Do You Grow Your Faith?

When my husband was deployed, I got the same comment over and over again,"I just don't know how you do it."

I was working full time, coaching robotics, taking 3 kids to and fro, teaching at church, and keeping up with my home and regular responsibilities.

My response each time was, "It isn't me. God gets me through."

My strength came from God. It still does.

Y'all I work hard on my relationship with God. I'm not boasting about that at all. I just think it is important for me to say that we have to work at our relationship with Christ in order to grow and strengthen our faith.

Life is hard.  Life is good.  And in both of those, we need God all the time.  So many times, we place God aside in the good times.  We don't spend time with Him or read His Word.  But when life is hard, we call out to our friends and family to pray for us. We start to pray. We start to reach and pull for anything that is God related.

Then.....

The storm settles, and we push God aside again.

Then.....

Repeat.

We begin to wonder where He is, why things happened the way the day, how we got to where we are.

And I truly believe it's because we didn't work on our relationship with Him.

I'll be the first to admit that for a long time I struggled to find time for God.  I was busy, y'all.  There was never enough time. Prayer and Bible study just didn't fit into my schedule.

But then, I started being a mom that I didn't want to be.  At the end of the day, I wasn't proud of myself. I was struggling in my relationships with others due to trust and gossip issues. I started to really examine who I was and what made me the way I was.

What I found was this.....

I had been that person that placed God inside a box.  I pulled Him out when I was hurt and desperate.  When things calmed down, I placed Him back in the box.  I wasn't growing in my faith. I found that I was filling my time with things that didn't really matter all that much. I knew that something had to change.  I had to change.

Yes, I had accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior.  But I realized there was more to it than just that.  Like my marriage and my other relationships, I had to work at my relationship with Christ.

Church became a priority.  Instead of deciding we were just too tired for church or had too much to do on Sundays, my husband and I made the commitment to attend church regularly. This included attending Sunday evening and Wednesday night services as well.  My family also became involved in Sunday School classes.  We built relationships with others while learning more about God's Word. Instead of Easter and Christmas churchgoers, we became dedicated to being in church when the doors were open.

On top of all this, I made a commitment to read my Bible (the whole entire thing) on my own. I've done Bible studies alone and with small groups (in person and online).  I've journaled and written and prayed.  There is time intentionally carved out for God.....each and every day.....no matter if I woke up on time or overslept.....no matter how busy I am, He is the priority.

I've often heard people say that their faith gets them through. I've started to wonder and want to ask, "Your faith in what?"

Last night, our pastor said this, "There is a difference in knowing about God and knowing God."  I couldn't agree more.

I can know about God and have faith that He will take care of me and get me through my storms.

or

I can have a deep growing relationship, learning more about God and getting to know Him better every single day. Then seeing how He has worked throughout my life and using those promises and the way He has proved himself through His Word and His work to put my faith and trust fully in Him.

During my husband's deployment, God was my priority.  I made time for Him each and every day, no matter how difficult they day was, no matter how tired I was, no matter how busy I was. God was and is always first.

When I say that my faith gets me through a difficult situation, I also want to add that my faith gets me through my day to day life as well, no matter how good or how bad.

I want my faith to grow because my relationship with Christ has grown.

Are you stagnant in your relationship with Christ?  Did you get saved and baptized and just stop right there?  Do you struggle with finding time for God each day?  Do you spend time in prayer by praising Him instead of asking Him for things?

Dear Friend, I encourage you to grow, to flourish, to have an amazing relationship with Christ.  You don't have to jump all in at once.  In fact, I'd encourage you not to do that because it can become overwhelming. Start small.

~ Get up 20 minutes earlier to read your Bible.  I recommend a One Year Bible or start reading the New Testament with Matthew chapter 1.

~ Make prayer intentional.  Pray in the shower. Pray in the car. Pray while folding laundry and washing dishes.

~ Keep a Bible with you at all times.  Read in pick up line.  Read at the doctor's office. Think about places where you have to just sit and wait and read there.

~ During your prayer time, PRAISE more than you make requests.  Thank God for all He has done for you.

