my wings are made of faith

Guest Post: With God, all things are possible.

Image by A Place To Dwell.

Those words —and that truth — are on repeat in my heart today.

And, as I sit here, all cozied up, writing this guest post and reflecting, I’m realizing just how much I need to cling to them, believe in them, speak them, and pray them.

I knew those words before this morning, of course, but He must have known just how much I needed a reminder — because on my way to church, He placed them on my heart. 

And then, amazingly, the same truth was repeated during our Palm Sunday message, as we talked about fixing our eyes on what is unseen, rather than what is seen. We talked about how hard it is to dwell in that unseen place, how it’s easier to put our belief and trust in those things we can see and know and feel and touch.

But this is what I’m learning (and what I was reminded of this morning): when we intentionally focus our hearts and minds on what is unseen, on the invisible spaces in our lives that He is filling up and working in, we experience so much more of His goodness and His faithfulness. 

Because we can trust that He is at work in our lives, even when we cannot see it.

I couldn’t believe the timing of His message this morning. My heart drank in every word, desperate for the reassurance that He is working, and I am not forgotten. 

I’m in a season where it’s often a battle to trust in His unseen work, a season where I often feel caught between waiting for His voice and the weight of the hopes on my heart. 

But then He blesses me with a truth like He did this morning, and I remember who my God is and that truly all things are possible for those who believe.

As we look ahead to Easter and think about the huge significance of the cross and the resurrection and the beautiful redemption we find in Jesus, I’m reminded that this redemption isn’t a one-time thing — it’s something we find over and over again, each and every day, as we continue to put our hope and our trust in Him. 

His mercies are new every morning. 

And when I remember this, and I fix my eyes on Him and on the unseen, I am inspired to keep trusting, keep hoping, and keep believing that with Him as the author of my story, all things are beautifully, wonderfully, incredibly possible.

Katie is a writer, creator, and polka-dot wearer. She believes in living an inspired life of possibility, and she loves to encourage others to do the same through her blog A Place to Dwell. 

Photo By LuSarah SEAS Photography 

You can also find Katie here:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/aplacetodwell

Twitter: twitter.com/letterbirdart

 

Pressing through the bitterness of disappointment, discouragement and SIN to focus on the power of Christ and the goodness of God

Photo by Marissa Bowers

I've never felt more alive in the word of Christ more than I have these last few weeks. I went to church as a child, found a Christian man in my teens who became my husband, I even went to a Christian college where I studied Old Testament, New Testament and Evangelism as part of the curriculum. You would think that in my first 25 years of life the foundation had been set that I would have a nice daily walk with Christ and that His glory would be revealed in my life daily.

But I let life get in the way. I let sinful experiences rob me of that closeness I had been taught all along that I was supposed to have with my Saviour. That Jesus that my evangelism professor seemed to teach me about, and that I felt like he was best friends with, eluded me and that Jesus was my distant friend I'd call on every once in awhile when I needed someone to listen to. Most of the time, He was that friend I cried out to after I had had a fight with my husband and I felt like no one in the world loved me but Him, or He was that ever knowing every present force in my life that was swaying me to make the right choice over the wrong choice, but my sinful nature didn't always listen. It never has occurred to me, until these past few weeks that my life won't be changed until I make Him my constant role model, my best friend AND the source of all of my inspiration. And when life throws me that wrench that it will indoubtedly do I know that trusting in His authentic leadership will only make the hurts sting less, and the hope seem powerful than the hurt. 

