Foot Loose

"Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." Galatians 5:25

This verse struck me today. I've been out of step with the Holy Spirit these last few weeks and in turn have created my own line dance in an attempt to keep up. It's one of those line dances that no one can catch onto. There seems to be no set steps, too many turns, off beat claps, and more than enough partner changes. A dance where the more you try, the more lost you seem to get. Meanwhile, along the way you get stepped on by too many steel toed boots and elbowed by more belt buckle wearers than you can count.

My life these last few weeks has been continual eight counts, where I never seem to make it through the full eight. I start with one, wake up and forget to pray, then onto two, make a decision fully dependent on myself, forget step three, skip onto four, and before you know it I'm stopping at count five, six, or seven realizing my joy is robbed, my truths are lies, and where I've landed is not on the same dance floor as I started. All the while leaving count eight up to chance--or should I say the enemy--who is constantly asking me to dance with him and follow his lead...as if he knows the steps!

Lucky for me (and you), we have a God that beats out the enemy himself on every episode of "Dancing With the Stars." A God that can keep up with any rhythm, every beat, and each mistake...picking us up everytime we fall. Don't let the sparkly costume, good looks, and deceptive charm of the enemy lure you away from the way, the truth, and the light of God.

Instead of moving to our own beat, let's call on God allowing Him to teach us every step of the way.

Go ahead, hold His hands, step on his feet, and just let Him lead...just like the good daddy He is.

"Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives." (Galatians 5:25 The MSG.)

Grace and Purpose

"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4

I keep finding myself in the same spot. I find myself constantly asking God what His plans are for me, not finding the answer I want, getting frustrated, and then I wait a few days and repeat the cycle. I start with faith and I end with a plate full of worries, too full to rely on faith. It's like eating a really bad meal, getting full, and then realizing that you could've started with a delicious dinner and dessert that would've kept you even more satisfied.

I recently read this from my favorite Max Lucado daily devotional, it reads, "When we submit to God's plans, we can trust our desires. Our assignment is found at the intersection of God's plan and our pleasures."

Let's think about this for a moment. What drives you everyday? What are your passions and your joys? What do you love to do and hope to continue doing? Everyone's answers to these questions are different as God created us to value, desire, and long for different things than our parents, siblings, and friends. He created us especially for His use and desires to use these passions that fuel you in your everyday life. We have these longings in our hearts for a reason, they are not incidental, but critical messages from God.

When we begin to get discouraged about God's plan for our lives and feel as if He isn't steering your car at all remember what Max Lucado writes, "God is TOO gracious to ask you to do something you hate."

Whew! That puts it all into perspective! I feel better reading and re-reading that knowing that God is on my side and working out His plans for my life that include my passions, goals, and dreams.

Remember, that there is a time, season, and reason for where you are in life right now. You may not love it, but God is using it to get closer to using your passions in just the way He wants. So, next time you hear me complaining, getting frustrated, or going straight for the worry buffet line remind me to read my own blog and give me a helping of faith.

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

It's always comforting to know that the God of the Universe has a specific plan for your life. One that will not only glorify him, but one that is also tucked in perfectly with His plan for the rest of the world. More often than not, we are so worried that because we don't know what the future holds, that God doesn't either. We are so antsy and quick to jump to the conclusion that if it hasn't been revealed to us, than He must not know the plan either.

Do we ever stop to consider that we may not be ready to hear the plan? Have we ever stopped so long to understand that God has us in this season and place he has us in, so that He can equip and grow us until the plan of our lives can be revealed?

Our human nature is to run as quick as we can from the dry season we may be in, but God tells us that He instead wants us to run to Him to see what He wants to reveal to us in the desert. Don't look at your past, don't focus on your future, but focus on today. God is working things in you and equipping you today so that you can be ready for His plan tomorrow. The great thing about our God is that He doesn't want to keep you from discovering His will for your life. Watch what He has already entrusted you with, and wait for Him to reveal to you how it will be used in your future.

Remember that the timing of the call is just as important as the call itself---when it is time for us to know, we will. When God shows you His plan, trust that you also have been equipped with what you need to know for now. He will always give you more when the time is right. He is Jehovah Elohim--the God who can create something out of nothing!

"The vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal, and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay." Habakkuk 2:3

Dog-Gone Thankful!

"Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.

I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands."

Psalm 63:3-4

I woke up today with a little cheer in my step, and an excitement about the day. There is nothing big happening in my day today to be excited about...I have my normal routines of the week--work and school...and I didn't even get that much sleep last night thanks to the Monster energy drink I had at noon and my two dogs. My parents are out of town and us kids are playing "doggie parents" for the week. Most of you have never met my dogs, so let me just sum them up by saying they aren't normal. Cute (in their own way), but not normal. They take over your bed at night and act as if they are just as human as you are. Yes, they even get under the warm, cozy covers and fluff the pillows to rest their head on (*See picture above of my dog, Bubba, taking a nap! :)).

For some strange reason this morning, I woke up laughing about my dogs sleeping habits. The fact that they take over your entire bed, should've woken me up on the wrong side of the bed. But instead of grumpiness I was taken over by laughter. Not just a small chuckle, but a big belly laugh at 6:56am, all because of those silly dogs! I can't say that happens everyday! Haha!

I got ready and arrived to work thankful for the day ahead. I can't take credit though, because I know it's the Holy Spirit excitedly moving in me...which I'll gladly accept. I mean who else is up at 7am to laugh about dogs with you? I came to work excited to finally have time for another blog, and began to look for verses on praise and thankfulness. I looked in my bible, looked in a topical index, searched bible gateway, and couldn't find a thing! Everything was about worry, repentance, faith, hope, etc. Don't get me wrong these are all great topics with much need for verses, but I was so surprised to find that nothing came up on thankfulness or praise. Aren't we told to be thankful in all things and in all circumstances (Phil 4:4-6), and to praise our Mighty God?

I want to encourage you today to be thankful in all things. Praise God with your heart, actions, and in prayer. Don't let a second go by that you take Him for granted or choose not to serve Him. He's trying to reveal Himself to you trough the simplest of things---a dogs love, a serene sunrise, providing a hot breakfast, a Facebook request from an old friend who's become a Christian...

This week let's make a conscious effort to give Him ALL of the praise, glory, and thankfulness that He deserves (after all, everything good in our lives comes from Him). Whether it's because your dog made you laugh, you stepped in gum and can't get it off your shoe, are facing trials and tribulations worse than you ever imagined, or are blessed beyond your wildest dreams...let's give thanks and remember Him through praise. Don't let a day go by, without a heart full of thankfulness and hands lifted in praise.

Live Strong.

"Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD." Psalm 31:24

Instead of weakness, live in strength. Instead of worry, live in hope. Instead of solving it yourself, live in prayer. Instead of uncertainty, live in His promises. Instead of wavering faith, live confidently hoping in Him. Instead of uncertainty, live in expectation.

Wait Confidently. Trust Steadily. Pray Patiently. Take up your Sword. Live Thankfully. Grace Giver. Hope Unswervingly. Expect Knowingly. Love Extravagantly. Serve Generously. Tender Truth. Utmost Faith.

Move what you know from your head, into the core of your heart, let God do the work and lead you to where He wants you. Don't give up before He can complete the good work He has planned for you.

"Be brave. Be strong. Don't give up. Expect God to get here soon."

Psalm 31:24 (MSG)

I'm Coming To The Party!

Psalm 40 (The Message)

A David Psalm

1-3 I waited and waited and waited for God. At last he looked; finally he listened. He lifted me out of the ditch, pulled me from deep mud. He stood me up on a solid rock to make sure I wouldn't slip. He taught me how to sing the latest God-song, a praise-song to our God. More and more people are seeing this: they enter the mystery, abandoning themselves to God.

4-5 Blessed are you who give yourselves over to God, turn your backs on the world's "sure thing," ignore what the world worships; The world's a huge stockpile of God-wonders and God-thoughts. Nothing and no one comes close to you! I start talking about you, telling what I know, and quickly run out of words. Neither numbers nor words account for you.

6 Doing something for you, bringing something to you— that's not what you're after. Being religious, acting pious—that's not what you're asking for. You've opened my ears so I can listen.

7-8 So I answered, "I'm coming. I read in your letter what you wrote about me, And I'm coming to the party you're throwing for me." That's when God's Word entered my life, became part of my very being.

