Purpose

We all have a purpose.  That purpose is unique to you.  It may look different than mine, or anyone else’s. Actually, we can probably guarantee that.  Why? Because God made each of us unique.  We have different characteristics.  We look different.  We sound different.  We are just different.  And that is a good thing.
I see so many times people trying to be someone they weren’t meant to be. They are striving for something yet they aren’t happy.  That doesn’t seem like it would be your destiny. Mind you, it isn’t always easy getting to that place we feel is our purpose. It takes commitment, sacrifice, perseverance, and hard work. But it is so fulfilling and rewarding when we have reached that purpose.
How do you know what your purpose is?  I believe that is something the Lord Jesus births in us. But it may take time to realize what it is.
For me I knew at a young age I wanted to be a nurse. I worked hard to achieve that goal. But I knew that wasn’t my only purpose.  I knew I was to be a godly wife to my husband and a mother who raised my son, along with my husband, to love God and serve Him.
Sometimes I think we feel we have come up short with our purpose. But we must remember God made us with a purpose, and if we trust Him and follow Him, He will make our lives complete.
When I had to stop working it broke my heart.  I loved being a nurse, and I truly loved my job. But physically I could no longer do the work in an excellent manor. And that was the only way I wanted to do my job. With excellence.  Even though that era came to an end I still had a purpose.  Being a godly wife, and a loving mother. That will never change. And God continues to add to that. I have a beautiful daughter in law that I love dearly, and am so proud of her. And someday maybe I will have grandchildren to impart life’s  lessons into.
You see, we have purpose. And that never ends. It may change a bit as we go through life, but it never ends. God has a calling in all of our lives.  It may be hard at times, but He will always guide you and help you along the way.
Don’t give up. Don’t ever let someone tell you that you aren’t important, or you aren’t worth anything, or that you cannot achieve your goals. You ARE worth it.  You ARE important.  You DO have a purpose.
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:28‬ ‭ESV‬‬
God has created you for His purpose.  And has given you purpose.   Faithful readers, you are loved by God and He will lead you to that purpose.

Happy Vacation!

It’s been a couple of weeks since my last blog. My husband and I were on a vacation.  A much needed vacation for him. We went to Tennessee to see our son and daughter in law.
We were so excited to be able to visit them for a week. This was the first time we took our Golden Retriever with us for such a long drive. It was 9-10 hours in the car each day. But he did great. With the help of some Benadryl the vet suggested. We went to great lengths to make sure he was safe for the car ride. We have a special seat cover that allows him to wear the doggy seat belt.  He could sit,    He could stand, or lay down. And more importantly, he was with us.
You might be wondering where this is going.  These two topics: vacation and protection.
When we go on vacation do we take a vacation from God?  Does He go on vacation away from us? And is He protecting us?
I think it is pretty clear actually, to me. I never want to be out of God’s presence and protection. When we take a vacation I want God with us. I don’t want to leave Him behind, and forget about him for a week or so.
How about God taking a vacation? I must say, I don’t believe He ever takes a vacation from us. We are His children. He wants us with Him. He wants to do everything He can to protect us.
It is our own doings that separate us from God. Or our own decision to leave Him behind.
When we were excited to take our beautiful Golden with us it was because we wanted him with us. He trusted us to protect him always.
The same goes for God. He wants us with Him always. He desires to protect us always. And I want to  know without a doubt that He is watching over us.
We had a wonderful vacation. God kept us safe the whole time.
When you are planning a vacation, include the Lord Jesus in those plans. I truly believe , you will have a fulfilling, peaceful vacation.
“When I think of You as I lie on my bed, I meditate on You during the night watches because You are my helper; I will rejoice in the shadow of Your wings. I follow close to You; Your right hand holds on to me.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭63:6-8‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

Facing reality while remaining in faith!

I mentioned last week about my spinal cord damage and leukemia.  That is a real life situation I have to face every day. Many times throughout the day I am faced with the real life complications of that damage. It is real. It is true.  I have to deal with it.  So, how does that fit into a faith-filled life?   How do I remain positive, in hope, and trusting my Lord Jesus for total health and healing? It takes work on my part.
I truly believe Jesus has had His hand on my life.  I truly believe He has healed me and will continue to do so until He has completely healed me. With that said, I’m sure some of you are thinking how can I be in faith, yet say I am not totally healed. I can say this because I believe in the promises of Jesus.  I believe what it says in Isaiah that we are healed by His stripes.
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was crushed for our wickedness [our sin, our injustice, our wrongdoing]; The punishment [required] for our well-being fell on Him, And by His stripes (wounds) we are healed.”
‭‭ISAIAH‬ ‭53:5‬ ‭AMP‬‬
I believe the Word of God is the spoken Word of God, and is truth. This is why I can have faith when I face reality.  The reality is my body is still broken.  There are parts of it that do not function at all. There are parts that only function part way.  There are parts that try to function in spite of the nerve damage, but causes horrific pain.  Yes this is reality. BUT THIS DOES NOT DEFINE ME.
I pray everyday that my faith in Jesus defines me.  I do not want my broken body to rule my attitude or my perseverance. I know the Holy Spirit resides in me and gives me the strength to move forward, and the strength to hang on to faith and trust in my Jesus.
This is a choice on my part. I choose to be active in my faith.  I choose to read the Word of God and allow it to fill me with peace, love, perseverance, hope and faith. Jesus knew we would need help to stay in a faith-filled life.  So He gave us His Holy Spirit and His written Word. He gave us what we need to help us be victorious over our circumstances. Even though we face reality, He gives us the hope and faith we need everyday.
I pray for you faithful readers, that no matter what you are facing, what you are in the midst of, that you find that strength to walk in faith in the midst of reality. He promises us healing. I know I will receive healing. When? I don’t know.  I cannot dwell on that. For me, I need to dwell on what He has already done and the promises I have in Him.
Jesus is faithful. His Word is true and brings life. I pray you are able to walk in that victory He has given you as you wait for the rest of your healing.