Turkey Sandwich Anyone?

About a month or so ago, I was so excited to make a turkey sandwich. I took all the ingredients that I needed out of the refrigerator and began to make this wonderful creation. I placed the turkey and muenster cheese carefully on top of the bread. I added lettuce and a tomato and just the right amount of mayonnaise. Not too much, not too little. It looked great. I could not wait to dive into it and satisfy the hunger I had. After adding some Lays potato chips on the side and pouring a glass of juice, I was ready. First bite...oh man this is good...second bite...man, I didn't know how good this sandwich could be! It was in the third bite that I realized something was wrong. I was chewing and chewing and chewing and the food would not go away in my mouth. So many different questions started running through my mind. Did I buy bad turkey? Was the lettuce old? It wasn't until I took a piece of chewed food out of mouth (gross I know) and examined it, did I figure out what the problem was. I never took off the plastic wrap that is on the cheese that divides each slice from the other. I was so annoyed. I threw my sandwich down on my plate and just stared at it. I was looking forward to it and now it was ruined.

LOL...I can sit back and laugh at myself now. So may people do not even realize how clumsy and silly I can be. Believe me, I have plenty of stories. But for some reason, today I was reminded of this turkey sandwich story and it got me thinking. Sometimes we get so excited about something new happening in our lives and we just want to dive in full force. In the midst of our enthusiasm and longing desires, sometimes things don't always pan out the way we thought they would. It started off great, but may have ended horribly. I am so thankful that there is a God that sees all, knows all, and is in all things and is in tuned to the details of our lives. We may not always understand why certain things that looked or seemed great in beginning ended up to be so very wrong. But, God knows and its all part of His master plan. 

I encourage you as I encourage myself today to remember, that it may look great, but if it is not all that we hoped it to be, He knows better than we do. His thoughts are nothing like our thoughts, and His ways are far beyond anything we can imagine or think. (Isaiah 55:8-9) He knows you and what is best for you!

Just a thought

~M

God Has My Back!

For the past few days, Jeremiah 29:11 has been stuck on my mind. I have been singing the song constantly in my car wherever I go.  I love how it is written in the Message Bible. " I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." Doesn't that sound wonderful?

Lately, I have been filled with so much worry. I have been trying very hard to cast all of my cares and not carry these burdens. I truly think that there isn't one more thing that I can bear, but just when I think that I can't handle anything more, God gives me grace and strength to make it through. I don't know why there are seasons in our lives when it seems like it is one struggle after the other, but, I do know through it all I am becoming stronger and drawing closer to the Lord. 

A month ago, I went to the public library in the town that I live in and opened up a library card account. Growing up I never enjoyed reading and it was something my parents had to force me to do. But, within the last number of years, I really enjoy a quiet afternoon or evening reading a great book. On this trip to the library, I checked out two books. Each one had a unique story line and seemed interesting enough. Well...to be honest, I gathered that information only from reading the back of the book. For I never opened it once in the month that it was in my possession.

I returned those books this afternoon, ashamed that I never cracked it open. I went on a hunt for another one with hopes of really getting into my choice. I stumbled upon a book written by a Christian author name Karen Kingsbury.  I've read many of her older work and I am very familiar with her style of writing. I chose her book "Divine", and decided to read the first chapter there at the library. Within the first few chapters, I was amazed and blown away that God was speaking directly to me in this fiction Christian novel. Like it became magnified, bold, and clear just for my eyes to see. "For I know the plans I have for you...." There was that verse again. It was a reminder that no matter what, God has my back! I don't have to worry, analyze, try to create an opportunity, whine, complain, cry, pout, be anxious, or fear. God knows what He is doing and He has everything under control.

So...what are you dealing with today? What is plaguing you mind? Whatever it is be encouraged and know that He has great plans for your life. All you have to do is trust Him and let Him do what He does best! Umm...He is God!

Just a thought!

