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The Lord Is My Keeper by Bombi

The Lord, my keeper

It is Winter 2020 and what a year it has been. Talk to anyone anywhere and find the comments readily available to break down how their year has gone. When I tell you, this year has rocked me to my core, I mean ROCKED. The job I was so used to going to every weekday ceased to need me. The daughter I grew accustomed to parenting and planning out each school year with, graduated high school and has ventured out on her own. The little boy who ran around with play guns and mini basketballs finished drivers ed and got his driver’s permit. Not to mention…the global pandemic no one saw coming. And the discussions of systemic racism with my family, and the never knowing what to expect the next day waking up. Who would have ever predicted all of this happening all at once? The discussions I never knew I would have. The arguments I never knew would ever happen. And can we talk about how fun interviewing again in your 40’s is? 

Stretched much? Yeah, I would say. Two HUGE things stand out to me. 

One: It’s not just me

I ‘m not here giving you a sole surviving testimony of what I alone faced. No, it’s not just me, it’s you, it’s him, her, your neighbor, it’s the person we will never know that lives oceans away. It’s the celebrity, it’s the homeless. The rich, poor, and in-between. It is every person on the globe that’s going through like never before. All at once.

And the 2nd thing: God has remained faithful

He never ceases to amaze me. He never stops providing for us. We have yet to go hungry. Our lights are still on. The embarrassment of being laid off didn’t kill me. The heartache of an early empty nest didn’t keep me crushed. God never stopped comforting me. He never left his watch to go relieve some type of stress He needed to rid Himself of. He didn’t need to take a break to give Himself some self-care. No, He stayed. He makes sure we have everything we needed for our sustenance. Oh God, you are so steady. You are so mighty. You are greater than any sickness, financial crisis, family crisis, circumstance, you are higher than it all. Thank you for never letting me go!  

I just want to give God His due glory, and also share a passage I love. I’ve probably shared in past but has come to even greater meaning to me. I encourage you to read it, meditate on it, and allow God to empower you with His word.

Psalm 121Amplified Bible

The Lord the Keeper of Israel. A Song of [a]Ascents.

1 I will lift up my eyes to the hills [of Jerusalem]-From where shall my help come?

2 My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.

3 He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber.

4 Behold, He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber [briefly] nor sleep [soundly].

5 The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade on your right hand.

6 The sun will not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your life.

8 The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in [everything that you do] From this time forth and forever.

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Do You Hear What I Hear by Trish W.

It’s Christmas season and by the title alone, you may assume this will be a traditional holiday post, but it isn’t. 

My husband’s family were all together  (siblings and parents) for Thanksgiving. We decided to spend the holiday together among our small group since Covid has changed things a bit for us all this year. 

We rented a vacation home and had such a great time just being together! One afternoon I was playing a game with my niece when I heard my bonus daughter say to my niece (or so I thought) “you can beat her, she’s 41!”. 

I turned myself around so quick and looked at her and said “what did you say?” as if to challenge her assumption that my age would hinder me from winning. When I repeated what I thought she said, she started laughing and said “NO! I made a reference to the score being FOUR TO ONE”. We all laughed and she has since reminded me of how off my hearing was.

Isn’t that like life though? We make assumptions based on what we hear. Sometimes our hearing is filtered by many different things such as fear, insecurity, level of understanding or simply the inability to hear correctly. Or maybe what we hear are a lot of facts but we haven’t taken the time to weigh them against God’s truth. 

Right now as we end 2020, we see how this pandemic has spoken loud and clear over the various areas of our lives.It’s not a lie, this pandemic is real and should be taken seriously. Yet, even among the mountain of facts that surround us, God’s truth is greater. 

It’s as if a walking billboard or teleprompter has invaded our personal space reminding us at every turn of our limitations and challenges at hand. Yet in the middle of some very real and raw dangers, do you hear what I hear?

