Be Courageous

Courage is contagious. 

When a brave man takes a stand, 

the spines of others are often stiffened. 

-Billy Graham

Deuteronomy 31:6

"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you."

When you are in doubt or facing conflict that seems overwhelming to you, where do you turn?  Do you turn to something or someone that brings you comfort?  What does this look like?  Is this a healthy relationship or action that helps the situation, or a comfort that lasts for a while but doesn't really solve the problem at hand?

I have and still do at times struggle with this.  I am what you call a stuffer.  I don't like to deal with conflict or my feelings, so instead of dealing, I flee and stuff.  Sometimes I turn to something that helps me feel better.  In the past it was cigarettes, quit that...turned to chocolate and food, and well that didn't help either.  These things would help me feel better for a short time, but then I realized something.  The problem was still never taken care of.  Therefore, it would always come back.  

Aha Moment    

Emotion does not = reality   

I would like to say I've learned from my mistakes (and no longer reach for that mound of chocolate I got from my husband for Valentine's day) and for the most part I have.  It takes courage and strength to deal with conflict.  It's hard to step out of our comfort zone and making ourselves vulnerable to say "hey I'm not perfect" or to stand up for what we know and believe is right.  It's not an easy task.  I have learned to especially to lean on the Lord when I am weary.  He gives me the true comfort I am looking for.

One thing I know for sure, Jesus is there to back you when you have fallen, He will pick you back up when you have failed.  Just as you would help your son or daughter stand back up again, or just like your mom or dad have been there for you.  He is there too, listening, loving and waiting for you.  Lean on Him when you feel weary.  He will help you deal.

Prayer Time:

Lord, thank you for your unending blanket of comfort. Help us to look for you when we grow weary.  Help us to be courageous and stand up for what we know is right.  Help us to stay strong when everything is falling down around us, and know that you are there and know that You are our rock to stand on.  Amen

Won't you be Mine?

Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD. 

-Psalm 27:14

With the big holiday coming up this week, I wanted to write a little somethin' about love.  This holiday gets me every year.  A day to celebrate love, and to show it by buying extravagant flowers, going out to dinner, candies and last but not least a cute little stuffed teddy bear. While every gal loves to get showered with these things, what is the most important out of all these things? 

To be and to feel loved... 

What if I told you that it's a love that exists for you, for me, for everyone.  It's a love that is not earned, a love that has already been paid for,  and is there for the taking, any day of the year until eternity.  It will not leave you heartbroken, but will always leave you feeling comforted, rested and peaceful.   It's not wrapped in a bow but it will fill you and lift you each and everyday when we ask.     

Agape Love? What is that?

Agape is selfless, unconditional love

Whether some of us are in a relationship and others are not, there is a love that exists that is for ALL of us.  It's also a love that we need to feel whole.  To be complete.  Without it there is a hole in all of that will never be filled.  We could have the best guy ever, but without this love we will never be completely fulfilled.

Where does this Love come from?

I thought you'd never ask :)

Jesus, is His name and He will love you today if you ask him into your 

Ask Jesus into you life and Let Him be your 

Valentine this year

Prayer Time:

Jesus, I believe you died on the cross for my sins and rose again.  I know that I have sinned against you and I ask forgiveness for all of them.  I give you my life Lord to do with as you wish. Jesus, I believe in you and ask you into my heart and into my life today. All these things I ask in your name, Jesus, Amen.

Please let one of us at the center know if you've prayed this prayer.  Message me, email me, or mention it at our next appointment.  I would love to get you a bible and get you started on a bible study, pray with you and chat about what a difference He can and already is making in your life.  

Bless you ladies, have a wonderful week!