Trust God, There's A Plan

Ever wonder "Why Me?" Of course you do! I guess that was a silly question. Everyday we face something different. Most days, things are pretty good and we can deal with them. But then there are those things that we can surely live without. Or can we?

As always, I only speak for myself. Sometimes I get so impatient. I want everything to be perfect and sometimes even wonder what others will think (I know… shame on me). And sometimes, just when I think it couldn't get any worse, something "astronomical" happens! "OMG! This cannot be life!" is what my normal response might be (how dramatic right)! Its as if I never stop to think "why not me," "what is this for," "what can I learn,"  or "what is the grand scheme,?" Sometimes the question that I need to ask s simply "how can I use this as an opportunity to trust God?!"

God always has a plan. Isaiah 55:8-9 says "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. (9) "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."

When thinking about the grand scheme and God's plan, I find this particular scripture very comforting. We don't always need to know why or understand, we simply need to trust God. Maybe the reason we are stuck in traffic is because there is chaos at our final destination. Maybe the reason we keep encountering the same issues with others is because we didn't learn the lesson we were suppose to learn the times before. Maybe the reason why you seem to be "stuck in a rut" is because the move God wants to make is so much bigger than the move you think you want. Maybe, just maybe, whatever you are going through is not about you, but someone else. And maybe the reason you always have to be the peace maker, the one to bring up the tough issues or do things that seem hard is because you are the strongest. And sometimes its all just to see if you trust God enough to allow Him to work in your life. I'll give you more perspective…

1. Noah and the ark. God was tired of people being disobedient and was ready to rid the earth of them. Yet, God found favor with Noah and gave him instructions on building an ark, spared his family and every species of animal.  Imagine how crazy Noah must have seemed to being building this ark because God told him. He didn't care what people thought. He obeyed God and God spared him.

2. Abraham was sent to sacrifice Isaac. I have children, so I'm sure it must have been very painful for Abraham to take his son to the mountain top. God already new he was not going to let Abraham kill Isaac, but he needed to know that Abraham was fully committed to Him in order to bless him later.

3. David. Goliath was over 9ft tall so I'm sure this giant considered him a squirt. David was small, young and had no armor but he trusted God. David defeated Goliath (although the giant laughed at him). David went on to be a king.

4. Job - He was highly favored by God. God allowed satan to take everything away from Job - his children, his home, his cattle, everything. But Job was faithful and loved God. He said "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." And Job was blessed - he had more children, more wealth and lived to 140.

5. Mary and Joseph. Two people promised to be married to one another. Hadn't consummated their marriage, but Mary was pregnant with the Son of God (virgin birth). Normally a woman pregnant but no from her husband would have been killed or exiled. God clearly favored Mary. Joseph (descendent of David) was obedient. They gave birth to Jesus!

6. Jesus. Son of man, Son of God made the ultimate sacrifice. He even said "Father, if You are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." The flesh part of Jesus didn't want to go through that pain, but He knew He had to obey the Father and that there was greater purpose to what He was going through.

There are many examples throughout the Bible of people facing obstacles, who had faith in God and found His favor. There are examples all around you. Everything we go through was a test of faith. And everything has the potential to strengthen your relationship with God.

To Sum it up, when you are faced with a challenge or a situation that may cause you to think "oh gosh no!" try to see God in it. See what He wants to tell you, needs you to learn, or how it may help someone else. Small obstacles (traffic jams, stumped toes on furniture, broken elevators, etc.) could be God keeping you from walking into disaster. While the larger challenges could be God setting you up for something way greater!

1 Corinthians 10:13 says, "…And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." So there you have it! God s faithful and He loves you (favors you) so much, that in every situation, He has already provided a way for you to come through.

Oh! By the way, the things we face from day to day have nothing on what Jesus endured on the cross!

In everything, there is always a lesson. They are all a part of a plan. Sometimes the situations we wish we didn't have to face are exactly what we need to become better people, the people God wants us to be. Instead of asking "why me," thank God that He is faithful, thank Him for His favor, thank Him for guidance, thank Him for peace and ability to get through whatever your going through.

If you need a little boost in faith and trusting God, read Jeremiah 29:11. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Rest on that!

With Love Always,

JC

Shame, Shame, Shame!!!

Ever been in the closet? On the down low? Got a secret? And noooo, I'm not talking about sexuality here, I'm talking about spirituality. There are a lot of us Christians that are Closet Christians! It seems like the only time and place its cool to be a Christian is at church or only with our fellow Christian friends. Well I'm here to say, if you're a Christian and you absolutely love Jesus, shout it to the world! Say "World, here I am! I love the Lord! I am a Christian!"