Through the muffle of the constant news reports, social distancing and isolation, I can hear God say “fear not, I will never leave you or forsake you”.

Beyond the valid cries of those hurting among us or even our own cries, I can hear God say “Peace, be still”.

In spite of the flood of phone calls, text messages and social media posts reiterating fear, I hear God say, “I’ve not given you the spirit of fear but of power, love and sound mind.”

Despite the overwhelming  knowledge of economic decline I hear God say “I am your provider.”

As a child of God we must keep our  ear close to His heartbeat which found in His Word so we can HEAR beyond what we  hear. 

In this season I know it’s tough and no one should tell you how to walk your own journey. We are all finding our way in these uncertain times. If I can just encourage you with this, although times are uncertain, God’s love and faithfulness is not. He is faithful and He will see us through. I encourage you to spend time in His Word and focus on His truth above all else.

 Beyond the fear, beyond the noise, beyond the loss, beyond the hurt there is a voice longing to bring your comfort, wisdom and direction. His voice is greater than all else. Even now, He’s speaking, silence the noise so you can hear His voice. 

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Peace In Uncertainty by Sonya


During this year of 2020, there has been so much uncertainty with what we have had to deal with through Covid-19. It has been hard to plan and see what the future holds as we are in this season of uncertainty not knowing when this will end. For our family, with four kids in school it is the uncertainty of school and if they will resume to their extra activities like sports and hobbies that they enjoy. They have had so much taken away as we all have had, and things canceled that is out of our control. I am reminded that during these times which seem so hard that we serve a “BIG” God and as much as we think we are in control God has shown who is in control of it all. God is still at the throne taking care of us and giving us this peace through it all. His peace covers all understanding and gives us hope to put our trust only in Him. Our family has experienced Covid-19 firsthand as my husband contracted the virus. Thankfully, he only dealt with minor symptom.s. What kept us was focusing on Jesus knowing He is taking care of us and not letting go. God’s peace is key through the uncertain times and allows our hearts not to be troubled. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

As this world endures these quarantines, closures and just the panic of the coronavirus pandemic, God offers peace through this all. His Word brings hope and healing and casts out all fear and worry. Let’s not allow our flesh to get the best of us during this time but find God’s peace that will last. His peace will calm and give an assurance that He is on the throne taking care of us every step of the way. Let the spirit of truth bring you peace in these uncertain times. As we put our trust in Him and not the world, we can open our eyes to what God offers. He won’t let you down and will bring healing to your soul during these times. Are you ready for God’s peace? Let go of your fears and let the peace of God transcend you during your uncertain times. Lets finish this year of 2020 with prayer and thanksgiving giving all things to God as this verse says. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Receive His peace and ring in the new year with God at the center of your life!

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His Love Never Quits by Kenika

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his faithful love endures forever.”

Psalm 118:1 

2020. What can we say? What a year. Typically, I am the very last person to say or believe that one particular year is in and of itself good or bad. I just think that time goes on and some days are good, and some days are bad. But even I can’t deny the fact that this has been a challenging year, to say the very least.  As we approach the end, hopefully in every way, of an overwhelmingly eventful year, I find myself contemplating one thing, and that is gratitude. Much time has been spent complaining, too much time has been spent debating and arguing points of fact, there have been lots of tears, fears, anxieties and anything else you can think of.  Also, it is a fact that everyone has experienced the same thing at the exact same time.  However, as I look back, all I feel is grateful. “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his faithful love endures forever.” (Psalm 118:1) The Message Bible simply says, “His love never quits.”

Some of us have jobs that have ended, living arrangements that have ended, a particular political party’s reign has ended with much contention, relationships have been forever altered or ended, but I find solace in knowing that HIS love never quits, His love never ends.  I needed that. After everything that has gone on, I needed to know that. 

