My Story: What I Used To Be

I used to fill empty, walking around on my path of brokenness. Searching endlessly for more, but not knowing where to look. I feared not pleasing others, I feared not being liked, I feared the reality.

My trust was planted in people and possessions. My emotions changed like the wind. And I couldn’t understand or comprehend why life wasn’t perfect. My job wasn’t enough, my relationships were not enough. There was still something missing…

On the outside looking in, the façade looked picture perfect, young, thriving, chasing dreams, the future was bright, but inside I knew things were not sitting right. Something seemed wrong, something was missing and I couldn’t find it. I was hunting; searching for it, but always came up empty.
                                 
Sometimes it’s not until darkness comes completely in, surrounding you to the point it tries to bury you, do you see where the light comes from. It's at this time, it’s at this very moment that you can plant yourself in something that never changes, that never leaves you, that never turns its back on you.

When everything fell apart for me, I was able to understand to comprehend that the only truth, the only solid foundation to plant yourself in, is the relationship you have with one faithful Friend. A Father like no other, a true Counselor, your stability can and only will be found in your personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

In my darkest hour His light took a hold of me, He comforted me, surrounded me, strengthen me and loved me. I traded conflict for His compassion, I traded fear for His faithfulness, I traded anxiety for His answers.

I used to fill empty, but today everything I need, my Savior gives to me.

I hope that my story encourages you to tap into your personal relationship with the One that created you- what I found was not just for me, but it’s available to all those who choose to believe!

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

Matthew 11:28-29(MSG)

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19(NKJV)

You are fearfully and wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14)
Melissa

Alive

Our comfort zones never allow us to grow. They keep us boxed in to what only what we know, we never stretch,we never allow ourselves to grow. In these zones we stay complacent. We stay on the same path, we walk the same road. Part in fear and part in timidness, we never leave our comfort zones, thoughts enter and whisper that the new way will be too different from what we have.  That the unknown territory will be too difficult, too hard. Perhaps we want a change, but can’t muster the faith, that something different just might be better.  Occasionally we  may think, we ponder, that perhaps there is something better.  Take the challenge that the new way, a new change could spark that passion inside, it could change everything and for once or once again you could feel fully alive.

That our soul, our spirit, our heart, our everything could be on fire for something, for someone. That our energy would never run out, that we could face each day with a full tank that we could conquer the problems we face, that fear has no hindrance on us, that perhaps- with something different, we could live, fully, happy, completely.

If there is something inside of you that is yearning for change: a new role, a new position, a move of some kind, an increase in position, or an increase in boldness, a desire to let go of past timid ways and a yearning to be used more. Fellow believers listen to your heart, listen to the direction in which you should go and then act.

It’s time to step up fellow believers; it’s time to live fully for what you were created for. It’s time to not only hear the call, but It’s time to answer the call. It’s time to act. Perhaps the simplest way to feel fully alive is to act on what your Creator has designed for you. God is calling, and He has desires for each one of us, a desire that allows us to rise up. Step outside of your restricted comfort zones, be cognitive of what the Lord is calling you to do.

Feeling alive begins with the One that created you, He alone can change everything, and spark that passion inside that will make you feel so wonderfully alive!

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,  even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

Ephesians 2:4-5(NKJV)

May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he'll do it!

1 Thessalonians 5:24(MSG)

You are fearfully and wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14)
Melissa

Fly To Freedom

Like a single bird, flying through the sky,
we have the freedom to rise above the commotion
above the chaos below.
Like a bird, we have the ability to fly to freedom,
to have wings that won’t limit us but allow us to soar.
Like a bird that flies freely,
we don’t have to be bounded or chained,
but through Jesus we are free,
fly , free bird, wherever your wings will take you...

If you are a bird with clipped wings, if you are burdened by the things of this world, if you are tied down and desperately searching to soar. There is a way, a truth that will allow you to take flight. Your peace, your freedom can only be found in Jesus.

If your wings are broken, if you are finding it hard to fly-struggling to keep flight. If the wind is becoming too much, becoming too hard to fight. Know that you can be restored, your wings can be rebuilt, strength can be reclaimed with just the mention of Jesus’ name.

If you are new to flying, and a little scared to take the leap, to take the jump, unsure if you will fall or fly. Know that Jesus will give you courage, boldness to take the leap. Wherever He directs your flight, He will prepare you and give you the wings you need to soar.

You have the ability to not be bounded, to not be chained, the ability to find peace.  Your peace is found through your relationship with Jesus. When Jesus is the center of your life, your foundation, He alone provides the wings for you to fly. He provides the way to peace and He longs for you to be free: free from sin, free from the enemy, free from persecution and freely loved by your Creator.