I know that sometimes it seems hard to share your story with others. Its not "popular" to talk to people about God. But after all that God has done for us, who are we not to tell others of His greatness! After all "God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son, that whoever shall believe in him will have life everlasting (John 3:16)." Now if that isn't worth at least a tiny conversation (AT LEAST) then I don't know what is!

Jesus said in Luke 9:26, "Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels." 

Think about this… have you ever been in a situation/ relationship where the person you cared about completely ignored you or only came around when it was convenient for them? Think about how it made you feel. Now that think about how God must feel everyday. He gave us life, He loves and cares for us, yet we continue to ignore Him. We act as if He isn't there, as if He doesn't know all and see all (unless of course we need something). We are all guilty.

Its funny how we aren't afraid to cuss or sin in public, but we won't share what we believe. We boast about money, cars, clothes, and even things we don't own, but we won't boast and Give God glory for all He has done. Oh, and when we do mention it, we simply top off what we're talking about with a two second "praise God."

We spend so much time trying to impress people who really can't do anything for us (nor care about us) when we should be boasting about the ONE we can't do anything without. Think about it…

My prayer today is that we stop what we are doing, ask for forgiveness and begin a new life everyday living for and boasting in God alone. I pray that not only our words but our actions reach multitudes of people so that they, too, may know who God is and how much HE loves us! 

Though we may fall, I thank God for His grace!

With Love Always,

JC

Trust God

A relationship without trust is dead! This not only applies to earthly relationships but also to your relationship with God! You maybe be thinking "Whoa! That is a radical statement!" But is it really? How would you feel if your children, parents, friends or significant other was always questioning or doubting you? Now how do you think God, the creator of all things, feels when we doubt or question Him - and He's way more important than us! Where is the love?

Let's face it, sometimes life is tough. It seems like there is ALWAYS something going on. One moment you're riding high and all of a sudden you're down low and then back up again. You know that saying,  "if its not one thing, its another." Perhaps you feel like that right now. Maybe you're even thinking "Lord, why me?!" 

Jeremiah 29:11 say, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." 

Isn't that comforting to know that the Lord has already made a plan for your life and that He has no plan to place you in harm's way. So right now we may be experiencing some growing pains - change in career paths, monetary issues, health issues, relationship changes and whatever else you can think of, but God also promises that He "will never leave or forsake [us] (Hebrews 13:5). 

 The way I see it, there are two types of obstacles, those you can do something about and those that you can't. The ones you can do something about, do something. The ones you have no control over, don't fret,  give it to God and let it go!  He is there are ready for you to go to cast your cares upon Him. You can trust He'll take care of your situation better than any other being!

Life and its problems are like a hurdle race… as soon as you clear one hurdle (problem) you think you have some room to run free and then you have to face another hurdle! Life's hurdles give us an opportunity to learn and grow. They also allow for us to be a witness to someone coming up so maybe they don't make the same mistakes we did or even help them to avoid the situations completely.

Psalm 62:8 says to "Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge." Know that God has already equipped you with everything you need to run the race. So the next time you're facing one of life's obstacles, remember to say a prayer, do your part, trust God and instead of saying "Lord, why me?" you can say "Why not me?!" and thank Him for already preparing your way.  Remember, if you're not going through something, you're not going anywhere... Trust Him!

With Love Always, 

JC

Life Lately

Lately I've been really behind on blogging but thats only because I have been, not only living life, but experiencing life in the making. Someone once said that "if you are experiencing pain, you are about to give birth to something great!" BOY, they couldn't have been more right!

Just one week ago I gave birth to my second son! I must say, God is AWESOME!!!!!! In the past week I have seen God move and answer so many small prayers that make such a big difference. I wasn't sure that I'd have enough time, energy, strength or love! But I prayed… Every time I felt a little discouraged, I prayed. Every time I felt tired, I prayed. Every time I felt a bad attitude striking up, I prayed. And every time I prayed those little prayers, God answered!. He gave me kind words of encouragement and reassurance. He gave me strength and a renewed spirit. And most importantly He gave me a bigger heart when I thought I couldn't possibly love anymore. And not just in the past week, but as long as I can remember! God is a God that answers prayers!

