It’s not just about PBJ

Learning to Trust the Process: A Peanut Butter Journey

I was trying to make my own peanut butter yesterday. Everyone said it was easy. I thought, “How hard can it be?” The jar on the right was my first attempt, and let me tell you, it wasn’t what I expected. It wasn’t spreadable. It was edible, sure, but it wasn’t peanut butter. Frustrated and feeling defeated, I walked away from making it. In my mind, I started going through all the reasons I should just give up: “It’s easier to buy it at the store. Why am I even trying? I wasted all this time and effort. What was the point?”

Ever felt that way? When something doesn’t turn out the way you planned, it’s so easy to think about quitting. You start to doubt whether it was even worth trying in the first place.

But this morning, I decided to give it one more shot. I grabbed a smaller amount of peanuts and thought, “Let’s try again.” This time, I told myself not to stress over the outcome. If it didn’t work out, I could always buy some at the store. I changed up my approach, trusting the process instead of stressing over every detail. And guess what? Today, I have edible peanut butter.

This experience reminded me of how we approach life and even the things God asks us to do. Sometimes we try something, and it doesn’t go the way we planned. We start adding our own ideas, or stressing when things don’t look the way we think they should. It’s tempting to just give up. We think, “Why did I even start this? What was I doing?”

But God tells us to trust Him, even when the results don’t look like what we expected. Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” It’s about letting go of our own expectations and trusting that God’s plan is better, even when we can’t see it in the moment.

Galatians 6:9 (NIV) encourages us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” That’s the key: don’t give up. We’re going to make mistakes, and things won’t always turn out the way we imagined. But that doesn’t mean we’re failing—it means we’re learning.

So today, I’m telling you not to stress. Keep doing what you’re doing. Trust and know that you’re going to make mistakes, but that’s okay. Learn from them, and don’t give up.

As for that jar of peanut butter on the right, the one that didn’t quite turn out? I’m going to turn it into peanut butter candy. And the jar on the left? I’m about to make the best PB&J ever.

God is always working on us, refining us, and teaching us through the process. Just like that peanut butter, we might not get it right the first time, but with patience and trust, we’ll get there.

The Promise of Life in Christ

John 5:24 (ESV)

Verse:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment but has passed from death to life.” –

Introduction:
One of the most profound promises in Scripture is found in John 5:24. Jesus Himself reassures us that those who believe in Him will pass from death to life—never to be condemned but to live eternally in His presence. This verse encapsulates the heart of the Gospel: faith in Christ brings eternal life, a life free from judgment and full of peace.

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The Power of Believing
Jesus begins with a strong, emphatic statement: “Truly, truly.” He wants us to understand the weight of His words. This isn’t just casual conversation. It’s an unshakable truth: whoever listens to His message and believes in the Father has eternal life.

Belief isn’t merely intellectual assent. It’s a deep trust and commitment to the reality of who Jesus is and what He has done. It’s acknowledging that God the Father sent Jesus to save us and trusting in that completed work.

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From Death to Life
Jesus makes an extraordinary statement: the believer “does not come into judgment but has passed from death to life.” This means that once we put our faith in Jesus, the fear of eternal condemnation is erased. We are no longer spiritually dead, but alive in Christ! It’s a present reality, not just a future hope. Eternal life starts the moment we believe.

In a world full of uncertainties and fears about the future, this assurance gives us immense peace. Jesus doesn’t promise a problem-free life, but He guarantees that, in Him, we have life beyond this world.

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Living Out Our Eternal Life
Now that we’ve “passed from death to life,” how do we live? Our lives should reflect the incredible transformation we’ve experienced. This means loving others, walking in obedience to God, and sharing the hope we have with those still walking in spiritual darkness.

Jesus’ promise calls us to live differently—to live as those who are free from the fear of death, secure in the love of God, and eager to share that love with others.

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Conclusion:
John 5:24 gives us one of the clearest expressions of Jesus’ love and the hope we have in Him. As we hear His words and believe in the One who sent Him, we can rest in the assurance of eternal life—free from judgment, fully alive in Him. Let this truth encourage you today and always.

