Nothing Is Impossible To Those Who Believe............

Feeling overloaded, stressed out, burdened or just all of the above? I understand. Been there, done that, and came out on the other side. Want to know how I did it?

"What do you mean, 'If I can'?" Jesus asked. "Anything is possible if a person believes." Mark 9:23

So many times in life I have come to a crossroads. (or sometimes what feels like a complete "dead end") When I get there.....I know I can find my answer in the Word. Seriously. 

For example....in times like these.......here are the scriptures that encourage me. I know they will do the same for you. Hold on, never give up, and trust in God. Do those three things...and you will forever be okay.

Matthew 17:20 ....................... Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Hebrews 13:5 Don't love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, "I will never fail you. I will never abandon you."

Isaiah 41:10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Taking Prayer Requests ~ each one will be read, prayed for, and responded to individually.

We all need prayer. Sometimes we get to a place where we are either feeling "prayed out", or things are so tuff we cant even bring ourselves to pray any more.

I would like to take the time to pray for you today. Down at the bottom there is a drop down box by the comment section. You can choose "anonymous" if you want to. If you would like for me to respond to you directly, then just email me. Creativelyenclined@gmail.com

I have a translator on my computer, so if you need to, comment in your own language.

Any by the way, this offer does not expire. Even if its a year from now, I will still pray for you.

If you are reading this and you have a big problem.

Sometimes things happen and that is the only word we can verbilize....."HELP". Thats okay. Ive been there, we have all been there at one time or another. It still doesnt make it any easier when you are in the midsts of it yourself though. It can litteraly feel as if the walls are closing in on you.

Do you know that shadow puppet game you used to play as a child? You turn off the lights, turn on the flash light...then with a few adjustments of your fingers and hands...voila. You have a huge dragon on the wall, or a little rabbit, or a frog. Whatever you imagination...thats what appeared on the wall. Right?

Problems can get that way. Especially if we keep them in the dark. They seem to grow.

Best thing to do is to shed a little light on the situation. Then the HUGE shadow dragon is again reduced to its small, insignificant, original state.

 Try this. Get a piece of paper and tear the corner off. Write down your current problems/fears as tiny as you can on that piece of paper.

Now, place it between your feet on the floor.

That is how it should appear to us. Why? You ask? Well, because God is on your side. With His help, nothing is impossible. All things are possible to those who believe. He is your ever present help in time of need. All you have to do is call out to Him. Ask for His help. He is faithful and He wont let you down.

Someone told me this little example story one time. It helped me, so I thought it might help you too.

Now imagine. There is a big universe. Somewhere in that universe is our galaxy. Somewhere in that galaxy is earth. Somewhere on earth is the country you live in. Somewhere in that country is the town you live in. Somewhere in that town, is your house. Somewhere in that house is you. Somewhere below your feet is that piece of paper with your problem written on it.

GOD IS BIGGER THAN THE PROBLEM. GIVE THE PROBLEM TO HIM. THEN TRUST HIM.

If this has helped you today, please pass it on. Thanks.

How Well Does God Know Me?

Have you ever wondered how well God knows you? Does He care about every detail, or just the major things?

Here are the answers to those questions floating around in your head........

Psalm 139:1 O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.

Psalm 139:3 You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do.

Matthew 10:29-31 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Jeremiah 1:5 "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb....."

Ephesians 1:11 Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.

Psalm 139:15-16 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

1 John 3:1 See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!......

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

You see, you are loved. You are wanted. You are not a mistake. He does have great plans for you and for your life. You are important. You are needed. You are Gods child. He loves you. He will always love you. He will never leave you, never forsake you, and he will never give you up. No, never.

Is God the "GodFather"? Or is He "God The Father"?

For a long time, I felt like God was more like the "God Father" in the movie .......instead of God my Father. You know, the type of guy that if you did anything wrong, he would send his "hit men" out to break your legs, or kill you. Have you ever thought that about God?

I want to show you what I have learned and what I found in the Word.

I knew God loved His Son Jesus. What I didn't know was the He loved us the exact same amount. Let me show you.

John 17:23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.

That is Jesus praying to God.

So, your question may be now: "How can He love me? You don't know what kind of things Ive done."

Let me show you an example of Gods love and forgiveness.

To be caught in an adulterous act in ancient times, was to know that your time on earth would soon end in a terrible death by stoning. That was the punishment faced by the woman that the scribes and Pharisees (religious leaders) brought to Jesus.

The scribes and Pharisees reminded Jesus that the Law required that she be stoned. Then  they asked Jesus, “The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?" (John 8:5).

The poor woman stood there, her fate being decided by this group of men.

Jesus replied: "All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!"

One by one the men began to leave. The woman watches as the group of men start rapidly shrinking in size.

Finally, only she and Jesus remain. Jesus asks her, "Where are your accusers? Didn't even one of them condemn you?” (John 8:10). The woman replied "No." Jesus then told her that He didn't condemn her either. He counseled her to go ahead and leave, but not to sin anymore.

Psalm 86:15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.

