Separating God's Truths from Our Emotions

Emotions. We all have them. I sometimes feel like my emotions are a nasty tornado spiraling up and down, and I am the eye of it all....stuck right in the middle.

You see emotions are a very good thing. They allow us to feel love, joy, peace, and happiness. It's only when we let those emotions of worry, stress, anxiety, sadness, loneliness ect. creep in and bog us down that our emotions can become less of a blessing and more of a curse.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your crazy emotions seem overwhelming and your not sure how to deal? Well if your married or a mom I can almost assure that you have. Whats the cure? Separating God's TRUTHS from our crazy emotions.

This is totally something that God has been teaching me over the past few weeks. If you are going through a storm season in life don't let that tornado of emotions take you down...instead attack that tornado with the word of God. We do not have to be trapped by our emotions. Just like we should take every thought captive and make it obedient to God, we also should take every emotion we are having and make it obedient to God. God doesn't want you to worry and stress. 

Do you have anxiety? He wants us to cast it on HIM  (1 Peter 5:7) because He cares for us.

Feeling scared or lonely? Deuteronomy 31:6 Tells us not to fear because God goes with us and NEVER leaves us. Sad? God will deliver you from that sadness (Psalms 34:18-19). He will sustain you (Psalms 55:22). Feeling helpless? He hears your cries (Psalms 34:17).  Maybe your just worn out. God will recover your life and give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30). Angry? God tells us to get rid of it (Ephesians 4:26-31).

God has given us emotions as a blessing. Do not let the devil creep in and whisper lies to you....that's the seed of those bad emotions. Fight those ugly feelings with the word of God. I encourage you to write these scriptures out and post them somewhere that you look often. When you feel that tornado stirring up stop it with God's truths. Pray for God's peace and ask him to cover your thoughts and emotions with the blood of Jesus Christ!

A sweet co-worker of mine texted me a prayer one morning. Little did she know how much I needed it that day. I was bogged down, stressed, and sad. After praying this prayer I felt God's total peace cover me ad sustain me throughout the rest of the day. Please pray this prayer when your emotions are trying to get the best of you and let God's peace that surpassing all understanding flow through.

Dear God, there is so much on my mind that I don't know what to do or where to even start. I need your help. Give me peace Lord. Help me to have wisdom to separate your truth from my emotions. Show me how to deal with these situations and comfort me. Help me to trust that you have a future planned for me...something even better than before. Heal my heart, and help me not let my emotions get the best of me.Your will be done. In Jesus name, AMEN.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  -Philippians 4:6-7

God Bless,

Haleigh

Grace in a Dark World

All it takes is one look at the beginning of a check out line to realize that we are living in a very lost and dark world. Articles and pictures of people who are changing the way God designed them to be, and other articles bashing and condemning a bad choice once made by a young boy who has been freely forgiven by God. It's sad really, that people in this world would embrace a gender confused person wanting to change God's blueprint, but be so hateful and condemning of someone who has been changed (in heart, soul, and mind) by God, made clean, and set free. The world just cannot wrap their heads around the abundant GRACE of God.

As Christians we are told to be the salt of the earth. No christian, and no person for that matter, is perfect. We.are.all.messed.up.people. We all sin and fall short, but the difference is Christ. We can either accept Christ and his gift of mercy and grace, or we can bury ourselves in the lies and deceit of the devil and this world.

The controversy with the Duggar family has actually brought to light more so that their are so many lost people. As I listen to news stories arguments about this specific topic it really just amazes me that people honestly have no clue of what forgiveness in Christ really is. They don't understand how or why God would be so gracious to forgive and entirely blot out & make new a person who has committed such wrongful acts. Honestly I was once in that same boat. I could not fully grasp the fact that I had been forgiven and MADE NEW. I would condemn and bash myself for the things that I had done in my past. Even though God had already blotted out and forgiven me I was still wallowing in self shame.

How did I come to fully understand God's pure grace? Through a lot of prayer and through reading His word. I can see God now with a smirk shaking his head at me every time I would ask him to forgive me for the same thing He had already forgotten about. Isaiah 43:25 paints the picture perfectly:

"I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more." 

My sweet pastors wife a few weeks ago in sunday school said that it's not our job to condemn and hold people down in their sin ( thanks Debbie! (: ). This stuck in my heart and has been on my mind through the past few weeks. No it is not our job to shame and hold people captive for a sin that God Almighty has already erased. We shouldn't do this to others and we shouldn't do it to ourselves. We need to hold on to the grace that has been given and rest in it! Refreshing huh? ( anything with the word rest in it is refreshing..amen mommas?) 

 "But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it."- Ephesians 4:7

Lets be the salt of the earth Christians. Shine God's glory and grace in your life to all those who you come in contact with. Share your struggles and sins so that they may see the wonderful place God has brought you to. Point someone towards God's grace and give them encouraging verses that may help them understand the power in Christ we have to overcome sin. Be a blessing!!

" Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." -Romans 3:20-24

God Bless,

-Haleigh

God's Work Lately

My mom and I got to witness an incredible act of God this week. Let me set this story up for you...

My mom was driving me back from a doctors appointment and we were on what you could say was a rough dangerous side of town. We stopped at a red light where a tall thin man stood with nothing but a sign that read " hard times, even a smile will help". He was clearly in need. My mom and I both looked at each other and said " I wish we had something to give him". We were both cashless, without and food or drink to give, so I told mom " Let's just smile at him". We both beamed at him with a big heart felt smile, feeling terrible because we were sitting in an air condition car and far from being in need of anything. The man kindly smiled back and waved at us.

