You are valued, loved and important!

 Hi friends, it's too easy to be  defined by the circumstances of life. I am writing today to tell you   Regardless of your  circumstance past or present  you are a treasure  in the arms of Christ! The world may tell you you're worthless, but God says you're worth it  !  He was thinking of you when he  died on the cross .  You might say that was 2000 years ago is his love still available ? Absolutely, yes he is ready and waiting  for you .  Remember, you are loved   Valued and important. The Lord formed   You're in most being!  He cares  for you, he is a faithful friend that sticks closer than a brother. 

 God love you, I love you and you are formed for his use!

Finding joy part one :-)

See the video here

The power of gratitude!

 Hi friends ,
 It's  not always easy to smile in the middle of your darkest days , but  gratitude  is essential to getting tbrough  life's challenges! What do you think  Paul was talking about in  romans when he wrote: 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.  Romans 5:3–5 

 It seems every day God  sends  us   Little reminders to  be grateful  for what we have  and for his love.  For example,  I learned  of a young lady with disabilities more severe than mine who doesn't have the resources for a needed new wheelchair .  Gratitude is a choice not a luxury for The good times! No, I am not saying that we have to be happy/joyful all the time but we are  responsible for our own  happiness . Every day you know you have the choice either to be  grateful for what you have or be absolutely miserable  The choice is yours… choose wisely. Every life is Formed For His Use.

Finding contentment part 2

 Click here to watch the video ! Enjoy :-)

Finding God's sovereignty In Suffering!

 Hi  Friends,
 I have  Pondered  The  question of healing for very long time.   I have come to realize that God allows  some  suffering to help us grow in our relationship with him... Take  The apostle Paul for example,   He had his site taken away for several days,then  God  restored it! I think a lot of us including  myself, forget  that Saul  was Paul's name before he had this  conversion experience… He persecuted   Much of the early church .  My point in saying this is that God's power is made perfect in weakness ,  Paul writes" And he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, because the power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore rather I will boast most gladly in my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may reside in me. 10 Therefore I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in calamities, in persecutions and difficulties for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9–10

 You  might  be thinking  how does this apply to my life?  Or maybe you have prayed for healing and don't understand why it  hasn't happened. I get that , I have been there too... I digress , I can't explain why   God allows  suffering, but as I heard it said"  sometimes God allows what he hates to  accomplish what he loves." What kind of things does  God want to accomplish  in your circumstance? I believe He  wants us  to see our circumstances as opportunities rather then  another weight to carry.  I hope this can encourage you today!

The art of contentment part 1

  Need help finding contentment ?Watch this on YouTube

Take off your grave clothes!

 Hi friends, what are you allowing yourself  to be clothed  in?  Often times we clothe  ourselves with sorrow and sin. The Lord came to give us hope  and  eternal life.   However, we would rather wallow in self pity and sorrow  reflecting on the past and it's pain.  Remember when Jesus called Lazarus to come out of the grave?  He simply said "Lazarus come out".  Then Jesus instructed the people around him to take off  The grave clothes  that Lazarus was bound in. Keep in mind that Jesus is the  One who sets people free,  now  maybe you were not  in a grave  but you still feel bound  hy  Sin and shame. I  want to challenge you take off  your grave clothes! Don't try and do it in your own  effort  because  The Holy Spirit  has called you by name  and  will set you free  from what ever is binding you!  Whether it's an addiction  or your own brokenness  he is ready and waiting to see you come out and be set free  by his power and mercy! Remember friends every life is formed for his use!  Today's thoughts are taken from John 11:43&44

Facing Depression?

Hi friends,
Are you facing depression? It is a very real illness that needs to be addressed, not just swept under the rug. Admitting that you are struggling with depression is often the hardest yet most important step to  healing! I will be one out of many people to tell you that there is hope and help for you. I had my own battle with depression, beginning at age 8.  It is still a battle and at times I felt hopeless  and helpless… Those are two emotions that the human spirit cannot endure. I'd like to give you a few keys to overcoming what can seem so dark (1)  actively choose where you put your focus/thoughts. (2)  be willing to ask for help! I know this is hard for many of us, myself included. We have a tendency to think that asking for help makes us weak or inferior but the reality is if we let it build up it can tear our life and family apart. Finally, (3) one of the most  important steps to overcoming depression is finding hope. This world offers many things claiming to give hope,  but the reality is those things are temporary. I want to encourage you that there is hope beyond mundane life. Hope is found in the living God. It seems that  everything we try in our human effort only leads to despair, I speak from experience! I am not saying that you have to join a religion, but I highly suggest that you seek a relationship with God. His love will never leave us no matter how hard or trying things get. I have found that when I try and do things in my own effort, I fail. However, when I rely on God to be my strength I succeed! Remember friends every life is formed for his use!

Disadvantage or advantage?