"Can I be forgiven?" YES YOU CAN

Romans 3:23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard.

We ALL have sinned. We ALL need forgiveness. You are not the only one.

How do you do it?

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Acts 3:19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.

Does He remember your sins after He forgives you?

Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Freedom. That is what Jesus did for us. He allowed us to be free from the bondage of sin. It is a free gift. You don't have to work for it, you don't have to "deserve" it. Just reach out and take it. He died on the cross for YOU.

Forgiveness is an easy few words away.

Father,

Please forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Make me whole again.

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen.

"I prayed, but I dont think God heard me because NOTHING has changed yet."

Okay, so you have prayed and asked God for help, healing, deliverance, or to change a situation. Problem is, you don't see anything happening yet. Nothing has change. Did He even hear your prayer?

The answer is yes. Let me explain..........

Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever you shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive.

1Jn 5:14,15 And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He hears us: And if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.

God hears our every prayer. He has heard yours too. Even if you haven't seen a change YET, He has heard you. Let me tell you a true incident that happened in my life.

One Thanksgiving we got loaded up in the car to drive a few hours away to my sisters house in Arkansas.

We stopped off at a local gas station to fill up and my husband checked the oil to make sure it was topped off. As he was doing that, I said a quick prayer for protection and provision during our trip.

The drive was wonderful as we just chatted about various things. (Except for the kids in the back starting the whole "he's touching me" thing.)

We are about an hour away and in a small town at a red light. I notice a lot of smoking coming from a car. Then I realize, its OUR CAR! He had forgotten to put the oil cap back on when he checked the oil. Without the oil cap, the engine had been spewing oil all over everywhere for the last two hours.

So we went to a gas station that was open. Everything else was closed because it was Thanksgiving Day. We HAD to find an oil cap. They didn't have one, but they said a man lived at the edge of town that had a junk yard. We should try there.

We went and knocked and there was no answer. Right about that time, I notice in my side mirror that a man has just entered the body shop across the street. I had my husband go talk to him to see if he knows of anyone that might have an oil cap.

He returns with a HUGE smile and proceeds to relay this story.

"The guy told me that he doesn't carry oil caps, however, about a month back he was driving down the highway and he saw something on the side of the road that caught his eye. He said that for some reason, he wanted to stop and pick it up. It was an oil cap.

He put it in his glove box because he thought he might need it one day.

He wants us to pull the car over there so he can try it."

So, across the street we went. Popped the hood....then I heard a click, click, click as the oil cap locked into place. It was a perfect fit! We were saved!

So, we ended up making it to my sisters safely and had a great time.

My point is......God KNEW Id need that oil cap on that day. He had that man pick it up for me a whole MONTH before I needed it.

In the same way, He sees your situation. He is working behind the scenes to work it all together for your good. For a better solution. It is in His timing however, not ours.

Just like you love your children, He loves you. Sometimes our children don't agree with our decisions for their lives, even when they beg, beg, beg for something different. In the same way, God wants the best for you and for your life. He does hear you, He does answer, and He will come through for you.

Even though you cant "see" the results yet, He is working behind the scenes for you even as you read this. Be encouraged, it wasn't a mistake that you came upon this blog today.

He wants you to know He loves you, and He did hear you.

Feeling A Little Upside Down?

Okay, lets face it. Life isn't always a piece of cake. Sometimes it can leave you literally feeling as if you are upside down, stuck in the mud, and unable to "see" what to do next.

So, "What do you do?"

First, don't loose hope. We ALL go through "stuff". Its just that not everyone has the guts to talk about it openly. But trust me, they all have their skeletons in the closet.

1 Corinthians 10:13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

God will always show you a way out. So, don't forget about Him when you are going through something. Try to remember to make Him your FIRST "go to" person. After all, He knows the end from the beginning and nothing is a surprise to Him. He also will have the answers you are looking for. Better to get the facts from Him.

James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

Tomorrow is a new day. Even if the clouds are looming overhead, the sun will eventually have to shine again. The clouds never stay forever.

Laughter, it does the body good. More than you might realize.

As the car zooms down the track and nears the "circle of death" you can see the utter suspense on his face. You can almost read his thoughts ...."Is it going to make it? Is he going to crash?"

Then as the car finishes the final curve in the loop.....VICTORY! He bursts out in laughter.

  

1. The average adult laughs about 17 times a day.

2. There is strong evidence that laughter can actually improve health.

3. Laughter is helpful to those coping with major illness and the stress of life's problems.

4. Laughter can bring balance to all the components of the immune system. (Which helps us fight off diseases.)

5. Researchers estimate that laughing 100 times is equal to 10 minutes on the rowing machine or 15 minutes on an exercise bike.

With that in mind....here is a link to something totally funny. Enjoy.....and by all means...laugh at least a 100 times.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9oxmRT2YWw

The Path Of Least Resistance

Most people take the "path of least resistance" in life. In other words, most people look for "an easy way out" or "the least amount of hassle".

But, that isn't always the best way. Sometimes taking "the road less traveled" is the best way to go.

