FINDING JOY IN THE JOURNEY LINK UP.

Losing a loved one is hard. Real hard. When it happens, you feel as if a piece of you is missing. Losing my Dad I thought would be one of the hardest things that I would have to go through. Don't get me wrong, its been very difficult and its been an emotional roller coaster for the past two weeks..but at the same time I have experienced a deeper joy that I could have ever imagined. I feel good...I feel strong....I feel peace....I feel content....I feel happy. Most of the time our joy seems to depend on our circumstances. When life is going well, and things are easy, we of course feel happy. But when life unravels and the days sometimes seem unbearable, God’s presence is unmistakable. I have felt this time and time again in my life...especially during this difficult time. If some days my only major accomplishment for the day is making it through without a breakdown, there has been something so extraordinary about my time with God during these times. I realize that I desperately need Him every hour. To give me strength. To revive me. To help me hang on. To comfort me. To guide me. Through some of my excruciating days since my Dad passed away, days where I would tell God "Today is a really hard day for me...I need your help. I need your strength."... He would speak to me. He comforted me through His Word. He used others. He would send angels to assist me and comfort me at those exact times when I needed it the most. He whispered to me in the darkness, as I lay awake on my tear-stained pillow. He sang songs over me of His love. His hand is over everything and I have seen His hand so much through all of this. On the worst days, I just kept asking for Him to take the pain away. I felt like just sitting in my Dad's room crying all day. I didn't want to rejoice in the moment. I didn't want to rejoice at all. But then I clung to God and His promises knowing He would bring me through. I can tell you that the joy I feel now did not come easy. I had glimpses of delight here and there, but mostly my joy was slow and incremental. As the days continue to pass, I realize I now have  a joy that I can't explain. It is completely independent of circumstances. It seemed like the harder things got, the more joy God continued to pour into me. The joy I have is in knowing that God can be trusted and in seeing and feeling His faithfulness through unimaginable pain. Though I’m referring to a time of great suffering in my life, what I’m writing about isn't limited to earthshaking pain. Small  trials that I have faced have forged my faith, but I live, as we all do, in the mundane suffering. Feeling misunderstood or rejected by a friend or family member. Feeling lonely or depressed. Dealing with the same parenting issues over and over again. Being overwhelmed by responsibilities. Having everything in the house break down at once. Feeling physically ill- with a cold, a backache, a headache. Those things are universal. We all face them. But just like the monumental struggles, we wish they were different. That they’d go away or get resolved so that we can get on with our days- the real things we’re called to. We fantasize that if they were different, we could be happier, more joyful, more faithful. But what if we looked at those trials as the very things that God has ordained for our joy. To mold our character. To teach us to trust. To give us Himself. When we run to God with our pain, instead of running away, our perspective changes. We find a joy that can never be taken away. If we could only see all our disappointments through this lens, we would discover that suffering is often the gateway to joy. The joy that we get from enduring suffering gets richer over time. Our circumstances cannot diminish it. It produces lasting fruit like endurance, character and hope. It draws us to God in breathtaking ways. It achieves a weight of glory that is beyond all comparison. I am convinced that our capacity for God, and for true joy, is carved out of our suffering. Suffering chisels deep into our soul, often making us feel empty, misunderstood, and alone. And yet it is out of that suffering, that emptiness, that God alone can fill us. With Himself. With His joy.

An InLinkz Link-up

FINDING JOY IN THE JOURNEY LINK UP.

Today is the start of a new link up that I have created. 

Here's what I came up with: Finding Joy in the Journey Link up

How it works: Every week (on Friday), I will share with you some thoughts that are on 

my heart. Good things, trials, struggles, sorrows, heartache and whatever the spirit is 

leading me to write on this little space of mine! I hope and pray that you will do the same :)

Each week we can take the time to inspire, encourage, lift up one another as we all try and find joy in the journey! Will you join me?

Jesus never said that this life would be easy. Throughout our lives, we must deal with change. Some changes are welcome; some are not. There are also changes in our lives which are sudden, such as the unexpected passing of a loved one, an unforeseen illness, etc. But most of the changes that happen in our lives take place subtly and slowly. Time never stands still, it must steadily march on, and with the marching comes the changes that we must face. Sometimes our lives can take unexpected turns filled with heartache, sorrow, confusion, depression and difficulty. Sometimes it may seem hard to understand in the midst of trials how to feel and experience joy. Sometimes it may seem as if our whole world is falling apart around us and we are just standing still. Jesus has promised us that we can experience joy in the journey. Finding joy in the journey is the quest of our lives.  That joy that Jesus has promised us is available if we continue to be faithful and keep our eyes always on Jesus. I believe that some of the greatest lessons that we learn, are lessons that help us distinguish between what is really important and what is not. Despite all the changes which come into our lives, lets try and fill our days, as much as we can with those things that matter most. Whatever you are facing right now in your life, there is joy that awaits you and joy that can be found in the midst of your trials. It may feel like your darkest night, but God has a divine plan and purpose for your life! Let's relish life as we live it, trust in God and find joy in the journey! Link up your posts below!

