Misplaced Hope

For the last several weeks, I had allowed myself to slip into what I call a "funk".  A period where my circumstances or people had put me in a negative state of mind.  This state lead to being frustrated, confused, angry, doubtful, afraid, stubborn, and self-pitied.  Just writing all of that reminded me of just how NEGATIVE I had gotten.  As you can see, these periods of "funks" that I struggle with are totally opposite of what God has promised: love, peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control....His Fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23) You may ask...if you know these promises of God, why do you allow yourself to be in these funks?  Awesome question! :)' After reading a devotion, God revealed MISPLACED HOPE.  The words appeared to me so simple and clear. Hope is defined as a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.  I realized that time after time, I never completly surrendered all my expectations to God.  When things are going good, I'm completely comfortable with giving everything to God. However, soon as "a storm of life" hits, here I go trying to fix the situation and expecting and hoping for my solution to work and failing to realize that I had gotten back in control.  I'm just so thankful for this #faithJourney...God's daily grace and mercy.
Clearly, I realized that my hopes were misplaced in other things beside God: Hoping for a big business break, eating my favorite sweets to soothe my sweet tooth, finding a job to help my family financially, reading the best book about parenting, or seeking just a few more hours in a day to complete xy and z.  Sounds crazy?  Well, the enemy will hit you from all sides and he starts with your mind!  My hopes were coming from the wrong things and each and every time they would fail....just temporary fixes.  TRUE HOPE IS IN GOD!

DOWNLOAD HERE  |  More Free Faith Printables/Terms & Conditions Psalm 130:5 revealed that all my expectations and desires have to begin with God.  Only God knows what is best for me!  What stuck out the most is that I have to "wait" on God and put my hope in his "word".  So my goal moving forward is to slow down, wait patiently, and reflect on God: His Love, His Word, and His promises.  God already has everything worked out.  Each time I stumble, he waits for me and picks me up and allows me to put my trust and hope in him.  He simply asks for us to give to him 100%.  Will you embark on this journey with me to continue to move forward....one step..one day at a time?  God forgive us of our misplaced hopes and I pray that we turn to your Word for daily replenishment and to trust you with EVERYTHING! Allow Psalm 130:5 to minister to the heart's of those who seek you.  AMEN

Read More

NICU Journey: Finding my way...God's Way!

So many may ask....what started you on this journey...becoming stronger in your faith, encouraging and ministering to others, blogging, and creating your Sequoia collection?  I must admit that many of those items weren't on my blueprint that I had put together several years ago.  After spending seven years in college to pursue a Bachelors degree in computer engineering and a Masters degree in computer science, I always thought I would find a job that was very flexible, paid well, and allowed time for family life and room for all my many adventures. While working in Northern VA/DC, I had all of those things, but I still had a deep feeling that God wanted more of me and that I was here for a greater purpose.  I didn't know what my purpose was but I wasn't happy where I was! 
In early 2011, I must say that God started a series of events to get my attention on Him and to open my eyes to following His will and not mine.....so the adventure and transformation began.  One of our prayers were answered when God allowed my husband to receive a job in Nashville, TN so that we could be closer to our family.  Of course, we thought we would move once we both had secured jobs and had everything aligned to move...our perfect plan!  Ha!  God worked things out where we had to move within four weeks! A blessing and hectic time all in one!  We were very uncomfortable with God's plan of action because things were upside down.  I had to leave my job without having another job lined up, and I was 21 weeks pregnant with our second child!

So my transition to a stay at home mom (SAHM) began and things were a little tough but we were making it.  Our next life changing event came late August 2011 when Kaleb decided to come early at 25 weeks weighing only 1 lb and 9 ozs.  After we had only been in Nashville for one month, we were dealing with the transition of a new job, one income, and now our little baby was here and fighting for his life.  Kaleb was considered a micro-preemie and spent the first 4 months of his life in the NICU.  Our world was upside down, but through this journey I realized that it wasn't about Kaleb being in the NICU but about my transformation in Christ and allowing him to be in control of everything!  God used that time to show me that Kaleb was physically in the NICU, hooked to machines and feeding tubes.  However, I was there spiritually and that God was feeding my spirit daily to grow my faith.  This point in my life is were I discovered the true meaning of Proverbs 3:5-6.  