~If you do today what others wont, you can do tomorrow what others cant.~

Today, if you are wondering if you should "try a new business",  "start a new job", or "get a better degree"; but you haven't yet because its too hard, will take too long, or you are just plain scared to take that first step.....

I'm here today to tell you, to encourage you, you CAN do it. Take that first leap of faith. All the "Greats" in history got to be called Great because they took a chance. There had to be a beginning to their success.

They had an idea in their heart, then they ACTED on it. I believe God put that desire in your heart.

Do you know what separates you from obtaining your dream? Action. 

So Right Foot Forward....AND KEEP GOING. 

Truth..........

Peace is found deep within your heart
in a place made just for hope,
Its that still, small voice whispering "truth"
and it will allow you to overcome, not just cope.

Its the truth that there is a God
who longs to call you His own,
He knows your every thought
He's watched you as you've grown.

Freedom is in His arms
Love is who He is,
Run to Him, He will hold you close
Let your life begin.

-Renee Pearce

Your daily "pick me up"!

Necessity is the mother of invention! See my nephew? He really wanted the pudding out of the fridge. He was too short to reach it.

So, he didn't give up and throw in the towel, he used the bottom shelf as a ladder instead. He CREATED success out of what he had to work with.

“Forget all the reasons it won’t work and believe the one reason that it will.” - Unknown

Just something to think about.............

She was sitting there on the curb outside of the local Walmart store. People were just passing her by, most barely even bothering to look her way.

At least it was warm that day. Not too hot, with just a gentle breeze. Her day was not going well. Her life was not going well actually.

Homeless. She couldn't believe it. Her clothes were lightly dusted with the green pollen that seemed to continually fall from the air. You cant really see it until it converges on whatever it has fallen upon, in this case, her clothes.

She looked up just in time to see a disapproving glance from a very smart dressed business woman.

It wasn't always this way you know. Just last year she had a home, a husband, and a job. But that was then, before he died in that car crash that day. With no family, no savings, and since he had been the primary bread winner.....she couldn't afford all of the bills he left behind.

Then today......today they took her daughter away. Her daughters words apologizing over and over as they dragged her away..."Im sorry mommy, Im sorry I told them why I was tired because we didn't have a home. Im sorry I told them I was hungry because we didn't have any money. Im sorry I told my teacher mommy, Im sorry....Im sorry."

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He was standing in the check out line waiting his turn, just like all the rest. The handle of his cart became a resting bar as he leaned forward just a little so that he could catch his breath. The lady in front of him would reach back into her cart for more items to put on the belt. More often then not she would glance at him and what was in his cart.

He was used to that look. The look of disgust and disapproval. He had delt with it all of his life. He should be used to it by now, right? At least that's what he would tell himself.

If he could just be normal.

He knew he never would be. The doctors said his thyroid was beyond controlling. No matter what he ate, or didn't eat, it wouldn't matter. So, let her look at him that way all she wanted too. Even though he knew she could have no way of knowing, it still cut like a knife.

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How often do we judge others. How often do we look at them with classification thoughts? Labeling them unfairly.

So, the next time we go out, instead of passing them by like they are not even there.....or instead of labeling them unfairly before we even get to know them....

Lets do something new. Lets smile at them. Tell them hi.....at the very least. We are ALL going through something and we all have our stories.

By sharing our hearts and our smiles, we have the ability to bring light into someone's dark day.

Just something to think about.............

The Marriage Box

Ever notice how men have a hard time figuring women out? They just don't understand WHY she does that "thing" she does.

On the other hand, women often shake their head in bewilderment when her husband calls out from down the hall, "Sweetheart, I cant find my....(whatever item it is he cant find at the time)". She calmly goes into the room, locates the item...and it is always in the last place that he left it. I call it "man blindness".

We were created differently. We compliment each other. For example, my husband is super OCD organized and I am more relaxed. Separately he is too uptight with his neatness and I am too relaxed with it. Together we have a perfect balance of comfortable cleanness.

We recently landscaped a yard for someone together. He paid attention to the "big picture" of it all. He did a FANTASTIC job. I paid attention to the little details. You know, the little shepherd hooks placed around, the bird bath positioned "just so" amidst the landscaping, etc. Together, we made what was great, even better.

When times get tough and the nights get long, just remember why you fell in love with them in the first place. Pick your battles and remember to look over those little pet peeves because undoubtedly, you do them too. (wink)

You are a team. Stay a team. You are BETTER as a team.

The Three Reasons

It is true............ everything does happen for a reason. Actually- There are THREE reasons: 

 1) your decisions (which create a rippling effect in your life as well as in everybody's connected to you)

2) the devil who is out to destroy you! and

 3) your faith in God which moves mountains because of His grace and mercy on you daily.

 When we keep the facts straight life is so much easier.

My thoughts:

I have heard some who blame everything on others. Some who blame everything on the devil. Then there are those who own up to their own mistakes and ask God for forgiveness and move on. 

We should not let our past mistakes define what we do today, but we can learn from our past mistakes to improve our future and hopefully impart the wisdom we have acquired to others.