When you are scared to leap in faith

Psalm 40:4  "Oh the joys of those who trust the Lord, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols."

People in motion will bump into more opportunities!   That's a proven fact.  To get outside your circle of comfort you have to do something that isn't comfortable.  So why is it that we tend to hide behind our fears when making a move in faith?

In the worship song, Oceans, we sing at top of our lungs and it speaks to the fear that I am talking about.  It's from Hillsong Church and the song includes the line "Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders...."  

Do you really mean what you are singing?

Are you singing this because it's the current worship song on the screen?
Are you singing it with all the praise you can muster in your fear-filled voice?
Are you singing it with intention for God to hear?

To let your trust go to a place without borders, means that you are aligning your trust with God who has no borders.  God is outside of time and space so you can't order His plans for you.

God's plans are so big for you that you can't put a border around them!  You can't wrap your heart of trust around something that He has defined.  You can, however let your heart be led to that kind of trust by giving in to His sovereignty all the while as He defines His plans for you.

If you are praying while singing that song, you are asking God, who knows all, who sees all, who reigns over His church, to work in ways that will take more of Him to accomplish.  That very often leads us to a place or places where we have never gone before and it's filled with a lot of unknowns to get there.  

Our level of faith is where our trust kicks in, that's where our faith is activated.  Faith is like a muscle, if we don't use what we believe about God over what we don't believe, our faith will shrink and not grow.  If we let God activate our faith to a place that He can grow it, with a heart of full trust, it will grow strong and powerful.  It will be expanded to have great visions outside of ourselves to grasp what God truly has planned for us.  When we rely on faith that pleases the Father instead of the things we can see.  Faith is not about evidence.

We need to get to the place of trust that when it's our turn to step out onto the unknown we will not be fearful, because we have eye-lock on the one who is calling our name in those unknowns.  

"When we are under God's submission to His mission so have we been commissioned."  ~ Kris Vallotton

When we let our trust go to the unknown, it is always known by God.  

Incredible opportunities lie ahead for us when we trust God in new, never before seen, live in action and uncompromising ways!  This is the kind of trust you are singing about.  A trust that simply says, "Yes, I will go, wherever you lead me to go, no matter how."

You can't get to that kind of trust hiding behind those fears you are comfortable with. 

When you pray for more of God, you are praying with a heart of faith that will lead you to places that He has specifically for you.  He's God, He will hem Himself in around you to guard you, protect you, direct you and keep you.  Accessing this level of trust is matched by His boundless mercy, abounding grace, fearless faith and continual confidence.

To trust someone means that you don't care where you are being led or directed to, you just simply follow where God leads.  You trust the Plan Maker, your Guide, your Leader.  You simply put your questions aside and say yes.  To be lead like this you have to fine tune your hearing so that you only hear His voice above all the distracting voices that throw you off track.

You lead yourself in confidence, in turning to your Leader and not relying on yourself or what you could ever bring along to help God out.  In doing this we lean on His confidence!  Needing more confidence today?  Read Psalm 40, it will boost a holy confidence that can lead you to walking on water and taking a hold of God's confidence that will lead you to an awesome place of trust!

What fear gets in the way of you trusting God more?

The currency of God's love

"God's love is always now." ~ Judah Smith

God is real and so is His love.  God continues to show us in so many ways.  It's summed up in Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."  

God is the only one that sent someone to die for me.  That's speaks volumes of forever love for me. ~ Janelle Keith

Before we were a thought, He loved us.

Before you took your first breath, you were loved.

Before time began He loved, and before your time began, again there was God simply loving us and expecting nothing in return.

This is hard concept but we have to get this by faith to receive this.  

Let's be honest, it isn't something that you can feel on some days, but it's by faith we receive and understand it.  And when we get it, then...wow! His love hits us between the eyes and goes straight to the heart.

When I think about God's love, it sends me to a place that I like to wander to and stand in awe of.  It's relentless, never gets tired of chasing our wayward hearts.

His love can reach to deepest depression and give us a hand up.  It can lift our eyes to the highest emotional high to encourage us, and wraps us warm all over.  We can't be separated from it on our worst day.

It's for us now, as it was yesterday and will be tomorrow.

It's current, fresh every morning and walks with us through our days.  Knowing that we are that "someone special" for God should make a difference in our daily life.