~ Keep a prayer journal. Record your prayers and praise reports.

~ Keep a gratitude journal. Each day try to record 1-3 things you are thankful for....the smell of freshly brewed coffee, the laughter of your children, no bills in the mailbox.

~ Make a commitment to attend church regularly.

~ Find a Sunday School class for you. I don't know how your church is set up, but ours has classes for every age group.  We've even started classes for people that feel like they don't "belong" in what we already offer.

~ Start a Bible study either online or in person.  I've done both and have seen the benefits of both.

I've done all these things (and continue to do so). I'm not always perfect in all of them. But they've all been important in my growth.  And please keep this in mind: we will NEVER reach a point where we  can not grow any more in our faith and relationship with Christ.  It is a relationship. Just like our marriages and friendships, a relationship with Christ requires time and effort. It requires patience and endurance.

I would love to hear from you.....What things help you grow closer to Christ?  What things do you need to work on? Can I pray for you?

Our growth is so important for us to find our identity in Christ.

I'm a Christian

Yes, I am a Christian.  A Christ Follower. A Child of God.  Whatever you want to call it.

I made the choice to surrender my life to Jesus Christ.

I believe in the Bible. I believe the Bible.

I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

I believe that Jesus lived a perfect life.

I believe that Jesus Christ was crucified on a cross for my sins.

I believe that Jesus was buried in a tomb that was sealed with a large stone.

I believe the that three days later, Jesus Christ rose from the grave.

I believe that Jesus Christ is alive today.

Although I am a Christian, a believer, again, whatever you want to call it, I am also a sinner.

I am not perfect. I will never claim to be. I mess up every day. Just ask those who know me.

Having said all of this, I also want to say that I am tired.

I am tired of Christians being criticized for being Christians.

I am tired of reading and hearing how ALL Christians are racist and bigots and hypocrites and haters.

That simply is not true.

ALL
NEVER
ALWAYS
EVERY ONE
NO ONE
EVERY TIME

Those, My Friend, are dangerous words.

Can I ask you a few questions?

If you don't approve of alcohol, but you see someone drinking a beer or a glass of wine, does that make you a hater?

If you smoke cigarettes, but get upset with your teenager for doing the same thing, does that make you a hypocrite?

If you disagree with your coworkers political preference, does that you a bigot?

I can ask the tough questions, but I won't go there because I think you know what I am getting at.

I'm not vocal about my political beliefs or my opinion of homosexuality.  My opinion doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things. If I disagree with you, that's what it is....a disagreement.  I am not judging you. NOT ALL Christians are judging you.  They are simply saying, "I don't agree with you."

Is that wrong?  Is it wrong to not agree with someone?  Does disagreeing make us bigots and racists and hypocrites and haters?

If it does, then we should all move to a little shack in the middle of no where and avoid human contact.

Seriously.

Who said we have to agree?  Who said we all have to be the same? Who said we all have to be alike?

I'm married. My husband and I don't agree on everything.  We don't hate each other.

I have three kids. They don't agree with me A LOT of the time. They think my rules are unfair. We don't hate each other.

I don't agree with my coworkers some times.  I don't agree with my church family some times. I don't hate them.

What matters in the grand scheme of things?

LOVE.

Whether you are a Christian or an atheist or a Muslim or whatever you are.....LOVE. When you agree, love. When you disagree, love.

In my little corner of the world, we call it Love the Sinner not the Sin. 

I can disagree with you and still love you. And just because I disagree with you doesn't mean I hate you.

Seriously.

It is possible. I live it every day.

You tell me that we live in America and have the right to express our opinions, but when Christians speak up, we are immediately told we are pushing our religion and beliefs on others and that we don't have the right to say what we believe and we are being judgmental hypocrites filled with hate.  That's a little harsh isn't it??? Just because we disagree.  Is that fair?

In the grand scheme of things, I am responsible for me and my actions.  I believe that we are all going to stand in judgement before God.  I don't have time to judge you.  I have my own sins to work on.  I just ask that the next time a Christian says, "I don't agree with you," that you will leave it at that and don't accuse ALL Christians of being judgmental hypocrites who hate those that don't share their beliefs.

