Sunday, April 13, 2014
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Being the woman HE sees
Hi Ladies!
Do you know what God sees when He looks at you?
He sees a woman of great strength. A woman who can heal from hurt and rise up again and do things even greater than she has done before. A woman who can LOVE openly, sacrificially, without comparing new journeys to the past. A woman with a conquering spirit to build up and fortify the relationships that she is in and support those that are in her world.
He sees a woman who is tender. A woman whom He designed to love like He loves. A woman who chooses to be compassionate and who naturally extends her hands. A woman with honest, with pure intentions.
He sees a woman with purpose. A woman who does things with intention. He sees you in your moments of anxiety. He sees you as you align your life with His will and as you journey toward that.
Today, I had a moment of anxiety. I was speaking with my boyfriend about his dreams and goals [this is the subject I like speaking of most in life]. While we spoke I had a moment when I recalled an incident where I had been really hurt in my choice to help someone with a dream of theirs. Now ladies, I'm being very vulnerable here...in that moment I physically had a hard time breathing. I walked away momentarily to collect myself. I had forgiven this person in my past. I was a woman of my word and finished what I promised. But this was the first time I was revisiting this life-dream-goal topic with the male gender and there in that moment were these emotions that I had to sort out quickly so that I could continue. When I walked away to gather my thoughts. The very first thing I thought about was how much I care about this man I am talking with now. The next thought was....'I want to spend my entire life building into the dreams of others.' Followed by the thought, 'You need to do this. One day I desire to be a wife who is this pillar of substance, strength, support, and faith for her husband building him up and encouraging his dreams......what I choose to do and practice today will directly effect the way I am able to do those things and to what extent in my future.' So, I took a deep breath and said, 'God, I want you to do this through me.' I was so excited to be having this conversation with him. The only reason why this anxiety came up was because Satan has a way of trying to use reflections from the past to cloud the future of what God is trying to birth in front of us. In those moments....we have the opportunity to choose. To dwell in anxiety is to remain in the past. To complete the conversation with such determination is to proclaim the substance that your faith rests upon and the hope for your future.
Where ever you are today, can I remind and encourage you of something? DO NOT. DO NOT. DO NOT......allow yourself to be defeated in small spiritual battles of the mind or emotions. As my sister would say, 'Get it together!' Choose to stand in the middle of the substance that your faith is formed in and be the woman your heart longs to be. The woman HE sees. And btw.....no one else has to know or see it. You don't have to tell anyone about your moment with God, You will naturally reflect His beauty by your choice in the silence. People will be drawn to you without knowing why....and that is powerful. In that exchange, God's greatness is magnified.
Do you know what God sees when He looks at you?
He sees a woman of great strength. A woman who can heal from hurt and rise up again and do things even greater than she has done before. A woman who can LOVE openly, sacrificially, without comparing new journeys to the past. A woman with a conquering spirit to build up and fortify the relationships that she is in and support those that are in her world.
He sees a woman who is tender. A woman whom He designed to love like He loves. A woman who chooses to be compassionate and who naturally extends her hands. A woman with honest, with pure intentions.
He sees a woman with purpose. A woman who does things with intention. He sees you in your moments of anxiety. He sees you as you align your life with His will and as you journey toward that.
Today, I had a moment of anxiety. I was speaking with my boyfriend about his dreams and goals [this is the subject I like speaking of most in life]. While we spoke I had a moment when I recalled an incident where I had been really hurt in my choice to help someone with a dream of theirs. Now ladies, I'm being very vulnerable here...in that moment I physically had a hard time breathing. I walked away momentarily to collect myself. I had forgiven this person in my past. I was a woman of my word and finished what I promised. But this was the first time I was revisiting this life-dream-goal topic with the male gender and there in that moment were these emotions that I had to sort out quickly so that I could continue. When I walked away to gather my thoughts. The very first thing I thought about was how much I care about this man I am talking with now. The next thought was....'I want to spend my entire life building into the dreams of others.' Followed by the thought, 'You need to do this. One day I desire to be a wife who is this pillar of substance, strength, support, and faith for her husband building him up and encouraging his dreams......what I choose to do and practice today will directly effect the way I am able to do those things and to what extent in my future.' So, I took a deep breath and said, 'God, I want you to do this through me.' I was so excited to be having this conversation with him. The only reason why this anxiety came up was because Satan has a way of trying to use reflections from the past to cloud the future of what God is trying to birth in front of us. In those moments....we have the opportunity to choose. To dwell in anxiety is to remain in the past. To complete the conversation with such determination is to proclaim the substance that your faith rests upon and the hope for your future.
Where ever you are today, can I remind and encourage you of something? DO NOT. DO NOT. DO NOT......allow yourself to be defeated in small spiritual battles of the mind or emotions. As my sister would say, 'Get it together!' Choose to stand in the middle of the substance that your faith is formed in and be the woman your heart longs to be. The woman HE sees. And btw.....no one else has to know or see it. You don't have to tell anyone about your moment with God, You will naturally reflect His beauty by your choice in the silence. People will be drawn to you without knowing why....and that is powerful. In that exchange, God's greatness is magnified.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Gettin real with the girls...
Hey ladies!
So, It has been about a month since I have written. Wow, time sure does fly by! I want to share with you a few things that God has been doing in my life and also a few things that He has been challenging me on. Being willing to let go before you receive...refusing to give attention to what does not deserve your attention...and being honest even when you are not specifically asked, knowing that you will not look your best. I hope this encourages and empowers you.
Okay, first is this idea of letting go before you receive. God has challenged me on this before in the past but recently this has come up in an area of my life that is so close to my heart. This request I felt God speaking to my heart about actually came up in the same area on three different occasions. Each time, I saw this image of Abraham letting go of his son and watching his walk up a hill, feeling pain that he would have to say goodbye. Each time I saw this image I felt God challenging me to literally say to him, "God I'm okay with your will and am willing to let this go if that is what you desire." You know, it wasn't that I thought I was necessarily going to loose that desire in my life, but more that I felt God challenging my faith to see if I would confess with my mouth that I was okay and would trust him, even if I was sad or disappointed. The Bible talks about how out of the heart the mouth speaks...the things we proclaim in our hearts often need to be verbalized to assure our faith. Its not that God needs our assurance, but more so that He wants to see us holding onto Him alone.
