Your Word is a lamp to my feet

Bad news... 

all I can say is... 

Oh Lord there has GOT

to be some joy in here somewhere!!!

 

I know, I know I should be-- or totally have permission to be down in the dumps here- but man, that is just WAY to easy!! As difficult as it may be-- Im gonna give thanks and praise God as much as I can.

Take Isaiah 25 for example... You can sing a song of praise to God...

  ¹ Lord, you are my God. 

       I honor you and praise you,
    because you have done amazing things.
       You have always done what you said you would do;
       you have done what you planned long ago.
 ² You have made the city a pile of rocks
       and have destroyed her walls.
    The city our enemies built with strong walls is gone;
       it will never be built again.
 ³ People from powerful nations will honor you;
       cruel people from strong cities will fear you.
 ⁴ You protect the poor;
       you protect the helpless when they are in danger.
    You are like a shelter from storms,
       like shade that protects them from the heat.
    The cruel people attack
       like a rainstorm beating against the wall,
 ⁵ like the heat in the desert.
    But you, God, stop their violent attack.
       As a cloud cools a hot day,
       you silence the songs of those who have no mercy.

Do you see how it is written "But you, God stop their violent attack." He is protecting me... he is protecting you.

Look at Psalm 142...

 ¹ I cry out to the Lord;
       I pray to the Lord for mercy.
 ² I pour out my problems to him;
       I tell him my troubles.
 ³ When I am afraid,
       you, Lord, know the way out. 
    In the path where I walk,
       a trap is hidden for me.
 ⁴ Look around me and see.
       No one cares about me.
    I have no place of safety;
       no one cares if I live.
 ⁵ Lord, I cry out to you.
       I say, "You are my protection.
       You are all I want in this life."
 ⁶ Listen to my cry,
       because I am helpless.
    Save me from those who are chasing me,
       because they are too strong for me.
 ⁷ Free me from my prison,
       and then I will praise your name.
    Then good people will surround me,
       because you have taken care of me.

David was crying out to God for protection-- God protected David. 

This is Psalm 119:107-

¹⁰⁷ I have suffered for a long time.
       Lord, give me life by your word. 

Have you ever read Psalm 119? It's LONG-- but I was starting to read it and it put such a sweet smile of my face... I just need to share it.

