What does it look like to live victoriously? Last week, I told a story of a clear picture of how deciding to live victoriously can play out. But how do you continue to live victoriously?
Last week, a new task was put in my path, and my natural instinct was the "fight" or "flight" mentality- how I could possibly get out of this? You see one of the devils greatest tools on me is my ability to bully myself- masking itself as cowardice- that plus the deep seeded fear of failure, lack of confidence- well, it can paralyze this girl. I've spent the last few days procrastinating the preparation for this project. When finally, I had a great epiphany.
What happened to my Victory?
My knees had been knocked out from under me, the ulcers that I will no doubt have as a result of my obsessive worrying and fear- Victory- I lost it. It can happen that fast.
Victory is something I have to chose- daily, moment, by moment. Jesus has already won the Victory- I am Victorious! It is such a powerful statement when you believe it in your core. Eventually, I pray that it will become my constant truth, as it will become yours.
"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”- John 16:33
"Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." - Isaiah 41:10
Monday, January 27, 2014
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
The Guiding Hand of God
The Guiding Hand of God. That's a phrase I've heard often, but loosely understood and knew to be true in my own life. That was until yesterday.
Now, let me preface this entry with a little back story. I've been blessed by an amazing group of women whom have welcomed me into their small group. We are currently studying the story of Gideon, using Priscilla Shrier's study. We have been alternating talking about the weekly work and watching the videos. This past week's video was about approaching the battle, where she talked about the steps Gideon took as a model to how to face our own battles. There were seven steps, but one the Holy Spirit highlighted to me was to take a "Stance of Victory" when you are facing a battle. We are already victorious- but often enough we don't stand in the knowledge of Victory when facing a battle.
Later that night, as I lay in bed- I prayed probably the most honest and heartfelt prayer that I had in a long time about my next job and standing in Victory that He is already Victorious in the plan for this next step.
Yesterday morning, I had the privilege to substitute at a school near my home that one of my dear friends and sorority sisters works at as a math teacher. I went to the office and they told me that the teacher I was subbing for wouldn't be needing me until 1, so I could go to the library to help out. Easy enough, I thought.
When I went in and started talking to the Media Center Staff, then I told them I was a Media Specialist too. Well, then the Media Specialist took me under her wing. We had a long conversation about the ins and outs of librarianship, toured the library, and got the down low on how everything worked at her school. It was so nice to talk to someone to understood the trials and tribulations of being a Media Specialist in this day and age.
At the end of the day, she told me that we needed to get my name out there to the other Media Specialists. She added me to her "love" column on the substitute site, plus emailed all the Media Specialist in Gwinnett County to let them know about me! Before school let out on Friday, I had phone number request and even a call to substitute from another school. Words could not express my gratitude.
The thing is I felt God's hand on the day like I never had before. He made me totally aware of His presence and that this was a step in standing in Victory. I don't know what the future holds, but I know He's already Victorious, therefore, I am Victorious. Joy is not words enough to describe it.
Now, let me preface this entry with a little back story. I've been blessed by an amazing group of women whom have welcomed me into their small group. We are currently studying the story of Gideon, using Priscilla Shrier's study. We have been alternating talking about the weekly work and watching the videos. This past week's video was about approaching the battle, where she talked about the steps Gideon took as a model to how to face our own battles. There were seven steps, but one the Holy Spirit highlighted to me was to take a "Stance of Victory" when you are facing a battle. We are already victorious- but often enough we don't stand in the knowledge of Victory when facing a battle.
Later that night, as I lay in bed- I prayed probably the most honest and heartfelt prayer that I had in a long time about my next job and standing in Victory that He is already Victorious in the plan for this next step.
Yesterday morning, I had the privilege to substitute at a school near my home that one of my dear friends and sorority sisters works at as a math teacher. I went to the office and they told me that the teacher I was subbing for wouldn't be needing me until 1, so I could go to the library to help out. Easy enough, I thought.
When I went in and started talking to the Media Center Staff, then I told them I was a Media Specialist too. Well, then the Media Specialist took me under her wing. We had a long conversation about the ins and outs of librarianship, toured the library, and got the down low on how everything worked at her school. It was so nice to talk to someone to understood the trials and tribulations of being a Media Specialist in this day and age.