Where's My Burning Bush?

Hopes, dreams, goals, ambitions.

We all have things we want to do, milestones to conquer, bucket lists to check off, finish lines to cross.

Yet, in the burning desires of our hearts, comes the call of God.  Then arises the question: God, what is it you want me to do?

And we look for that burning bush.

Oh, how we can look back at Moses and become envious, for God revealed himself to Moses through the burning bush.  He told Moses exactly what He wanted him to do.  The expectations, the plan, it was laid out right there before Moses.

How many times, my friend, do we look and pray for that burning bush? For God to clearly reveal His perfect plan to us?

How easy that would make all this decision making!

But wait.

Moses had a problem with this clear plan of God's.

God told Moses, "This is what you are to tell the people and this is what you will do," and proceeded to reveal His plan to Moses.

But Moses said, "Wait! What if they don't believe me?"

God had an answer, and it was in Moses' staff. He would toss it to the ground and it would become a snake. Moses was told to pick it up by its tail (Eeeek!), and it turned back to a staff. The staff would perform miraculous signs so the people would believe.

Fair enough.

But Moses still relented.  He said, "But God, I am not a good speaker. I can't talk to these people! Send someone else."

God told him that he would be fine. God Himself would give Moses the words to share. But still that wasn't enough for Moses, so God gave him his brother Aaron to be his helper.

Does this sound familiar?

How many times do we pray for God's will to be done, to be revealed to us, to be a witness to that burning bush?  Then how many times, when God reveals Himself and His perfect plan to us, do we back away and find excuse after excuse on why we can't proceed?

Life's journey is a long, winding road.  And for those that desire to do the will of God, it can seem to be longer, with more twists and turns.  God doesn't always put that burning bush in front of us.  I think sometimes He tests us, He prepares us, and then eventually helps us to step into that perfect will of His.

If God did reveal Himself to us, face to face, and said, "This is what I want you to do. Go. Do it," would we? Would we jump to the task joyfully and wholeheartedly obey?  Or would we be like Moses and say, "You know God, I really don't think I can do this," and then give Him a list of reasons why we can't do what God's called us to do?

And maybe, that's why God doesn't always clearly reveal His plan to us.  If we see the journey upfront, the heartaches, and the pain, we will back away and say, "God, find someone else. This isn't for me."  Instead, I think God sometimes leads us one step at a time so that we don't always know the path we are on until we get there. He doesn't always give us the chance to back out.

When we ask God's will to be done in our lives, we need to mean it....wholeheartedly, without a shadow of a doubt, truly desire what God wants our lives to mean for Him.

He will lead us to a land flowing with milk and honey, but the journey won't always be easy. It won't always be beautiful. However, it will always be worth it.

When Moses finally obeyed and the Israelites were being lead on their journey, God provided for them. He lit their way and fed them physically and spiritually.  He wouldn't do any less for us.  God loves us, and regardless of what journey He has called us to, He will provide.

We just have to trust and obey.

Five Minute Friday: Hide

Some days there is the urge to hide. To stay under the covers and away from the world.

The world. It just seems so much, too much.  It brings trouble, anxiety and fear.  It brings that urge to hide.

What good does it do to hide?

When finally we emerge, the world is still there.  Hiding doesn't make it go away. Hiding does no good.

We have to learn to find refuge in Him.  He will lead us, guide us, comfort us, protect us.  He goes before us.  With Him, there is no reason to hide.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.

Because He lives, all fear is gone.

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living 

Just because He lives.

With Him, there is no reason to hide.

Thank you for stopping by. I hope you are joining in with your Five Minute Friday post.  It is time to write for five minutes. No over thinking. No editing. Just writing.  Head on over to katemotaung.com to get started and read some other amazing posts.

Oh, and don't forget to find out about the first ever Five Minute Friday retreat.  I am soooooo excited about it. I still can't believe I am going!