¹ Happy are those who live pure lives,
       who follow the Lord's teachings.
² Happy are those who keep his rules,
       who try to obey him with their whole heart.
³ They don't do what is wrong;
       they follow his ways.
⁴ Lord, you gave your orders
       to be obeyed completely.
⁵ I wish I were more loyal
       in obeying your demands.
⁶ Then I would not be ashamed
       when I study your commands.
⁷ When I learned that your laws are fair,
       I praised you with an honest heart.
⁸ I will obey your demands,
       so please don't ever leave me.
⁹ How can a young person live a pure life?
       By obeying your word.
¹⁰ With all my heart I try to obey you.
       Don't let me break your commands.
¹¹ I have taken your words to heart
       so I would not sin against you.
¹² Lord, you should be praised.
       Teach me your demands.
¹³ My lips will tell about
       all the laws you have spoken.
¹⁴ I enjoy living by your rules
       as people enjoy great riches.
¹⁵ I think about your orders
       and study your ways.
¹⁶ I enjoy obeying your demands,
       and I will not forget your word.
¹⁷ Do good to me, your servant, so I can live,
       so I can obey your word.
¹⁸ Open my eyes to see
       the miracles in your teachings.
¹⁹ I am a stranger on earth.
       Do not hide your commands from me.
²⁰ I wear myself out with desire
       for your laws all the time.
²¹ You scold proud people;
       those who ignore your commands are cursed.
²² Don't let me be insulted and hated
       because I keep your rules.
²³ Even if princes speak against me,
       I, your servant, will think about your demands.
²⁴ Your rules give me pleasure;
       they give me good advice.
²⁵ I am about to die.
       Give me life, as you have promised.
²⁶ I told you about my life, and you answered me.
       Teach me your demands.
²⁷ Help me understand your orders.
       Then I will think about your miracles.
²⁸ I am sad and tired.
       Make me strong again as you have promised.
²⁹ Don't let me be dishonest;
       have mercy on me by helping me obey your teachings.
³⁰ I have chosen the way of truth;
       I have obeyed your laws.
³¹ I hold on to your rules.
       Lord, do not let me be disgraced.
³² I will quickly obey your commands,
       because you have made me happy.
³³ Lord, teach me your demands,
       and I will keep them until the end.
³⁴ Help me understand, so I can keep your teachings,
       obeying them with all my heart.
³⁵ Lead me in the path of your commands,
       because that makes me happy.
³⁶ Make me want to keep your rules
       instead of wishing for riches.
³⁷ Keep me from looking at worthless things.
       Let me live by your word.
³⁸ Keep your promise to me, your servant,
       so you will be respected.
³⁹ Take away the shame I fear,
       because your laws are good.
⁴⁰ How I want to follow your orders.
       Give me life because of your goodness.
⁴¹ Lord, show me your love,
       and save me as you have promised.
⁴² I have an answer for people who insult me,
       because I trust what you say.
⁴³ Never keep me from speaking your truth,
       because I depend on your fair laws.
⁴⁴ I will obey your teachings
       forever and ever.
⁴⁵ So I will live in freedom,
       because I want to follow your orders.
⁴⁶ I will discuss your rules with kings
       and will not be ashamed.
⁴⁷ I enjoy obeying your commands,
       which I love.
⁴⁸ I praise your commands, which I love,
       and I think about your demands.
⁴⁹ Remember your promise to me, your servant;
       it gives me hope.
⁵⁰ When I suffer, this comforts me:
       Your promise gives me life. 
⁵¹ Proud people always make fun of me,
       but I do not reject your teachings.
⁵² I remember your laws from long ago,
       and they comfort me, Lord.
⁵³ I become angry with wicked people
       who do not keep your teachings.
⁵⁴ I sing about your demands
       wherever I live.
⁵⁵ Lord, I remember you at night,
       and I will obey your teachings.
⁵⁶ This is what I do:
       I follow your orders.
⁵⁷ Lord, you are my share in life;
       I have promised to obey your words.
⁵⁸ I prayed to you with all my heart.
       Have mercy on me as you have promised.
⁵⁹ I thought about my life,
       and I decided to follow your rules.
⁶⁰ I hurried and did not wait
       to obey your commands.
⁶¹ Wicked people have tied me up,
       but I have not forgotten your teachings.
⁶² In the middle of the night, I get up to thank you
       because your laws are right.
⁶³ I am a friend to everyone who fears you,
       to anyone who obeys your orders.
⁶⁴ Lord, your love fills the earth.
       Teach me your demands.
⁶⁵ You have done good things for your servant,
       as you have promised, Lord.
⁶⁶ Teach me wisdom and knowledge
       because I trust your commands.
⁶⁷ Before I suffered, I did wrong,
       but now I obey your word.
⁶⁸ You are good, and you do what is good. 
       Teach me your demands.
⁶⁹ Proud people have made up lies about me,
       but I will follow your orders with all my heart.
⁷⁰ Those people have no feelings,
       but I love your teachings.
⁷¹ It was good for me to suffer
       so I would learn your demands.
⁷² Your teachings are worth more to me
       than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.
⁷³ You made me and formed me with your hands.
       Give me understanding so I can learn your commands.
⁷⁴ Let those who respect you rejoice when they see me,
       because I put my hope in your word.
⁷⁵ Lord, I know that your laws are right
       and that it was right for you to punish me.
⁷⁶ Comfort me with your love,
       as you promised me, your servant.
⁷⁷ Have mercy on me so that I may live.
       I love your teachings.
⁷⁸ Make proud people ashamed because they lied about me.
       But I will think about your orders.
⁷⁹ Let those who respect you return to me,
       those who know your rules.
⁸⁰ Let me obey your demands perfectly
       so I will not be ashamed.
⁸¹ I am weak from waiting for you to save me,
       but I hope in your word.
