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United For The Journey

My Sweet Friends,

 

You ever have God call you to do the hard thing?

 

You ever have God challenge you to do the needful thing?

 

Well last year He did just that to me.

 

You see, I’ve always been a writer. Ever since I was a little girl, I knew one day I’d write books. I’ve got a purple notebook on my bookshelf that I’ve had for over 20 years with book ideas in it. And last year I was in the process of writing my first book on Honoring The Temple.

 

But God!

 

He has a way of stepping right into your situation. He told me to put that book down. He told me to resurrect the dry bones. Those were His exact words. In that, He was telling me to dust off writing I had done year’s prior when I wrote and facilitated an 8-week course called Raising Godly Children. He said He would put meat on the bones of that work and that that would become my first book.

 

Well I wasn’t really interested in that. It was much more fun for me to write about honoring the temple. It was easy to talk about what God says about proper nourishment, rest and exercise. It was exciting to delve into the scriptures and make parallels between the spiritual temple and the physical temple.

 

But to dive into a discussion on parenting?! Well….not as much fun for me. While I love being a parent, it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It’s not so glamorous. It’s not always easy. It’s the thing that keeps me clinging FIERCELY to the cross. Hence, it is the needful thing. But at times I can be a little more Martha than Mary. But in this instance, He was urging me to choose the better part.

 

And for that reason, God said that’s the very thing I need you to write about. That thing that makes you cry. That thing that has you calling out to Me. That thing that you have to believe Me for and trust Me for. Yes that thing that you can only do by My power and only with My grace. Yes, you will address THAT THING said the Lord.

 

Well nearly having a tantrum, I agreed to do that thing. When I went to resurrect that old material, I couldn’t find most of it. That nearly sent me into a tailspin as I panicked that all was lost. And again the Lord eased my worries. He said, “It’s okay. I’ve given you a new perspective and new grace for parenting so some of that old material isn’t applicable anymore. I will give you fresh words for the book”. And that He did.

 

57,000 words later, Purposeful Parenting was completed.

 

It was an arduous journey to complete this project. But through the journey God did an amazing work in my own heart. He softened my heart. He showed me His unfailing love toward me. And now I want you invite you to embark on the journey with me.

 

My book, Purposeful Parenting: Allowing God to Change Your Heart so He Can Reach Theirs will officially be released on May 30th. And I would love for you to experience the life changing transformation that I have experienced in receiving the Father’s love then being able to pass that on to the children in your lives. You will have the opportunity to read the book before it is released and you will be the first to sound the clarion call of Purposeful Parenting.

 

This group of people, the book launch team, will lead the way in loving children of any age wholly and completely. It starts with us. It starts with adults who know the way, go the way, and then show the way. In this group we will learn:

~How our own beliefs impact our ability to parent

~God’s plan and purpose for our children

~How to accept children for who they are

~How to connect with our children

~An extra bonus of how I was able to complete a book as a busy mama of 6

 

And much more!

 

If this sounds like something you’d like to be part of, you can sign up by CLICKING HERE. I’d love to have you partner with me as we directly impact our world for the good by pouring love into the hearts of children. And along the way, we will share laughter and maybe even shed a tear or too but that’s okay because we’ll do it in the safety of community. I thank you in advance for joining me in our quest to parent with purpose on purpose.

 

As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been inspired to be a Purposeful Parent!
Happy to connect with these friends sharing the Good News Mommy Moments, Purposeful Faith, Chasing Community, Grace & Truth

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A Love Revolution {Spoken Word}

Vile speech, aggressive action, violence and calamity. Our world groans in agony.  Yet there is a cure.

 

LOVE

 

So in light of National Poetry Month, here’s my ode to love.

 

As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!

 

Happy to connect with these friends sharing the Good News Mommy Moments, Purposeful Faith, Chasing Community, Grace & Truth

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What Every Mama Needs To Know About Balance

With wind and a cold mist peltering his face like a zillion little bullets, daredevil Nik Wallenda became the first person to walk a tightrope directly over Niagara Falls. Taking the 1,800 feet trek, 200 feet above the falls, Wallenda teetered and swayed as he took careful steps in an attempt to maintain balance in order to reach the other side.

 

Mamas, do you ever find yourself perched precariously above treacherous waters, bearing a heavy load all in an attempt to make it safely to the other side?