All this love talk is sometimes hard to swallow when rejection and pain come from the corners of our lives, but God's love is perfect and doesn't judge.  It's long-lasting and eternal. It never gives up on us.   His love always hopes for us as God is our hope!

God's love is described quite nicely in 1 Corinthians 13: 4- 8  "Love is patient and kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. ...And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Love wins.  Each and every time, always, now and forever.   God's love changes our nows and our forever.  God's love changes us, be changed by God's love.

You (fill in your name here), yes you, are loved.

What is one of the hardest things to understand about God's love for you?

To hear a great message on God's love listen here!

My fear was frozen until I let it go

Me and my flying friend, Jenny.

I was so excited to spend the girl’s weekend with her.  I had missed her since she moved miles away to another state, and it had been months since we really talked.  We wanted to make a new memory to continue our faithful friendship.  I landed on her doorstep full of giggles and grins.  We stayed up late into the night swapping stories and sharing tears.

Saturday was packed with laughter and cupcakes plus shopping at quaint corners, lattes and an adventurous zip-lining trip.  I wasn't sure about the last event but she reassured me there was no need to worry.  I had to trust her word to let go of the anxiety that secretly gripped my heart.

I’m a little afraid of heights but more afraid of letting go.

Ever had one of those girlfriends that when you haven’t talked to her months you can pick up right where you left off?  On the next day, she set out to make my fear disappear.  “You will love this.”  I wanted to be brave… for her and for me.

God spoke the moment I started to let go of my anxious questions.

On our way to the top of the course, He said, “Stay the course, hold tight.”  
When we were harnessed and tethered by our guide, “I am your Guide.”  
When my tension mounted and I sensed apprehension from the other first time zippers, “Just let go.” 

“Be strong, hold on, I am here, let go.”

The first run of the course, my dear brave friend went before me, showing me her fearless smile.  Then it was my turn to be brave.  As my feet were over the edge, I looked down, and gulped hard.  I imagined jumping off a ledge to a great fall but in reality I only had to sit back into the harness.  

I just had to lean on the harness, trust in the hold, and let go of my fear.  I flew like a bird.  

“Be strong, hold on, I am here, let go.  Trust Me, see my freedom on the fly."  I landed safely to the next platform in the course and my heart filled with assurance and exuberance as I let out a just a little scream of victory!  My fear was gone!  I trusted the harness.

We indeed made a brave memory as I replaced my fear with my trust in the harness.

So it is in our spiritual journey, we must trust God, and let His grace and love hold us.  Our Guide desires our complete trust and dependence.  We have to let go of our fears and have faith in His promises.  As we let go, we will fly on His mercy that maps our course, soaring strong and confident, trusting in our harness of Hope.

Joshua 1:9  "This is my command - be strong and courageous!  Do not be afraid or discouraged.  For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."  

I am trusting in His hold on my heart, my hope, my future, and my today.  He holds my world in His hands.

Ever think about why you do what you do?

When doing what God has called you to do, you have to know why you do what you do. That's the case for me in seeking out my dreams, I have to keep them close by as reminders of why I started writing things down in the first place.

I write to encourage you as I have been encouraged.  

I have been asking God about my writing dream, learning how to send encouragement to you.  That's when I had to stop and remember what has gotten me to this point and what goes before me.

I write to wrap my mind around God's grace.

God's grace has destined and adequately designed my steps.  So it's His grace that continues to work out my faith.  I have to trust God, His process, and the God who knows what He's doing.  God is my authorization department.  His grace opens doors, closes them, protects His interest in His word, and He cares about every last detail.  So it's appropriate to say that His grace works out in what I do.

I write to live in God's mercy and find strength.  

Have you ever thought about how God can work his mercy in your dreams too?  It's time to get serious here.  The last few months God has been refining my written voice to be intentional and stronger.  It's for His purposes and glory that I share what He's teaching and to explore Biblical truths He has shown me.  Plus having freedom in knowing the truth that has set me free.

I write to live free.
I'm not doing this for the money, the notoriety, or because it's easy. 
I'm doing this to please the Father.  I'm doing this in faith. 

Perhaps you want to get serious with your dream.  If your dreams, or desires don't look exactly like you thought they would, then hold on, God knows what He's doing.  If you are asking Him to show you, then rest assured He wants you to know that too.  There are turns and twists in dreaming that you just have to trust the process.