~M

This Too Shall Pass

I never really liked this phrase. I always wondered if what I was dealing with really would ever pass. It just seemed like it would always be there and never go away. Be encouraged today that the Father knows whatever you are going through and truly "this too shall pass!"

Forever I Will Run...Now You Have My Heart!

I could not get home quick enough from church tonight so that I could jump on this computer and write this blog. This is the first time I have such a huge urgency to write. Someone needs to read this. Someone is in need of encouragement and hope. I know it and believe it with everything within me.

In all honesty, the past couple of months have been a roller coaster. Good days, bad days. Days when I feel like I'm on top of a mountain top, and days where I dwelled in the valley. There is a song that a good friend of mine shared with me. This song for the past 3 days or so has been playing in my car on repeat. Literally. I have not listened to one other thing. It just plays over and over. This song has become my song of deliverance. My anthem!

I truly don't know what you are up against right at this moment, but I have come to share in the hope that I have found. It could be a heavy financial situation, a broken marriage or relationship, depression, sickness, anxiety, fear, anger, or defeat. I declare today that if you purpose in your heart to run after God and hand over your heart, your desires, and needs, he will show up right in the middle of your situation. I don't mean to preach, but I feel so strong about telling someone this. God is ready to meet you right where you are at. He is calling you by name! Nothing but amazing results follow when one pursues the presence of God. Whatever the need, your answer lies in Him. I can't urge you enough....go after Him!

Like I mentioned before, this has been my anthem for the past few days and I would like to share it with you. Listen to the words carefully and I pray that you too will choose to forget about the circumstance, give God your burdens, and run after Him.

Just a thought!

~M

Out of the Mouth of Babes!

This young boy says it all. Please pass along to as many people! This word needs to be abolished!!

~Just a thought

Out With the Old and In With the New!

For the past 5 years, I have been experiencing these crazy dreams and this morning I woke up from one of them. They always leave me in this paralyzed state of fear only to be able to pray my way out of it. 80% of the time, after a few moments, I am able to go back to sleep, but this morning I couldn't. I laid in bed trying to figure out what this dream meant. I tried to remember every detail of what was happening. I focused on people, colors, emotions, the environment, and nothing was really making sense and I couldn't make the connection to my everyday life. So, I laid there and tried to go back to sleep, and I was failing miserably. 

I started to think about what the next few months of my life will look like. I am embarking on a new journey that brings a bit of excitement but also much fear. In the middle of trying to make sense of it all, I was reminded again (I'm sure through His still small voice) that I really need to let some things and some people go that I have held onto far too long. I don't understand why this is such a hard process. If this thing, or person has brought us so much pain, you would think that you would get rid of it immediately. Instead we harbor bitterness and hurt. We let the wound scar over just enough to cover the deep rooted issue, pretending it never existed. 

I decided this morning, in the wee hours of the morning before the sun was even up that there are some familiar things and some familiar people that are soon going to become unfamiliar. Today, I am letting you go!!

What are you holding on to that isn't allowing you to be free? I think its time to be "out with the old, and in with the new." The newness that only God can bring!

Just a thought....

~M

LIVE!

Recently a lady that I knew passed away suddenly. It was a shock to all that knew her and to this day I still can't believe she is gone. I stood at her wake and watched family members shed tears, people kneel as they said a silent prayer towards heaven, and tried so very hard to fight back my own tears. I just couldn't believe that I just saw her, talked to her, and now she is gone.

It really got me thinking. I have always heard and know that it in the Bible it says that tomorrow is not promised to any of us. I don't want to sound so morbid, but none of us know when it will be our time to leave this earth. Sometimes we go through life thinking that we have all the time in the world to accomplish our goals and dreams. Which in some ways we do, but in reality.....you never know. 

