It’s amazing the many ways the Lord gives me surprise blessings. The Lord found a new and unusual way to bless me recently. Last weekend, we had to take my car in to the shop to get some work done. There was an older gentleman who arrived shortly after us. As soon as we were done and heading towards my husband’s vehicle to leave, the gentleman came up to us. He smiled and said, “I have a card for you.” I hate to admit but, in my mind, I was hoping that it wasn’t a business card. But, then, he took out a stack of brightly colored cards out of his pocket and started looking through them. When he found the one he liked, he handed it to me, again, with a smile. When I looked at it, I started tearing up because it contained a beautiful and encouraging message. This kind stranger then gave similar cards to my husband and children. And as quietly as he appeared, he walked back to talk to the garage manager. What I didn’t realize is how much I needed that random act of kindness at that exact moment in time. It doesn’t really take much to be a blessing to someone else. So, keep an eye out for how you can be a blessing to someone. And always be prepared for surprise blessings from the Lord!

Here is the actual card I received.

 

“What Does it Really Mean to Follow the Lord?” is an article I wrote about the epic journey the Lord invites us each to take with Him. Take that first step, see where the journey leads you, and how you are dramatically changed!

What_Does_It_Really_Mean_to_Follow_the_Lord

Yesterday, I just wasn’t quite myself. I decided to take the kids out to lunch so we could all get out of the house for a little bit. When we parked, I noticed a man wearing a t-shirt that said, “But God Moments.” And, that started to help change my mood. It was just the reminder I needed that suddenly and unexpectedly, God can come in and do what only He can. That thing you have been praying about forever, you find instantly fixed. The situation or circumstances in your life you think will never get better, supernaturally restored. You may not recognize that it’s Him at first. But, in the end, you realize that what happened could only be God. Whatever you may be facing, remember that when you least expect it, God may come and bring you a “But God Moment.”

To risk nothing
for fear of failure is
to gain nothing

For even in the midst of failure
one gains knowledge
they would not have had
if they had not risked failure

And often times
it is the failures
that ultimately lead us
to the knowledge that will
bring us success

Fear not success
brought through failure
Fear instead, success
that comes without failure

For with failure, one gains
knowledge of what truly works
And how to manage
their success once gained

Without failure, one knows not
what brought their success,
nor the means by which to continue

It is in the falling and rising
that we gain our strength
Where our courage is forged
and our maturity secured

Fear rather, the life unlived
The pittance of endless days lived in fear
Rather than the moments of brief pain,
encountered by knowledge gained through strife

For pain is fleeting
But knowledge is forever
And the freedom of a life well-lived, their crown

“Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated.” Isaiah 54:4 (NIV)

A year ago, the Lord quite literally moved our family halfway across the country. There was absolutely no doubt it was Him! We had sold our house and were looking to rent until we found another place we wanted to buy. In the process of selling our house, the Lord started bringing to our minds and hearts the city we had grown up in, which was halfway across the country. After weeks of trying, we could not get a rental house; it was as if the door there had been divinely shut.

With less than a week until we had to be out, a house in our hometown came up for rent. We instantly knew that we were meant to go back home. With only four days left, and a lot of divine help, we arranged for a sudden and unexpected move to a new state. Everything that needed to happen, in the exact timing and manner that we needed, went off flawlessly. That is how we knew, without a doubt, it was the Lord who was orchestrating things.

And so, we embarked on a new journey. With any journey, the beginning is usually the most exciting; everything is new and wonderful. About three months into our new adventure, the newness was fading and we were starting to encounter the challenges associated with such a big move.

In addition to the usual challenges of such a move, suddenly and out of nowhere, we were facing some unexpected and daunting circumstances. I was having trouble keeping my focus where it needed to be. The Lord had clearly brought us here but nothing in my life made any sense. I was starting to focus too much on our circumstances and fear was creeping in.

I was driving one day, in the midst of this, and the Lord impressed upon me, “I did not bring you out here to put you to shame.” While what He said didn’t magically change my circumstances, it did give me an immediate sense of peace and something to hold onto. Whenever things seemed bleak, I would silently repeat in my head, “You will not be put to shame.” And it has gotten me through and continues to encourage me.

No matter what you are facing, the Lord has a word of encouragement for you. Look for it in whatever form it may take. Or, if you don’t see it, boldly ask the Lord directly for what He knows you need to help you through. Hold onto that word, repeat it, remind yourself, for as long as you need. He and His promises will see you through.

Officially ready for the 4th! Happy Independence Day!