Do you get distracted from bible study?

 

Have you ever noticed when we make plans for bible study or meeting with friends for bible study something distracts us from getting there or even studying? 

I have. We are excited and lay out everything and then things distract us from this precious time together as believers to disciple one another and read scripture. Of course, we may be adding unnecessary pressure to ourselves like having the perfect study time. It definitely can be a drive by through the day because who says we can’t read a little in the morning and through the day as time allows? It could happen at lunch breaks, evenings and mornings. Our schedules are always changing and so can our devotional time with God. 

The beauty and goodness of it is that God always meets with us when we come ready to receive His Word. If we can meet with other believers and become disciples together even better. Jesus called disciples to him because it is better for us to be in community to learn together, walk in our faith together and pray for one another. 

My prayer is that I don’t add conditions to my time with God but just show up where and when I can everyday and that my heart and speech would be filled with grace and truth to share my testimony for the kingdom of God.  

Be a cheerleader for others

As a parent we want the best for our kids. We want them to succeed, reach for their dreams and be the encouragement they need. I want to root on the side line for them and be the loudest voice. What about you?  

Personally, I can remember my mom driving me to all my childhood events as a teen. She did it after work and on weekends. She would drive me to buy the necessary gear and clothes and I realize now all these years later how tired she must of been some days but she was my cheerleader. Did you have a your cheerleader rooting for you planting hope in you? 

My husband often talks about his football coaches being the voice of encouragement to him in high school. His parents were divorced and not always present for the games or practices growing up. He says there were many times the coaches would be that voice in his life to keep moving forward and to do his best. 

Our stories of growing up whether coming from broken homes, blended families or glass houses in ministry can all shape us toward God’s plan for our lives. He knows the outcome and we must learn to surrender ourselves to trust Him. It’s not easy learning this discipline but oh when we do friend God truly gives us peace in our decisions and our personal stories become the testimonies of God’s goodness in our lives. His story brings hope to others. 

God continues to use voices in our lives even as adults to speak encouragement and wisdom to us. I was blessed by this message my sweet husband wrote and I will tell you that it had me weeping.  

“The story isn’t always what we want it to be. 

It’s usually difficult. 

It’s usually uncomfortable. 

It usually forces you to trust God. 

It always produces Godly character. 

It puts your focus on Him instead of you.”

Lots of biblical stories are your story. God makes great men out of all those stories and used them to change the world.”

What is God doing through you? 

What is your story going to be? 

How do you honor God through this? 

Finding My Purpose

 

Last year I lost my purpose for my business and began feeling driven by time and striving toward things that frankly didn’t even matter in the long term. 

As I have stepped back and took a look at how I got here, I can see that I was striving  so hard in business and God isn’t in the striving.  He is in the stillness with Him and in the slow intentional moments. There is hard work that goes into a handmade business but my intention is always to honor Jesus with it. 

Jesus gave me knitting as a outlet of rest in Him but also a creative way to share the gospel through knit bracelets and writing.  Writing was never on my radar but something that I have come to enjoy as part of this ministry. 

I am still creating and knitting bracelets and it’s been a blessing in this season of slow.  I still have a few designs and am taking custom design orders right now. 

Thank you if you are still here following my journey.

Giving Thanks is Everyday

 

CUSTOM STAMPED KNIT BRACELETS IN MY SHOP!

As I see Jesus’ life, He lead a life for others not for himself. He needed no one but the people needed Him.  He gave in secret and prayed in secret with His Father. 

Yesterday was what the world called “Giving Tuesday” and I thought about this and remembered this Greek word “Eucharisteo”  meaning “I give thanks”. 

I wondered how I could give back to others and meet the needs of my brothers and sisters. 

First I think this what giving is not. 

It’s not about getting the credit or a pat on the back. 

It’s not begrudgingly giving because it wasn’t your idea. 

Giving is closely tied to love and how we love people is how they will see Jesus. 

Jesus meets our needs and as His people we can meet others where they are too. 

Giving is loving people and meeting their needs. We honor God by honoring our family, church, friends and neighbors.  Nurturing a relationship with them, loving them and understanding their needs. 

What is the need? Immediate or just because? 

This may be the worlds day to “give back” but everyday in the Kingdom of God is a day to “give thanks and “give back!”

Bless you friends!