I write because when doing so I am trusting His grace process.

When it comes to matters of faith, we have to trust God for journey, His leading in our faith will have a better ending that we can wrap our finite minds around.  It truly takes the understanding of the deep love of the Father, an understanding His authority and sovereignty when asking Him about His plans for us.  

I write so that my heart can respond to this life.  

Most days my mind feels like alphabet soup, words, phrases, blog titles, verses all mixed together.  I talk about dreaming a lot, but for me it's really a heart issue to obey what God has put inside.  His grace gives us desires to carry out His will in our lives.  God's grace fuels my passion, my desire, my abilities to throw inspirational thoughts your direction.

I write to experience God.

Philippians 2:12-13 "as you have always obeyed...continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling (because of what Christ has done), for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose."

I write because I can't not do this.  It's the way God has designed my heart, therefore, may I respond to Him fear and trembling for the sake of Christ.  

Why do you do what you do?  

God rocks at this

Proverbs 4:11 "I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths." 

We love to predict the next step for our lives. 

We love to know what God is up to.   

I have discovered that many times we are the ones who throw confusion and chaos into an already simple and laid out plan. 

His plans for us are straight, and full of wisdom, under and with HIS love filter. 

In other words, God has most perfect plans. Trust His perfect plans even when it doesn't look like your "perfect" plan.

God rocks at perfect planning.

We add our failures, fears and inadequacies to a plan and then it doesn't makes sense. 

When we add our imperfect to the Perfect, we come up short every time.  We think the road is winding and wrong and endless. 

Recently I've prayed ..."Show me what it means to follow you God"..only then does it becomes simple and direct. 

Only then can I see God's wisdom and love directing me. 

I'm letting the Lord direct.  I'm not adding my imperfect thoughts or plans to His perfect plan.  

No more "Jonah" moments for me. The belly of this whale is not fun and is kind of gross. 

I will trust.  I know in doing so he will give wisdom and understanding.  

Trust Him.  God rocks at your perfect plans that benefit His perfect plan for you.

God knows what is best for your situation. 

Trust and follow, that is the direct way to God. 

He already knows what your tomorrows and today hold. Trust completely.

Be a rock star in your trust in God!  He's already a Rock Star in His plans for you.

What pops your faith balloon?

Believe me....I really thought about the title of this post.  It made sense at the time.

This is for all of you readers that have wondered what God was up to in your life.  Today, I went back and took a deeper look at the birth announcement of John the Baptist.

As you know, he was the son of a priest named Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth.  Read this post about how that news came down the prayer chain.  John, was a great prophet, who prepared people to meet Jesus.

When I combed back over the story again, I noticed something.  Have you ever noticed that this epic announcement came by way of the super-angel Gabriel, who was only pulled out for a few occasions - making earth shattering announcements?  And it was really Zechariah's unbelief that popped the faith balloon?

And then I still wonder why the dude found out first before the mother-to-be?

We've already looked at how Zechariah received the news that he was going to be a dad.  The one striking response was his doubt that met the angelic delivery.  Luke 1:11 tells of how Gabriel gave this first time father the news of his lifetime, even ushers with a peaceful ..."Do not be afraid!"

Zechariah's response?  Luke 1:18 "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years."  

Now I don't know about you, but wouldn't an angelic face to face meeting been enough proof to believe the message from the appointed messenger?

Maybe that's just me.  But no..old Mr. "Z" had the nerve to ask the "how" question.

And then I took another look at my own prayers...

I found out that I had been wanting a little more proof of God too.   How often have you found yourself in the middle of doubt when God has laid something on your heart and was really only asking you to trust and obey, to simply take him for His faithful word?

Because of Zechariah's doubt, he was struck mute.  God has not caused that to happen to me just yet, but has every reason too, as my own list of doubting Thomas moments has been made.

I don't blame 'ole Mr. "Z" for thinking logical first.  Isn't that what we tend to do?  And when we don't understand the hows of God, we respond to His promise with an "Are you sure about this?"

Would it be more honest to say that we want all the pieces of the mysteries of God before we believe the mysteries of God?

If so, where would the word faith come into our prayers?