I'm saying all this because when I was in labor it was super painful! At one point I thought I wouldn't make it through and I thought it would never end! There was just so much pain! Sorry I'm not going to sugar coat it, it hurt! And sometimes life can be that way. No matter how hard you think you are pushing, it seems to get harder. You think you'll never make it through and that the storm will never end. But just like  a woman giving birth, God has already equipped you with everything you need to get past the pain and give birth to some of His greatest blessings!

You might be thinking "you don't know my struggle!" I don't have to know your struggle, I know my God! I know there is ALWAYS prayer and that He is ALWAYS listening! When life seems to be kicking you in the pants and things are getting tough, say a prayer. Pray for the right attitude. Pray for an answer. Pray for increase. Pray for strength. Pray for wisdom. Pray for guidance. Pray for God's will to be done and then watch Him work! 

Life can be hard but with a whole lot of prayer, a little bit of perseverance, and faith the size of a mustard seed, in due time, that pain you are feeling, that struggle you have can and will be turned into God's blessings for you. 

Matthew 7:7 says "Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you." 

Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me." 

So I say to you, keep praying, keep pushing, keep fighting the good fight and give birth to something great!

With Love Always,

JC

Praying Mother

Some have had kings in their lineage,

Some to whom honor was paid.

No blest of my ancestors - but,

I have a mother who prays.

I have a mother who prays for me

And Pleads with the Lord every day for me.

Oh what a difference it makes for me - 

I have a mother who prays. 

Some have worldly success

And trust in riches they've made - 

This is my surest asset, 

I have a mother who prays

My mother's prayers cannot save me,

Only mine can avail;

But mother introduced me to Someone-

Someone who never could fail.

Oh yes… I have a mother who prays for me

And pleads with the Lord every day for me.

Oh what a difference it makes for me - 

I have a mother who prays.

-Author Unknown

Reminding you, whether you're a mom, grandma, aunt, sister, a friend or even a man, PRAYER CHANGES! So pray for your loved ones, pray for your enemies, pray for strangers and pray for the world - it really does make a difference.

To my mother: Thank you! Thank you for praying for me. Thank you for introducing me to the Lord. Thank you for instilling certain principles that will never leave me. And thank you for helping to mold me into the person I am today. We may not always see eye to eye but surely I will say that I love you and appreciate you. Thank you for all that you do!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

With Love Always,

JC

Apologies & Forgiveness: Part 2

Forgiveness

Matthew 6:14-15

Jesus said, 14. "For if your forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

If you revisit part one of this blog you will see where it states that we are to love one another as we love ourselves (Mark 12:31). I spoke of how if someone has done us wrong, we would want an apology and vice versa, if we have wronged someone then we, too, should also apologize. Well guess what?! The same goes for forgiveness!

Sometimes forgiving others can be just as difficult as apologizing when we have been wrong. It can especially be hard if the same thing keeps happening over and over and OVER again. You may even be asking right now "when is enough, enough?" "If it keeps happening, can I stop forgiving? I say NO!

In Matthew 18, Peter asks Jesus, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?" And Jesus answered, "I tell you , not seven times, but seventy-seven times."

Jesus also said in Luke 17:3-4, 3."If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. 4. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying 'I repent.' you MUST forgive them."

Now notice in verse three, Jesus said to rebuke them who sin against you, meaning that you have the right not to be a doormat for someone to sin against you, hurt you or abuse you. But, He also said that if they ask for forgiveness, you must forgive them.

You may be wondering what it means to truly forgive someone. To forgive according to the Oxford English Dictionary, means to grant free pardon and to give up all claim on account of an offense or debt. It is also the process of concluding resentment, indignation or anger as a result of perceived offenses, difference or mistake, and/or ceasing to demand punishment or restitution.

What forgiveness doesn't mean is to say "Ok, I forgive." and next week remind that person of the time they… I know you know what I'm talking about. Forgiveness doesn't mean to have conditions either. The way I see it either your choose to forgive or you don't. There is no "I forgive you, but you have to…" or "The only way I will forgive you is  if you…" Either you do or you don't. Simple.

Some say "forgive and forget." I say forgive and remember! Not remember the person and their offense, but the lessons learned from the situation. No one deserves, after apologizing, to have an offense held over their heads. After all, you wouldn't want that for you… However, you should remember what you learned so that you may guard yourself against these things happening to you continually.

Also keep in mind that forgiveness is not about the other person. Forgiveness is for you. When you forgive someone, not only do you allow God to forgive you, but you also free yourself from any hurt, anger, resentment and any other baggage that you may be carrying through life. Let it go! And know, too, that you don't have to wait for an apology to forgive.

