Introduction To My Story

God is simply amazing! Little did I know that the messages God was given me to write in my blog would be my own story. God was preparing me ahead of time. I had dreams about my ex-husband leaving me and resigning youth ministry about a year and a half before it happened. I realized that at the time what I thought were bad dreams was God preparing me. As I read over some of my older posts from 2008-2009, I was simply amazed at what God had given me. God gave me "A Story To Tell" one night while I was at a prayer meeting at church and when I got home, I started writing. I now know that over a period of time, God began to lay messages on my heart and I started writing them down and then began a blog. I am blessed much more than I deserve to be. God has healed my heart. I have forgiven my ex-husband and the other woman, a friend of mine. I look back over the years and now see how God has moved in my life and used this experience to help me grow and show me who I truly am in Christ. God is faithful and He has restored my joy over the last year. I very thankful to the Lord for everything in my life!
When you experience storms there is a reason behind every storm, each storm teaches us to grow in our faith. We can choose to turn away from the Lord or grow closer in our walk with the Lord. I chose to grow closer in my walk with the Lord. I am simply amazed at how God has turned my life around. I still face struggles in my life. I am learning to rely on God for He is in control. He knows all things and He will meet my needs and it will be in His perfect timing. He knows the desires of my heart as well. I do believe that God has an even greater purpose for my life. God has healed my heart and for that I am truly thankful. I love my church family and friends, God truly blessed me with some incredibly friends!!! I am truly blessed!!! I hope you take time to read some of my blog posts. These are old posts which lead to my story. I am in the process of putting it all together for a book, my story, my testimony. God uses each in a special way, we just have to get out of our comfort zone and take that giant leap of faith. It is amazing what you will discover when speaking to others. Each of us has a story, we just have to be willing to share it with others and use our story to help others. We all have a ministry and a purpose, allow God to use you. I pray that I can reach others through my story and my testimony. My life is not perfect nor is anyone else's. We all have struggles, it is what we keep our focus on that will help us through it all in the end. I am gong to keep my focus on the Lord and allow Him to use me as He see fits. I pray that He helps me to be a willing vessel each day. I am choosing to focus on Christ and not the circumstances that surround me. God is in control and He has it all figured out. I just have to trust Him and rely on Him completely. Thanking God for everything in my life. The storms in my life are blessings in disguise and thankful for the storms for they have brought me into a much closer relationship with my Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that these articles help you and inspire you in someway to share your story as well. God Bless You!!!

A Story to Tell, All Glory to God

Each of us has a purpose. God designed us for a purpose. We are each unique in our own way. We each have a story, somewhere deep inside us, waiting to come out. If you were to write down each trial and hardship you have been through and then write down how you came through it, there's a story and possibly a witness for someone else. You may have gone through layoffs at work, financial problems, marital problems, divorce, parent’s divorce, death in the family, loss of a child, miscarriage, overcome a drug or alcohol addiction, etc. Simply keep a journal of what you are facing. Then when you have overcome the trial, write it in the journal. It is a good idea to put the date in your journal. You will have the date that the trial took place as well as when you overcame the trial. How did you overcome the trial? Did you persevere? Did you call out to God for help? Many today take God for granted. Some may go to church because it looks good or simply because it is the religious thing to do. Are you really being honest with God? Do you put Him first above all things and everyone? Do you seek Him daily? Do you spend time with Him and in His Word? Do you truly love Him with all your heart, mind and soul? Take a few minutes and think about each question. Remember, be honest with God and answer each one. God chose us and has a plan for each of us. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Romans 8:28 says, "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."
Too many times, we only call out to Jesus for help when we are in trouble or if we are in need of something. When God has met that need or answered that prayer, we go on with our daily routine. God helps us in each trial because He truly loves us. His desire is that we draw closer to Him. He wants a personal relationship with each of us. Whatever hardship you are facing, remember God is always with you. You are not alone, although at times it may seem like you are. Joshua 1:5 says, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