I was having a conversation with my niece and we were talking about how everyone is experiencing mass isolation. Having to quarantine for safety also meant we didn’t get a chance to spend as much face to face time with each other as we are accustomed to. That meant many of us felt isolated and lonely, but we all felt it together. We were discussing how once the Corona Virus pandemic is over, we are going to have to reevaluate our relationships or more accurately, how we relate to others. But even if that’s the case, His love never quits.  For believers, even in our isolation, we were never alone. Jesus didn’t take a “breather” or have a need to be quarantined or separate from us, He didn’t stop loving, caring, protecting, providing and fathering us.  We had to quit going out as much as we did, we had to quit traveling for a period of time, we had to quit going into our offices (for some of us), plans had to be altered, canceled or changed, but His love never quit.  We felt tired, lonely, anxious, angry, sad, but He was always and will always be there. 

If you find yourself a little wearied by this battle that we’ve all been in, approach the end of this year and the holiday season with a heart of gratitude. It’s hard to complain when you are grateful. It’s hard to remain fearful when you remember the creator of the heavens and the earth is with you and will never leave you. Choose gratitude and His never ending, never quitting, never giving up, or never running out love as your motivation and comfort to finish strong and gear up for what’s to come. 

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Be Kind To Her by Trish

Be Kind To Her….

 

The other day I penned these words and posted on my insta-story…

“To the one persevering in the midst of a pandemic…Keep persevering

To the one choosing joy over pain…Keep choosing

To the one clinging to love despite hurt…Keep clinging”

I’m not even going to pretend that this is “just another season” and it’s all okay.  It’s not okay…it’s hard and some days I find myself crying harder than I have in almost 4 years. There have been moments when it has felt like all hell has broken loose and I’m dodging arrows at every turn. I catch my breath long enough to dodge the next missile being launched.

Let’s see, global pandemic…check. National economic crisis…check. Misunderstandings, disrespect and lack of appreciation in relationships…check. Battle for justice…check. Racial tension…check. Hurricane Season…check. Limited interaction and social distanced relationships…check. And in the midst of the above checklist we are to figure out how to manage a home, business, work responsibilities, nurture a marriage, budget responsibly while not knowing financial future, keep the house spotless and fulfill the responsibilities within the home…(we each have our own “list”), be “present” at home, don’t forget to smile and act like you have it together when in reality you are one wrong comment or even look away from going off on someone. Basically, hold down the fort and keep your stuff together.

How in the world can we keep it together? We can’t and that is the very reason we need Jesus! I literally need Him as desperately as I need my next breath. Oh, and by the way, I can’t imagine you Mamas out there working your superpowers as you parent, home-school and/or work from home. And let’s not forget about the essential workers, teachers and on-going list of other women out there making it happen in their world and then coming home to make sure dinner is on the table in time. Y’all are the real MPV’s.

I say all of that to say…Be kind to her. Her being YOU. If no one else is appreciating your rock star effort in making that magic happen in your home during the year 2020…I salute you and I celebrate what you’re doing! This is not an easy season for any of us! I’m speaking to ladies because well, this is LADIES on Life but honestly, I commend everyone getting up every morning and choosing to do what it takes and choosing to LIVE BY FAITH. I know this is a crazy time, but we have a big God. The struggle may be real but the grace and strength He gives is even greater!

But ladies, I especially want to encourage YOU. Your worth is far above rubies, your value more precious than gold! If no one else sees or appreciates all you’re doing, know that God does and He will reward you.

Among that list of all we are facing, there is an even greater list.

You’re breathing…check

You somehow found time to have a break long enough to read this and be encouraged…check

You’re loved by the Creator of the World and He loves you more than life itself…check

You still have the ability to choose your responses…check

You have a direct access to God through prayer…check

You have an opportunity to see God do the miraculous in your life…check!

For every negative thing we’re facing, replace it with a positive and focus on that. I’m not saying live in denial of what is going on but redirect your focus and it will help redirect your day.

I would encourage you to write these verses down someplace where you will see it and everyday declare these words over your life as well as the entire book of Psalm 91, a declaration of God’s protection.

