Listen To Your Heart

You know it's crazy how things happen sometimes. Well honestly I guess it's not really crazy when you know that God is in control of your life. He moves in ways we can't comprehend with our natural limited minds.

That is why I find it so important to listen to our hearts. Our minds often over analyze things. As women we often make decisions based on our emotions. We want to please everyone, be accepted and fit in. We sometimes compromise our beliefs and integrity to fulfill the desires of others.

When we listen to our hearts we tend to be lead by the spirit of God. God's word says "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23. So it's no surprise when you go against your heart that things go wrong.

I feel that when we go against our heart we tend to lean on our own understanding instead of acknowledging God and letting Him guide us. If we are connected with God and allow Him to fill us with all that is good then we can rest assured that we will follow a path of love and abundant blessings.

If we allow the outside influences of the world to penetrate our souls then we are often guided down a path of confusion and pain. It is easy to be manipulated when you are searching for yourself. When you are seeking your purpose and path in life you tend to get of course for emotional reasons.

We tend to try to fill the gaps and voids in our lives with natural, fleshly desires and treasures. We settle for mediocre relationships, jobs, health, and so on. Since we don't truly understand who we are we think that is all we deserve. We don't realize that God has prepared a place for us that far supersedes any of our expectations.

So in the course of us trying to find ourselves, overcoming obstacles, learning about God and developing into the vessels we were created to be it's imperative that we listen to our hearts.

Stay true to yourself. Live your truth and let God lead the way.

The Storm

I have to be real to my roots and foundation. God is the source of my existence and everything I do must be according to His perfect will for my life. You see we often feel frustrated and sad when we travel outside of that perfect will. Or when we try to do things on our own without consulting Him.

"Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track." Proverbs 3:5-6

Lately I have been extremely frustrated and disappointed in myself. I have not been consistent with my workout and nutrition. I have slacked off big time and the scale is reflecting my lack of commitment.

It's not that I don't know what to do. It's not that I don't have the resources to do it. It comes down to my lack of discipline and obedience. It doesn't matter how much I learn about nutrition and exercise. I can know so much until my head swells. The only way I am going to reach my goal is to discipline my body and bring it under subjection.

"But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified." 1 Corinthians 9:27

It is going to take discipline and hard work. The body I desire will not come from wishing, hoping, reading about different diet and workouts. It's going to come from controlling myself and enforcing obedience and order.

Obedience is the act of obeying: the act or practice of following instructions, complying with rules or regulations, or submitting to somebody's authority. So I know what to do I just have to follow the instructions and comply with the rules and regulations. I have to submit my body and bring it under subjection. I need discipline.

It's not about will power. It's not an external force that you must obtain in order to resist a temptation. It's about the power within you. It's about listening to your intuitive wisdom or the little voice in your head that tells you what is right and wrong.

It's about shutting up the emotional, out of control garbage that is floating around in your head and standing on the truth. The truth is that you have what it takes to make it happen. You have been equipped for the battle. All you must do is move forward with determination and intention.

What is motivating you to be fit? What is the reason for putting down that fork when you want that last bite? What keeps you from throwing in the towel? What keeps you moving towards that goal even though you feel defeated?

Although I fall...although I step back....I keep getting up because deep down inside I want it so bad I can taste it. I want to see what discipline looks like. I want to be the woman God called me to be. It's not just about the outward manifestation for me. It's about the way I am able to discipline my mind and create something out of faith.

If I believe that I can then I will. If I can see it then I can have it. It all may sound cliche but it's the truth. The body follows where the mind goes. So instead of feeling defeated you must have the courage to believe that you can do it. You must continue to get up even though you fall. You must take a step at a time even though you don't see the end.

In reality there will never be an end. You will always be challenged in your life to be more...to be stronger...to have more courage....and to be the best you can be. Life changes. Circumstances change and you must always be prepare to endure them. That is what being "FIT" is about.

You are not just working out or eating healthy to fit in the dress. You are training yourself for life. You are preparing yourself to endure whatever comes your way. Mentally, emotionally, spiritually, physically you must be strong to fight.

When an adversity steps in your way you must have the ability to leap over it and devour the fear. You must be fit to fulfill what ever your purpose and calling is in the life. We each have a plan and purpose or we would not be here on Earth just taking up space.