 

Do you ever bear the weight of caring for your children, meeting your boss’ expectations, satisfying your husband in the bedroom, caring for an aging parent, and bringing food to a neighbor who just had a baby? And all that was happening within the first half of the day. WHEW!

 

Then factor in round two of returning an emails to the teacher, attempting to put a half way decent meal on the table, finding someone’s jersey for practice, pulling beans out of your baby’s ear then remember you forgot to pay a bill and today was the last day before cut off.

 

Mamas, you manage a dozen or more moving parts, ALL at the same time. Where’s the balance in that?

 

The notion of “balance” summons an image of perfectly executing ALL my responsibilities, ALL in perfect order, ALL the time. It looks like being everything to everyone, doing everything for everyone and looking cute and wearing a smile while doing it. And somehow mamas, we’ve bought into this LIE!

 

Yes. There, I’ve said it. The notion of balance we’ve been told is a lie. We’ve been sold a bill of goods that is no good for our mental, physical and emotional health. We’ve been shamed into thinking if we cannot “balance” all of our many responsibilities, all at the same time that we are bad mommies.

 

Well, I’ve come by to shed the light of TRUTH on that lie.

 

You very well may be capable of achieving some super human mommy feats of greatness. But it is unrealistic to believe you have to do ALL things well, ALL at the same time.

 

[bctt tweet=”Trying to achieve balance can become a fruitless pursuit of an elusive goal if you’re not careful.” username=”inspiredfully”] While it is great to have an ideal that you’d like to achieve, ensure that the pursuit is rooted and grounded in seek the Kingdom first. Also ensure that the pursuit is even realistic and attainable given your time, energy and resources. And beware of fall into the pit of perfectionism.

 

It is in embracing our imperfection, in knowing our limitations and in being realistic with our capabilities that we can truly achieve an attainable semblance of balance. Yes, “I’m every woman, its all in me” as Chaka Khan and Whitney sang. But I don’t have to be everything, to everyone all at the same time.

 

So what do you do?

 

Assess Expectations

Reassess your expectations of yourself. Are they realistic? Are you setting yourself up for success or failure with the demands you’ve placed on yourself?

 

Windows Of Opportunity

Have you made realistic goals for what you hope to achieve based on your time, energy and resources? I know you’ve planned to wash, dry, fold and put away 4 loads of laundry today but if you’re only home 4 hours in the evening IT AIN”T GONNA HAPPEN. Realistically there is not enough time so don’t sabotage yourself with unrealistic goals. Now I am a high achiever and believe in setting lofty goals, but we want to position ourselves for success and that requires an accurate assessment of what can truly be done given what we have.

 

Let It Go

Here’s another good one for you to think about. What can I let go? What is a level B or C that I can put off for another day, delegate or eliminate entirely?

 

Mamas, I know first hand the delicate work of trying to achieve and maintain balance. Surrender it all to Him. Allow the Lord to direct your steps as you seek to honor Him with your time and efforts. Free yourself from the trap of perfectionism and walk in the freedom of knowing you’re doing the best you can with what you have. (And to those who could be more disciplined, the Lord can help you too).

 

The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 2 Chronicles 16:9a

 

As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!

 

Happy to connect with these friends sharing the Good News Mommy Moments, Purposeful Faith, Chasing Community, Grace and Truth

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Use Your Power

I knew I struck a cord when the enemy retaliated.

 

All year I’ve had a tremendous burden to pray. While I’ve long since considered myself a woman of prayer, God is showing me anew the purpose, procedure and power of prayer.

 

And the past week found me with the full armor of God on, warring in the spirit. There were some MAJOR events occurring in the lives of several close to me that warranted me going before the throne on their behalf. And I went forth with boldness in the power and authority given to me by the Lord. I had a new level of fervor, passion and holy indignation. I was downright ticked off and my spirit was dispatched to do something about it. Within minutes of concluding the prayers, I was seriously burned. I will share those details another day, but suffice it to say, I went into the enemy’s camp to reclaim and recover.

 

You want something to happen in the life of someone you know? Pray for them.

 

[bctt tweet=”Praying for a person is not merely tell God “about” them, but is instead praying God’s will “for” them.” username=”inspiredfully”] God already knows all about them. God knows about the person who has hurt you. God knows about the boss who has wronged you. God even knows about all the things concerning you so don’t merely pray about, but pray specific, targeted prayers concerning His will in all matters.