Psalms 61:2“From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

Galatians 6:9 KJV “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

Psalms 3:3 “But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head”

James 1:2-4 2 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces [a]patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be [b]perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

 

Be patient with the girl reading this post- she’s valuable.

Be loving with the woman you see in the mirror, she’s doing her best.

Be forgiving of the blunders  she may make and most of all, please be kind to her.

 

Photo Credit: FreePik

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Trials In Life by Sonya

 

During this time there has been many trials that you don’t plan on and try not to dwell on in life. It has been especially hard for everyone during Covid-19 where you experience trial after trial. These are unknown  times we are going through and territory with unexpected trials.
During these times,  I have encountered trials in both my marriage and with my family. It has been hard as I thought having all of this family time would bring us all closer. Instead it has caused conflict as we find ourselves getting on one another’s nerves.
My role as a Mother has been challenging as I’ve been impatient with my kids and find myself raising my voice at them if they don’t obey. I become someone I don’t like in my marriage and my family as this virus  has caused me to lose my  identity to some degree. I have found myself  lacking motivation the longer we have been in quarantine. I also found myself living in fear . We have worked  really  hard as a family to not be fearful and trust in God. Our church as been instrumental in this and always praying and pointing the church family to God. Isaiah  41:13 “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you. Do not fear, I will help you.”
During these trials, we have prayed and have chosen to trust God to carry our burdens and not leave us.
God is carrying us through this season and these trials. He doesn’t want us to be weighed down by what is going on.  He desires the very best for our lives and for us to not change from who He has created us to be and do.
Photo Credit: FreePik
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My Stronghold by Kenika

 

Psalm 27:14

“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart be courageous. Wait for the Lord.”

Psalm 27 is one of my staples. Whether I’m sad, afraid, depressed or discouraged, I know I can turn to this passage to receive comfort and strength. It starts by making a statement, followed by a question, “The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom should I fear?”  Statement: The Lord is my light and my salvation. Question (as a result of this statement): Whom should I fear?  Well if that doesn’t kick you right in the gut, I don’t know what will. It’s like hey genius, He’s already your light and your salvation so remind me again, what’s the problem? That’s my paraphrase of course. The Psalm continues winding through different scenarios that can happen, but that we still shouldn’t be afraid of you know, because Jesus is the light and salvation. Evildoers come to devour, armies can be deployed, war can break out, the day of adversity will come, may I add, a pandemic can be raging, but we are to remain confident.   Confidence is a strong response to fear.  Fear is debilitating, dismantling and crippling so it’s a strong call to transform that into confidence.

After outlining all that we need not be afraid of, the Psalmist asks the Lord to hear his voice, be gracious and answer. He makes a declaration from his heart, “Seek his face,” followed by a plea for God not to leave him, even if his parents abandon him.  That is a deep cry for nearness from our Lord and Savior. Everyone else can leave, the world can go upside down but whatever you do, please don’t leave me.  After all these wonderfully laid out sentiments, the Psalm ends with this phrase, “I am certain that I will see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart be courageous. Wait for the Lord.”  (Psalm 27:14)

“I am certain…” there goes that confidence again.  Whatever we may be going through we can remain “confident” that we will see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living. The admonishment is to wait for Him, not to get impatient or to take matters into our own hands, but patiently wait.  Be strong, let your heart be courageous, such riveting words.  Actions words that couldn’t be further from the emotions of fear and anxiety.  But again, the Psalmist is expressing the confidence and assurance we already have through the finished work of Jesus on the cross. If you already have salvation, what else could possibly happen to you that you need to be afraid of? I’ll help you out, nothing.  If God is loving and powerful enough to enact a plan to save us and to make sure that we would be near to Him both now and forever, He is loving enough and powerful enough to get us through where we are now.  Be certain. Be confident. Wait. Be strong. Let your heart be courageous. Wait on the Lord.