So why not live everyday like its your last? Why put off what you can do today, this moment, this second for another day that may never come. If you were told you only had one day left to live and you could do anything you wanted, what would you do? Here are a few ideas. Spend time with your kids everyday in such a way that leaves an everlasting imprint on their hearts. Embrace your husband or wife and love them like you have never loved before. Write the greatest poetry you have ever written so that it can be published one day for generations to come to read. See your children that live in different places and tell them how much you love them. Close the world out and have a day where it is just you and your family making sweet memories. Dance like no one is watching you and write love notes to those you love. If there are people that have impacted your life, tell them face to face, in a letter, or by a gentle embrace. Stand in the rain on a warm summer day and smell the beauty of God. Worship the God with everything within you and throw a huge celebration just to be around friends and family to smile and laugh, love and dream.

Speaking of dream......stop dreaming and start living! Every new day is a perfect opportunity to make it a monumental day! In the stress and chaos of life,  please...don't forget to live!

Just a thought!

~M

*Thank you to all the people that left comments on my facebook status concerning this thought! I pray that as I used your words in this blog it will challenge you not to wait to do the things you mentioned but live everyday to the fullest and with no regret! Love you all!

The Bigger the Battle, the Greater the Victory!

It's been awhile since I have written down my thoughts. The last month has been filled with moving boxes, u-hauls, and rent leasing contracts. A getaway weekend to have an encounter with God, and nights watching old VHS tapes on my 36' TV (yea...haven't up-graded to that flat screen yet. My TV is soooo heavy).  I have experienced the high and lows in life; striving so very hard many days to keep my head above water. I have also dealt with some major blows and disappointments in my personal life and in some relationships and thought I would not make it through. AND to top it off (drum roll please), I spilled vitamin water on my laptop causing it to die a very slow, agonizing, painful death. The only way to resurrect it is to pay over $800 to get it fixed. OUCH....why not just get a new one? So, I am working on it. 

There were many days I seriously thought I would not make it through. This past month has been one of the hardest months in my life. Funny thing is that not many people even knew. It's not that I was trying to hide it, I just knew that I needed to work it out with God. The devil has been throwing one blow after the other. It felt like I was in a boxing match and I was getting slugged left and right. I am filled with sweat and can barely see past the tears that are running down my face. My hair is a mess and my face swollen from hit after hit. With every blow I become even more tired barely being able to stand. I am on my knees, my vision is becoming blurry and I know that I am about to loose. But just at the place of my breaking point I remember a word I was once told. "Melissa, the bigger the battle the greater the victory!" That one sentence was enough strength to get me standing again. It gave me ammunition to fight.

I can across this poem (if  you want to call it that) recently and it reminded me of my college days in cold Minnesota when I told God that I really would give Him my all. When you decide to do that you better believe the enemy will do everything in his power to knock you down. But greater is He that is in you than He that is in the world (1 John 4:4) Remember, "The bigger the battle, the greater the victory."

Just a thought...

“I’m a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I’m a disciple of His and I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed. My present makes sense. My future is secure. I’m done and finished with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, or first, or tops, or recognized, or praised, or rewarded. I live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by Holy Spirit power.

My face is set. My gait is fast. My goal is heaven. My road may be narrow, my way rough, my companions few, but my guide is reliable and my mission is clear.

I will not be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed.

I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice or hesitate in the presence of the adversary. I will not negotiate at the table of the enemy, pander at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won’t give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus. I must give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes. And when He does come for His own, He’ll have no problems recognizing me. My colors will be clear!”

Hold On!

I recently went to New Jersey to support my mother who was asked to preach at a women's convention. I also had the opportunity to sing. The weekend was great! When I landed in Newark, the pilot told us that it was 66 degrees, and when I prepared to return to Rhode Island, the east coast was hit by another snow storm. My flight was cancelled and I had to leave the next day. 

I woke up early the next morning (3am) to find that my flight was delayed an hour and a half. I reached the airport (at 4:45am) and was told I wouldn't make my connecting flight and was placed on another flight (leaving 9:45am) with a completely different airline. I had a 4 hour wait. When the time came for us to board our flight, we realized we would have another 45min delay. Finally.....we boarded and I thought for sure we were going to take off. The pilot came on the loud speaker (11:14am) and told us that they had to shut the runway down because a plane coming in had to make an emergency landing. He continued to explain that once the runway was clear for activity, we would be the 20th plane to take off. 19 planes in front of us?? He concluded his message by saying "It may me a while folks, hold on."