The next thing I want to share with you is more of a question. Are there things or people in your life that you are giving attention to that are not lined up with God's priority for your life right now? Why do we entertain these ideas or in some cases, individuals. Maybe, we feel bad. Maybe, we do not know how to say 'NO'. Maybe, we think things will turn out differently. Maybe, we are trying to be kind. I want to share a personal story with you. A little over a month ago I shared with a man, I am now in a relationship with, a story about some pain I had experienced from a man in my past. I was open and honest, but also a little afraid. You see, I've always been the type to push myself, even in fear. Some might think, "Wow, she's super brave," but the truth is I'm just stubborn and refuse to be pushed around by a little fear. Well, that night after having that conversation I had a dream. There was no sound in my dream and the only thing I saw was this beautiful female figure suspended on one side of a line. On the opposite side of that line was this image of a person who was so honest and intentional. I woke up and knew instantly, that if I did not try with all of my heart I would loose my chance. I felt this assurance that I would not experience the same sort of pain that I had before.
Ironically, about 10 minutes later I was getting ready and received a text message from the very person who had caused all that pain well over a year ago. It read, "I miss you." Ladies, you know how certain words strike your heart....well, a year ago that text would have caused me to rethink everything I was getting ready to embark on. Yet, in that moment I looked in the mirror and literally said out loud, "You are going to cross that line and never look back and thought....Satan will have no room to cause doubt in my future love [whomever God deems]. I deleted that message and carried on. You see ladies, sometimes the very best thing you can do for yourself is to trust God just enough. It's not a matter of what you see in the physical but what you are believing in faith....beyond that line of security or fear.
One last thing that is on my heart today that I want to share with you is what real honesty looks like. Each of us has at least one area of our life that is muddled, or flawed. [to be continued....something just came up that needs my immediate attention.]
Love you ladies
Andrea
So, It has been about a month since I have written. Wow, time sure does fly by! I want to share with you a few things that God has been doing in my life and also a few things that He has been challenging me on. Being willing to let go before you receive...refusing to give attention to what does not deserve your attention...and being honest even when you are not specifically asked, knowing that you will not look your best. I hope this encourages and empowers you.
Okay, first is this idea of letting go before you receive. God has challenged me on this before in the past but recently this has come up in an area of my life that is so close to my heart. This request I felt God speaking to my heart about actually came up in the same area on three different occasions. Each time, I saw this image of Abraham letting go of his son and watching his walk up a hill, feeling pain that he would have to say goodbye. Each time I saw this image I felt God challenging me to literally say to him, "God I'm okay with your will and am willing to let this go if that is what you desire." You know, it wasn't that I thought I was necessarily going to loose that desire in my life, but more that I felt God challenging my faith to see if I would confess with my mouth that I was okay and would trust him, even if I was sad or disappointed. The Bible talks about how out of the heart the mouth speaks...the things we proclaim in our hearts often need to be verbalized to assure our faith. Its not that God needs our assurance, but more so that He wants to see us holding onto Him alone.
The next thing I want to share with you is more of a question. Are there things or people in your life that you are giving attention to that are not lined up with God's priority for your life right now? Why do we entertain these ideas or in some cases, individuals. Maybe, we feel bad. Maybe, we do not know how to say 'NO'. Maybe, we think things will turn out differently. Maybe, we are trying to be kind. I want to share a personal story with you. A little over a month ago I shared with a man, I am now in a relationship with, a story about some pain I had experienced from a man in my past. I was open and honest, but also a little afraid. You see, I've always been the type to push myself, even in fear. Some might think, "Wow, she's super brave," but the truth is I'm just stubborn and refuse to be pushed around by a little fear. Well, that night after having that conversation I had a dream. There was no sound in my dream and the only thing I saw was this beautiful female figure suspended on one side of a line. On the opposite side of that line was this image of a person who was so honest and intentional. I woke up and knew instantly, that if I did not try with all of my heart I would loose my chance. I felt this assurance that I would not experience the same sort of pain that I had before.
Ironically, about 10 minutes later I was getting ready and received a text message from the very person who had caused all that pain well over a year ago. It read, "I miss you." Ladies, you know how certain words strike your heart....well, a year ago that text would have caused me to rethink everything I was getting ready to embark on. Yet, in that moment I looked in the mirror and literally said out loud, "You are going to cross that line and never look back and thought....Satan will have no room to cause doubt in my future love [whomever God deems]. I deleted that message and carried on. You see ladies, sometimes the very best thing you can do for yourself is to trust God just enough. It's not a matter of what you see in the physical but what you are believing in faith....beyond that line of security or fear.
One last thing that is on my heart today that I want to share with you is what real honesty looks like. Each of us has at least one area of our life that is muddled, or flawed. [to be continued....something just came up that needs my immediate attention.]
Love you ladies
Andrea
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Forgiveness: Beginning to talk about it...
Good Evening Girls!
So after writing daily for 35 days and confronting the BUTs in our faith statements I was really unsure where to go next. What to write about from here? Do I continue to write daily or go back to every-so-often? I have spent the last week praying about this and this morning I woke up with the subject of forgiveness on my heart. The weight of the topic actually brought me to my knees and to tears. There is so much I want to talk with you about and I hope you are able to share some of your stories too. I really believe that this is an issue that many women and men deal with and one that is so close to the heart of God. I'm not sure what this chapter of the blog will look like fully....so I'll keep you 'posted' ;). For now, I want to begin by sharing this song that speaks to the heart of forgiveness. Looking forward to exploring this with you.
