680 Days Saved - A Walk with Christ 

-Be kind-

Be kind to each other. Ephesians 4:32

Sometimes we as Christians are going to make mistakes. Maybe we feel hurt and for a moment turn from God or maybe we just stop praying briefly and try to make decisions on our own. Whatever the case, our Lord is there, fighting for us and giving us another chance to make things right. 

The other night at my restaurant job I was feeling irritable and still suffering about some family news. I lost my patience with a girl. I was not too kind and I felt guilt about it. This is what happens when you walk with Jesus. I immediately knew I was in the wrong because I knew Jesus would not have snapped the way I did. After thinking on things God gave me another opportunity. It was the same situation but with another person. This time I answered her patiently and with kindness. This time I was more like Jesus. 

The Challenge: 

Have you ever looked back at a situation and thought wow I was not leading like Jesus there? Don’t worry God will give you another opportunity. Pay attention, take note and try again. He goes before us remember? He will help you be more kind that next time! 

679 Days Saved - A Walk with Christ 

A Suffering Artist 

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9

I’ve shared about this before but during times when I’m suffering the most is when I create some of my best art or even writing flows more. I’m hurting but as I write these words on paper (well in my notes on my phone 😉) I feel a sense of release. This is what being an artist is! We are made to express our overly emotionally charged selves through our gifted art which then shares light and can share God. 

Suffering in general forces us to dig deep and take the time to focus on the deep needs of our heart. Suffering gets us to the root of our struggles and helps us trim them back like like thorns on a rose bush! The thorns and brush get cut off, which hurts, and makes us suffer more but then we bloom 3 or 4 times as beautiful in the next due season. 

The Challenge: 

Suffering can offer break through! Suffering helps move and shift us to where God is calling us to go. Suffering in its strange ways morphs us to our destiny! 

678 Days Saved - A Walk with Christ 

Surrender 

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,”

Psalm 46:1-2 NIV

One thing I teach in my 33 Day Life coaching  program is the importance  of having strong Christian fellowship and people to encourage us in a biblical way. This will properly nourish your soul. 

As I’ve been in my storm the last few days my friend Diana (I share about her in my Year 1 book) texted me this message: 

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Surrender. 

When it doesn’t make sense, when it’s all out of your hands, surrender. 

We can’t fix everything. We can’t change everything. We are not in control. Surrender. God is all-powerful. He is almighty. He is capable of changing things. He is in charge. Surrender. 

Come under His wing. Rest in the fact that He will take care of you. He will not leave you in a storm- He will be your shelter. He is your source of refuge. 

The Challenge: 

Diana’s Challenge - “He is in control. Surrender to Him. Let Him take care of you. In due time, everything will come together again.”

677 Days Saved - A Walk with Christ 

Loosen the Reigns 

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. Psalm 37:7

As I was panicking about the news my parents are moving away I started to feel so many emotions and so many huge life lessons closing in all at once. 

These emotions that flared up seem crazy but if we take the time to sit back and ask God what he’s trying to show us He will point out exactly why things are happening. 

I once again am trying to control things instead of just surrendering! That’s right I have a tight grip instead of just letting go and letting God move things! This is something I’ll spend a life time working on. The moment when I just let go; Let go of the bitterness, the anger, the pain, the frustration and say, “You can have it all Lord,” will be the same moment I find my internal peace in God! 

The Challenge: 

Do you try to control things and when you can’t you feel like your going to lose it? This is because of past hurt makes us scared of the unknown. God sees this differently and He will always say, “Stop holding onto those reins so tight! When you loosen the reigns and those expectations you will find your peace in me!”

676 Days Saved - A Walk with Christ 

Storms 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. Romans 8:28

My mom has her wise days and she has always told me that in life we are heading into a storm, in a storm or heading out of a storm. I was just out of a storm. During this time the waters were calm and I saw some great blessings but then out of no where a surge rose up and shook my boat hard throwing off my compass just for a moment. That’s where I am just trying to recover my boat. 

I heard some news that my parents are moving. They just moved close to us in Colorado and now after just two years they want to keep traveling on. I almost felt left in their dust here to raise this family all alone once again but that’s my emotions getting the best of me. I’m still a little shocked and just trying to recover my emotions. I hope this storm is a short one and I can quickly recover. 