Trusting in God is a daily walk and I'm so thankful that my journey has and still reminds me that He is in control and not me!  We are still going through our journey but I thank God that Kaleb is with us and doing so well.  Kaleb is still using a feeding tube and has weekly therapies, but it is a blessing that we aren't where we were and that things are going in such a positive direction.  Seeing Kaleb each day reminds me of God's love, power, and his grace and we are truly thankful.  I am becoming stronger in Christ, praying more about God's direction and will (His time), and learning to be obedient to His Word.
So now I'm at the place where I'm striving daily to fulfill my heart's desire to have my own business but God has shown me that he also wants me to use my business platform and personal experiences to  encourage, inspire, and empower!  With the vision of my Sequoia collection (learn more here), I pray daily that I can use my creative God given talent to serve Him and others.  If it had not been for my NICU journey I wouldn't be where I am today.  Thank you God for helping me to find my way!

Read More

Sequoia Sentiments #2::Matt. 19:26

This week's Sequoia sentiment is Matthew 19:26:

I love the fact that this scripture reveals the magnitude of God's power!  If we truly believe and tap into that same power which he gave to us, we are unstoppable!  God's word clearly shows that in the natural things or circumstances may look or seem impossible.  But my God.......when he sent his ONLY begotten son to die for our sins, we are granted all the blessings and greatness that he has in store for us!  Realize that the Bible didn't say we wouldn't go through test and trials; however, when we keep our eyes on God and not our circumstances we allow him to move on our behalf and in his time!  No matter how your past or current circumstances look, remember that ALL THINGS are possible through God! Checkout more Sequoia sentiment posts here.

Read More

Praising God in Prayer!

Yesterday, I found myself spending too much time thinking about what I didn't have or what upcoming things I needed to get done! Yep...it did damper my mood and I knew better.  However, I’m so thankful for God's love and mercy and this morning that He revealed a devotion to get me back on track.  Titled "Praising God in Prayer," the devotional discussed how we should praise God for making everything and supplying our needs.  I was tasked to write down 10 things I was grateful for and to share.

     -My relationship with God…no matter how many times I fail He is always there!

-Marriage to my loving and supportive husband.

-My son Braylon’s growth and development.

-My son Kaleb being here with us!  Being born at 25 weeks (1 lb and 9ozs) and currently doing well with his therapies.

-Health/Mental state – blessed to not have any sickness in my family.

-Home that is centered on God. (Having shelter, working appliances, food, clothing, etc….our needs met)

-Loving and supportive family that is close.

-Ability to share God’s word to encourage others and use of my talents to build his kingdom.

-Working vehicles to transport my family safely.

-Heart to love and help others.

As you can see, this is just a sample of how grateful I am to God.  We all could spend the rest of our lives writing such a list.  All I can say is that God is good….ALL THE TIME! No matter what the situation may be, God is there!  Supplying all of our needs!  Writing this list has shifted my attitude and I’ve asked God to renew my mind daily…every minute!

Psalm 145:1-2 states:

“I will exalt you, my god the King; I will praise your name forever and ever.  Every day I will praise you and extol your name forever and ever.”

Today, dig deep and pray for all the things that God has done for you.  What are you grateful for today?

Read More

Are you planted in good soil?

For the last few months I have been wrestling with trusting God 100%.  I had to be honest with myself because there is a different in saying and doing!  Let's be transparent here: my husband and I have been struggling with our finances and juggling trying to live on one income, taking care of medical bills, working to get out of debt, and all the unexpected expenses.  Of course I know what the scriptures say about trust and surrendering all to God, but I have haven't been doing that.  I have been slipping back into "US" trying to work things out and forgetting about giving everything to God!  I have been praying and asking God for forgiveness and direction.
His direction was to dig deeper and get to the root of the problem!  Why is it so hard for me to let go and let God?  God revealed the parable about the four soils in Matthew 13: 3-23 (please read when you have time).  Basically we see that the farmer planted seeds and they fell either on the foothpath (those who hear the message and don't understand), rocky soil (those who receive the message and are filled with joy, but don't last), among thorns (hear the message but mind is crowed with worries and issues of the world) , or in good fertile soil (truly receive the message and understand God's word).