Lots of Love,
Andrea
So after writing daily for 35 days and confronting the BUTs in our faith statements I was really unsure where to go next. What to write about from here? Do I continue to write daily or go back to every-so-often? I have spent the last week praying about this and this morning I woke up with the subject of forgiveness on my heart. The weight of the topic actually brought me to my knees and to tears. There is so much I want to talk with you about and I hope you are able to share some of your stories too. I really believe that this is an issue that many women and men deal with and one that is so close to the heart of God. I'm not sure what this chapter of the blog will look like fully....so I'll keep you 'posted' ;). For now, I want to begin by sharing this song that speaks to the heart of forgiveness. Looking forward to exploring this with you.
Lots of Love,
Andrea
Sunday, February 13, 2011
The 35 Day Challenge: Day 35 of 35
The 35 Day Challenge: Day 35 of 35
It is finished. :)
Well, beautiful woman....where-ever you are in the world today....we've come to the end of our 35 day Challenge. These last 35 days have been soooooo good for me and I hope this challenge to eliminate the BUTs in your faith statements has pushed you, has encouraged you, and perhaps has even helped to bring restoration. As a conclusion I want to take a few minutes to share with you a few things that I hope continue to shed light on any life circumstance you might be facing. God's plans for you are to prosper. Never to harm you, but to give you a hope and a future that is exceedingly and abundantly beyond anything that you could ever ask or think. Remember that you already have the greatest love that anyone could ever know.
Faith is a process, but the testing of it creates the substance of the VERY promise you are waiting for. Hold tight and get ready for the adventure of your life!!!!
xoxoxoxx
Love you so much my sister
Andrea
It is finished. :)
Well, beautiful woman....where-ever you are in the world today....we've come to the end of our 35 day Challenge. These last 35 days have been soooooo good for me and I hope this challenge to eliminate the BUTs in your faith statements has pushed you, has encouraged you, and perhaps has even helped to bring restoration. As a conclusion I want to take a few minutes to share with you a few things that I hope continue to shed light on any life circumstance you might be facing. God's plans for you are to prosper. Never to harm you, but to give you a hope and a future that is exceedingly and abundantly beyond anything that you could ever ask or think. Remember that you already have the greatest love that anyone could ever know.
Faith is a process, but the testing of it creates the substance of the VERY promise you are waiting for. Hold tight and get ready for the adventure of your life!!!!
xoxoxoxx
Love you so much my sister
Andrea
The 35 Day Challenge: Day 34 of 35
The 35 Day Challenge: Day 34 of 35
Eat lunch, look out the window, and smile @ the fact that a building is blocking your view
One more sleep ladies. Today, I sat in a booth at Sweet Tomatoes for lunch and listed out my goals for the next year....periodically I stopped and looked out the window to see what I could see from my current perspective. Not much to tell you the truth. As I looked, I saw a couple buildings, but all else was blocked by their size and volume. I smiled thinking....there is so much more beyond what I do not see. Today, where ever you are and what ever is in front of you. Stop. Smile. Perhaps, look out a window...and smile at the buildings that are blocking all that you do not see. It won't take that long to walk around them.
xoxoxo
Until tomorrow.
Lots and lots of Love
Andrea
Eat lunch, look out the window, and smile @ the fact that a building is blocking your view
One more sleep ladies. Today, I sat in a booth at Sweet Tomatoes for lunch and listed out my goals for the next year....periodically I stopped and looked out the window to see what I could see from my current perspective. Not much to tell you the truth. As I looked, I saw a couple buildings, but all else was blocked by their size and volume. I smiled thinking....there is so much more beyond what I do not see. Today, where ever you are and what ever is in front of you. Stop. Smile. Perhaps, look out a window...and smile at the buildings that are blocking all that you do not see. It won't take that long to walk around them.
xoxoxo
Until tomorrow.
Lots and lots of Love
Andrea
Friday, February 11, 2011
The 35 Day Challenge: Day 33 of 35
The 35 Day Challenge: Day 33 of 35
Looking into the future and smiling at the unseen
Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen. With only a two more days of this challenge, two more days til my 25th birthday, and two more days until the cut off for my birthday fundraising for Watoto Babies home....I can't help but smile at all that God has been doing in the last month. I'm not totally sure what He has in store around the corner. But whatever it is I am ready and so excited to be a part of His plan. This BUT eliminating challenge has stirred up so much in me and in some of you and I am so glad to see how God is stretching our faith and adding to its substance. Ready for the unseen? Don't grow weary at the end of the race.....when you are so close to the finish line. Look up and smile at what's around the corner.
Lots of Love,
Andrea
Looking into the future and smiling at the unseen
Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen. With only a two more days of this challenge, two more days til my 25th birthday, and two more days until the cut off for my birthday fundraising for Watoto Babies home....I can't help but smile at all that God has been doing in the last month. I'm not totally sure what He has in store around the corner. But whatever it is I am ready and so excited to be a part of His plan. This BUT eliminating challenge has stirred up so much in me and in some of you and I am so glad to see how God is stretching our faith and adding to its substance. Ready for the unseen? Don't grow weary at the end of the race.....when you are so close to the finish line. Look up and smile at what's around the corner.
Lots of Love,
Andrea
Thursday, February 10, 2011
The 35 Day Challenge: Day 32 of 35
The 35 Day Challenge: Day 32 of 35
Stuck inside your head
Last night someone said something to me that I thought was quite simple but also quite profound....He said, 'When we are worried or doubting its usually because we are stuck inside our own head.' This is very true. When we get consumed with the BUTs in our faith statements it is usually because we are stuck in our own reasoning....and sometimes lack of reasoning. What does it look like when we go beyond ourselves? When we shift our focus from our now concern and doubt to reaching out to another with the same concern and energy. If you feel lonely, why not give of your time? If you are wanting financial blessing...why not give of your finances? If you want someone to listen, why not listen first? If you are wanting restoration, have you thought about the parts of you that you can change? A client of mine donated money to my birthday wish recently and I was so very touched by her generosity. When I thanked her, she simply replied....'Andrea, that's the only way I know how. My husband and I have been so blessed and whenever we desire something from God, we give in that capacity. So, when we want financial blessings, we give out of our finances.' I agree with this 150%. Its often why I take out single girls or my sister on valentines day. [No, not because I would rather spend Valentines with a chic ;) ] BUT, because I want that girl to know how truly valuable and special she is and though the romantic ideals and pressures that are poured into young women are beautiful, they can be dangerous if taken out of context. Today, why don't you write down one thing that you are trusting God for and instead of listing all the possibilities of failure list all the ways you can show this towards someone else. I guarantee that if you take God at His word, He is more than enough and will take what you are dreaming and believing for and magnify it to catch you in complete AWE.
