God Winks.....

God Winks is a term I picked up from one of the first Christian books I read. The man who coined the term is Squire Rushnell. He defines a God Wink as "An event or personal experience, often identified as coincidence, so astonishing that it could only have come from divine origin." I used to see them in my life quite frequently and loved sharing the stories where I could see God working in my life. I could see where I would pray about something and then I would get my answer through a conversation with someone or that mornings scripture reading. I haven't had a God wink happen in quite some time, and I don't think it is because God doesn't love me or hear my prayers. I believe it is because I became complacent in a few areas and stopped seeing them because I got too busy just living life. I am sure some of you can relate to the rush of every day, always being in a hurry, trying to accomplish to-do lists, while juggling the children. Many of you may know that I have been dealing with some postpartum depression since having Jacoby and I have to say that it is amazing who God has placed in my path to help me through this. I kept this to myself for the longest time and just started to feel very lonely and like I was almost drowning. If you haven't experienced any type of depression I don't expect for you to understand what I am talking about. Any who, I promise this story will lead up to my God Wink for today, just stay with me. About 7 months ago I heard a sermon about how important it is to share what we are going through with people and to praise the situations we are in because there is always a reason we are at that point in our life. Just so God would have it, I slowly started to share what I was going through with my circle of girl friends at our church. Some looked at me like I had 3 heads because they hadn't been through it personally, one said her mom had been through it and even wrote a book on it, and others shared stories how they got through it with prayer and support many years prior. God has been with me through all of this. He freed up those moments in each of our lives and placed us all where we needed to be at just the right time. I have to say that each person I shared this with may not have experienced it personally but have since been praying for me. They continuously reach out to see how the progress is coming along, and show love at just the right time. The God Wink in that situation was one of the ladies I shared it with whom mother had written the book was a dear friend Ginger. She hasn't had kids yet, but was so sympathetic for me. She quickly responded with love and explained that her mom had been through it when she and her sister were younger. This book titled "Released" was written by Tina Thompson, and it was a such an influential moment in my life. I completed the book the day she gave it to me, and felt a little better just knowing I wasn't lone. I even had the wonderful opportunity to meet Mrs. Thompson when she came to visit our church one Sunday. What a blessing, this woman opened up her life experiences, challenges, and fears with the world in hopes that it will help even just one woman get through what she went through. Oh who knew I would be writing about 2 God Winks today?? With this all being said, there is two verses that I have held onto since it began. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7) I have been reading these verses everyday for the last 2 weeks, I even highlighted them in my Bible (btw this is the only marking in this Bible). This morning was different. I woke up and before reading it, I prayed. I prayed long and hard, I even asked that He restore the joy to my life that has been missing. So I go to Lifeway to purchase a journal to be able to keep up with prayer request and praises, and this one with a lot of pink (my favorite color) catches my eye. On the cover it says "Stop Worrying. Start Praying. Philippians 4:6." On the inside of the cover Philippians 4:6 is written out. Amazing! I am in just awe when I slow down and take the time to see God working in my life. I am so blessed with the life God has blessed me with. I praise Him for my trials, I praise Him in all that I do. Slow down friends, pray, take time to listen and see where and how God is working in your life. Next time you see me, share your God Winks, I would love to hear them.

"Not equipped to handle what they have - both good and bad"

     Hello friends!! The title of this blog is a quote from Lysa Terkeurt's book: Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl. I am a little more than half way through this wonderful book and felt convicted big time. I am at a perfect point in the book to pause from reading to type up a brief blog.

