The 2 E's

Many 1,000's of apologies if you are a reader of this blog and believe that I only have negative things to say when it comes to spirituality. That is not my intention by any means. Lately, I have been in a big battle and it seems to have taken its toll on me, especially with my emotions. I live an amazingly blessed life, and there is nothing---not any battle in this world---that could change that. After all, I have come from crappy circumstances (not growing up, but in my early adult years that were of my own doing) and made something from it. I have a very adoring husband who bends over backward to please me, 3 beautiful children each with a unique personality that makes me grin from ear to ear every single day, and most importantly a kind, forgiving, hugely awesome God that I could not live without.

The friends I have made and prayers I have received from readers of this blog have blessed my heart more than they (or even I) could ever know. After all, isn't that what it's all about--blessing others so that you may also be blessed? So, consider this a word from Him...for lifting me up, you are also going to be lifted up.

Here is my big desire: I want to network with more Christians, not just in my neighborhood/town/state, but elsewhere as well. I am more than certain that there are other believers out there that want to be found---and want to share their lives with me.
So, this a call to you! Please comment or say "hello" anytime--and for those who already do, THANK YOU!

Sometimes a Christian's life is a bed of roses, and other times it all comes up thorns. I have gotten great advice over the past few days/weeks about just going on--walking it out--staying strong--continuing to believe--making lemonade when life hands you lemons. All of it is great and wonderful to hear! I need encouragement like that ALWAYS, not just when things are tough. I covet your prayers and bits of wisdom. After all, hearing from God's people is what I desire the most. I know He speaks through us if we only let Him, and He can totally change my viewpoint on battles I'm in through others' words.

If you can't tell just from reading this blog, I am a very emotional person. I am constantly on a roller coaster emotionally, and it seems like I either sit at the beginning of the ride (waiting, waiting, waiting for it all to start) or at the very top of the track (you know, the point at which you look down and realize you are about to take a huge dive and it's gonna being a thriller?) most of the time. However, right now I'm climbing the track to that peak, and I am getting more and more excited with each slow movement upward.

Another thing that I must say quickly:
There is someone reading this blog that needs to hear from God. He has something to say, and He's pressing on my heart to type it:
"You need faith, that's all. Take it by the horns and wrangle it. Don't be afraid to believe in what I have told you. Respect and honor me enough to understand that I have only good planned for you, regardless of what you see in the physical. I make ALL things possible, and I won't stop until I have you right where I want you--in My hands."

Ok, so back to the emotions. I used to find it a burden to be as emotionally unstable at times as I can be. One minute I'm happy-go-lucky, the next minute I'm unraveling like a cheap pair of pantyhose. That's it though--conquering the emotions is next on my list of "to-do's." I feel like as a woman I can break or make a deal with emotions, and I don't want to be accused of doing the latter. Follow me?

Please be an encourager to others, and not expect everyone to constantly encourage you. Uplifting our fellow believers is not an option, rather a way to gain access to the blessings He has in store for me. When I'm feeling very emotional, I will assume (from now on) that it's a need in the Kingdom--that someone else is in need of a hug/word/email/etc. from me and I'll seize that opportunity to be an encourager.

I will set my focus now on the 2 E's----Encouragement and Emotions

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. " Ephesians 6:18