Stuck inside your head
Last night someone said something to me that I thought was quite simple but also quite profound....He said, 'When we are worried or doubting its usually because we are stuck inside our own head.' This is very true. When we get consumed with the BUTs in our faith statements it is usually because we are stuck in our own reasoning....and sometimes lack of reasoning. What does it look like when we go beyond ourselves? When we shift our focus from our now concern and doubt to reaching out to another with the same concern and energy. If you feel lonely, why not give of your time? If you are wanting financial blessing...why not give of your finances? If you want someone to listen, why not listen first? If you are wanting restoration, have you thought about the parts of you that you can change? A client of mine donated money to my birthday wish recently and I was so very touched by her generosity. When I thanked her, she simply replied....'Andrea, that's the only way I know how. My husband and I have been so blessed and whenever we desire something from God, we give in that capacity. So, when we want financial blessings, we give out of our finances.' I agree with this 150%. Its often why I take out single girls or my sister on valentines day. [No, not because I would rather spend Valentines with a chic ;) ] BUT, because I want that girl to know how truly valuable and special she is and though the romantic ideals and pressures that are poured into young women are beautiful, they can be dangerous if taken out of context. Today, why don't you write down one thing that you are trusting God for and instead of listing all the possibilities of failure list all the ways you can show this towards someone else. I guarantee that if you take God at His word, He is more than enough and will take what you are dreaming and believing for and magnify it to catch you in complete AWE.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
The 35 Day Challenge: Day 31 of 35
The 35 Day Challenge: Day 31 of 35
We are doing this together
Ladies, we have just 4 days to go and what I want you to know is that where ever you are at in your life, whatever you are believing God for, whatever doubts and BUTs you are trying to eliminate....You are not doing this alone. We are doing this TOGETHER! I was watching my girls basketball team last night and looking at some of the individual strengths and weaknesses and then started to connect some of my own strengths and weaknesses and had this gentle nudge reminding me that when you are a team...you do not get kicked off for what you struggle with. When you are a real team, you look at those things together and tackle them together. You are not alone. I am praying for you tonight and whatever you are believing God for in your life, know that there is a time to every season and a purpose for everything.
Lots of Love,
Andrea
Ps. Please keep praying for my birthday wish. Really excited to see how God multiplies things in the next 4 days. www.toloveoneanother.com
We are doing this together
Ladies, we have just 4 days to go and what I want you to know is that where ever you are at in your life, whatever you are believing God for, whatever doubts and BUTs you are trying to eliminate....You are not doing this alone. We are doing this TOGETHER! I was watching my girls basketball team last night and looking at some of the individual strengths and weaknesses and then started to connect some of my own strengths and weaknesses and had this gentle nudge reminding me that when you are a team...you do not get kicked off for what you struggle with. When you are a real team, you look at those things together and tackle them together. You are not alone. I am praying for you tonight and whatever you are believing God for in your life, know that there is a time to every season and a purpose for everything.
Lots of Love,
Andrea
Ps. Please keep praying for my birthday wish. Really excited to see how God multiplies things in the next 4 days. www.toloveoneanother.com
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
The 35 Day Challenge: Day 30 of 35
The 35 Day Challenge: Day 30 of 35
Being Proactive
Good-Day Ladies!
So we are coming to an end of this 35 Day Challenge, with only 5 more days to go. Eliminating doubts in our faith statements certainly is a process. We talked about using our energy for other things in the process of seeing our faith statements fulfilled, but there are also some things we need to cut out to keep us moving forward. For some it might be negative remarks. For others it might mean that we have to be more open. Yet, others it might mean remaining more reserved. Last night I was praying about something that was really close to my heart and went for a run to try to get some clarity and also just to keep fit ;)....I love running. I think in our faith, we need to run straight towards God, straight towards His will, running full speed in the exact path that He is laying out for us.....without reserve or fear. In my particular situation it means that I have to be more open at times, even when it reveals that I am not perfect. I know this, but I don't think any of us like to show that we aren't completely together...even if most of our lives are. But that's just the thing....we are ONLY complete in Christ, and it is not wrong to have these doubts and worries.....but what is important is how we deal with them. After some prayer and talking through what was on my heart. I felt such a sense determination and peace. Determination in the sense of not allowing what my concerns might be to hold me from what I desire. If we are trusting God fully the concerns will take care of themselves in time. 'Do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself.'
How is this related to being proactive? Being proactive in what we are believing God for takes a shear determination to run and not grow weary. To walk on water and not look down. So we have to make daily choices to change certain things, keeping us moving forward without looking back.
It also takes forgetting things of the past. This is a tricky thought actually.....it's important to learn from the past but it is also important to leave the past there. This morning I received a message that was quite a surprise. For me, the only option I had was to delete. Sometimes that's what we need to do in our spiritual walk to build our faith, delete the things that are causing our doubt. I was speaking with a married friend today and was so heart broken listening to how her marriage is not what she desires. I love this woman so dearly, and hearing her sound so disappointed was devastating. However, no matter what your situation or how hopeless you feel....even if it is something like, 'God I believe my marriage will be a blessing, BUT we just don't see eye to eye.'God has a way of changing our perceptions and turning what once was so far away into something so beautifully close. I have witnessed restored marriages. Forgiveness for things unfair. Consistency even in the storm. I have watched God move in ways beyond what we anticipate. Girlfriend, today be encouraged that what you are doing today will change what your future looks like. The small things you are doing to change, may not be perfect but they are drawing you closer to Him.