 

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people. 1 Timothy 2:1

 

When we pray, our intent is not to inform God but to petition heaven for God’s will to prevail. When we pray we come into agreement that it is on earth as in heaven. When we pray, we dispatch angel armies to loose our prayers that the prince of the air has attempted to intercept (Daniel 10:12-13).

 

[bctt tweet=”You have the power to move heaven and earth with your prayers.” username=”inspiredfully”]

 

Use Your Power!

 

Your family needs, your friend needs, your neighborhood needs, your nation needs, your world cries out in agony and needs you to exercise your POWER-FULL prayers.

 

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18

 

Let us pray…

 

Father, I thank you that we can come boldly before the throne that we may obtain mercy and find grace. You are truly a Good Good Father. You are ever loving, ever kind and ever true. It is your desire that we know and receive your love for us. Oh your love is so deep and so wide and nothing can separate us from your love. Lord make this love real and tangle not only in our lives but in the lives of our family, our friends, our co-workers and our neighbors. For those that are not in relationship with you, draw them nearer. Let them experience you in an undeniable way. Let them have a life alter encounter with you. For those already in relationship with you, let your fire fall afresh on them, giving them a new zeal, a new hunger and a new thirst for you. Let your children seek you first. Let heavens realities be seen and felt here in the earth. Stir up the gifts in your children that they would use them to bring about radical change to heal the sick, to bring the dead to life and to give hope to the hopeless. May our sons and daughters dream God dreams and obediently follow you so that the dreams manifest. May our sons and daughters prophesy. God may your kingdom come and your will be done. Glory, glory, glory to your name; the name that is above all names. AMEN

 

As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!

 

Happy to connect with these friends sharing the Good News Mommy Moments, Purposeful Faith, Chasing Community, Grace & Truth

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The Power of the Pen

“I don’t have any talent”.

 

I vividly recall saying that to my father when I was about 13. I was a decent dancer but not good enough to compete. I was on the softball team but spent little time on the field. I didn’t play an instrument. I couldn’t sing. Yup, talent-less.

 

But….the notebooks, the journals, the legal pads filled with writing.

 

Poetry. Short stories. Endless journal entries. Later news stories , articles, essays.

 

One spoken word piece I wrote 20+ years ago starts, “The pen and pad is all I ever had…”

 

I always thought that writing was just my way of escape; a coping mechanism I developed in early childhood to disconnect from what was happening in my environment. But with my father’s insight, I came to see that my writing was not only an escape but a vehicle by which I could bless others. My Dad said writing was MY talent.

 

The power of the written record.

 

The power of the pen enables you to go back, reflect and see the progress you’ve made. Two nights ago I stumbled upon a large binder with notes from when I was a new Christian. I was completely in awe of how God had taken all that Word, pages and pages of material from classes, workshops and bible study and stored it in my heart. I sat in amazement as I reflected on how those words are now my LIFE. Those words have been inextricably written on my heart.

 

From written records we learn about people, their cultures, and their habits. We learn about our planet, its variations and its inhabitants from maps, a form of written record. And we learn about the Most High God from the best-selling written record ever, The Holy Bible. The written record has POWER.

 

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4

 

Today we have access to a wealth of information. The Library of Congress has more than 162 million items in more than 470 languages in its collection. And while that is a large breath of information, it is not all applicable to us individually. God has divinely wired us to receive information in ways that are specific and relative to us. There is a saying, “There is nothing new under the sun”. And be that as it may, God has attuned our eyes and ears to see and hear message in ways that we can receive and perceive. [bctt tweet=”God has a group of people whose eyes and ears are attuned to hear from Him, through YOU.” username=”inspiredfully”]

 

Yes, God has a people who are waiting specifically to hear from YOU. You and I may have something similar to say but your background, age, race, and life experience will color the message differently than mine. So don’t you ever doubt, not for one minute the value of your message. Don’t you ever question if the marketplace is saturated. Don’t second guess if you’re supposed to step into the already flooded arena. If God has called you to it, no matter how many others are doing it, there is only one with YOUR voice and that’s you. So take your wealth of knowledge, understanding and wisdom and write it down!

 

Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. Revelation 1:19

 

God is looking for writers.

 

Who will chronicle the great and mighty acts He performs?

 

Who will leave a written record of hope for future generations?

 

Who will inspire those currently in despair?

