Good morning all my bloggy friends! It is such a beautiful morning and I'm so excited to be heading out for a long weekend trip with my hubby! Today is our 15 year wedding anniversary. We made it! At times it has been wonderful and others, it has been a very difficult road but it always has been God's grace that has held us together.
As Mike and I focused on our marriage this morning, we began lifting up the marriages of others in prayer. The sanctity of marriage needs prayer. Marriage is hard sometimes and satan can convince you that leaving is the best thing to do but I can attest to the fact that sticking it out and working it out brings a deeper love than you ever imagined.
Are you being intentional about making your marriage the best that it can be? Are you allowing past hurts to keep you from an amazing future with your spouse? Are you allowing the negativity of others keep you from thinking and talking positively about your spouse? If so, ask God to help you make some changes in your life and be the instigator of a closely connected marriage.
Have a great day and a great weekend!
Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Once again, I feel ashamed and dumb for ever doubting the power of our Lord. What was I thinking? A God that has created and sustains the entire universe can easily handle any problems I may have!
My speech went great last night and the words flowed just like so many other times when I have given my mouth to the Lord. This is just another time that God is probably shaking His head and saying, oh you of little faith!
Yesterday, one of my pastor's reminded me - God's not interested in our perfection...just our direction. Oh, how these words are so true. God expects me to give my all in all I do but He already knows that even my all is not even close to perfection. Most times my perfection desire is to please me and not God. Just because I expect A's on all my assignments doesn't mean that I have failed if I don't accomplish it. God is pleased because I am obeying Him by going to school.
I hope this helps you in determining what is your will and what is God's will. Way too often, my will gets in the way!
Have a great day
Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie
My speech went great last night and the words flowed just like so many other times when I have given my mouth to the Lord. This is just another time that God is probably shaking His head and saying, oh you of little faith!
Yesterday, one of my pastor's reminded me - God's not interested in our perfection...just our direction. Oh, how these words are so true. God expects me to give my all in all I do but He already knows that even my all is not even close to perfection. Most times my perfection desire is to please me and not God. Just because I expect A's on all my assignments doesn't mean that I have failed if I don't accomplish it. God is pleased because I am obeying Him by going to school.
I hope this helps you in determining what is your will and what is God's will. Way too often, my will gets in the way!
Have a great day
Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Colossians 23-24 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.
I have a confession to make.
I have really been struggling with a speech that I have to give tonight in my speech class. Each week of the class, my professor is pulling me farther from my comfort zone by reducing the amount of notes I am able to have and yes, even taking away the security of a podium. I am used to speaking from a full manuscript, my Bible and a podium. He wants me to give an informative speech full of quotes and statistics with 4 index cards and no podium.
Yesterday, I decided that I could print my whole manuscript in small enough font that I could attach it to the index cards and my professor would never know the difference. I felt a little guilty as I cut the paper to fit the cards and began taping them together. As I was taping the last section to an index card, my friend Jodi stopped by and asked what I was doing. I explained the situation to her and she immediately gave me the look of disapproval. I tried to not look her way and just stay focused on what I was doing but then she asked me how I was going to learn if I didn't do what my professor asked me to, how being pulled from my comfort zone was a good thing and how I really was cheating by cutting corners and taking short cuts. Still feeling convicted, I assured her that I wasn't doing anything wrong and not to worry about it.
After our visit, I realized that getting an A really wasn't that important compared to obeying God. I text my friend and told her that I would be changing my index cards and only be hand writing the outline that was supposed to be there.
I will trust God to help me do my best. Even if I don't do as well as I would like or even if I don't get the A I so desperately want, I will know that I obeyed the Lord's prompting and that will be reward enough.
I thank God for His convictions in my heart and for the support of accountability partners! :)
Have a great day and I'd appreciate your prayers for my speech tonight.
Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie
I have a confession to make.
I have really been struggling with a speech that I have to give tonight in my speech class. Each week of the class, my professor is pulling me farther from my comfort zone by reducing the amount of notes I am able to have and yes, even taking away the security of a podium. I am used to speaking from a full manuscript, my Bible and a podium. He wants me to give an informative speech full of quotes and statistics with 4 index cards and no podium.
Yesterday, I decided that I could print my whole manuscript in small enough font that I could attach it to the index cards and my professor would never know the difference. I felt a little guilty as I cut the paper to fit the cards and began taping them together. As I was taping the last section to an index card, my friend Jodi stopped by and asked what I was doing. I explained the situation to her and she immediately gave me the look of disapproval. I tried to not look her way and just stay focused on what I was doing but then she asked me how I was going to learn if I didn't do what my professor asked me to, how being pulled from my comfort zone was a good thing and how I really was cheating by cutting corners and taking short cuts. Still feeling convicted, I assured her that I wasn't doing anything wrong and not to worry about it.
After our visit, I realized that getting an A really wasn't that important compared to obeying God. I text my friend and told her that I would be changing my index cards and only be hand writing the outline that was supposed to be there.
I will trust God to help me do my best. Even if I don't do as well as I would like or even if I don't get the A I so desperately want, I will know that I obeyed the Lord's prompting and that will be reward enough.
I thank God for His convictions in my heart and for the support of accountability partners! :)
Have a great day and I'd appreciate your prayers for my speech tonight.
Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie
Monday, June 1, 2009
Happy Monday! What a wonderful weekend of celebration we experienced. My husband's dad turns 60 on Thursday so we celebrated his birthday with family and friends on Saturday. On Sunday, we headed to Lafayette, IN for our friend's daughter who was celebrating her birthday and 8th grade graduation.
