayer, Future Husbands, and Singleness

I am 30 years old and have been praying for my future husband since I was 12. That is 18 years of praying for a man I have never met (or at least I don’t think we’ve met). Lately, I have wondered if I am called to a life of singleness, but the Lord commands us not to worry about the future, just focus on today. Leslie Lud y frequently tells the story of her sister-in-law Krissy who was single for many years before God sent her the man she is now married to. Before marriage when people would ask Krissy, “are you called to a life of singleness?” Her response was always, “Today I am.” I love that perspective, and it is now my response as well. Since I am single today then I am called by God to be single in this season unless He decides to send me a husband. One fact that I have learned over the years is that Jesus Christ is always enough and is my ultimate fulfillment. Sure, there are days that are really hard as a single person, and the struggle is very real, but that is when Jesus meets me in my need and gives me grace upon grace. Because of His grace, I have the strength I need to most importantly live for Jesus, and to honor my future husband (If God wills that I should be married one day).

Proverbs 31:12 states that a wife of noble character is to bring her husband “good not harm all the days of her life.” This verse does not only apply to women who have already met their spouses, but to single women as well. We should be living all of our life in a way that ultimately glorifies the Lord, and also in a way that would be faithful to a future husband. One way to live this out is by praying for your future husband even before you meet him. Even if one never marries, your prayers will not ever be wasted.

Several years ago I was reminded of the power of prayer in this area after hearing a friend’s testimony. She shared that one night she woke up at 3am and felt the Lord telling her to pray for her future husband. She spent the remainder of the night in prayer because she knew he was in trouble. She continued to pray for him daily after that. A year later, when she was getting to know the man who is now her husband, he told her that he was involved in a car accident that almost took his life. As he told her the details of how it happened, it was exactly the date and time that the Lord woke her up to pray. When I heard this story I was reminded that God values and honors our prayers for a husband even when we cannot see what He is doing.

One of my favorite books on this topic is titled “Praying For Your Future Husband,” by Robin Jones Gunn and Tricia Goyer. In this, the authors share Biblical encouragement and wisdom on how to pray for your husband and prepare your heart for his. It also gives ways to pray for your sisters in Christ. I would like to share some of these, and I encourage you to spend some time this week in prayer for your future husband as well as your fellow sisters as we are trying to be the women God has called us to be.

Pray for his Heart – Pray that your future husband will give his heart to Jesus Christ. Pray that he will trust the Lord each day to get him through whatever life may bring, and for his thoughts and actions to reflect the love of Christ. Pray these things also for yourself and your friends.

Pray for Strength – Pray that your future husband will have inner-spiritual strength and that the Lord will give him strength to fight temptations and difficulties. Pray that the Lord will mold him into the leader he needs to be. Also, pray the same things for yourself and your friends. Pray that God will give you strength in areas where you are weakest and allow His strength to make you strong.

Pray for Loyalty and Faithfulness – Pray that your future husband will be faithful to the Lord in every area of his life. Pray also that he is loyal to the friendships that God has already given him, and pray that he is already faithful to you. Pray these things for yourself and your friends.

Pray for Protection – Pray that your future husband will be protected from the evil one. Pray that he puts on the armor of God each day and for the Lord to help him fight not only the outward sources that try to bring him down but also the sin nature inside. Also, pray the same protection each day for yourself and your friends.

Pray for Contentment – Pray that your future husband will be content, and have patience as he waits for God to lead him to you. Pray that his heart will not be hardened during this time, but instead that he grow closer in his relationship with Christ. Pray that he spends his time focusing on serving Christ and others, and not dwelling on being single. Pray that Christ alone will always be enough. Pray for the same contentment for yourself and your friends.

To learn more and to purchase “Praying for Your Future Husband,” visit here.

Be encouraged today, and know that I am praying for you!

Articles, Books, Christian Living, Disability, Friendship, Music

Little Mercies

In my last post, I talked about feeling restless and God’s peace. Through His peace, God has been reminding me daily of things to be thankful for that I like to call “little mercies.” No matter how mundane or hard our lives may seem at the moment, because of Christ we always have something to be thankful for. This summer I have decided to start journaling more and be intentional about recording these little mercies each day. This exercise helps me keep perspective when things seem otherwise gloomy. I would like to share some of my “little mercies” from today, and challenge you to take a moment to consider and be thankful for the little mercies God is bringing your way.

– My sweet Savior Jesus Christ

– Awesome parents who I consider my best friends

– Dear friends who I can share life with and who love, listen, and pray for me when times get hard.

– Nurses who daily help make my daily life easier during this season

– Jon Guerra’s new album, “Little Songs.” I think this is my theme music for the summer now. Why did I wait so long to listen to his music?? So good! Favorite songs are “Nothing Better,” and “Wherever You Are.”

– Psalms – I have been reading through them lately and they are a balm to my soul. Psalm 91:4 has greatly encouraged me the last couple of days. It states, “He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.”

– “I Come Quietly To Meet You” Devotional by Amy Carmichael – Later in her life, Amy some serious health problems that left her homebound for years.

– Diet Sundrop – What can I say? I am addicted to this soda. I am definitely a Carolina girl and this is my summer treat.

– My pool – which is my favorite dwelling place for the summer especially over the last week or so during what feels to be the hottest time of the year. Also, it has been a great form of exercise for me as I have been recovering.

Okay , now it is your turn. What little mercies has God given you this week? Think and pray on that this weekend.

Articles, Christian Living, Devotionals

Purity of the Mind

Hey friends. This is an article that I wrote a while ago, and stumbled upon it recently. I thought it would be a good addition to what I wrote on Wednesday. Read and be encouraged!

Philippians 4: 8-9 states, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

One thing God has been challenging me with lately is purity of the mind. As Christians, we should daily check what we allow to go through our minds. I know for me it is not always the purest and most holy of thoughts. It is easy to allow our minds to be filled with worry, stress, anger, bitterness, jealousy, etc. At times one may wonder why we can’t get such thoughts from our minds, or why we can’t feel God’s presence. However, if we are feeding our minds with things of this world, that is why we are unhappy, discontent, fearful, or worried.

In the early years of my parent’s marriage, my dad worked the night shift. Because of that, mom was alone in the evenings and often felt afraid. However, one night in particular she was more fearful than normal. She prayed for the Lord take her fear away, and to remove the feeling of darkness that was around her. She had been watching a television show and immediately felt the Lord tell her “Sara, how can I take the Devil out, when you are putting him in by what you are watching?” From that point forward my mom was more selective regarding the things she watched, read, and listened to. I was reminded of this recently, and realized that I have let my guard down in this area more than I should have. Below are some questions that I ask myself regarding these areas and I thought I would share them with you.

Questions to ask ourselves:

1. Are the television shows and movies I am watching glorifying to the Lord? How do I feel once I’ve watched it? Does it make me have sinful thoughts or attitude?

2. Does the music I listen to glorify the Lord? Does it cause me to want to draw closer to Him or does it make me discontent?

3. Does the books and magazines I read glorify the Lord or do they bring negative thoughts to my mind?

4. Does the conversations I engage in glorify the Lord or myself? Does the words I use affirm others or tear them down?

Bible verses to ponder:

Romans 12:2: “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Proverbs 4:23: “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”

Ephesians 4:22-24: “To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

As you go throughout your week ask God to show you what habits you need to do away with or change. Focus on the verses above and commit them to memory as they will help focus your mind and heart on the right things. Praying for you all.