Five Minute Friday: Relief

This morning, I checked Facebook before I ever rolled out of bed. An acquaintance of mine had posted one of those Timehop photos of her and her husband at the airport the day he was deployed 7 years ago.  It took me back to the day I took my husband to the airport for his deployment.

My chest hurt.

My heart raised.

I couldn't breathe.

I couldn't talk for fear of crying. I had promised myself I wouldn't cry.  I would be strong for him, our children, and his parents.

It was hard.

The months he spent away were very difficult.  Especially the night we were Skyping and his compound came under attack.  There are no words to describe that feeling.

We prayed and prayed and prayed.

Then one night at 1am, he called me and told me he had just landed in Bangor, Maine.  What relief that brought! I could breathe a little easier.

The best moment of all.....being reunited at the same airport where months earlier, I was filled with anxiety and fear.  I no longer had lingering fears of his safety. He was back in my arms, back with our family, back where he belonged.  The relief that comes with holding your Soldier for the first time after war.....well, there's no words for that either.  The tears come.  The praises for God's provision come.  The thankfulness.  It's all overwhelming.

Thank you for stopping by on the Friday.  I would like to add this final thought even though my five minutes are up....Jesus was the source of our strength through this deployment.  I got so many comments of, "How do you do it?"  The truth of the matter is, I didn't. Jesus did.  I don't get through one day of my life with Him.  All too often people look for relief elsewhere....gambling, alcohol, retail therapy.....but true relief comes from Christ.  We were never promised an easy life, but Jesus promised He would always be with us.

Be sure to stop by www.katemotaung.com to read some inspiring thoughts from some other writers.  Happy Friday!

Where Do We Go From Here?

Easter Sunday is over.  At my house, the baskets are piled high with candy that will never be eaten. Our Sunday church clothes are piled in the clothes basket waiting to be washed.  Our bellies are still full from the Easter ham, sweet potato casserole, and macaroni and cheese. The milk chocolate bunny is staring right at me saying, "Do it! Eat the ears first."

So, now what?

What do I do now with the message of Resurrection Sunday?

First, I can choose to be like the chief priests who tried to cover up the resurrection with lies and bribes, knowing it really happened, but choosing to cover it up due to fear. Yes, it can be a scary thing when Jesus comes in and wants to change your world.  We can deny Him to the end, but we are only hurting ourselves. I almost laugh thinking that these officials seemed to think that if they denied the resurrection then Jesus would be like, "Oh, well I'll just quit now since they are bribing each other to deny me."  Today, people do the same. They seem to think, "If I just deny Him, then it won't matter. God is loving so, well, whatever. It doesn't matter."

Another thing we can choose to do is be like Thomas. Thomas chose to doubt.  I think one reason why was because he wasn't as strong has the other disciples (purely my opinion) for the simple fact he wasn't there when Jesus first appeared to His disciples behind locked doors.  I have no idea where Thomas was.  It doesn't matter.  What matters is that to me, it seems like Thomas wasn't fully following Jesus.  I'd compare him to those Easter and Christmas church  attendees.  Our names may or may not be on any particular church roster.  They know the ins and outs of the Christmas and Easter stories, but are never around to get more out of having a deeper, real,  life changing relationship with Christ. They doubt Christ more than other Christians because they haven't spent time getting to know Him.  Like Thomas, they have to have that physical proof that Jesus is really who He says He is.

Or I can be Paul.  Paul, like me, walked in darkness.  We mocked other Christians.  We chose to deny Christ.  But one day, Christ revealed Himself to us.  We had a choice as to what we were going to do with that.  Well, you know Paul's story.  Paul, whom was originally called Saul, gave up the life he knew and chose to live for Jesus.  He chose to walk in light and help others know the Jesus he knew.  He had his thorn in the flesh, something that he wanted to rid his life of, but he knew that God's grace was sufficient.

