Tag: Christian

Dead Things

The leaves pictured above and attached to this tree are no longer beneficial to the tree. They are utterly useless. Dead. These leaves no longer produce food or nutrients to sustain the tree. They are simply hanging on until a harsh wind blows them away. And when they are gone this tree will later be covered in green, life-sustaining leaves.

Unfortunately, the things that are dead to us don’t just always fall off or blow away. Sometimes we have to remove them. This requires that we recognize our own “dead leaves” and shed them ourselves so we can make room for the things that will allow us to grow and thrive.

Just like leaves, many things in our lives are productive for one season only. We may often try to hold on to things long after their usefulness has past. We may attempt to cling to relationships after God’s purpose has been fulfilled.

Sometimes we wonder why certain things we once did don’t work as well as before. Or perhaps, things we once found entertaining appeal to us no longer. It may even be that a once engaging friendship has simply evaporated.

As we grow and mature there will be old things we should cast off in order that we may grasp what God has for us now. Many people suffer from a syndrome of hanging on to the glory days of the past oblivious that God is offering something different but better now. Many people often fail to see their potential “new thing” because their focus is on what was and not on what is.

Other people fixate on past disappointments, failures or regrets. Pondering these things will not nurture you but instead suck the very life out of you! It is wise to consider the lessons learned from these things yet take the lessons learned and move forward.

Our relationship with God should be ever-growing and ever-changing us! We should be ready for a new life with Him which may require that we let go of some dead things. These may include some of our habits, relationships or even opinions that are holding us back instead of propelling us forward.

Give a little thought to a few changes you can make in this year. Some may be monumental. Others may be quite small. Yet, in determining what you can shed and making room for “green leaves” later, you may actually find 2014 to be your best year yet!

“When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”
1 Corinthians 13:11

“Dead flies putrefy the perfumer’s ointment, And cause it to give off a foul odor; [So does] a little folly to one respected for wisdom [and] honor.” Ecclesiastes 10:1

Endure!

Ivy is one of my favorite plants for many reasons. However, the trait that I find most appealing is its tendency to endure. This particular plant has endured both drought and record rains. It has also survived scorching temperatures as well as the record lows of just last week. It is not the fastest growing plant I have but it is the hardiest. It has even managed to turn colors in its fight for survival yet it still lives!

In fact, most ivy is hard to kill. You pull it up by the roots and you think it’s gone. But look around in that same area a few months later…and it’s there once more! Its roots dig deep. Its grasp is tenacious. How much better could we be if only we would do the same?

Jesus teaches in Mark 4 about the Word of God and how it is liken to a seed sown on different ground. Sometimes our human failings occur not because we aren’t receptive to the Word of God; it is instead our failure to endure.

“These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble.” Mark 4:16-17

Notice, that particular verse does not say if tribulation or persecution arises but when.

We will all experience adversity or trials that come against us. That’s just life. Whatever change you think you need to solve a current problem, that change will most likely have another set of “problems” attached to it. Our goal in life should not be to have a “problem-free” existence.

Instead, it should be to gain maturity in Christ and weather our droughts, storms or whatever we are facing relying on God with faith and having enough hope to stay the course God has for us. It is when we are able to continue through our trials with the proper attitude and finish our race that we are victorious.

My ivy grows slowly, but it continues to grow.

Some things you may be hoping for or working toward may progress slowly but don’t give up on the dreams God has placed within you. If He has given them to you, He has also provided the means to accomplish them.

If you endure.

Joseph endured to see his dream fulfilled. Christ endured that we may live life abundantly. God is with us as well when we trust Him and endure.

“Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end [intended by] the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.” James 5:11

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares [us], and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1 NKJV

How Lovely!?

Emerging from a turkey induced coma, I was catching up on my reading only to learn that Clayton Paul Better Days through Better Ways… nominated me for The One Lovely Blog Award.

Clayton has been a  “coach” of sorts encouraging me and many others just when I was wondering what am I doing writing a blog? And for this I am very thankful.

