No spirit of fear here!

Philippians 4:13 ~ I can do everything through HIM who gives me strength.

Isaiah 40:31 ~ 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.

Psalm 34:4 ~ I sought The Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

I have something really amazing to share with you today!

I have just returned from an awesome weekend retreat with 60 something women. We feasted on HIS Word and lives were changed! I am so blessed by new friendships made and old friendships being strengthened. GOD is GOOD!

The story that I am sharing today, is not my own. I asked this sweet woman if she would allow me to share it. Why? Because….I want you all to see that there is POWER in prayer and that FEAR has no hold on you when you fully trust God. THIS IS HER TESTIMONY..all glory to GOD. ALL GLORY TO GOD!!

Thank you, Tawanna, for allowing me to share your story…I love you and I am so very proud of you!

In her words:

The Bridge

Every year, our church holds a women’s retreat at Epwroth by the Sea on St. Simon’s island. The retreat has been a blessing to me and my family because every year, I leave something on the island, and bring home something new that I have learned about the goodness and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I look forward to this yearly ritual that we have come to have where we spend the weekend in fellowship and worship. We sang, we prayed, we danced, we laughed, we cried. Trying to put the weekend into words is a bit challenging but if I had to chose one word, I would chose the word blessed because that is how I feel every time I am on that island.

The one struggle that I have is crossing that bridge that connects the island to the actual town. The first year that we went, I was riding with 2 of my dearest friends. As we started to near the bridge I looked to my left and at first I didn’t know that it was an actual bridge. From a distance, it looked like a big building, I thought to myself and said out loud, “Hey guys, check out that bridge. The blue is so beautiful it almost looks like the color of the sky. As we got closer to the turn my friend in the back said, “That’s not a building it’s a bridge.” As I burst into laughter, I told my friends that I was so glad that we wouldn’t be going over that contraption. I then started to laugh and make comments about the courageous people that went over it daily and I started to thank God that we were not amongst them. The more I talked the more my friends became quiet. They had no idea that I had a fear of bridges, being over water, and certain high places. As I am talking and laughing and talking and laughing, I realized that the turn that I was making towards the left, led me right towards that bridge. Well I started to yell and scream and panic. I started to drive in the middle two lanes, so the people behind me and the people that were trying to come down on the opposite lane, had to merge into one lane. As they honked their horns and yelled at me, and some made obscene gestures and said obscene things, I panicked even more started yelling back and telling everyone that I am on a retreat and that they cannot yell at me. You see I was like Peter in Matthew 14:29. We were all doing fine as we were driving and God was leading us, but I took my eyes off Jesus and started to let fear abide in me. This caused me to panic and to start driving in the middle of the bridge.

On the very last day of the retreat, our beautiful pastor’s wife Lanelle Rogers, asked that the ladies of the retreat pray for and with me, that I may conquer my fear and successfully cross that bridge. I crossed it, but I wasn’t trusting God. I allowed my friend to drive while I sat in the backseat sobbing with a huge sweater wrapped around my head. I placed the garment over my head as soon as we left Epworth by the Sea and did not take it off until I was told that we were well across the bridge. I didn’t want to see what was going. That weekend I had learned so much and was filled with so much love for Christ but I still was not trusting in him.

This year I was blessed to go back. I was so excited that I was able to attend. I asked my girlfriend and fellow sister in Christ Kim Wade to drive as I started to speak fear into my life. I told her that I just knew that I wouldn’t not make it on my own and made her drive. We had agreed that I would sleep the entire way there, and I had gotten up at 2am that morning so that I would be tired and would want to sleep. Kim and I have not seen each other in months so we did what ladies do best. We talked, and talked, and talked. Before we knew it, my phone rang and it was the member of the church that we were following, Lisa Colburn. She called and said that we were approaching the bridge and that she wanted to warn me because she knows of my fears.

We were approximately 5 minutes away and I allowed fear to take over my body. As we crossed the bridge I pulled my shirt over my head and started to scream and holler. The more I hollered the more I panicked. I started to hyperventilate and then before I knew it I was unable to breathe. In the midst of me trying to catch my breath, I became nausea. I closed my eyes, open the car door (not knowing that we were going 55 mph) and started to vomit until my stomach was empty.