Just like you must prepare for a race so must youd prepare yourself for life. Endurance, agility, focus, determination, fortitude, strength and power must be the skills you possess to not only survive but thrive.

So although I have stumbled I know I have the choice on my next step. I can either stop or I can proceed. I can either crumble or I can rise. For those that are familiar with my blog you know what I have chosen to do. I will rise and proceed forward.

I know that every stumble is just an opportunity for me to learn and minister to myself and others. The journey is not really just about me....it's about God's Kingdom. It's about His plan and purpose and I must be careful to hear His voice.

Sometimes God doesn't quiet the storm....He quiets the child. He uses the storm as a way to show Himself......show Himself in you. So though the storms come...the emotions rage....the scale climbs...I will survive and I WILL THRIVE!

For more about my fitness journey check out my blog here.

Consecrate

Consecrated: to make or declare sacred; set apart or dedicate to the service of a deity.

For most of my life I looked for validation and acceptance. I so desperately wanted to be loved. I looked for it in relationships and often felt so unworthy.

"The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw." John 4:15

Just as the Samaritan woman is John 4, I was going to well after well trying to quench my thirst. I was thirsty for love. Nothing could satisfy the desire I had to be loved and feel love.

Until I met God this life was filled with empty buckets that left me feeling disatisfied. I knew that there was something deeper that I was missing.

The part that I was missing was the love I had for myself. I had no self worth because I allowed the circumstances in my life to define me.

I allowed the childhood abuse, neglect and infedility to drown me beneath the feelings of self pity and defeat. I didn't feel worthy to be love therefore how could my desire truly be quenched.

After years of searching for love I have learned to love myself. God's uncondtional love has embraced me and given me a safe place to be myself. To live true to my convictions and beliefs. I no longer need anyone to validate who I am.

I have decided to consecrate myself for the glory of God. Rather than seek the love of a man I will love myself. In God's perfect time He will give me what I need when I need it.

My life is dedicated to fulfilling the will of God and for the time being I am consecrated....set apart for His purpose. I will honor and respect my mind, body and soul for His service.

Whatever He sees fit for my life I trust in Him. I acknowledge that my life is not really my own. I was created to bring God glory. Every adversity and emotion I have ever felt was all a part of His master plan. So I surrender my will and seek His sovereignty.

As with anything in your life....there are times when you have to stop and take a second look. You must analyze what you are truly seeking after. I most certainly guarantee that it can be found in God.

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33

"For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring." Acts 17:28

Shifting

There is a great shifting taking place in my life right now. I am not sure about everything that is happening but I am at a place that feels transforming. There are moments that I can't describe in words but I am confident that God is in control. He is maneuvering things and preparing me for my calling.

He has prepared me this far to perform what ever tasks He created me for. He has lite a passion in me that no one can quench. The only satisfaction would lie in me manifesting what my heart so desperately yearns for.

I know that the next few months will be filled with so much growth and unmeasurable greatness. I wake up each morning just feeling honored and blessed for all that I have been given and the opportunities I have to bloom.

I am becoming more conscious of my power and potential to not only change my life but help others change theirs. I know that my life was created to bring honor and glory to God. So in all that I do I must acknowledge His sovereign plan.

It's no longer about what I want but rather what I deserve because God alone is in control of my life. He has awaken me to my essence and I know that I am worthy of greater things than I can even imagine for myself. God's plans exceed our expectations. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts.

Right now in the moment even as I write this I have so much boiling up inside of me. I want to let it all out and help impact lives. I feel the love of God exploding within my soul. I feel the power of His mercy within my heart. I want to run, yell and cry because I can't contain this joy.

I praise Him for this moment and acknowledge His graciousness. He is great, mighty and awesome. My soul can not contain all of this power. I am ready to sow it and reap the plentiful harvest.

Happiness

You chose the life you want to live. You chose the emotions that guide your path. You can either chose to live happy or crumble beneath the weight of disappointments, fears and pain.

There is nothing in this world that can take away or add anything to you. You have been equipped and strengthened with the spirit of God.

Although life may knock you down...you make the choice to stand back up and try again.