Who is at your Right Hand?

Isaiah 41:11-13

Isaiah 41:11-13 speaks to the heart of anyone who has ever faced battles that seem too big, too overwhelming, too much to carry alone. It says:

“Behold, all who are incensed against you shall be put to shame and confounded; those who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish. You shall seek those who contend with you, but you shall not find them; those who war against you shall be as nothing at all. For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I am the one who helps you.’”

These verses have been a source of strength in my journey through life’s darkest valleys. There have been moments when the weight of past abuse and the memories associated with it felt like too much to bear. Yet, in those moments, I found myself drawn to this promise: God is at my right hand.

When you’ve faced abuse, it’s easy to feel like your identity has been shattered into a thousand pieces. The struggle was real, and it was exhausting. There were days when I felt as if the person I saw in the mirror was a stranger, a mosaic of different pieces that didn’t quite fit together.

But in those moments of confusion and pain, I remembered who holds my right hand. The world can be a chaotic, unpredictable place, but God’s presence has always been steady, unchanging. He’s been there, holding my hand, guiding me through the maze of emotions and memories. When I thought I couldn’t take another step, He reminded me that I didn’t have to do it alone.

God’s words in Isaiah 41:11-13 have been like a calming whisper in the storm. “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” There’s something profoundly comforting about knowing that the Creator of the universe is right beside you, holding your hand through it all. He sees the battles you’re facing, even the ones that no one else can see, and He promises to fight them with you.

The battles I face, both seen and unseen, do not have the final say over my life. God does.

As you navigate your own struggles, whether they are like mine or completely different, remember this: You are not alone. God is with you, holding your hand, telling you not to fear. He’s your strength when you feel weak, your courage when you feel afraid, and your peace when everything else feels chaotic.

Take a deep breath and let the weight of His presence steady you. Because no matter what you’re facing, the One who holds your right hand is the One who helps you. And with Him, you can face anything.

A Study on Hebrews 6:18-20:

Hope as an Anchor for the Soul

Scripture:
“God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 6:18-20, NIV)

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Introduction

The book of Hebrews is a treasure trove of insights into the nature of faith, hope, and the unshakable promises of God. In Hebrews 6:18-20, we encounter a passage that is both rich in imagery and deep in theological significance. These verses focus on the hope we have in Christ—a hope described as an “anchor for the soul,” offering us stability and security even in the midst of life’s most turbulent storms.

Two Unchangeable Things

The author of Hebrews begins by highlighting the certainty of God’s promise. He speaks of “two unchangeable things” in which it is impossible for God to lie. These two things are God’s promise and His oath. When God made a promise to Abraham, He swore by Himself, as there was no one greater by whom He could swear (Hebrews 6:13-14). This double assurance—God’s word and His oath—provides believers with an absolutely secure foundation. God’s very character is such that He cannot lie, making His promises not only reliable but unbreakable.

The Encouragement of Hope

The passage continues by addressing those who have “fled to take hold of the hope set before us.” This imagery paints a picture of refugees fleeing danger in search of safety. The hope referenced here is not mere wishful thinking or a vague desire; it is a confident expectation of salvation and eternal life through Jesus Christ. This hope is grounded in the unchanging nature of God’s promises, making it firm and secure.

Hope as an Anchor for the Soul

Perhaps the most powerful image in this passage is that of hope as an “anchor for the soul.” Just as an anchor holds a ship steady amidst the stormy seas, our hope in Christ stabilizes our souls during life’s trials. This hope is not anchored in the shifting sands of worldly circumstances but is firmly rooted in the very presence of God. It is a hope that is “firm and secure,” providing us with unwavering stability.

In life, we all face storms—trials, challenges, and situations that threaten to overwhelm us. These storms can take many forms, from personal struggles and relational conflicts to health crises and financial difficulties. In such times, it can be easy to feel adrift, as if we are being tossed about by forces beyond our control. But it is in these moments that the anchor of hope becomes our greatest strength.