The Challenge: 

Are you in a storm or out of a storm? Do you see a storm approaching? What happens if a storm comes on suddenly like a tsunami? Will you be prepared?  How do we prepare for devastation and know God is actually working for our good? 

675 Days Saved - A Walk with Christ 

Blocked 

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 

When you first step foot into a calling of ministry you are put through so many tests. It can be a very discouraging time. As you learn to stay strong through the blazing fires God does lift us up in due time. 

I felt called the other day to be bold in my faith. I stood out on social media with a girl whom has a big following. I felt the spirit nudge me to try to get the message across that if we are leading it’s important not to hide that you follow the biblical God. She’s been posting about praying and thanking the universe.  At this point in my walk I see right through that kind of talk. I said she should be praying to the source and giving him all the glory. I tried to be graceful with the discussion but I got blocked. 

I was feeling kinda sad about this. We have many mutual friend whom saw our discussion. I asked God if I was doing the right thing. I felt I did but was not sure.  My friend Ann told me, “I bet somebody saw your boldness on the thread and was inspired.” She prophesied is herself! A few days later I got a friend request from a man that knew the woman who blocked me. He said that my boldness to share about our Lord inspired him to be bold himself. I was thankful God took time to encourage and lift me up but I know God did not have to send him to say that. I was humbled! 

The Challenge: 

Stepping out and being bold in your faith can be intimidating but the Lord will take time to encourage you in due time if you keep sharing about whom he is! Our beautiful biblical Lord! The Lord of the Bible!  

674 Days Saved - A Walk with Christ 

Ghosts? 

The seventy- two returned with joy and said, “Lord even the demons submit to us in your name.” Luke 10:17

I had a girl come up to me and ask me this question today. “Do you believe in ghosts?” I said yes. I believe that Satan can disguise himself and his demons in such a way to be in a form of “ghost.” Just as our Lord comes through us in the form of the Holy Ghost Satan can come into peoples lives in a unclean form as well. 

She then went on to tell me how her five year old cousin sees dead people. She see the ghost of her grandma at the bedside, she’s never met her but can describe her accurately. 

I went on to say that ghosts are not biblical so I believe she may have a gift of seeing spiritual warfare going. I suggested they get her proper Christian counseling in this area because just like any gift we are given it can be used for good or for bad. I pray this child learns to use the gift properly, as she grows up, furthering the kingdom and rebuking Satan’s evil tactics. 

The Challenge: 

Do you submit to the demons or do the demons submit to you? 

There is not a place in the Bible that suggest human souls linger around earth after death. However, there are many places that site where people can indwell unclean spirits. Study Acts 19: 1-22 and  Matthew 12: 22-45 today. Then answer the question; Do you believe in ghosts or are they simply unclean spirits indwelling in people and deceiving them? Knowing your answer will help you minister more wisely in the future. 

673 Days Saved - A Walk with Christ 

Purple Cross Mission 

Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Matthew 6: 3-4

Today, I did an unexpected Purple Cross mission. Me and my children went to Petco today. We have a pet bearded dragon so we are always having to get crickets for her to eat. Most the time this is a very quick trip, we normally ask for about 60 crickets and then they estimate because counting them individually would take too long obviously. 

The girl behind the counter was very very shy. I’m not sure what was going on but she took a very long time getting the crickets. Maybe she was trying to actually count the moving crickets? The line began to grow and a gentleman behind me even asked, “Have you been helped yet?” I started to feel agitated as my children grew restless and running around store. I tried to keep calm and decided to slip a purple cross under a piece of paper she had done some incredible art doodling on. 

We continued to wait a little longer. I was starting to think there was something majorly wrong so I said, “it’s okay I can put the rubber band on the bag but we need to go.” She still stood there not moving, I repeated myself and then she finally hesitantly came to counter to ring me up. She didn’t say a word. My spirit felt she was agitated or hurting possibly about something deeper. The spirit nudged me and I tried to nicely say, “Are you okay?” She looked down at the floor and said, “yes.” It was very strange. I then felt God nudge me again. I was nervous but I just wanted her to know God loves her. I said just that. I said, “God Loves you, please just remember that,” and then I left. She didn’t say much but she finally did make eye contact with me. I pray she finds the cross under her art pad and God warms her heart on this day. 

