Merry Christmas 🎄🎁

Merry Christmas 🎄🎁

As the year comes to an end, we may find ourselves reflecting on all the events that occurred, both good and bad. Sometimes it is hard to remember the good when so much bad is happening both in our lives and the world around us. I am so thankful to have Jesus walking by my side because without him I would not be capable of climbing over the mountains I have faced this year. I hold strong to faith in that God will restore all that is lost and use my hardships for his glory.

My prayer today is that all friends and family find peace and joy. If you’re alone may you draw closer to the one who is the reason for the season, JESUS, for he is one who loves us like no other can.

So many have passed on this year, so if you are here this Christmas, know that GOD still has purpose for you to fulfill. Hold strong to faith and never loose hope. He was born into this world to be our counselor, friend, father, peace, hope and Lord of all. May Jesus be your light today and always.

For to us a Child shall be born, to us a Son shall be given; And the government shall be upon His shoulder, And His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

Merry Christmas from my family to yours. ❤️

Growing with you!

Sandy

His Love Will Shine Through

His Love Will Shine Through

When Jesus holds your heart, no matter what you do to hide, He will always shine through!!

There have been times I’ve tried to hide who I am and deny that God called me to share his heart. I’ve labeled myself unworthy, lost, sinful, not smart enough, not holy enough, and more. I’ve listened to people tell me I was fake and how hypocritical christians are. And I’ve felt useless in those moments.

I’ve come to realize that may be the opinion for some, but no matter how many times I ignore the Lord’s pull on my heart nor how many times I deem myself to be unworthy he continues to remind me that his call is simple:

No matter how many times you’re knocked down, keep choosing to get back up & draw closer to me, I your Lord, will do the rest.

For he is the light 💡 and the only one which can never be dimmed.

God isn’t asking us to be perfect. He knows that we will make mistakes and sin. But don’t label yourself what you are not. Do not be defined by opinions, mistakes, your bad days, or by the voices in your head telling you what you are not.

Let God’s love shine through and allow others to see that you are a work in progress. You’re set apart because you are called by him, to remind others of his sacrifice and undying love ❤️

Father God,

We thank you for your unconditional, undying love. We thank you that you are so amazing that you have chosen us and called us. Lord when we feel weak and unworthy, remind us who we are. Remind us that it is your light [YOUR LOVE] that will ultimately shine through. We know that mistakes will be made. But remind us to never loose sight of who we are in you. Thank you for being the light within.

Amen 🙏

Growing with you,

Sandy

Be Light 💡

Be Light 💡

This world can seem so dark and many of us are living wounded in a daily struggle just trying get by. We all have internal & external battles taking place. So while my life does have dark moments, even when I am in my own storm, I still must consciously choose to help uplift others who reach out in need. Trust me, when in your own storm this is a very hard thing to do.

Sometimes I feel like I have nothing to give. But as I worshiped him this morning, God reminded me that I do: I have Jesus to give.

When others come to me and they are struggling with heavy hearts I can be a light by reminding them that Jesus is their anchor! I am to let them know that Jesus will sustain them through their storm. He has done it for me time and time again, and he will do the same for them.

When you feel unworthy to be a giver or unworthy to be an example to anyone due to the personal battle you may still be fighting, be reminded that even in your storm YOU STILL CAN BE LIGHT💡 and you can still help encourage others. Show them to Jesus. That is the very thing which he has called you to do! Make a choice to still serve others and in due time, you too will be blessed and overcome the battle you are in.

Lets Pray:

Father God we thank you. We thank you for loving us when we are too weak to love ourselves. We thank you for the gift of family, friends and sometimes even strangers which you strategically place in our lives to help lift our spirits and show us that there is still light. Father we know that there are dark days we will face in this world. Remind us that we are not alone. Lord Jesus, remind us that we can still be light even when we are fighting our own battles. Give us the strength to run to you when we don’t know the way to go. Lead us, fill us and direct us Lord. Remind us we are yours and that you are by our sides in every circumstance. May we never forget that you are here. Comfort those who feel unworthy, hurt, and incapable of being used. Strengthen us to look to you to fight our battles so that we can help our fellow brothers and sisters in need. Father move in our hearts and help us to walk in the purpose you set out for us. Bless all those just trying to find a way. Remind us we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

In Jesus name, we give you all the Glory for the healing that will take place going forward. Amen.

~Growing with you! ❤️ Sandy

May God Bless You this Christmas

May God Bless You this Christmas

For many households this day is a morning full of joy and love. Families gather together by the tree as they exchange gifts. Floors are full of wrapping paper, and laughter fills the the air.