At the end of the day, she told me that we needed to get my name out there to the other Media Specialists. She added me to her "love" column on the substitute site, plus emailed all the Media Specialist in Gwinnett County to let them know about me! Before school let out on Friday, I had phone number request and even a call to substitute from another school. Words could not express my gratitude.
The thing is I felt God's hand on the day like I never had before. He made me totally aware of His presence and that this was a step in standing in Victory. I don't know what the future holds, but I know He's already Victorious, therefore, I am Victorious. Joy is not words enough to describe it.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Transforming the Ways of Life and Other A Sundry Details...
At the beginning of this year, I set forth to change the way that I do the things to accomplish my goals- instead of just focusing on the goals themselves. I'm narrowing in on journey- instead of the end result. I'm often too ambitious in setting goals- ergo, I set myself up for tremendous failure.
If any of your know me well, you know that failure is the at the cornerstone of where Satan tries to work his lies into my life. He says things like, "If you had done this, you would have this" or "You didn't do this, so that's why things are this way", etc. You get the picture. He also knows that once he gets started with me on these, it's very easy to derail me. From failure it draws to comparison of others, what I should have at this point in my life or what I should have accomplished thus far. He points out the things I'm not doing way too often. I become overwhelmed with all I should be doing and shutdown. If I'm being completely real, I fall prey to these lies and this trap more often than I would like to admit and boy, does that taint my view of how God sees me.
So, I'm done making promises to myself, trying to plan out how things should be, and what goals I need to meet. That's not what motivates me. Does that mean I won't make promises to myself or try to plan things out? Absolutely not, old habits die hard, but I'm going to make every effort to embrace the way God created me. To love all the quirks, even the "failures" that other see, and be content in my Creator and where He has me.
This is where I need your help though, My love languages are words of affirmation and physical touch. So if you sense I might need some encouragement, please encourage me. If you see me and think I need a hug- give me a hug. In this virtual age that we are living in, we need to do life together "virtually" too. In the same way, I am an encourager, so I hope that I can encourage you along this journey of life as well, reminding you that you are beautifully and wonderfully made- created with His loving-kindness.
You can also keep me accountable with my overzealous list of activities that I'm implementing to put me on a path of realizing my goals. So here they are:
Thank you for reading and supporting me. You will never know how grateful I am that you take time out of your busy schedule to read my ramblings.
If any of your know me well, you know that failure is the at the cornerstone of where Satan tries to work his lies into my life. He says things like, "If you had done this, you would have this" or "You didn't do this, so that's why things are this way", etc. You get the picture. He also knows that once he gets started with me on these, it's very easy to derail me. From failure it draws to comparison of others, what I should have at this point in my life or what I should have accomplished thus far. He points out the things I'm not doing way too often. I become overwhelmed with all I should be doing and shutdown. If I'm being completely real, I fall prey to these lies and this trap more often than I would like to admit and boy, does that taint my view of how God sees me.
So, I'm done making promises to myself, trying to plan out how things should be, and what goals I need to meet. That's not what motivates me. Does that mean I won't make promises to myself or try to plan things out? Absolutely not, old habits die hard, but I'm going to make every effort to embrace the way God created me. To love all the quirks, even the "failures" that other see, and be content in my Creator and where He has me.
This is where I need your help though, My love languages are words of affirmation and physical touch. So if you sense I might need some encouragement, please encourage me. If you see me and think I need a hug- give me a hug. In this virtual age that we are living in, we need to do life together "virtually" too. In the same way, I am an encourager, so I hope that I can encourage you along this journey of life as well, reminding you that you are beautifully and wonderfully made- created with His loving-kindness.
You can also keep me accountable with my overzealous list of activities that I'm implementing to put me on a path of realizing my goals. So here they are:
- Mondays and Wednesdays, I will write for half an hour in a blog or article.
- I will put money in my 360 Account for Tithe, Savings, Trips, Mad Money every paycheck.
- I will apply to one job a week.
- I will run on two weekdays and Sat/Sun- alternating 2 and 3.5+ runs.
- Once a month, I will volunteer in an organization of choice.