⁸² My eyes are tired from looking for your promise.
       When will you comfort me?
⁸³ Even though I am like a wine bag going up in smoke,
       I do not forget your demands.
⁸⁴ How long will I live?
       When will you judge those who are hurting me?
⁸⁵ Proud people have dug pits to trap me.
       They have nothing to do with your teachings.
⁸⁶ All of your commands can be trusted.
       Liars are hurting me. Help me!
⁸⁷ They have almost put me in the grave,
       but I have not rejected your orders.
⁸⁸ Give me life by your love
       so I can obey your rules.
⁸⁹ Lord, your word is everlasting;
       it continues forever in heaven.
⁹⁰ Your loyalty will go on and on;
       you made the earth, and it still stands.
⁹¹ All things continue to this day because of your laws,
       because all things serve you.
⁹² If I had not loved your teachings,
       I would have died from my sufferings.
⁹³ I will never forget your orders,
       because you have given me life by them.
⁹⁴ I am yours. Save me.
       I want to obey your orders.
⁹⁵ Wicked people are waiting to destroy me,
       but I will think about your rules.
⁹⁶ Everything I see has its limits,
       but your commands have none.
⁹⁷ How I love your teachings!
       I think about them all day long.
⁹⁸ Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,
       because they are mine forever.
⁹⁹ I am wiser than all my teachers,
       because I think about your rules.
¹⁰⁰ I have more understanding than the elders,
       because I follow your orders.
¹⁰¹ I have avoided every evil way
       so I could obey your word.
¹⁰² I haven't walked away from your laws,
       because you yourself are my teacher.
¹⁰³ Your promises are sweet to me,
       sweeter than honey in my mouth!
¹⁰⁴ Your orders give me understanding,
       so I hate lying ways.
¹⁰⁵ Your word is like a lamp for my feet
       and a light for my path.
¹⁰⁶ I will do what I have promised
       and obey your fair laws.
¹⁰⁷ I have suffered for a long time.
       Lord, give me life by your word.
¹⁰⁸ Lord, accept my willing praise
       and teach me your laws.
¹⁰⁹ My life is always in danger,
       but I haven't forgotten your teachings.
¹¹⁰ Wicked people have set a trap for me,
       but I haven't strayed from your orders.
¹¹¹ I will follow your rules forever,
       because they make me happy.
¹¹² I will try to do what you demand
       forever, until the end.
¹¹³ I hate disloyal people,
       but I love your teachings.
¹¹⁴ You are my hiding place and my shield;
       I hope in your word.
¹¹⁵ Get away from me, you who do evil,
       so I can keep my God's commands.
¹¹⁶ Support me as you promised so I can live.
       Don't let me be embarrassed because of my hopes.
¹¹⁷ Help me, and I will be saved.
       I will always respect your demands.
¹¹⁸ You reject those who ignore your demands,
       because their lies mislead them.
¹¹⁹ You throw away the wicked of the world like trash.
       So I will love your rules.
¹²⁰ I shake in fear of you;
       I respect your laws.
¹²¹ I have done what is fair and right.
       Don't leave me to those who wrong me.
¹²² Promise that you will help me, your servant.
       Don't let proud people wrong me.
¹²³ My eyes are tired from looking for your salvation
       and for your good promise.
¹²⁴ Show your love to me, your servant,
       and teach me your demands.
¹²⁵ I am your servant. Give me wisdom
       so I can understand your rules.
¹²⁶ Lord, it is time for you to do something,
       because people have disobeyed your teachings.
¹²⁷ I love your commands
       more than the purest gold.
¹²⁸ I respect all your orders,
       so I hate lying ways.
¹²⁹ Your rules are wonderful.
       That is why I keep them.
¹³⁰ Learning your words gives wisdom
       and understanding for the foolish.
¹³¹ I am nearly out of breath.
       I really want to learn your commands.
¹³² Look at me and have mercy on me
       as you do for those who love you.
¹³³ Guide my steps as you promised;
       don't let any sin control me.
¹³⁴ Save me from harmful people
       so I can obey your orders.
¹³⁵ Show your kindness to me, your servant.
       Teach me your demands.
¹³⁶ Tears stream from my eyes,
       because people do not obey your teachings.
¹³⁷ Lord, you do what is right,
       and your laws are fair.
¹³⁸ The rules you commanded are right
       and completely trustworthy.
¹³⁹ I am so upset I am worn out,
       because my enemies have forgotten your words.
¹⁴⁰ Your promises are proven,
       so I, your servant, love them.
¹⁴¹ I am unimportant and hated,
       but I have not forgotten your orders.
¹⁴² Your goodness continues forever,
       and your teachings are true.
¹⁴³ I have had troubles and misery,
       but I love your commands.
¹⁴⁴ Your rules are always good.
       Help me understand so I can live.
¹⁴⁵ Lord, I call to you with all my heart.
       Answer me, and I will keep your demands.
¹⁴⁶ I call to you.
       Save me so I can obey your rules.
¹⁴⁷ I wake up early in the morning and cry out.
       I hope in your word.
¹⁴⁸ I stay awake all night
       so I can think about your promises.
¹⁴⁹ Listen to me because of your love;
       Lord, give me life by your laws.
¹⁵⁰ Those who love evil are near,
       but they are far from your teachings.
¹⁵¹ But, Lord, you are also near,
       and all your commands are true.
¹⁵² Long ago I learned from your rules
       that you made them to continue forever.
¹⁵³ See my suffering and rescue me,
       because I have not forgotten your teachings.
¹⁵⁴ Argue my case and save me.
       Let me live by your promises.
¹⁵⁵ Wicked people are far from being saved,
       because they do not want your demands.
¹⁵⁶ Lord, you are very kind;
       give me life by your laws.
¹⁵⁷ Many enemies are after me,
       but I have not rejected your rules.
¹⁵⁸ I see those traitors, and I hate them,
       because they do not obey what you say.
¹⁵⁹ See how I love your orders.
       Lord, give me life by your love.
¹⁶⁰ Your words are true from the start,
       and all your laws will be fair forever.