 Hi friends, have you ever felt  Less than  because of a disability? Or  maybe your parents told you you weren't worth anything. Well, I'm writing today because  where there is brokenness there is  also healing.  I remember as a child  I thought everyone else had it better than me, looking back I would rather have  cerebral palsy than  Live in a broken home.  What I saw as a disadvantage God turned into advantage! If  you are in a situation that seems broken beyond repair, don't give up  instead look up !  Getting back to the disadvantage versus advantage, you might think to yourself  my disability is a disadvantage :  I would like to challenge your perspective. Now, I am not saying that every person disabled or not  has to have a smile on their face 100% of the time that's not realistic because life happens  and can leave  us broken .  How do we  turn disadvantage into advantage? We put our wants and desires aside  and seek God in every circumstance  because  He can take the messiest of situations and make a masterpiece.   Don't let the world dictate where worth  comes from instead, choose  to be a miracle  for someone today! Right where you are. Remember that your circumstance  might not change  but, God's provision for you  in the midst of it far outweighs the pain we encounter!  Remember every life is formed for his use!

Running The race!

 Have you ever felt stuck on you to any on your journey? I'm pretty sure  100% of us have had that feeling  at one point or another.  I'd like to share with you some writings from my daily devotional that I am working on called   Promises from his heart. (Jesus speaking)… " Where is your focus during the race? Remember, this life is not a sprint it  is A marathon. What I mean when I say this is that your life has a starting and ending point, and it's easy to get distracted or tired along the way. I am the author and perfector of your faith, The one who knew you  before your birth and planned your life in advance . When  choose to trust me with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, I will make your paths straight! From start to finish I am with you , therefore don't quit but let me guide , comfort and uphold you with my right hand. I promise that I will use your life extraordinarily !"

Friends when we fix our eyes on Jesus trusting him we will finish the race. Have  there  been times I have wanted to give up, yes;  but God doesn't give up on us! He has a  plan for our lives unlike anything we have even ma plan for our lives unlike anything we have even  imagined.  So keep running the race and he will be with you  from the start to the finish line! By the way I have never been a marathon never been a marathon   runner  but I have completed a 5K :-) today's thoughts are taken from:
Proverbs 3:5–6, Hebrews 12:2

Finish strong

Dear Friends, sometimes we encounter tough situations in life. Today I want you to remember that the things we go through do not define who we are ,but rather what we are made for! Everyday we have a choice to make, give up OR finish strong! It is important to know that The God of the universe has a love for you beyond comprehension! Sometimes it's hard to see his hand at work in our lives. Especially if you have a disability or live with chronic illness. Whatever you might be facing today, remember that God's hand is still on your life! 

Recently, my family and I partipated in The Color Run 2014, the Happiest 5k on earth. Each quater you are sprayed with colored powder! I attempted to walk with my adaptive walker but couldn't. I was very discouraged by this, however my sister walked with me for 20ft! Hebrews 12:1 says "Let us run with perservance, The race God has set before us." It is my prayer that we can finish strong!

Inspiration

I don't want to give anyone false sense of hope!

Friends,

Following Jesus has many blessings as well as some struggles. For example, I used to struggle daily thoughts self-destruction and doubt.  ( and sometimes still do)As I am sure we all have at some point. Contrary to popular opinion, I am not an angel, I am human! Is because of God's grace and love that I am writing this to you today. Something Else you should know is that I have a temper That sometimes overwhelms me. ...

My need to receive approval from others, would often override  my convictions about approval from God! Did you know that Jesus is well aware of our human side too? He is aware of our weakness, desires, strengths and hurt. Because of my limitations I am driven to the cross daily... Depending on Christ to be my source of hope, strength and grace! I would encourage you to think about this today!

I know not all of us can relate to having CP or being in a wheelchair ,but all of us have been crippled by fear or have something in our lives holding us back.

Remember friends, there is no situation to broken for God's hand to restore!

Today's thoughts are from Rebekah's REAL life, enjoy!

Thought of the day: Where does your strength come from?

Hi friends,

Where does your strength come from? Perhaps you find it in the job you hold, your friends or relationships. I would encourage you to draw your strength from God and His word. Recently I was reading Philippians chapter 4. Paul wrote about the secret to being content. He was referring to trusting God to bring provision for his needs in PRISON. The true promise of Philippians 4:13 is that God will give you strength to do what He has called you to! I can't do all things, but God has given me all I need to fulfill his purpose for my life!

Friends, imagine a plant firmly rooted in the ground... It draws nutrition and strength from those roots! Whatever you are facing today, let your heart be rooted in Christ's strength and love! The challenges you face don't outweigh God's provision for you in the midst of them! Today's thoughts are taken from: Philippians 4, Ephesians 3:17. God loves you, I love you & YOU are Formed For his use

Thought of the day: fight for your freedom

Hi friends,

It's so easy to get entangled in the things of this world. Sometimes our circumstances can make us feel like we are weighed down chains of guilt or self-pity. We wrestle feelings of doubt insecurity and worthlessness . I've got news for you God didn't intend for us to live that way! He came to give us freedom, hope and peace. Because of what Christ has done we can live in FREEDOM ! Freedom from our past failures, feelings of guilt and hopelessness that creep into our lives. Don't loose heart friends, you may have to fight for it, but eternal freedom is worth the fight. I would encourage you with this:where the spirit of The Lord is, there is freedom! You have his freedom inside of you... Carry it into the darkness and you'll see chains fall. Not by your strength or might, but by HIS spirit! Today's thoughts are taken from: Hebrews12:1-2, 2 Corinthians 3:17,Zechariah 4:6. God loves you, I love you & you are Formed For His Use.

