THE VALLEY

This will be a short post, but I was on my way to church this morning and a song began to play and I heard the words "even the valleys higher ground, that's why Im up when I oughta be down, that's why I smile when I should be wearin a frown, even the valleys higher ground". I thought on that for a moment and I'm really going through a storm right now which at times blurs your vision. I heard so softly where were you? Me: Where was I? What? When? Again a soft voice: Before!! Me: Oh I said.

Where was I before let me tell you: I was a miserable person. I was a person whom I had grown to hate, a person with no backbone, a person who rarely smiled, a person who cried practically all the time, a person who was very depressed, a person who's marriage was completely falling apart, a person who's friends were having an affair with her husband, a person who didn't run and play with her children. A person who was searching without even realizing it for something, anything that would make me feel something. Searching for some real happiness, searching for a place where I belonged, searching for people who loved me, searching for someone and one day when I couldn't sink any further he found me and now I am a happier and better person because of Jesus. I know I will have battles even when I am a Christian, they don't end the day you become a Christian, but when I look back on the years before I really decided to follow Jesus completely and fully the battles I face now are nothng compared to what I would be without Jesus and where I was. So you see even these valleys are higher ground compared to Where I Was. Thank you God for reminding me where you brought me from, I know I'll face trials, but at least I will have you to carry me when I can't walk alone.

And remember

YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB ON THIS SINGLE PARENT JOURNEY

God Bless You

THIS IS WHY

It’s been another all alone,
another do it on my own.

The bills are way past due,
and it all rests on you.

The weight is getting heavy,
and it’s about to break this levy.

If I could only stop time for a break,
it’s just a little more than I can take.

I haven’t slept in days,
and who really cares anyway.

And I worry in the middle of the night,
if I’m doing this thing just right.

And most of the time I just cry,
because I wonder if we’ll get by.

Oh and I have some battles to face,
but I know I’m in the right place.

Because I’ve got a name,
no it’s not full of fame.

But I hear them calling Mommy I Love you,
and that’s why I do what I do.

So to all those single moms out there,
you’re a special kind of rare.

And here’s a big “Way To Go”,
because I’ve been there and I know.

Isaiah 40:29 - He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

Phillipians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

This is a poem I wrote this evening, it hasn't been the greatest day and there are times when being a single mom makes you feel as though you can't take one more step. I need Jesus to help me through these trying times and I need the prayers of people who love me. To other single moms hold on, I know its hard and I know you feel like you might be crushed beneath the pressure of all you have to bear. Just remember you're never really alone, call on Jesus, he will give you peace. If you ever need a friend who can relate just call I can listen. Much love and blessings to each and everyone of you!!

And remember

YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB ON THIS SINGLE PARENT JOURNEY!!

God Bless You!!

YESTERDAY IS GONE

There is no guilt here
There is no shame
No pointing fingers
There is no blame
What happened yesterday…has disappeared
The dirt has washed away
And now it's clear

There's only grace
There's only love
There's only mercy and believe me it's enough
Your sins are gone
Without a trace
And there's nothing left now
There's only grace

You're starting over now
Under the sun
You're stepping forward now
A new life has begun
Your new life has begun

And if you should fall again
Get back up, get back up
Reach out and take my hand
Get back up, get back up
Get back up again
Ohh…get…back…up…again…

There's nothing left now
There’s only grace

Part of a song by: Matthew West

A new song that I absolutely love - people always say don't look back or faith doesn't look back it looks up or you can't live in the past. Now all of this is true, but I say take a minute to look back - I do, I look back and I see the pain, the heartache, the tears, the sadness, I see all the things I was and had before Jesus took control of my life. If you've done things you regret or things you're ashamed of then you are human, but once yesterday is gone the memory of your sins are gone too. God loves you and he forgives you and he never remembers them again. You don't have to beat yourself up over and over again for your mistakes. That's just what they are - mistakes that you can't erase, but you can learn from. His grace will always be enough. I remember where God brought me from, I remember who and what I was before he came into my life. I may not know where I am going, but I sure know where I've been and if it hadn't been for God's good grace, I wouldn't have survived many of the battles I've faced in this life. So today take your place, dust it off, say I'm sorry, accept his forgiveness and his love, and take a step. No more guilt from the pain of the past, we are FORGIVEN and GRACE is left. Prayers are with you yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Psalms 103:12 - As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

Isaiah 43:25 - I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions for mine own sake; and will not remember thy sins.

Hebrews 8:12 - For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

And remember

YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB ON THIS SINGLE PARENT JOURNEY!!

God Bless You!!

I WILL WAIT WITH YOU

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait


Part of a song by: John Waller

When I heard this song for the first time I thought of all the prayers I prayed that weren't answered. I thought of all the times I asked God for something that never came or never happened. I thought of the prayers I am still waiting on him to answer and then I just thought. As humans we are impatient and ungrateful and after this post please don't think I mean we will always get everything we want or ask for because we won't. We never think that some of the things we pray for aren't in our best interest. That some of the things we prayed would never happen did because they made us better people, better parents, better friends, better spouses, or better Christians. So in a short post today remember this, God never forsakes us, he never lets us down, he never fails us, and he never lies. If God has promised you something it will come to pass. If you are waiting then do just that. God said pray in expectance and pray fervently which in one place is defined as showing great emotion - so pray with all your heart. Also that the fervent prayer will avail which means to be of advantage - so don't give up. If you want something more than anything in this world and it is aligned with God's word and you have his favor I believe God will deliver. Also remember we don't always get what we want the minute we ask for it, God's time is not our time and I believe sometimes he wants to see if our faith will stand, if we will pray until he answers. He wants to see if we will wait and truly hold on to him while we wait. So while we are waiting I will pray he answers your prayers too, that he sends healing to the sick, comfort to the mourning, peace to the depressed, love to the brokenhearted and so on. Let's wait together.

James 5:16 - The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Galations 6:9 - And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

And remember

YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB ON THIS SINGLE PARENT JOURNEY!!

God Bless You!!

I AM A CHRISTIAN

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."
I'm whispering "I was lost,
Now I'm found and forgiven.

"When I say... "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
And need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
And need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace, somehow.

Written by: Maya Angelou

I've always loved this poem because it is so true. Many times even as Christians we don't remember where we came from or what we were before the blood of Jesus cleansed us and set us free from the sting of death and the pain of sin. We weren't saved by anything we did, we were saved because God loved us even in our sins. We all did and still do fall short of the glory of God, none of us have arrived or even come close to his perfection. We strive to be more like him, but let's face it we all have those places in our hearts that we wish weren't there or didn't exist. So I just want to remind myself and all of you that I don't claim to be perfect I make my share of mistakes and I wish I didn't, but when I do I call on his name and ask for his forgiveness to cover my thoughts, my actions, and my words everyday. I want to be a loving Christian who shows others a very small glimpse of God's love. We are here to lift up and encourage one another, that's what God's love did for us. He pulled us from a life that had no real meaning and set our feet on stable land. Thank you God for your hand of correction when I need it. In closing I'll pray for you and you pray for me. God knows we all need his forgiveness.

Ephesians 1:7 - In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace

Ephesians 2:8 - For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God 2:9 - Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Ephesians 2:4 - But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us 2:5 - Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, by grace ye are saved

And Remember

YOU'RE DOING A GREAT JOB ON THIS SINGLE PARENT JOURNEY!!

God Bless You!!