Tonight, in my bible study of James that I'm doing with a ladies small group at my church—I was asked to do an exercise that was completely amazing and eye-opening for me. I've pretty much been blown away all week by the truths this study is speaking to me but tonight, tonight was the real kicker. I was asked to break down my life into four quadrants (I'm 37, so I counted for every 9 to 10 years of my life.) You were then supposed to write down what gifts God gave you during those times in your life. When you sit down and look at life in four quadrants, boy does it put it into perspective of what all you've truly been given. The author of the study is quick to point out that it isn't taken for granted, of course, that during those quadrants there weren't bad things happening as well and that sin wasn't running rampant in our lives. But through all of the bad, came good. And that you are here, studying the word of God today, because you saw through the bitterness of disappointment, discouragement and SIN and focused on the power of Christ and the goodness of a God who loves you. That, my friends, is truly a gift we've all been given with His gift of the cross.

I could bore you with all of my setbacks (I seem to have had a lot!) but I'd rather give you the good news of my gifts during my 4 quadrants of life so far. 

{Ages 1-9} Sent to church from a young age. Learned that even though my earthly father wasn't cut from the cloth that a lot of other fathers were, it was ok because I had a spiritual Father who would teach me so much more. Learned the true bond of good family from a hard-working mother, a loving brother and my mom's large family who always seemed to be their for each other during the good and bad times. 

{Ages 9-18} Found a bff and a soul mate all in the span of 9 years. That bff would grow up to marry my brother and give him strength and stability he had never known. That soul mate would marry me at the young age of 17 and we'd embark on life together over the next 20 years. From one city to the next, learning and living life just the two of us together, facing hardships and setbacks. But moving forward with grace and forgiveness. Started college in a city I had dreamed of living in, Chicago! 

Guest Post: A New Adventure

A year ago or so, I was planning to move to Cleveland, Ohio, to be closer to the young man I was dating. If you’re a quality time lover, like me, you understand the need of being close to the ones you love.  Sadly, our relationship ended before the move and I was left living with mom and dad in Cincinnati.  Now don’t get me wrong, I love my parents, adore them actually, but I was really ready for a new adventure and to grow my relationship and this put a damper on my plans. 

But God …

Whenever we read but God in the bible, we should all exhale slowly and say thank You Lord!  But God in the bible almost always refers to His sweet mercy, grace, justice or redemption. God had a different plan up His sleeve for me. You see, prior to that relationship He had been stirring up a desire to move somewhere different, to have a new adventure with Him. I didn’t know if I’d actually do it, of course, but it was sure fun and easy to think about. I assumed when I was in that relationship that my new adventure was Cleveland, pursuing the Lord and being close to a man I deeply cared about.  But God, knowing the true desires of my heart and knowing what makes my eyes sparkle with laughter and giggle with complete giddiness had a different, much better plan.  He created me so unique and precious, that certain pleasures and joys in life would bring only me great peace, hope and abounding joy.  He knew long before I was in that relationship that something else would stir my heart more. 

Several months prior I had visited a small town called Redding, California.  Redding is a beautiful city where you’re close to the mountains, breathtaking lakes and have numerous olive orchards at your disposal.  I visited for a conference called Jesus Culture and fell in love with the area.  I had never felt so inspired, hopeful, and creative.  I was simply in awe of His beauty and felt such peace overwhelm my soul.  I remember sitting in the Sacramento Airport thinking but I don’t want to leave, God, how cool would it be to live here, what do you think Daddy God?  Deep in my heart, I knew this would be my next adventure.  

Now, how to share this with family and friends?  “Hey guys, I just got back from California and now I want to move there!”  I knew this would not be an easy thing to share with my parents as I already have two older sisters that live in San Francisco and now their third daughter moving to California, what?  My parents are incredibly loving and supportive but I knew it would be difficult and I felt so sad thinking about leaving them to have my new adventure across the country.  But God gave me the courage to share my heart with them and provided the grace and strength for us all to move forward with my big adventure!  For the next six months I began planning, praying and packing; I didn’t know how God was going to provide or work things out but I knew He would.  God can’t lie and therefore, everything He says in the bible is true; if He says He will provide all my needs then He will, if He says He will heal my broken heart then He will, if He says He will lead and guide me then certainly He will show me the way!  Our Father in Heaven, whom I like to call, Daddy God, is wild about us, He loves His kids and of course wouldn’t send me on my way without numerous good things in store. 

