Overcoming Obstacles . . . .

HEALING FROM YOUR PAST

As we read in Genesis 34:7:

“Now Jacob’s sons had come in from the fields as soon as they heard what had happened. They were filled with grief and fury, because Shechem had done a disgraceful thing in Israel by lying with Jacob’s daughter—a thing that should not be done.”

Let’s put this into our lives,.. our terms.. something we can relate too. We all know no one suffers or sins in a vacuum. We can see that in the results of sin all around us every day. But if you be honest with yourselves, we can see it in our own lives too. Maybe you have been abused or taken advantage of. You may feel you have no future or no hope for a positive change in your life. Maybe others you know are suffering because of the actions of one person. God can worth through any situation. He cannot change the past, but he can work through the present to help you cope with your current situation, change your attitude, grow and ultimately thrive. No matter what happened to you, God knows. Turn to him for comfort. Ask him to heal your hurting heart and to restore you. He is the only one who can restore your soul.

Bottom line, you need to HEAL yourself. … Quit mourning… Quit dwelling…. It’s done, it’s over and no matter how bad you want to go back and make it all go away… IT’s IMPOSSIBLE TO CHANGE THE PAST!!! You have the ability to trust in God and allow him to heal you and restore you but when you keep going back and keep dragging yourself down.. You are your own worst ENEMY.

Let Go………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Let God!

CHOOSING YOUR PATH

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

TRUST & OBEY! These words go together like "peas and carrots" :) . Yet every day we face difficult situations that seem to defy simple solutions. As women, countless difficult choices face us----(things I can relate too!)---- the right course of care for a sick child, moving from everything familiar for a new opportunity, ugh and I cannot forget following God’s leading even when the outcome is hazy, even when the right choice frightens me to no end! You may toss and turn for nights without finding peace in choice. (Been there…. A LOT)

So, How do you determine the right choice, you ask? OBEY the guidance you find in God’s word, pray and seek trusted advice, then TRUST God with the outcome!

God blesses those who trust in him.

God cares for those who trust in him.

Trusting God brings joy, peace, and hope!

BE READY FOR THE STORM

“The rain came down, the steams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house: yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” Matthew 7:25

This is a subject I know all too well. When storms come in your life, they may bring sorrow and pain—an illness, an accident, or even a betrayal. In the midst of the event, your decisions can help save you and your family. Let’s face it, disaster can hit whether you are a saint or a sinner. To survive requires spiritual preparation. When you build your home on the foundations of God’s word, you can find safety despite the downpour going on outside. You can help those you love to weather the storm as well. Begin now to prepare your house for the storms to come:

• Spend time in the Bible! ! ! 
• Strengthen your relationship with God and with a godly community!!!! 
• Bring those you love before God in prayer! ! ! 

With that all being said, prepare yourselves so that when (NOT IF) the violent windy storm hits, you will have shelter!

*Although we cannot see the future… if you spiritually prepare yourself for all the possibilities in your current situation, I promise you it will help you through the hardest times. Things are going to happen; this is the circle of life.. You all know my situation and although none of you could understand this because it a situation not many if any of you have been in… I’m prepared for anything when I wake up in the morning.. Emma‘s days are very unexplainable and I have to prepare for any and every possible outcome…. In the end, I trust in God and follow the path he has planned for me and my amazing family.

NO MORE TEARS--- TRUST IN GOD

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”    Revelation 21:4

As mere mortals, it’s simply not possible to look beyond heaven’s veil to see why God allows things to happen the way they do! The only way I can think to say it is because God is God, and we are not. And let’s face it: sometimes the things that happen don’t seem fair. Bu thankfully, God has sent his son, Jesus Christ, to “save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede from them” (Hebrews 7:25).

Though there may be times that we suffer temporarily on this earth – and no one is denying the intense grief we experience as human beings – we can rest assured through faith in Christ, of an eternity where “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4).