Thought of the day : Hard work reaps a reward!

Hi friends,

Hard work pays off! I recently completed my first intensive session of 2014, an intensive is 5 hours of physical therapy for 1-3 weeks. During therapy I participate in weightlifting , trunk exercises, walking and more... By the end I am very tired and sore, but it increases my overall function ! I have found that we have to fight and struggle through life some days, but in the end there is a reward beyond anything we could imagine. Know this, your pain and struggle will not end with defeat but in victory.

God loves you, I love you& you are formed for his use!

Thought of the day: Surprised?

Hi friends,
I have found that sometimes the trials of life take us by Surprise , but nothing surprises God! He know the trails we are going to encounter before we go through them. The trials of this life are meant to refine or purify our hearts. It is an opportunity for Him to cleanse us and help us reach our full potential !
I know it's easy to blame God when bad things happen... I suffered a psychotic break in the summer of 2011, and I thought to myself "why did God let this happen"? "What did I do to deserve it?" It was very strange and I was frozen with fear. But God word prevailed , he is restoring me!
Maybe your in the midst of a trial, and your asking the same questions. Guess what we share in Christ suffering now, but Peter declares we will have fullness of joy ...
"Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.Instead, be very glad--for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world." 1 Peter 4:12&13
God loves you, I love you and you are formed for his use!

Thought of the day: what does it take to surrender?

Hi friends,
In my life I have found that surrender does not come naturally , and that it goes against everything in our human nature. You might ask what does it take to surrender to a God that we cannot see? Well, first of all it takes trusting him to do what you can't. We couldn't die on the cross for our own sin, because sin cannot erase itself without the sacrifice of Jesus, a man who didn't know sin and yet He became it for you and me ! Also there are things in life that we simply can't get through without Him. For example , I have CP and it's not my cup of tea to be honest, but I am in the process of overcoming it not by my strength, but by His power at work within me!
The second key to surrender is dying to yourself . I know that's not easy in fact sometimes it seems next to impossible. That's why Paul declares," I am crucified with Christ.It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me". You see surrender is a daily process that Christ uses to help us live in obedience to him! Last but not least, be willing to obey His commands. Our obedience is one of the keys to get to know God and his will! Read more at Deuteronomy 5:33. Today's thoughts are taken from: Galatians 2:20, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Ephesians 3:20-21& Deuteronomy 5:33. God loves you , I love you& you are formed for his use! * This is not an extensive resource on surrender *

Thought of the day: what is hope?

Hi friends,
It's in our nature to put our hope in temporary things.. For example, we hope that people in our life have the right answers to the big questions, and we hope that our job can pay more, we hope that our healing will come. Right? Well hope is so much more! Hope is knowing that your Father in heaven loves you deeply. Hope is making the journey from darkness to light, hope is praying for a miracle and having the chance to be one for someone else!
We live in a world that promises a brighter tomorrow, but the reality is it leaves us empty and broken. That's when Christ can fill us up and restore our hope!
I have struggled with depression for many years. I reached the point of giving up after the loss of several friends/family members... I honestly still wonder why life was so painful. God restored my hope in him through N. Vujicic , a young man born without limbs!
It's hard to always find hope in a world so cold. Let God's warm embrace be your shelter from the storm! If you are praying for healing,keep believing ! God will give you wholeness , in this life or the next!
The things of this world will fail you,but God won't ! So, how do we find hope? By making the daily choice to trust him with all of our heart, and knowing that he will restore hope to us again! Today's thoughts are taken from: Romans 8:24-25, 1 Peter 2:9, Proverbs 3:5-6 & Rebekah's story.God loves you, I love you & you are Formed for his use!

Thought of the day: From hurt to hope!

Hi friends,
Do you feel hopeless ? I've been there too, it's a hard place to be. I was reading Lamentations 3 today and it got me thinking ... When we have Christ there is always a reason for hope!
Jeremiah was talking about a very dark time in the history of Israel and his life. God wasn't hearing their prayers, their enemies has rose up against them, and the light was no where to be found.. Yet he made a choice to put his hope in God! Lamentations 3:22:24 declares," Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will hope in him."
You see hope is a choice! Christ wants to transform your though life& your heart from hurting to hopeful. He died to do that. Hold onto what is true, don't loose hope ! Today's thoughts are taken from Lamentations 3:22-24. God loves you, I love you and you are formed for his use!