Image from http://snowhillmbc.webs.com

As you can see from the picture above, you either fall into hardened, shallow, contaminated, or receptive soil.
This lead to the question: How do I fall into good soil? (to develop deep roots that will allow me to hear and understand God's word and produce an abundant harvest)
I was truthful with myself and realized that I was contaminated with issues of this world: How do we pay our bills?  What does the future hold? How will we get out of debt?  How will our career and business prosper?  Will be be good parents?  Will my children develop properly?
Webster dictionary defines contamination as to soil, stain, corrupt, or infect by contact or association.  Satan uses these things to infect or corrupt our minds in order to keep us from all of God's blessings.  So I dug a little deeper (going to be an expert on contamination...LOL).  Wikipedia describes soil contamination as the process that is caused by the presence of xenobiotics (human made) chemicals or alterations that are buried directly in the soil.  This contamination is initiated by Satan (who comes to kill, steal, and destroy..) and I carry out the process by forming these xenobiotics in my life:  worrying about marriage, children, finances, career, etc.  Another form of contamination is when water washes contamination from one area to another.  (Allowing past issues from one relationship spill over into a new one, past issues I've dealt with resurface in my current state)
If I'm planted in contaminated soil this will impact the health of the root....me!  So how do I fix this? Cleanup requires time and can be expensive.  How much of you and your time is worth the cost of getting your soil back right?  Let's not run to Lowes or Homedepot and buy the soil in the pretty bag that is labeled with all its benefits.  I consider this the quick fix which just covers up the soil already there when it could actually be contaminated soil anyway.  Rather take the route that takes time and an intimate relationship with God to flush contaminates out by removing strongholds and surrendering all to God and treating our soil daily through God's word (Matthew 4:24-25), prayer, and praise.  
With the right soil in place, we are able to draw nourishment from the soil through our roots.....  Will you make the decision today to let go of the xenobiotics in your life and work towards allowing God to take root? 

Read More

New Encouraging Series :: Sequoia Sentiments

Hello everyone and I pray that all is well!  I'm excited to start the new series "Sequoia Sentiments" for the month of May.  So you may have wondered why I have chosen the six specific scriptures that I currently offer for my Sequoia collection.  This series will give you insight on my selection of these six, personal reference to each one, and a way to encourage each of you!  I pray that you will find these scriptures uplifting and perhaps share your favorite and how it has enpowered you.

To start the series,we will take a look at Proverbs 3: 5-6:

Proverbs 3:5-6 is my favorite scripture because it reminds me that I'm not in control and that EVERYTHING is under God's control.  The last two years have been a whirl-wind for my family and I must admit that I have struggled for a long time with letting go and giving everything to God.  I was raised to be very independent, hard work, achiever, and taught to trust God!  I'm thankful that my parents raised me this way, but I found that it wasn't until I got older and started to go through somethings for me to realize that I wasn't truly honoring God's word.  In every circumstance, I thought I had a solution that would work and majority of the time I would pray that God would bless what I wanted.  I never took the time to see if I was being obedient and praying that HIS will be done.  That was the problem....doing my own will!

 I eventually came to the point where I was tired of banging my head on the wall ("throwing in the towel") or rather these so called quick fixes. Through the support of my sister, Chantel, she helped me to realize that I was running out of towels ("How many towels do you have Chamel?" LOL) and that I couldn't live the life God had promised me until I SURRENDERED all to him.  I started praying and studying more and God led me to Proverbs 3:5-6.  The words were so clear to me...I could finally understand them!  Sometimes you don't understand the meaning of a scripture until you through something....helps grow your faith.  My heart's desire is to give God with EVERYTHING and not to get consumed with knowing all the answers.  My job is to TRUST and let him work it all out!  I pray that you will take some time to ponder on this scripture and allow it to minister to your heart! Just take life one day at a time....God doesn't expect us to be perfect, but to make progress.  Choose to surrender all and TRUST HIM 100%.

Checkout more Sequoia sentiment posts here.

Read More

Magnify GOD and not your problem!

Life can take you through many "ups and downs" and when you've had more "downs", sometimes you get so overwhelm that you take your mind off God and focus more on your problems or circumstances.  I'm completely guilty of it, but I thank God for his forgiveness and the Holy Spirit's guidance!

Maybe today you are dealing with marital, family, financial, or even problems on the job.  However, have you ever given it the thought that stress and worrying about the situation doesn't change it!  It makes it worst!
I've heard the statement, "instead of talking to God about how big your problems are.....talk to your problems about how big God is!"  Amen to that!  We have to realize that only God can change things and it's when we put our trust and faith in him and his will that everything works out for our good.

"Let all those that seek you rejoice and be glad in you: let such as love your salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified." - Psalm 40:16

Turn your focus off of your problem and magnify God through praise, worship, and prayer.  Chris Tomlin song states that "..if our God is with us, then what could stand against us." Allow his song below to minister to your heart.  Know that God is there and that he won't put more on you than you can bare.  I like to think of it in this perspective....God's word says that we will go THROUGH trials and tribulations.  You see the word states THROUGH!  Meaning that we won't stay in our wilderness or circumstances.  God takes us through various storms of life to grow our faith and teach us!  Magnify God and enjoy the ride!

Read More

Encourage Yourself!