On Thursday we will also be celebrating our 15 year anniversary. I've learned a lot over the last 15 years. When I got married at the age of 19, I had no idea what God would teach me about love. Yes, I loved Mike but I could not have understood the depth of love at that point. I have learned how to close my mouth when everything inside me wants to spill out, I have learned to put my own desires aside for the sake of my husband, I have learned how to love my husband even when he is acting unlovable and I have learned that my way is not always the "right" way. Now, do I always act on what God has taught me - absolutely not but none the less, He has taught me how to love in a way that is pleasing to Him.
Just like we learn each intimate detail of our spouse, God knows each of us. He knows our flaws, He knows our gifts, He knows our hurts, and He knows our hearts. He knows us better than we know ourselves, which is why He knows what is best for us. The best part is - He knows all this and yet He loves us anyway! Amazing, huh?!
God, I thank you for marriage and what it has taught me. I thank you for knowing me and loving me, anyway. I thank you for setting the example of unconditional love for us to follow. I praise You for your faithfulness in every aspect of life. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie
On Thursday we will also be celebrating our 15 year anniversary. I've learned a lot over the last 15 years. When I got married at the age of 19, I had no idea what God would teach me about love. Yes, I loved Mike but I could not have understood the depth of love at that point. I have learned how to close my mouth when everything inside me wants to spill out, I have learned to put my own desires aside for the sake of my husband, I have learned how to love my husband even when he is acting unlovable and I have learned that my way is not always the "right" way. Now, do I always act on what God has taught me - absolutely not but none the less, He has taught me how to love in a way that is pleasing to Him.
Just like we learn each intimate detail of our spouse, God knows each of us. He knows our flaws, He knows our gifts, He knows our hurts, and He knows our hearts. He knows us better than we know ourselves, which is why He knows what is best for us. The best part is - He knows all this and yet He loves us anyway! Amazing, huh?!
God, I thank you for marriage and what it has taught me. I thank you for knowing me and loving me, anyway. I thank you for setting the example of unconditional love for us to follow. I praise You for your faithfulness in every aspect of life. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie
Friday, May 29, 2009
Happy Friday my bloggy friends! This morning I read Matthew 11:1-19 and then the commentary on those verses. The commentary for verses 16-19 really gave me a good slap in the face. Here's what it said: Jesus condemned the attitude of His generation. No matter what He said or did, they took the opposite view. They were cynical and skeptical because He challenged their comfortable, secure, and self-centered lives. Too often we justify our inconsistencies because listening to God may require us to change the way we live.
OUCH, ouch and ouch! First of all this made me question whether I challenge others about their lifestyles like Christ did or just be quiet so I don't cause conflict. Then, that last sentence really convicted me. Especially when it comes to my children, I have considered the thoughts "everybody else lets their kids do it, should I? I don't want them to feel left out." or for myself, "are others going to think I'm crazy for doing or not doing this? I really want to fit in and be liked."
Lord, help me to think, act and speak more like You. Remind me of Your will and Your way so that my will and my way will be pushed aside. Give me the strength to be a light for you in all ways. In Jesus Name, Amen
Have a great day and a great weekend!
Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie
OUCH, ouch and ouch! First of all this made me question whether I challenge others about their lifestyles like Christ did or just be quiet so I don't cause conflict. Then, that last sentence really convicted me. Especially when it comes to my children, I have considered the thoughts "everybody else lets their kids do it, should I? I don't want them to feel left out." or for myself, "are others going to think I'm crazy for doing or not doing this? I really want to fit in and be liked."
Lord, help me to think, act and speak more like You. Remind me of Your will and Your way so that my will and my way will be pushed aside. Give me the strength to be a light for you in all ways. In Jesus Name, Amen
Have a great day and a great weekend!
Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Matthew 10:17-42
19....do not worry....
22 You will be hated....
23...whenever they persecute you....
26...do not fear...
28 Do not fear...
31 So do not fear...
38 "And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me."
Rich words from our Savior. Need I say more?
Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie
19....do not worry....
22 You will be hated....
23...whenever they persecute you....
26...do not fear...
28 Do not fear...
31 So do not fear...
38 "And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me."
Rich words from our Savior. Need I say more?
Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
I've been thinking about fear lately. I encouraged a friend who has dealt with severe panic attacks who drove to Joliet inspite of her fear, another friend who is leaving for a mission trip in a month to obey God's prompting inspite of her fear, and last night in class we discussed the fear of public speaking that most people face.
We may be afraid to do what God calls us to do, whether the request is big or small - when it pulls us from our comfort zone - we are afraid.
God reminded me of something yesterday. This is a BIG something. This is something I want to remind myself of on a daily basis. This could very easily change your life, so be prepared.
Fear is not being afraid - fear is when you don't do what God is calling you to do because you are afraid.
Be afraid and do it anyway!
Our confidence and trust in the Lord comes when we don't allow being afraid to stand in our way. God has shown me over and over again - He is faithful. When He calls me to obey - He provides all I need. It is nothing of me and it is nothing of you - all we have to do is be willing.
Say yes and let God do the rest
Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie
We may be afraid to do what God calls us to do, whether the request is big or small - when it pulls us from our comfort zone - we are afraid.
God reminded me of something yesterday. This is a BIG something. This is something I want to remind myself of on a daily basis. This could very easily change your life, so be prepared.
Fear is not being afraid - fear is when you don't do what God is calling you to do because you are afraid.
Be afraid and do it anyway!
Our confidence and trust in the Lord comes when we don't allow being afraid to stand in our way. God has shown me over and over again - He is faithful. When He calls me to obey - He provides all I need. It is nothing of me and it is nothing of you - all we have to do is be willing.
Say yes and let God do the rest
Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)