Choosing Happiness

A change of season ....

2014-11-06T02:41:00.001-08:00

Last night we had a guest speaker at our church, man who spoke such wise words and such a wonderful truth about 'choosing the story we live'

I know that the life I live is often frowned upon by some , others look and cannot understand how I could possibly forgive so easily , reach out and take someone back in that has hurt me ... my answer is 'I choose God's Life Story'.

Now don't get me wrong , I am not perfect and I fight battles every single day , but I also have victories every single day and no matter how small ... they are victories!

What really touched me last night on a deep very deep level was that as we were worshipping and later praying for people, the focus being not living in 'mediocrity' but rather reaching your full potential to further God's kingdom , the speaker walked around and spoke Prophetic Word into peoples lives to whom he was drawn by God.

I asked God to just give me a sign , speak to me about my life as I have wrestled deeply this year , making peace with certain outcomes in my life. The speaker finished up and I thought ..' stop being selfish this is not just about you' your life is being lived on God's timing not yours.

I went to speak to a couple from my life group ... ' my spiritual parents ' if you will. I had not seen them for sometime and had to claim my hugs at that exact moment the speaker walked past ... he doubled back and walked up to me to ask me my name and proceeded to Prophesy over my life.

He shared so much that was spot on and that only God would know , the amazing thing is that I have had similar (80%) spoken over my life by another person unbeknownst to him.
Part of this word is that I am going into a new season of Spring & Summer ...

I have been going through some dark times and to hear this brought me to tears , to hear God acknowledge the hurts , the pain and the desire for a new season ... Thank you Lord!
(the picture above represents how I feel so well)

As I look forward to what God has install for me and wait on him, I encourage you keep talking to God , keep dreaming and never let go...live a God life and you'll smile through the tears.

(Just a little note , the name of this blog may change slightly as I look into registering a .com address and unfortunately Choosing Happiness is taken , a sign it's time for a change here too ...but whatever you do please don't leave)

A delightful heart ...

2014-11-05T00:28:00.003-08:00

So life has been super crazy this year , with many up's and many downs and yet still I find myself wanting to sing , shout , smile and dance.
Yes there have been heartaches and longing , frustrations by the bucket load and prayers which have kept me on my knees ... however I am so grateful to God for all that I have and how He delights me with the desires of my heart.

I just want to take today to thank the Lord and share with you how I feel ...

This year my other blogs have gotten wings, I have had amazing support from brands ,bloggers and I have been spoilt rotten.

I could never have even dreamed that I would develop such a huge passion for blogging and social media , I now have 3 blogs and my new baby already has wings ...so grateful Lord, for my gifts and talents you have given me.

Thank you Lord, for the blogging community of ladies that I have created to honour your example of 'just loving one another' and 'building community' although people may come and go Lord you have influenced so many hearts and lives ... thank you!

These ladies are like family and many have become friends , are like sisters and I can't imagine life without them. I am truly blessed!

Friendships .... oh my goodness I can't believe how many truly good and hearfelt friendships I have made this year Lord, people whom I am honoured to call friends and ladies I know ill be in my life for many years to come.

I work alot with people in the professional business arena and with with my blog, and what has started out as a means of contacts and communications, has evolved to the most beautiful and blossoming friendships. Honestly, I would do it all again in a second just to be here again. God is the greatest networker and I am so amazed and blessed.

Thank you Lord that I have a roof over my head , a job , an income and so many friends and spoils ... I may not have all the desires of my heart right now Lord, but that is what the future is for after all isn't it? *tee hee*

...seriously though I know that I am on God's GPS (God Positioning Sytem) and I will reach my full potential in Him!

Have a super day everyone ...

You are perfect !

2014-10-29T23:13:00.003-07:00

It's twilight time and a time for reflection!

This week I had an encounter with God , I felt like I was in a twighlight zone ... I had been drifting from God in as far as reading the word .. my Faith however was strong and is strong.

Through a series of recent events I have had emotions stirred in me that I thought I had resolved , personal identity issues and hurts carried through from past relationships.