So, with a date set and bags and belongings packed, my Dad and I had it on the calendar to leave August 19^th, 2012.  It was later than I had hoped to leave but a delay in receiving my California RN license pushed back our venture.  Little did I know, God had a purpose even in this!  On July 25^th, I was job hunting and randomly found a school health consultant job near Redding that sounded right up my alley; I would have taken any RN position but I was hoping for one where I didn’t have to work weekends and could attend church regularly.  Of course the application deadline was July 25^th at midnight so I had several things to send in asap.  By the grace of God, I got everything they required sent in.  The job seemed to good to be true and I hoped and prayed this was what God had orchestrated but I chose to trust either way.  A week later, they called me to schedule for an interview and week after that I flew to Sacramento and drove to Redding for my interview and two weeks later they offered me the position.  I was elated and so thankful that God had this all in His plan and in His timing.  At this point, it was time for the adventure to begin; Dad and I packed the car, drove across the country arriving on a Thursday and starting work Friday.

I’ve now been in Redding two months and I am happy to report that I love it!  God has provided beautiful, precious friends, an exceptional church community, and beauty all around.  I’ve fallen more in love with Him in the process and know that this season is all about our love relationship.  He simply asked me to take a risk and go on a new adventure with Him, I extended my hand, said “yes” and followed His lead. 

While there is sacrifice in taking risk and following Jesus, there also is great reward and blessing that follow.  Taking risks with Jesus and going on new adventures with Him, little or big, are worth every sacrifice.  Our lives are all about knowing Him and loving Him but even more receiving His radical love for us.  Who knows if your next big adventure is simply to take you to a place where you can receive and experience more of His radical and furious love for you; the question is are you willing to take the risk?

Dear Daddy, God, thank you for setting my heart of fire with your love and master plan. I had a broken heart and you mended it. I needed a place to settle and be closer to you than I have ever been and you provided. I didn't have a job before I decided to move and you provided a dream job. I didn't know anyone in Redding, but you provided beautiful friendships. I've never been more aware of your love, sovereignty, and plan for my life as I am now. Thank you for blessing my trust in You. May my story be encouraging to someone who's considering an adventure with you, but is afraid to take the first step. In Jesus name! 

Blessings, 
Kami 

 

Guest Post: Living By The Word Of God

My 4yr old son came to me crying hysterically. " What's wrong?", I asked.

He began to tell me that his younger brother threatened to give him a spanking. I chuckled to myself at the idea that my son was so upset about something so absurd.

I assured him, “He can’t give you a spanking”. To which he cried even harder, "Yes, mommy! YES! He said he is going to spank me!". It was both a laughable and frustrating moment.

It is laughable that he is upset over a concept that is impossible. I tried telling him that his brother had no authority to spank anyone but he wasn’t hearing it. He was convinced of his impending doom at the hand of his little brother.

Aren’t we like this with God sometimes?

His Word is the final authority in our lives…and yet we get convinced that the “other” voices have the final say. He said he would never leave us or forsake, yet circumstances convince us that He has abandoned us in our time of need.

It was frustrating for me, in my finite wisdom, to try to convince my 4yr old that he is NOT subject to his 2yr old brother. But God in his infinite wisdom continues to remind us over and over that His Word is final. 

In Numbers 23:19 it says “… has he said and shall He not do it?”

Mathew 24:35 says Heaven and earth will pass away but God’s word will not pass away

Psalm 119:89 says God’s word is forever settled in heaven. 

Matthew 4:4 tells us to live by every WORD that comes from the mouth of God 

We can rest knowing that God has final say in our lives as believers. Like my 4yr, we just have to mature to a point to believe it!

