Today God spoke to me in a real way that applies to my daily life. Since Arkansas has been having wintery weather recently (ice not snow :( ) I didn't have to go in to work today. Which for me I spent my day cleaning and reorganizing my bathroom. As I was going through all my "junk" and getting rid of clutter. It felt great to have an organized bathroom and I know where everything is now.
As I was getting rid of all this clutter God began to speak to me about my own personal life and how I need to declutter things OUT. We have so many distractions in today's society: cell phones, texting, social media, music, Internet, TV, laziness, over committing, being "too" busy, family issues, drama with friends, ADD/ADHD behaviors, and many more things in our lives can become distracting.
I'm beyond guilty of each of those things from above. I'm sure you can relate to at least one or more of these things can keep your mind cluttered. I struggle with ADD/ADHD all the time, this causes me to start one thing and move to another things. As I was working today in my bathroom I counted at least 4 times of getting distracted. But once I was focused on what I was doing God showed me how cluttered my own person life was. It kinda hurt the heart a little.
Having this revelation today, I have been encouraged to make an effort each day to evaluate and assess the things that are cluttering my life and hindering my relationship with God. Its important for me to get rid of all the things that keep me from fully seeking the Lord. Take a moment today and evaluate your own personal life and ask God what it is that needs to be taken from your life.
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2) fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Be encouraged and take away all the sin and habits that clutter our lives from fully seeking the Lord!
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Sunday, January 5, 2014
The "UNKNOWN" season
Starting off 2014 is here and I'm ready for the ride! This year is full of possibilities for me. I'll be honest I've been very anxious about this year and so many unknowns. I quit my job two days before January 1st. I will finish this job up on Friday. So many emotions flood with leaving this precious family. I have been able to pour into a precious 8 year old and teach her how to read and write. My job is currently 50 miles from where I live and financially it just was very hard and challenging for me. I was there a lot of my time or I was at school in the evenings. I had no life. My relationships went down hill. So many things happened over the past 5 months.
As blessed as I have been at this job and how much I love what I do, its time for me to really approach the UNKNOWN. I'm going to be keeping my cousin's kids Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and my nephew on Tuesday and Thursday's. God has really blessed me to have some free time and some income over the next coming months. Its cool to see how after one door closes the other opens.
But here is where my anxiety comes in: THE UNKNOWN. Hear me out I'M A CONTROL FREAK!!!! I FINALLY graduate from Central Baptist College in May. I have a job through the first of June and then the rest is unknown...This freaks me out just a bit. I know the word of God says:
Philippians 4:6-7
Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your heart and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
I have been quoting "Whitney stop worrying and trust God" more than you can imagine each day. I am learning to fully rely on him because I have NO clue what my next step is. I have goals and ideas of what's next but I am having to pray and seek guidance over it because are these thoughts just my own selfish desires or are they also God's desires? I'm just having to pray, seeking God, and seeking guidance from others. Its hard to be in the unknown. I want to control every aspect of my life.
I will keep you guys updated on the future and my journey of trusting God. Because this is a journey of life. If you are in the same situation I'm right there with you. I know all the emotions going on but partner with me in prayer and praying for God's plans over our own. Seek his face over all the other things of this world.
Lets fight this anxiety with the word of God which is our sword!
Along for the ride in this season. Chin up! Learning to surrender and trust God.
As blessed as I have been at this job and how much I love what I do, its time for me to really approach the UNKNOWN. I'm going to be keeping my cousin's kids Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and my nephew on Tuesday and Thursday's. God has really blessed me to have some free time and some income over the next coming months. Its cool to see how after one door closes the other opens.
But here is where my anxiety comes in: THE UNKNOWN. Hear me out I'M A CONTROL FREAK!!!! I FINALLY graduate from Central Baptist College in May. I have a job through the first of June and then the rest is unknown...This freaks me out just a bit. I know the word of God says:
Philippians 4:6-7
Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your heart and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
I have been quoting "Whitney stop worrying and trust God" more than you can imagine each day. I am learning to fully rely on him because I have NO clue what my next step is. I have goals and ideas of what's next but I am having to pray and seek guidance over it because are these thoughts just my own selfish desires or are they also God's desires? I'm just having to pray, seeking God, and seeking guidance from others. Its hard to be in the unknown. I want to control every aspect of my life.
I will keep you guys updated on the future and my journey of trusting God. Because this is a journey of life. If you are in the same situation I'm right there with you. I know all the emotions going on but partner with me in prayer and praying for God's plans over our own. Seek his face over all the other things of this world.