It is good that the Holy Spirit stirs these feelings, it makes us deal with it .... you know those emotions lurking, those that the conscious mind tries to deny.
With these stirrings came my desire to return to my rock , my fortress ... yes you Lord! My means of retreat and connecting has always been worship and praise through music ... and so on Monday evening I found myself doing what a friend calls 'carpet time' , my heart aching , my soul weeping whilst Jesus was restoring my peace and redirecting my vision so that I see myself not through 'my lenses' but rather through His eyes ... beautiful , made in His image and loved!

I just want to encourage those who have been told they are not good enough , not thin enough , not pretty enough ... you are beautiful!
Those that have been told they are too strong willed , those that are told they are too outspoken , too spirited ... you are perfect just as you are!

God has given us life and although He is ultimately in charge of where we are headed , as humans we make mistakes ... let these experiences grow us , strengthen us and never let anyone steal your joy , happiness or peace ...if God is for us , NO MAN can stan against us!

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31

Have a super day and remember to do as I do ....

There may be tears in the night ....

2014-10-27T01:38:00.004-07:00

I thought I was over this Lord! I thought it was gone! ...

Nope it's still here and once again the wound has been scratched open....

Does the loneliness ever subside?
Will I ever feel like I fit in somewhere?
Will people ever embrace me as a single person instead of ostracising me for being alone and making my world even lonelier?

Do they even realise that just because I am busy , it does not mean that I feel loved , wanted?
Do they understand the yearning for love , a tender embrace , acceptance, physical contact , someone to walk beside me?
Yes God you are here and NO MAN can replace you, nor would I ever even wish that!

But the tenderness , the emotions that get stirred up when just for a fleeting moment the mind slips , the heart hopes and then the doubt ... the reality of still standing in THIS WORLD ( physical) alone.....will this desert ever end?

Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.

Psalm 126:5

Oh Lord , this week I ask for your STRENGTH , for your PEACE , for your JOY and to be closer to you ... I need you now more than ever .. I love you Lord!

Today it is a conscious decision ...

Our God is greater ...

2014-10-21T09:07:00.001-07:00

Our God is greater , wiser , stronger than any other ...

Yes it is true , if only this would sink into our souls and that we would believe it with all our heart.

Remember you are what you speak and when you speak negativity , hurt and anger into the world you are creating that energy for yourself ... God gave us forgiveness and grace! Not to abuse it! , but to actually realise that we are indeed human!

We will never be perfect and nor will the people who work alongside us.... whether in a personal capacity , business capacity or otherwise.... we are all fighting battles.

My advice .. stand tall , lean on God and remember your Armour everyday!

The Armor of God

¹⁰Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹²For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
¹⁸And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV)

Today I felt rather battered and bruised by being used and abused in a work capacity until I remembered who my God is ...

OUR GOD IS GREATER!!!

Run wild and free little girl ....

2014-10-16T22:38:00.001-07:00

Run wild and free , run wild and free little girl is what my spirit sings right now!

I think , no I know that with everyday life comes the stresses and strains that test us to the core.
These daily pressures leaving us feeling old and tired if we allow them too.
We have the power to choose to become OVERCOMERS ... those who seek first Hius kingdom and tackle all our days and problems from a 'God' perspective.

I hear you Lord and today I celebrate TODAY, knowing that tomorrow lies in your hands. I choose to laugh as much as possible , to cry when necessary ... to relish the spoils you send me and give thanks for everyone.

As I head off for the weekend I wish to encourage you to just let go .... run .....let your spirit run ..... and enjoy!

'4 Seek your happiness in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desire. 5 Give yourself to the Lord; trust in him, and he will help you; 6 he will make your righteousness shine like the noonday sun. 7 Be patient and wait for the Lord to act; don't be worried about those who prosper or those who succeed in their evil plans. 8 Don't give in to worry or anger; it only leads to trouble. 9 Those who trust in the Lord will possess the land, but the wicked will be driven out. 10 Soon the wicked will disappear; you may look for them, but you won't find them; 11 but the humble will possess the land and enjoy prosperity and peace. 12 The wicked plot against good people and glare at them with hate. 13 But the Lord laughs at wicked people, because he knows they will soon be destroyed. 14 The wicked draw their swords and bend their bows to kill the poor and needy, to slaughter those who do what is right;' Psalm 37:4-14 (Good News Bible)

Dream a little dream ....