I then spent the first night of the retreat staying up until 2am trying to find alternate routes off of the island so that I could avoid the bridge on the way home. While staying up I missed the fellowship that was going on downstairs right beneath me and later discovered that there was only one way off of the island, and it was over that bridge.

This weekend we learned how to abide in God and to allow Him to abide in us. I really paid close attention to the messages that were brought, the testimonies that were shared and on the last morning, once again, my sisters in Christ wrapped their hands around me, surrounded me and prayed on me and for me. Prior to leaving God sent an angel in the form of Heather Dawkins. As she hugged me she prayed for me and that I would not only make it over the bridge, but that I would open my eyes and look at the beauty that God has created all around me. As she prayed, I thought to myself, “how could I be afraid of God’s beauty?” It was then that I started to think about the bridge and what it represented. That bridge and my fear of it, represented the chains that had me in bondage. I then wrote down things that had me in bondage on several slips of paper and folded them into little pieces. As my friend and I crossed the bridge, I cracked the window. Although nervous in the beginning, I started to quote the scripture 2 Timothy 1:7, for God did not give us the spirit of fear. And I just kept reciting that scripture as I threw the slips of paper out of the window. When I looked at both sides of the bridge, I became humbled by the beauty that surrounded me, and how awesome God’s works are. That bridge no longer represents my fears, but the relationship that I have with Christ as his daughter. I am set free, no longer bound, no more chains holding me.

2 Timothy 1:7: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

WOW!!! Isn’t GOD good!!!!???!!!! So many people were praying for Tawanna…and they never ceased to pray and care… The BODY of Christ lifted her up…and allowed God to use them in her life. Please feel free to comment on this post and tell Tawanna what you thought of her awesome testimony…and share it with others..so that GOD can receive the glory that HE so deserves.

Until Next Time,

Like a lot of others, as this year comes to an end, I am reflecting.

Reflecting on the past year. The choices made. The changes that need to be made in the coming year.

There is always room to grow. Room for improvement. We have never “arrived”. We have to keep growing in our spiritual walk..and keep striving to be better than we were the day before. Not for ourselves, but so that our walk matches our talk.

I began making a list of “goals”. Not “New Year’s Resolutions”, but GOALS. Yes, I know that they are just about the same thing. But, not really. New Year’s resolutions are made and everybody has in the back of their head..“I’ll never fulfill this one.” Goals are more serious in my opinion. Goals are necessary.

My list looks something like this:

Budget/Household Goals:

~ Create a budget

~ Pray over the “budget”…for obedience and determination to stick to it.

~ Work towards buying mostly necessities. (truth is, a lot of money is wasted on “wants” )

~ Make a plan to take each room of our home, and eliminate clutter. 

 Physical Goals:

~ Eat healthier

~ Continue to work out 4-5 days a week

~ Try to cut down on sweets and breads, and eat cleaner.

Spiritual Goals:

~ Finish reading and studying the entire Bible..I am currently in Matthew 3. (Genesis to Revelations plan)

~ Begin to read the entire Bible again..using my new Chronological Bible.

~ Trust HIM more fully.

~ Be a better leader.

~ Establish a family devotional time and stick to it.

~ Be a better encourager to my husband.

These are just some of my “goals”. .

The most important goal is this:

John 3:30 (NLT) ~ He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.

That is what it all boils down to. God HAS to be first. HE has to be the center of everything. HIS will HAS to be of most importance in my life. I HAVE to get in the passenger seat. I MUST let HIM drive. TRUSTING HIM FULLY. Even when life isn’t what I planned. Even when times seem tough. TRUST HIM.

Until Next YEAR ,

Nahum 1:7 (NIV) ~ The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.

This past week has been one of those weeks that made me thankful & tired all at the same. If ya know what I mean…

We all have times of trouble. Times when we need rest. Nobody is exempt.

That’s what you call… LIFE.

But… As believers in Christ.. Authentic Followers of Christ, We have a SAFE REFUGE. The LORD.

Who do you run to when you are weary? Where do you find rest?

True rest. True peace. True comfort…
Is only found in HIM.

I keep thinking of these lyrics from Hillsong.. I Will Exalt You

My hiding place My safe refuge
My treasure Lord You are
My friend and King Anointed One
Most Holy

That’s. Who. HE. Is.

Psalm 32:7 (NLT) ~ For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory.

