God is simply amazing! Little did I know that the messages God was given me to write in my blog would be my own story. God was preparing me ahead of time. I had dreams about Bill (my ex-husband) leaving me and resigning youth ministry about a year and a half before it happened. I realized that at the time what I thought were bad dreams was God preparing me. As I read over some of my older posts from 2008-2009, I was simply amazed at what God had given me. God gave me "A Story To Tell" one night while I was at a prayer meeting at church and when I got home, I started writing. I now know that over a period of time, God began to lay messages on my heart and I started writing them down and then began a blog. I am blessed much more than I deserve to be. God has healed my heart. I forgave my husband and now I pray for him to return to the Lord. I am going to keep praying for him. I don't know what my future holds but God does and He is in control. I do know that I am going to keep the faith and press on. God is faithful and He has restored my joy over the last year. I very thankful to the Lord for everything in my life!
When you experience storms there is a reason behind every storm, each storm teaches us to grow in our faith. We can choose to turn away from the Lord or grow closer in our walk with the Lord. I chose to grow closer in my walk with the Lord. I am simply amazed at how God has turned my life around. I still face struggles in my life. I am learning to rely on God for He is in control. He knows all things and He will meet my needs and it will be in His perfect timing. He knows the desires of my heart as well. I do believe that God has an even greater purpose for my life. God has healed my heart and for that I am truly thankful. I love my church family and friends, God truly blessed me with some incredibly friends!!! I am truly blessed!!! I hope you take time to read some of my blog posts. These are old posts which lead to my story. I am in the process of putting it all together for a book, my story, my testimony. God uses each in a special way, we just have to get out of our comfort zone and take that giant leap of faith. It is amazing what you will discover when speaking to others. Each of us has a story, we just have to be willing to share it with others and use our story to help others. We all have a ministry and a purpose, allow God to use you. I pray that I can reach others through my story and my testimony. My life is not perfect nor is anyone else's. We all have struggles, it is what we keep our focus on that will help us through it all in the end. I am gong to keep my focus on the Lord and allow Him to use me as He see fits. I pray that He helps me to be a willing vessel each day. I am choosing to focus on Christ and not the circumstances that surround me. God is in control and He has it all figured out. I just have to trust Him and rely on Him completely. Thanking God for everything in my life. The storms in my life are blessings in disguise and thankful for the storms for they have brought me into a much closer relationship with my Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that these articles help you and inspire you in someway to share your story as well. God Bless You!!!
Monday, April 29, 2013
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Thankful for the Storms
I know it has been awhile since I have last written. I have gone through some pretty major storms in my life and wow has God brought me through them. I am so very thankful for the storms in my life. It is through the storms that God was teaching me. It is through the storms that I developed a closer relationship with the Lord; it is through the storms that God taught me true forgiveness, not only for others but to forgive myself as well; it is through the storms that God taught me to truly love others; it is through the storms that God taught me to completely rely on Him; and it is through the storms that God taught me to completely give Him complete control. I had to surrender it all to Him, trust Him, and give Him complete control of the storm in my life. God was shaping me and molding me into the person He so desired me to be. I am still learning to this day!!!
God began speaking to my heart about praying for my ex-husband and the other woman. I had been praying for Bill (my ex) but the other woman was another story. I realized it was the sin they were living in and that just because I had a relationship with the Lord did not make me a better person than them. I had to start praying for them and for their salvation, that my ex would find his way back to the Lord. I started praying blessings over them and as I have done so, a change has begun to take place in my life. God has filled my life with so much joy and happiness and I have a complete peace inside of me. I don't know where I would be in my life had it not been for the Lord. I know the Lord has given me incredible strength that only comes from Him and He has truly blessed my life in ways I could never imagine. Never doubt God, He always there for you, He will never leave you nor forsake you. He is in control. He already knows what is going to take place in your life so trust Him, never give up on Him, keep believing and keep seeking the Lord!
I encourage all those who are facing storms in your own life, whatever it may be whether financial, marital, separation or divorce, loneliness, illness, etc. please look to the Lord in prayer and study His word. God will give you the scriptures you need to strengthen you. Healing will take time but in time you will see the light and the healing process in work in your life. Your joy and happiness will return. Each of us have a choice in life, we can let the problem consume us or define us or we can be perseverers and learn from our problems. We need to start asking God "What can I learn from this problem or storm in my life? What are you trying to teach me Lord?" Every storm has a purpose and a reason in our life, we may not understand why we are going through these storms at the time but in time you will begin to see that God has something far much greater in store for you. Never give up, keep the faith, keep praying persistently, keep persevering!!! My prayer is that God will restore what has been lost or taken away. My prayer is that God would pour out blessings abundantly in your life.