2014-10-14T08:28:00.002-07:00

Oh to soar and fly like an eagle ... yes I dream of one day knowing the feeling of truly being free!

Everyday takes a step of faith in some direction or the other , everyday involves a certain amount of joy , laughter , tears , gratitude , hope and DREAMS!

Yes to dream is to live each day to the fullest , to experience life and all it has to offer. To dream is to believe there is a better future ahead ... one that our Father in heaven has prepared for us ... but do not forget to live in the present or else you might miss the opportunities God puts right before your eyes!

Today I want to encourage you to dream , have a vision board and hold onto those dreams trusting that God knows the desires of your heart ... but live in today!

Give thanks for what you do have , recognise the people that are there supporting you everyday.

Look at where you have come from and know that where there is hope there is life!

Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. — Jeremiah 29:12-13 (NIV)

Don't let them drag you down ...

2014-10-08T08:49:00.001-07:00

You know it is such a funny thing , when life is busy but manageablae-ish and you're cruising along ... someone from out of the blue has to knock the wind out of your sails ... or at least thats how it feels!

Today I was happily minding my own business , working doubly hard , setting up all kinds of marketing material as we are super quiet at work ... and bam I get bowled over at some nastiness thrown at me.

I understand that pressure does funney things to people and heck I can even get over it and forgive them ... but really to blindside someone for doing their job above and beyond?? Really ??

So here are my words of wisdom for today ...DON'T LET THEM DRAG YOU DOWN!!

Keep on walking .. sing a song ... you know like 'How great is our God1' by Chris Tomlin and just let all that muck pass on by. You are in control of your emotions and keep it that way.

God is great ' all the time' remember!

Thank you Lord that ...

Learning to put the past in it's place ...

2014-09-29T03:56:00.004-07:00

Today I feel so blessed after a fabulous weekend of celebrating my 40th Birthday , I have such precious friends with generous hearts and spirits.
I have also come to realise after this weekend that no matter the 'weather in your head' .. in other words if the world looks sunny or you are going through a dark and moody patch ... just let the love shine through and all will be fine.

With turning 40yrs I have had to deal with putting some of my hopes and dreams to bed , letting go of that which is no longer possible , making peace with it and leaving it in the past.
This sounds easy but let me assure you that when your biggest dreams and hopes have not yet realised and bilogically are no longer possible , there are a lot of hurts , tears and anger that bubbles to the surface.

Today I sit here far more at peace , is the hurt gone ..no! are the tears still around ..yes! BUT the anger has subsided and I am once again moving forward looking to the future and leaving all that has not happened in the PAST!

This week I am creating a brand new vision board for myself ... a future and a hope to look forward too. I love this verse and I know it is super popular and aonce again it is my 'go to' today ...

¹¹For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29 v 11

Have a super day and let's leave the past where it belongs ...

Celebrating through sadness ...

2014-09-25T06:53:00.001-07:00

It's happening ... I am getting older and moving into a new phase of my life the 40's!

This has been quite an adjustment to get my mind around , not because it is a milestone birthday ... but rather because my life is not where I had dreamt and imagined it would be.

I am not someone who get overly sentimental about milestone birthday's , but I do love a party and will usually take any occassion to be able to organise a get together .... but not this year!
I have been wrestling with hurt , disappointment , disillusionment , anger , frustration ..impatience and so much more!

You see, all I ever desired and dreamt of was ... having a family and a white picket fence. Coming from a broken home and being an only child life left me a little battered and bruised and so I always turned to this dream as a source of comfort (that the loneliness of childhood would be displaced)

... enter reality!

I am divorced after being deserted and abandoned , I have no kids , I don't own a home , my car well it's more broken than functional and well life is just tough!
The hardest part is the yearning and longing for a life partner , the laughs , the smiles , the hugs ... the looks across a crowded room ... I miss these and my heart aches for it.