There is no greater sacrifice than the sacrifice that Jesus made by dying on the cross so that, no matter how unworthy we are, our sins would be forgiven. So who are we that we shouldn't forgive our brothers and sisters? Go Ahead. I dare you. Forgive them and BE FREE!

With Love Always,

JC

Apologies & Forgiveness: Part 1

Apologies

If you are like me, you have been wrong many times… I mean MANY times. You would also know that one of the most difficult things about being wrong is admitted that you were. Also, if you are like me, you've felt (at times) that even when you were wrong, your thoughts, words and even actions were totally justified. Ha silly me (and if you're like me then silly you too)! 

The Bible says in Mark 12:30-31 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater."

I think we all have heard of the Golden Rule :"Treat others the way you want to be treated." We were constantly reminded of this when we were in elementary school when it came to pushing, shoving and being out of turn. Well the Bible say this too in verse 31. "Love your neighbor as yourself." I know that if I were wronged by someone, I would want an apology which also means that if I have done someone wrong, I should apologize too. 

So here's another one for you… James 5:16 says "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayers of a righteous person has great power as it is working."

An apology is a regretful acknowledgement of an offense or failure. It also means asking pardon for a fault or offense. This takes us back to what the previous verse said: "confess your sins…"

In order to apologize properly you first have to acknowledge and admit to your wrong doings. There are no if's, and's or buts about it!  Clearly state what you are apologizing for.

Then you need to take full responsibility for your actions. Your apology is about what YOU did, not what the other person did to trigger you - remember no one can make you do anything. There are no excuses! 

Be sincere. Don't apologize because someone is "making" you. Do it because you were wrong and want to be forgiven. Imagine how you'd feel if someone treated you in the same way you have acted.

Apologize face to face. Making eye contact conveys sincerity versus a phone call, text, email or voicemail. Writing it down first is a good way to get your thoughts out and remember what you want to say. It can also help if your apology is a difficult one.

Ask the person who has been offended if there is anything (within reason) that you can do to make up for your offense.

Ask for forgiveness and express your appreciation to them for hearing you out.

Honor your word and last, but certainly not least, pray!

Please understand that sometimes the person to whom you are apologizing may not be willing to forgive you (at least not in that moment). Although, we wish for forgiveness, its ok. You have done your part and the next step is on them.

I know that apologizing can be a difficult thing but I urge you to make things right. Such a great burden is lifted when you are able to clear your conscience. So go ahead. I dare you. BE FREE!

With Love Always,

JC

What Are You Worrying About?

How many of you out there worry or get stressed out? (Everyone slowly raises their hand). We all do it at some point or another. I have been so guilty of this but I'm learning (remember EVERYTHING is a process) how to over come this.

I read in the book Crazy Love by Fran Chan that "worry implies that we don't quite trust God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives." It then goes on to say that "stress says the things we are involved in are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace toward others, or our tight grip of control."

WHOA! I don't know about you, but when I read this I felt convicted on the inside. How dare I say that I love God and that He loves me and will take care of all my needs and then not trust Him to be who He says He is!

We are told in Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

It also says in1 Peter 5:6-7 "Humble yourselves, therefore,  under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."

SEE! God loves us and he wants us to come to Him with EVERYTHING. When we focus our attention on Him, it makes the troubles of the world seem not so bad. With Him nothing is impossible!

While we are focusing on God and giving our cares to him, here are a few other things that we can do to help alleviate some of that worry and stress:

1. Are you feeling guilty? In whatever it is, be honest and ask for forgiveness. This will lift what may be a huge burden off of your shoulders.

2. Get some sleep! I know when I am sleep deprived, I tend to stress more and become more anxious. Strive to get those 8 hours that we need in order to function properly.

3. Relax and focus. When setting goals, make them realistic, prepare and focus. Then relax as things fall into place.

4. Listen to great music. Not just music you like, but music that eases your mind and puts you in a happy place.

5. Take time out to do something that you enjoy.

6. Talk it out. Find someone that you know and trust, who will give you a new perspective on whatever it is that you are dealing with. Remember to look for truth and words that are constructive. 

7. Exercise! This may be my favorite. I've never heard of anyone finishing a workout and feeling worse than they did before they began. Endorphins Rock!

8. PRAY! Don't let this be your last resort, make it your first. Be faithful and intentional in your prayers. Pray before,during, and after whatever it is your are going through.

9. Give Thanks!

There are lots of things out there that are in and out of our control. If you can do something about it, take action. If you can't do anything about it, then whats the point of worrying.