LINK UP HERE!

Be Thou Humble

Having pure motives and humility are required if we are to fulfill the command to think more highly of others than only of ourselves. It simply cannot happen without a willingness to be obedient to the Holy Ghost. To live in harmony we must recognize and respect the right of others to disagree with us, and we must do so with having a good attitude. Humility requires that we forgive quickly and frequently...and that we will not be easily offended. We cannot be self seeking, but instead we must be generous in mercy and patience. When we are humble, we are following God’s instructions and will then be able to enjoy and reap the wonderful benefits of obedience which are peace, joy, and a powerful, victorious life.

Inspiration For Today

Obedience Brings Blessings

We learn obedience throughout our lives. Beginning when we are very young, those responsible for our care set forth guidelines and rules to ensure our safety. Life would be simpler for all of us if we would obey such rules completely. Many of us, however, learn through experience the wisdom of being obedient. There are rules and laws to help ensure our physical safety. 

The Lord has provided us with guidelines and commandments to help ensure our spiritual safety so that we might successfully navigate this often-treacherous mortal existence so that we can return eventually to our Heavenly Father.

He’s not taking things away from us to be mean or giving us a long list of impossible rules to follow. He’s teaching us what things are going to benefit us and what aren't  because He wants us to live the very best life we can. He doesn't want us to be upset, bitter, hurt, resentful, and lost, which often come as a result of disobedience. He wants us to have righteousness, peace, love and joy. Just like a parent with a child, God is saying to each of us, “Why don’t you just do what I tell you to do? I’m telling you this for your own good.” 

The truth is, whatever God asks us to do, it’s for our own benefit, so we need to take it seriously and submit to His direction and His will. The more we do this, the happier and more at peace we will be.

John 14:15 says, If ye love me, keep my commandments. Notice that Jesus didn't say, “If you keep my commandments, I’ll love you.” He already loves us perfectly, and He could never love us more than He already does at this very moment.

Okay..I’m not saying we can buy more of God’s love through our obedience, but our love for Him will grow as we live in obedience to Him and as we experience His faithfulness. The more I grow spiritually and love God more, the more I want to obey Him. I love Him for everything that He is because He’s beautiful, amazing and faithful to all of His promises.

  

Lets think of the soul-stirring act of obedience of Abraham and Isaac. How painfully difficult it must have been for Abraham, in obedience to God’s command, to take his beloved Isaac into the land of Moriah to offer him as a sacrifice. I can't imagine the heaviness of Abraham’s heart as he journeyed to that place? I would imagine that anguish must have racked his body and tortured his mind as he bound Isaac, laid him on the altar, and took the knife to slay him. With unwavering faith and implicit trust in the Lord, he responded to the Lord’s command. How amazing was the pronouncement: “Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.”

Abraham had been tried and tested, and for his faithfulness and obedience the Lord gave him this glorious promise: “In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.”

Although we are not asked to prove our obedience in such a dramatic and heart-wrenching way, obedience is still required of us as well.

It is my prayer, that no matter how many things you need to work on, give them to God one by one and let Him do the work in you.

As you step out and become more determined to obey Him, He will help you do what needs to be done.

Not only will you experience more peace and joy, but your love for God will grow and grow.

//KIMBERLY//

GOD CAN TURN A MESS INTO SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL

For those of you who read last Sunday's post you will know that my Dad was in the ICU in California. We all hope to never ever get that call, especially when you live in another state. I was getting ready Saturday morning to go to the Farmers Market with my two friends to hang out and take some pictures. My phone rang, my heart dropped and I instantly starting crying. Josh held me for awhile and told me that everything would be okay and that he loved me very much. Josh and I decided instead of paying the money for both of us to fly to California and board our dog, we would just leave early the next morning and drive there. So we packed everything up that night and left around 5am the next morning. The drive from Phoenix to California is only about 8 or 9 hours, but with my Dad on my mind it seemed like it was days. I just wanted to get there asap to see him and tell him I loved him. My brother got in the night before and was already there with my Dad. Once we arrived at the hospital, it was so heartbreaking to see my Dad. I just wanted to give him a great big hug, but it was hard because of the tube down his throat and all the other tubes that he had attached to him. I held his hand so very tight, told him I loved him and that I was here for him no matter what.

