Don’t let the smile fool ya…It’s been a tough week. Anyone else have one of those days, you aren't sure if it's your hormones, an attitude, an emotion trapped, them, or you?!? I felt weighted all week, until today. I got dressed for church (without much color / joy to be honest) and as I grabbed my sweet new Church Note Journal, it made me smile. These sweet spring flowers glowed against my blah. It reminded me that God makes all things new, and Spring is just that reminder. You know that feeling when you see a new puppy?!? Like that! Instant joy.
There is a season for everything and we too, can spring forward!!!
I think sometimes we hibernate in the winter so comfortably that when the sun begins to shine, we feel a little nervous about the new energy we see sprouting and we’ve gotten really comfortable in our snuggle up winter clothes and fluffy blankets, it’s hard to get up and outside. We’ve also lost a little “muscle” in our winter.
His mercies are new every day!! They are not seasonal as the enemy would like you to think.
So, with a deep breath, I went back in to my closet and found something Springy to wear.
I literally felt the lyrics, It is well, with my soul. It is well.
My heart uttered, Lord, let this little Light of mine shine for You today. Bring me into Spring and show me what’s new today. Let Your Light in.
Time Springs forward and so can we.
The clock is gonna keep ticking and the seasons consistently rolling through, and yes, each season has its own kind of storms…and we know this. It’s just those transition days that are the hardest.
Something as silly and simple as wearing a brighter color or choosing a favorite accessory, is and easy transition choice, in the the process of choosing different, choosing to spring up, pick up, be up vs down. It’s not the clothes….its not the hype music…it’s not a double cup of caffeine….
It’s being clothed and covered in God’s hope and joy in every season.
It’s keeping in step with His seasons, understanding the uniqueness of each one and not only preparing for them, but walking with anticipation in to the newness of them.
So, if you’re still trying to transition out of a Winter Coat, here’s your challenge to go back in to your “closet” and find a Springy something to put on! (Col 3:12-17, Phil 4:8-9)
The sweet thing is, through you, you become someone else’s Spring encounter.
So, SMILE, SURRENDER and SPRING FORWARD SISTERS!!!!!
His mercies are NEW!!!! Grace upon Grace!!!
Lamentations 3:21-26
If you are looking for a journal to help you stay focused and put a little Spiring Step in your church going moments, take a look at this one and see if it makes you smile too!
If today's encouragement hugged your HEART today, let me know in the comments or meet me over
in my Facebook Sisterhood Community! Feel free to share this blog with a friend who needs a heart hug too!
This is how YOU get to hug my HEART back!
Heart Hugs and Blessings,
Michele
Just because it has been, doesn't mean it always will be.
Yes, I believe history, in general, repeats itself. If things don't change, things won't change.
As a Christ Follower, I also believe some things in history will not repeat itself because there is no lack of newness of life in God's Kingdom realm. In the timeline economy of God, time is relative...some things will repeat themselves, but for many things they will not.
Let me explain.
Have you ever caught yourself saying something like, "Well, it happened once, I am sure it will happen again," "It's in my family," "I will never change," "this always happens," "it happened to her, I am sure it will happen to me too."
Here are some of the assumptions I have made over the years in my own personal life...
- My Grandma had cancer, I probably will too.
- I miscarried once, I probably will this time too.
- My friend's husband struggled, I am sure mine will too.
- Doors never opened, I guess now they never will.
- I don't have an inner circle of Sister Friends, I guess I never will.
- I wasn't successful in that, I won't be successful in this either.
- It's in the family, I guess it always will be.
- I lost that time, I will surely lose this time.
- They have it so its not meant for me.
- It didn't work last time, it won't work this time.
BUT GOD...
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Psalm 139:23
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3
I am the LORD, your Holy One, Israel’s Creator, your King.” This is what the LORD says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:16-19
Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? Matthew 16:8-9
We believe scarcely. I can't help but wonder how many of us are suffering with a scarcity mindset when it comes to newness of life in Christ. He is our renewing, healing, redemption. In Christ, chains are broken, curses lifted, He makes a way when there seems to be no way, blessing abound in His Name.