Jesus said in Luke 12:22-26 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?"

Just by revisiting these few verses, I already feel better about the happenings of my life. I hope this has brought some encouragement to you as well. Remember God is all-knowing and He loves us more that we can ever know. Give all of your cares to Him and be blessed!

With Love Always,

JC

Know Who You Are & Do Something Great

Do you ever sit and think, just wondering what your purpose is? Wondering who you are and what you were created to do? Do you find yourself moving day to day only going through the motions? Well… I can't tell you exactly what you were created to do (that answer can only come from God), but I can tell you that you were destined for greatness!

I am learning that the God that has created us has designed us with a special purpose in mind. He has given us all different gifts and talents. Some are big and some are small. Either way He figured we were just right for the job. The secret to unlocking that which you were created to do is to look deeper. Tap into your heart. I am sure that if you think about it, there is something that, every time you see it, think about it, experience it, pulls on your heart strings. These are those constant things that give us energy, that keep us going. These are the things that God is revealing to you in His very own way so that we can make things happen.

I believe the only way to tap into what you were created to do is to have some "me time." Spend some time with yourself. More importantly, spend some time with God.  This is how you discover who you are, who you are in Him and what your purpose is.

When it comes to thinking about talents, dreams, gift and purposes, this poem, Our Deepest Fear by Marianne Williamson, is one of my favorites.

Our Deepest Fear

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear

is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness,

that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,

talented and fabulous?

Actually who are we not to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small doesn't serve the world.

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking

so that other people

won't feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine as children do.

We were born to make manifest

the glory of God that is within us.

It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.

And when we let our own light shine,

we unconsciously give other people 

permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear,

our presence automatically liberates others.

As always, I don't have all the answers. But I do know that you are great and were created to do/ be something great. Let your light shine and be encouraged!

With Love

JC

Love and the Ultimate Sacrifice

Can you imagine having a love for someone so strong that you would give your very own life to save their soul? That is exactly what the Lord did for each and every one of us. In the Bible, John 3:16 says 


"For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son so that whosoever shall believe in him will not perish but have eternal life"


Wow! God knew us before we were even created. And before we even got here He sent son Jesus to die for our sins so that we may be saved. 


Now I don't know about you but I get very happy and excited when someone close to me anticipates a need and fulfills that need before I even get an opportunity to ask!


Imagine driving home from work extra hungry and knowing that you have to cook... You are tired, don't feel like cooking but you have a family that is depending on you... Now imagine that you walk through the door to this spectacular aroma. The table is prepared and the children are all washed up. Imagine the feeling you get knowing that your spouse thought so much of you that he/she lightened the load for you. Doesn't that make you want to do anything and everything keep your husband or wife happy?


Now imagine God... He has anticipated every need that we would have before we even step foot on this earth - from shelter, food and clothes to salvation! And all He wants of us is that we love Him, obey His word and spread His word. That's it!


If you are ready to receive your salvation, the Bible says all you have to do is believe in your heart and confess with your mouth (Romans 10:9). You can say your own prayer but here is one in case you're not sure where to start...


" Lord Jesus, I believe you are the son of God. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. Please forgive my sins and give me the gift of eternal life. I ask you into my life and heart to be my Lord and Savior. I want to serve you always."


I accepted Jesus into my life when I was young and just recently rededicated my life to the Lord. It is the best decision that I have made and I hope you will join me.


God is love and God is life. Be blessed.


JC

Love Is...

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, let's talks about love. What is it? Is it just a word? Is it something that you can buy? What does it mean to love? So many are running around for this one of many commercial holidays buying this and buying that just to prove their love (or deep like) for one another. But do we really get what it means to love?  Just incase you were wondering here it is; a break down for you coming straight from 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8

4. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5. Its does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6. Love does no delight in  evil but rejoices with the truth. 7. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preservers. 8. Love never fails…

WOW! Love is amazing! Every time I read this passage, I am reminded of the things that I should be doing to show my love. Sometimes I fall short  and thats ok (I guess thats why it is written - to remind us). The point is that we must always strive to achieve this kind of love. This unconditional love.

While we are out purchasing things let us also be reminded of the intangible - the love that we cannot see, we cannot touch, that doesn't cost money, but the love that we feel. The love that we show through our actions, words and even thoughts. Let us remember that. After all, things… well… they fade, get lost,  forgotten, broken and tossed out. But love… now love is forever.

With Love Always,

JC