Today it’s time to find your wings, to find the peace that comes with knowing Jesus. Today it’s time to let go of the chains that are holding you down and to fly freely. It’s time to sing a new song. It’s time to be free.

Fly, free bird, above the chaos and the commotion, fly to Jesus!

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:31

You are fearfully and wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14)
Melissa

The Key to Happiness

We have all seen the book titles: the ten keys to happiness, finding a career that gives you joy, that if you love what you do you will never have to work a day in your life. We have seen countless TV shows, movies, read the latest bestselling books, been inspired by talk shows and interviews, yet it seems like we will never be fully happy, that our jobs still feel like work, that something is still missing.

That was me not so long ago; searching for the happiness I believed could be possible. I knew something more was out there, that there was more joy, happiness, peace to be found. The problem was I couldn’t find it. It didn’t appear in a career path, it didn’t appear in education, it didn’t appear in the things of this world. What I was looking for, what I was earnestly searching for was a relationship with Jesus.  When my love and passion for the Lord ignited I realize the relationship with Him was what I was missing.

The key to an unlimited supply of happiness, the way to receive joy that surpasses all understanding, the true way to get pure peace in your life is found through one relationship, through one name, Jesus.

When you have a true, genuine relationship with the one that created you, you are positioned in the best way to receive the greatest benefits: special favor, abundant blessings and unconditional love.  When you grow each and every day in this intimate relationship you begin to not only see how awesome your God is, but you begin to understand why you were created, what purpose you serve and you begin to see God in every single thing. When the details of your day matter, when you are doing the things you were designed to do, when the Lord holds you each and every day you cannot help but be happy, you cannot help but be successful.

If you are feeling that your life is going fine, but something seems missing, if you feel incomplete, if you feel like there is more out there, I cannot encourage you enough to look at your relationship with Jesus.

I personally searched tirelessly to find the happiness I have today, the happiness that can only come through a personal relationship with the Lord.  Jesus is the way to true and complete happiness, and the good news is He is available at anytime!

You will show me the path of life;

In Your presence is fullness of joy;

At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 16:11

You are fearfully and wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14)
Melissa

Through The Storm To The Shore

When you are trying to swim in the largest storm of your life know that God is there. He sees you struggling, He sees you trying to conquer the large waves and He knows you long for safety on the shore. While you are swimming and the waves keep coming over you, remember it’s not about what you can do alone in the storm. It’s about reaching out to the Lord. You are in the storm for a reason, and many times the only way out is to realize you cannot rescue yourself.

If the problem-baring storm was about our ability to save ourselves, then why would we end up in the storm in the first place? Couldn’t we fix everything ourselves before we got there? If the storm was about our ability to save ourselves then we would never put ourselves in the storm in the first place.

When we aren’t able to fix our storms, when a floatation ring doesn’t exist we immediately blame our circumstances, our close relationships, or the unfair ways of the world for the reasons things didn’t work out. We somehow manage to tell ourselves the lie that these are the cards we have been dealt and we must deal with them. Since we can’t fix it, we push blame elsewhere and then try to live with the lie that we have to live with the debris from the storm.

Can I challenge you with one idea? That perhaps it’s not the world, it’s not the people in our lives, that perhaps the reason we are struggling is because the storm is about us. That we cannot be our own heroes, that we are not strong enough or wise enough to solve the harsh storms that we face.  That no matter how much blame is pushed on others that it’s not about other peoples inabilities, or how they have failed us.

The reason why we are in the storm is because we need to understand that our weakness is a reminder of our dependency for the one that created us.

You are not in the storm for you to save yourself or for another person to save you. You are in the storm so you can clearly see your Savior.

 Getting through the storm to the shore simply starts with Jesus.

He will take you out of your storm, heal you and surround you with love. Don’t fight the waves any longer, instead give it all to Jesus and He will calm the waves around you so you can land softy on the shore.

Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble,

And He brings them out of their distresses.

 He calms the storm,

So that its waves are still.

 Then they are glad because they are quiet;

So He guides them to their desired haven.

Psalm 107:28-30

You are fearfully and wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14)
Melissa

Trials: a True Test of Heart

When you are faced with a trial, when things don’t go as you have planed, when you feel like you are losing hope-what direction will your heart choose? Will you choose your own way, or His way?  Will you go back to the world or move your trust and faith forward with Jesus. Who or what will you let guide your heart? Will your soul stay cemented in the Truth, or will you grasp any worldly thing, to escape, to run, to ignore the pain?