 

I know you can do it. In a matter of months, I wrote 57,000 words and that finished product will be in your hands in late Spring 2017. In fact, I actually have a ridiculous goal of publishing 3 books this year. Yes 3 books in 2017. God is pouring His oil out on writers. He will give us supernatural grace to record His testimony. He simply needs our obedience.   As a busy mom of 6, I too wondered how I’d find time to write a book. From shuttle kids to and fro all day, ministry commitments, along with a nursing baby attached to me constantly, I wondering how I could get it done. He simply told me, “Just follow My lead”. I obeyed and watched him perform the miracle of writing the first of many books. And He can do it for you too.

 

As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!

 

Write on my friends, WRITE ON. The Holy Spirit flows healing out of your pen.

 

Have you heard the call to write? If yes, are you obeying? In the comments below tell me what you’re working on so I can pray with you and hold you accountable.

 

Happy to connect with these friends sharing the Good News Mommy Moments, Purposeful Faith, Grace & Truth, Chasing Community

 

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Catch The Vision And Move

What do you do with a God sized dream?

 

How do you wrap your head around a vision from God that seems virtually impossible?

 

These are questions I’m turning over in my head. Like Mary pondering on the fate of her Son, I’m holding these things in my heart…wondering.

 

God has given me a vision for how the book I’ve written is to be used. When I was writing the book, I had the audience in mind. I could see myself sharing portions of the book at book club meetings, parenting seminars and at churches. Then God jarred me. In a vision so clear and complete, He showed me a BIGGER picture. He showed me His target audience for the book and told me the way we could go about reaching this audience.

 

And what did this girl do with that visitation from God? In a nanosecond I shot it down. I know, I know. I wish I could tell you I was faith filled and revved up. But it was more like doubt-FULL and faith-LESS.

 

You see this vision would take Jesus right into the marketplace. No separation of church and state. No way. The Lord said, “You’ll be bring me into secular environments.” And again in my limited “seeing” all I could picture was doors slamming in my face and rejection by way of “No!”, “No!” and yet another “No!”.

 

Then He washed over me with sweet assurance . In His gentle yet firm way He brought to my remembrance this powerful truth, The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters, Psalm 24:1-2

 

He also reminded to not to be intimidated by the establishment for He’s in charge of them too. The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes, Proverbs 21:1

 

So what do you do with that God sized dream?

 

How do you wrap your head around that vision?

 

Please don’t do what I did that first time. [bctt tweet=”God wants to water your mustard seed faith. ” username=”inspiredfully”]

 

You allow God to water your faith by simply giving Him your YES . Thereafter, each time He tells you to move, you move. He is faithful to give grace for each step of the journey.   Like Michael Jackson in Billie Jean, each step you take toward pursuing your God dream will be illuminated. His word is the lamp to your feet and the light to your path (Psalm 119:105). Confidently place your trust in the One who knows all, sees all and holds it all in the palm of His hand. Catch the vision and move.

 

You think this world is in chaos? Obey so He can bring order.

 

Are you concerned about the world your children will inherit? Obey so that your children’s children receive their generational inheritance.

 

Don’t like what you see happening in the news? Pray so that His kingdom come and will be done HERE as in heaven.

 

You see, He’s waiting for us to be His hands and feet in the earth so that He can MOVE. There’s nothing too hard for Him. But He would like for us to partner with Him.

 

Your God sized dream and your God vision are really quite doable. With God, all things are possible.

 

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

 

As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!

 

Happy to connect with these friends sharing the Good News Mommy Moments Purposeful Faith Chasing Community Grace & Truth

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How’s Your Prayer Life?

How’s Your Prayer Life?

 

I mean really….How’s your prayer life?

 

I recall being asked a question by my uncle-in-law before my husband and I got married. He said, “You know what you’re doing, don’t ya?” By this, he was asking did we know what we were getting ourselves into by getting married. I recall diving head first into a monologue about love and wedding details. You see, I completely missed the point. The question was one that need to be mined in order to uncover its treasures.

 

So I ask you again, “How’s your prayer life?”

 

Yes I’m sure you pray.

 

Yes I bet you even get specific in your prayers.

 

Hey you may even talk to God using His very WORD.

 

Yup, I don’t doubt your taking time to talk to God in prayer.

 

But are you really PRAYING?

 

Or are you merely informing God?

 

I consider myself a woman of prayer. Very early in my Christian walk I learned several models of prayer. I learned to pray the Lord’s Prayer. I learned to pray using the ACTS method (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication). Then there’s listening prayer and contemplative prayer and Matthew Henry’s method. Yup, most days I would say I’m REALLY praying. But then again…

 

I’ve heard it said that prayer is just talking to God. Be that as it may, there is an essential component that gives prayer its power. And that is FAITH. If we are praying the most heartfelt, scripture laden prayers but lack faith are we doing any more than just talking?