Waiting on God

By Dr. Charles F. Stanley

Waiting on God so we can discover His will is an essential discipline of the Christian life. Once we learn His plan, we must be careful to implement it in His time frame.

Following the Lord's schedule is always to our benefit because of His . . .

• All-encompassing knowledge. Unlike us, the Father has complete awareness about our world and the details of every individual life—past, present, and future. (Acts 17:26).

• Complete wisdom. The Lord understands man's every motive (1 Chron. 28:9) and acts accordingly. Our decision making is flawed since we cannot clearly discern people's intentions. We make choices based on partial information, but God has the wisdom to properly interpret the facts and then take action based on truth (Rom. 11:33)

. He never makes a mistake.• Unending love. Through His Son, the Father offers us unconditional love. By sending Jesus to die in our place, God proved the depth of His everlasting love (1 John 4:10). He always has our best interest at heart.

• Perfect sufficiency. The Lord offers us all the resources we need to carry out His plan—wisdom, strength, and skill (2 Peter 1:3).

Adhering to God's timetable requires both faith and courage. We must believe that He knows how we should live, trust that His plan is right, and have the determination to wait until He gives a signal to proceed. Those who follow the Lord's schedule will experience the blessing of watching Him work things together for their gain and His glory.

Scripture Of The Day: "Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day." - Psalm 25:4-5 (NKJV)

How do you want it?

You know life has not always been easy for me. I don't claim for it to be easy now but many people comment on how I am always so positive.

I have my days that I deal with insecurities, fears, doubts and uncertainties but I try to see the better part of things. Hard times come in and out of our lives at different times but how we perceive them determines the outcome of them.

If we chose to look at them as something that came to destroy us then it will. BUT if we see it as a challenge as something that came to teach us and strengthen us then it will.

After years of dealing with adversities and trying to learn how to deal with them I learned that my mind controls so much of what goes on in my life.

If I learn how to discipline my mind and keep it on things up above rather than on this Earth I can survive anything God brings before me.

I admit that I make certain things in my life worse than they have to be but mostly because I allow the weight of them to drown me.

Instead of allowing the currant to carry me I struggle to swim against it. Only leading me to frustration, defeat and depletion. Things don't have to be so hard if we surrender to them and allow God to handle it for us.

That doesn't mean that we accept turmoil and sit back and watch things fall apart. It means that we surrender to God and put our faith in action rather then our doubts and fears.

So next time you find yourself facing a troubling situation ask yourself.."How do you want it?"

You can either make it difficult or sail through with the grace of God. It's up to you.

I USED EVERYTHING

Each time I read this it gives me a lump in my throat. My number one goal in life is to serve God in any capacity that He wants me to. My hearts desire is that I would use every talent He has placed within me to help others become better and help them live a more enriched and fulfilling life.


I understand that every struggle I have had to endure was designed to strengthen me and set a fire in me. My heart, body, mind and soul are all surrendered to God.

I would hope that at the end of my life here on Earth He would be proud of all that I have done and accomplished.

I CAN DO IT

What keeps you from achieving that thing that you can't go a day without thinking about? We all have aspirations to be something we aren't or achieve a goal or dream that tugs at our hearts. I have those same dreams and aspirations for myself. Days, months and years go by and I have yet to achieve them. I get so close and make the steps towards them and then "BOOM"....I stop the progress.

Can it be that I am afraid to fail? Can it be that I am so used to compromising and settling that I don't know how to press through the barriers in my mind?

Whatever it is I am going to blast it out of the water now. I can not and will not allow my past, my present or my fear of the future keep me from reaching my goals...seeing my visions manifest or becoming the woman I know I can become.

You see everything you were meant to have....the desires of your heart....God placed them there. He already pre programmed you to be who you dream of being. He made you strong enough to endure what ever adversity comes your way.

Whether it be your own sabotaging thoughts that constrict the life from your dream or the doubts and comments of others.....God says it's possible. You can overcome and conqueror every thought, every emotions and every obstacle along this journey.

I am laying my fears, insecurities and doubts at the altar. I am fasting from the thoughts that make me believe that I am not able...that it's not possible or it's too difficult to achieve.