We all have troubles in this world, God's word tells us that there would be trouble in this world. It is what we do with the storms that will determine the outcome. We all have a choice. We can look to God or turn away from God, my prayer is that we look to God in times of trouble for it is then we grow and learn. God is teaching us new things everyday. Miracles begin to happen in our own life! Be thankful for the storms for they are molding you into the person God created you to be. Be thankful for the storms, God is preparing you for something far greater in life!
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Romans 8:28
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose."
Philippians 4:13
"I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
God Bless You Alll!!!
Cindy
God began speaking to my heart about praying for my ex-husband and the other woman. I had been praying for Bill (my ex) but the other woman was another story. I realized it was the sin they were living in and that just because I had a relationship with the Lord did not make me a better person than them. I had to start praying for them and for their salvation, that my ex would find his way back to the Lord. I started praying blessings over them and as I have done so, a change has begun to take place in my life. God has filled my life with so much joy and happiness and I have a complete peace inside of me. I don't know where I would be in my life had it not been for the Lord. I know the Lord has given me incredible strength that only comes from Him and He has truly blessed my life in ways I could never imagine. Never doubt God, He always there for you, He will never leave you nor forsake you. He is in control. He already knows what is going to take place in your life so trust Him, never give up on Him, keep believing and keep seeking the Lord!
I encourage all those who are facing storms in your own life, whatever it may be whether financial, marital, separation or divorce, loneliness, illness, etc. please look to the Lord in prayer and study His word. God will give you the scriptures you need to strengthen you. Healing will take time but in time you will see the light and the healing process in work in your life. Your joy and happiness will return. Each of us have a choice in life, we can let the problem consume us or define us or we can be perseverers and learn from our problems. We need to start asking God "What can I learn from this problem or storm in my life? What are you trying to teach me Lord?" Every storm has a purpose and a reason in our life, we may not understand why we are going through these storms at the time but in time you will begin to see that God has something far much greater in store for you. Never give up, keep the faith, keep praying persistently, keep persevering!!! My prayer is that God will restore what has been lost or taken away. My prayer is that God would pour out blessings abundantly in your life.
We all have troubles in this world, God's word tells us that there would be trouble in this world. It is what we do with the storms that will determine the outcome. We all have a choice. We can look to God or turn away from God, my prayer is that we look to God in times of trouble for it is then we grow and learn. God is teaching us new things everyday. Miracles begin to happen in our own life! Be thankful for the storms for they are molding you into the person God created you to be. Be thankful for the storms, God is preparing you for something far greater in life!
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Romans 8:28
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose."
Philippians 4:13
"I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
God Bless You Alll!!!
Cindy
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Moving from Problem to Promise
Adversity tests our faith. Do we really believe that God is in control? Do we recognize that, in ways often beyond our grasp, He causes everything to work together for our good?
Romans 8:28
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
Are we convinced that at just the right moment He will give us all the good things He has promised?
When we collide with the unfairness of life, questions such as "Why me?" "Why now?" or even "Why did God?" testify to our desperate need for answers. We must shift our focus from problem to promise by asking, "What now, God? What can I learn from this situation? What will you reveal about your plan for my future?"
We must surrender it all to God - give it all to Him. He draws us close and whispers, "Don't worry. I am in control."
Marriage
So many marriages are struggling these days and often end up in divorce. An everlasting marriage is what God intended. Since when did marriage become a routine more than a lasting marriage? When did "I do" become irrelevant and just a saying? What makes people give up on their marriage without even considering marriage counseling? I have pondered this many times as I have had friends who have been divorced, have friends going through a divorce as well as myself, many of them whom their spouse had an affair or just chose to leave without even considering marriage counseling. They chose the easy way out, the world's way out. Today's society has made divorce so easy. It is sad that so many don't take their vows serious. Marriage was intended to last. God hates divorce. Malachi 2:16 "I hate divorce," says the Lord God. Mark 10:9 "Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 "To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife."