 

PhotoCredit: FreePik

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Finding Faith by Trish- Spring 2020

According to Romans 12:3, we’ve each been given a measure of faith. This means all of have been given a portion of this gift. Some say, “I’ve lost all faith or I don’t have faith” however God has already given this to us. Perhaps our faith has been tested or seemingly lost but in reality, the cares of this world have perhaps buried it making it difficult to obtain. 

To understand better what we’ve been given, let’s look at what this gift actually is.  Hebrews 11:1 (Kings James Version) says this: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

It’s so amazing to me that God in His vast generosity gave us the ability to believe for things we desire & hope for. Things not visible with our natural eyesight but can be seen through the eyes of FAITH.

To operate in Faith, we must first believe that God is able to do what we’ve asked or believed for. One of my favorite scriptures is Ephesians 3:20 (NKV) “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us…,”

 We must also believe for things in line with His Word. God honors His Word and He honors faith. God operates in order and with principles. We have every right as His children to ask and believe for anything according to His Word. He will not however operate outside of order. For example, it would be foolish for someone to pray and “believe in faith” for someone else’s husband. First of all, that is just messy, without integrity and completely outside of God’s plan.  You can however pray and believe God for a spouse that would align with your desires and His plan for your life. The subject of faith can be testy for some and I completely understand. Some have “used their faith” and been disappointed. This is tough. I remember when my Mom was sick in the hospital over 3 years ago. We stood in faith for her healing. We were given exactly 7 days with her from the time the medical team told us there was nothing more they could do. For the next 7 days, she spent intentional time; valuable time with her friends and family. Her natural body fading before our eyes but we stood in faith and declared the Word of Faith over her. SHE WAS HEALED…her healing just came in a different form. Faith can be “lost” or damaged when life gets overwhelming or things don’t turn out the way we planned/hoped for. This doesn’t change the integrity of God. This is when faith is utilized all the more when we trust Him when nothing makes sense.

A mentor of mine used to say “I can trust His Heart even when I can’t trace His Hand”. Whenever I find myself worrying or concerned about a matter, it means I’ve surrendered to the lie that says, “God isn’t able to help me with this”. That is an ugly lie that must be torn down and replaced with the Word of God.


Maybe you’ve found yourself in a place where your faith needs a jump-start. Maybe the cares of this world have dwindled what was once strong and vibrant to something weak and barely breathing. Today is the day to renew your faith. Choose to believe again!  Faith is like a muscle. The more it is “worked out”, the stronger it becomes. You don’t need a lot of faith to get started…just use what you have and watch it develop. 

Faith is strengthened by hearing the Word of God and applying His truth (His Word) to our circumstance. Romans 10:17 (NKJV) says “ So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

We’re in the 1st Quarter of the New Year, allow yourself to trust God and watch Him work the impossible in your life!

Photo Credit: Background photo created by senivpetro – www.freepik.com

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2020 Vision by Sonya- Spring 2020

​Having “2020” Vision is key in this First Quarter of the Year! Our eyes should be set on Jesus and develop laser focus on what He is doing in our life and His plans for us!​ So, what does it mean to have our eyes on Him and how do we need to focus and make that a priority into this New Year of 2020? ​Keeping my eyes on Jesus means to look to Him in all I do and not cave to the demands of this world. The demands of this world urge me to do and be more instead of focusing on Jesus who says you are enough and rest in His love.  This scripture in Zephaniah 3:17 sums it up best, “The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save, He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”  When you do things unto God it doesn’t become a chore but it is pure delight and He will delight in you and rejoice over you!  He loves a heart after His. We are enough when we see things through God’s eyes and He is with us every step in the journey. Don’t look away but focus on God giving Him all your heart, mind and soul. ​Having “2020” vision for me this year is diving into His Word more and taking time to pray and spend time with God daily and allowing Him to be the priority. For me it means seeing Him in my daily life. Asking Him where and how He wants to use my time and talents. Being more purposeful is another way I have been working on to be more focused on God and not just saying “yes” to everything! I want to be in His will each day and take the time to listen and hear from Him. Letting the Holy Spirit guide you is key in this and not trying to force something in your ways but allowing God lead you in His direction. I wear this bracelet that a friend made me that says “Jesus is better” and this serves as my reminder of what I should be focused on. When our eyes are on Him, He shows us the way and guides our path. Proverbs 3:6, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight!” Not saying it is easy to follow God as we have to take up the cross daily and put our selfish desires aside. Looking up to heaven and focusing on things above gives us the “2020” vision. His way is perfect and He does direct our steps and makes them straight when we do that! Are you ready to have all your eyes set on Him for 2020 and give God our “2020” vision and let Him be our lenses? Let’s get started and see what opportunities God will open up for you and not be blinded by the world as His ways are much better!  Remember “JESUS IS BETTER”!!!​

