Answers

My mind is full of questions...

I am glad God is full of answers.

He may not always answer right away...
He may not always answer with the response I want...
He may not always answer loudly...
But He is faithful, loving, full of grace, and hears our cries/questions and responds.

It may be with a song: like when I'm feeling alone, hurting, or insecure and the words from Kari Jobe's "You Are For Me" remind me, God is faithful, and will always be there for me, and love me even in my weaknesses.

It may be in a movie: we were just watching Ramona and Beezus, and I was crying (yes, it can be somewhat embarrassing to cry during a kid's movie...but I do it quite often, so at least I am getting used to it. LOL). Ramona was learning that it is OK to be unique. Her older sister Beezus was telling her that she was brave for being unique and not caring about what others think of her. Why do I spend too much time worrying about what other's think of me; instead of standing firm in confidence with what I know God thinks of me.

It may be in a gift from a friend: I have spent the last few weeks questioning everything about me. Wanting to change who I am. Wanting to just run a way and start over with a new life. (Which also in the movie, Ramona tries to run away, and realizes her life is just the way it is supposed to be) I have been wondering why everything is wrong with me. Wondering why I make so many mistakes. Wondering why I am still alone. Questioning why about everything. My mind has just been twisting itself into a dark mess, and I have been in torment. Today, I opened an inspirational calender from my best friend and this was on the cover,

"Just think, you're here not by chance, but by God's choosing. His hand formed you and made you the person you are. He compares you to no one else- you are one of a kind. You lack nothing His grace can't give you. He has allowed you to be here at this time in history to fulfill His special purpose for this generation." -Roy Lessin

Our faithful God has answers, but also He wants us to just trust Him.

"Be still and know that I am God."

I know He has a plan and purpose for my life. I know that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I know that all things work together for the good for those who love Him. And I know there are many more promises and truths in His word that I can stand on...so...

I lay all my questions at His feet and just know that all His answers comes in the form of unconditional love.

My response to His welcoming embrace is this:

"There's no place I'd rather be than in Your arms of love. In Your arms of love. Holding me still. Holding me near. Holding me still. Holding me near. In Your arms of love."

Thank you Lord that Your ways and timing are perfect.

reasons to smile...

hearing the laughter of a child and seeing the joy on their face (dimples included)...





the warmth of a good hug when you need it...















because we're "blessed and highly favored, saved by the grace of a Mighty Savior"...



loving and supportive family...







rejuvenating time with friends (including chocolate and snorting laughs of course)...





because you are "fearfully and wonderfully made" by a Heavenly Father who loves you...



fun surprises...



because life is full of adventure so buckle-up and enjoy the ride...





special occasions...









because revenge is sweet!!! Just Kidding...I just love this picture of "brotherly love" but awesome childhood memories are really sweet!





because God promises peace that passes all understanding when you trust in Him...



finding the perfect song to fit your mood and get you moving...



because you are loved...



because we are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus and we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength!





and...just because smiling makes the world a better place...
and it shows a strong, confident, wonderful person on your face...









and besides...you don't want to look like this with a sour face...



so...turn that frown upside down and...wear a smile instead...
because there are so many reasons to smile!



I am so thankful for all my reasons to smile. I know the joy of the Lord is my strength and I always want laughter and love to be the tone of my home. I pray the same for you and your family!