I am drowning out the voice in my head that says...."they will judge you"..."you aren't strong enough"...."you don't have the resources"....."you don't know enough"...."it is too hard".

I will fill my mind with the truth that says "I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST THAT STRENGTHENS ME". He has equipped me...He has created me....and He has ordained me to be all that I dream of and envision myself to be.

Survival Kit

^{Matthew 6
25}Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
 ²⁶Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
 ²⁷Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
 ²⁸And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
 ²⁹And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
 ³⁰Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
 ³¹Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
 ³²(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

Along this journey of life we tend to get knocked down at times. Many of us live day to day just trying to survive after heartbreak or disappointments. Whether they be from failed relationships, economical issues, unemployment, or other adversities. We tend to have our way of coping and dealing with these issues.

At times we may feel like we struggle to breathe or find a way to keep going. We search for ways to strengthen our faith or look for something to give us hope.

We often ask "when are things going to change?" "When will my promise come to pass?" "Can my dreams or the visions I hold close to my heart really manifest?"

I have been there. I have struggled to live each day while holding onto my faith, my mind, my heart and soul. At times I have considered letting go and just forgetting everything God has promised me.

At times I feel like the dreams I have for myself will never come to pass. I worry, I stress and sometimes I am down right angry and frustrated. I have served God with all my heart and I wonder at times if my labour..my pain...has been in vain.

I have built up walls, dug trenches, and created coping mechanisms to get me through some pretty rough times. I have used food, relationships and emotions to fuel my journey.

I have been in survival mode. Maneuvering my way through life just trying to make it day by day. Not really sure of what is coming but just walking by faith.

I had my go to bag...or what others might call a bag of tricks. I call it a survival kit. I have carried this heavy bag for over 10 years.

I am letting it go. I no longer hold onto the fear of being hurt, rejected, disappointed or failing. I live for the now. I live in the very breathe and heartbeat of God. I am dependant on His word to get me through the day. I am nourished by His truth and sheltered by His love.

I am no longer just trying to survive. I am living and loving this life that God has designed for me. I now realize that everything I need to make it through this journey is inside of me.

I have been equipped for the journey. I am not just meant to survive but to live abundantly and forever live in the promises of God.

God is my "lifeline".

Defined

Define

1. to state or describe something exactly

2. to show something clearly, especially in shape or outline

3. to mark a boundary, edge, or limit

4. to give the precise meaning of a word or expression

I was defined by emotions....by the things I had gone through. I allowed the past define me...mold me and conform me. My spirit, my potential was hiding beneath layers of past hurts and feelings of worthlessness.

Now I stand here in a different form still unsure at times of what the future holds....yet determined to be transformed as my mind is renewed. I have let go of the pain, made a mends with the past and surrendered to all possibilities of hope.

I have awaken to my true self. With each breath I am inspired to be my best, to reach my fullest potential . I live now with a sense of peace that only comes from resting in God.

I am transforming as I now let discipline define me and sculpt me. My outer appearance is reflecting my inner being.

I am a reflection of the transformation that has taken place within. I let go of the expectations and just allow myself to take form.

I stand on the promises that I have made myself. I am faithful to myself because the first relationship I must heal is within me. I must reconnect my mind, body and spirit and let it work in unison.

Married to the promise, faithful to the promise.....I now  become what I was created to be....what I was supposed to be all along........

A TEMPLE.

Not constructed with hands but created by the Spirit of God.

Molded and shaped by the belief that I am worthy, I am strong and I am powerful.

Broken down by the struggle but defined by resistance.

I stand here strong, disciplined and ready to face my destiny.

Wait On HIM

What is your interpretation of waiting on the Lord?

Many of us believe it means to do nothing but wait on the expectation of something.

To expect something for nothing.

For me it means to serve God. To surrender my will to fulfill His will.

To surrender my expectations to fulfill His plan.

To live my life unto Him and bring His name glory.

Waiting doesn't mean to go about living your own day to day life and expect Him to reward you for your disobedience.

I have spent years waiting on a vision that I have yet see come to pass.

Why?

Because I was busy living my life.

I was busy trying to satisfy my flesh and not fulling living to bring glory to God.

In my heart I wanted to serve God completely and fully surrender but my emotions got in the way.