These feelings have resulted in a bout of depression and a lack of desire for any kind of celebration ...

All these have left me wrestling my emotions and clinging to God.

Today is the first day in a few months where I feel the cloud has lifted slightly , that I can actually try and move forward again. My friends have been amazing and I love each and every one.

My mom I know has planned a party and I am looking forward to it this weekend , I am just trusting God to give me peace , remove the tears and fill my heart with joy again.

I thought I would share two of my favourite verses with you that I turn to in tough times ...

BEAUTY FOR ASHES
'and provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.' NIV - Isaiah 61:3

JOY IN THE MORNING
' For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.' NIV - Psalm 30:5

So there you have them , I am choosing to move forward and embrace my future and trust that God has someone special out there for me ... here's to turning 40!

Cherish the people God puts in your path ...

2014-09-23T03:35:00.006-07:00

This year has been a particularly hard year for me , the challenges have been never ending and my transportation a major setback, yet I look back and I am amazed at how far I have come ... mainly thanks to those who support me and help me everyday.

This support .... can be as small as 'a word of encouragement' or as amazing as 'a friend fixing your car' , 'helping you when you are stranded' or just 'constantly being your rock'.

No matter what your journey we can learn from each other and one thing I am learning from my journey is...

To expect the unexpected!

When I was stranded at the roadside, in the dark at 9.45pm, in an unsavoury neighbourhood. God sent me two angels to keep me safe in the form of man.
When it seemed like there was no way to get home , God sent men who were equipped practically that could problem solve and make a plan.

I want to encourage you today , when it seems like the road is lonely, that you are on a higway to 'nowhere' hold your head high , keep talking to God ... believe and look for His hand in all that comes across your path.

I cannot explain the gratitude I have for my friends who loan me their husbands in the middle of the night , to come and help me as a single woman stranded. I am truly blessed ... and loved beyond any understanding.
I am humbled by the kindness of friends and their husbands who go out of their way to fill a gap, one of which I am so aware and that is often like an open wound tearing at my heart and soul.

Thank you Lord!
Today and everyday I promise to remember
that You alone are all that I need.
You will send the right people across my path
at the right time.
You have blessed me and humbled me and
once again.
I want to thank you for friends!
I pray that you bless these friends and their families,
that they may experience the joy , humility
and thankfulness that you have placed in my heart.
May my eyes and my heart always look to you first!
In Jesus name
x Amen

A milestone for change and maybe happiness ...

2014-09-15T05:40:00.001-07:00

Life is a series of experiences , of learning , falling and picking yourself up again. I am turning 40 shortly and never have I been more aware than now of how fast life moves , how dreams can sometimes be changed by circumstance and by how with maturity comes the confidence to not be swayed by others opinions and insecurities.

What I have however come to realise is that life can be lonely... yes even in a room full of people , that Faith is what keeps you going , Hope is what drives you and depression ... that which can very easily drag you down.

This year I have really struggled to come to terms with my singleness , my loneliness for a life partner and my longing for a home. I have had to make a conscious decision to keep walking and not let depression try and take hold of me and consume me.

Don't get me wrong ... if life were measured in friends I consider myself a millionaire ... yet no one can fill that role of a mate , the closeness , the love , the looks across the room and yes, even the disagreements. Life of a singleton is a very lonely place ... even more so in a Christian society.

Modern society has added to this state of seperation, due to promiscuity and adultery friends can no longer be trusted and people tend to draw in the familiar 'like looking for like' in otherwords you will seldom find single friends at a family orientated gathering ... we are the percieved 'threat' often thought of as desperate ... yeah whatever!

So short of going to single friends who are all women anyway meeting Mr Right is left to God because heaven alone knows it is not easy.

'Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.'
Psalm 55:22

I am trying my best to embrace the 40's after all I am reminded everyday that life supposedly starts at 40!

Today I lay my worries at the Lord's feet and once again ...

Always look your giants in the eye ...