When things don’t go your way, when nothing seems right, remember its bigger then your circumstance, it’s larger than your situation. For what truly matters is your response to those situations. When you feel like things are falling apart do you find company with misery? Do you throw yourself your own pity party and try to escape into the world? Or do you thank God that this trial is happening. Not because you enjoy it, but because you trust Him. That the pain won’t last, that the enemy is a liar, that your faith can’t be shaken, that God has a far greater plan, that ultimately God will reclaim what the enemy tires to steal. Staying true to God when things are hard is a test.

If you always win and are always right, you never really know where your heart is and where your heart wanders. The bad times, the shaky times, and the unplanned times become a true test of our heart; a test that examines where our heart defaults.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Romans 8:18

It’s in these times we must remember God has a beautiful and orchestrated plan for us. And ultimately what is important is that we trust Him. That we give Him glory through the trial, because on the other side of the trial blessings will be abundant, increases and growth will occur at a level that is larger then we know.

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

James 1:12

You are fearfully and wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14)
Melissa

Showing Them Jesus

Do you know that you can represent Jesus each and every day-by your actions, your works and your attitude? The encounters we face each day are opportunities to show love, indifference or hate.  When you are around people, visiting, passing them by in the hallway, greeting your neighbor, socializing with people at work; each encounter you are doing much more than simply saying words. Each conversation you have the opportunity to show your heart, your compassion, your empathy, your joy and your peace.

Words are the tool you use to show it.

Don’t underestimate the situations you are put in, the people that you are exposed to and the timeline of events, God is strategic. He puts you in situations for others to see your heart, your beliefs and your stance- to essentially show others that Jesus is with you.  Because we are believers we know that God loves us, therefore because of his love we can love others. We express that love by our actions and our words.  A simple greeting, a kind message, an uplifting compliment are more than just words, they are expressing that we can show love because we receive love.  Giving a gift, doing a small favor, holding the door open for someone else is more than a discreet gesture; these are some of the ways we show we are thinking about someone else. They show our compassion and our benevolence.

Use your words cautiously, complete your actions carefully, and think of them all as opportunities to show someone the goodness of Jesus.  Don’t underestimate the small day to day things, because the care for others, the adoration, the love, the compassion in your heart will be noticed. People will know that you are different, that you have peace and calmness in your life, your happiness with show through your words and by your actions; ultimately non- believers will want to know why.

What do you have that makes you so different?

Don’t underestimate the small details, for the details together are what make the bigger picture. The picture that through Jesus you can have the same happiness, joy and love that has been shown.  The next time you say a kind word or do a nice gesture, remember you are showing them a little bit of Jesus.

See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!  But the people who belong to this world don't recognize that we are God's children because they don't know him.

1 John 3:1NLV

You are fearfully and wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14)
Melissa

Warrior Anthem

I am a mighty child of God, I am a strong warrior, I follow the path of righteousness which is full of strength, power and determination, I rise above, I conquer, I have a hedge around me,  I defeat my enemy because my God gets the victory.  I have the greatest protection, the best army, the most skilled counselor. I can’t be stopped.   If I fall, I rise again by saying my God’s name. I have the highest favor, an abundance of blessings, and a table formed around my enemies.  God has made me a warrior and my strength is because of His strength. I am strong, I am bold, I am courageous and I fear no enemy because Jesus made my way.  When I am in trouble, I persevere by saying His name. My God has made a way for me even when there seems to be no way.  I am a mighty child of God; I am a strong warrior, not because of me, but because of the one that came before me, Jesus.

Psalm 23:3  He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Micah 7:8 Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; When I fall, I will arise; When I sit in darkness, The LORD will be a light to me. Psalm 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Exodus 15:2 The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. Psalm 27:1   The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;   your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14)
Melissa

While you are going through it, remember God has a plan for it!

 When adversities come against us, we want to question why it is happening to us?  How could this trial bring good?  Why must I endure?

We ask these questions because we do not know what God has planned.  Our capacity limits us to know, even though our mind strains to understand. Our faith demands that we lay down all our cares to the Lord so that He, in His mighty power and authority, will guide and take care of us.