But for some, it is a morning of emptiness, pain or loneliness. Some are alone and have no one to celebrate with. While others are there in a room of people, but alone in their mind struggling with the pain of missing a loved one who is away or longing for someone no longer here on earth.

The very first Christmas was celebrated with worship and wonder. All who gathered celebrated in awe of the savior. Let us not forget the true reason of this day.

No matter how you are feeling, may we all be reminded that this day is reserved to remember the gift of Love God gave every single one of us: Jesus Christ.

If you are in a place of pain today, step outside of those feelings and take time to worship and get in the presence of the Lord. His love is a gift that is with each and every one of us today.

May we all center our minds and hearts around Jesus today, for it is there that we all find peace and joy.

Thinking of you all this Christmas and praying that you know just how blessed and loved you are.

Merry Christmas 🎄

May God Bless You this Christmas.

Love,

Sandy

Broken with Purpose

Broken with Purpose

This has been a trying year for me. I have experienced anger, sadness and disappointment after having people test both my character and my faith.

I created this blog to be obedient to the calling on my heart and share experiences in order to encourage others and share with them God’s unconditional love for all. I knew that sharing personal experiences would mean having to be transparent, and frankly, this meant opening myself up to negative criticism.

When you share your faith with the world there will be individuals who will criticize or judge you because they either disagree with you, dislike you, or feel that you’re not good enough to offer encouragement due to your mistakes. Read more

It’s time for Elevation

It’s time for Elevation

Growth across the world seems to be slowing down
Reality is setting in that life is not precious to all
Natural disasters pass though leaving  behind devastation
Hatred is once again spreading like a wild-fire
Minds battle spirits for the strength to endure
Darkness is a heavy cloud hovering over
Cold hearts are turning their faces as they allow evil to lead
This can’t be the future

We must stand for change against this rapid decline
A new direction is needed now
We need light to shine through this darkness
It’s time for ELEVATION

Have you ever had a day where you felt nothing could go right? Like the world is crashing down all around you? Do you look around and feel like you are surrounded by negativity?

Are you dragging yourself and just to make it through the day? Or are you feeling as though you don’t even have the strength to get yourself out of bed?

This word of encouragement is for anyone feeling this way. A message to anyone sitting in a place of silence wondering if things will start going right in life. Know that you can rid yourself of the heaviness weighing you down. We have a loving creator who longs for us to call on his name.

Anger, resentment, hatred, disgust, sadness, depression, prejudice, racism, shame, hopelessness, darkness, destruction all have NO POWER over us. We hold the power to rise above all darkness. The world around may seem full of devastation.  Your consumed with fear my brother, my sister, but don’t you dare give up! Keep pressing on because God is about new beginnings and restoration!

GOD IS BIGGER THAN YOUR SITUATION!

It is time for elevation. Time to put your hope in God’s unfailing power. Time to reignite faith. Lets lift God higher than our circumstances and trust that he will move. Even if you don’t feel as though you can move your mountain, call on God’s power to move it for you.

He is present with us in the midst of the storm. No matter what state the world is in, no matter what mistakes have been made in life – God will make the biggest mistake your greatest success.  

Take a leap of faith and allow the name above all names to lead you out of your situation.

God will elevate you to new levels when you exalt him.

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Pray, Seek God and Stay Encouraged!

Growing with you,

Sandy

Made Piece by Piece….

Made Piece by Piece….

We ALL have to start somewhere. Everything begins with a piece.  I don’t know about you, but there are many days which I feel all over the place – as if my life is an unorganized mess. That can really be overwhelming. I mean it literally feels as if my mind runs nonstop!!! Many times my mind literally jumps from one thing to another causing me to feel like I am not equipped to do anything. It is in these very moments that I need to stop, take a deep breath and slow down. Always easier said than done, but I am finding that when I take the time to be conscious of the chaos and re-center my mind, that is when I am capable of being most productive. Tackling things one at a time is the only way to truly give your all to the task at hand.

We live in a culture where we all want everything to happen immediately, especially when we are overwhelmed. But being impatient causes us to disregard the importance of the step by step process and many times is what prevents  us from finishing what we start.  Let’s think of a puzzle for example:

A puzzle consists of many different pieces which fit together to create a big picture.  Like a puzzle, we all have our own unique roles to play in life.  God created us each with a specific purpose in mind.  In a puzzle if you try to insert the wrong piece no matter how many ways you try it, it will not fit.  In life, if someone else tries to do what God created us to do, results will not be the same  – no one else will be the right fit to do what we are called to do. Read more