2014-09-12T07:08:00.000-07:00

No Matter what comes your way , only you can choose to let go of your Faith and let your giants overwhelm you.

You see if you have half the faith that David had when he faced Goliath you would turn to your giant (problem) and tell it how small it really is ...

We often forget that power that is in us from the Holy Spirit and the fact that we have Jesus as our chief, Lord and Saviour fighting the battle for us. He is our breastplate , our suit of armour and He will conquer all.

I encourage you today to read through this scripture it is one of my favourites in times of weakness and/or when I feel overwhelmed ...

The Armor of God

Ephesians 6:10-18New International Version (NIV)

So now that you are armed and ready ... go on knock em dead soldier ...

Always look up and look forward when the walls close in ...

2014-08-28T02:42:00.004-07:00

It never ceases to amaze me how when we press in and focus on the Lord , we are challenged more than ever. Whether it be in our family life , in our work environment or even with those things which we take for granted such as our cars , homes etc.

I recently did a clean out of my bedroom and came across a Prayer that was written by Bill Hybels of Willowcreek Church in the USA.
This Prayer originated from a Global Leadership conference that I attended , I found it super motivating and so when it happened across my path I decided 'no time like the present' to recommit and recite the Prayer daily as I had before.

Well needless to say two days later my tyre burst , you know on the car that has been the bain ...erhm I mean joy of my life (tee hee).

So what is my point?
It's this , expect adversity when you are pushing in , refrain from reacting ... I simply stepped out of my car in the rain and walked 1.5km because my cellphone was also broken , I sang hymns whilst I walked ... got to a pay phone , called a friend and now all is sorted ... not easy! But I draw strength in the fact that Satan did not win this round!

In my mind I always picture what it must have been like crossing the Red Sea with Moses , you see those walls of water just aching to crush them(those are our challenges). Now you can either choose to focus on the water (challenges), or on the destination .... the end of the tunnel which is God ... I choose the light at the end of the tunnel!

ALWAYS LOOK UP AND LOOK FORWARD WHEN THE WALLS CLOSE IN!

Forgive , let go and live in love ...

2014-08-26T04:22:00.004-07:00

Firstly I have to say thank you today to those of you that read my blog regularly , without knowing it you are a silent listener... which means that you give me safe place to share my thoughts and feelings ... it helps , it really does..... THANK YOU!

Today I just want to share once again how God's heart is for us to forgive ALL , yes ALL .. everyones weaknesses .. this doesn't mean you have to agree with the circumstances. To hold bitterness inside causes your heart and your Spirit to fester and become ill ... It is not what God wants for you!

'21Then Peter came and said to Him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" 22Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.' MATTHEW 18 V 21-22 - SOURCE

God has this to share about bitterness in the Bible ...
'Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.' Ephesians 4:31-32 - (ESV) - SOURCE

I am saddened when friends can't find forgiveness in their heart , when Satan robs their joy and they try to project , influence and infect others. I refuse to be drawn or dragged into their discontent.

My God is a God who conquers all , who loves equally and selflessly , who operates and rules under grace NOT judgement and condemnation ... no, I will not be swayed.

Today I am going to pray for the friends whose heart is hurting and for God to give me strength in adversity , He is my rock and my Fortress always!

Dear Lord
Please forgive those who cannot find forgiveness in their heart
Lord soften their hearts to be one of kindness and love
lift all signs of bitterness and resentment Lord
and replace it Jesus with Love , Forgiveness and Understanding.
Lord let us look more like you everday and live less in the 'flesh'
I pray that you would guide us all , give us strength for each day
fill us with light and happiness.
In your precious name Jesus
Amen x

Trusting for your peace Lord ....

2014-08-21T05:21:00.001-07:00

As I have a day that is something out of nightmare on Elm Street today . I am once again confronted with the reality that if we are indeed firmly rooted in the Lord ,we will seek our peace from Him and not from people and/or worldly things.

Today I feel anthing but peaceful... and quite honestly if I could hop on a plane , train , bus or escape into a forest right now I would ... no such luck!