9-10 I've preached you to the whole congregation, I've kept back nothing, God—you know that. I didn't keep the news of your ways a secret, didn't keep it to myself. I told it all, how dependable you are, how thorough. I didn't hold back pieces of love and truth For myself alone. I told it all, let the congregation know the whole story.

11-12 Now God, don't hold out on me, don't hold back your passion. Your love and truth are all that keeps me together. When troubles ganged up on me, a mob of sins past counting, I was so swamped by guilt I couldn't see my way clear. More guilt in my heart than hair on my head, so heavy the guilt that my heart gave out.

13-15 Soften up, God, and intervene; hurry and get me some help, So those who are trying to kidnap my soul will be embarrassed and lose face, So anyone who gets a kick out of making me miserable will be heckled and disgraced, So those who pray for my ruin will be booed and jeered without mercy.

16-17 But all who are hunting for you—oh, let them sing and be happy. Let those who know what you're all about tell the world you're great and not quitting. And me? I'm a mess. I'm nothing and have nothing: make something of me. You can do it; you've got what it takes—but God, don't put it off.

"Meanwhile, friends, wait patiently for the Master's Arrival. You see farmers do this all the time, waiting for their valuable crops to mature, patiently letting the rain do its slow but sure work. Be patient like that. Stay steady and strong. The Master could arrive at any time. Friends, don't complain about each other. A far greater complaint could be lodged against you, you know. The Judge is standing just around the corner." James 5:7-9 (Msg.)

I absolutely LOVE this verse. I first discovered it on my flight from New York to London on the way to Africa. I was anxious, scared, tired, and excited all at the same time on this plane ride. Right before I boarded the plane, my thoughts were running wild. I couldn't actually believe that I was getting on the plane and taking the final step for my trip to Africa. There was NO turning back! I kept wondering why I was going, and why God had chosen young and inexperienced me to go on a missions trip. The only thing I could think of doing was to pray and get into the word to calm my nerves. I pulled out my bible, a set of bound note cards, and a variety of colorful pens. I can't tell you how much comfort those hot color gel pens gave me on that flight as I wrote God's words! :)

This verse in James is one of the first verses that God had me flip open to. It stopped me dead in my tracks (well not literally--we were 1,000's of miles above the Atlantic Ocean in a plane full of British accents)--and all I could think was... WOW! I repeated parts of the verse to myself. "Slow, but sure work." "Patience like that!" "Stay Steady and Strong." The way the Lord worded this verse was like it was written for me, on that plane, for that specific trip. I loved the verse even more once we got to Africa. The lush crops and green lands that encompass Kenya and the Kenyans were hard at work to produce crops to sell at the market, put this verse in an even greater light for me. These farmers rely on the rain (and God) to grow their crops that they will eventually sell just to survive. They have to have patience. They can't have an attitude of complaint. Instead, they have to trust God will do his slow, but sure work and trust that He is in all things, just waiting for you to accept His arrival. What a powerful verse to apply to our own lives.

This week let's remember to be patient in all things. Whether patience applies to waiting patiently in the Starbucks line, or kindly helping a co-worker on a project, let God give you patience and a heart not willing to give into complaining. In my own life, I will apply patience to trusting God with my nursing school application and not being so antsy that I forget to trust Him in the process. I will be patient with my busy schedule and know that God will make everything fall into place...like He always does. I will not complain about co-workers or the increase in gas prices. Instead, I will wait patiently for Him.

Always Say Never.

"Love Never Fails." 1 Corinthians 13:8

Happy Valentine's Day! I thought it would be suiting to share a verse on love today! 1 Cor 13:8 is on my heart especially today. It's funny how God takes three simple words, yet puts so much meaning behind each one and behind the entire statement.

Let's start with the word Love, or, "Agape." Agape is God's self-sacrificing love for humanity. God looks at each one of us and covers us with His perfect agape. His agape is always right, gentle, free from judgement, and perfect in every way. As I write this, part of me wishes that our love as humans we're that way so we could never be let down or let others down. But as I think about it more, I'm happy God designed us to be 100% human. Designed to love as only we know how, imperfectly. If we are "imperfect" (and I hate to use that word, because that is NOT how God sees us) we can find God's loving perfection.