I giggle at myself when I pray ..."surprise me God", and then am really surprised at how He answers my prayers.   Shouldn't we always be surprised at how God answers our prayers?  We should be, but we aren't, because doubt often comes into play and steals our heart response, bringing unbelief to our conversations first.

Can't we trust God to know what He's doing first before He brings about His promises?  Wouldn't His faithfulness prove every one of them?

Yes, I believe so.

I love Elizabeth's response though when she receives the birth notice.  Can't you hear her teary joy-joy-happy sigh from here?  Luke 1:25 records that she said publicly, "The Lord has done this for me.  In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people."

She responded with belief and hope.  Ever wonder why she wasn't told first?  Could it be that the bigger miracle was to have the husband lead in believing, a man who was supposedly was more near to God with his calling rather than a devoted prayer warrior wife in the faith family tree?

I don't know...just wondering...

The difference is the two responses.  One spoke faith, one didn't.  One thing is for sure, when we respond with faith over doubt we are blessed.

"Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" ~ Luke 1:45

Those who pray in faith are blessed.  I want to be blessed..and so do you.  So let's go through these Advent days with faith, that as we believe in our God, who has promised us peace, joy, love, an eternal home, and so many more promises (and not just at this time of year) that we can...

....have faith.  Completely.  In all His promises.

Trust in our God who keeps His promises.

....and believe He knows what He's doing.  Yes, even when He is up to His mysterious ways.

Trust.  Believe.  Hope.

My Prayer...God, surprise us!

Anyone need a worn pair of socks?

Ever think about what you are good at, but then fail to see and believe that it is a gift?  About three years ago with a workshop offered by my church, God showed me that writing was one of my spiritual gifts.  

I remember that weekend like yesterday, something snapped inside my heart. 

God was there to smile on the recovery my dream and gave me a sneak peak into how to have a written voice.  Plus He showed me a little of my own creativity by crafting my own mission statement!

Since then God has been at work and watered the seeds of faith and brought alongside some early believers in this dream.  Germination of a mighty dream began that weekend but God didn't leave it there..He sealed the promise with His truth.  

Habakkuk 2:2-4  "Then the Lord replied:  'Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald my run with it.  For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false.  Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.  ....but the righteous will live by his faith'"( faithfulness as it says in the footnotes of my Bible.)

By telling you the start of my dream from three years ago, I see this verse as being HUGE now.

Don't you just love it when God connects your dreams?  Ever have those "aha" moments with God to say..."So back then you were leading up to this day?"  Those moments when your heart is filled with a little more understanding, and then you are caught wondering if God is showing you a little more than one little inch of a step ...oooh it's a little exciting over here in this little corner of the world...where's my notebook!

The important thing is not how I got here to this new day full of new things, new goals, and a new direction... but why I'm here.

I am at this point because back then, because I allowed my heart to be submissive to God's authority in my life.  I prayed a full surrender, trusting with my whole heart prayer that if God gives, then I had to trust Him with the results of the gift.  Also I have to trust Him for the opportunities to use the gift given.  

It's my love response back to the Giver.  Full trust in this.  

I know this about God that if I obey to "write it down" then, God will make my someday happen. 

But it's not without a lot of work, trust, and even more belief that God will.  God believes in your dreams if they are God-given dreams.  God keeps His promises to you. 

I have to tell you, from my little corner of the world, there were so many hurdles regarding my personal place, value, self-esteem and confidence to overcome before getting to a right place where God was calling me.  

I started as a journalist.  I started to believe God in this dream and in His faithfulness.   

The good news is that God is walking me through my issues.  This incredible journey honestly began back then on that Chazown weekend.  My heart couldn't wait for someday, so I gathered up all the gumption I could with just enough faith to start towards today.

When you show up before a Holy God with your heart surrendered, packed full of dreams, and lay it all down before Him then you have to trust God to show you what to do.  

Ever think about how we pursue His gifts more than the Giver himself?  

Even though it's hard, and this sounds big and deep, you know what?  I do it all over again, only the second time around I would have not delayed my obedience.  I would have come around sooner, to see God's truth.  When you invite God to your dreams, He will see your dreams through to His end for His glory.  (tweet this and link to this post!)

Just hold on to your socks, because He's gonna show you deep and unsearchable things. Even immeasurable and amazing details, and then for a little fun, He will mix it all up and show you some real truth to your heart.