Photo Credit: Coffee photo created by freepik – www.freepik.com

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Level of Care by Bombi- Spring 2020


Just last week a family friend of ours ended up in the hospital for some pretty serious stuff. Thankfully, he pulled through and is on the road to recovery. When he first reached the hospital with what just seemed to be no more than a bad cough, he thought he’d be in and out. Unfortunately it didn’t turn out that way. He ended up being admitted for tests, and when the doctors realized it was something more serious, he had to be moved to another hospital in another city. The level of care needed was greater than what that little hospital had to give.

Sometimes we are like the person who thinks we’re doing okay, but we have something more serious under the surface. Maybe we are hurting and have been for a very long time, but we deal. We don’t really take it to God, but we try to manage. We cope. Sometimes we don’t realize our broken state, and our pain is leaking here and there. We are short with our spouse, or finding ourselves disconnected from family and friends. We scroll through our social media, feeling a way, not sure exactly what way, but we post. Maybe we put a quote out there, or share a feeling we didn’t think we would. It’s no big deal, it’s just a quick post. We can’t see that we are slowly broadcasting our inner ailments to everyone, except God. 

If you’re someone who is sensitive to the response or lack of response from others, you may struggle with a high level of offense. I know I’ve had my moments where I think  “No-one really cares. They say they do, but they don’t”. I  soon remember that people are limited. They can only say and do so much. I also realize there’s an intended place for my public broadcasts. It’s not at work, or social media. It’s not a statement t-shirt. That place is with the Lord. I’m not saying we can’t  verbally process something with another trusted person. What are therapists, loving family and real friends for? What I’m saying is, don’t keep it from God. Only our Father God can actually provide the level of care we need. I mean that in every literal and actual sense. If it seems like Judy the co-worker gives zero cares, you’re probably right. She  also most likely can’t do anything about your situation, but God can. He not only gives all the cares, but he wants to hear all about your cares. He wants do something about it! He contains the ability to give us the highest level of care needed for anything little or big thing. He can take it. I encourage you, the next time you catch yourself  keeping your hurts and anxieties from God, remind yourself that God already knows but wants to hear if from you. He wants you to cast (as in throw, hurl, fling) all of it on him. I mean e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g! Put that junk on Broadcast to Him. Because He really does care. And the level of care He gives, will heal you and change you for His glory. 

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7(NIV)  

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Safety In The Storm by Trish

Our state and surrounding states are currently facing another Hurricane and most people are running to and fro to make last minute preparations. Such details include having the essentials such as food and water, securing your home and staying closely connected to the latest new and updates. 

As people are making sure their homes are secured there’s a hint of uncertainty for many as they wait for the storm to pass. 

Hurricanes, much like life’s storms come at unexpected times and the outcome is left to the unknown. Yet in the midst of storms both naturally and figuratively, we can place our trust in the One who calms the wind and rain. 

We know that hard times will come, the Bible tells us this but we can place our confidence in Jesus, our strong tower and see victory in every situation we face!