So rather than drown in my misery I am choosing to look to the Lord , join me ...

Father God,
You have the power to fiill me with peace
that surpasses all human peace
You Lord have the power to bring calm upon my
person and peace into my heart
Today Lord, I leave this stress at your feet and
choose to stay firmly rooted in you dad.
Thank you for always being kind , caring
and understanding.
For never judging and always listening Lord
I love you Jesus beyond all measure and
I choose to keep my eyes focused on YOU!
In Jesus name
x Amen

Still standing today whilst struggling , yet still ...

God loves all his creations ..little and small ...

2014-08-19T23:55:00.001-07:00

One of the hardest transitions for me recently was having to relocate a pet from an office environment ( we are moving offices) to a home environment.

I think that I have been far more traumatised by my lack of company at work , by the change in some of my kitties personality and by just wanting and needing him to be accepted by my other kitties.

My cats are by far the 'pamp-puuuured' kind and spoilt rotten and so with my nature of wanting to please everyone and treat all fairly I found myself struggling with feeling like I was falling short in the kitty 'love displays' having to divide myself and devote myself to all three .... this got me thinking!

These feelings that I was having , is often how I hear people speaking of God , 'there are so many of us!' , 'how can He possibly love us all the same?' etc. etc and yet here I stand and I can honestly tell you I love all my kitties the same , we all have different hugs , kisses and cuddles ... but I love them all the same.

God is like this , He does not choose one from the other ... we choose for Him ... seperating ourselves before wec get 'hurt' by not feeling 'loved' and yet we don't actually give God half a chance because as humans we like to 'control' and after all prevention (of hurt and rejection) is better than cure ...right? WRONG!!!

God loves each and everyone one of us equally , He has no favourites , He is not influenced by popularity , wealth and or acts ... HE LOVES US UNCONDITIONALLY ... no special requirements!

Have a super day and remember just because you can't divide yourself in to a hundred tiny bits does not mean you do not love wholeheartedly ... after all we are not God!

Today I choose love and ...

It's your gifting ....

2014-08-17T08:30:00.000-07:00

Have you got gifts and talents that have just been lying dormant?

Why not choose today to use these gifts to celebrate and make someones life better today , it can be a small act of kindness or signing up to help in some serving team at church , goodness it can be as simple as donating some wool to a charity.

I have found that it is so important for us to love on others and use our gifts and talents , why? Well we have the Holy Spirit inside of us , and part of His make up is to serve , love and give ... so when we do these acts of love too you will be amazed not only at how great you feel ... but you will also discover new gifts and talents ...

Lets look at what the bible says ....

…9Be hospitable to one another without complaint. 10As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:10

Don't let the treasures that God deposited inside of you go to waste ... go on spread and little love and join me ...

Conversations with God ...

2014-08-15T05:24:00.001-07:00

These days I find that there is just not enough time in the day , our business is moving and my dad is scheduled for surgery , my mom's knee has packed in etc etc etc...

The result is that when I stop running at the end of the day , I just collapse in a heap and tend to fall asleep. Yes I am not spending time reading God's word ... do I feel guilty ..yes!
Do I feel persecuted no!
Thats what God's grace is all about!

My journey has got to be, not making this a habit... but to rather to see it as a season ...
What has come of it though is that I find myself chatting to God a lot more during the day.

I am sure that if someone was standing next to me at times, they would think I am nuts ... and well that's okay too! You see, I have been having the most awesome impromptu conversations with God. They cover topics of anything from traffic to friends pregnancy , to divorces and a whole lot more.

There is nothing that we can't chat to the Lord about and He loves it when we do make Him a part of our lives. I want to encourage you today , even if you don't seem to have time first thing in the morning or last thing at night ...just chat to Him , pray aloud ...share your news ....share your hurts ....heck I've even had a few 'head to heads' with my pappa Jesus ...He knows your heart and He understands.

Just do it! Conversations with God are amazing!

Sending hugs your way and remember to do as I do ...

Never give up and never give in ....