When Jesus revealed Himself to me, I admit I was scared.  In fact, I walked away from Him and denied Him that first time.  He kept after me, calling to me, desiring me.  One day, I'd had enough of darkness, and I opened my heart to His light, His love....to Him.  Needless to say, it hasn't been all mountaintop experiences since that day 11 years ago. However, whatever my thorn in the flesh has been, I have learned that God's grace is sufficient for me.  Whether it was sick children, job changes, lack of finances to pay bills, deployment, miscarriage, or anger, God was there for me. He walked beside me when I needed it. He pushed me when I needed it. He held me in His everlasting arms when I needed it.  He has covered me in grace and mercy.  He has given me strength.

I'll be the first to admit that being a Christian is scary.  Sometimes we are fearful, but I do have to remind myself that God hasn't given me a spirit of fear. That comes from Satan.  When God calls me to do something, He will prepare me for it.  So many people choose not to serve Christ because of fear. If that's the case, we will all be pew warmers and there would be no discipleship.

When we hear God calling, whether it is that first time that he is convicting of us of our sin or calling us to teach a class or go on a mission trip, we have to truly believe, and not doubt, that He will prepare us, He will guide us, He will be there with us.

As a Jesus lover, I choose to follow Him.....every single day.  Yes, there will be days I totally blow it. I will embarrass Him. I will not spend time with Him like I should.  But.....Here's where He redeems me.  He will open His arms to me and say, "I know. I am not surprised by your imperfections. I know you better than you know yourself. After all, I did create you.  Regardless of your flaws, I love you and I can and will use you. You need only be still and trust Me."

That's what I choose. I choose to trust Him and live for Him every day, not just Sundays.  I am committed to Him.  And you know???? I owe it to Him.  I owe Him my praise, my worship, my thankfulness, my life.  It's that whole John 3:16 thing....For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only son that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

And that is where I go from here....serving Christ. Living for Him. Devoting my life to Him. Where do you go from here?

Five Minute Friday: Good

I anticipated this week's word to be FINISH, but I was wrong.  I'm ok with today's word.  It's really good.

There is so much wrong in the world. So much negative. I loathe watching the news. Hate it with a passion.  There's never anything good.

Recently, I wrote a blog post about a bad week I was having and then making the choice to focus on the positive.  Each day, that is what I will try to do when things don't seem to be going my way.

Why?  Well, because of Jesus.

You see, I have this relationship with Him.  He has been so good to me, and I owe it to Him to be the best I can be....for Him.

He loves me.

On this Good Friday, as I read scripture with my children, I am reminded that, although brutal, Jesus' death was good.  It had to happen. It was in God's plan.  Had Jesus not died for me that day, I would have no hope.

For me, looking for the good, having that hope, is a way to honor Jesus. It is pleasing to him. When I can praise Him in my storms, that can show others that my faith, my hope is in Him.  Jesus is my all in all.  He made the ultimate sacrifice for me.  The least I can do is look for the good and help others to see that regardless of what's wrong in the world, that there is still hope. There's still Jesus.

Thank you for sharing this Good Friday with me.  I pray that you and your family focus on Jesus. If you don't know Him personally, seek Him. And remember. A lot can happen in 3 days.

Putting Things Into Perspective

I'll be honest.  It's been a crazy week. Ups and Downs and All Arounds.

I made the comment to Jeff a few weeks back about how that particular day was "the longest day ever." He informed me that the longest day ever for him was the day I lost our baby through miscarriage.

Hmmm. Kinda put things in perspective.

This week.....this week there were so many moments when I wanted to comment about how terrible of a day I was having.  More than once, "This is the day from hell" popped into my mind. I pushed it away each time, reminding myself that things could always be worse.  And it could, and I know that.

If you know me, you know how much I love words, especially God's Word.  He always knows what I need to hear.

This morning as I was reading my Readings for Lent and Easter, my scripture came from Romans 8:18-25.  Verse 18 says, "Now, I'm sure of this: the sufferings we endure now are not even worth comparing to the glory that is coming and will be revealed in us."  I was reminded that I'm going to have rough days, rough weeks, but I am empowered by God.  He speaks grace and mercy over me.  Because of my faith in Him, I have this amazing hope within me. In him, I have glorious freedom.