¹⁶¹ Leaders attack me for no reason,
       but I fear your law in my heart.
¹⁶² I am as happy over your promises
       as if I had found a great treasure.
¹⁶³ I hate and despise lies,
       but I love your teachings.
¹⁶⁴ Seven times a day I praise you
       for your fair laws.
¹⁶⁵ Those who love your teachings will find true peace,
       and nothing will defeat them.
¹⁶⁶ I am waiting for you to save me, Lord.
       I will obey your commands.
¹⁶⁷ I obey your rules,
       and I love them very much.
¹⁶⁸ I obey your orders and rules,
       because you know everything I do.
¹⁶⁹ Hear my cry to you, Lord.
       Let your word help me understand.
¹⁷⁰ Listen to my prayer;
       save me as you promised.
¹⁷¹ Let me speak your praise,
       because you have taught me your demands.
¹⁷² Let me sing about your promises,
       because all your commands are fair.
¹⁷³ Give me your helping hand,
       because I have chosen your commands.
¹⁷⁴ I want you to save me, Lord.
       I love your teachings.
¹⁷⁵ Let me live so I can praise you,
       and let your laws help me.
¹⁷⁶ I have wandered like a lost sheep.
       Look for your servant, because I have not forgotten your commands.

I know-- OOBER long- but weren't you incredibly blessed by reading it?! 

The next time you are in a tough spot-- bad news from the doctor, family, job, finances... and you wonder where God is... dig into the Word-- you'll find... He's right there and He's been there all along. 

...and remember Romans 8:28-30--  ²⁸ We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him.^[e] They are the people he called, because that was his plan. ²⁹ God knew them before he made the world, and he chose them to be like his Son so that Jesus would be the firstborn^[f] of many brothers and sisters.³⁰ God planned for them to be like his Son; and those he planned to be like his Son, he also called; and those he called, he also made right with him; and those he made right, he also glorified. 

It says God will work everything out for us-- but remember one way important thing... we MUST love Him first!!! 

Take care of you :)

Who's getting married?

Andy and I said the big "I DO" almost 10 years ago this September. What an fabulous memorable day that was! Let's see... It was raining, once I was in my dress and we were about to leave the house, I decided I had to pee... lol, our limo driver FORGOT to fill up with gas- so we had to stop ON THE WAY;oh... did I mention I was LATE?!!, and my sister tripped on the way up the isle, and Andy and I said our vows TWICE!! LOL 

"Saying our vows twice" LOL

To have and to hold from this day forward,

for better or for worse, 

in sickness and in health,

for richer, for poorer,

to love and to cherish

in sickness and in health,

I DO.