Chasing dreams involves trusting God's process.     (tweet this! #janellekeithquotes)

When you trust God with your dream, He will speak life those unspoken places in your heart.  He'll dust out some of the cobwebs first, but will be all of up the middle of your dreams if you allow Him to do His tidy work first.  

My next step is to keep close to Him, keep believing in the Giver, and keep trusting in His process. Keep to what He has faithfully shown me back then, as I look forward to my new now. 

Anyone need my worn out pair of socks? 

Know this for your own good

Used by Permission:  Cindee Snider Re

Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God.  I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

Am I the only one who has a "being still" problem?  What does "being still" really mean?  And how are we supposed to be still when there is so much that has to be done?

I think it means to not move from the position of knowing where the refuge of God is.  Was David in a still place when he wrote this psalm?  Where do you find your refuge?

God's refuge is still and constant.  God's refuge is a place where we can find peace and quiet, our safe or happy place.  But is it an actual location you can find on a GPS?

Being still means that we rest in God's calmness, His plans, His safety nets, trusting that He has cares about us, and that He is working for us even when we can't see it.

When the dust settles from...

...the most recent diagnosis
...the crumpled terminated work papers
...the divorce papers have been served and you have cried every last tear
...the empty seat at the dinner table
...the lonely nights
...the unresolved problems that leave you feeling powerless
...the rising rebellion in your home
...the feeling that you are at the end of your rope and you need a way out
...the circumstances that life wear you out and down

Is it hard for you to be still in Someone or something you can't see?  It's next to impossible to not want to take action, to do something to fix our situations.  Waiting and resting is incredibly tedious and leaves us feeling really unproductive.

But nothing can fix or repair like the peace that comes from His stillness.  God's shelter is wherever God is.  There's your refuge.  He is always present with us and is standing ready to help in times of trouble.  There is power in being still and present before our Holy God, in His Presence.

The circumstances of our lives may change, our nation or world may be in an uproar, but our position within the safety of God's love and protection remains a constant...for he delights in us, cares for us, and is always ready to help us.

My encouragement to you is to be still, and know that His Refuge awaits to help you, shelter you, and bring His calmness to a place of stillness before Him.  Know that God is aware of your situation and that he cares.  Faith isn't based on feelings, it's based on complete trust in His character.

God's got your back when the world turns it's back against you.   God hasn't moved from His Refuge.

His stillness waits.  Turn your eyes upon Jesus, then peace comes.

Choose His stillness over your chaos, know this....it's for your own good.

Faith means trusting forward

Faith means trusting forward what will only make sense in reverse.

"Perfect faith is the faith that moves us to trust God even when it seems as though God isn't moving". - Andy Stanley

My mind fills with an awkward silent sighs and I wonder. In those quiet moments, I have some worrisome thoughts. My heart just wants to see and understand. Does my wonder really do any good? “You can’t see it in person," hisses the enemy. It's true somewhat...I don't see the results. The work that God is doing is hidden for now.

There are days when I feel I don't accomplish much. I think about how I should be doing something more tangible–serving at a community food kitchen, distributing groceries, hugging the African littles, something, anything where I can feel progress or see a forward motion. There are days I get hung up on needing to see and feel the results. I know that need isn't right. In my wishful thinking I want to see overwhelming approval. I know that is wrong too.

I just need more faith.

What I really desire is evidence of something more tangible. I whispered to Jesus as darkness filled my early morning. “Are you sure God, I am so afraid!” He has laid something on my heart, a challenge to write something that I have never done before. It's a task of great undertaking. I have never ventured this far out of my comfort zone before.  This project brings fear into my heart, it makes my palms sweaty. And I don't know how it's going to turn out. And besides that, who am I to write it? I am nothing special.

Then... this verse rises into my heart…

Faith is being sure of what we hope for 
and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

I’ve always thought of those words in the context of believing in Jesus but not in seeing results or the unseen faith things. On that morning it seemed liked there was something more He wanted to teach me. What God is calling me to do is just to be faithful.  To simply obey what He is asking of me.  What He wants of me is to act justly...and offer obedience in return. The results of the task are His business. He is the one making the difference. He is the One building my faith. He is the One who makes results come about. The One Who Loves whispers into the fear in my heart and the parts of my faith and speaks directly to my obedience.

It’s not about the results, it’s about my obedience.