Our hope in Christ is not passive; it is an active trust in God’s promises. This hope empowers us to face life’s difficulties with courage, knowing that we are not alone and that our anchor will hold. It encourages us to persevere, to keep moving forward, even when the way seems uncertain.

Entering the Inner Sanctuary

The passage also speaks of this hope entering “the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.” This refers to the Holy of Holies in the Jewish temple, where God’s presence dwelled. In ancient Israel, only the high priest could enter this sacred space, and only once a year. But Jesus, our “forerunner,” has entered on our behalf. Through His death and resurrection, He has opened the way for us to have direct access to God.

Jesus is described as a high priest “forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” Unlike the Levitical priests, whose priesthood was temporary, Jesus’ priesthood is eternal. He intercedes for us continually, ensuring that our hope remains secure.

Conclusion

Hebrews 6:18-20 provides believers with a profound assurance. The hope we have in Christ is unshakeable, grounded in God’s unchanging nature and His eternal promises. This hope is an anchor for our souls, giving us stability and security even in the most turbulent times. As we trust in Jesus, our eternal high priest, we can approach God with confidence, knowing that our hope is firm and secure, anchored in the very presence of God.

This passage encourages us to hold fast to our hope in Christ, knowing that it is a hope that will never fail. It reminds us that our ultimate security is not found in the things of this world but in the unchanging promises of our faithful God.

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This study on Hebrews 6:18-20 reminds us of the profound hope we have in Christ—a hope that anchors our souls amidst the storms of life. If you find yourself in need of encouragement today, remember that your hope in Jesus is firm, secure, and unwavering, anchored in the very presence of God Himself. Let this hope be your anchor, keeping you steady and strong no matter what challenges you face.

Finding Delight in the Lord

A Reflection On Psalms 37:4

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Part 2

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“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
— Psalms 37:4 (NIV)

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Hey there! 👋 Today, I want to dive into a verse that’s both comforting and challenging, all wrapped up in one beautiful package. Psalms 37:4 is like a little treasure that invites us to explore how our happiness and God’s provision go hand in hand. Let’s break it down together!

What Does It Mean to “Delight in the Lord”?

So, what’s the deal with “delighting in the Lord”? It’s more than just being happy or throwing around a few hallelujahs. It’s about finding deep, genuine joy in God, letting Him be the source of our happiness and fulfillment.

Imagine this: When you delight in the Lord, you’re making Him your number one joy. It’s about nurturing a relationship with Him where knowing and loving Him becomes the highlight of your life. Pretty cool, right?

This isn’t just about Sunday morning worship. It’s about daily, moment-by-moment joy in God’s presence, in the little things and the big moments. When God is our delight, something amazing happens—our hearts start to change.

The Desires of Your Heart

Now, the second part of the verse can be a bit tricky. “He will give you the desires of your heart.” Sounds like a golden ticket to getting everything you’ve ever wanted, right? But hold on a sec! This promise is about more than just fulfilling our wish lists.

Here’s the scoop: As we start delighting in God, our desires get a makeover. What we used to want might shift as we grow closer to Him. Our hearts start to beat in sync with His. Our wishes become less about “me, me, me” and more about what really matters—like loving others, making a difference, and living out God’s awesome plan for us.

And here’s the best part: When our desires align with God’s, He’s all in. He knows what’s best for us and has a way of fulfilling our hearts’ desires in ways that are often way better than what we could’ve dreamed up.

How to Delight in the Lord Daily

So, how do we actually live this out? Here are a few easy ways to start delighting in the Lord every day:

• Pray & Reflect: Spend some time chatting with God and thinking about His goodness. Let your heart soak in His love and promises.
• Dive into Scripture: Grab your Bible and dig into the Word. It’s full of wisdom and joy that’ll help you connect with God on a deeper level.
• Get Your Worship On: Whether it’s singing along to your favorite worship songs or just taking a moment to thank God, worship is a great way to keep your heart in the right place.
• Serve with Joy: Find ways to help others and share God’s love. Serving isn’t just about others—it’s also about finding fulfillment in living out God’s love.
• Trust the Process: Sometimes our desires take time to unfold. Trust that God’s got this, and His timing is perfect.