I was more concerned about my feelings and how people felt about me rather than realizing that everything in my life was orchestrated by God to fulfill His plan.

So now that I am awaken to the truth I fully surrender my heart to Him.

I am waiting on Him...serving Him in my heart, my mind and body.

I have released my expectations and I stand on His promises...His words.

I stand steadfast and hold on to the vision He has given me.

It is not about how or when but rather for WHO.

Who am I doing this all for?

GOD!!!!!! I serve Him alone.

I can not serve my flesh and Him at the same time.

I must remain in Him and allow His truth to penetrate every area of my life.

That truth with set me free (on Earth) and bring forth the vision ( from Heaven).

AMEN!

Though It Tarries

"For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry." Habakkuk 2:3

tar·ry   

1. remain: to stay temporarily at a place
2. linger: to delay a departure or arrival, especially in an idle way
3. wait: to wait in expectation of somebody or something

vi·sion   

1. eyesight: the ability to see
2. mental picture: an image or concept in the imagination
3. something seen in dream or trance: an image or series of images seen in a dream or trance, often interpreted as having religious, revelatory, or prophetic significance

God has spoken and it shall come to pass.

Many of us are standing on words...prophecies....promises and visions that we have yet to see come to pass. We wait in the expectation that God will hold true to His word.

What happens when time passes? When years go by and your vision has not come to pass?

It can often be the hardest thing to do...to hold onto a promise when your heart is full of doubt.

It can be challenging to keep believing when everything in the natural world seems to be moving further away from your dream.

What happens when your reality doesn't match up to your revelation?

What do you hold onto when there seems to be nothing confirming what your heart feels is true?

God's word tells us that although it tarries..although you have not received it yet....wait for it.

Don't give up just because you can not see it with your natural eyes.

Where you currently stand...in waiting...is just temporary. God has an appointed time in which He will release everything He has promised you.

It takes preparation before we can receive the eternal promises of God.

Many times we are not mature enough or ready to handle the magnitude of His blessings.

We are so conditioned by the outside world that we often forget how faithful our God is.

He is not moved by a "failing" economy nor is He moved by our emotional storms.

He is touched by our infirmities but He is moved by our FAITH.

wait  

1. do nothing expecting something to happen: to stay in one place or do nothing for a period of time until something happens or in the expectation or hope that something will happen
2. stop so somebody can catch up: to stop or slow down in order to allow somebody else to catch up
3. be hoping for something: to be hoping for something or on the lookout for something

God asks us to wait on Him. To stand in this temporary place with the expectation that His promise will come to pass.

We can't work for it by trying to manipulate things. We must stand still and watch His salvation. He is resurrecting and rectifying our situation.

We must stop our way of doing things...our perception....our will and surrender to His sovereign plan.

God knows what He has for us. His plans are good. He desires to prosper us but we must trust in Him with all of our hearts.

Let our hearts not be troubled but rest in His faithfulness.

Nothing can stop God's plan from coming to pass.....just wait.

Enclosed By Fear

Giraffes are my favorite animal. I didn't know why I was so intrigued by them until I visited the San Diego Zoo this weekend. While visiting the giraffes I over heard a tour bus driver explaining some very interesting information about them.

He said that the wall enclosure around the giraffes is low enough that they can actually step over the wall if they wanted to but they never do. Why?

He said they are afraid of their own height. He said they believe that they are afraid because when they are born they actually fall about 6 ft to the ground.

That really made me think about life. How many of us have been through things in our lives that left us feeling afraid? How many of us have actually been dropped?

Although we have the ability to overcome and get out of the enclosures we find ourselves in we don't. Why do we continue to live behind the enclosures of our fear. We have the ability to walk right over them because God's word says that we are more than conquerors.

He has given us the power through His spirit to live free. Don't let fear keep you from living your life to the fullest.

It's time to live up to your potential and be who God designed you to be. :)

My Heart Belongs To Him

"A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her".

I have been "single" for about 10 years now. Legally I am married but I live my life as a single mom. I have struggled with the thought of getting divorced because I feel like I have to please God. Is it what He wants me to do?