Faith is believing. Faith is sure. Sure of hopes, dreams for the God-matters in this world.
Faith leaps, bounds and builds. Faith fans the flames of inspiration.
Faith is certain.

Faith is the evidence of what we do not see…even in our adversities, difficulties, uncertainties, and trials. 

Faith anchors us to the unseen. Only God knows the pricks, the folds and the imprints that are made. 

Faith in God writes His wonders on our hearts.
Faith measures what matters. It calls to the faithful. Faith submits, follows and obeys.
Faith makes a difference and changes.

Faith hears God whispering back saying…"submit…trust…obey". 

Faith is working the unseen things together for your good.
The I AM is taking care of the rest, the results. Keep the faith. Hold on. Pray for deeper faith. Pray for perfect faith. 

With the results unseen, it's beautiful obedience.

"Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understand at the time.” 

~ Oswald Chambers

What's a hard thing God has asked you to do? Did you do it?

Wading through worry

How many days have you woke up with worry? Too many days to count?

I love the charge that Jesus gives in Matthew 6 about the worry waters of life. Ever notice how He gives us instructions about what to do about worry?

Side note: when there is a "Therefore" in God's word, it's a red flag to see what it's there for.

Jesus gives us specific instructions on how to wade through the worries of life. He makes it sound so easy in two words actually..."do not".

What are you worried about today? Yes, I know today is full of full list of things that are weighing your heart down. And tomorrow? A new batch of worry comes along. How do you deal with the worries of life?

Do you store it up and let it seep into the corners of your heart? There are plenty of worries that plague us on a daily basis inside our homes, not to mention our current world situation.

How many times have you caught yourself worrying about something that never happens?  I learned worry from my mom. She would speak worry after worry about everything that never happened. She taught me how to be a good mom one worry at a time.

Do you think that God is wringing His hands with the worry that hit your mind this morning?

Tucked into the obvious therefore, Jesus gives us a guard against the things that we like to wade through daily. Simply put...Jesus says..."Trust me."

He points out his creation and how wonderfully dressed it is, and how plentifully he cares for their needs. He even uses the comparison of Solomon's splendor to bring His glorious riches to mind.

So you of little faith...why do you worry?

How do you guard yourself from wading through those worry rapids that escalate quickly into churning turmoil? Matthew 6:33 says, "BUT seek FIRST his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

See the promise here... oh you of little faith?

If we are seeking God, His kingdom, and His righteousness, then we won't have time for worry. When we seek God we are are trusting God in everything and for everything. We are obeying His truth. We are submitting to His sovereign will for our lives, we are putting God first over worry. We are not bowing down to the idol of trying to fix ourselves or trying to control our lives. We are not worshiping the lurking pitfalls of sin that swirl around our ankles and draw us into the enemy's dark pools of "what if's". We are looking to Him to take care of us. We are looking to God to be our Provider, we are looking to Him with a faith-filled heart that believes He is who He says He is.

So you of little faith...why do you worry?

Therefore, there should be no "But God?" questions.

Do not worry.

There is no future in it. Tomorrow will bring plenty of worry. Each day has it's own agenda that knocks on your heart's door and asks the "what if" question of the day.

But seek God.

I have trusted God with the most important decision of my life, I have trusted Him with my eternal life. Why do I think He can't handle my husband's next medical crisis? Or my own? Or the bottom line of my bank account? Or your next worry here...

But seek God. When I worry I am rebelling against the promise of God. When I am not seeking God but seeking to fix my own worries then that's not trusting in faith that God will take care of whatever it is weighing heavy. I am not looking with big faith that says God is greater than my problem. I am not believing that He is bigger than the worry itself. I am forgetting that He already knows my yesterday, my today and my tomorrows. I am forgetting who God is.

When I forget who God is...well, now THAT is something to be concerned about.

But seek God. Do Not worry. So you of little faith...why do you?

There is no future in it. God already knows. Why should I worry about the things that He is in control of?

Goodbyes and Hellos

Saying goodbye is hard.

Saying goodbye and offering hello can create awkward circumstances. Even though I am one who can talk to complete strangers, it's still hard, good and awkward.

I have the gift of gab. 

I have a hard time saying goodbye. My reasons are that I might enjoy your company, or there are those times when I don't like being alone. And while I say that, I know there are times that I need to be alone.  My ever wandering mind keeps me company most conversations.