The kindness and generosity of other writers has been phenomenal on this six month blogging journey. I never would have imagined anyone would really find me in my blogging corner let alone give me the time of day as I posted my ponderings for the world to see. I think perhaps my blogging endeavors are God’s way of pulling me out of my “box.” I am indeed a very happy introvert!

Yet more than that, I have read words of other writers that have touched me when I’ve needed it most. Some posts have been “food for thought.” Others have made me laugh out loud. Some have even made me cry. I’ve been inspired, educated and fascinated as others have allowed me a glimpse into their lives.

Sharing your blogs with me has truly been a blessing.

So, per my award requirements, seven things about me…

I’ve been enjoying Christmas music for well over a month now. Yes, I am one of those people! Handel’s Messiah, Pachelbel’s Canon and other Baroque classics have streamed from my iPod for weeks.

I’ve been a pharmacist for over twenty years which has allowed me to meet some truly wonderful people both as patients and co-workers.

My favorite dog is the Shetland Sheepdog. I’ve been blessed with three as Christmas gifts and my sweet “Noel” is sleeping near me as I type this.

I have yet to find a kitchen gadget or cookbook I did not like.

Photography is my latest hobby. We’ll have to wait and see how that (literally) develops.

My inspirational writing began at some of the lowest points in my life. I didn’t realize at the time I was ministering to myself and would later encourage others with those same words.

Finally, I’m very grateful you took the time to read this! Time is precious; we can’t ever recover it once it’s lost. Thanks for sharing some of yours with me!

Now here is where it gets tricky. Many of the blogs I love have already received this award and the new ones I’ve found, I’m not sure if they will accept but I definitely think they are well….lovely. My nominees are:

Morsels of Bread

Vincent Egoro Personal Development, Relationships, Motivation through Christ

More Than Words

Adventures in LSD

Coloring Outside the Lines

Mind Body Soul Healing the Whole Person

Good Stewardship

Some of these are inspirational. Others deal with autism since I have benefited greatly from others who have shared their experiences with this disorder on their blogs.

Take some time to check out new arrivals in our blogosphere as well as old favorites. You never know what will inspire and stir your own creativity.

Merry Christmas and Be Blessed!!

Declare Your Thanks!

“That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, And tell of all Your wondrous works,” Psalms 26:7 NKJV 

In this new age of social media, Facebook, Instagram, Tumbler and all the other things I can’t keep up with or operate we are prodded and urged to post, update and communicate with the masses. Some people post photos of the food they eat, places they’ve gone, people they’ve met and so on but how many of us truly proclaim with thanksgiving what God has done in our lives?

We often talk or post some of every kind of thing, yet much of what we relay to others is actually insignificant in the large scheme of things. What difference could we make if we actually did what the many chapters of Psalms instruct us to do?

I’m not trying to sound like a religious fanatic, far from it, but have we ever thought that there is a reason we are implored again and again to make a joyful noise and come before the Lord with thanksgiving?

When we hear with our own voices what God has done, it makes us mindful of what really is important in life. Declaring His works with rejoicing, offering a praise of thanksgiving and magnifying Him with thanksgiving allow us to put things in their proper perspective. The words don’t just bless God our Father, they bless us!

Declaring what God has done each new day, the miracle of life, milestones He has allowed us to see and do, personal promises fulfilled, these things placed at the front of our consciousness keep us with an attitude of gratitude. This practice keeps us sane and allows us to hold on strong to Him when chaos breaks about around us.

Our words of gratitude are not just for our benefit, we are to testify to others. I’m not condoning hitting anyone on the head with a Bible, but I have found that when I have shared what God has done for me, it has often provided hope for someone else.

In this new era of possible “overshare” why not share something truly meaningful?

“Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, And declare His works with rejoicing,” Psalms 107:22 NKJV”

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name,” Psalms 100:4 NKJV

Pray and Persist

Sometimes in the pursuit of getting from point A to point Z we are often met with a few obstacles, distractions and detours.  Sometimes we can clearly see our destination but not the best route to get there. What we may think is a direct line between two points often turns out to be a circle that leads us right back to where we started! Or, what is presented as the best route possible turns out to be nothing more than a dead-end. So what should we do when we can see where we want to go but not quite how to get there?

Pray and Persist.