2014-08-08T00:41:00.003-07:00

This week has been an exceptionally tough one for me ... actually this month has so far. I have challenges at work , my father has once agin been in and out of hospital and so the days are tiring and the quiet time is yearned for ...

Yet one thing stands out for me and that is the incredible serenity and peace I feel within ... this is God's peace and it overcomes and far surpasses any kind of peace I could ever explain.

That is why it has made my heart sore this week to see friends wrestling with forgiveness , jusdgement and worldly goods ... have we forgotten Lord what it is to love unconditionally? To focus on that which has true meaning and not material goods? Have we given up the good fight for that which can never satisfy?

Today I just sit here in awe , yes I am weak at times , yes I am guilty of moaning , of judgement and of feeling sorry for myself ... but ... I force myself to always get up and think about things from a Godly perspective.

I am quick to forgive , slow to anger and I live to show love and be love to others ....
Am I really that different to others God?

Today I want to say a little prayer over all my friends, that they to may be blessed as I have ...
Lord , today I pray that you would bless my friends
that you would open their hearts to forgiveness
that you would awaken the gift of love within them
Lord please remove any past hurts , judgement and pain
Lord let them know your peace and your joy today
Let that which is of this world fade into significance Lord
and let your light shine through in all that we do.
In Jesus name
x Amen

Lord just like this ant , may our load never be too much to bear and may we always keep our eyes focussed on you :)

Are you coming? ...

2014-07-31T22:48:00.002-07:00

Everyday in life we make choices that affect our future , family and loved ones and sometimes we make the wrong decisions too! As that old saying goes 'hindsight is foresight' and if we all knew the outcome of our decisions in advance , we might choose a little more conservatively.

One thing I do know and that is that you cannot live life in regret , that would make you wrong decisions , mistakes and misdirected plans steal your future and your desitiny and that is not what God want for us!

God wants us to take heed of our journey , to learn and to grow from each and every experience ... to look forward and see the adventure ahead and to leave the past where it belongs ...behinds us!

In Jeremiah God promises us ...
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29 v 11

I know that I am disappointed in choices that I have made , lie has not panned out the way I planned, I have had to accept realities in my life which are not the path I would have chosen for myself ...but God!

So today again I remember to keep forging ahead ... trusting the Lord and knowing that He knows what lies ahead and is guiding me every step of the way ...

Are you coming?

Basking in the glory of our Lord ....

2014-07-29T07:44:00.002-07:00

There is nothing that tests ones strength quite like difficult and stressful times and likewise there is nothing that tests ones faith and dedication quite like normalicy.

Stressful times cause us to cry out to God and narmalicy creates a lack of crying out to God sometimes ... it is so easy to be complacent and quiet when all is well ... don't never stop , never give up the gift of being able to worship and celebrate our Lord without persecution for your beliefs ... treasure every moment of everyday and count your blessings .... it's a privilege that few have!

Our God , our Lord and our Provider is so awesome in how He loves us and wait patiently on us. Today I just want to take a moment and celebrate how great our God is and worship him in prayer...

Father God
Thank you that you give me strength to face each day anew
Thank you for being a rock for us to stand on in times of need
Thank you for never giving up on me Jesus
Thank you for providing food for my table , friends for my soul
and kitties to keep my heart full of love
Thank you Lord for just being , to you be the glory
To you be the honour Lord
In Jesus name
x Amen

Judgement is reserved for the Lord alone ...

2014-07-21T04:11:00.003-07:00

This year I have made friends with such a lovely group of women , we are diverse in ... age , relationships , skin colour and loads more, yet we all have the most amazing bond of friendship and encouragement.

Having grown up as a 'fat girl' in a 'thin world' has taught me many things , but the one learning I will never forget is:
to never assume you know someone or their circumstances, to never judge without walking a mile in 'their' shoes and lastly to never project 'my hurts' and disillusionment onto others.

The one thing I have not learnt however... is to overcome self-judgement and even self loathing , you see it is easy to critisize yourself , to see the worst and to condemn yourself ...