I have prayed and seeked Him for many years concerning this manner. Everyone on the outside would say "yes". I would honestly say that I want one too. I have stayed in my marriage for 13 years (June 6th it will be 14 years) although my husband has been unfaithful numerous times. We have not lived together in almost 11 years.

So although we have been separated for all this time I never dated any other men until about 2 years ago. I meet a guy that I thought was the answer to many of my prayers. Turned out he wasn't and we didn't last too long.

Fast forward to the present time and I am still a married "single" woman. I don't look for men or to be in relationships because I feel that God is not done with me yet.

I also feel that God has someone for me that He is working on. I am not sure who it is but I do know that he will be an amazing man that will love, respect and honor the woman that I am.

I realize that this time of separation from my husband has not been about the marriage between him and I at all. It has been about the marriage between Christ and I.

I am learning about His faithfulness and allowing His love to heal my heart. It has been an amazing journey even though there were days that I didn't know if I wanted to get up again.

I know all too well about the dark days of depression but it was all worth it. I know I am a stronger more conscious woman and I will be able to give myself to who ever God blesses me with.

I am being patient though because I know that this special man must be prepared for me by God. So I wait and wait knowing that my labour and my pain has not been in vain.

"Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord." Psalms 27:14

I wait on the Lord while I hide my heart in Him knowing that in Him my heart is safe. Just as a father gives a way his daughter in marriage I know in time my Heavenly Father will give my heart to another when He sees fit.

................Until then I will continue my journey and keep my eyes on God.

Nurturing Yourself

This picture reminds me that what we put out there is what see reflecting back at us. So be kind to yourself and you will love what you see...inside and out.

"Pay attention to your relationship with yourself. – One of the most painful things in life is losing yourself in the process of loving others too much, and forgetting that you are special too. When was the last time someone told you that they loved you just the way you are, and that what you think and how you feel matters? When was the last time someone told you that you did a good job, or took you someplace, simply because they know you feel happy when you’re there? When was the last time that ‘someone’ was YOU?" By Nicole Wilkins

As women we tend to give so much of ourselves to care and nurture others. We sacrifice our dreams, emotions and hearts to ensure others needs are being met.

We often forget that we too need to be nurtured and taken care of. We need to feel valued and loved.

In the midst of caring for others we sometimes lose ourselves. We forget who we want to be and we lose our sense of worth.

We spend countless hours planning out our days making sure everything is running smoothly. We worry about bills, laundry, relationships, kids, husbands, dinner and upcoming events.

Why don't we do that for ourselves? Why don't we love ourselves, nurture ourselves and plan out our futures?

The common excuse I hear so many women make is "I just don't have time". We are so tied up filling gaps, playing roles and taking care of others that we neglect ourselves.

What happens when one day you wake up and realize that you are not who you want to be? Or that you don't even know who you are anymore beneath the layers of unhealthy weight, emotions, endless chores and responsibilities.

It can be hard to get back to the place of loving yourself, feeling worthy and deserving. We become so accustomed to making everyone else feel good that we forgot how to feel good.

Just the thought of smiling for our own pleasure, or doing something that makes us feel happy and free brings an uneasiness. We often feel guilty or selfish for allowing ourselves to feel that way.

Nothing is wrong for wanting to love and appreciate yourself by engaging in things that feed your soul. Of course many of us love taking care of others and feel a sense of peace knowing everything is in order but what if it's not. What if one thing is just left out of place and you take 30 minutes to fill your own cup?

We don't always have to have it all together. Life is not "perfect". Even in the imperfections there is joy and completeness. Even in the tears laughter can be found.

I speak this from my heart because I am a self confessed "perfectionist". Always trying to make everything "right" and in order. Nothing can be out of place without me blowing a gasket.

I have had to learn how to pull back and allow things to just be. Things are temporary but relationships, happiness and peace are forever.

Taking time to be still in my own silence and allowing the emptiness to fill my soul is what brings me joy. It is what fills my cup. Not allowing myself to be caught up in what others think is perfect but rather letting the spirit of God position me according to His perfect will.

This journey has been about repairing that relationship with myself. Allowing myself to be freed from the emotions, pain and disappointments that have paved my travels along this long road.

I am learning to accept that I am perfect. Not in this human form but perfect in God's spirit. How I perceive myself to be...."I AM". So rather than focus on what is external I must stay in tune with what is internal and nurture the change coming forth from soul.