Acts 14:22 says, "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God." Romans 12:12 says, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
When you write down how God got you through the hardship, you will truly see how much He loves you and how He answers prayer. Prayer is very effective and powerful. It draws us into a closer relationship with Christ. It works!!! God wants to be first in our life. I encourage you to start your day with God and end your day with God. It is time we start giving God our very best, not our second best. Give Him everything. Take time to draw closer to Him. God brings trials our way so that we may grow and mature. James 1:2-4 says, " Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." If you are facing hardships and trials, read the book of Job (Job went through hard times) and the book of James. The Word of God is true, ALL of it! We must take the time to read and study His Word in order to grow.
I encourage you to keep a journal of your thoughts and prayers. Then look back on them and see how God has worked in your life. The trials in life come so that we may grow in our faith. Be overcomers and persevere so that your faith may grow and you will receive the crown of life in eternity. James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him."
For everyone has a story to tell, a testimony to share. We must do our part and write it down and be willing to share our story with others. God has commanded us to "Go" and spread the word of Jesus Christ. As you share your story, you will find that others may have similar stories or they may even be going through something similar now.
What a difference you can make in others lives as you share your story and the gospel of Christ. As you share your story, you are sharing with others your testimony of Jesus Christ, "How he came into your life and what all He has done for you." Everyone has a story to tell. Please take a moment and read the following Scriptures. I hope this will encourage you to do what God has called you to do.

Acts 20:24 (Paul speaking)
"I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."

Matthew 7:14
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock."

Matthew 28:19
"Therefore go and make disciples among all nations."

Genesis 26:24
"Don't be afraid for I am with thee."

Thankful for the Storms

I know it has been awhile since I have last written. I have gone through some pretty major storms in my life and wow has God brought me through them. I am so very thankful for the storms in my life. It is through the storms that God was teaching me. It is through the storms that I developed a closer relationship with the Lord; it is through the storms that God taught me true forgiveness, not only for others but to forgive myself as well; it is through the storms that God taught me to truly love others; it is through the storms that God taught me to completely rely on Him; and it is through the storms that God taught me to completely give Him complete control. I had to surrender it all to Him, trust Him, and give Him complete control of the storm in my life. God was shaping me and molding me into the person He so desired me to be. I am still learning to this day!!!
God began speaking to my heart about praying for my ex-husband and the other woman. I had been praying for Bill (my ex) but the other woman was another story. I realized it was the sin they were living in and that just because I had a relationship with the Lord did not make me a better person than them. I had to start praying for them and for their salvation, that my ex would find his way back to the Lord. I started praying blessings over them and as I have done so, a change has begun to take place in my life. God has filled my life with so much joy and happiness and I have a complete peace inside of me. I don't know where I would be in my life had it not been for the Lord. I know the Lord has given me incredible strength that only comes from Him and He has truly blessed my life in ways I could never imagine. Never doubt God, He always there for you, He will never leave you nor forsake you. He is in control. He already knows what is going to take place in your life so trust Him, never give up on Him, keep believing and keep seeking the Lord!
I encourage all those who are facing storms in your own life, whatever it may be whether financial, marital, separation or divorce, loneliness, illness, etc. please look to the Lord in prayer and study His word. God will give you the scriptures you need to strengthen you. Healing will take time but in time you will see the light and the healing process in work in your life. Your joy and happiness will return. Each of us have a choice in life, we can let the problem consume us or define us or we can be perseverers and learn from our problems. We need to start asking God "What can I learn from this problem or storm in my life? What are you trying to teach me Lord?" Every storm has a purpose and a reason in our life, we may not understand why we are going through these storms at the time but in time you will begin to see that God has something far much greater in store for you. Never give up, keep the faith, keep praying persistently, keep persevering!!! My prayer is that God will restore what has been lost or taken away. My prayer is that God would pour out blessings abundantly in your life.
We all have troubles in this world, God's word tells us that there would be trouble in this world. It is what we do with the storms that will determine the outcome. We all have a choice. We can look to God or turn away from God, my prayer is that we look to God in times of trouble for it is then we grow and learn. God is teaching us new things everyday. Miracles begin to happen in our own life! Be thankful for the storms for they are molding you into the person God created you to be. Be thankful for the storms, God is preparing you for something far greater in life! 

Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Romans 8:28
"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."

Philippians 4:13
"I can do everything through him who gives me strength."


God Bless You Alll!!!