Pray to affirm that you are not only on the right path, but indeed seeking the correct destination!

What at times I thought was God’s will for me turned out to be the biggest headaches and left me suffering for them years later. I finally wised up and now pray first, then plan. I used to precede with my plan first and when it began to fall apart pray for God to hold it together. However, my plans were often never God’s intention for me in the first place!

Praying to God and listening to what He says gives you the confidence necessary to persist on whatever path He may lead you. I am the kind of person who wants to know the who, what, when, where and how all lined up in front of me before I even begin.

However, my walk with God leaves a lot of what I want to see before I start…lacking. I have learned that my walk with God forces me to take steps of faith even when I don’t know where I’m going. This requires that I lean on God, listen to Him and have an ever-increasing faith that He will do what is necessary to get me where I need to go. I no longer require all the answers. It is required of me that I trust God to be with me on my journey. I can keep going because I now know I don’t have to know how I’m going to reach my destination but merely trust in Who is going to get me there.

If you have a situation that you’re not quite sure of, or if you are traveling a path that God has placed you on yet doubt is attacking you at every turn, pray and persist!

“Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established.” Proverbs 16:3 NKJV

Examine Your Relationship!

When people first fall in love, odds are they will do just about anything to be with the one they love. New love prompts people to spend as much time as possible with a potential spouse or companion. There is a want and a willingness to please the other person. The needs and wants of their loved one become a priority!

Yet as the years go on, we may find ourselves taking for granted the very person we were once willing to go to the ends of the earth for. The companionship of that spouse or significant other is not the priority it once was.  That transition in stages from “getting to know you,” to “endless love,” and then to “comfort and familiarity” can eventually descend into something not that loving at all.

In some relationships where there was once a steadfast love and appreciation for the other person, excitement and joy diminish leaving a relationship where one or more parties become undervalued and taken for granted.

Unfortunately, many allow this same lack of enthusiasm and zeal to infiltrate their relationship with God!

Even though grateful for salvation, some of us no longer seek Him with the enthusiasm and determination once reserved for that newfound love. Instead, we lie back comfortably in our blessed assurance but don’t continue to appreciate all that God has to offer and fail to put in the time necessary to deepen and further that relationship.

Successful marriages take time and effort. They don’t just happen. There is significant sacrifice, consideration and effort placed into making a good marriage work.

Our relationship with God is no different! For us to have the very best relationship with God possible, we must put in time and effort. This relationship requires sacrifice, often the very things and people we enjoy! Every relationship requires give and take yet many people base their relationship with God in terms of taking what He can give instead of giving of their time, talents, finances, praise and worship to make that relationship even better.

Great relationships are also based on great communication. We often want to talk to God, but do we listen with the same enthusiasm and willingness to hear what He would say? Unlike relationships with people, what God says to us is flawless. Some of us are quicker to follow bad advice from imperfect people than to take direction from Perfection.

Accepting God’s gift of salvation is a first step just like the bride and groom who commit to one another at the altar. However, if that relationship is to grow, develop and sustain itself through “for better and for worse, richer and poorer, good times and in bad” we have to deepen our commitment, resolve and desire to make the most of the relationship.

This means instead of asking God, “why me?” or pouting because a promise has yet to be fulfilled, or circumstances are not as expected we need to do those things necessary to deepen and improve the relationship. It is prudent that we make God a priority just like a new love. We are to seek Him, His presence and  His Word that our relationship would grow and not stagnate. Many couples have a “date night” or designated time set aside for one another to nourish their relationship. If you want your relationship with God to thrive, it is necessary you deliberately set time aside for Him!

If you feel like you are missing something, not living your life to the fullest or there is a void you can’t quite put your finger on, take time to truly search yourself and examine your relationship!

Are you just talking to God occasionally or are you in a committed relationship?