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still.”  Exodus 14:14

Creating a Woman of Character.

We are going to start with ourselves—OUR BEGINNING! It’s not always easy to motivate or inspire others. However, you are the only one that can change you! Look, we all have things we wish we would have done differently… The past is the past—Use your mistakes don’t let them go to waste—GROW FROM THEM! I encourage you to write down things you have went through that you can grow from. Use them as a start to building a better you! You see them as faults, things you never want to do again. Use them as guidelines. Everyone will have different guidelines!

Another idea- make a list of “stepping stones”. These stepping stones are going to be daily motivation to build character. Set yourself up to succeed! This will allow you to prove to yourself you really want to make a positive change in who you are, not just say it. It will be right there for you to see EVERY DAY. All you have to do is take the first step! No excuses! Leave you mark everywhere you go! I want people to say, “Wow! She is an amazing person!” I want to be that person that walks into a room with my head held high and positivity just pouring through me.. not because I feel better than anyone.. because I bring a positive energy to every situation.. I want people to look at me and say, “If she can stay positive so can I!” Come on ladies, let’s be that positive change we are all looking for!

Through this post I want you to feel the personal growth and feel that new beginning! I think a great addition to the beginning of this new journey is building character. Is there anything more threatening than a positive and powerful woman?

What is a woman of character? (Please keep in mind this is my own personal views. There is no right and wrong.)

-A woman of character lives a life of purpose!

                *If I asked everyone who has ever met you to describe you in one brief sentence, overall, would I get positive or negative feedback?

How are lives are summarized are based off of the choices we make in every day of our life.

We all get distracted by all the cares and responsibilities of life.. Laundry piles up. Bills need paid. The kids get sick, etc. With all this to do we find ourselves sidetracked from what should be our primary purpose: pleasing God. It’s easy to say you’re pleasing or serving God, however, saying it and doing it are two different things.

-A woman of character values mentors!

In Titus 2:3-5 we read:
   “Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”

So, in our day it’s easy to become isolated and somewhat withdrawn. Women do not get together in small groups on a regular basis as they did in the past. Maybe your mother/daughter relationship isn’t what it needed to be. A mother should be a valued mentor. There are many reasons why mothers fall short. We all know it’s a struggle. If this be the case, maybe you are longing for a woman to mentor you and advice you regarding how to handle your many roles and responsibilities. If so, ask God to send you someone wise and supportive! Or you may be in that position to fill that role for someone else! Keep your eyes open for a young woman to befriend and support her. Maybe encourage her to join our group discussions. She may need you just as much as you need her. Pray that God will lead you to someone and also pray that you will have the courage to be her light at the end of the tunnel. Bring her to a positive place!

-A woman of character embraces humility!

     “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourself.”    Philippians 2:3

  *Those who are slaves to pride, do anything to maintain the illusion that they are more capable, more worthy and more significant than others. Pride can cause people to do a number of horrible things to those they think are of less stature.

The cure for pride is cultivating humility. Humility is being honest about who you REALLY are before God. Humility is recognizing who God is. God is King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

As we read in Philippians 2:1-13…

“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort form his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. So nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and act according to his good purpose.”

-Last but not least, a woman of character encourages!

“Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing”
1 Thessalonians 5:11

Ask yourself, what would others think if they listened to your conversations, would that be a positive or negative influence? Would they hear you degrading others physical features or would they hear that you consider others beautiful as they are in God’s eyes? Do your words build up or tear down? Do your words push people away from you or draw then into your conversations? Most important, do your conversations draw others to God?

This is a change I am definitely committing to! Starting with making more positive compliments! Seeing the world in the way God views the world—finding something beautiful in everything! It’s already changed my every day attitude!

Here are my personal stepping stones: (I know there are several but I’m serious about this… Feel free to use some of these for yourself.) I also included a piece of related scripture with each of my stepping stones..