His power dwells within us and in Him, we are new creations, each one of us fearfully and wonderfully made, hemmed in before our breath took it's first gasp on earth. He seeks after what is lost that they may be found. He parts waters, purifies, protects, conquers, removes, satisfies...He is the God of mercy and healing.
He is doing a new thing, always.
In Him, we armor up in faith, believing, trusting, seeking, refining, pruning, maturing, sanctifying, fighting...surrendering.
"I remember when," is a great recall both in the Word and by word of testimony from your own life, but also through others. This is why it's so important we share our testimonies as evidence! I love the lyrics, "Who am I to deny what the Lord can do." As Christ Followers we are charged with renewing our minds and fixing our eyes on Jesus, not on the earthly things our flesh dwells amongst, rather the eternal....the redemption and circumcision of Christ's Love.
History will not always repeat itself and what was will not always be when we look Heavenward.
Blind will see.
Death will live.
Lost will be found.
Mercy will renew.
Dead will rise.
Old will be new.
Jesus came to set captives free and in Him, our hope strengthens, by faith that He is Over All.
So whatever it is in your life that was, "it WAS."
Let God be your "IS."
Does this mean nothing bad will ever happen or repeat itself? No. I love what Paul says, he has learned how to be content in the plans of God, in turbulent waters and beside still waters alike. In the fire and in the den, He is with us.
We can choose to live, not in our flesh that WAS, but our spirit that IS, in the abundance of surrender that says, "I believe God can do anything." Will our faith set us free from the bondage of "cants?" Yes. We choose to live in the blessing and provision of God, according to HIS perfect will for our lives.
It won't always look like what we thought it would and He certainly is not a Magic Genie to grant our wishes, but He is Lord and Creator over all who is head over all things and in Him all things are redeemed and held together. Everything sifts through His hands, meant for our good and His glory alone.
Grace Upon Grace....we are NOT as we were!!! Glory to God!
His Word, Who Was and Is, will always be, forever and ever. THIS is our history, NOW!
Through the unknown, through what was, through the deep waters, Go Change History by Faith Sister! His heart is for you!!!
Your Heart Sister, Michele
In the next blog, let's talk about the power of our words since Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
If today's encouragement hugged your HEART today, let me know in the comments or meet me over
in my Facebook Sisterhood Community! Feel free to share this blog with a friend who needs a heart hug too!
This is how YOU get to hug my HEART back!
Heart Hugs and Blessings,
Michele
In this blog post, the author discusses the topic of overcoming fear and shares her personal journey of breaking free from the fear that controlled her life. She talks about the emotional fear she experienced, such as feeling not smart enough or pretty enough, which led her to hide behind a shield and avoid conflict and rejection. However, she emphasizes that she has faith and realizes that she already has the courage within her to be brave, bold, and a leader.
The author also offers three helpful strategies to overcome fear. She encourages readers to surround themselves with a supportive sisterhood, establish boundaries to protect themselves and their comfort levels, and engage in intimate worship to find peace and surrender to God's love. She believes that God is fighting for the hearts of His children and that they can trust in His grace and walk confidently, knowing they are held by Him. The author concludes by inviting readers to watch a video she recorded on trust and surrender in the love of God and encourages them to rise up in a posture of surrender and embrace God's new mercies each day.
Read more...
Who even thinks about praising God in the midst of a crisis or more specifically, a panic attack? Panic/anxiety attacks are no joke.
You literally feel like you’re having a heart attack....tight chest, pain shooting down the left arm, shallow breath, echo chamber with static in your head and swirly mental balance, ready to fall down or run you aren't sure.
What you are sure about is feeling like you are about to die and you can't help but wonder where is God!
If you suffer from these I’m so sorry. I did too. While I wouldn’t wish it on anyone and I pray I never return to it, I am grateful for the new life birthed. God our Redeemer showed me how to turn my life of worry and panic into a life of praise.
The tears sowed in this season were the seedlings God used to grow my personal growth and writing journey.
God set me on a path of healing in my life I didn’t even know I needed healing from.
This is the grace of God. He won’t stand by and let us dwell helpless in a pit, playing small, thinking we are insignificant when He has created us for a fruitful life with Divine purpose.
So how do we praise God in the midst of a crisis or panic attack? How do we worship in our worry?