Wrapping It Up

Psalms 37:4 is more than just a promise—it’s an invitation. When we find our joy in God, our desires start to look a lot more like His, and that’s when the magic happens. God knows what’s best for us, and when our hearts align with His, He fulfills our desires in ways that bring real, lasting joy.

So, let’s take that step today. Let’s delight in the Lord and watch how He moves in our lives. After all, when our hearts are in sync with His, the sky’s the limit! 🌟

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Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this reflection, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. 🙌

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Finding Joy in the Delight of the Lord:

A Personal Testimony on Psalms 37:4

There’s a verse in the Bible that has always spoken deeply to my heart. Psalms 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” It’s a verse that’s often quoted, but living it out and experiencing its truth is something entirely different. Today, I want to share my journey and how this verse has unfolded in my life, leading me to a place of peace, joy, and fulfillment.

My Journey of Faith

Life has its ups and downs, and like everyone else, I’ve had my share of challenges. There were times when I wasn’t sure how I’d make it through, times when my dreams seemed out of reach, and moments when I questioned if God really had a plan for me. But through it all, I held onto my faith, trusting that God was with me even when the path ahead seemed uncertain.

When I first encountered Psalms 37:4, I remember feeling a deep sense of comfort. The idea of delighting in the Lord—of finding my joy and contentment in Him—was something I desperately needed. It was easy to get caught up in the worries of life, but this verse reminded me to shift my focus. Instead of being consumed by my desires and anxieties, I learned to find joy in the simple act of spending time with God, of praising Him, and of trusting in His goodness.

How God Has Taken Care of Me

Looking back, I can see how God has been with me every step of the way. There were moments when I didn’t know how I would make ends meet, but God provided in ways that were often unexpected. There were dreams that I had tucked away, thinking they were too big or too impossible, but God brought them to fruition in His perfect timing.

One of the most significant ways I’ve seen God work in my life is through relationships. God has given me is the opportunity to marry my childhood sweetheart. It’s a love story that only He could have written. From the early days of our friendship to the deep bond we share today, I see God’s hand in every step of our life together. Marrying the person I’ve loved since we were young is a testament to God’s goodness and His perfect timing. It’s a blessing I cherish every day, knowing that our love story is part of His greater plan for our lives.

Another great blessings in my life has been watching my children grow up in the Christian faith. It’s a joy that fills my heart with gratitude every day. While I’ve done my best as a parent to guide them, I know that their faith journey has been shaped by more than just my efforts. It’s been God’s hand on their lives, leading them, protecting them, and nurturing their hearts in ways that only He can. Seeing them develop their own relationship with God has been a beautiful reminder of His faithfulness and grace.

Every Desire Met

The beauty of Psalms 37:4 is that it’s not just about God giving us what we want. It’s about aligning our desires with His will. As I’ve delighted in the Lord, I’ve noticed that my desires have changed. The things I once thought were so important have faded away, and new desires—ones that align with God’s heart—have taken their place.

I’ve come to realize that delighting in the Lord is about finding joy in His presence, trusting in His plan, and surrendering my life to Him. And in doing so, I’ve seen Him meet every desire, often in ways that are far beyond what I could have ever imagined.

A Life of Fulfillment

Today, I can say with confidence that God has taken care of me. He has been faithful to His promise in Psalms 37:4. My life isn’t perfect, but it’s filled with peace, joy, and a deep sense of fulfillment that comes from knowing that I’m walking in God’s plan.

If you’re in a place where you’re struggling to see how God is working in your life, I encourage you to hold onto this verse. Delight yourself in the Lord. Spend time with Him, find joy in His presence, and trust that He knows the desires of your heart. As you do, you’ll begin to see how He’s been taking care of you all along, meeting your desires in ways that are perfect and beautiful.

May you find peace and fulfillment as you delight in the Lord, and may He give you the desires of your heart, just as He has done for me.

