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Detour

Hello Everyone,

It’s been a while since I posted. Somehow I managed to lose most of the data on my website. I’m not thrilled about it, but I’ve got to roll with the punches. I also need to leave some things to the professionals. Lesson learned and rebuilding the site is underway.

This got me thinking about the things that don’t work out the way we plan. It can lead to disappointment and discouragement.

That dream job turned into a nightmare. The hope for a new business that failed. A longtime friendship ends due to a huge misunderstanding. Or maybe you’re starting all over again, but it wasn’t a part of your plan.

Rest assured God knows the plan and he sees you. The change in plans may seem like an inconvenience to you, but it could be part of God’s plan all along. The change or detour might be the answer to your prayers. And we know God has a different way of doing things.

The way I see it if the detour gets me to where God wants me to be then I’m all in. Will you be willing to allow the Lord to throw a monkey wrench onto your plans and trade up for His?

Take some time to talk to God about what’s going on. Read the scriptures and listen to what he has to say about it all and wait for his leading.

The Bible says in Jeremiah 29:11, for I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

He is on your side. He’s got you. Let him do what only he can.

Grace & Peace,

Robin

 

Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.
1 Peter 5:9

The battle that rages against us in the world today is much like the battle that king Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah faced in II Chronicles 20. The enemy was closing in fast on every side to destroy the children of God.

They were terrified, but all the families came together to fast and pray to God because they knew they had no power to win this fight. They prayed, “We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you”(II Chronicles 20:12).

The word of the Lord came to them in response to their cry in II Chronicles 20:17, “…You will not need to fight this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf…”

They went to battle singing and praising God. What a sight that must have been. By faith they trusted God’s word and won. He fought for them that day, and He will fight for you, but remember we still have to get dressed. See Ephesians 6 for proper battle attire. This wardrobe is always in season, and don’t worry if you’ve picked up a few extra pounds around the waist – one size fits all.

II Corinthians 10:3-4 says, “For though we live in the world we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds”(NIV).

Knowing that God is with us in the battles of life makes all the difference. Since we all have a common enemy, let’s continue to pray for ourselves, our families, and our brothers and sisters all around the world, that by God’s grace, we will continue to stand firm and be strong in our faith no matter what comes our way.

Keep standing – Grace and Peace.

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Grilled Cheese and Tomato Please!

I wanted to run away, but closing my office door to the rest of the world would not be enough. I needed to get away fast!

I escaped to a nearby diner. It’s one of my favorite spots.  It’s comfortable and cozy.  Just what I was searching for…Comfort.

I wasn’t sure what I wanted so Bryan, one of the owners, suggested a grilled cheese with tomato. It had been years since I had a grilled cheese sandwich.

My thoughts drifted back to my childhood. I remember unwrapping the single slice of American cheese from its cellophane case.  Waiting for that cast-iron skillet to get nice and hot with melted butter (well back then it was margarine and government cheese). I remember patiently waiting for each side of Wonder Bread to toast to a golden-brown. And then –  that first bite, my, my, my. Cheese so hot and gooey it burned the roof of my mouth, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying every cheesy bite.

Oh, come on now! You know what I’m talking about. You’ve done it, probably still do.

Taking a seat, I began to reflect on how my day was going. I wanted to have a good cry. Everyday seemed to be filled with one disappointment after another. I felt angry, helpless and betrayed.

I decided to pull out my laptop and do a little web surfing.

I came across some stories of ordinary people living in New York City. One such story told of a woman serving as a missionary in Queens, NY.  As I watched and listened the atmosphere began to change.  Suddenly there was a sense of calm all around me and soon I could hear the voice of the Lord through these words …

Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,
be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don’t take yourself too seriously—
take God seriously.  Micah 6:8 (MSG)

Immediately my perspective changed. I began to meditate on the faithfulness of God and my responsibility to Him. At times I do take things too seriously and if I’m not careful the focus on the negative stuff begins to cloud my thinking.

I realize that I can’t do anything to change the chaos that surrounds me, but God can. He’s concerned about all the things that matter to me. That includes my hopes, my dreams, my fears and even my frustrations. He’s promised He will never leave me.  God can be trusted.

Let me encourage you today. God’s word says that if we put our trust in Him we will never be disappointed.  His love is everlasting and He never fails.

Listen, you are precious to Him and no matter what you may be facing today Jesus is able to give you the grace you need to make it through.

Why not take some time right now and talk to the Lord about your situation?  Whatever it is He’s able to give you wisdom and strength for today’s challenges. That’s what I’m going to do…

…Here comes Bryan with my grilled cheese sandwich. Yup, it’s as good as I remembered.

 

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Fight Like A Girl!

I have a question for you…

How do you fight the daily storms of life? Are you winning or does this changing world have you up against the ropes?

If you find yourself frustrated & you feel like you’re losing the battle, you may want to rethink your strategy.

Just saying…

Praying for you!