Have you ever felt like you were one hold? I am at a place in my life where I feel like I am living in between anticipation and destiny. Somewhere in between expectation and dreams. How in the world do I survive some of the long days of "in between?" It feels like when you were little and you go on a trip with your family and you keep asking over and over "are we there yet?" It feels like when you are at an amusement park and you are in a long line nervously awaiting your turn. It feels like the night before the first day of school, christmas eve, or a landmark birthday! All that built up anticipation only to be told: "Hold on, you gotta wait just a little longer." 

I have found that I have become very impatient, and that has only lead to frustration. I realize that in this time, I must occupy my time. There is so much that I can be doing. Take a few classes, read lots of books, learn an instrument, write a book, make a hit song, and the list goes on. 

So, if you find yourself struggling in living in the in between, think about all the things you can be doing during this time. I bet you whatever it is, it will prepare us for the future.

Just a thought

~M

One Question!

"I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is there anything too hard for me?

"I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is there anything too hard for me?" 

"I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is there anything too hard for me?"

"I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is there anything too hard for me?"

"I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is there anything too hard for me?"

"I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is there anything too hard for me?"

"I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is there anything too hard for me?"

"I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is there anything too hard for me?"

"I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is there anything to hard for me?" 

"I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is there anything too hard for me?" (Jeremiah 32:27)

Let God be your Healer and set you free!

WAIT!!

"Wait for the man who pursues you. The one who will make an ordinary moment seem magical. The kind of man who brings out the best in you and makes you wanna be a better woman.

Wait for the man who makes you smile. Wait for the man who will be your best friend. The one who will drop everything to be with you. Wait for the man who respects and loves you for who you are and

not what everyone wants you to be. Wait for the man who praises God and encourages you daily in your walk. Most important wait for the man who is more in love with God than you." ~Anonymous

Just a thought...

~M

Don't Give Up!

My God son is one of the most adorable two and a half year old you will ever meet. He has such a huge curiosity for life, a vibrant imagination, and is brilliant beyond his age. Sometimes you may catch him with a little mischievous smile on his face, but then there are times he spoils you by the pats he gives you on your back while telling you how much he missed you during the day.  All in all he is a normal two year old, but as his Ga Ma (his way of calling me God mom), I could not be more proud of him. 

I walked out of the bathroom to find him sitting on the cold tile floor with a very sad look on his face and without even asking what was wrong, he blurted out, "I give up!" Little did he know, I already knew what he was talking about, but I wanted him to explain why he felt this way. "I can't find my movie car backpack Ga Ma." This backpack is one of four that he owns. It goes with him in each room of the house, in the car, to church, to Nana's house, and to wherever else he can take it. Even though he has a batman and a spiderman one, I believe movie cars is his favorite. I proceeded to tell him where he would be able to find his backpack and his dejected little face was quickly turned into a smile.

Throughout the day I thought about him sitting on the tile floor and telling me that he gives up. How many times in life have I said those very same words. LOL...I think it was just a few days ago. Sometimes in life we get thrown some very harsh curve balls, and there are times we truly just want to throw in the towel. But, I encourage you, whatever it may be, a dream, a relationship, school, or work, don't give up. The struggle will only make you stronger.  Perseverance is the key to your victory.  DON'T GIVE UP!  James 1:2-5

Just a thought....

~M

I Do It For Me

I just starting working out again and I must say, I am very proud of myself. I have been at least 3-4 times a week in the past couple of weeks, and still have that push to keep going. I was very athletic growing up. My high school insisted that we play a sport every season, and though I wasn't the best in each activity I participated in, I was in a whole lot better shape than I am in right now. 