We were in California for an entire week and just got home last night. I am exhausted emotionally and physically. We spent all day every day at the hospital, with little breaks here and there to get some fresh air and eat. My Dad is still currently at the hospital still (and my brother was able to stay there longer with him) and hopefully will get released by the end of this week or next week. Day by day he is getting better and better. With everything that is happening, God has given me such an incredible amount of peace through all of this and has helped me to continue to press forward trusting and relying on Him. God's hands have been covered over this entire situation. There has been SO many blessings that have come out of all of this. I am in complete awe of just how good God is. He can turn a mess into something so very beautiful. He is always there even when you think He's not close enough. The best and biggest blessing out of all of them: My Dad is moving to Arizona!!!!!!  I still can't believe it! We have been trying and praying daily to get my Dad to move her for almost a year now! My brother is packing up a U-Haul while he is still in the hospital and once he is released they are driving here!  I just can't express how grateful I am and how good God is! I just want to sing and dance right now!

I also want to thank family, friends and even strangers who have prayed and are continuing to pray for my Dad and our family right now. I am so grateful and humbled by you and thank you from the bottom of my heart. It means so very much to me. I am sending hugs and kisses your way right now!

 It is my testimony, that if you are going through something hard right now or if you are waiting for an answer to your prayer(s)....keep trusting in God, keep pressing forward, keep believing, have faith.............and you will see God move. 

 

//On a side note....we begin our training classes to become foster parents tonight//

-KIMBERLY-

PSALM 63 AND POLKA DOT PEPLUM

Hat: Thrifted // Top: F21 // Jeans: Ross // Purse: Gift from Mom //

Necklace: Very Jane // Shoes: Jessica Simpson // Sunglasses: Unionbay

My faith has been deepened SO much the past few days by the powerful words of this Psalm.

Psalm 63:

1.O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.

2. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory.

3. Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You.

4. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.

5. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.

6. When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches.

7. Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.

8. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me.

9. But those who seek my life, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth.

10. They shall fall by the sword; they shall be a portion for jackals.

11. But the king shall rejoice in God; everyone who swears by Him shall glory; but the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped.

PRAYERS FOR OKLAHOMA

Dear Oklahoma.....

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your communities.

There are no words to express the level of profound

sadness I feel for you and all the families who have been affected.

I hope that you will find comfort, hope, strength and peace as love is sent your way.

I pray that God will be with you and bless you and your communities during this difficult time. 

Love always,

 

Psalm 57:1

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me!
For my soul trusts in You;
and in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge,
Until these calamities have passed by.

Psalm 61:1-4

Hear my cry, O God;

Attend to my prayer.

From the end of the earth I will cry to You

When my heart is overwhelmed;

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

For You have been a shelter for me,
And a strong tower from the enemy.
I will abide in Your tabernacle forever;
I will trust in the shelter of Your wings.

DAY 14: TEN THINGS THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY

We are on day 14 of the Challenge! We are almost halfway there! Today is an easy one.

There are SO many things that make me happy and bring joy into my life. 

Here are the ones I decided to use......

#1 Bubble baths

#2 Warm sunny days

#3 A clean and organized home

#4 Back scratches from my husband

#5 Curling up with a really good book

#6 My husband and my best friend, Josh

#7 My Heavenly Father's love and grace

#8 Serving others and making them smile
#9 Spending quality time with friends and family

#10 Listening and singing in the car to my favorite music

     

 

A Message For You

Shirt: Avon // Black Skinnies: Ross // Boots: Kohls // Necklace: Daisy Gem // Ring: Big Lots // Sunnies: F21

Who are you?

You are...

BEAUTIFUL

SMART 

TALENTED

FABULOUS

STRONG

HIS!!

Have a blessed Thursday!

Come follow me!!

Some Thoughts For Thursday.

My heart is so full with joy this morning and would love to share my thoughts with you.

On my way to work this morning, I was thinking about life.

My life then and my life now. Wow! What a change!
Seriously...like a complete 360!

For a long time, before I came to know God, there was so much turmoil in my life.

Looking back, it really saddens me to think about all the years I wasted living that way.

I spent most of my time partying with friends on the weekends and even sometimes during the week.

My friends and I would drink, laugh, dance, play games and joke around. At the time I thought "Wow...life is good!" But what it? Was I really loving my life?

No...I wasn't. I was just going through the motions day after day after day. 

My daily life ended up feeling like it was on repeat

and as each day passed there was nothing to look foward to. I felt so lost.

 Looking back I was using the alcohol to cover up all of my struggles and problems I was facing.

 Of course the nights when I was drinking, I forgot about my trials for the night.

But you know what??

The next morning when I would open my eyes

with an upset stomach and a headache....

my problems and the heartache was still there.

That's no way to live. I wasn't truly happy.

I never had peace or even knew what it felt like to have peace.

God has brought me through so much and I know that everything that

happens in my life is for a purpose and has a reasoning. It's all apart of His perfect plan.