 

Last October, Charne Pretorius spoke at a Women’s Conference held at my church. There were many speakers on the lineup and many enticing topics to choose from. I was already in the room she was scheduled to speak in and didn’t really feel like going anywhere so I stayed and boy am I glad I did. She spoke simply yet so profoundly on prayer. And I was very much convicted.

 

Yes I had been praying.

 

Yes I had been specific in my prayers.

 

Yes I was even praying according to God’s will.

 

But even in that my prayers were lacking.

 

They were lacking a bit of faith. The kind of faith that SEES angels being dispatched to move on behalf of my prayers. The kind of faith that can let go of whatever I’ve prayed for because I can rest in knowing God has heard and is faithful to answer. The kind of faith that knows my prayers live on for ages, continuing to minister from heaven even to my children’s children. The kind of faith that knows that I know that I KNOW my God will do what He said He will do. Bold faith. Radical faith. Undaunted faith.

 

My friend you are a HOUSE OF PRAYER. Just as Jesus said, “My house shall be called a house of prayer” (Matthew 21:13), because you are a temple that houses the Holy Spirit, you are a house of prayer. Your prayers coupled with your faith create an atmosphere conducive for DUNAMIS – miraculous power, strength, might.

 

And just as JESUS drew strength directly from heaven through prayer, you are strengthen, emboldened and bring heaven to earth when you pray. When you pray, you take a direct, first-class journey to heaven. As a citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20), prayer is your Visa, granting you access to travel back and forth from heaven to earth.

 

When you pray in faith, heaven touches earth.

 

When you pray in faith, God hears.

 

When you pray in faith, God moves.

 

When you pray in faith, things change.

 

When you pray in faith, hearts are mended.

 

When you pray in faith, bodies are healed.

 

When you pray in faith, minds are transformed.

 

So set your heart on having a prayer life that is fervent, vibrant and active. Get before the Father, still yourself and seek His heart. When you do that, you will tap into the heartbeat of heaven. He will pour His heart out into yours. You will be two hearts beating together in synchronicity. Faith is the metronome allowing you to keep time with the heartbeat of heaven.

 

So how’s your prayer life? I’m praying even now that you’ve been inspired to BELIEVE in what you are asking God for. I mean really believe. I pray you SEE God moving on your behalf. Yes, you’ve got to SEE it before you get to see it. And I’m praying your faith is activated. Your prayer life is literally causing heaven to touch earth. Yes, you’ve got that kind of power.

 

So how’s your prayer life?

 

DYNAMITE!

 

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15

 

As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!

 

Happy to connect with these friends sharing the Good News Mommy Moments, Purposeful Faith, Grace and Truth

 

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A Fear Fighting START

It was 5:13am and I already felt defeated. My sweet baby was waking up yet again for another feeding.

 

I’m never going get enough sleep.

 

I’m never going to be an author and a speaker because I can’t get enough sleep to even work on the vision.

 

How will I ever manage to live the dream God has given me if I can’t even manage the little affairs of the home?

 

How will I ever serve a thousand when I can’t even get through one basket of laundry?

 

Never mind then just forget the whole thing!

 

You see fear has a way of doing that. Fear has a way of convincing you that your God dream is too big and your abilities too small. Fear has a way of putting 3D glasses on you and playing the reel as failure after failures comes whizzing past your face. And fear attempts to preserve itself at all costs.

 

Fear will have you convinced there are NO other options.

 

Fear is determined to win.

 

But TRUTH arises.

 

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. John 16:13a

 

As TRUTH stood tall in me, I couldn’t help but to square my shoulders. Moments ago they had been hanging low. My posture was more Hunchback of Notre Dame than Daughter of the Most High God.  But today is my start. Kelly Balarie, in her new book, Fear Fighting says, “We don’t need to tell ourselves stop because the Spirit says Start.”

 

So what’s my “Start?”

 

Today I start with a YES.

 

I say yes to the Spirit.

 

I say yes to me.

 

The Spirit says, “Start believing in yourself. Because you believe in Me, you can believe in you. I created you.”

 

fear-fighting-book

 

Thank you God. I’m going to believe in me.

 

I give myself permission to show up just as I am.