Never. Never in the dictionary is defined as, "not ever; at no time; absolutely not." What a discouraging word. Can you imagine if the word never was used on a daily basis in your life as a reference to things you wanted to accomplish, but knew you never could? What if instead the word Never was used in a positive way, as in "Never, Say Never!?" What a spin that puts on a situation with no hope.

Fails. The dictionary defines fail as, "to fall short of success or achievement in something expected, attempted, desired, or approved." What an awful feeling. I've been there my fair share of times and it's not pretty, but it is healthy. Not only does failure help you to grow, but it strengthens your relationship with God.

Let's look at the big picture now and see what God really wants us to understand here. Have you ever felt like you've loved someone so much only to feel left with nothing? Like your love failed, wasn't recieved, or not reciprocated? Well, I'm usually not one to intentionally discount feelings (unintentionally--yes, all the time!), but in this case I must. Guess what? These feelings are invalid. Even if the person you gave your love to didn't appreciate or accept it the way you may have wanted them to, doesn't mean it wasn't recieved by God.

God's love never fails, and guess what else? The good news is, neither does ours! He see's our loving intentions, is blessed by them, and stores them up as a treasure for us in heaven. So, today instead of dwelling on earthly love or feeling as if you don't have anyone to share this National Hallmark Holiday with, be filled with the love of God and know that no matter what, love never fails.

Measure Yourself, Not Others.

"For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Matthew 7:2

Judgement has been on my mind a lot this past week. I knew that judgement needed to be my next blog topic as it has been on my heart this past week, however I continue to stumble on my ideas and thoughts for this particular topic. Today as I read an exerpt from Oswald Chamber's, "My Utmost For His Highest," on this particular topic, I knew that his words describe judgment better than mine. Instead of writing my ideas, I will share Oswald's as I think he gives a great reflection of God in his writing.

Oswald writes...

"Jesus' instructions with regard to judging others is very simply put, He says: "Don't." The average Christian is the most piercingly critical individual known. Criticism is one of the ordinary activities of people, but in the spiritual realm nothing is accomplished by it. The effect of criticism is the dividing up of strengths of the one being criticized. The Holy Spirit is the only one in the proper position to criticize, and He alone is able to show what is wrong without hurting and wounding. It is impossible to enter into fellowship with God when you are in a critical mood. Criticism serves to make you harsh, vindicitve, and cruel, and leaves you with the soothing and flattering idea that you are somehow superior to others. Jesus says that as His disciple you should cultivate a tempermant that is never critical. This will not happen quickly but must be developed over a span of time. You must constantly beware of anything that causes you to think of yourself as a superior person.

There is no escaping the penetrating search of my life by Jesus. Every wrong thing that I see in you, God finds in me. Every time I judge, I condemn myself (Romans 2:17-24). Stop having a measuring stick for other people. There is always at least one more fact, which we know nothing about, in every person's situation. The first thing God does is to give us a spiritual cleaning. After that, there is no possibility of pride remaining in us. I have never met a perosn I could despair of, or lose all hope for, after discerning what lies in me apart from the grace of God."

In another entry Oswald goes onto say, "Who of us would dare to stand before God and say, "My God, judge me as I have judged others?" We have judged others as sinners ---if God should judge us in the same way, we should be condemened to hell. Yet God judges us on the basis of the miraculous atonement by the Cross of Christ."

EnGRAIN This Into Your Head...

"How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them,
they would out number the grains of sand."
Psalm 139:17-18


Last week in Chemistry we began reviewing everything from Matter to the Periodic Table of Elements. My teacher is the type of guy who loves to throw in random facts and scientific jokes to keep the class entertained. Let's be real--it is chemistry--it's tough to be entertained so I like his logic behind the jokes. Last Tuesday (I know it's been awhile since I've p0sted so I'm just now getting my thoughts up here :)) as we talked about exponential notation, he used a great example in trying to teach notation to the class.

He asked the class, how many grains of sand are on the earth? My first thought was who has time to count sand and why do I need to know this?! Well (FYI), it turns out that a scientist in Hawaii (I'm guessing he's a surfer with too much time on his hands) came up with a formula to estimate the grains of sand on the earth. There are about 10^22 (in exponential terms which turns out to be way over 100 billion) grains of sand on the earth! I can't even write out a number that big, let alone think of that number in terms of sand! I did leave lecture that night being amazed at how much sand there was on earth and proud of myself for learning something new.