When I have a bad day, I try to stop and remember the good, the blessings. God's way of telling me to get over myself and see what good He has done.  So for me, in this moment, that is what I am choosing to do.  Instead of griping or listing here the things that went wrong this week, I want to share with you some things that went right:

We made an offer on a house and then accepted the final offer.

Carson has artwork at the local art gallery.

Colin pulled out a B in science when I thought for sure he would get that C.

Jeff bought me a dress just because he saw it in the store window and thought I would like it (and I do).

Jeff showed up in my classroom with Starbucks.

Hilarie showed up in my classroom with my favorite Route 44 drink.

My little boys still want me to lay down with them every night.  

One of my students at school did the Happy Dance when he found out corndogs were on the lunch menu.

I got to fill in for Leslie at church and hang out with the middle school girls. 

Makennah wanted me to be in the nursery with her.

A new couple joined the church.

We got to enjoy our usual Wednesday night Dairy Queen meal with our church family.

We've had some beautiful spring weather this week that allowed for some extra recess.

This is just a small list of good things from this week.  It was easy to pick them out, especially with keeping the positive in mind.  Mindset is a powerful thing.  I encourage you to pick out the positives when things aren't going your way.  Find the good in your day and dwell on that instead of the bad.

Wife to Wife Wednesdays (on Sunday): Books

I love to read. LOVE LOVE LOVE to read. I guess it is a good thing I am a reading teacher!  One of my favorite books right now is titled Something to Sing About.  It is a youth novel.  Our school librarian introduced me to the book, and I was hooked. I am currently reading it to my two reading classes.

In this story, Jamie Jo Morgan is having some issues with God.  Because of how her mama has been treated, she has some questions for the Lord like how He can love the mean girls as much as He loves her.  Oh, and bees. Don't get Jamie Jo started on bees. She is scared to death of them because she watched My Girl. However, it is her brother Pate that has a near death experience with bees.  When Jamie Jo's mama is "fired" from the church choir and decides to give church a rest, she prays that God will make everything the way it used to be.  Sometimes, the way it used to be isn't that great, and God's plans are so much better.

Are you interested?  Although this is a children's book, adults should read it as well. Author C.C. Payne (from my home state, oh and the story's setting is my hometown!) does an excellent job in showing how God works through what we might call the end of the world.  She shows how families can be broken and grow back together even stronger as long as they remain faithful to God.

If you read this book, please let me know what you think.  A couple of years ago, I did a book club with it with the kids at church. They loved it.

So what about you? Do you have a favorite book?  You can join in here or over at Wives of Faith.  We'd love to hear from you.

Putting Your Faith in Action by Nick Vujicic

Having faith, beliefs, and convictions is a great thing, but your life is measured by the actions you take based upon them. You can build a great life around those things you believe and have faith in. I've built mine around my belief that I can inspire and bring hope to people facing challenges in their lives. That belief is rooted in my faith in God. I have faith that He put me on this earth to love, inspire, and encourage others and especially to help all who are willing to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. I believe that I can never earn my way to heaven, and by faith I accept the gift of the forgiveness of sins through Christ Jesus. However, there’s so much more than just “getting in” through the Pearly Gates. It is also about seeing others changed by the power of His Holy Spirit, having a close relationship with Jesus Christ throughout this life, and then being further rewarded in heaven.

Being born without arms and legs was not God’s way of punishing me. I know that now. I have come to realize that this “disability” would actually heighten my ability to serve His purpose as a speaker and evangelist. You might be tempted to think that I’m making a huge leap of faith to feel that way, since most people consider my lack of limbs a huge handicap. Instead, God has used my lack of limbs to draw people to me, especially others with disabilities, so I can inspire and encourage them with my messages of faith, hope, and love.

In the Bible, James said that our actions, not our words, are the proof of our faith. He wrote in James 2:18, “Now someone may argue, ‘Some people have faith; others have good deeds.’ But I say, ‘How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.’”

I've heard it said that our actions are to our faith and beliefs as our bodies are to our spirits. Your body is the housing of your spirit, the evidence of its existence. In the same way, your actions are the evidence of your faith and beliefs. You have no doubt heard the term “walking the talk.” Your family, friends, teachers, bosses, coworkers, customers, and clients all expect you to act and live in alignment with the beliefs and convictions that you claim to have. If you don’t, they will call you out, won’t they?