Lets fight this anxiety with the word of God which is our sword!
Along for the ride in this season. Chin up! Learning to surrender and trust God.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
2013 Gone and Embracing 2014!
As I sit down this morning with a cup of Joe, I ponder on this past year and the year coming. Each year has its ups and downs. Overall it was a very blessed year. I felt like each thing I have endured whether it was a challenge or something great. I learned something from it!
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
1. For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.
2. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and time to harvest.
3. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up.
4. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.
5. A time to scatter stone and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
6. A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away.
7. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
8. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.
Looking back on 2013 and I've been in all seasons of this. The year started off great. I was excited to get the year going. It had now been 2 years since I graduated from Mercy in April. That was a huge victory for me to look back on two years of freedom. Yes had days of struggling but mostly going super strong. As each year passes I am more thankful for www.mercyministries.org (mercy) and what I took from my time there. God truly set me up to have a life of freedom and actually living. The relationships I continue to grow in that I met during my time at Mercy has been a blessing. These women get my struggles and share in my small victories and large victories. We walk through life together even being thousands of miles a part from each other. I am blessed to walk life with each of these women. forever sisters!
I began to date a guy and was soon to be engaged too. Thought I was in love. But that was shattered quickly after being engaged. This was very hard but the best decision I could made. God truly protected me from more hurt. What it boiled down too, I wanted to settle down get married and have children. Wrong motives. So I didn't look at the whole person, I just jumped into something. He is not a horrible person at all. We just are not meant to be together. I grew to totally depend on Christ during this season after the break up. I had a new sense of trusting God and leaning on him. I only need Him to be satisfied in life.
Going through the break up I found who my friends truly were. Being in this specific relationship I isolated from my friends. This is something that I do not recommend to anyone. Stay friends with the people who care and love you the most. The few who stood by my side have been the biggest blessings and the best of friends. I would not change this for anything. I feel as if these relationships have just grown so much closer in the months after. Find those couple of friends who will stand with you through ALL things. They are godly friendships who encourage you in your darkest times.
I FINALLY quit my job of 2.5 years at Arkansas Counseling. This was the best decision I made. God allowed me to make lasting friendships in the years and we still continue to meet up. But moving on from a comfortable job was a great decision. I do miss some of my clients there but I have been blessed to keep in touch with a few of these families! God grew me in this position to only prepare me for my future and the call he has on my life. If you're not happy in the season your in at your job know it is God preparing you for your next step in life! Don't grow weary. He has a plan for you.
The hardest things is DEATH. You hear of people passing all the time. You may hurt for the family but until you experience it so close to home you don't understand. I lost my grandma May 25, 2013. I was there for some of her last hours. It was hard to watch her struggle to breath but holding her hand telling her its okay to go see Jesus was such a precious time for me. I am forever grateful my cousin called me to go see her that evening. I talked that evening about all the memories we had. She taught me to read and succeed in school. She was always proud of her grandchildren. What a beautiful woman she was.
After my grandma left us a few short months later I lost a dear friend from Mercy. We spent 6 months living together and struggling together. We both had struggles with an eating disorder. Christen passed in October this year. My heart was so broken to hear of her death. The enemy came in and she was taken in bondage from her eating disorder. She was a beautiful woman who would do anything for others. She encouraged me on her hardest days. She may have been taken by an eating disorder but she leaves a legacy to us who loved her to stay strong and free from our eating disorders. I love her dearly and has brought me to a new place to encourage others who struggle with the same struggles. Such a beautiful woman who was so radiant!!! God has her in his arms and shes no longer in pain!!!!
I share all my downs here but they are full of life lessons. I learned a lot this year! I am blessed from going through some dark times this year. I saw God was there and my only source of strength. As you and I start this year of 2014 let go into as there is a season of everything. We will have our ups and downs but lets cling to Jesus and EMBRACE this year!!!!!
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
1. For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.
2. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and time to harvest.
3. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up.
4. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.
5. A time to scatter stone and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
6. A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away.
7. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
8. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.
Looking back on 2013 and I've been in all seasons of this. The year started off great. I was excited to get the year going. It had now been 2 years since I graduated from Mercy in April. That was a huge victory for me to look back on two years of freedom. Yes had days of struggling but mostly going super strong. As each year passes I am more thankful for www.mercyministries.org (mercy) and what I took from my time there. God truly set me up to have a life of freedom and actually living. The relationships I continue to grow in that I met during my time at Mercy has been a blessing. These women get my struggles and share in my small victories and large victories. We walk through life together even being thousands of miles a part from each other. I am blessed to walk life with each of these women. forever sisters!