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Forgive

Mark 11:22-26

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

²² Jesus replied to them, “Have faith in God. ²³ I assure you: If anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.²⁴ Therefore I tell you, all the things you pray and ask for—believe that you have received^[a] them, and you will have them. ²⁵ And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven will also forgive you your wrongdoing. [²⁶ But if you don’t forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your wrongdoing.]”^[b][c]

 It amazes me how we all remember this verse, but how many times do we go to God in prayer and  forget to forgive. The one thing that God has already given us we find it so hard to give to others. Something that we totally didn’t deserve or earn we totally expect others to plead and beg for from us. I find a lot of times that the other person doesn’t even realize they hurt me, yet I want that apology or something that shows they are sorry. I can’t expect a sincere apology from someone if they don’t even know that they have offended me.

 

Putting it behind us and moving on.

I have to be willing to be vulnerable and let someone that cares about me know that they have hurt me. Did you read that right? SOMEONE THAT CARES ABOUT ME. People that don’t love me and don’t know me shouldn’t hurt me. Now I’m not saying I haven’t ever been hurt by a stranger but what I am saying is I shouldn’t let a strangers opinion of me effect me in such away that I can’t go to my Heavenly Father with a clean heart. A stranger doesn’t know my struggles and they can’t feel empathy for me. They don’t have a relationship with me so they shouldn’t effect my relationship with God. Some of us need to stop being snowflakes by expecting more out of strangers. Not everyone was raised with “if you can’t say something nice don’t say nothing at all” or Matthew 7:12. Sad but true.

Someone who cares about me is someone who has been through it with me. Not those so called friends. Not the ones who follow you on Facebook and ignore you in person. Not the ones who say they want to be friends only to dip out on you as soon as things get hard. Those people may be closer than strangers, but forgiveness should be just as easy as it is for a stranger. So-called friends dare I say “acquaintances” know your name but don’t know your heart. They have a limited understanding of who you are. Your relationship has gotten only so far and there is no push to go further. These people are at a distance for a reason. Recognize those people and forgive them knowing they don’t know you and, frankly, you really don’t want them to know you or you would spend more time getting to know them. Not waiting until your hurt by them to stalk them on instagram and brood over them. In the word of Elsa “Let it Go” Don’t let unforgiveness toward these get in the way of your relationship with God.

For those who care for you ; “It’s time to talk.” If you need to be able to talk to those that care about you and tell them how you feel. You need to forgive. Most of the time I find that I misunderstood where they were coming from or that wasn’t what they were trying to say. Most of the time I find myself assuming the worse. I always hate it when I jump the gun and am completely offended over something I assumed and the heart of it was far from that. If I never open my mouth and I never ask the hard questions and become vulnerable to those that care for me, I hold onto that thing that separates me from them and that which separates me from God. Let Jesus bring Light to that seed of bitterness you are keeping in the dark. Let God help you rooted it up be.

So to sum this up.

1. Stop being a snow flake
2. Let go of the hurt from those who don’t matter
3. Communication will bring to light that bitterness which is in the dark.

You Can’t Deal with Your Demons and Put Angels to Bed.

Every night I get the blessing of putting my sweet grand-baby to bed. We turn on her worship music, I sing to her, she sings to Jesus, and the presence of God comes in the room. By the first song she is asleep. No problem, Yaya’s  work is done.

Tonight was not the case. Yaya was dealing with the disappointments of the evening. One thing after another seem to frustrate me tonight. Whether it was lack of sleep  or just the disappointments, I am not sure, but I was off. God knew it, I knew it , and Skylyn knew it. A simple putting-of-the baby to bed wasn’t simple. As I rocked her, I didn’t let go of my stress, instead I thought on it. I tried to deal with my issues. Before I knew it, the first song was over and I wasn’t singing. I was fuming and Sky was restless.

So, then comes the second song “Come on Yaya, focus. Sing…” I thought to myself. I sang, rocked, thought of issues, and Sky wiggled in my arm. I put her in bed; maybe it is just that she is too long for my arms and needs to stretch. I laid her in her crib, patted her and sang. Skylyn wiggles and looks up at me as if to say “Yaya, what is wrong, I am tired”.  I feel you Sky, I feel defeated. I wondered, “Why can’t I focus? Why can’t I get in His presence? Why is all this stuff in my head?”