If you are wondering if I am one who stands out on my porch and to watch you drive off...yes, I am one of those who linger. I want to remember the good times we have had. I want to stay in those shared moments. I don't want to let go of what you mean to me.

Sometimes I want to look at the past...back in time. I wish time would freeze or stand still. "Oh...remember that time...." yes, those loving memories bind our hearts. When it's a faith building transition, and there is struggle involved, that makes our bond strong. That's when it is especially hard to let go.

I am in a season of goodbyes and hellos.

God wants us to say "goodbye" to some habits, some ideals, some of who the world says we are supposed to be, leftover parts of our hearts. I have to be honest with you...its uncomfortable here in these newly decorated hallways. He's caught me standing still and frozen in time. I was fast becoming a pillar of salt as my neck was straining on past memories. There are seasons in our life in which we have to say goodbye before God can give you a new hello, a new beginning.

I believe the root of the reason of hard goodbyes is a matter of trust. We like to trust our feelings. We like to trust our past to take care of our future, we like to trust in people more than God, and we like to trust in ourselves more than Him. When we transition from goodbyes to hellos, we have to keep our focus on God. This game called life is more about Him than we can really understand, it's certainly not about us. 

Transitions towards His tender heart are my ultimate desire.

If we are hanging onto toxic emotions and habits, then we have no room for change, no room for new beginnings, and no room for God to greet us with His "hello". For God to work, we have to allow Him to give and to take away.

So what do you need to say goodbye to? Is it a misplaced trust? A love replaced? Is it your pride? Toxic emotions you need to expell?

For God to do the work in us, we must be willing to wave goodbye. As our hands are open wide, then and only then, will He do his hello work. We can't receive what He has for us as long as we are clutching to the old, the tired or familiar patterns. We can build on our faith memories and recall His strength to say hello to the new things He has called us to.

Saying goodbye isn't always bad, it can be better. Hello to new beginnings. Say welcome to a new wing of your heart with doors open wide. 

God seasons us as we go through seasons we grow to.

Here's What You Get On Mondays

Monday's always bring me to some my life's randomness.  

This is my lowest read post.  I don't know why.  I have studied the numbers and have now figured out that honestly I don't care.  So if you are reading this right now...thank you.

Last week was a tough week for me spiritually.  God fought some battles for me.  I may write about them, I may not.  That is something that will always be changing here.  One thing to get from this is Exodus 14:14.

Please come back if you want more of God's truth in your life.  Why else would I write?  

Truth for this week:  God is for me, God is for you.  Don't let doubt tell you otherwise.  

Don't equate your circumstances for God's love for you.  God loves you so much that He sent His one and only Son, in human baby form, to bring you the gift of salvation.  This is only message of Christmas.

If you don't know Jesus, then let me know.  I would love to help you discover who Jesus is.

Disclaimer:  I write to inspire.  I am not proud or boastful in knowing the answers.  In fact, I feel boastful just saying that I don't know the answers.  But God is teaching me His answers.  And because I write to inspire...there will be some very serious posts here.  I don't know how you feel about that.

One life-changing fact:  Trust God in everything.  He is worthy of your trust.  

If I were to get a tatoo, it would be one word.  Please note I said "if".  Courtney Foster?  My tatoo would be this word..."Trust".

Off to write more of this week.  Please come back as often as you want.  

Five Minute Friday {Dance}

Dancing in the Desert

God has taught me some vital moves.

Moves that I need to survive this journey through the desert.

In one word, He has taught me to trust.  Completely.

There have been some personal struggles that I have overcome.

I am still working through some too.  

I have hope and will cling to His promises that I find daily when I read His word.


Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Ps. 62:8

Faith endures and what He has given me has proven to be enough.

This desert journey has been one of tears, fears, and cheers.

Full of joy, sorrow, suffering, rich in healing, comfort and grace.

Loads of trials and victories too, riddled with conflicts and tension, triumphs, hardships, trouble.

Many understandings that have protected and prevented mistakes.  

God's mercy has brought me to His side.   

His perfect trust teaches me to dance in this desert.  