As christians we are to pray for our marriage and ask God to strengthen our relationship not only with Him but also with each other. We all have struggles and trials, why is it that when we as a couple are faced with trials we tend to give up on each other and take the easy way out? God has already told us that there would be trials and struggles. We have to learn to rely on God and humble ourselves before him. We cannot handle the struggles on our own. It is time we get back to the basics, give it all to God, let Him take control. It is time we SEEK the Lord and GIVE it all to Him. It is important to spend time with the Lord together as a couple, read the Bible, do daily devotions, and pray together. It is also important that you have date nights and discuss things that might be a concern to the other. It is also important to build one another up, compliment one another daily, encourage one another and most important whenever struggles come your way be supportive of one another, get together and pray. Pray about your struggles as husband and wife giving it all to God knowing He has complete control. Pray for an annointing and blessing upon your marriage. Pray for one another daily. If you are in ministry, don't ever put your ministry before your spouse. It is always God first, then your spouse, your family, then your ministry. Even if you are not in ministry and you have a job, don't do this as well. It is important to remember that Christ should be our focus and we should be united as one. Marriage takes work, not only when struggle arise but it should be a daily thing. I am writing this as I have learned from mistakes in my own marriage and noticed signs that our marriage was in trouble. I felt the need to share this. I hope this help saves someone esle's marriage. Divorce should never be mentioned in a marriage. Once mentioned, it is hard to forget. I am not saying that we should never divorce but I am saying that we should make sure that we pray over our marriage and do everything to save it first then if nothing works, pray again before making a final decision. If your spouse and you have been separated and he left you and has chosen another path and there is nothing you can do then divorce may be the only option. My spouse filed for divorce so I had no say in the matter. He simply chose another path. I have now forgiven him as well others involved and I must say that praying blessings over them has brought about true peace in my life. Divorce can be ugly and painful at the time but God will bring about healing in your life. God has truly blessed me and used this storm in my life to strengthen me and He has helped me to draw closer to Him. If you are living in an abusive relationship or where adultery is being commited then divorce may be your only option. Please know I have been through a divorce and learned from my own mistakes. I am now lifting marriages up in prayer. I hope this helps someone that is struggling in their marriage. May you find your first love, Jesus Christ and may you restore your love in your spouse again. Love is not a feeling, it is a decision!!! May God bless your marriages and for those who are single or have been through a divorced, seek the Lord, wait on His timing, be patient, be encouraged through God's word. God will bring healing to you in time. Praying for marriages!!! Praying for those who are going through a divorce that God would bring comfort, healing, and strength to you!!! Blessings my friends, may God be with you always!!!
As christians we are to pray for our marriage and ask God to strengthen our relationship not only with Him but also with each other. We all have struggles and trials, why is it that when we as a couple are faced with trials we tend to give up on each other and take the easy way out? God has already told us that there would be trials and struggles. We have to learn to rely on God and humble ourselves before him. We cannot handle the struggles on our own. It is time we get back to the basics, give it all to God, let Him take control. It is time we SEEK the Lord and GIVE it all to Him. It is important to spend time with the Lord together as a couple, read the Bible, do daily devotions, and pray together. It is also important that you have date nights and discuss things that might be a concern to the other. It is also important to build one another up, compliment one another daily, encourage one another and most important whenever struggles come your way be supportive of one another, get together and pray. Pray about your struggles as husband and wife giving it all to God knowing He has complete control. Pray for an annointing and blessing upon your marriage. Pray for one another daily. If you are in ministry, don't ever put your ministry before your spouse. It is always God first, then your spouse, your family, then your ministry. Even if you are not in ministry and you have a job, don't do this as well. It is important to remember that Christ should be our focus and we should be united as one. Marriage takes work, not only when struggle arise but it should be a daily thing. I am writing this as I have learned from mistakes in my own marriage and noticed signs that our marriage was in trouble. I felt the need to share this. I hope this help saves someone esle's marriage. Divorce should never be mentioned in a marriage. Once mentioned, it is hard to forget. I am not saying that we should never divorce but I am saying that we should make sure that we pray over our marriage and do everything to save it first then if nothing works, pray again before making a final decision. If your spouse and you have been separated and he left you and has chosen another path and there is nothing you can do then divorce may be the only option. My spouse filed for divorce so I had no say in the matter. He simply chose another path. I have now forgiven him as well others involved and I must say that praying blessings over them has brought about true peace in my life. Divorce can be ugly and painful at the time but God will bring about healing in your life. God has truly blessed me and used this storm in my life to strengthen me and He has helped me to draw closer to Him. If you are living in an abusive relationship or where adultery is being commited then divorce may be your only option. Please know I have been through a divorce and learned from my own mistakes. I am now lifting marriages up in prayer. I hope this helps someone that is struggling in their marriage. May you find your first love, Jesus Christ and may you restore your love in your spouse again. Love is not a feeling, it is a decision!!! May God bless your marriages and for those who are single or have been through a divorced, seek the Lord, wait on His timing, be patient, be encouraged through God's word. God will bring healing to you in time. Praying for marriages!!! Praying for those who are going through a divorce that God would bring comfort, healing, and strength to you!!! Blessings my friends, may God be with you always!!!