Wow-- two little words.. "I DO" -- and what a BIG.. HUGE deal they are too! If you would have asked me 10 years ago if I'd be where I am today... ummm no. LOL But you know what? I am SO beyond happy that I spoke those two words and married my best friend that day. I love you Andy. xoxox

A few months ago, I had decided to paint this canvas that I had in the art room. I painted it a beautiful aqua-green color and was inspired to write out wedding vows on it. I left the bottom empty because I had the thought of somehow attaching a picture of andy and me there. Well, I decided to hang it anyways-- as is in our bathroom. Our bathroom has a beach theme to it and I thought that it went well. So, I was getting out of the shower and looked up at the painting and thought "You know, that vow doesn't just have to be between andy and me... it's kinda like between husband and wife-- like Jesus and me-- He is my groom and I am His bride." And if you think about it... and read it from a "Jesus perspective" it reads so true... so lets look at this vow::

"I will be yours in times of plenty and in times of want, in times of sickness and in health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow, in times of failure and in times of triumph. I promise to cherish you, to take care of you, to comfort you, encourage you, and to stay with you for all eternity."

Now... read it like this...

JESUS will be yours in times of plenty and in times of want, in times of sickness and in health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow, in times of failure and in times of triumph.

HE promises to cherish you, to take care of you, to comfort you, encourage you, and to stay with you for all eternity."

COOL RIGHT?! 

There are a few verses in the bible that I absolutely LOVE that I want to share.


Isaiah 62:5 niv "...as a *bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you."  *bridegroom is Jesus


John 3:29 niv "The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice..."

Questioning if you are in fact "HIS" bride? 

"How do I know Michelle?" 

Okay, simple answer here-- you must be born again/ saved ... in english... accept Jesus into your heart. Ask Him... say you are sorry for your sinful living and tell Him you want to live for Him. Ask Him to come inside your heart and help you live an awesome life with Him. 


Your rebuttal... "I don't need Jesus in my heart... I believe in God that'd be enough. I know of God... I say thanks at dinner time, I don't sin... I go to church every Sunday- I even help out. "


Jesus says that you cannot see the kingdom of God unless you are in fact born again/saved. This is not me telling you you can't go to heaven unless you repent for your sins and ask Jesus into your heart... this is Jesus saying this. 


John 3:3-8 niv

³ Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.^[a]”
⁴ “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”
⁵ Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. ⁶ Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit^[b] gives birth to spirit. ⁷ You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You^[c] must be born again.’ ⁸ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”


John 3:16-20 ncv
¹⁶ "God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life. ¹⁷God did not send his Son into the world to judge the world guilty, but to save the world through him.¹⁸ People who believe in God's Son are not judged guilty. Those who do not believe have already been judged guilty, because they have not believed in God's one and only Son.¹⁹ They are judged by this fact: The Light has come into the world, but they did not want light. They wanted darkness, because they were doing evil things.²⁰All who do evil hate the light and will not come to the light, because it will show all the evil things they do. ²¹ But those who follow the true way come to the light, and it shows that the things they do were done through God."


Once you make the decision to make Jesus your Lord and Savior of your life- He becomes your Bridegroom-- and YOU become His Bride!!! YOU ARE HIS AND HE IS YOURS!!! HE WILL FIGHT FOR YOU, CARE FOR YOU, SUPPORT YOU, ENCOURAGE YOU, LOVE YOU UNCONDITIONALLY, BE THERE IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH, RICHER OR POORER-HE IS YOUR HUSBAND!!! 


Just as your earthly husband made these promises-- and you made these promises your husband-- when you accepted Jesus- he made these promises with you. 
If you are reading this and #1 say you are not married yet (hang in there) or #2 your husband doesn't act on the above promises... Jesus is your ultimate husband- He is your bridegroom-& He will love you forever.

If you already are born again/saved... awesome!! Please share this with someone-- don't "bullhorn" it - (meaning get on your personal soapbox in the middle of the street and yell at random people)- be gentle- one at a time- share with someone gently... Jesus saved your life, wiped your dirty, mucky, moldy slate clean- whiter than snow-- don't you want others to experience Jesus' grace & love too? 