 

I give myself permission to be here for me.

 

I give myself permission to embrace my greatness. After all, I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

 

I’m not going to stay in this same place when God has given me a glimpse of my greatness. I do my God a disservice when I minimizing the person He created me to be. I won’t do Him an injustice my living smaller than who He created me to be. Christ gave Himself that I might LIVE…..not that I might merely survive life.

 

 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20

 

Standing on chubby bowed legs, an 11 month old hangs securely to the side of the couch. Not far away mama stands with her arms outstretched. Mama’s face radiates love. Mama’s face reflects trust, security and confidence. Mama’s face and outstretched arms relay a powerful message to the baby; so powerful that baby willingly releases the comfort and security of clinging to the couch, to totter precariously over to mama. One measured step, after another, then another. All the while mama’s face reassuringly communicates, not only are you safe, but I believe in you. You can do it. And when baby makes it all the way to mama they both rejoice. You did it baby. I knew you could. You did it.

 

Jesus says the same to us. Let go of the side of the couch. I’m waiting with my arms outstretched. Press beyond your fear. Activate your faith. Come to me. You are safe. I believe in you.

 

START.

 

[bctt tweet=”With active faith, fear doesn’t stand a chance.” username=”inspiredfully”]

 

So what is your START? Whatever it is, take the step. Tell me in the comments how I can pray for you.

 

Join the #fearfightingbook movement. Pick up your copy of Fear Fighting today!

 

As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully.

 

Happy to connect with friends sharing Good News Purposeful Faith, Grace & Truth

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Is God Really Able?

There are days when you just know that you know GOD IS ABLE.

 

You know those days when money is plentiful, your job is secure, the cupboards are overflowing, relationships are effortless, children are obedient, and your self worth is high.

 

Then the other days come. Such is life right? The days that have you questioning the One who said He would provide. The days when the One who said He’d never leave nor forsake you seems to be playing a game of hot peas and butter but you don’t seem to be getting closer, only colder, colder, and colder still.

 

How do we eradicate the spirit of doubt and activate our faith? How do we hold fast to the truth that God is able? We do it with a simple two-step: Prayer and Praise. Put on your garment of praise and shirk off the spirit of heaviness. Shod your feet in your gospel of peace shoes and get your praise on.

 

By prayer Peter was released from prison (Acts 12:5-17)

 

Through prayer and praise, Paul and Silas were delivered from prison (Acts 16:25-40)

 

[bctt tweet=”Even in the solitary spaces, God is able.” username=”inspiredfully”]

 

PRAY

 

God is able to do exceedingly abundantly for me

God is able to make all grace abound toward me

God is able to give me peace that surpasses all understanding

God is able to supply all my needs according to His riches in glory

God is able to make my enemies my footstool

 

PRAISE

 

My soul magnifies you Lord

My soul boasts in you Lord

My soul blesses you Lord

My soul delights in your Word

All my inmost being praises you Lord

 

With prayer and praise move the TRUTH from your head to your heart…

 

GOD IS ABLE!

 

As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!

 

Happy to connect with these friends sharing the Good News Purposeful Faith, Mommy Moments, Grace & Truth

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Listen Up

One then done!

Maybe two then I’m through!

 

Those were my plans as related to having children. I’ve always liked kids but when I envisioned family life it revolved around my husband and me, our careers and perhaps a child or two. That was until I heard Him say, “Your womb belongs to me.”

 

The birth of my first child was a carefully calculated event. Like everything else in my life at the time, having a baby was placed into a little box of my own making. I was used to meticulously planning every facet of my life. Throw in my professional training of facilitating time management courses and it made for a well-plotted life.

 

That was until baby number two came outside of the plan. You see, my plans were written in ink and not pencil. As a new believer, I hadn’t learned Proverbs 16:9, “A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.” My veneer of planning and control had been cracked and out oozed fragility and vulnerability. As I came undone, I clung fiercely to my new faith, praying for answers.

 

And the answers came. God showed me that He loved me just as I was. He taught me that my works wouldn’t get me into heaven. He modeled for me how to love and accept others. And He was very clear that discipleship was a high calling. I understood very early in my Christian walk that He seeks for believers to be wholly committed and that’s what I intended to do. Yes, that’s what I intended to do, until He called me to do something that made no sense at all.

 

Join me over on Katie M. Reid’s blog as I share what God revealed to me, as part of the Listen Close, Listen Well series…

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