Have you been struggling this week to stay positive and encouraged?  I can honestly say that this past week has been a challenge for me as well! I had to step aside and really ask...."Are you trusting God completely?...Are you activating your faith?" With this being the time period to celebrate Easter, I also reflected on God's sacrifice and love!  How he gave his only son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins!  What are our struggles in comparison to what Jesus did for us?

I am thankful that I have a blessed support group that I can turn to in times of need and prayer!  However, I have to acknowledge that during the hard times I have to also encourage myself and stay motivated.  First, I re-acknowledge that God is there and that he will never leave or forsake us!  Second, believe and put all faith in him and lastly to activate that faith!  There's nothing wrong with going to your support group, but do realize that we have to continue to press towards the mark...even on our own.

My prayer for you today is that you trust and continue to allow God to order your steps.  Reflect on his goodness and remember why we celebrate Easter!  That is enough to encourage yourself! [Amen Saints] No matter what circumstances you are dealing with, please give it to God and during your waiting time, continue to speak victory during the test.  Check out Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers "Be Encourage" video below and allow this song to minister to you.  I love you and keep pressing!  Happy Easter!

Read More

What are you depositing in your "Spiritual Piggy Bank"?

There are so many people today dealing with so much from health issues, struggling marriages/relationships, financial bondage, jobs/careers, family crises, etc.  What we all fail to realize is that Satan is on his job to "only steal, kill, and destroy" but what does the rest of the scripture John 10:10 state? Jesus came so that you "may have life and more abundantly."

So I'm asking you today, "What are you depositing in your 'Spiritual Piggy Bank' in order to receive the abundance of God?  In the picture below, are you depositing change only or are you putting in some green?
Remember that you will only get out of the word what you are willing to put in!  Let me clarify, it is nothing wrong with putting change in a piggy bank and over time you will see growth, but do realize that if you start adding bigger amounts ("some green") you will see growth quicker!

So I encourage each of you to start spending more time ("some green") meditating and pondering on God's Word.  You will begin to see the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2) and spiritual growth!  We have to learn how to fight these worldly circumstances not with physical weapons but with spiritual weapons: God's Word, Praise, and Prayer! When you do so, you will start to see God's abundance because his word promised it!

Read More

How is your Spiritual Vision?

Have you checked your vision lately?  Look at the image above….how would you describe your spiritual vision?  1 – as a closed end pvc pipe or 2 – as an open pvc pipe?  During the many trials and tribulations we all face in today’s society, in many cases we can describe our vision as being closed off and not able to see or anticipate the future.  We find ourselves worrying about problems or anxious trying to figure out a solution.  I’m writing to remind you that through Christ we are able to expect and anticipate great things in life when we keep our eyes on Him and allow Him to direct our paths.  Isaiah 43: 2 states:

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you."

The verse didn’t say that we will stop and let our circumstances overcome us (like a closed pvc pipe stops a flow), but we can clearly see that through Christ we can stand against any situation.  I encourage you to practice having an open vision by studying the Word, mediating, and praying so that you can grow, trust, and go through life with God!

Read More

Trust....what does it truly mean?

Merriam-Webster defines trust as (1a) assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something.  As believers of God our definition is simply:

With the start of the new year, I have declared that this is the year that I will expect greater and truly trust God.  I find that in many cases when I make up my mind to trust God, the enemy is right around the corner ready to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10).  I claim the victory right now that God is going to do a new thing and He will provide.  I challenge you to really give yourself, worries, circumstances, etc. to God.  Have faith and believe that we serve an awesome and loving God that sent His son Jesus so that we could have life and more abundantly.

Read More

Looking for a "YES or No" from God?

Are you waiting on God to give you a clear yes or no about a particular situation in you life?  For me, it has been a constant battle with removing my thoughts and decisions in order to clearly hear from God.  The key is that we have to go to God wholeheartedly by spending time in prayer and reading the word.  In return, we gain God's wisdom and direction from the Holy Spirit which gives us peace.  When you are at peace about a decision, you know that it is a clear yes from God.  Remember that what God directs you to do will always align with the Bible!

Read More

{2013::Expecting Greater}

A new year has arrived and I have declared this a year of expecting greater from God.  With that said, God is expecting greater from us.  He wants us to keep Him first in every aspect of our lives, trust Him, and live a godly life.  I have challenged myself, family, and my business to expect and anticipate God's best.  With anything in life, this will take work but I have faith that God will provide on this journey as He has in the past.

I look forward to sharing encouraging devotional posts, study series, new inspirational products, and various looks inside my personal/family life.  I pray that you will embark on this challenge and watch God move!

     

Read More