The ultimate question of the evening... 

Are you HIS bride?

Take care of you :)

AIM HIGH

Do you have a goal? Have something you are working towards? A better relationship with your husband/wife? A better job... something you love doing--that actually pays? (lol) A bigger home? A newer car? A healthy lifestyle? A stronger relationship with God? Whatever you are striving toward... good news... it's totally achievable.


Did you know that God has called you to set out and do great things? In one of my all time favorite books of the bible- Philippians- Paul talks about so many amazing topics- He constantly talks about the importance of Christ and the importance of relying on Him. Philippians 3:13-14 talks about moving forward. 


I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead,¹⁴ I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above. ~Philippians 3:13-14 ncv


When I was younger, I remember my parents had a wooden rocking chair in the living room. It had an orange seat cushion on it. It was a beautiful chair- the headpiece a had this really pretty design carved into it and the arm rest were curved under-- it was heavy too (lol) I know because somehow I always had the chore of vacuuming the dining room and the living room. Whenever I read the different stories in the bible, and they talk about "moving forward" or "pressing toward the goal" -- it makes me think of this chair; It reminds me that I can't just rock back and forth in my wooden rocking chair-I have to press forward and strive toward the goal that I have set out before me. To remember that God Himself called ME-- He called ME-- to do His glorious work. WOW-- I mean who am I?!!! WOW- amazing!!

You know something? God just didn't call ME-- He called YOU too- Keep moving forward!!!

Remember that the next time a task seems to big-- know that The Big Man upstairs breathed your life into motion and wants you to something big for Him!! You may never know or understand what exactly it is that God has called you to do in this life... sometimes it's for Him to know and you to never find out... but isn't it awesome knowing that you are here MOVING FORWARD for Him?!


I challenge you to keep moving forward- even when life is messy, when you feel like you just can't go on anymore- you're tired and weak-- but you know what? God is there to give you His strength- the bible says when we are weak- it is God who makes us strong!!! Be encouraged :)

Make a list of your goals, things you'd like to see happen... write them out-- cross them off when they are completed :) You may never see your greatest goal achieved-- but why not try? I had a teacher that used to tell me "Michelle, even if it looks like you can't reach the stars, aim high as if you can reach them."

May you "aim high" and not forget to invite God along for the ride.

Take care of you :)

Both sides of the story

"Forget it... I GIVE UP" - you say as you are completely finished with whatever problem it is that you are fighting with...

2 words... Give Up. 2 words, one HUGE deal. It's so easy to do-- isn't it?! 

AHHHHHH--- BUT.... did you know that there are 2 sides to every story? YES!!!!!

The Negative Story of giving up-- "side 1"::

You are fighting for something you need-- your family, your job, finances, your home-- more importantly... your faith. You've been fighting and fighting trying your best to be the best because that's what you thought you had to do to make "this" (whatever your need is) work. Guess what? It's not happening... family is falling apart & it's taking a toll on you emotionally/physically, promotion that you deserved was given to someone else, can't afford the bills- not to mention the groceries; rent is going to be late...and you feel God is not coming through and you start to question if He cares about you and the situation you are fighting. Oh here it comes... you scream "That's it!!! I quit!!!" 

...YOU GIVE UP. 

The Positive Story of giving up-- "side 2"::

Sometimes life stinks; Life hurts. Did you notice common words in the Negative Story above? I kept saying.... "you are fighting" a lot didn't I? Yup... sure did. So, here's the deal-- 

• Family falling apart & it's weighing you down: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

• Promotion not given to you & you feel treated unfairly:The Lord gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly. Psalm 103:6

• Finances:And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

• When you feel like God isn't fast enough for you: It is not yet time for the message to come true, but that time is coming soon; the message will come true. It may seem like a long time, but be patient and wait for it, because it will surely come; it will not be delayed. Habakkuk 2:3

Still wanna give up? I hope you do. 

WAIT! "Michelle, did you just say I hope you DO?! OKAY- Confused?!"