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Facing the Storms Head On
To all my faithful friends, I must apologize for not writing for so long. It has been a very rough year and to be quite honest I am ready for that good year to follow. I will continue to praise the Lord during this storm for He has always been with me even when it didn't seem like He was there. I may never understand why things happen the way they do but what I do know is that we serve a God of miracles and He can do the impossible! Well if you take a look back at my post back in December titled "Storms of Life" you will see that I explained the marriage problems my husband and I had. Well I knew there was more to the story and I am going to keep it at that for he came back and I praised God for that miracle! After the holidays, things seem to go downhill, I noticed my husband quit reading the books and was slowly giving up on our marriage. Well it appears what I feared the most (that he would leave again) came true. I noticed the signs of what I suspected to be true and the lies just built up. He had been having an affair. My husband told me on Sunday morning before church that he was going to leave me and he left me that Wed, August 17th. I found out about the affair about a week after he had left me. My husband called our kids and took them to dinner and told them that he had filed for divorce and told them he had been seeing another woman but did not mention her name. Then later he called me and told me everything. I told him I had suspected another woman and that it was someone I knew and then preceeded to tell him what I knew and who it was. I had told him days prior to all of this to be very careful if he was seeing someone here and someone we knew because as former youth pastors we knew a lot of youth and people here, well needless to say someone did see them together. I saw the signs and when I heard the news I somewhat felt relieved just knowing that what I thought to be true was true. I also had an incredible peace within me. I knew God was preparing me for the truth. My husband has lied so much, definitely not the same man I once knew at all. He has become cold and hard hearted. It saddens me to see my husband like this. He has truly fallen into a life of sin. I do not understand why this has all happened or even why. I don't understand how a man could throw away God, his ministry, his family and his marriage of 26 years. He is truly blinded. I may never understand all of this but I do know a God who has a plan and I put my trust in Him. During all this ordeal over the last year, I have never stopped trusting God nor will I now. I have learned that God never gives you more than you can handle. When he left me again, I was so upset and couldn't believe this was all happening to me again but I serve an AMAZING God. God was there the whole time, He never leaves you nor forsakes you. He gave me the strength I never knew I had to get through this and still providing that strength even now. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
I have learned to rely on the Word of God each day and that scripture has helped me so much during this storm in my life. I am going to continue to praise the Lord in the midst of this storm! I know one day a testimony will come out of all this. I am praying for a miracle in our marriage!!! Whether it happens before the divorce is finalized or after divorce, I am going to continue lifting him up in prayer daily and praying for that miracle!!! I believe God can restore a broken marriage such as ours and I believe God can restore a lost soul such as my husband. God can do the impossible!!! This is my story and one day I hope to be able to help others in a similar situation. Marriages are under attack! We must humble ourselves before God and fall on our face before Him and pray for marriages!!! I am claiming the victory no matter what the outcome may be, Christ is always victorious!!! You just have to keep your eyes on Jesus!!! My focus is on my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and our kids. I have been in prayer for my husband, Bill and our family and the other woman and her family as well. I have found that praying for others before your own needs is very rewarding and God gives you such a joy and peace. There are always others that are going through something similar to what you are going through now. You spend hours and hours in prayer and it is so refreshing. God clears your mind and gives you that incredible peace. I am truly blessed! No matter what the outcome I will continue to PRAISE the Lord, no matter what the outcome I will continue to trust TRUST in God, no matter what the outcome I will continue to PRAY!!! It is when we are at our weakest we become strong. It is not in our own strength but by the grace of God that He gives us that strength. When we truly forgive others then we find peace in our own heart. I can truly say that I have forgiven both my husband and the other woman, trusting will take some time. You have to remember that Christ died on the cross for our sins. A sin is a sin in God's eye whereas we look at sin from a human perspective, we view it as if some sins are worse. We still have to learn to forgive for God's Word tells us that if we do not forgive men of their sins, then our heavenly Father will not forgive your sins (Matthew 6:15).
We must not let bitterness build up for we have to give it all to God, completely surrender it all. God truly prepared me for what was to come and I believe that greater things are ahead no matter what the outcome may be. I know a God who can and will do the IMPOSSIBLE!!! I believe in MIRACLES!!! It takes FAITH!!! Never give up, keep the faith!!! KEEP YOUR FOCUS ON GOD AND NOT THE CIRCUMSTANCES!!! Storms are a part of life and it how God prepares us for what lies ahead. He teaches us to persevere and overcome the obstacles surrounding us. He teaches us to fully put our trust in Him. I am praying for a miracle in our marriage, my husband, Bill that the blinders would be removed and the he would begin to see God through his eyes, and also for the marriages that are under attack that they would be completely restored and healed.