Lots of Love,
Andrea
Being Proactive
Good-Day Ladies!
So we are coming to an end of this 35 Day Challenge, with only 5 more days to go. Eliminating doubts in our faith statements certainly is a process. We talked about using our energy for other things in the process of seeing our faith statements fulfilled, but there are also some things we need to cut out to keep us moving forward. For some it might be negative remarks. For others it might mean that we have to be more open. Yet, others it might mean remaining more reserved. Last night I was praying about something that was really close to my heart and went for a run to try to get some clarity and also just to keep fit ;)....I love running. I think in our faith, we need to run straight towards God, straight towards His will, running full speed in the exact path that He is laying out for us.....without reserve or fear. In my particular situation it means that I have to be more open at times, even when it reveals that I am not perfect. I know this, but I don't think any of us like to show that we aren't completely together...even if most of our lives are. But that's just the thing....we are ONLY complete in Christ, and it is not wrong to have these doubts and worries.....but what is important is how we deal with them. After some prayer and talking through what was on my heart. I felt such a sense determination and peace. Determination in the sense of not allowing what my concerns might be to hold me from what I desire. If we are trusting God fully the concerns will take care of themselves in time. 'Do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself.'
How is this related to being proactive? Being proactive in what we are believing God for takes a shear determination to run and not grow weary. To walk on water and not look down. So we have to make daily choices to change certain things, keeping us moving forward without looking back.
It also takes forgetting things of the past. This is a tricky thought actually.....it's important to learn from the past but it is also important to leave the past there. This morning I received a message that was quite a surprise. For me, the only option I had was to delete. Sometimes that's what we need to do in our spiritual walk to build our faith, delete the things that are causing our doubt. I was speaking with a married friend today and was so heart broken listening to how her marriage is not what she desires. I love this woman so dearly, and hearing her sound so disappointed was devastating. However, no matter what your situation or how hopeless you feel....even if it is something like, 'God I believe my marriage will be a blessing, BUT we just don't see eye to eye.'God has a way of changing our perceptions and turning what once was so far away into something so beautifully close. I have witnessed restored marriages. Forgiveness for things unfair. Consistency even in the storm. I have watched God move in ways beyond what we anticipate. Girlfriend, today be encouraged that what you are doing today will change what your future looks like. The small things you are doing to change, may not be perfect but they are drawing you closer to Him.
Lots of Love,
Andrea
Monday, February 7, 2011
The 35 Day Challenge: Day 29 of 35
The 35 Day Challenge: Day 29 of 35
Girls, I wish I could stand in front of your heart with a sword!
One of the more difficult things about eliminating the BUTs in your faith statements, is found in why we insterted the BUT to begin with. For some of us it has been hurt or disappointment. I wish I could be this Joan of Arc and stand in front of our hearts to protect them. This is exactly why guarding your heart is so important. But, that is what God wants to do for us. But our part is laying downing our concerns at His feet.
Girls, I wish I could stand in front of your heart with a sword!
One of the more difficult things about eliminating the BUTs in your faith statements, is found in why we insterted the BUT to begin with. For some of us it has been hurt or disappointment. I wish I could be this Joan of Arc and stand in front of our hearts to protect them. This is exactly why guarding your heart is so important. But, that is what God wants to do for us. But our part is laying downing our concerns at His feet.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
The 35 Day Challenge: Day 28 of 35
The 35 Day Challenge: Day 28 of 35
Verses to encourage you:
'In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us' Romans 8.37
'And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those aho are called according to His purpose.' Romans 8.28
'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.' Phil 4.13
'For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.' Eph 2.10
'Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.' Eph 6.10
'The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run to it and are safe.' Prov 18.10
'But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles.' Isaiah 40.31
Verses to encourage you:
'In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us' Romans 8.37
'And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those aho are called according to His purpose.' Romans 8.28
'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.' Phil 4.13
'For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.' Eph 2.10
'Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.' Eph 6.10
'The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run to it and are safe.' Prov 18.10
'But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles.' Isaiah 40.31
Saturday, February 5, 2011
The 35 Day Challenge: Day 27 of 35
The 35 Day Challenge: Day 27 of 35
Stillness
For those of you who know me personally, you know that I have an abundance of energy most of the time. You know that I somehow juggle 45 things in a small window of time......but you also know that the opposite side of that strength is that I have in the past struggled with stillness. What is stillness? For a fast-paced person who is goal oriented and extremely driven.... naturally, stillness can feel like the opposite of productivity. However, stillness is not failure. It is not stagnate. True stillness is a beautiful picture of trusting and waiting on God. A calm in the storm. A deep breath in the middle of the unknown and a steady demeanor. When Jesus went fishing with his disciples and a storm arose, He did not panic; he slept. There are those who mistake laziness for stillness and I ABSOLUTELY LOATH the phrase: 'It is what it is.' I feel that phrase is the epitome of complacency. BUT stillness is accepting that God is in perfect control and that our concern and worry need to pause and allow room for Him to move.
Last night, as I went to bed I had this concern on my mind. I prayed about it but then woke up around 3am, thinking about the same thing. I prayed and asked God if it was intuition or fear? I really wasn't sure. I asked Him to help me discern the difference. I tried to go back to sleep but had a hard time at first, then smiled and thought to myself.........you know what? This really does not matter right now. What I know about God's character and promises are TRUE. He sees this giant picture and wants to be the knight in shining armor protecting my heart and future, I just need to allow Him the time. I quickly fell back asleep and woke up this morning with such a peaceful stillness.
Ladies, we have 8 more days of this challenge. What does that look like for you? Are you finding a stillness, a sense of peace in your faith statements? Are you letting your statements just be or are you still adding your BUTs in the middle of them? Let's push through and in the next 8 days expect the things we desire from God and trust Him in the unknown. KNOWING that He has such a love for us that we can't escape. Nothing can separate us from His love. He sees you. He hears your deepest desires. Trust in Him even when you feel He is far away. Hold onto His promises. He can hear you in the silence. HE is not that far away. Here is a song I pray builds you up today. I love you world changing woman! Your life has such significance.