I am grateful for the trials, struggles and heartache that I faced then, because it brought me

to come to know God and my Savior and has shaped and formed me into the

daughter of God that I am today.

What have you overcome?
What has God brought you through?



7 Tips to Finding a More Peaceful Life

In a world where peace is such a universal quest, we sometimes wonder why violence walks our streets, accounts of murder and senseless killings fill the columns of our newspapers, and family quarrels and disputes mar the sanctity of the home and smother the tranquility of so many lives.

So where can we find true peace for our souls?

Faith in Jesus Christ and following His teachings give us a firm hope, and this hope becomes a solid anchor to our souls. We can become steadfast and immovable. We can have lasting inner peace; we can enter into the rest of the Lord. Only if we turn away from light and truth will a hollow feeling of emptiness, like the tree’s, occupy the innermost chambers of our souls.

In John 14:27 He tells His disciples, ^"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid"

[Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]”

Jesus essentially said, “I’m leaving you My peace. Now you need to do all you can to hold on to your peace and stop letting yourself get upset.”

Here are seven practical ways you can immediately increase your peace.

1. See the value of peace. Maybe you need to take peace a little more seriously. If you don’t think it’s a big deal to lose your temper, worry all day or get stressed out, you may have underappreciated the gift of peace more than you realize. See 1 Peter 3:11.

2. Take inventory of where you spend your time. Do you have an unsustainable life? Maybe you have way too much on your plate, but you keep saying yes to things and filling up your calendar. Remember that Jesus designed us to be fruitful, not busy.

So cut away the branches that are not bearing fruit.

3. Trust God. Believers in Christ are supposed to believe, right? That means we trust what He says in His Word and completely give everything over to Him. When we do that, we enter His rest (peace).

 See Proverbs 3:5.

4. Decide not to be a people pleaser. It’s impossible to keep all the people in your life happy all the time. This doesn’t mean you should be rude to them. Just don’t try to please someone at the expense of displeasing or being disobedient to God. Live to please Him first.

5. Mind your own business. I’ve learned that usually, the less I know about other people, the better off I am. Being nosy and spending energy trying to learn what others are doing or saying produces anything but peace in life. See 1 Thessalonians 4:11.

6. Let peace be the umpire of your life.  If you are thinking about doing something, but you don’t have peace about it, don’t do it—because if it’s not peaceful, it’s not God.

7. Do whatever you can to work toward simplicity. I’ve learned that the busier you are, the more important it is to have simplicity, which means sometimes it’s best to let things go instead of starting a war over something petty. Also, it might be simpler to not own so much stuff. Trying to take care of too much can just overwhelm and frustrate you.

 Remember that Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

 He can provide the tranquility you long for…even in today’s crazy busy world. 

What I Wore & 7 Ways to Maintain Peace In Your Life

 

Necklace: F21

Shoes: Payless

Tank Top: Old Navy

Sunglasses: TJ Maxx

 Old Navy Skirt: Thrifted

Down East Basics Ruffle Cardigan: Thrifted

I believe that one of the keys to maintaining peace in your life is to take small steps toward peace every day.

“Behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass.

-Alma 37:6

1. How do you spend your time? You may be trying to do too many things and end up doing none of them well. Hurrying is trying to do more than the Holy Spirit is leading you to do. Try to be led by the Spirit.

2. It's okay to say No at times. Sometimes we take on things we know we shouldn’t, just because we’re uncomfortable saying no. If you feel this pressure, ask God to put your spirit at rest and give you loving words to speak that will take away the unnecessary awkwardness of saying no.

3. Procrastination. It’s the attitude that says I’m going to sit here and wait until I feel like doing what I need to do. But God’s word tells us to exercise self-discipline. Do what you need to do now so you can fully enjoy your times of rest.

4. Eliminate any distractions. If you know you are easily distracted, set some guidelines for yourself. Don’t let them keep you up late at night so you oversleep the next morning and end up setting yourself up for a hurried, stressful day.

5. Set boundaries for interruptions. Life is full of interruptions, but we can learn to set boundaries that help us manage them in healthy ways. Schedule times when you are “off-limits.” Let your calls go to voicemail, turn off your email, and decide to get back to people after your “off-limits” time is over.Take the time to just "be still".

6. Modify your life. Ask God to help you find ways to save time and trouble. For instance, when I don’t have time to do the dishes, I use paper plates. If I don't want to wake up earlier in the morning to iron my clothes, I iron them at night. If I don't want to come home and cook after working all day, I use our crock-pot and dinner is 95% ready when I get home.

7. Listen for the Holy Spirit. If you can see that your plan is not producing peace, go back to God; pray for peace and for wisdom to make changes that will benefit your life.

Want to be inspired and lifted up some more??

 Today I am Guest Posting over @ Covered in Grace