Beautiful promises.

We only have to let go of our grip.. Our control.. And just rest. In Him.

Are you tired? Are you in pain of any kind? Are you just looking for a place to rest?

Maybe you’ve had a long week. A week of sickness or disappointments. Perhaps you are just plain worn out.

God knew that you would experience every single one of these emotions.

While we are commanded to do everything without grumbling or complaining.. We aren’t commanded to be without feelings.

He knew. He provided.. The Refuge. The Hiding Place.. It’s HIM.

I hope you will find your hiding place.. In Him.

Until Next Time,

Heather

 For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.

~ Romans 2:13 (ESV)

   I can watch Cooking shows on TV, collect recipes, buy cookbooks…but that doesn’t put dinner on the table.(just ask my sweet husband..:) )

   I can read God’s WORD, but just “reading” it isn’t enough. I can even memorize scripture..but what good is that if I don’t put it into practice.

   If you buy the bait for fishing, and you don’t put it on your fishing pole..How do you expect to catch a fish?

   I can own 5 or 6 Bibles… BUT, if I am not studying HIS Word..the BIBLES are just decoration or dust collectors.

   Getting the picture yet? 

   Followers of Christ are called to ACTION. Complacency isn’t an option.

   What good is it to KNOW GOD personally and keep that knowledge to yourself?

   If we keep God hidden, then we are NOT doing…we are simply hearing.

   I always feel the closest to God when I am serving others. I feel the closest to HIM when I am giving of my time and resources to others..in an effort to further HIS Kingdom. There is NO BETTER feeling!

   Why do you/I feel so good when we help others..monetarily, with our time, etc.. ?

   I believe the reason is that we are letting Jesus SHINE through when we serve. We are putting HIM on display..not ourselves..but JESUS.

   It is important to remember that if you are serving with the attitude of: “look at me”, that you are not shining for Jesus. That is shining for yourself. Yikes. Reality check. Been there and done that.  Don’t want to do that again. Who hasn’t? Unless you are perfect, that is.

   Are you hiding Jesus?

   Do you need to come before HIM and be honest about anything?

   As I shared yesterday, He already knows. AND..He is merciful and He is a forgiving God!

   I guess that the point I am trying to make is this:

   KNOWLEDGE WON’T CATCH A FISH…

   You (or I) can know all the right things to say and do, but if we don’t DO it…what good is that?

   We (those of us who know, believe & trust in our Savior) are called to be Fishers Of Men. In Matthew 4:19, Jesus tells Peter and his brother Andrew to follow Him and He would make them fishers of men.

   Matthew 4:19 ~ “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”

   Jesus is the light that shines within us..the light that we are supposed to shine for others to see and come to know Him. Jesus tells about this “light” in Luke 8:16.

   Luke 8:16 ~ ”No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.”

   I love how Jesus speaks to us. He uses stories..illustrations..so that we can “get it.” The verse above is as clear as it gets. That’s what it’s all about friends! Letting our light(Jesus) shine! By living what we profess to believe. By serving. By loving. By giving. By forgiving. In every way..to let our light SHINE. Knowing what to do and DOING it are two different things.

   Matthew 5:16 (ESV) ~ In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

   Love this song by Kari Jobe… listen and enjoy! 1-02 We Are

  Striving to SHINE for Jesus!

P.S. The links that are scattered through this post are of previous posts that I have written. You may want to read them again. I especially love the one about the Fishers of Men… Also, feel free to share my blog with others..It is my hope that others are reached for Christ through the writings in this blog. Blessings to you all! Shine on! ~ Heather

    Psalm 139:1-4 (ESV)

1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me!

2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;

you discern my thoughts from afar.

3 You search out my path and my lying down and are

acquainted with all my ways.

4 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord,

you know it altogether.

   Isn’t that a beautiful passage of scripture… GOD already knows. HE knows my feelings. HE knows my fears. He knows when I don’t feel like doing something.

   I’ll be honest with ya! There are days that I JUST DON’T FEEL LIKE IT. I get weary. I get tired. I get to throwing myself a little pity party…

   Sound familiar?

   Be honest…Be real…

   There are those times, when I wonder why I am even writing, teaching, etc. I feel so unworthy. I AM unworthy. Then..HE shows me again that HE is the reason. He reminds me that HE doesn’t call the equipped…NO, HE equips the called.