Stillness
For those of you who know me personally, you know that I have an abundance of energy most of the time. You know that I somehow juggle 45 things in a small window of time......but you also know that the opposite side of that strength is that I have in the past struggled with stillness. What is stillness? For a fast-paced person who is goal oriented and extremely driven.... naturally, stillness can feel like the opposite of productivity. However, stillness is not failure. It is not stagnate. True stillness is a beautiful picture of trusting and waiting on God. A calm in the storm. A deep breath in the middle of the unknown and a steady demeanor. When Jesus went fishing with his disciples and a storm arose, He did not panic; he slept. There are those who mistake laziness for stillness and I ABSOLUTELY LOATH the phrase: 'It is what it is.' I feel that phrase is the epitome of complacency. BUT stillness is accepting that God is in perfect control and that our concern and worry need to pause and allow room for Him to move.
Last night, as I went to bed I had this concern on my mind. I prayed about it but then woke up around 3am, thinking about the same thing. I prayed and asked God if it was intuition or fear? I really wasn't sure. I asked Him to help me discern the difference. I tried to go back to sleep but had a hard time at first, then smiled and thought to myself.........you know what? This really does not matter right now. What I know about God's character and promises are TRUE. He sees this giant picture and wants to be the knight in shining armor protecting my heart and future, I just need to allow Him the time. I quickly fell back asleep and woke up this morning with such a peaceful stillness.
Ladies, we have 8 more days of this challenge. What does that look like for you? Are you finding a stillness, a sense of peace in your faith statements? Are you letting your statements just be or are you still adding your BUTs in the middle of them? Let's push through and in the next 8 days expect the things we desire from God and trust Him in the unknown. KNOWING that He has such a love for us that we can't escape. Nothing can separate us from His love. He sees you. He hears your deepest desires. Trust in Him even when you feel He is far away. Hold onto His promises. He can hear you in the silence. HE is not that far away. Here is a song I pray builds you up today. I love you world changing woman! Your life has such significance.
Friday, February 4, 2011
The 35 Day Challenge: Day 26 of 35
The 35 Day Challenge: Day 26 of 35
Consistency
I think one of the most important character qualities is consistency. I am far from perfect at this but remaining steady and consistent is one of the best qualities a person can have. Loyalty. Collective. Steady. Strong. True. Dependable. Having faith is not doing one thing one time. It is doing that one thing over and over and over again.....even when you don't see results right away. It is being the change you want to see. It is being the hands and feet of God's love in action. It is staying strong, even when your heart and feelings are weak. It is an inner strength. It begins with a simple action. And then is repeated over and over again without fail. My prayer is that in this life I will be a woman of consistency. A woman who is dependable. A woman who is loving no matter what hurt or disappointment comes. A woman who is a supporter and encourager even when things do not go her way. God help me. Help us. Be OUR strength.
Lots of Love,
Andrea
Consistency
I think one of the most important character qualities is consistency. I am far from perfect at this but remaining steady and consistent is one of the best qualities a person can have. Loyalty. Collective. Steady. Strong. True. Dependable. Having faith is not doing one thing one time. It is doing that one thing over and over and over again.....even when you don't see results right away. It is being the change you want to see. It is being the hands and feet of God's love in action. It is staying strong, even when your heart and feelings are weak. It is an inner strength. It begins with a simple action. And then is repeated over and over again without fail. My prayer is that in this life I will be a woman of consistency. A woman who is dependable. A woman who is loving no matter what hurt or disappointment comes. A woman who is a supporter and encourager even when things do not go her way. God help me. Help us. Be OUR strength.
Lots of Love,
Andrea
Thursday, February 3, 2011
The 35 Day Challenge: Day 24 & 25
The 35 Day Challenge: Day 24 & 25
Faith w/intent...
I'm sure we've all heard the phrase actions speak louder than words. We often think it and hope for it....but do we hold ourselves to that same level of accountability? The last two days have been really full on with a project at work. Within the last few days.....in so many areas of my life I have watched and observed those around me putting actions to their words. It has literally brought tears to my eyes at certain points and a skip in my step when the 'unexpected' arises. I love how God's timing is absolutely perfect. He knows exactly when to move and He sure does give us exactly what we need the hour we need it. While observing those around me the last 48 hours and taking note of how those in my world have blessed me and all those they are reaching, I have felt such a sense of peace and knowing. The Bible talks about how faith comes by hearing. My faith in every little thing was built up by those who chose to put feet to their words. It makes everything stronger. I wonder if God feels the same way when we put feet to our faith statements? We are created in His image. Although....He is divine and perfect. He does also feel....When we put intention behind and around our faith statements does it empower those closest to us? Does it reveal to God our sincerity? I believe it does.
Someone mentioned to me the other day this thing about knowing. I thought it was quite profound. You see knowing is a process. After all, only in God are we 'Fully known'. But knowing takes action and choice. I have always felt that few people in my life truly 'know' me. I am sure you have probably felt the same at some point. Though I am quite open, there is a lot that people do not see. But when a person chooses to know. They question. They act. There is intent. I think the same is true with the building of our faith statements and eliminating our doubts within our faith statements and requests. If me move in our faith with intent.....how much further will we go.
Lots of Love.....& hey, only 10 more days :)
Andi
Faith w/intent...
I'm sure we've all heard the phrase actions speak louder than words. We often think it and hope for it....but do we hold ourselves to that same level of accountability? The last two days have been really full on with a project at work. Within the last few days.....in so many areas of my life I have watched and observed those around me putting actions to their words. It has literally brought tears to my eyes at certain points and a skip in my step when the 'unexpected' arises. I love how God's timing is absolutely perfect. He knows exactly when to move and He sure does give us exactly what we need the hour we need it. While observing those around me the last 48 hours and taking note of how those in my world have blessed me and all those they are reaching, I have felt such a sense of peace and knowing. The Bible talks about how faith comes by hearing. My faith in every little thing was built up by those who chose to put feet to their words. It makes everything stronger. I wonder if God feels the same way when we put feet to our faith statements? We are created in His image. Although....He is divine and perfect. He does also feel....When we put intention behind and around our faith statements does it empower those closest to us? Does it reveal to God our sincerity? I believe it does.
