Identity, Purpose, Assignment
I was recently looking for a job. With a blank canvas in front of me, I wasn't sure which direction to take. I spoke to God about it, and I asked Him, "Where do you want me?" After combing though a few websites, I came upon one opportunity that seemed like a pipe dream, but I went ahead and applied. A few interviews later, I got the call that the team was interested in me. My voice remained calm when I replied, "Thank you!", but there was a stampede of horses racing through my heart. I couldn't believe it. I
Music to my Soul
In 1 Samuel 16, we find Saul, tormented and terrified by an evil spirit. Saul’s officials had an idea. They decided to bring in a gifted musician to come and play the harp for Saul. And whenever the anointed harpist, David, would play his harp, “Saul would relax and feel better, and the evil spirit would go away.” (vs. 23) Friends, we live an an anxiety filled world. What we surround ourselves and fill our environment with can make a world of difference in how we feel. My son introduced me to the 42 minute video below. There’s no fluff.
Confidence in the Lord
Recently, I found myself in unchartered territory. While with a group of friends who were choosing between swimming in the pool or laying out on the beach, I ventured off to sit in the ocean … by myself. And I was perfectly content. Maybe you’re thinking, “What’s the big deal??” You see, I typically find it easier to just follow the crowd. After all, I don’t want to miss out on what everyone else is doing. Besides that, I worry immensely about what people are thinking of me. But I knew what I wanted to do. So I did it.
Dancing on the Waves
One of the biggest lies that we can believe is that God does not love us. From the beginning, in the garden of Eden, the devil tried to drive a wedge between man and God. When Adam and Eve sinned by doing the one thing God asked them to not do, they hid from God. And in their shame they sewed fig leaves to cover their nakedness. But it wasn't because God had asked them to. Yet, they condemned themselves and turned away from God because of what they believed God felt about them. I know I find myself far
Perfect & Complete
Of all things, I was in the MIDDLE of a prayer call when I clicked over and heard the news. “Mrs. Samuel, could you come and pick up Caleb, he is hurt.” Really God? I was on a prayer call and THIS is what happens. I’m ashamed to say, that was my one sided, real, raw conversation with God as I drove to the gym to pick up my son. I knew it was REALLY bad when I saw three very strong men carrying him out of the emergency exit. Oh boy. Here we go, this is going to be a journey.
Pressing Through Difficulties
When I was single, I spent time imagining what marriage would be like. Between owning a home and starting a family, I was excited by the very idea because it seemed easy and dreamy in my mind. What can I say? I was young and naive lol. Then, I said “I do” and discovered there were many moments that were not easy. During the times that my husband and I misunderstood each other, it felt easier to just sweep it under the rug. I mean, who wants to have a challenging conversation that requires time and energy? But we knew
Chipotle Shredded Beef
If you’re looking for a great recipe that can feed your family for a few days, I have a great one for you. This is a delicious chipotle shredded beef that I have made many times and it doesn’t disappoint. A special thanks to my friend Renee Thomas who graciously shared this recipe with me a few years ago. Chipotle Shredded Beef 2 ½ lb beef chuck roast, trimmed14 oz can diced tomatoes7 oz can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (use peppers only and remove seeds from chilis if you don't like it too spicy)4 oz can diced green chiles1
God is With Us
Sadly, these recent times seem to be inundated with illness, hospitalizations, and untimely death. I don’t know about you, but it can feel quite overwhelming. And if I’m honest, it can feel frightening. But I am reminded that “God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. … There is no room in love for fear.” (1 John 4:18 MSG) This song “Surrounded” by UPPERROOM is one I have found to be quite encouraging in times that have been trying. I hope it improves your countenance
We Keep Praying
Two Sundays ago, I walked into church and thought to myself, ‘Where in the world do we go from here?’ While I had no doubt that our pastor was doing great and enjoying the glory of Heaven, my heart was still so heavy from our loss here on earth. So many questions filled my head. How do we move forward? How do we continue to pray? Where do we go from here? That Sunday, Pastor Ryan Leak took us to Acts chapter 12. It’s there I discovered, WE ARE NOT ALONE. We are not the first church to have endured
A Clear View
You may have heard me mention before how my family and I enjoy taking road trips. However, there is a downside. It doesn’t take long to travel on an interstate before noticing bugs splattered on the windshield and well, all over the exterior of the car. I know … gross. Having returned from such a drive, I noticed that my car was dirty. But I wasn’t able to have it cleaned immediately. So there it sat in my garage and the next time I drove, it seemed as if I just could not see clearly through my windshield. A few