I began to date a guy and was soon to be engaged too. Thought I was in love. But that was shattered quickly after being engaged. This was very hard but the best decision I could made. God truly protected me from more hurt. What it boiled down too, I wanted to settle down get married and have children. Wrong motives. So I didn't look at the whole person, I just jumped into something. He is not a horrible person at all. We just are not meant to be together. I grew to totally depend on Christ during this season after the break up. I had a new sense of trusting God and leaning on him. I only need Him to be satisfied in life.
Going through the break up I found who my friends truly were. Being in this specific relationship I isolated from my friends. This is something that I do not recommend to anyone. Stay friends with the people who care and love you the most. The few who stood by my side have been the biggest blessings and the best of friends. I would not change this for anything. I feel as if these relationships have just grown so much closer in the months after. Find those couple of friends who will stand with you through ALL things. They are godly friendships who encourage you in your darkest times.
I FINALLY quit my job of 2.5 years at Arkansas Counseling. This was the best decision I made. God allowed me to make lasting friendships in the years and we still continue to meet up. But moving on from a comfortable job was a great decision. I do miss some of my clients there but I have been blessed to keep in touch with a few of these families! God grew me in this position to only prepare me for my future and the call he has on my life. If you're not happy in the season your in at your job know it is God preparing you for your next step in life! Don't grow weary. He has a plan for you.
The hardest things is DEATH. You hear of people passing all the time. You may hurt for the family but until you experience it so close to home you don't understand. I lost my grandma May 25, 2013. I was there for some of her last hours. It was hard to watch her struggle to breath but holding her hand telling her its okay to go see Jesus was such a precious time for me. I am forever grateful my cousin called me to go see her that evening. I talked that evening about all the memories we had. She taught me to read and succeed in school. She was always proud of her grandchildren. What a beautiful woman she was.
After my grandma left us a few short months later I lost a dear friend from Mercy. We spent 6 months living together and struggling together. We both had struggles with an eating disorder. Christen passed in October this year. My heart was so broken to hear of her death. The enemy came in and she was taken in bondage from her eating disorder. She was a beautiful woman who would do anything for others. She encouraged me on her hardest days. She may have been taken by an eating disorder but she leaves a legacy to us who loved her to stay strong and free from our eating disorders. I love her dearly and has brought me to a new place to encourage others who struggle with the same struggles. Such a beautiful woman who was so radiant!!! God has her in his arms and shes no longer in pain!!!!
I share all my downs here but they are full of life lessons. I learned a lot this year! I am blessed from going through some dark times this year. I saw God was there and my only source of strength. As you and I start this year of 2014 let go into as there is a season of everything. We will have our ups and downs but lets cling to Jesus and EMBRACE this year!!!!!
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Life is but a Vapor
James 4:14
"How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog- it's here a little while, then its gone."
As I read this verse it woke me up. Life is but a vapor. We aren't promised tomorrow, next month, or next year. So how are you living each day? Are you living it to the fullest? Making the most of every opportunity? Being excellent in your job? Pouring into others? Loving people? Helping people in need? Encouraging others? Helping people in struggles you've experienced? The questions could go on.
But its time for me to get real with you guys. Honesty helps with making changes. I'm guilty of not living each day to my best ability. I get lazy at times, I isolate at times, I put sleep over meeting with someone who needs me, my long hours working is an excuse, and the excuses go on.
As 2013 ends and we embark on 2014 I am encouraged to step out of myself and make life fully worth living and changing the world. Life is but a vapor is my mantra (motto) for this coming year. I'm challenged to go deeper and be more intentional in many areas of my life!
I know that I want to continue pursuing my passion at the Little Rock Abortion Clinic, pouring into others who struggle with addictions, being a light to others, finish college in May, work towards moving to Nashville. Lots of things I have my mind set towards.
What are somethings you want to change this next year considering we aren't promised tomorrow. Live each day to the fullest! Live the life God has called YOU specially to live. He has a great plan for you, just be obedient and choose His plan over your own!
I just wanted to share some pictures of my heart where I like to spend my Saturdays. This is me speaking life for the unborn at the abortion clinic! God will use you right where you are.
Just wanted to share a couple pictures of where I like to spend my Saturdays. This does not always happen on Saturdays but I do my best to be there.
LIFE IS BUT A VAPOR...........something to think about how you spend your time!
"How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog- it's here a little while, then its gone."