“…And as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, So shall your God rejoice over you,” Isaiah 62:5 NKJV

Awards Day

A very kind man named
Clayton Paul, blogging over at Clayton Paul, Better days through better ways … nominated me for The Versatile Blogger Award! To say I was shocked is an understatement.  However, his kind deed is very much appreciated nonetheless. I always enjoy reading his posts because I never know what I’m going to get each day (cause he’s versatile) but I look forward to them and each one leaves me with food for thought or insightful information. I’ve only been blogging for roughly three months now but here goes…

My Nominees are:

Devotions by Chris are literally “a daily dose of encouragement.” These are always good reads to start the day or end with. His voice is sincere and topics true to “real life” for anyone trying to “walk in the Light.”

Raising 5 Kids With Disabilities and Remaining Sane Blog is the very first blog I followed.  This blog has given me laughter, inspiration, and the determination to be the best mom I can possibly be. Sometimes comical yet often touching, this very busy mom handles her challenges in stride. Some people preach, others teach by example!

Fighter Faith by Jason B. Ladd is a good one. This guy is no wuss! He’s a marine, husband, father of five and flies fighter jets! His blog is Christian but from a totally different perspective than mine. He tackles current events and some of the ugly stuff; after all he is a Marine! But he also tackles parenting and other relevant issues.  Well rounded comments from a well-rounded guy.

The Culture Monk has me hooked. You never know what topic he will take on over a cup of coffee. Relationships, religion and culture are just a few things he tackles but his posts provoke you to really search out your opinion. He takes on the good, the bad and the ugly in what we call modern society.

J.S. Park calls his blog “A Blog for Struggling Christians,” I call it a good dose of common sense! It is a Christian based blog but he definitely “keeps it real,” posting on everyday issues people battle with daily in today’s culture.

The Adventures of Fanny P has made me laugh and cry. You never know what her adventures with thing 1 and thing 2 will bring about. She is very open and honest sharing both family joys and woes. She counts the joys, tears and her blessings!

Chris Martin Writes really, really well! He really puts you there in the midst of his stories. No time for a good book? Chris provides a good read “fix” that fits within daily time restraints yet leaves you satisfied. His writings are inspirational and thought provoking.

Today’s Manger gives good insight and advice about dealing with life “situations” often met in the workplace. These thoughts and posts are not exclusive to the work environment but they are always encouraging and inspiring. You don’t have to be a “manger” to benefit from these posts. They really teach us how to manage ourselves.

Heavenly Raindrops always leaves me blessed! Her stunning photos and inspired words are one of the first things I check out each morning.

Storyshucker by Stuart M. Perkins always offers a great read. His short stories are often inspirational, comical, and or insightful. His characters are vivid, and the stories have twists and turns that leave you smiling at the end. He is very talented and his tales talk to this southern gal’s heart.

Perceptions of Reality (tagged under parenting and autism). The post “Grandmother made her cry” really struck a chord with me. Well worth checking out if you are affected by anyone with special needs or would like a peek into living along the spectrum.

Life Reference is “a Christian’s walk through everyday life,” and I always enjoy
Don Merritt’s posts. He often show’s a different perspective to commonly asked questions. He provides a good read and direction for those willing to “dig just a little deeper.”

Faith Comes from Hearing just got the Liebster award but I like the posts so much it gets another. Yes, I know it’s another Christian blog but that is where I’m usually hanging out in the blogosphere.  Do check it out. I’m obviously not alone in my opinion of this one!

The Belmont Rooster is one of my favorites. I am a die-hard gardener and so is he. Even if you aren’t gardener, his posts are quite entertaining and even educational. His blog is a gardener’s boon!

Finally, I would have nominated iChristian  by Steve Rebus but his blog has already received this award. It blesses me every day. In addition, Prayers and Promises by Diana Rasmussen and Little World of Hope and Little Words of Hope are all awards free but definitely worth checking out!

Okay… seven things about me

I am really a fan boy! Or rather, fan girl. I am a die-hard Marvel Comics lover. Nothing against DC but that love of reading had to  start somewhere. Thirty-five years later and I still love those X-men!

I’m a sucker for any pretty flower, bush or tree.

I am a therapist. No, not really but everyone treats me like one and comes to me with their problems. I think it’s because I’ll actually listen.

I’m an introvert married to an extrovert. That’s made for an interesting couple of decades of marriage.

I love jazz and classical music.