I look at how loved and accepted I am by others, yet why can I not extend that grace to myself? I suppose only time , faith and forgiveness will reveal that journey ... but what I can do is encourage you, as I encourage myself everyday .... look past the physical body to the spirit of the person and truly get to know people.

“People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

Have a beautiful week this week and join me in looking for the good in people , looking for beautiful qualities in personalities rather than physical attributes.

Today and always ...

Let me catch my breath and focus on Him ....

2014-07-17T01:34:00.001-07:00

So this last week has been manic , I returned from sick leave and piles of paper and work , only to have my dad fall ill ... eish!

My work load is an overload at the moment as I keep the engine of this business running whilst my dad is in hospital and prayer would be hugely welcome.

Today I just want to remind myself to make time for the important stuff .... you know catch my breathe ... and spend some time chatting to and meditating on God.

Nothing can bring calm and clarity into a situation quite like God can ... He calmed the seas and He can certainly calm me no matter what the chaos and storm that lies ahead.

Come let's pray ...
Lord today I pray that you would bring peace and calm into my storms
that you would bring about a supernatural serenity.
Lord I thank you that you will help me to cope with an
extended work load and family responsibilities
that you would step in and bring calm into my work enviroment.
Jesus I thank you for the healing and guarding hand you
have over my family both in sickness and in health.
Iam truly blessed by your love , your encouragement and
your patience Lord.
In Jesus name Amen.

Have a super day , I must run ... but still....

Living life in full colour HD ....

2014-07-14T23:38:00.001-07:00

I have recently been a little quiet , not because of a lack of inspiration but rather because a brief bout of illness ( yep that dreaded flu).

I am well on the road to recovery and happy to once again be out and about , experiencing the joy of the crisp fresh air and the gorgeous mulitcoloured sunrises that our Abba Father paints in the sky every morning.

After finally surfacing from this heavy fog of stuffy noses , dulled senses and a total lack of taste ... it really got me reflecting on how we take so much for granted in our daily lives.

We all complain about the 'daily grind', of repeatedly going through the motions for example ... family , work , family , sleep and starting all over again. Yet when one of these daily repetitions get interupted, or heaven forbid removed ... how much do we not then suddenly appreciate the monotony of the 'daily grind'?

Today I just want to remind you to stop , smell the fresh crisp air , feel the sun on your face , have a cup of tea and savour the taste and smell .... that is life in HD (High Definition) ... a gift from God, one that we should be thankful for everyday.

Just imagine what life is like for those who can't breathe natural air , those who don't have the freedom of standing in the sun without being persecuted ... or for those whom have never tasted a sweet cup of tea ....it is a reality for many that few of us like to think about.

Can I ask you to join me in paying it forward by looking around, taking the time to see those that are around you. Look for people in need and where you can ... buy a cup of tea or a plate of food , share a hug , a laugh or a smile and bless those who are less fortunate than you.

Matthew 5:16New International Version (NIV)

¹⁶In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Let be God's army.... clothed in thankfulness, with a quiver full of love and faith to share...

Choosing Happiness

A change of season ....

A delightful heart ...

You are perfect !

There may be tears in the night ....

Our God is greater ...

The Armor of God

Run wild and free little girl ....

Dream a little dream ....

Don't let them drag you down ...

Learning to put the past in it's place ...

Celebrating through sadness ...

Cherish the people God puts in your path ...

A milestone for change and maybe happiness ...

Always look your giants in the eye ...

The Armor of God

Ephesians 6:10-18New International Version (NIV)

So now that you are armed and ready ... go on knock em dead soldier ...

Always look up and look forward when the walls close in ...

Forgive , let go and live in love ...

Trusting for your peace Lord ....

God loves all his creations ..little and small ...

It's your gifting ....

Conversations with God ...

Never give up and never give in ....

Are you coming? ...

Basking in the glory of our Lord ....

Judgement is reserved for the Lord alone ...

Let me catch my breath and focus on Him ....

Living life in full colour HD ....

Matthew 5:16New International Version (NIV)

16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Let be God's army.... clothed in thankfulness, with a quiver full of love and faith to share...

¹⁶In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.