Life Savior

I had a conversation with my daughter about God yesterday. I was explaining to her that we should seek God for answers and guidance when we have questions about life issues.

I said He is the one who is ultimately in charge of your life and we should consult Him about everything we do or want to do.

I gave her this analogy:

God is like a safety ring. We may want to go out and swim the open water by ourselves. We may even take off the ring and feel awesome and free swimming without the ring but what happens when the storm hits us? We struggle to stay above water and we may even struggle to swim back to the ring. Although the safety ring will always be there we end up going through things we don't have to go through if we just would have kept the ring on the whole time.

So I said it is important that we keep that connection with God and seek Him first in all things...in all areas of our lives.

He is our sweet savior. :) <3

No matter what area you may be struggling with in your life always remember that God is close by. It may feel like you are alone at times. You may even feel like you are drowning in your sorrows but God is more than able to rescue you.

All we need to do is call on Him. In the midst of our pain....He is our joy. When we feel like all hope is lost...He is our redeemer. He shed His blood that we may have life. He gave His life so that we can live in the freedom. He loves and accepts us just the way we are. :)

Consecrated

Consecrated: to make or declare sacred; set apart or dedicate to the service of a deity
Sacred: dedicated or set apart for the service or worship of a deity.....devoted exclusively to one service or use.


I was inspired to write about something that is very personal but I feel the need to share it. My journey to overcome began when I was faced with infidelity in my marriage.

I would honestly have to say that my journey may have begun even earlier in my life when I was faced with rejection and an unstable home. I was a victim of child hood abuse and witnessed many things that a child should not be exposed to.

Being exposed to these things left me feeling vulnerable and unloved. I felt neglected because there wasn't a stable loving hand to guide me in a safe direction.

Fast forward to my marriage and I can now see why I was presented with this opportunity to change. It may seem crazy to justify my husbands infidelity but I know that I had to endure it.

It was a door into my future of unconditional love and acceptance. It was my opportunity to heal and become the woman of God that I am today.

Without being faced with the adversity that I had to endure I would have never evolved into the spiritual being that God created me to be.

I was designed...created and consecrated for a specific thing. God set me apart to fulfill a purpose. He designed me for His glory.

Lately I have found myself in relationships that left me feeling unfulfilled. I now realize that I only desired them to feel a sense of value. I wanted them to fill the brokenness and loneliness that my broken marriage left behind.

I compromised who I was...what I believed in and valued the most to get a peace of temporary pleasure.

It is all coming together. My mind is clear. God screams to me "CONSECRATED".

I have called myself "God's Temple" only to forget the sacredness of that title.

This body....my mind...my soul are His. I have been created for Him. So who am I to give myself to anything other than His plan and purpose.

It is not about my temporary pleasure. It is about His eternal calling. I have been set apart...chosen....annointed for such a time as this. I have been created to carry out a vision that will heal and restore.

My mission is to empower and bring forth truth that can not only heal but revive the very things that people thought were once dead.

I have been on a raw food cleanse over the last 2 weeks because it was clear to me that God called me to do one. Little did I know that He wanted to birth a message through it.

Cleansing my body through partaking of living food. Partaking of those things that only bring forth life and purify the soul.

Glory to God for the consecration of my soul...

I am all in God. I am here for your glory. Use me!

Courage

"Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!"
Psalms 27:14

Courage: the ability to face danger, difficulty, uncertainty, or pain without being overcome by fear or being deflected from a chosen course of action.

When faced with uncertainties in life we must hold true to God's promises. Though the skies may look cloudy we must trust and believe that God's glory will shine through.

It is not our ability to overcome a situation that makes us strong. It is our dependency on God that brings us through our adversities.

His word strengthens our heart as we allow it to fill us with the peace and joy of knowing that all things are working in our favour. It is not about how much or how long we must endure but rather how we rest in God.....how we allow His word to work and manifest itself in this life that He has given us.

This life does not belong to us. When you live for God you relinquish your ability to decide for yourself. You surrender your will and give yourself to fullfill the will of the Father.

Life is not a random chain of events. Life is a reflection of the heart. It is an evolution of the human spirit and reveals the condition of your soul.