My favorite move is Jaws. Corny, I know but really a breakout back in its time. I watched it opening week when I was way too young leaving me traumatized for years. It continues to makes me flinch, fake shark and all.

Anything with chocolate, cream cheese or pecans is good.

Thanks again Clayton for the recognition and many thanks to all of you who have supported my writing. I have been consistently blogging (as consistently as I can) for roughly three months and the blogging community has quite generous.

I wish you all well and may you continue to bless those fortunate enough to find your words!

Lilka .

A is for Abundance

“Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance,” Isaiah 55:2 NKJV

Most of us are always in the pursuit of abundance. We are often looking for ways to have an abundance of something or another. For many people it is money or opportunities to earn money. Some people may be in pursuit of peace. And for others it may be joy. It may even be a combination of things, yet most of us at some point have pursued abundance in every way but God’s way.

The preceding verse reflects our society as it stands today. Apparently, not that much has changed since Biblical times. They were spending money on things that failed to satisfy them as well.

Our society spends billions of dollars yearly seeking “abundance” yet still those dollars don’t satisfy. A new toy or gadget may be entertaining for the short-term, but it only takes the next electronic device or innovation to leave many longing for a “feeling” that quickly fades. Unfortunately, many are unaware what they truly crave can’t be purchased.

Many of the most affluent nations also suffer from the highest rates of depression. People are working themselves to death. Many have an abundance of “stuff” but fail to delight themselves in Who really provides peace, joy, and contentment. There is often a continual search for some “thing”, experience, feeling, or promise that guarantees joy, happiness, success, or status. When one “thing” fails to provide the “high” people are looking for they are on to the next, placing more faith in false advertisements and sales pitches than in the very Words that offer an abundant life.

A lot of us have not enjoyed God’s abundance as we could because we failed to listen to God. We believe we have it figured out, know what is best for ourselves and want to control our own destiny. That approach has left most people still searching, hungry and frustrated by their own failed efforts.

When we listen to God as instructed above, we can eat that which is good and delight ourselves in God’s promises. To listen requires that we hear and obey.

Some of us are struggling in distinct areas in our lives due to our own disobedience. We even know what God says about certain strongholds or areas yet we continue to suffer or lack because we refuse to yield those areas over to Him. We often know what to do but fail to do it for an array of reasons. Pride, fear, and the opinions of others are just a few reasons that leave people still searching for what only God can offer.

“Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart,” Psalms 37:4. NKJV

We are instructed to delight ourselves in the Lord, not the latest gadget, fashion, music, career opportunity or whatever else people are often hustling to obtain. The things people delight themselves in often fail to satisfy for any real length of time. When we delight ourselves in the Lord, He then gives us what we really want.

Sadly, many people don’t even know what they want. The concepts of peace, joy, and true love are foreign concepts to many. Money can’t buy happiness but millions continue to try time and time again.

“But the meek shall inherit the earth, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace,” Psalms 37:11. NKJV

That restless feeling many people suffer from is actually due to a lack of peace. People pursue money trying to buy the “things” they think will provide peace and joy. A lot of people go into debt trying to buy happiness and love and are instead left restless and distraught in their attempts to buy “a good life.” Their costly pursuits often have devastating consequences that people spend years trying to dig themselves out from under.

The “good life,” is actually free for all of us. Jesus paid the price so that we could have a good life, one that involves a relationship with Him!

“…I have come that they may have life, and that they may have [it] more abundantly,” John 10:10. NKJV

Jesus did not die for us that we may accumulate more “stuff.” That was hardly the abundance He had in mind. Jesus Christ died that we would have peace, joy, and a relationship with Him to fill our voids and satisfy our thirst. That is what we truly desire whether we realize it or not.

Have you been looking for love, hope, truth, grace or whatever you are yearning for…in all the wrong places?

“For You, Lord [are] good and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You,” Psalms 86:5 NKJV

“But You, O Lord, [are] a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth,” Psalms 86:15 NKJV

“Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” 1 Peter 1:3

DEAD HEADS

As much as I love and enjoy the beauty of my flowers, I am compulsive and pursue “dead-heading” with a passion.