I Just Got Back From Africa

Sometimes I find myself still unpacking from my trip to Africa

If you find me in a distracted state of mind, then you may have caught me in the middle of it.  Don't blame me.....I just got back from Africa.  It's a place that I travel back to every day.  If you have ever been there you know what I am talking about.  If you have seen God's people hurting and want to help, you go back to the emotional connection you had while there and replay the scenario over and over again.  Scanning your brain's horizon, it's easy to go back in your mind, and think about bringing hope again.    


Sometimes, like the the other day, God nudged me and mentioned that it was ok to recover my dreams.  His soothing voice was like a waterfall of grace.  "I gave them to you, why would I abandon you in them?  Dream a little....it's okay".


Do you have those those wishful and whimsical wishes that you are afraid to write down for fear that they will never come true?   Those thoughts about a life you have been carrying around since you were a little girl, wishfully thinking someday it must might come true?  


It was hard to see those little African kids who didn't have dreams.  Their whole existence is moderated by the question..where and when will they eat?  They have lost their dreams somewhere in the middle of their little messy lives, in their poverty and in being alone. One child was asked what he wanted to be when he grew up....he said "old".  What a heart-wrenching answer to a harsh reality.    


When I trust God for my hopes and dreams, it doesn't make me weak, no...it makes me depend more on God.  From my prayer journal.."The dreams I give you require Me to help you.  You have no idea how they will work out but I do.  Rest in the fact that I have your dreams, your hopes, and the desires of your heart close.  I will not laugh at you or toss them in the wind.  They are important to me too.  And the more you trust the more you will see Me.  The more you see Me the more you see how I can work them in you, to make your dreams come true.  No matter what...I am the Dream-maker, and that's all you need to know."  


Oh...I hear Africa calling my name again.....and I unpack a little more.

Maybe...In My Dreams

Speak Your Dreams

I haven't ever spoken my dreams....to you.

I don't even know if I am brave enough to speak about them today. This is an area where I need God to work in me.

Maybe you have never thought about this.

Honestly, I'm afraid to have any out loud conversations about them.

I was talking to my friend and I asked myself the hard question.

Why don't we talk about our dreams?

My answer scared me a little. I'm afraid to speak my dreams.

I'm afraid that my dreams are just that...my dreams. Not God's.

I'm afraid that my dreams are buried way too deep. Planted in my self-esteem.

I'm afraid.

I'm afraid that my heart is maybe broken over them.

I'm afraid when my heart breaks so easily.

I'm afraid that God won't grow these dreams in me. I'm afraid.

I'm afraid to trust God for them. 


We live in a "take action" world.  If I don't make my dreams happen, who will?

I'm afraid to speak my inmost desires. I am afraid to dream.

I'm afraid to speak my dreams to you. To God.

How ridiculous is this?

I'm afraid that if my dreams don't match up to God's then they won't come true.  Are my dreams even godly ideas to think about?

God...are my dreams your dreams?

Where did my dreams come from? Certainly not from my father...we have never spoken our dreams to each other. Not from my mom, we never met about those either.

So God...when were these straight-up-crazy dreams born?

Why am I talking about dreams so much? Because...as believers we don't speak them often enough. Maybe it's considered false hope. Maybe I am wishfully thinking about my dreams. Maybe when I tell you that one of my dreams is to write a book. I am afraid that you will laugh at me. Maybe when I spoke my dream once...you walked away, shaking your head, and thought...."that will never happen".

Maybe I don't believe in my ability to write my thoughts.

Maybe I might have some lofty dreams about glossy covers. Maybe this isn't God's dream for me.

Maybe I don't trust God with my dreams.

So let's turn the page...The failure of speaking my dreams ends here.

Can I trust you? Will you encourage me to continue seeking my dream? Are you strong enough to hold me accountable? God, can I trust you with my secrets? My dreams?

This is an area in my faith journey where I have to be transparent with you.

It kind of hurts to say it...but....I don't really trust myself to make things happen.

I can't see the last page. I can't see the results. That's where God comes in. If I say I trust God then I also have to trust God for everything. Even the results. Even when I don't know the end of all the stories. Even when I'm still caught up in the middle of my mess. Even when I can't write my dreams clearly. Even when I can't put two words together to make a sentence. I have to trust God who holds all the words that will ever be written.  I can't go wrong with trusting God with my dreams.

Jeremiah 29:13 "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

Yes, God I can trust you with my dreams.

Do you have dreams? Do you trust God with them?