     Have you ever looked at a woman's hair passing by and thought, "I sure wish my hair could look like that?" But never stopped to think that she could be wearing a wig to cover up her loss of hair from chemo. Have you ever been working out in the gym and thought, "I sure wish my body would look like that after having kids?" But never stopped to think that we should accept the changes of our bodies after God has blessed us with children. There are so many ladies hoping and praying to be able to carry a baby and never get that opportunity. Instead of wishing we had a certain body, we should set personal goals to be healthy. Have you ever looked at that mom with multiple children and thought, "How are they so well behaved? They use manners, they aren't running around the aisles in the store, they aren't throwing tantrums or pouting because they can't have a toy this trip." But we never stop to think that those children could have just lost their parents and they are now in a Foster home or with another family member and they are just too sad to want anything but their parents back. Have you ever glanced at the inside of your girlfriends vehicle while talking after church and thought, "I wish my van was that clean; how do they have the time to clean it?" I am totally guilty on this one. But then I remind myself of those little heart beats on the back seat, and how I wouldn't have that messy car if I didn't have those blessings. So that little mess reminds me of the two little lives I get to spend my days with. So friends when you look in my car you can see proof of life. Proof that no I am not so lazy I can't clean my van, but that I stay busy with making memories with the family and a clean vehicle just isn't a priority to me. Have you ever looked at a happy couple laughing and talking while out to dinner and thought, "I love seeing happy people. It is so much better than the couples that don't communicate, or even make eye contact because they are so busy on their phones?" But never stopped to think that the unhappy couple could be on a break from a child or other relative in the hospital. This could be their first time stepping out of the hospital in days and they are just worn out and trying to update family members and get some food in their system. Have you ever looked at that father playing with his children and thought, "why couldn't my dad have been that happy or carefree with us? Why doesn't my husband even interact with my children?" But never stopped to think of what your dad or husband went through as a kid. He may not have had a father figure, or his father was abusive, so they don't know how to act with their children. I could probably come up with hundreds more of these examples, but what keeps coming to mind is the 10th Commandment and a verse from Philippians. "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's." (Exodus 20:17 ESV) "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content." (Philippians 4:11 ESV)

     So when thoughts like these pop into your head, stop and pray. Thank God for your circumstances. Offer a smile, or a compliment, or a helping hand. All of these small gestures can make such a huge change in someones life. As Christians we should respond to everything in love. "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." (1 John 4:1 ESV)

Controversial Topics for Social Media:Should we avoid posting on our page so others don't feel convicted?

       I have been thinking for several days on how to approach this blog. I will start by saying I have not always lived the way I am living now, I have not always believed what I believe now. Before I was saved in the summer of 2011 I used to think that abortion was ok for cases where rape or incest took place. I used to see scripture posted as someones Facebook status and just scroll right past it without even reading it. I never thought being a stay at home wife and mother would ever be words that describes me. Wow, I can't believe I used to think this way. God has really changed my heart on each of these topics.
     What does the Bible say about abortion? It doesn't speak specifically on abortion but it does teach when life begins and the value of each life. Please take the time to click this link and read what John F. MacArthur, Jr. has to say about the topic. http://www.ccel.us/MacArthur.html  I have had family attack me on my own Facebook page for posts they didn't agree with me posting. I have had people ask me to stop posting articles and pictures about being ProLife because it reminds them of an abortion they had. I am sorry to say this but I am one person and my posts may remind someone of the abortion they chose to have but you will remember this daily without my posts. Are you going to call the people in charge of the 40 Days of Life Campaign and ask them to remove their signs off Interstate 26 because it makes you sad when you drive by? No, that would just be ridiculous. Please know I don't post about this to make you feel bad, I post about it so those that need healing can find it in Jesus Christ. I post so people know the value of a life. I want people to know that they can be forgiven for their past and that there is a future and purpose for them. I have had two people on separate occasions reach out to me and thank me for my posts on this subject. They were able to share their stories for the first time with me, and get resources that can help them move forward. Those two people make it all worth it, for all the back lash I have gotten and will continue to get. Needless to say, my view on abortion has changed. I do not believe that it is ok in any circumstance to take a life.
    Anyone that knows the Bible knows about the woman spoken of in Proverbs 31. Did you know that out of twenty-two verses, nine refer directly to her work in the home? None of us can live up to all of those expectations but I do believe she is a great example for us to look up to and learn from. I used to see stay at home moms and wonder how could they give up their career, and everything they worked for to shuttle around their kids and run errands for their husbands all day. I have worked since I was 16 and thought I would have a career to retire from. I always felt that I needed to be able to take care of myself both physically and financially. But God has a different plan for me. Soon after David and I got married I found these books online; The Excellent Wife: A Biblical Perspective and The Exemplary Husband: A Biblical Perspective. We both read our book and soon after agreed to reread it each year on our anniversary. Not everyone has to live the way that David and I do. But please know that we take our God given roles seriously, we choose to live a certain way, and this works for us and our children. If you are still with me, this book is a must read for the ladies. It explains what God requires of the Christian Wife and how to obey God's commandments in order to become that wife. A few of the topics discussed in the book are: A Wife's Understanding of God (God's Protective Authority), A Wife's Understanding of Marriage (God's Purpose), Love, Respect, Intimacy, Submission, Communication, Conflict, Anger, Fear, Loneliness, Sorrow. I am not sure about you but I could sure use any help I can get in these areas and this book was a great start for me as a new wife and a baby Christian. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. (Ephesians 5:23-24)