   Did you notice in the few sentences above that there were a lot of “I” statements?

   Here’s what happened this morning:

   I sat down at my kitchen table to have my “quiet time“ with God. I was tired. My mind was filled with so many distractions and things that I was concerned about. From questions about what I should be doing with my life to thoughts about my kids starting back to school. I just felt very compelled to be real with God. Before I even opened my Bible, I just talked to God.

   I told HIM…as if HE didn’t already know…(see Psalm 139:1-4 above). I told HIM what was on my mind.

   You know what? It felt GOOD to be honest with HIM.

   He already knows. He appreciates our honesty. More so than that, HE loves for us to admit that we can’t do it alone.

   See, true faith begins with humility. True obedience begins with surrender.

   There are going to be times when you won’t “feel” like being obedient. There will also be times when you will feel like you aren’t making a difference. Those are the times when you have to take YOU out of the equation and totally put the focus on God.

   There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with telling God that you are tired. There is nothing wrong with being completely honest with your Father. He prefers honesty anyways.

   We can’t fool HIM.

   We CAN trust HIM to lead, guide and direct us.

   If I am focused on how I feel…then I am NOT focused on obedience to GOD. Pray for the desire to be obedient. I DO. By the way, did you notice that my word popped up again? Here is the link to the post on Obedience that I posted earlier…if you don’t know what I am talking about.

   It boils down to this. This life is NOT ABOUT ME. Tired, weary, confused…those are all “ME” feelings. If I am focused on “ME” then I am not focused on all of the blessings and all of the ways that I can be a blessing to others because of God working through me.

    THINGS TO PONDER:

   Are you being real with God?

   Sometimes I am…and sometimes I forget that HE knows my true feelings.

   Do you ever feel weary even though you are actively serving God and others?

   I do. When I take my focus off of HIM…and begin thinking of how I feel…When I am being selfish.

   Do you realize that GOD knows your thoughts..your heart..the words that are going to slip off of your tongue?

   I realize that..but, sometimes I don’t grasp this truth completely.

   Does the fact that God already knows your thoughts, etc.. scare you? Does it make you want to apologize to HIM?

   It is definitely a humbling thought. It definitely makes ME want to be very careful and thoughtful and to please HIM completely!

   I pray that on the days when YOU just don’t feel like doing something that HE has asked you to do, that you will take a step back and be real with God. Take a breath. Pray. Be honest with God. He understands and HE can and will change your heart! You just have to let Him. Like I did…

   “If God sends us on stony paths, he provides strong shoes.” ~ Corrie ten Boom

   Blessings to you all…

   UNTIL NEXT TIME,

Recently, someone asked me a question.

HOW DO YOU TELL SOMEONE ABOUT JESUS? Someone who doesn’t want to hear about HIM..someone who has chosen to reject HIM..

My answer: You live it. They simply need you to SHOW THEM JESUS. They don’t need for you to hit them over the head with The Bible..they don’t need your condemnation. They just need to SEE JESUS.

Sound simple enough?

LIVE IT. BE A DOER..NOT JUST A HEARER.

James 2:17 (NIV) ~ In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

It can be so hard to hold our tongues…we just want them to know HIM. We want them to have what we have.

It takes patience. It takes intentionality. It takes perseverance. Time. Prayer. Obedience.

Patience, because of the many times you may hear “no” or “not interested” or “I’ve tried that”…

Intentionality, because when God calls you to do something HE is calling you to give it your all.

Perseverance, because it may not be easy..and you may feel like giving up. DON’T. GIVE. UP.

Time, because not everything happens fast. God’s timing is not our timing.

Prayer, because we need to communicate with God..we need to listen to HIM.

Obedience, because our obedience to God’s call will lead to blessing..and if the one we are witnessing to is obedient..it will lead to them knowing our God.

One more thing: Don’t take rejection personally. They aren’t rejecting you. Sadly, they are rejecting God.

What an awesome question that I was asked! Made me smile inside. Just knowing that the ones asking desired to share God with others.

Remember the saying…YOU may be the ONLY BIBLE that some people ever read.

We as followers of Jesus Christ, are called to ACTION. We are called to LIVE IT. To let our light shine..so that others may see Jesus in us!