1.       Attitude

“But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” –Micah 7:7

2.        Character

“What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” –Micah 6:8

3.       Commitment
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn.” –Psalm 37:5-6

4.       Confidence

“I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” –Psalm 27:13

5.       Consequences

“Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so that it may go well with you.” –Deuteronomy 6:18

6.       Courage

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified. . . for the Lord your God goes with you.” –Deuteronomy 31:6

7.       Honesty

“An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.” –Proverbs 24:26

8.       Hope

“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” –Psalm 31:24

9.       Humility

“Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” –Colossians 3:12

10.   Integrity

“May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you.” –Psalm 25:21

11.   Kindness

“Blessed is he who is kind to the needy.” –Proverbs 14:21

12.   Love

 “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. –Galatians 5:22-23

13.   Patience

“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.” –Psalm 40:1

14.   Strength

“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” –Nehemiah 8:10

*Hope everyone enjoyed this post… discussion questions coming soon! See Facebook Discussion Group…

Building a Foundation of Faith...

A foundation is the basis of which a thing stands, is founded, or is supported. With that being said, doesn't everything need a good, solid foundation? I am going to ask that you find your personal foundation... (Personally, my foundation is strengthening with time,.. but even a few months ago.. my foundation was crumbling..) A weak foundation is setting yourself up for failure.

There is a beginning and an end to everything.
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." -Genesis 1:1
He had to start somewhere right?

Meet God, the creator of everything. God spoke and the world came into existence, right? It was his imagination that created the heavens and the earth and all they contain.  God created people like you with the unique ability to wonder at the world around you and give him the praises he deserves! Do you praise him?

Sometimes we get in such a rush to complete a task, we forget every success story begins with a solid foundation. Are you still going to fail? Of course. That is how we learn, every one makes mistakes. It is what you do with those lessons that makes you who you are.

Are you going to take those mistakes and truly learn from them? Ask yourself, why did I fail? If you are not willing to put your whole heart into something... why even waste the time doing it? Think about it, what if God stopped on that morning of the fifth day.

So... let's refer to "Genesis 1:1-23
     - What if God stopped there and said that's all I'm doing for you the rest is up to you.. I feel I have done enough for you. . . Does it make sense to say "I feel I have done enough?" ....
                           -The point I'm trying to make here is simple.. Why have you given up and/or lost     
                                   hope in God?

Every one wants to have "Jesus eyes" right.... but in reality that is possibly one of the hardest things I have had to do... when I'm spending time in the Children's Hospital.. I seem to have no problem having "Jesus eyes". I see each of those children on their own path, .... struggling in whatever way.
Now when I am in..let's say a shopping mall for example... I am blind. I am very judgemental! Is it the way I was raised? ... I don't think it is.. however, a LOT of people like to use this excuse.

"Jesus Eyes.. has she lost her mind?" ---- Is that what you are thinking right now... Try it .. The next time you go out ... try and see things as Jesus would see them today. (Clearly he would be disappointed in some... but he would still lend a helping hand, because as I said before we all make mistakes! You already suffered through them, right? You already paid you dues? Let's use this!)

On another note, let me ask you this. What is God to you? (Can you describe this feeling.)
(I'm going to try.. bare with me.. I'm trying to take an inspirational yet spiritual stand point from this post to get us in the mood :)... Let me know how I did.)

Back to our question, What is God to you?..

*God to me is a creator (of course). When I think of my personal foundation, I think of the things I have created. Now, keep in mind these can be little things.. as simple as the wall decorations in your front room. (Easy, right?) It's about pride! You can go to a more extreme, mothers.. your children are an amazing gift from God that you created! :) Women rock right? :)
                     -Do you praise yourself for the things you have created?
                     - Did you build a good foundation before you had children?
                               *If not, could things have had a more positive start if you built a stable foundation
                                   to begin with..?
              (One again, this is where we are going to take mistakes and learn from them.. you with me?)