Our peers judge us not by what we say but by what we do. If you claim to be a good wife and mother, then you sometimes will have to put your family’s interests above your own. If you believe your purpose is to share your artistic talents with the world, then you will be judged on the works you produce, not on those you merely propose. You have to walk the talk; otherwise you have no credibility with others—or with yourself—because you, too, should demand that your actions match your words. If they don’t, you will never live in harmony and fulfillment.

As a Christian, I believe the final judge of how we've lived is God. The Bible teaches that His judgment is based on our actions, not our words. Revelation 20:12 says, “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books,according to their works.” I act upon my beliefs by traveling the world and encouraging people to love one another and to love God. I am fulfilled in that purpose. I truly believe it is why I was created. When you act upon your beliefs and put your faith into action, you, too, will experience fulfillment. And please, do not be discouraged if you aren't always absolutely confident in your purpose and how to act upon it. I have struggled. I still struggle. And so will you. I fail and am far from perfect. But deeds are merely the fruit—the result of the depth of a true conviction of the truth. Truth is what sets us free, not purpose. I found my purpose because I was looking for truth.

It is hard to find purpose or good in difficult circumstances, but that is the journey. Why did it have to be a journey? Why couldn't a helicopter just pick you up and carry you to the finish line? Because throughout the difficult times, you will learn more, grow more in faith, love God more, and love your neighbor more. It is the journey of faith that begins in love and ends in love.

Frederick Douglass, the American slave turned social activist, said, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” Your character is formed by the challenges you face and overcome. Your courage grows when you face your fears. Your strength and your faith are built as they are tested in your life experiences.

Adapted from Unstoppable by Nick Vujicic with permission of WaterBrook Press, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.

What Lies Ahead

We live by faith, not by sight.
( 2 Corinthians 5:7 *NIV )

When I look back on last year, I can see that a lot of things happened that I never thought was possible. There were things that I wish would not have happened. There were prayers that were answered. There were prayers that were unanswered for whatever reason God had in mind.

Now, I'm looking ahead. What lies ahead? God only knows.

I look forward to the arrival of this baby in 12 weeks. But what will that entail? An early delivery? A problem free delivery? Three months of colic? I don't know, but God does. Whatever happens, I will have to trust Him.

What will it be like home with these 3 boys when Jeff goes off to South Carolina for 2 months? Will the boys stay well? Can I manage soccer camp for the 3rd year? Who will watch them when I have to work in my classroom after the end of this school year and the beginning of next? I don't know, but God does. I'll just have to trust Him.

What if I get sick? What if my kids or husband get sick?

What if we can't pay our bills? What if the van messes up and we can't afford to get it fixed?

What if I lose someone close to me? What if my grandmother has another heart attack? What if my other grandmother never comes home from the nursing home? What if someone I love is diagnosed with Cancer?

What if a friendship goes sour? What if someone doesn't forgive me? What if I lose my temper and act a fool?

What if that big tree outside falls on our house in this upcoming winter storm? What if our power goes out?

What if........

What if I just sat around and worried about everything? I'll tell you what: I would be one miserable person.

What keeps me from doing that? My faith in God.

My faith in God tells me that whatever He places in front of me, I can handle because He will be there with me.

My faith in God tells me that whatever evils and failures make their way into my life, I can over come them because He is there with me.

My faith in God tells me that I am not alone.

My faith in God tells me that I am loved, I am special, and I am somebody.

Who am I?

I am a child of God.

My faith in Him made me His.

What kind of faith do you have? Is it frail and weak because you have placed your faith in worldly things? Is it growing and becoming strong because you have placed your faith in God. Do you live by sight? Do you depend on worldly things?

Putting your faith in God and living your life for Him is the way to go. No, life won't always be easy. He never promised that. He did promise that He would be right there with us. Whatever we go through, He goes through as well.

Do you live by faith or by sight?