As I read this verse it woke me up. Life is but a vapor. We aren't promised tomorrow, next month, or next year. So how are you living each day? Are you living it to the fullest? Making the most of every opportunity? Being excellent in your job? Pouring into others? Loving people? Helping people in need? Encouraging others? Helping people in struggles you've experienced? The questions could go on.
But its time for me to get real with you guys. Honesty helps with making changes. I'm guilty of not living each day to my best ability. I get lazy at times, I isolate at times, I put sleep over meeting with someone who needs me, my long hours working is an excuse, and the excuses go on.
As 2013 ends and we embark on 2014 I am encouraged to step out of myself and make life fully worth living and changing the world. Life is but a vapor is my mantra (motto) for this coming year. I'm challenged to go deeper and be more intentional in many areas of my life!
I know that I want to continue pursuing my passion at the Little Rock Abortion Clinic, pouring into others who struggle with addictions, being a light to others, finish college in May, work towards moving to Nashville. Lots of things I have my mind set towards.
What are somethings you want to change this next year considering we aren't promised tomorrow. Live each day to the fullest! Live the life God has called YOU specially to live. He has a great plan for you, just be obedient and choose His plan over your own!
I just wanted to share some pictures of my heart where I like to spend my Saturdays. This is me speaking life for the unborn at the abortion clinic! God will use you right where you are.
LIFE IS BUT A VAPOR...........something to think about how you spend your time!
Sunday, December 22, 2013
The Joy of Giving
Its just a few days until Christmas and we are all scrambling to buy last minute gifts and the perfect gift for that special friend, family member, or best friend. I know last night I was go from store to store trying to find gifts. It can be stressful at times.
Even though you are buying for others do you ever get stuck in thinking "what is everyone getting me"? I have!!! But this year has been different for me personally. I have probably spent too much on people. I am at a point in my life where I find joy in giving. And it doesn't matter if you spent 10 dollars or 300 dollars on gifts this year. Its the thought that counts.
Here are a few ideas you can find JOY in giving:
1) Write a handwritten note. YES, I did say handwritten. Weird I know.
2) Take a friend to coffee.
3) Buy dinner for that family member or friend.
4) Leave a larger tip than normal to that waiter/waitress. Yes, I've been a server and its a blessing when you are given more.
5) Take a moment to listen to that friend. Holidays are a struggle for more people than you realize.
6) Help the elderly person in Kroger, wal-mart.
7) Give a coat or warm clothes to the homeless person.
8) A simple hug and a smile is always a JOY.
9) Make that phone call to that friend or family member you haven't connected with in a long time.
10) Go through your closet and take stuff you don't wear anymore to a shelter where people could use it.
These are just a few easy ways you can give to others in this season. Once you take the "I want" and "I need" out of the equation you will find freedom in giving to others. I pray that you will step out of your comfort zone and do something out of the ordinary for others.
Even though you are buying for others do you ever get stuck in thinking "what is everyone getting me"? I have!!! But this year has been different for me personally. I have probably spent too much on people. I am at a point in my life where I find joy in giving. And it doesn't matter if you spent 10 dollars or 300 dollars on gifts this year. Its the thought that counts.
Here are a few ideas you can find JOY in giving:
1) Write a handwritten note. YES, I did say handwritten. Weird I know.
2) Take a friend to coffee.
3) Buy dinner for that family member or friend.
4) Leave a larger tip than normal to that waiter/waitress. Yes, I've been a server and its a blessing when you are given more.
5) Take a moment to listen to that friend. Holidays are a struggle for more people than you realize.
6) Help the elderly person in Kroger, wal-mart.
7) Give a coat or warm clothes to the homeless person.
8) A simple hug and a smile is always a JOY.
9) Make that phone call to that friend or family member you haven't connected with in a long time.
10) Go through your closet and take stuff you don't wear anymore to a shelter where people could use it.
These are just a few easy ways you can give to others in this season. Once you take the "I want" and "I need" out of the equation you will find freedom in giving to others. I pray that you will step out of your comfort zone and do something out of the ordinary for others.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Staying free through the Holidays
A lot of you may be like myself who have struggle with an addiction, depression, anxiety, co-dependency, and other many other struggles. Have you found that the holidays are more challenging? I know that I have. You maybe triggered by going back to the places where your issue began, being around certain family members, being judged, the stress of the holidays may trigger it also. Many things trigger people to go back to old behaviors.
BUT...yes a big BUT. This year can be different from years past. You can began today December 16, 2013 to make a decision to make a plan of action. Write a list out of your triggers so you are aware of those. Pray and ask God to specifically reveal them to you. Then make a plan of action.