God stopped me and said, “You can’t deal with your demons and put angels to bed.” I stopped everything and looked at her. Skylyn has only been out of Heaven for a little over a year, before then she was being formed in her mother’s womb and being touched by the Most High. I am holding the closest thing to Heaven and all she wants to do is feel God near to her as she sleeps, and her Yaya is blocking that.

My focus was on what I could do to fix my problems, I was not focusing on what God was going to do. I was holding the tension of the day (aka “dealing with my demons”) and trying to put my angel to sleep.

I picked up Skylyn looked her in the eyes and said, “Yaya is sorry, please forgive me.”, “God, take my stress, my worries, my hurts, I don’t want them.” I sat down we rocked, I sang, and the angel went to sleep.

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NLT

If you’re a young parent, let me encourage you in this way; let your stress, your anger, and your worries go before you put your kids to bed; you will be amazed at the peace you’ll feel as they rest.

 

 

 

 

This is not your home.

Hebrews 13:14New Living Translation (NLT)

14 For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.

 

            I was born a midwest girl. Went to school there.  Met the love of my life there. Started a family there.  Allmost all

my family and friends are there. I was a Cardinals fan ad yes I bleed Blue. I know my way around without google maps.

This was home. THEN…..

Three years ago my husband  accepted a job in the New England  area. It was cold and beautiful.The  ocean air called to  you, but most of all God was calling us there. No question this was where we were suppose to be.

Earlier this year  I was longing to go home, back to the midwest. I wanted to see my niece that I had never met. I wanted to visit with family and friends. We didn’t have the money so I had to save. The home sick start to subsided  and things got back to normal. Then my mom called and told me she was having major surgery done. I had to go back home  I was needed. Mom got me a ticket and a couple weeks later here I am . As we drove to my parents house I saw all the familiar sites and smells. The next day we drove around and I saw my niece and other family it was nice, but……As we road back to my parents house in their convertible I  looked down  each of the streets, I  knew where each of them lead. With our new home google maps was my was my friend  or else I  was lost. It was then sitting in that car that it hit me, This Is Not My Home. It was as if I heard God say ” Don’t mistake that sense familiar  with the sense of home. ” Then he took it to the next level. “Don’t mistake this world that you live in and know so well as your home.”

We cling onto  things here on this earth. We build up our earthly treasures. We play keep up with Jones until we are broke. How much heavenly treasures are we storing up.? Are we preparing  ourselves for our eternal home, or is this life all that matters?

As I sit here in the midwest, I long for my home . I miss my kids,  I miss my bed, I  miss my animals,  but most of all I miss my love.  So it makes me think , do I  long for my heavenly home or am I  to comfortable  where I am?  Are you comfortable?  Are you storing up treasures in your heavenly home? Do you miss your love that gave his life for you? Don’t get comfortable,  because this is not your home.

Psalms 20:4

Psalms 20:4 “May He give you what your heart desires
and fulfill your whole purpose.”

The  questions I have to ask is do you know your purpose? Not just your purpose, but your WHOLE PURPOSE. I remember when my  husband and I were young adults. We thought we knew what our purpose was. He wanted to be a concert pianist He loved music. Little did he know God would lead him to do worship in church and now a Senior Pastor of a new church.

I wanted to be a house wife and a Pastor’s wife. More of less anything that my husband needed me to be. Now that most of  my kids are married and I am that Pastor’s wife I wonder what is my WHOLE PURPOSE. I never thought we would be church planters, but we are. I never thought I would leave the midwest, more so my family, but we have. I find that with each door opening in my life and others closing my desires change. I realize more and more that I may never know my Whole Purpose.

i also know that I must keep my heart pure so I can trust the desires there of.

Dream big! i know I am not done. I have reached one goal in life it is time to get going and reach higher for the next.

Ready for the next step

We desperately