As I crawled into bed that night, I felt the Holy Spirit stirring me to pick up my bible next to my bed. I really wanted to reach for my new Suze Orman, "Young, Fabulous, and Broke" book, but I obeyed to see what was so important. I was getting the feeling I needed to read a chapter from Psalms instead of a chapter about retirement, but not knowing where to start I turned to the familiar Ps. 139. I instantly read that God's thoughts for ME AND YOU are GREATER THAN THE GRAINS OF SAND OF THIS EARTH! Can you imagine? Over 200 billion thoughts from God about you on a regular basis? That's amazing to me. I get so fixed in the mindset that I am to conquer things on my own, but then I read this and realize that God's already thought things through. He has a plan and a will for my life and his thoughts about me are more than I could ever imagine or count. I'm so thankful to have a Daddy God who is full of love, mercy, and thoughts about me.

If you have time, I challenge you to read the entire Psalm 139 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%20139&version=31). It will take literally less than two minutes, but will fill the rest of your week with confidence and refreshment from the God who created you. Instead of investing in your earthly retirement (like I was about to do with Suze's book), invest yourself in Him--that's a retirement worth investing into and that no vacation to Hawaii (from your 401K investments) will ever be able to replace.

Enjoy The Challenge.

"...Strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. 'We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,' they said." Acts 14:22

Last week my women's bible study started back up, after about a month off. After praying about which study to partake in I decided that I was being led to do a Beth Moore study called, "Living Beyond Yourself, Exploring the Fruit of the Spirit." I was also led to break away from my original bible study group consisting of all girls in their twenties, and join a group of older women so that I could be better discipled.

As last Wednesday approached I began to get anxious about not knowing which group I would be joining, being twenty-three and join a group of women age 50+ can be a bit intimidating. I was told to sign-in and pick a table which would then be my new bible study group. I walked into a room full of women I'd never seen before and quickly paced around the room hoping and praying someone would just ask me to sit down. It's funny how God works though...He doesn't always make it easy on us, in fact more times than not God provides a good challenge for us to learn and grow from. I know it sounds silly, but to me this was one of those challenges. Luckily, after a few minutes of stalling I ran into a woman I knew and she quickly and sweetly sat me at just the right table for me (thanks God). A small group, with only four other women. I knew they were excited and I could tell they knew I was nervous.

The bible study video began, and Beth Moore talked for almost an hour on Living Beyond Yourself. It was one of those nights where God has right where He wants you. You are in a great mood, have an open heart, and aren't distracted by the things that normally pick your brain. On this night not only was I nervous about the bible study group, but I was also overly consumed with school starting and not receiving my books in time and wondering why God is calling me into nursing when I am the most un-scientific person in the world. Don't even ask me how many times I have taken Chemistry :). I was truly doubting until I got into bible study and sat down.

Anyway, Beth Moore shared the verse above and it completely struck me in the place I was at that night...and even again as I read it today....

I was reminded that my purpose in life is to live beyond myself. Our faith isn't supposed to be easy, it's not going to be handed to us on a silver platter. Instead it is meant to be a stretch for us, but God never says it will be a stretch for Him. Having a relationship with God means living far beyond ourselves and remembering that in Christ we can do what we normally wouldn't be able too.

Beth Moore reminds us that through our relationship with Christ you can:
"Do things I couldn't, Feel things I didn't, and Know things I wouldn't."

Just the reminder I needed as I join a new bible study group which is outside of my comfort zone and as school begins, which I will only be able to accomplish and survive with Christ guiding me through each and every class.

Yup, You've Been Called!

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

What's on your heart today? I know there's one thing that is in the fore-front of your mind and you're just wondering how it is all going to work out. You are stressed more than you can show, because others have been lead to believe that you have fully given your situation over to God, when in reality you are still trying to hold what is left of the situation it in your hands without letting it slip through.

So really, what is this so-called problem you face that is too big for God to handle? Ha. Too big for God. NOTHING is too big for God. If God can take ashes and make humans, He can also take your situation and work it out into good. So, right now...before reading anymore of this silly blog...stop and earnestly give it to Him. Whether big or small, life changing or day changing, He can take it and wants to use it because He loves you.

Did you pray and whole-heartedly give it to Him? Okay good!