*God to me is a TRUSTWORTHY PROTECTOR!
       And boy, has he definitely been this for me ESPECIALLY in this last year. Do you ever have moments when there is no other way to possibly explain what just happened?.... I have. .. Those moments where all you can do is say... "Thank you dear Lord! I knew I was not fighting this on my own."

Do you feel like your worst nightmare is alway hot on your heels, roaring with accusations, and always threatening distruction? Always remember God knows the enemy's tactics. He is not at all going to run with you, but when you fall-because we all know we hit that breaking point.... God stands by you, protecting you like the ferocious fighter we all know he is. You always have the ultimate defender on your side.

BE BRAVE ENOUGH TO BE STILL... HE IS THE FIGHTER. TRUST IN YOUR PROTECTOR!

Referring to scripture: "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." Exodus 14:14

^ YAH! OKAY! Easier said then done, right?
I am the type of person that if there is any possible way that I may be able to fix a situation-I am there and I am on it! I will not give up until I have exhausted every possible idea in my head..until I realize.. it truly is out of my hands... all I can do is give it to God.

*God to me is a POWERFUL SUSTAINER.

Referring to scripture: "He is before all things, and in him all things hold together" Colossians 1:17

The first words in the bible, "In the beginning God." While we might not understand all his details and the secrets to life, we can sure hold on to this: God set the universe in motion and sustains it.

So all this time, through all the trials and triumphs... he never gave up on his creation.... are you catching my drift?                          :)  

I have went through so many trials and triumphs over the last year. It pains me to share some of them.. How did you get through them you ask? How did you possibly stay positive when your daughter died in your arms? How did you stay strong when the doctors said its genetic and that there is treatment but she may not live to see her first birthday? How did I get through those days, ..those weeks, and those months (that have now turned into every day life) ?... My situation was very difficult to comprehend. I couldn't understand why this was happening to me? (Hmmm... there it is...the ol' whoa is me.. why me?--we have all had those moments right?!?!)

So, instead of trying to fix it or control it, rather than trying to figure out the what, when, and why of the struggle(s) you may be going through... Focus on God your sustainer.

Jesus is a friend who knows and cares for your every need. On an even more powerful note, he is also the one who directs the events of your life moment by moment---to make you more like him.

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Alright gals, that was my first attempt-I'm sure some posts will be better than others. I am trying to make this as real as possible for all of you. I want you to feel what I am saying. I want to motivate you to want better for yourself. I want you to have someone - to know you are not alone. . . we are never alone. I hope this post wasn't to much for a start.... There are many open ends in the post... this was intentional... I want to leave things to discuss as a group.... sound good? :)

If any of you still want to be added to the group... because of the privacy settings you will need to send me a message because I am trying to keep this as private as possible so that we can really open up.. if that is what needs to happen.
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Introduction to a New Beginning.. Are you Ready?

Is one of your new years resolutions growing in faith and building a better relationship with God?

You can find that at the top of my resolutions for 2013! Not only is it a goal of mine this year to become closer to God and build my faith- but as so many of you already know.. My family and I have had a very trying year (2012) and with all the people who are "inspired" by our story.. I think to myself... "What if I actually tried to inspire people? What would happen then?"

With very little free time, I made a list of all the things I thought I wanted to do ... and unfortunately they all require a whole lot of time I just simply do not have at this time in my life. I initially wanted "Faith of a Family" to be my "scratch paper" for a possibility of one day publishing our inspiring story. When I realized there is so much more to come, I need to hold off on that but still keep it in the back of my mind. My entire focus was and still is on building faith in other women and in some small way helping them see the positive in life so that they to will take every negative situation they are in and find some way to turn it into a positive learning experience that they will grow to become a better person because of the path they have been given.