- Three days a week, I will spend time before work in the Word- Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Also, shout out to my newest niece Addie Grace and her proud parents, Brent and Kat, and big brother Will! God is Good All the Time Indeed!
Lastly, several years ago, I sat down with my grandfather to write His memoirs. Sadly, I have not put the time I would like into his story, so I'm going to open another blog- Wednesday to share pieces of His story. It is definitely one the world needs to hear, so I hope you'll follow that one as well.
Thank you for reading and supporting me. You will never know how grateful I am that you take time out of your busy schedule to read my ramblings.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Gratefulness in Spirit
So, 2013. Wow! It's been amazing, wonderful journey. A crazy, wild ride for sure- but one, that I wouldn't take back. I've the learned the joy of friendship and family, the faithfulness of God, and humility of spirit. Taking every day as it comes and rejoicing in my blessings. God's purpose still isn't clear, but I'm hopeful. More hopeful than ever that the steps that were made this year- the path that was taken will be instrumental in the year ahead.
Thank you to all of you who loved and supported me, prayed for me and listened to me- even read my illustrious blog. I am humbled beyond measure- I only hope that I can and have done the same for you.
Gratefulness fills my spirit as 2013 is in my rear view and 2014 takes it's place on the road ahead. May this next year be as hopeful and as prosperous as ever for you and yours- may God's blessings abound! Love to you all!
Thank you to all of you who loved and supported me, prayed for me and listened to me- even read my illustrious blog. I am humbled beyond measure- I only hope that I can and have done the same for you.
Gratefulness fills my spirit as 2013 is in my rear view and 2014 takes it's place on the road ahead. May this next year be as hopeful and as prosperous as ever for you and yours- may God's blessings abound! Love to you all!
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Hard Work and Free Time
Did you miss me? I know it's been forever since I last posted. The last few months since I started my data entry position have been a whirlwind and uber busy. I knew that this time would be one of hard work and that it has been. It has left me very little time to write, which I have desperately missed.
Since beginning this last job, I have also started working as a substitute teacher two days a week. These two jobs have taken all the energy out of me- for the first time in my working career, I'm not a salaried employee. So that means, if I don't work, I don't get paid. I don't have the usual time off for the Holidays and wow, both of those things have brought me to a place of extreme humility and gratefulness. Just as God intended.
I am blessed beyond measure- that I know for sure. Every time I get discouraged- I try to remember His Faithfulness- when I do- it often brings me to tears. I have a small group that I love, old friends and family that I have reconnected with- plus the numerous time He has provided for me financially over the last few months. Although, I haven't found a new church home, I know that something that awaits in 2014, plus a renewed search for the job/purpose God has brought me home for.
In 2014, my focus will be outward- towards serving my community, family, and friends. To share in my own way, the great things He has done for me. Many blessings for you in the New Year- Praying for All God's Goodness to Shine Down on You!-
Since beginning this last job, I have also started working as a substitute teacher two days a week. These two jobs have taken all the energy out of me- for the first time in my working career, I'm not a salaried employee. So that means, if I don't work, I don't get paid. I don't have the usual time off for the Holidays and wow, both of those things have brought me to a place of extreme humility and gratefulness. Just as God intended.
I am blessed beyond measure- that I know for sure. Every time I get discouraged- I try to remember His Faithfulness- when I do- it often brings me to tears. I have a small group that I love, old friends and family that I have reconnected with- plus the numerous time He has provided for me financially over the last few months. Although, I haven't found a new church home, I know that something that awaits in 2014, plus a renewed search for the job/purpose God has brought me home for.
In 2014, my focus will be outward- towards serving my community, family, and friends. To share in my own way, the great things He has done for me. Many blessings for you in the New Year- Praying for All God's Goodness to Shine Down on You!-
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Grace and Faithfulness
It's funny how we go through phases. Phases where every moment is a realization of God's infinite grace for us, then others where we don't spend as much time as we should drawing into God. Even in those times, His grace is evident.
Grace. If you are a believer, you know that grace is an intricate part of His character and it is the reason you were able to come to believe. But how many of us really knows what it means to experience grace as an extension of that initial act of the cross that Christ took on for us? Isn't that just what grace is though? That single act? Everything we are and do are extensions of that first act of grace. It has nothing to do with our behavior or bargaining skills.