Matthew 5:15, 16 (NIV)~ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Keep Shining my friends! Don’t. Give. Up.

UNTIL NEXT TIME,

P.S. ~ stay tuned for more posts about sharing Jesus.. Because not only do you need to Show them Jesus, but you have to KNOW His Word and know HIM..so that you can shine for HIM!

   Tis the season for giving thanks, for remembering the birth of our Savior Jesus and for making memories. Traditions are a huge part of this time of the year for me and my family. I thought I would share with you a few of the things that my family and I love to do in the month of December.

   To begin with, we normally get the Christmas decorations out right after Thanksgiving. I love to have my girls help with the decorating. This year, my youngest really got into it..and I so enjoyed letting her decorate the tree the way “she” wanted to.

   Another yearly tradition that I love to do with my girls is putting together and decorating a gingerbread house. LOVE doing this together! We turn on the Christmas music and have a good old time together. I hope they never think that they are “too old” for this!

   Something else that my girls and I love to do is make homemade Christmas ornaments. Last year we got together with our friends and did this..it was so much fun! The homemade ornaments are my favorite! There is just something special and precious about them. It brings me joy to open up the container and take them out one by one each December…remembering the time we spent together making them.

   There are Christmas parties with Church groups. Christmas Eve and Christmas day get-togethers with family. Yummy meals. Delicious desserts. Presents exchanged and LOTS of pictures taken.

   Something that my family has done for several years is help at a local event on Christmas Eve. We get the opportunity to feed people food and feed them God’s Word. My children look forward to this every year and my husband and I do as well. We go in order to be a blessing and end up being the ones that are blessed.

   There are lots of other traditions that we tend to do each year…too many to list. Traditions are fine. They are even fun. I hope that  in all of the memory making, that Jesus..the reason for this entire season of the year, stands out as being the soul purpose for Christmas. I hope I never make the other “stuff” seem more important than Jesus… I hope that the “traditions”, the fun things, only point to Jesus. By the attitudes we have while doing the “Christmas stuff”. In the way we behave around others. In what proves to be our priority. Is it showing others “Jesus” or is it showing others “stuff”?

   I love the lights, presents, and music just as much as the next person. I have to be careful that those “things” are not my priority. I have to be intentional about keeping Jesus in 1st place. I have to be even more intentional about spending quality time with my Father God during this time of the year. The time of the year when the hustle and bustle of the season could get in the way of quiet time with God….and in the way of spending time just being with Him and studying His Word.

   The BEST tradition that any of us could hope to be carried on by our families, is one of honoring God this Christmas season and every single day of the year. Remembering the birth of our Savior..and teaching others about Him. Finding someone who might not have anyone to share Christmas with…inviting them to your family gathering. Asking God to show you someone who may need your help this year at Christmas. Jesus…Others…and then Yourself. That is what brings JOY.

   You like gifts??…Good…find someone to give one to. Someone who may not have a Christmas if you don’t. Then you’ll find JOY. Now that is a tradition that could change the world.

   Merry Christmas to you all! I hope you take time to make memories…spend with Jesus..and carry on some traditions. I hope you are able to slow down and enjoy the gift of “the moment”. I hope you find JOY this Christmas season. I hope that you tune out the negative that you may encounter this season..and focus on the good….focus on God…celebrating the birth of our Savior Jesus.

   Until Next Time,

   The other morning I was telling my husband about something that happened earlier that week. He immediately quoted John 10:27 to me. That is where this post began…

   John 10:27 (NIV) ~ My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

   Our oldest daughter barrel races and loves horses. She proved to us that she was serious about it, and we were able to lease a horse for her. My hope was that she and the horse would bond.

   I got a “wild hair” the other day and decided that I wanted to just ride her to the area where she warms her up in the field. I hopped up and let her lead me out there. Then, I decided that I wanted to hold the reins and do it myself. So…I did. When I wanted the horse to stop …I did what my daughter does…but the horse didn’t stop. Until…my daughter very quietly and calmly said “Whoa“. I mean she stopped immediately. My daughter wasn’t holding the reins and she didn’t even raise her voice. Amazing! I was so excited! At that moment I knew that they were forming a bond.

   My daughter had been spending a lot of time with her horse. Devoting afternoons and evenings and free time to her horse. Grooming her. Training with her. Feeding her. Loving her. Talking to her. As a result, the horse “knew” her and followed her and listened to her.