The storms may keep coming but I am keeping my focus on the Lord!!! Thank you and God Bless!!!
I have learned to rely on the Word of God each day and that scripture has helped me so much during this storm in my life. I am going to continue to praise the Lord in the midst of this storm! I know one day a testimony will come out of all this. I am praying for a miracle in our marriage!!! Whether it happens before the divorce is finalized or after divorce, I am going to continue lifting him up in prayer daily and praying for that miracle!!! I believe God can restore a broken marriage such as ours and I believe God can restore a lost soul such as my husband. God can do the impossible!!! This is my story and one day I hope to be able to help others in a similar situation. Marriages are under attack! We must humble ourselves before God and fall on our face before Him and pray for marriages!!! I am claiming the victory no matter what the outcome may be, Christ is always victorious!!! You just have to keep your eyes on Jesus!!! My focus is on my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and our kids. I have been in prayer for my husband, Bill and our family and the other woman and her family as well. I have found that praying for others before your own needs is very rewarding and God gives you such a joy and peace. There are always others that are going through something similar to what you are going through now. You spend hours and hours in prayer and it is so refreshing. God clears your mind and gives you that incredible peace. I am truly blessed! No matter what the outcome I will continue to PRAISE the Lord, no matter what the outcome I will continue to trust TRUST in God, no matter what the outcome I will continue to PRAY!!! It is when we are at our weakest we become strong. It is not in our own strength but by the grace of God that He gives us that strength. When we truly forgive others then we find peace in our own heart. I can truly say that I have forgiven both my husband and the other woman, trusting will take some time. You have to remember that Christ died on the cross for our sins. A sin is a sin in God's eye whereas we look at sin from a human perspective, we view it as if some sins are worse. We still have to learn to forgive for God's Word tells us that if we do not forgive men of their sins, then our heavenly Father will not forgive your sins (Matthew 6:15).
We must not let bitterness build up for we have to give it all to God, completely surrender it all. God truly prepared me for what was to come and I believe that greater things are ahead no matter what the outcome may be. I know a God who can and will do the IMPOSSIBLE!!! I believe in MIRACLES!!! It takes FAITH!!! Never give up, keep the faith!!! KEEP YOUR FOCUS ON GOD AND NOT THE CIRCUMSTANCES!!! Storms are a part of life and it how God prepares us for what lies ahead. He teaches us to persevere and overcome the obstacles surrounding us. He teaches us to fully put our trust in Him. I am praying for a miracle in our marriage, my husband, Bill that the blinders would be removed and the he would begin to see God through his eyes, and also for the marriages that are under attack that they would be completely restored and healed.
The storms may keep coming but I am keeping my focus on the Lord!!! Thank you and God Bless!!!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Merry Christmas
To all my followers and friends, I wish you all a very blessed and Merry Christmas!!! Take this time to celebrate Christ birthday remembering He is the reason for the season. God gave us his most precious gift, Jesus Christ. May we take the time to reflect upon our life and ask ourselves these questions, "Are we really giving our very best to Jesus?" "Are we really being obedient to His call upon our life?" "Are we really walking by faith?" "Are we really being a witness as He has called us to be to others?" I pray many blessings be with each of you this Christmas season and the new year to come. We have to look at each day as a gift from God for He hasn't finished with us yet. He has something for each of us, we just have to listen for His Word. I have been very blessed in my life. I consider everything I have went through to be a blessing from God and a learning experience. I have always said "Something good comes out of something bad." When I was faced with a major storm in my life, I had to stay positive and remember what I always said and really seek the face of God. Jesus has truly blessed me with my family, my friends, my church family and the youth group. Thank you all for the many prayers!!! Thank you to my family and friends for helping us get through such a rough year. Forgive one another and love one another. I say that in all honesty for it is in God's Word and it is so true. No matter what you are going through or what someone may have done to you, forgive them and love them. God has given me a gift and for that I am thankful. Celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and remember that through all the hustle and bustle that He is the reason for the season. May we show the love of Jesus Christ this holiday season not only at Christmas but all year through and the years to come. May we go and light the world with the love of Jesus Christ. I would encourage you to please listen to the song below titled "Where Are the Lines to See Jesus" by Becky Kelley. It is truly a beautiful song and has such an inspiring and beautiful meaning. Hope you enjoy it. Love you all! God Bless! Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
Blessings to you all,
Cindy
Blessings to you all,
Cindy
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
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