When storms come, the enemy wants us to react in fear. But God wants us to respond in FAITH.  Faith does not deny the storm but speaks to it and commands “peace be still”. 

Whatever storm you’re facing, let your faith be bigger than your fear. You may not be able to track the direct path of the storm but you can rest knowing you are safe in the Father’s care. 

As you navigate the storm, learn from Jesus’s example and speak to it! If your storm is sickness, speak healing. If your storm is broken relationships, speak restoration. If your storm is confusion, speak wisdom and clarity. If your storm is financial lack, speak blessing and provision! We’ve been given authority to speak to the storm! 

Be encouraged! The sun shines brightest after the darkest storm!

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Letting Go by Sonya

Can anyone relate that this time of year is hard? School starting up again and not ready to let go of my four kids going off to school. They are entering in 9th grade, 7th grade, 4th grade, and 2nd grade this fall made me think how fast time is going. We had an amazing summer and made so many memories together as a family that when school comes it is so hard to let them go. I am honored to be a stay at home mom so that means being with them each and every day which makes it harder to see them go off to school and gone all day.    I now have a freshman in high school and that just makes things become more real that time is going fast and I don’t have much longer with her at home and only a few more summers too!  I thought each year would get easier but it is harder letting go knowing that how fast they are growing up. You want time to stop as a mom and if your in my shoes you know the feelings and emotions that go with it.​

God has reminded me to turn to Him to carry me through this time. Also God is helping me understand the journey in letting go so He can use them in mighty ways. That is my prayer for my kids to be a “light” in the schools and be God’s vessels. I feel God gently nudging me to get out of the way so He can use their gifts and talents for His glory. Detaching is hard and doesn’t come easy especially as your kids get older since they don’t need you as much. As mom, in some way want to feel needed and wanted by your kids.  So I am learning to let go and slowly give them their independence. It is not easy but with my faith, God is guiding me through each stage.

​Lastly , don’t underestimate the power of prayer because prayer is what gives me peace when they are at school that God is taking care of them. We prayed for certain teachers for our kids and God answered our prayer and we got the teachers and some friends they wanted in their class. So remember to pray for your children and remember who is taking care of them and protecting them. God will be strong in you as a mom and be the protector for your kids. Don’t forget, Joshua 1:9 ” Have I not commanded  you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”​​

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Face Time by Bombi

It’s the end of a busy work day and my husband and I decide to grab a quick sandwich from the local sub shop. As soon as we start to eat I notice the table next to us. There’s a father with his two adorable sons. A few minutes pass, no one says a word. 10 minutes pass, still nothing. By the time we finish eating barely anything was said.

What was wrong with this picture? No-one seemed mad or upset. There was no tension in the air. Dad was on his phone, scrolling away. Teenage son was texting, and the little one was on his pad watching a movie. I wondered if there was something missed. What if teenage son was worried about his test at school earlier that day? What if little one had learned something new from his teacher to share? What if dad had something meaningful to say, even encouragement to give to his sons? But there were no conversations happening at that table. 

So of course I start thinking about growing up and how other than a little television set, there were no other technological distractions around our dinner table. Matter of fact my parents intentionally left the t.v. off because it was important to them to hear about our day. They wanted to offer moments of guidance, and yes they wanted to encourage us if the moment arose. Even if we were eating out, no old school Gameboys to pass the time. It’s sad to think that this is now becoming some type of ancient practice, but face to face conversations still matter today as much as it did yesteryear. Nothing can replace it. 

The same goes for our relationship with God. Nothing can replace just talking to Him directly or spending time in His presence. No vlog, or blog, or social media post about our love for Him can take its place. I’m saying this to you and to me, don’t forget to interact face-to-face with the ones you love. Don’t forget about the original and actual “Face Time”. The next time you’re tempted to zone out at the dinner table take a moment to remind yourself, “I can never have this moment again. I can make this moment memorable with the ones I love because they are worthy of my full attention.” The world can call it ancient practice but we know it’s essential to an abundant life.