To be honest with you, this week, I haven't been in the Word as much as I should have been. Then again, though, that is a behavior that I put on myself. Yes, God wants to spend time with me and wants me to draw near to Him, but my faith in Him is not dependent on that. And yet, despite all of the behaviors that I didn't do that I put in my box of behaviors of a 'good Christian', His grace and my favorite thing about God appeared: His faithfulness.
Just when the money was about to run out, the worry was mildly creeping into my spirit, He provided me with a job. With a prospect of two actually, but one definite. How great is that?!
The job I begin on Monday is at a Distribution Company for various international products. I will be utilizing my online and writing skills to begin work on their various websites to update and improve product descriptions. It's different, yes, but it encompasses so many things that I love and that I do well. The job may be temporary or long term, but that is for God to determine, because I kind of like when He does the unexpected!
Then on Friday, I got a call from a local university about an on-call position at their library for nights and weekends. I hope to hear from them next week for an interview.
God did all this without me. He doesn't need me, but by grace He has chosen me to step into a new path. Thank you all for your prayers and keep them coming as continue to transition to being at home, finding a church, and beginning this new path. You all are amazing.
Thursday, September 5, 2013
The Moments in Between
It's been a while, huh?! Well, I guess it seems like much longer than I guess it has been. Where to begin?
This past week and weekend has reminded me of just how very faithful God is to all of us who trust and believe in this faithfulness. I was able to finally rent out my house, which was a huge blessing for me this month with my savings nearly depleted and no interviews as of yet. Many times throughout these last few months I have wondered where the money will come for various things, but I never doubted that it would be rented. I had peace about that among the other chaos that my life is currently in. Which was a tremendous blessing!
Despite the weeks upon end of specific cover letter writing, resume crafting, application completion, certificate purchasing (and finally completing- I am now Certified Media Specialist in Georgia!), networking events, and every other thing you can imagine regarding job searching circa 2013, I am starting to understand this part of the journey. I am developing confidence in myself, awareness of my abilities, and my presence. My passion to serve has come alive and I have become far less selfish with my time. Volunteering has been an integral part of my weekly schedule and I look forward to it. I have become intrigued with the past and delving into my family history has become so exciting. God is teaching me to enjoy the moments in this journey.
Today, though, another reminder of God's love for my family and I, is evident in a precious little baby girl who turned one today. My sister is the amazing mother that I always knew she would be and Julia Sue, well, you all know that I am smitten with her (along with the rest of my family). She has changed our lives in amazing ways and through this past year she is evidence of God's faithfulness to those who love Him.
So, this is me still resting, waiting, and even more hopeful because doors I can't see are getting ready to open. Opportunities are waiting for me behind them and I am enjoying getting there. These are the promises of those who wait on Him.
This past week and weekend has reminded me of just how very faithful God is to all of us who trust and believe in this faithfulness. I was able to finally rent out my house, which was a huge blessing for me this month with my savings nearly depleted and no interviews as of yet. Many times throughout these last few months I have wondered where the money will come for various things, but I never doubted that it would be rented. I had peace about that among the other chaos that my life is currently in. Which was a tremendous blessing!
Despite the weeks upon end of specific cover letter writing, resume crafting, application completion, certificate purchasing (and finally completing- I am now Certified Media Specialist in Georgia!), networking events, and every other thing you can imagine regarding job searching circa 2013, I am starting to understand this part of the journey. I am developing confidence in myself, awareness of my abilities, and my presence. My passion to serve has come alive and I have become far less selfish with my time. Volunteering has been an integral part of my weekly schedule and I look forward to it. I have become intrigued with the past and delving into my family history has become so exciting. God is teaching me to enjoy the moments in this journey.
Today, though, another reminder of God's love for my family and I, is evident in a precious little baby girl who turned one today. My sister is the amazing mother that I always knew she would be and Julia Sue, well, you all know that I am smitten with her (along with the rest of my family). She has changed our lives in amazing ways and through this past year she is evidence of God's faithfulness to those who love Him.
So, this is me still resting, waiting, and even more hopeful because doors I can't see are getting ready to open. Opportunities are waiting for me behind them and I am enjoying getting there. These are the promises of those who wait on Him.
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