I decided to go back to the gym for a number of reasons. 1...the monthly fee is faithfully being deducted from checking account each month, and they don't give a care that I haven't been in months. 2...sad to say I recently found out that I need to watch my cholesterol level. "Come on Melissa, you are only 29!" 3...I just want to feel better about myself and have more energy. 

Yesterday after work I went to the local YMCA. I really don't like going to this Y because it is so small and the ventilation is horrible. The smell alone is cause enough stay home. But, once you get over that first initial shock  you are good to go. I started my normal routine on the treadmill and after about 30min moved to the free weights. It is there I began this whole thinking process. I watched girls in all shapes and sizes sweat and pant striving to achieve whatever goal they had given themselves. I watched men of all ages grunt and strain as they lifted heavy weights trying to perfect their arms, legs, and abs. And I began to wonder. Will we ever get to the place where we are truly happy with ourselves? Will there ever come a time when we don't care what other people think and we don't care about our imperfections? Will we ever get to the place where we work out just because we know that it is healthy for us and its good for our well being? I have struggled in the past with self-esteem issues; hating to look into a mirror and afraid of what I may see. But through the grace of God overcame that battle.  I realized yesterday that as I continue to come into my own and continue to get to know myself, I must do things in life for me. Not to look like the person on the magazine cover, or to win the approval of family members or the opposite sex. Not even to fit in. But do it just for me and realize no matter what that I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). 

Just a thought... 

~M

Your Time Will Come!

Hey Everyone,

So, I thought that I would start my own blog. We'll see how long I keep this up :-) I'm really not a writer. You will probably find a few grammatical errors here and there and maybe a few mis-spelled words. No one is perfect right? There will be days when I really don't have anything to say, and then there will  be days when I won't be able to stop talking. So, why not let you all in on my thoughts.

This first blog is for all the SINGLE ladies! (Ok...go ahead..."all the single ladies, all the singles ladies...what uh oh oh oh....ok...enough :-)

In just a few days, it will be Valentine's Day. For some of us, it is a wonderful day with pink and read hearts, hallmark cards, chocolate, teddy bears, and even those annoying stuffed animal things that dance and sing songs like "I Feel Good." But, for others, it is a day where you remember just how single you are and the only Valentine you have are your parents and their thoughtful chocolates and card. I too have received the chocolates and also received the infamous text message wishing me a "Happy S.A.D." (Singles Awareness Day). There is nothing like feeling excited that you received a text and just maybe it is from "the one" but only to find out it's to remind you of your status. I think one year I threw my phone on the ground and stomped away. Can we say bitter?? LOL! I'm sure, without fail, I will receive the text again  since my status hasn't changed.

I recently received a message on aim from someone (this person refused to reveal their true identity) stating, "...that is exactly why you are still single, feeling so proud of yourself when you ain't nothing." After reading this I was in complete shock. I remember just staring at my computer speechless and in denial that I had just read those words. I don't know why it cut deep. After a few moments I collected myself and began to wonder what I may have done to make this "unidentified" person so mad and angry. I soon began to believe those hurtful words that were typed and for the next few days had a hard time believing that it wasn't true.  My self-esteem was shot and I began to dread Valentine's Day. February 14th would just be proof that the statement was true.

Although....today something in my thinking changed. The last couple of days have been filled with such self-pity and defeat, and I decided I wasn't going to let myself stay that way any longer. So what if pretty much all my friends are married and are starting their families and I am single. It's ok! I'm ok! Timing is everything. In the book of Ecclesiastes chapter 3 (this is the Bible), it talks about how there is a time for everything. It's just not time for me, and I say that to you as well. If you find yourself lonely and dreading this holiday, it's ok. It's just not time. But that doesn't mean it won't come. Love will come. It doesn't mean you aren't good enough, pretty enough, or worthy of love. Your time will come and so will mine!

So this Valentine's Day, celebrate you! Celebrate loving you and do something great for yourself. I know I will. You are incredible, beautiful, unique, special, and worthy of love. Celebrate that! And remember....your time will come and when it does, it's gonna be worth the wait!!

~M