Standing Strong in 2013

Earlier today, I was thinking about 2013. I know that it will be full of unexpected blessings, but as I stepped back, I wondered: what trials will I face this year? Over the past few years, I’ve experienced so much, but God has always been there. I’ve experienced sickness that was near death and lengthy hospital stays and huge medical bills, financial struggles, and a lot of teary nights wondering what my purpose in life was.

One thing is sure, as I came face to face with each issue, I would see God almighty standing before me. It is no secret that the Christian’s walk with God will not be easy, but God wants the glory out of our lives and we must have a test before we can have a testimony. I have found such joy in knowing that God will always be by my side, not matter what 2013 will bring.

Psalms 23:4 – Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I am not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure. (Message Bible)

The wonder of being a child of the living God, having Jesus as our Good Shepherd is that in the journey, He will remain with us, watching over us and protecting us.

Just know that God is with you!



"Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear." Isaiah 65:24

School is Out!!!

Yesterday was the last day for students (I'm a third grade teacher). This year was my first full year in third grade, but was also very tiring at times because of my surprise pregnancy. But, WE made it!!!

I saw so much growth in my students and in myself as an educator as well. We all had to roll up our sleeves and go to work, even at times when it would have been much easier to run in retreat.

Now, it is time for my "first job." During the summers, I get to spend time with my Mini-Me (my firstborn). It is funny how he can drain more energy out of me (he'll be four this summer) than a classroom full of thirdgraders can!

He was up at 6:30 this morning ready to play. This is around the time I usually have to forcefully get him out of bed on school mornings. . . go figure! As he's sitting on the foot of my bed watching cartoons while I'm trying to catch a few extra minutes of shut-eye, I'm thinking to myself "why is this child up and why does he insist on bouncing through every song," I look over to my Twitter feed and read this from Dr. Gary Chapman -- "The key to speaking the love language of quality time to your child is that the child is the focus of your attention." Okay, God, I get it!!! I'm up and ready to spend some quality time with him. . . thanks for always sending me just what I need to hear at the moment to help me "straighten up!"

God's Love

I'm so glad that God's love for me didn't depend on my love for him! God's love is truly amazing!!! God's love is above what we expect or deserve. Even when we didn't love ourselves, God still loved us.

God loved us so much that he sent his son, Jesus, to the world to die for our sins. Romans 5:8 states, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

The world's love is superficial, temporal, and very conditional.  This is why the divorce rate is so high in America. Many marriages are doomed from the start because geniuine love is not there.

I'm sure you've heard the statement, "I don't love you anymore." That's because the love of the world is conditional. If you do this, I'll love you, but the moment you don't uphold my expectations, I want nothing to do with you and I want my love back as well!

God promises to never leave us.

God's Cake

A friend sent me this and I just had to share it!

Sometimes we wonder, "What did I do to deserve this?" or "Why did God have to do this to me?" Here is a wonderful explanation!



A daughter is telling her Mother how everything is going wrong, she's failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away.

Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says,

"Absolutely Mom, I love your cake."

"Here, have some cooking oil," her Mother offers."Yuck" says her daughter. 
"How about a couple raw eggs?"

"Gross, Mom!"

"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?"

"Mom, those are all yucky!"

To which the mother replies: "Yes, all those things seem
bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake!"

God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and eventually, they will all make something wonderful!

God is crazy about you. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.