Yes, I said I hope you still want to give up-- GIVE UP IT ALL TO GOD'S HANDS... and not fight the fight yourself. Trust me... it does you absolutely no good to fight a fight you are NOT suppose to be fighting. TRUST ME!! The only fight you should be fighting is the fight of faith. 1 Timothy 6:12- Fight the good fight of faith, grabbing hold of the life that continues forever. You were called to have that life when you confessed the good confession before many witnesses.


Try it... I know as you are reading this you are harboring all the thoughts of everything in life you have wanted to throw in the towel on- close your eyes and with all of those thoughts in mind, say OUT LOUD... I GIVE UP. I GIVE UP GOD-- HELP ME-- I KNOW YOU ARE WHO YOU SAY YOU ARE-- I BELIEVE IN YOU AND I TRUST YOU-- HELP ME. 


The next time you wanna "give up" may this be a sweet reminder to you that giving up doesn't always mean to quit- but a release- a surrender to God- to let Him handle whatever it is you are facing.



Take care of you :)

Guess Who???

Have you ever stopped and said...

"BEST DAY EVER!!!"  

We've all have had our share of more than a few!! I know I have!! Having problems thinking of some? How about a wedding day, birth of a child, graduation, promotion at work, baptism, getting your absolute favorite treat or just an all around awesome day with some family members. 

Personally, I've had a ton of "best day" moments-- I treasure them- hold them close to my heart. 

Just a few of my BEST DAY EVER moments...

The day I married my best friend

Andy dressing up in a banana costume

Dinner with mom

I love my mom time

Getting kisses beachside with my hubby

Having My Mothers Italian Ice with my cousins

My sis and me @ Andy's graduation

Sitting on a rock in Central Park, NYC

Being inside the NYC Library & looking up at the amazing ceiling!!

The day I met the man who would change my life forever

GRAND CENTRAL STATION & the Whispering Walls!

Watching my Andy graduate bible college

Having the entire box of RAINBOW COOKIES

We found out we are going to be auntie/uncle & godparents

My AMAZING Dad and me- I miss you Daddy

Come on... you know you are thinking of one right now at this very moment!!! What is your "Best Day"? Get it in your mind-- get that BIG HUGE grin on your face--

I really believe that we have all of these awesome amazing days-- they make such great lasting memories-- so that when we have the bad not so good days... those memories are there to lift us up. 

Picture this... You are throwing a party at your house- a birthday party let's say. The house is full of family and friends and the music is going- people talking and laughing!! It's amazing, happy, and everyone is smiling-- the wishes have been made, candles have been blown out, cake has been eaten, & presents have been torn open :) ... and as the Mickey Mouse Club song goes... "...and now it's time to say goodbye to all our company..."  everyone leaves. As you say the last goodbye and close the door... your smile fades and you realize-- the house is a mess and you are now all alone. 

Does it sound like your life? Is the "party" gone and you are feeling all alone? 

It's okay, guess who hasn't left you? Guess who has been there the whole "party" and who didn't leave when everyone else did? One guess... no, it's not your dog. lol It's God silly!! 

He has been there since the world began-- he created the world- he created you- he loves you- he has plans that you prosper and have a wonderful future!! (Jeremiah 29:11) God is the One that placed all those "Best Day Ever" moments into motion!!! He is who you need to thank for those amazing days!! 

Some verses to remember in "Best Day Ever" days... and not such good days...

Isaiah 54:17 ncv:"No weapon that is used against you will defeat you. 

Matthew 12:30 ncv: "Whoever is not with me is against me. Whoever does not work with me is working against me. So I tell you, people can be forgiven for every sin and everything they say against God. But whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven."

Psalm 27:1-3 ncv:  The Lord is my light and the one who saves me. So why should I fear anyone? The Lord protects my life. So why should I be afraid? Evil people may try to destroy my body. My enemies and those who hate me attack me, but they are overwhelmed and defeated If an army surrounds me, I will not be afraid. If war breaks out, I will trust the Lord.

Ephesians 3:20 ncv: With God's power working in us, God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or imagine.

2 Corinthians 9:8 ncv: And God can give you more blessings than you need. Then you will always have plenty of everything—enough to give to every good work.

Take care of you :)