   We are the sheep. If we are truly God’s children, we will listen and follow Him.

   We must devote quality time to HIM. We have to Listen to Him. Letting God groom us into what and who He wants us to be.

   We can’t do ALL the talking.

   We have to be consistent.

   So many times we want to “take the reins” from God. We must learn to listen for His “WHOA“…  A bond formed with our Father God is one of lasting value.

   Blessings to each and every one of you. I am thankful for YOU.

   Until Next Time,

Fog in the mountains of Maine

  Here in South Georgia, it was an extremely foggy morning! I could barely see two car lengths in front of me as I was driving this morning. I had to really focus on the road and also on my surroundings.

   It’s not that I don’t normally focus on the road, but because I could only see what was right in front of me…  I had to be even more focused.

   I didn’t pull off on the side of the road and wait for the fog to lift.

   I didn’t drive as fast as I normally would.

   I didn’t freak out because I could barely see.

   I kept going. Slower than I normally would. Bright lights on. Radio off. Focusing on what was right in front of me.

   Aware. Intentional. Focused.

   Life is filled with foggy times. Those are the times when we can choose to FOCUS on GOD or freak out and shut down.

   Isaiah 12:2 (NIV) ~ Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.

   God is always available. HE is always present. We have the choice to truly look to Him as our Sustainer and our Provider. He never changes. God never moves away from us. Even when it is so foggy that we can barely see what is in front of us, HE is there.

   Psalm 46:1 (NIV) ~ God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

   Sometimes we just have to look a little harder. Change our focus. Quiet our minds. Remove distractions.

   Realizing that when we stand firm and remain focused and keep going…that we can make it through the fog. Discovering that it isn’t as bad as we thought and that it is clearer on the other side of it. We have to keep moving forward though. We can’t stand still and freeze up out of fear. We have to trust that God IS who He says He is. Provider. Sustainer. Mighty God. Prince of Peace. Sovereign.

   Nahum 1:7 (NIV) ~ The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.

   We can’t grow if we are standing in the same place. We can only grow when we trust God and take those steps even when we are scared to death. We can only make it through the fog if we are focused on God. I know because I have been there..I have been in the fog before. The truth is this: Whatever we are focused on is magnified.

   Blessings to you all! May you find comfort in these words.

   Until Next Time,

The other night we were watching a documentary on TV and the man made a profound statement. In reference to his terrible childhood, he said: “You can’t live in two places at the same time.” Wow! I mean, that’s so true. You can’t be living in the present if you are still living in the past. You can’t be living in the present if you are worrying about the future.

Living in the present. Enjoying the gift of the present …

So much of the time, we waste precious minutes, rehashing the past. When, in truth, the past is the past. It’s the present..the here and now… that we must focus on. When the present is gone, all that is left is the memories or the lack of memories.

Do you want to waste the here and now? No, I don’t mean that the past isn’t special or worth remembering. What I am talking about is the past mistakes, past heartaches, past hurts, and all of the things in your past that makes you hurt inside. Learn your lessons, ask for forgiveness, live a life pleasing to God, and then live in the present.

If we are constantly living in fear of the future or controlled by the past, it just isn’t possible to be living..really LIVING in the PRESENT.

In Philippians 3:13, God’s Word clearly says “forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” Meaning to leave the past in the past & live in the present in obedience to God. I asked my oldest daughter what this verse meant to her, just to get her opinion. She said: ” What’s done is done..leave that behind..put the past in the past and move on in life to face goals and challenges in life.” I think she’s dead on. Because in Philippians 4:14, it goes on to say “press on towards the goal”.. meaning to strive to live a life that is pleasing to God.

God’s Word tells us these truths about living in the past, present and future:

PAST
Isaiah 43:18 (NIV)~ Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past

PRESENT & FUTURE
Colossians 3:23 ~ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men

PRESENT & FUTURE
1 Thessalonians 4:7 ~ For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.

I have to ask.. and I ask myself as well, Are you/Am I trying to live in two or even three places at the same time?

We can’t do it. It’s not possible to truly be present in more than one
place at a time. We have to stop dwelling in the past, as His Word commands in Isaiah 43:18.

Blessings to you all!

Until Next Time,

Heather