God's word says that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. He also said to guard your heart because out of it flow the issues of life.

As we walk by faith and believe in the Lord we strengthen our hearts. His word becomes etched in our hearts. It begins to show forth it's power when we rest in Him.....when we surrender all that we think "it should be" and allow it to manifest according to His will.

Allowing ourselves to become completely surrendered to God is a challenge at times. It makes us feel vulnerable and out of control. It makes us feel naked and unsupported. That is the test of true faith.

Until we can open our hearts and allow His word to saturate every part of our being we will never see His promises come to pass. In Him we live, breathe and have our being. So if what you are going through does not breathe life into your lungs then it is time to let it go.

It is time to let go of the doubt...the fear and the pain. It is time to let go of the resentment, jealousy and anger. It is time to be set free and begin to live the life you were created to live.

Devine health, love and prosperity. It is all waiting for you.

Relationships and diets......

I read somewhere that we should desire the same relationship with food that we have with people. That really hit me hard. That explains so much about the last 10 yrs of my weight issues. I had such a negative relationship with food because my personal relationships were also issues in my life.

From an abusive childhood to a cheating husband. My life with filled with broken relationships. I remember at one time feeling like I was invisible....like no one loved me. That was a feeling that I struggled with for many years.

Then I discovered that I was worth loving. I began to unravel my emotions and took control of my life. I got off the roller coaster and decided that no matter what happened I was going to evolve. I was going to become the woman I knew I could be.

It didn't matter that I was disappointed about my failed relationships. I could either crumble beneath the weight of my emotions or I could pull myself out of the rubble. I decided to rise. I decided to grow and travel the path of my destiny.

I was not going to let my past determine my future. I was not going to continue to live in the shadows of my pain. I had to get up, wipe my eyes and move forward. Although the journey has been extremely difficult I am grateful for the lessons I have learned.

I can now look back and see the purpose in all the pain. It was part of me growing. I was being strengthened through my pain. With every inch I struggle to get out from under the rubble..I became stronger.

I was getting ready for work this morning and had a revelation or what others may call an "ah ha" moment. For years I have been on a treadmill....running but staying in the same place. Recycling through my emotions. Although the load got lighter as I let go of certain things in my life I was still in the same form.

Now I have decided to use what I have gone through...the weight of my pain and emotions....and I have used them to gain strength and build a new life......BUILD A NEW ME....tranforming this vessel and for once being proud of who I am.

I can now pick up and put down the weight and let it transform me. I have the strength to get through. My mind has changed, my spirit and faith have gotten stronger and I know who I am. When you know how you are at the depth of your soul....nothing can hold you back.

A trainer at the gym commented the other day and said "you must be on a mission because you are here everyday". I sure am on a mission. Not just to lose weight but to release the emotions that caused me to gain the weight. I am releasing the pain, rejection and disappointments.

I am on a mission to completely tranform my life and create a discipline and strength within that nothing can destroy. I know I am worth every rep, every set, every drop of sweat, every sore muscle, every mile, every ounce of healthy food, and every pound I lose.

I know my struggle and pain has not been in vain. I have gained so much along this journey and I hope that it may encourage someone to live today. I pray that it may turn on a switch in someones mind to chose themselves first and go for their dreams.

Inside each in every single one of us is a desire to be our authentic self. To live fully as ourselves and embrace life. Instead of hiding behind layers of guilt, shame and pain we must take a stand and for once take control of our lives.

We are worth it and we must begin to mend the brokeness that brought us here. We must create a successful relationship with ourselves, our bodies and the food we eat. Let the process begin......

Check out my fitness blog to follow my journey www.templeofgodfitness.blogspot.com

Release and be at ease

It is essential that we rest in Him and lean on His wisdom when we are troubled. Our minds often try to wrap themselves around things that only God can unfold. It is our job to trust that no matter what is going on around us He is always in control....He desires the best for us. His joy is our strength. We must rejoice each day because He has designed each day with us in mind.....our needs...our wants...our desires. We are refreshed and transformed when we let go and let Him transform our minds....releasing our fears and walking in faith. We are perfected in His love.....His love is perfect and lacks nothing. :) <3