Cindy

Moving from Problem to Promise

Adversity tests our faith. Do we really believe that God is in control? Do we recognize that, in ways often beyond our grasp, He causes everything to work together for our good?

Romans 8:28
"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."

Are we convinced that at just the right moment He will give us all the good things He has promised?
When we collide with the unfairness of life, questions such as "Why me?" "Why now?" or even "Why did God?" testify to our desperate need for answers. We must shift our focus from problem to promise by asking, "What now, God? What can I learn from this situation? What will you reveal about your plan for my future?"

We must surrender it all to God - give it all to Him. He draws us close and whispers, "Don't worry. I am in control."

Marriage

So many marriages are struggling these days and often end up in divorce. An everlasting marriage is what God intended. Since when did marriage become a routine more than a lasting marriage? When did "I do" become irrelevant and just a saying? What makes people give up on their marriage without even considering marriage counseling? I have pondered this many times as I have had friends who have been divorced, have friends going through a divorce as well as myself, many of them whom their spouse had an affair or just chose to leave without even considering marriage counseling. They chose the easy way out, the world's way out. Today's society has made divorce so easy. It is sad that so many don't take their vows serious. Marriage was intended to last. God hates divorce. Malachi 2:16 "I hate divorce," says the Lord God. Mark 10:9 "Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."  1 Corinthians 7:10-11 "To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord):  A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife."
As christians we are to pray for our marriage and ask God  to strengthen our relationship not only with Him but also with each other. We all have struggles and trials, why is it that when we as a couple are faced with trials we tend to give up on each other and take the easy way out? God has already told us that there would be trials and struggles. We have to learn to rely on God and humble ourselves before him. We cannot handle the struggles on our own. It is time we get back to the basics, give it all to God, let Him take control. It is time we SEEK the Lord and GIVE it all to Him. It is important to spend time with the Lord together as a couple, read the Bible, do daily devotions, and pray together. It is also important that you have date nights and discuss things that might be a concern to the other. It is also important to build one another up, compliment one another daily, encourage one another and most important whenever struggles come your way be supportive of one another, get together and pray. Pray about your struggles as husband and wife giving it all to God knowing He has complete control. Pray for an annointing and blessing upon your marriage. Pray for one another daily. If you are in ministry, don't ever put your ministry before your spouse. It is always God first, then your spouse, your family, then your ministry. Even if you are not in ministry and you have a job, don't do this as well. It is important to remember that Christ should be our focus and we should be united as one. Marriage takes work, not only when struggle arise but it should be a daily thing. I am writing this as I have learned from mistakes in my own marriage and noticed signs that our marriage was in trouble. I felt the need to share this. I hope this help saves someone esle's marriage. Divorce should never be mentioned in a marriage. Once mentioned, it is hard to forget.
I am not saying that we should never divorce because I do believe that there are certain circumstances that God would not allow us to keep suffering such as under physical abuse, verbal abuse, and adultery. If you have a spouse that is a devoted Christian and he is willing to attend Christian counseling and is truly sorry for what he has committed then I do believe you should seek God and allow forgiveness and Christian counseling to save your marriage. To avoid all this prayer is the key, praying over one another everyday will help strengthen your marriage. In some cases you may not have a choice if you spouse is the one who chose to leave and file for divorce which is what happened in my case. My spouse filed for divorce so I had no say in the matter. He simply chose another path. I have now forgiven him as well others involved and I must say that praying blessings over them has brought about true peace in my life. Divorce can be ugly and painful at the time but God will bring about healing in your life. God has truly blessed me and used this storm in my life to strengthen me and He has helped me to draw closer to Him. Please know I have been through a divorce and learned from my own mistakes. I am now lifting marriages up in prayer. I hope this helps someone that is struggling in their marriage. May you find your first love, Jesus Christ and may you restore your love in your spouse again. Love is not a feeling, it is an action, a decision!!! May God bless your marriage and for those who are single or have been through a divorced, seek the Lord, wait on His timing, be patient, be encouraged through God's word. God will bring healing to you in time. Praying for marriages!!! Praying for those who are going through a divorce that God would bring comfort, healing, and strength to you!!! Blessings my friends, may God be with you always!!!