Eventhough I grew up in church and knew all the Bible Stories and participated in every Bible Study on a Tuesday night, served on Church Staff for years…I struggled in the beginning to praise and worship. I was scared, mad, sad, confused.
Day by day, God graciously chiseled at the thick brick wall fear and I had co-built around my heart for so many years. I was blind, but then I began to see.
Could I trust Him to be my shield?
Could I trust Him to never leave me or forsake me?
Would His grace ever run out?
Am I worth His time?
Every morning at 3am, I woke up with my heart racing and mind spinning. My soul cried out every morning, “Why have You forsaken me Lord, I have lived my entire life surrendered to You, desiring to serve You, live life happily with You my Best Friend, the only One I trust in all the world. I need You. Is this it?! Am I done serving You here? Are You done with me?”
In these morning cries for answers, His voice became more clear to me and with every breath, I felt The Be Still and Know hold me. It was this season, God showed me His heart's hug.
My healing wasn’t just one thing that “fixed” me. There are no magic pills, prayers, potions or lotions, but there are amazing resources, the main one being Jesus, but also healing helps through people and products.
Alongside seeking outside help, here are some of the simple every day life things I did. Maybe they will help you too as you seek your next best steps.
- Pray without ceasing, rejoicing always, giving thanks in all circumstances.
- Wake Up and Go To Sleep every night with Gratitude, blessings proclaimed (worship)
- Ask God to bring supporting Sisters to you who will cover you with wisdom, prayer and strength
- Research healthy lifestyles - nutrition, exercise. mindset, daily habits, boundaries, journaling, worship, etc
- Limit sugars and caffeines, get good sleep, honor your Temple
- Find calm moments in your day, every day to be still and breathe
- Practice acceptance, surrender, trust and meditation
- Embrace Grace!! Create space for grace in your heart and home!
I no longer panic, praise God my Healer! I pray that for you too! Friend, because He lives and created all things, we have everything we need, we just need to let Him lead us to it.
You’re not alone and today is a new day full of mercies and grace, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Friend, God does not waste your tears and trials. They are refining fires, seedlings with purpose. Trust His heart is for you and He loves you!
In Jesus Name, you are soooo held, loved, seen, sealed and protected by the Blood. Trust Him by His Word and worship that devil out as you rest, read, trust and surrender in the power and peace of Christ our Savior. Amen.
God loves You and He’s Got you!
Heart Hugs,
Michele
If today's encouragement hugged your HEART today, let me know in the comments or meet me over
in my Facebook Sisterhood Community! Feel free to share this blog with a friend who needs a heart hug too!
This is how YOU get to hug my HEART back!
Heart Hugs and Blessings,
Michele
You want to be happy but you can’t fake the pain. I get it.
This is for the person who needs someone to look them in the eyes and say …..
“It’s going to be okay.
You are stronger than you think and feel.
You’re not a lost cause.
You are not a quitter, unless you quit.
I know it hurts to breath.
I know you can’t get control of your racing thoughts, but greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. He will help you be still and give you that very breath."
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The things you focus on will drain you or empower you so watch what you are doing in those dark moments.
Breath, don’t bash.
Calm, not chaos.
Meditate on Scripture, not secular theories.
Stop asking why and worship.
Worship the pain into praise.
.
When you can’t sleep, worship.
When you walk into chaos of circumstance, worship.
When you feel like you’re drowning, worship.
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You’ve got this because He has you! Hold onto Him! Don’t give up!! Never forget you have an enemy looking for ways to shrink and sabotage you BUT GREATER is HE who is IN you than he who is in the world!
Read the Psalms.
Read Philippians 4.
Read Romans 8.
Read Genesis 1.
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Pray and praise! I know it’s hard, but though we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.
You are okay and you will have what you need for every next moment. Know that you’re never alone!! He sees you!! He loves you!!”
Be still and know what you know.
I shared a 9 min encouragement today on You Tube if you want an extra hug of love. Check it out HERE.
Blessings and Hugs,
Michele
If today's encouragement hugged your HEART today, let me know in the comments or meet me over
in my Facebook Sisterhood Community! Feel free to share this blog with a friend who needs a heart hug too!
This is how YOU get to hug my HEART back!
Heart Hugs and Blessings,
Michele