The Challenge: 

Sneak a purple cross or anything special to someone today without them ever knowing it was you. Let it be just, what it is, a sweet gift from above. 

Purple Cross Mission 

Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Matthew 6: 3-4

Today, I did an unexpected Purple Cross mission. Me and my children went to Petco today. We have a pet bearded dragon so we are always having to get crickets for her to eat. Most the time this is a very quick trip, we normally ask for about 60 crickets and then they estimate because counting them individually would take too long obviously. 

The girl behind the counter was very very shy. I’m not sure what was going on but she took a very long time getting the crickets. Maybe she was trying to actually count the moving crickets? The line began to grow and a gentleman behind me even asked, “Have you been helped yet?” I started to feel agitated as my children grew restless and running around store. I tried to keep calm and decided to slip a purple cross under a piece of paper she had done some incredible art doodling on. 

We continued to wait a little longer. I was starting to think there was something majorly wrong so I said, “it’s okay I can put the rubber band on the bag but we need to go.” She still stood there not moving, I repeated myself and then she finally hesitantly came to counter to ring me up. She didn’t say a word. My spirit felt she was agitated or hurting possibly about something deeper. The spirit nudged me and I tried to nicely say, “Are you okay?” She looked down at the floor and said, “yes.” It was very strange. I then felt God nudge me again. I was nervous but I just wanted her to know God loves her. I said just that. I said, “God Loves you, please just remember that,” and then I left. She didn’t say much but she finally did make eye contact with me. I pray she finds the cross under her art pad and God warms her heart on this day. 

The Challenge: 

Sneak a purple cross or anything special to someone today without them ever knowing it was you. Let it be just, what it is, a sweet gift from above. 

672 Days Saved - A Walk with Christ 

Hallelujah 

Praise the Lord for the Lord is good; sing praise to his name so that is pleasant. Psalm 135:3

I went for a early morning run this morning, I just love getting up and working out and praying with the Lord before I start my day. There was something I noticed today that I know I got to change. While working out I was spiraling in my head about all these future ideas and plans for my ministry. Once again moving too fast and going ahead of God, instead of with him on a pleasant daily walk around the garden so to speak. I immediately stopped myself. I looked straight up to the sky, lifted my arms up in hallelujah pose and said, “God I am here and I am present for you today.” I felt more calm after this moment. 

The Challenge: 

When your feeling like your thoughts are rushing simply stand with your feet shoulder width apart, raise your hands up to the sky, look up and say, “Hallelujah, Lord I am here and present with you.” This will be sure to get your focus back onto the Lords plans for your day instead of your own plans. 

671 Days Saved - A Walk with Christ 

-The Lord Hears You-

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. Psalm 34:17 NLT 

Tuesday night I had a lot on my mind. I was not feeling myself at all. In fact I felt very insecure about so many things. When I got into the restaurant I’m working at for a season I realized I lost my $200 glasses. I figured I just left them at home. That night when I Got home I felt so frustrated and cried out to God. I took time to write God this message. Yes, I was a bit dramatic. 

“Lord I’m upset! Where are you? You have not been here... where did you go? I’m feeling alone and your suppose to be with me...  Why did you leave me?” 

Usually, when I cry out to God he does uniquely show up within 24 hours. And that he did. I just happened to pull into the same parking spot in my busy restaurant parking lot. Something told me to look at the pavement. There they were my glasses! Right by the wheel. They had been in the middle of the parking lot for 24 hours and never ran over or stepped on, they were in perfect condition! I was sure to tell this testimony all through work last night! Sharing his goodness with all. 

The Challenge: 

When you cry out to the Lord take note on when he comes through to you! Is it two hours, 24 hours, one week? Keep track because this is your personal dialogue between you and the Lord! It’s unique to each soul but your soul will know how he speaks over you. 

670 Days Saved - A Walk with Christ 

Self control 

For God gave you a spirit not of fear but of power, love and self control, 2 Timothy 1:7

I’m near the end of my two year writing journey and I’m struggling to make time to write here with God. I’m looking forward to moving on to my other projects but as of recently I feel the Lord telling me to have more self control and finish out this commitment with Him. It’s easy for me to get distracted but I know when I press in to God He lead me and help me finish out His assignments. 

The Challenge: 

When you make a commitment with God you stick to it and He will help you finish the task at hand.