“Dead-heading” is cutting off dead and wilted flowers to encourage the plant to produce more blooms. I’ve recently done this so my roses will bloom until the frost.

Now if only we would so eagerly “dead-head” those things about ourselves that should be removed, so we can “bloom” bigger and brighter.

Unlike pruning, which requires significant effort and deep cuts, dead-heading is easy. A few snips with the scissors and the plant once again looks healthy and whole. Not only does dead-heading make the plant more productive, it also thwarts disease and rot.

Like my plants, small things can often mar our “beauty” as well. There are things about each of us that if we would only snip them now, would give way to spiritual growth and productivity.

If I allow my roses to bloom as they do in the spring and leave them untouched, the bush will look gorgeous for a short while but then quickly decline from something sensational to instead sinister.

However, when I take the time to diligently tend to them on a regularly, clipping off the dead flowers and skeletal remains, the bush thrives.

We thrive when we snip off dead things, the things about ourselves that are no longer productive. Live flowers provide pollen and nectar. Honeybees can’t get anything from a dead bloom. They don’t even try. Yet, unlike bees, we often try to pull life from things that were once life-giving but are now dead.

We may need to “dead-head” a habit or two so we can progress from where we are to where we should be. I recently saw a local church sign that implored people to stop spending so much time on Facebook so they could have time for God’s Book.

I’ll admit I frequent the coffee drive-through way more than I should! There is something each of us can “snip” that would make us more physically, mentally, emotionally or even spiritually productive.

Often we hold on to things that are not only dead to us but potentially deadly because their familiarity is comforting. Sugar? Caffeine? Acquaintances?

Small cuts now can prevent drastic and necessary pruning later. A little self-control in the beginning is easier and less painful than loads of self-correction later.

We are implored in 1 Peter 5:8 to “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” NKJV

One way to be sober and vigilant is to manage small things before they escalate into larger issues.

Think about a few things you could “dead-head.” Habits? People? Places? Whatever God places on your heart to cut away, it is for a reason and for your benefit. Don’t dismiss the prodding of the Holy Spirit and miss a greater blessing later due to disobedience.

What cuts can you make?

Heavenly Father, allow us to recognize those things we need to cut now for greater gains in the future. We are grateful for Your renewing power that allows us to bloom when we remove those things that are dead. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Buried or Planted?

There are times in life when we feel stressed and overwhelmed by daily responsibilities. Family obligations, job stresses, health issues and an array of other things can make us feel as if we are overcome and buried beneath a ton of bricks.  We often bury ourselves beneath the weight of unnecessary commitments, circumstances, and even our own poor choices.

In addition, the storms of life can pour more rain on us that any umbrella can withstand. It is at this time we must make the pivotal decision that will determine our outcome. We must each decide if we are buried or planted?

Buried is to be overcome by whatever situation is bearing down and you can’t see your way out from under. Buried is seeing a situation as permanent and immovable. When something is buried it lies dead never to emerge again.

Planted is quite different. Dead seeds are covered with dirt just as something that is buried, however they will eventually emerge transformed into something new! You are planted when you are overcome with the stuff in your life yet expect to rise up from under and into something better, something only God can do!

Our storms dump water on a grave from which nothing will rise forth. For that which is planted, those same storms provide the water necessary for growth, transforming that dead seed into something that will yet live and break out from under the dirt.

We can look at the “dirt” that appears to overtake us and believe we are buried or have faith in God that we are instead planted in that same situation.

The dirt that weighs us down may actually hold the nutrients (circumstances, experience, and maturity) required to grow into what God would have us to become. We all require a unique combination of trials and tribulations if we are to grow instead of wither and die. God truly gives each of us what we need (not necessarily what we want) to grow with Him.

Jesus was planted in the tomb and resurrected into something new. His own disciples didn’t recognize Him upon His resurrection. This same power is available to us when we choose to submit ourselves to God and allow Him to transform us into so much more than we were before!

We need only to ask Him and be changed for the better. Obedience may require that we push through some dirt and weather some storms but it is faith in what God can do that fuels our final outcome.

Which do you choose…buried or planted?

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world,” 1 John 4:4 NKJV

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world,” John 16:33 NKJV