Someone mentioned to me the other day this thing about knowing. I thought it was quite profound. You see knowing is a process. After all, only in God are we 'Fully known'. But knowing takes action and choice. I have always felt that few people in my life truly 'know' me. I am sure you have probably felt the same at some point. Though I am quite open, there is a lot that people do not see. But when a person chooses to know. They question. They act. There is intent. I think the same is true with the building of our faith statements and eliminating our doubts within our faith statements and requests. If me move in our faith with intent.....how much further will we go.
Lots of Love.....& hey, only 10 more days :)
Andi
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
The 35 Day Challenge: Day 23 of 35
The 35 Day Challenge: Day 23 of 35
Trusting your best friend...
Most days as I go throughout my day and talk to God as I go, I refer to Him as my best friend. This morning. I opened my eyes about 30 minutes after my 4am alarm went off [which I turned off in my sleep] and literally said out loud, "My BEST friend, THANK YOU for waking me up!" Today was a FULL day and certainly not one to sleep in late. I had such a good day all around being so blessed by my students and a productive evening hanging artwork. Around 8pm, I took a little break to go for some dinner. Zabas my favorite fish taco place! As I drove there I started praying about these faith statements of ours. You know, I am finding myself very calm about this area. It truly is amazing what fasting and prayer will do. As I was praying and driving to Zabas, I talked to my BEST friend, my Lord and Saviour [Jesus Christ]. I started thinking about how easy it is for me to trust Him, because He truly IS my very best friend. Of everyone in my world.....it is Him who has never left my side for a single second. Sometimes in prayer I feel so close to Him and secretly wish I could just sneak up to heaven for a bit to literally walk with Him.
So, tonight after ordering my tacos and getting back into my car I started to think about how many of you may not ever think about Jesus as your BEST friend. Maybe you have never even thought of this idea? Maybe you like the sound of it, but just don't feel it? Maybe He was, but now seems so far away? The Bible says that He will NEVER leave us nor forsake us and that if we acknowledge Him in all our ways He will direct our paths. Perhaps, the reason why the BUTs keep returning in your faith statements is because you are not trusting in your BEST FRIEND. I know when I keep things in that perspective my faith increases 10-fold. Maybe try calling him your best friend today. It not only will add to your faith, but will draw you closer to a dependence on Him.
Good Night Beautiful Girls.
Lots of Love,
Andrea
Trusting your best friend...
Most days as I go throughout my day and talk to God as I go, I refer to Him as my best friend. This morning. I opened my eyes about 30 minutes after my 4am alarm went off [which I turned off in my sleep] and literally said out loud, "My BEST friend, THANK YOU for waking me up!" Today was a FULL day and certainly not one to sleep in late. I had such a good day all around being so blessed by my students and a productive evening hanging artwork. Around 8pm, I took a little break to go for some dinner. Zabas my favorite fish taco place! As I drove there I started praying about these faith statements of ours. You know, I am finding myself very calm about this area. It truly is amazing what fasting and prayer will do. As I was praying and driving to Zabas, I talked to my BEST friend, my Lord and Saviour [Jesus Christ]. I started thinking about how easy it is for me to trust Him, because He truly IS my very best friend. Of everyone in my world.....it is Him who has never left my side for a single second. Sometimes in prayer I feel so close to Him and secretly wish I could just sneak up to heaven for a bit to literally walk with Him.
So, tonight after ordering my tacos and getting back into my car I started to think about how many of you may not ever think about Jesus as your BEST friend. Maybe you have never even thought of this idea? Maybe you like the sound of it, but just don't feel it? Maybe He was, but now seems so far away? The Bible says that He will NEVER leave us nor forsake us and that if we acknowledge Him in all our ways He will direct our paths. Perhaps, the reason why the BUTs keep returning in your faith statements is because you are not trusting in your BEST FRIEND. I know when I keep things in that perspective my faith increases 10-fold. Maybe try calling him your best friend today. It not only will add to your faith, but will draw you closer to a dependence on Him.
Good Night Beautiful Girls.
Lots of Love,
Andrea
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
The 35 Day Challenge: Day 21 of 35
The 35 Day Challenge: Day 21 of 35
Do you want things to change?
Okay, here's the thing about faith.....you have to really believe it. Not just saying the words....but put movement to your faith. When did faith become unmoving? When did faith stop consuming?
I think often the reason why our faith statements are not being fulfilled is because we are placing limits on our requests to God. We are placing limits on what we want to believe Him for. We are becoming okay with what we currently see instead of believing Him for what we really want and desire.
I was reading today in John 5 at church and a point was made that I feel is so relevant to how we hinder our faith with our BUTs. John 5 talks about the lame man who had literally been stuck on a matt for 38 years! When Jesus asked him why he had not gotten up and he explained that he could not and he had no one to help him. He had been waiting for SOOOOOO long for someone to help him that he became stuck. You see he didn't choose to be sick, like many of us....we do not always choose the situations life throws at us.....but he chose to stay there. And WE CHOOSE to stay here. Ladies......what is your matt? What are you waiting for someone to help you out of? What is the one thing that is hindering what you are desiring God for?
Jesus replied to the lame man so simply....
1. Get up
2. Pick up your matt [stop sitting on it]
3. Walk
I believe this is exactly how we are to walk into our faith and into God's promises. Whatever your BUT is.....lets not wait around for someone to come and pick us up. Will it be 38 years? It can change quite simply.....we just have to get up. The longer you sit, the weaker your muscles get to stand.
Do you want things to change?
Okay, here's the thing about faith.....you have to really believe it. Not just saying the words....but put movement to your faith. When did faith become unmoving? When did faith stop consuming?