First we need to call on God. He is our ultimate helper and counselor. Find someone you trust and can call when that trigger happens. Make a plan with this person. Find encouragement in knowing that someone has your back and will help your through your struggles. Keep verses on hand to meditate on and will encourage you during the challenging times.
Have hope knowing that this year you don't have to struggle through the holidays. There is HOPE in Jesus. He sent his son for YOU and for YOU this CHRISTmas season. Don't fret about what's ahead just make the plan and stick to it. God wants you to have freedom this holiday season and most of all he wants you to live in freedom always.
Keep your head up and don't beat yourself up for falling. Just get back up and keep fighting the good fight! Its worth the fight!
BUT...yes a big BUT. This year can be different from years past. You can began today December 16, 2013 to make a decision to make a plan of action. Write a list out of your triggers so you are aware of those. Pray and ask God to specifically reveal them to you. Then make a plan of action.
First we need to call on God. He is our ultimate helper and counselor. Find someone you trust and can call when that trigger happens. Make a plan with this person. Find encouragement in knowing that someone has your back and will help your through your struggles. Keep verses on hand to meditate on and will encourage you during the challenging times.
Have hope knowing that this year you don't have to struggle through the holidays. There is HOPE in Jesus. He sent his son for YOU and for YOU this CHRISTmas season. Don't fret about what's ahead just make the plan and stick to it. God wants you to have freedom this holiday season and most of all he wants you to live in freedom always.
Keep your head up and don't beat yourself up for falling. Just get back up and keep fighting the good fight! Its worth the fight!
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
What is toxic in your life?
In the past week something has weighed very heavy on my heart. The word "toxic" comes to mind. Which means "something that has poison in it." A lot of things can be toxic in our lives: relationships, addictions, laziness, health, overly doing something, and many other things.
Today I want to hit on relationships. We all can sit here and think of at least one or two people that we could do away with in our lives. These are the people who put you down, discourage you, don't share in your passions, they aren't receptive to your advice, want to argue with you, live in fear of your rejection. These are a few things that have been brought to my own life.
Its hard to let people go and especially if you care for them but some are so toxic that they need to be out of your own personal life. It will only bring you more pain and anxiety to your daily life. Is this how God wants us to live? He truly wants us to have people in our lives where people encourage us and we encourage others.
A way of living in a healthy friendship has been taught to me this way:
1) Have people who are more mature spiritually to invest in you. This has been very vital in my life. I have learned so much from a woman who has walked some hard roads with me. She has loved me the way God loves me.
2) Have a few friends on your own level of spiritual maturity. These friends you both encourage one another. You walk life together. Play sports, run, drink coffee together, text daily, hang out with on the weekends, go on trips together.
3) Have people you invest in. We have people we need to love on. But make sure this relationship DOES NOT become toxic. Because they can become this way. We need to make sure we do have a couple people we invest our time in. We become fulfilled this way. Also God wants us to have these people to pour into.
We aren't called to do life alone but we are for sure not called to live in miserable toxic relationships. So work on getting rid of those toxic people who bring you down and find the JOY in healthy relationships that the lord has called us to!
Today I want to hit on relationships. We all can sit here and think of at least one or two people that we could do away with in our lives. These are the people who put you down, discourage you, don't share in your passions, they aren't receptive to your advice, want to argue with you, live in fear of your rejection. These are a few things that have been brought to my own life.
Its hard to let people go and especially if you care for them but some are so toxic that they need to be out of your own personal life. It will only bring you more pain and anxiety to your daily life. Is this how God wants us to live? He truly wants us to have people in our lives where people encourage us and we encourage others.
A way of living in a healthy friendship has been taught to me this way:
1) Have people who are more mature spiritually to invest in you. This has been very vital in my life. I have learned so much from a woman who has walked some hard roads with me. She has loved me the way God loves me.
2) Have a few friends on your own level of spiritual maturity. These friends you both encourage one another. You walk life together. Play sports, run, drink coffee together, text daily, hang out with on the weekends, go on trips together.
3) Have people you invest in. We have people we need to love on. But make sure this relationship DOES NOT become toxic. Because they can become this way. We need to make sure we do have a couple people we invest our time in. We become fulfilled this way. Also God wants us to have these people to pour into.
We aren't called to do life alone but we are for sure not called to live in miserable toxic relationships. So work on getting rid of those toxic people who bring you down and find the JOY in healthy relationships that the lord has called us to!
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