The Lord has far greater understanding and far greater knowledge than we do, He created the world. He alone knows the plan He has for it and for each one of us individually. In our weakness we will glorify His strength and ability. When we go through trials and praise Him, we glorify His name. When tribulations hit us, He can stretch us, and mold us, and give us a powerful testimony.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV)

No matter what you face: guilt, a broken marriage, anxiety, health problems, financial problems, loneliness- don’t let the devil make you doubt that God isn’t right there with you. If you turn to Him, He will never leave you. You may not know why you have to go through it, but trust that God has a plan for it.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

You are fearfully and wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14)
Melissa

Distracted December –or – Devoted December

This is the busiest time of the year: Christmas decorations to put up, packages to wrap, shopping trips, cookies to be baked, plans to be made, holiday events, parties and get togethers, the list goes on and on.  With such a fast paced month ahead the importance of where we put our time, our eyes and our energy has been weighing heavily on my heart.  TV shows, music, events, traditions and people all can affect what and who we deem as important. Things of this world can knock our priorities out of balance in an instant. When our priorities are out of balance the devil is delighted and will take advantage of kicking us when we are already wobbly. If you are drained, unmotivated or simply tired look at where you are putting your time and what you are investing in.

Worship, church, the word, prayer, fellowship are all activities that will refresh and renew you. With the holidays in full swing it is so easy to get distracted: the demands of people, traditions and events can be exhausting to keep up with. While we are running around, hopping from one store to another or one party to another, it’s easy to forget that these distractions make us tread on unsteady ground. This holiday season keep your priorities straight, stay firm with Jesus and put Him first. 

Christmas is not about how many lights are on the tree or how many presents there are left to get it’s about the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. About the promise that He gave us, about the ransom He paid, and how He opened a way to Heaven to all who have a relationship with Him. Don’t buy into the distractions, this December show Him your devotion for the precious gift He gave us!

Matthew 1:18-25

New King James Version (NKJV)

Christ Born of Mary

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”

So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made

(Psalm 139:14)

Melissa

Once Astray, Now Renewed; Move Forward with Jesus, He Makes all Things New!

All we like sheep have gone astray;

     We have turned, every one, to his own way;

     And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all

Isaiah 53:6

No matter what our past is, no matter what trials we have been through and over come, God can make us new again.  You see our faith, our trust and love for Jesus restores us, we become new.  God renews us by giving us grace, delivering us, healing us and requiring us to lean on Him- surrendering all our problems, all our concerns and worries to Him.  For when we do this we are strengthened; we no longer fight the world alone, but we have the greatest Warrior working on our behalf.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

2 Corinthians 5:17

If your past gets you down, it’s time to move forward with Jesus, it’s time to give Him your worries and trust that He will not only protect you, but strengthen you. For when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior we let Jesus lead our lives, our lives become new in Him.

But those who wait on the LORD

Shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

You are fearfully and wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14)
Melissa

Earthly Duties: Do Them With Joy

Isn’t it the ultimate test to do something you aren’t so happy about, or work with people you would rather not work with, or be involved in something you would rather skip? This world is full of responsibilities, commitments, meetings that we all don’t eagerly sign up for. But as we go and do these daily earthly duties it’s important to do them with joy.

If all we do is complain about the situation or circumstance then we miss the opportunity to show others the love that we receive from Jesus. When we are faced with an unattractive situation and stay positive, we will get more out of it, we will have a positive impact on others involved and our joy and love will show through.  Positivity is powerful.    

                                                  If I say, “I will forget my complaint,
                                            I will put off my sad face and wear a smile.”
                                                                        Job 9:27

Jesus has countless examples of how He loved others; people who denied Him and who turned against Him, in situations where people didn’t believe Him.  Jesus still loved them. We will have people be rude to us, say catty and negative things about us, and ultimately we will  all be tested in difficult situations; when these situations occur we have a choice to make. We can either complain about them and the people involved or we can use grace, love and patients like God does with us each and every day.

                            He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.
                                                                       John 1:11

So today I say to you, be positive, take those situations that seem draining and do them with Joy. Jesus is your role model. Love people, even your enemies.

                                         “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies,
                                 do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you,
                                              and pray for those who spitefully use you.”
                                                                      Luke 6:27-28

You are fearfully and wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14)
Melissa

Randomosity

Randomosity: The state of being or being part of random occurrences & activities. Also known as being in a state of complete randomness.

My spirit is doing cartwheels from Sunday, so many good things happening around me. Therefore here are my random thoughts, words, expressions for today:

Put God first. Saved. God is good, good things come to those who pray. Trust in the Lord. Be still, Lean on the Lord.  Listen. Be Bold in Jesus name. You can have an impact. Be a Disciple. Love. Encourage. Grow. Use your toolbox God has given you. Seek His face. Learn.  You are a creation, a design. Praise. Rejoice. Faith is Fadeless. Will. Spirit. Simplicity. Truth. Worship. Eternity.



You are fearfully and wonderfully made
 (Psalm 139:14)

Melissa