Look back on some key situations in your life and see how they have played together into your future. I can guarantee --well God can guarantee and I can have faith in His guarantee-- that He has worked them together for good. Here's an small example of His faithfulness: since summer I have been trying to figure out nursing school stuff and get into classes. Too say the least it's been frustrating, overwhelming, up in the air, and a drawn out waiting game. After months of taking on the daunting task of trying to work out everything on my own, I finally REALLY gave it up to God and guess what? Not only was it a relief to relish control, but it worked out far better than I could have ever planned myself! Not only did I get enrolled into the classes I need, but I also am able to stay at my job (which means $ and benefits), and I had to learn to trust His will and timing for my life (which I know I will continually have to re-learn). Amen!

I like how Oswald Chambers describes the testing of our faith:

"The goal of faithfulness is not that we will do work for God, but that He will be free to do His work through us. God calls us to His service and places tremendous responsibilities on us. He expects no complaining on our part and offers no explanation on His part. God wants to use us as He used His own son."

Just The Way You Are

This afternoon I opened up my Max Lucado, "Grace For the Moment" daily devotional and read words that I needed to be reminded of. As you can see, it's been tough lately for me to get in the word and get a good post on here. I got caught up in the rush and recovery of the holiday season, a double cold, and then a trip to my home state of Colorado. I saw this and it met me right where I am today. I thought I'd post Max's insight on here for you too because no matter where we are in life, how strong or weak we think our faith is, or if you aren't even living a life that reflects God---that's okay! Come as you are...rest in these words and know that YOU ARE LOVED!

Max writes:

"God loves you the way you are, but he refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to be just like Jesus. If you think his love for you would be stronger if your faith were, you are wrong. If you think his love would be deeper if your thoughts were, wrong again. Don't confuse God's love with the love of people. The love of people often increases with performance and decreases with mistakes. Not so with God's love. He loves you right where you are."

This reminds me of that Billy Joels song from the 80's... "Just The Way You Are!" It's stuck in my head and I can't seem to get it out (and I only know one line of the song), but I guess it is a great reminder that God loves me and you, just the way we are.

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12

Proof of His Light.

Good Morning Faithful Readers.

This morning I was catching up on Lorrie's Cancer blog (http://www.lorriscancerupdates.blogspot.com/) and read something that really touched me. Lorrie posted a prayer request from a friend for a little girl named Jaiden Tlapa.

Before Christmas, 8 year old Jaiden was playing in front of her house when she slipped and fell into a snow blower. She is currently at Children's Hospital in Boston on life support and her family is fully relying on prayer and faith in God for her recovery. I have included the blog that the family has started so you guys can post prayers on there and read the updates on Jaiden and her progress. She is a beautiful little girl and her story has changed lives around the world--many have been inspired to give their lives to Christ and to put Him in the center of their lives.

Here is the blog:
http://www.jaident.blogspot.com/

I hope this touches you as much as it did me. If anything I hope you realize how powerful our God truly is and know that your problems-- no matter how big or small they may be--that He is there with you in them--facing them with you. He is a God that can do anything! As my blog from yesterday says, He really is the light and no darkness can overcome His light.

Please pray for this little girl and her family.

Dear Heavenly Father, I lift up Jaiden and her family to you Lord. I pray for a covering over them and a shield of protection. Be with them through this challenging time and continue to reveal your love to them. Be their light and don't let them be discouraged from the darkness they are facing. I pray you continue to heal Jaiden and that more and more people continue to hear about her story and are touched by it and the works you are doing through Jaiden. Thank you Lord for being a Father that heals. Amen.

There Is No Dark Side.

"The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it." John 1:5

The darkness can never overcome the light. No matter what dark alley you may find yourself in, or what rain storm you may be in the middle of, whatever horrible life situation you stumble into, the light will always prevail over the dark.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel. In fact, it's not even at the end...it's right there with you through the whole thing...no matter how far it is and not matter how long you have to hold you breath and make a wish. The light is there.

He is the light and will never lose His flame. Whether His light looks like a small flickering candle or a match that won't stay lit, He is always there with you, ready to be your bonfire if you will, no matter what you are facing in life.

So remember that when you feel like there is nothing else or no one there to guide you through look for the light, feel it burning in your heart and you will get through anything and be able to do whatever you set your heart and mind to.

...the darkness will never overcome the light...