Blessings,
Julia 

Daily Blessings: Signs that God is near (Guest Post)

A couple of weeks ago on my morning drive to work, I was asking God some of those, why not..., what about ..., and, are you sure, types of questions.  You see, I finally decided to start my own interior and event design business after much prayer and confirmation from God.  After I made the decision, an interior decorating project came my way immediately. I have a degree in interior design, have decorated for many events for free and and have done a few interior design projects on the side. The Lord said, you have sewn your seed and it's time to bring the harvest in. He has given me all the talents and skills that I need. The questions I was asking that day were, why is the paint on the walls not working, and what about those talents you gave me, they aren't kicking in, and...Are You Sure, I'm supposed to do this...all the while spilling a pastry in my lap. Getting those feelings like I might wanna cry. I pulled over to brush myself off and pulled around the corner to see this sign.

How timely. I cried and then I laughed. How often do you run into a sign on the road with your name on it, not to mention, three hearts drawn underneath it too.  It was like after I saw that I heard him say, yes, yes and yes!  I do love you Melissa!  

(By the way, I drive that way three days a week and have never seen that sign before, and it was not there the next day) 

Just the night before I was telling a class that I lead about how personal our God is.  He sure is!

 

God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful. 
—1 Thessalonians 5:24

Thank you Lord for calling me by my name, for showing me that you have called me and for giving me all that I need.  Thank you Lord for daily blessings.

Blessings, Melissa

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Stop by Melissa's blog (Design Delights) today—you will love all the prettiness over there!

 

Guest Post: Thankful in Every Season

When Christy invited me to write a guest post for Thanksgiving week, I thought it would be a good time to reflect on this season and all God is teaching me.

And then I thought, what better way to start a Thanksgiving-themed post, than with a little list of things I’m currently thankful for? ;)

So, without further ado…

In this season, I’m thankful for:

  * Learning more about who God created me to be
 * Being part of an incredible church family and learning what it really means to be the church
* Time to explore my art
* The dreams God has been placing on my heart
* And, even though I have to admit that I don’t always feel thankful for this one: the ways God is challenging me to grow in my faith

The reason I said I don’t always feel thankful for that last one on my list is because, although in hindsight, we can often view seasons of growth with appreciative eyes, it’s much harder when we’re experiencing them. Those challenges can add depth and meaning to our lives and our stories, though, and God can use them to shape us into the people He knows we are in the process of becoming. 

***

Lately, one of the major ways God has been challenging me to grow in my faith is in the area of singleness.

As I wrote about in this post on my blog, the truth is, if I’m honest, I certainly thought by this point in my life I’d be engaged or married — or at least dating that person.

But to quote from a book I recently read by Shauna Niequist, “Life with God at its core is about giving your life up to something bigger and more powerful. It’s about saying at every turn that God knows better than we know, and that His Spirit will lead us in ways that we couldn’t have predicted.”

Those words bring me so much comfort and hope, because God certainly knows better than I know, and He can do immeasurably more than I could ever ask or even imagine. 

The other night, as I was reading my Bible, I came across this note in the margin: “Lack of trust in God prevents us from receiving His best.” I’ve been thinking about that ever since I read it, because I think when we’re restless for something to change in our lives, this can be especially hard to remember. Trusting comes more easily when all is going smoothly or as we thought it would/should, right? But it’s in the midst of uncertainty that our faith and trust is so important. This is the time that our faith can really shine for others. And it’s the time that it does something amazing in our own hearts, as well, and opens us up even more to who God is and all He is capable of doing in our lives.

When I get restless in the waiting, I remind myself that each chapter in my story is important. When I start thinking about the fact that my story has been written especially for me by my loving Creator, I feel encouraged and even excited. I start noticing the everyday blessings more and thinking about how the challenges are shaping me and adding to the story I have to tell. 

My prayer for you is that no matter what your story looks like right now, no matter what chapter you find yourself in, that you would celebrate it. I pray that your heart would be encouraged by the fact that your story is beautiful and important and uniquely yours.

xo,   
K