I think often the reason why our faith statements are not being fulfilled is because we are placing limits on our requests to God. We are placing limits on what we want to believe Him for. We are becoming okay with what we currently see instead of believing Him for what we really want and desire.
I was reading today in John 5 at church and a point was made that I feel is so relevant to how we hinder our faith with our BUTs. John 5 talks about the lame man who had literally been stuck on a matt for 38 years! When Jesus asked him why he had not gotten up and he explained that he could not and he had no one to help him. He had been waiting for SOOOOOO long for someone to help him that he became stuck. You see he didn't choose to be sick, like many of us....we do not always choose the situations life throws at us.....but he chose to stay there. And WE CHOOSE to stay here. Ladies......what is your matt? What are you waiting for someone to help you out of? What is the one thing that is hindering what you are desiring God for?
Jesus replied to the lame man so simply....
1. Get up
2. Pick up your matt [stop sitting on it]
3. Walk
I believe this is exactly how we are to walk into our faith and into God's promises. Whatever your BUT is.....lets not wait around for someone to come and pick us up. Will it be 38 years? It can change quite simply.....we just have to get up. The longer you sit, the weaker your muscles get to stand.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
The 35 Day Challenge: Day 20 of 35
The 35 Day Challenge: Day 20 of 35
What are you saying????
Today, I stopped into a gas station to get a gatorade....as I am still fasting coffee.
Although, I do miss my coffee, every time I pass a starbucks or order a passion tea instead, it brings a smile to my face knowing that what I am praying for is so much more important to my heart than my sugar free vanilla soy latte.
Okay....back to the gas station story....
When I walked to the counter there was a man checking out and two women behind the register chatting away. One woman began complaining about how much she wanted a husband and how she didn't think she'd ever get one. At this point, I was most interested in the man's expressions at the counter. Really, women should wear warning signs for men when these conversations begin.....but to my surprise this gentleman was all smiles. She carried on and on and finally I looked at her as I stood behind the smiling man and said 'My dear, don't be so negative on yourself......you never know when the man of your dreams is gonna come marching through those doors.....do you honestly think he wants to hear you talking like this?'
Oh.....my.....goodness......ANDREA! What came over me to say this to a complete stranger.....I have NO CLUE! But that gentleman turned and smiled at me with the biggest grin and then everyone burst into laughter. My response came so quickly from my heart and probably was fueled by this BUT kicking challenge.....
So, ladies....how are you doing? What BUTs in your faith statements are you trying to kick out? How are things coming? If we stop allowing these BUTs to come out of our mouths, eventually our minds will forget them too. Message me how things are going on your end. Would love to hear. Praying for you daily and am so excited to see all that God has in store for us in the next 15 days.
Lots of Love,
Andrea
andrea@andreaperkins.com
What are you saying????
Today, I stopped into a gas station to get a gatorade....as I am still fasting coffee.
Although, I do miss my coffee, every time I pass a starbucks or order a passion tea instead, it brings a smile to my face knowing that what I am praying for is so much more important to my heart than my sugar free vanilla soy latte.
Okay....back to the gas station story....
When I walked to the counter there was a man checking out and two women behind the register chatting away. One woman began complaining about how much she wanted a husband and how she didn't think she'd ever get one. At this point, I was most interested in the man's expressions at the counter. Really, women should wear warning signs for men when these conversations begin.....but to my surprise this gentleman was all smiles. She carried on and on and finally I looked at her as I stood behind the smiling man and said 'My dear, don't be so negative on yourself......you never know when the man of your dreams is gonna come marching through those doors.....do you honestly think he wants to hear you talking like this?'
Oh.....my.....goodness......ANDREA! What came over me to say this to a complete stranger.....I have NO CLUE! But that gentleman turned and smiled at me with the biggest grin and then everyone burst into laughter. My response came so quickly from my heart and probably was fueled by this BUT kicking challenge.....
So, ladies....how are you doing? What BUTs in your faith statements are you trying to kick out? How are things coming? If we stop allowing these BUTs to come out of our mouths, eventually our minds will forget them too. Message me how things are going on your end. Would love to hear. Praying for you daily and am so excited to see all that God has in store for us in the next 15 days.
Lots of Love,
Andrea
andrea@andreaperkins.com
Friday, January 28, 2011
Day 19 of the 35 Day Challenge
Day 19 of the 35 Day Challenge
Getting rid of the BUTs by resolving never to look back
Ladies, ever think about times when you've been hurt by an individual or experience? Ever think about how much you'd like to see justice, or would like to say one last word? Well......justice is not always in our hands and the one last word is often nothing more than a vain attempt at self-vindication. Whatever your faith statement is that you are believing God for.....instead of looking back at failed attempts on the past, hurt that has come from others, or even the unlikely-ness of the possibility or hope........resolve to move forward and close your mind and eyes to the doubt that is fueling that BUT. Look at the giant promise of having the Creator of the entire Universe as your loving Father who wants to give you the desires of your heart.
Today is a VERY busy day with the deadlines for a large Art Festival I am curating, but you are on my mind and I am praying for each one of you. I am resolving to move forward in faith and can't wait to see what God does in the next 16 days.
Lots of Love,
Andrea
Getting rid of the BUTs by resolving never to look back
Ladies, ever think about times when you've been hurt by an individual or experience? Ever think about how much you'd like to see justice, or would like to say one last word? Well......justice is not always in our hands and the one last word is often nothing more than a vain attempt at self-vindication. Whatever your faith statement is that you are believing God for.....instead of looking back at failed attempts on the past, hurt that has come from others, or even the unlikely-ness of the possibility or hope........resolve to move forward and close your mind and eyes to the doubt that is fueling that BUT. Look at the giant promise of having the Creator of the entire Universe as your loving Father who wants to give you the desires of your heart.
Today is a VERY busy day with the deadlines for a large Art Festival I am curating, but you are on my mind and I am praying for each one of you. I am resolving to move forward in faith and can't wait to see what God does in the next 16 days.
Lots of Love,
Andrea
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