Life is not easy and in case you didn't know this... the older you get, it doesn't get any easier.. Many of us do not have the time to get together in a group setting on a given week night because of whatever reason.. So hopefully this will be a tool some of you find helpful to build faith. I am just like you. I just want you as individuals to realize... I am only this strong because of the decisions I have made in my life. I could very easily have said, "Well, this is to much to handle. Just put my daughter in an institution." I could go around sobbing my eyes out because my life as I knew it, is over. I could be the mom that gets wild and crazy and lets go of all responsibilities every weekend, only to return to them grouchy and hungover on Sunday. There are a lot of thing I could have done... but I chose to hang on to what little faith I had left and see where I ended up...

So, how does this work?
            -I will post bi-weekly posts on this blog on Sundays.. then I will post questions onto the Facebook Discussion Board "Faith of a Family" ... If once you read through this and would like to join, because I have it set so private you will have to message me or simply 'LIKE' this when I share it on my facebook page and I will send you an invite to join. We look forward to a great group to grow together in faith :) ..  
            - Although I have a very busy schedule, I (think) I am ready to make the commitment to building the faith of at least one other family and inspiring another young woman. If only one other person is inspired by sharing things on this blog/discussion board on facebook... I have succeeded and it will have all been worth the time.
             -I am going to commit to biweekly posts..So every two weeks on Sunday evenings I will post here on the blog and then post some discussion topics/questions we can talk about that week. Be as open as you would like. IF you want to share something please do. There have been so many times when I almost held back something because I wasn't sure how it would make the person I was speaking to feel... 98% of the time that thing I thought about holding back is what inspires people the most.
             -Occasionally, I will ask what is something we should spend some time discussing.. I am open to anything. I don't want to share too much, but I will share some of the things I plan on covering.. I am going to start out very simple talking about the Foundation of Faith. Another point I want to discuss is Families: a Fountain of Faith (in this post I want to talk about all the different types of families.. discuss working with step parents, blended families, broken homes, etc.) Marriage will be another topic I cover.. some who aren't married, can still join in. . . maybe the outside opinion will be beneficial to the group. (again keeping in mind we are going to be respectful to everyone) ... Those who are not parents/step parents I will be posting about Raising Your Children.. (you may still participate in these posts -- (ex: when you have children you plan to..? -- after all some of us who have been through those stages may get a chuckle out of some of the ideas-- all in good spirit though :) ..)  Something I really hope we have a positive outcome from is "Relationships"..this will cover faith in the work place, how to influence and encourage friends without being pushing an a so called "Holy Roller" :) ... and even focusing on how to restore friendships... Your Identity in Christ! :) (I'm pretty excited about that one but it will be a little while before we get to that).. Being a Woman of Character.....
              Well... I better not share too much.... but just enough to get you excited I hope. :) I really do hope to see many of you get involved and be inspired to get a positive outlook this year! This year is what you make it... the obstacles are already set in place and you are going to have to deal with them no matter what... God wont move those obstacles.. he set them in your life for a reason and YOU have to get around them. Don't make that a negative...
 

Discussion Board Settings:
This will be a closed group, I will control the people who are in and the people who are allowed to join. If I think an individual may be in this group for any other reason other than to grow in faith and inspire others with their own stories... they will be removed. We are adults, .. some of you are mothers...time to grow up.

If anyone has a problem with others sharing what is said in our closed group... or say you have a story you would like to share but do not want others to know who it is from.. you may private inbox the story to me and I will post it from an "Anonymous Member" ... I want each and every one of you to know that God has sent you down your path for a reason... You may not see it now but you will. Sometimes it takes sharing your story and others saying "Did you realize..." that was kind of what happened in my situation.

This is a place to come for positive energy and a place to inspire others as well as be inspired. I really hope this is something that you can all get involved with, build that foundation of faith (first with you then with others :)..) and really have a positive outlook on the negatives in your life. (Trust me when I say ...its possible!)

Another thing I want to make clear this is not just about my story... its about all of us taking our stories and experiences and being able to say "That's God right there!" There is no other explanation.. I hope we are all ready for this :) it could get interesting!

Have a blessed day :)