Just after the smile exchange we see this man walking up with a Wendy's bag and drink in hand. He came right up to the man greeted him with a smile, handed him his food, grabbed his hand and began PRAYING with him! My mom and I both looked at each other with teary eyes, and we were quickly reminded that there are still good people in this world...those people are the ones spreading the love of Jesus.

In a part of town were the last thing I expected to see happen, happened. That man planted a seed of God's love in the heart of a man who was in need. God knew exactly what that man needed that day..the hope only found in Christ...and Christ was delivered to him.

I was instantly convicted after seeing this wonderful act, because all along my mom and I did have something to give this man. We have the love of Christ in our hearts and THAT is the greatest gift we can EVER give someone. We are called to be God's hands and feet, and I am so thankful for the example this man set before us.

When you feel God nudging at your heart, step out of your comfort zone and ACT! I am pretty sure great things do not come from comfort (like child birth for example), but God will be there with you giving you the strength and exact words to say. He knows what that person needs to hear, and he will deliver it just as he did on this day! 

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.

- 1 Peter 4:10

** The picture above is the ACTUAL men praying together! I had to snap a picture of God's handiwork! :) SO COOL**

God Bless,

Haleigh

Happy Mothers Day

{Photo by: Penni Lauren Photography}

Happy Mothers Day to all you mommy's out there!

Remember God has given us one of the MOST IMPORTANT jobs on this earth. No matter how joyful and messy motherhood may be God is always with us in each and every moment. He has given us these precious children to train up for his kingdom and glory. We have such an awesome and important responsibility and God's word is our " Guide for Motherhood". 

I hope no matter what your "mom label" may be today.. single mom, married mom, stressed mom, struggling mom, ect... that you know you are loved and cherished by God. He sees all that you do for your kids, and you are bringing him glory through it! Seek Him and teach your children to do the same.

Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. 10 Remember the day you stood before the Lord your God at Horeb, when he said to me, “Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children.” -Deuteronomy 4:9-10

God Bless you Momma!
-Haleigh

Being Called to the Mission Field

What does your mission field look like? I would absolutely love to go to a mission field over seas one day. I think it would be such a great experience and eye opener. Although that is a dream I have, my mission field that God has called me too looks a little different than being overseas. My mission field is right here in my home...my mission field is my family!

I was reading a blog post my one of my favorite bloggers Lori Alexander. I love her heart for teaching younger women and the Godly wisdom she brings to the table. She was talking about unbelieving or disobedient husbands, and how by staying with them we are bringing Jesus into their lives. When we sanctify them and model God for them they become our mission field. That statement spoke boldly to my heart!

Some people may be called by God to travel the world and do missions, but maybe you are like me and God has called you to the mission field right.where.you.are. As a wife God has called you to sanctify your disobedient husband by extending love and grace (even when its tough very hard). As a mother you have been called to teach your children to love and serve God and others. As a friend you have been called to encourage, listen, love and pray.

Everyone who is a believer has a mission field that they have been called to. Not everyone's looks the same, but we have ALL been called for a purpose....and that purpose is to spread that love of Jesus Christ!

This is what my mission field looks like...

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." -Romans 8:28



Happy Saturday,
Haleigh

Small Reminders of God's Grace

Thus says the LORD:”The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness; when Israel sought for rest, the LORD appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you."- Jeremiah 31:2-3



I get a sweet glimpse of God's grace every single day when I look at my son. When he smiles, I see God's grace...When he gives me hugs and kisses, I see God's grace...when I get those sweet cuddles, I see God's grace.

You see, my son was conceived out of wedlock. Although his daddy and I are now married, and are living life together as a family, it doesn't always work out that way. By sharing this with you I am by no means condoning intimacy outside of the marriage bed. If I could go back and do it all over again I would have married my guy FIRST because that is what God asks of us. Intimacy is meant for the marriage bed ONLY, and now that I am on the other side of the fence I can assure you "it" is much more meaningful and totally worth waiting for!

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." -Romans 8:28

But even though satan tried using my sinful mistake for evil, God used it for good. God has used this entire situation to draw me closer to Him. During those 10 months of pregnancy God did His miracle work on my heart and transformed my mind and life. Even though I sinned, God has shown me GRACE. He pours grace into my life every single day. I didn't deserve a beautiful, healthy baby boy, but because God is a gracious God He blessed me with one. A simple laugh, smile, hug, or even a "trying 2's" tantrum reminds me just how gracious God has been to me.

He has turned my mess into a MESSAGE. And He will do the very same for you!

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:38-39

Maybe today you are reading this and are struggling with a totally different sin of your own. Give it to God and let him pour out His grace to you. There is absolutely NOTHING we can do that will ever separate us from the love that God has for us. Let Him glorify himself through our sins and our messes. Some of the greatest testimonies start with gigantic struggles and trials....but it's not what got us here with God that really matters, it's where we are going from here. Going forward. Choosing God. Clinging to His promises, and never turning back.

I am so thankful that God is faithful and gracious. I am thankful for this second chance at life that he has given me. I pray daily that God will help me train this child in the way that he should go (Proverbs 22:6), so that the life he leads will bring Him honor and glory!

Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. -2 Corinthians 12:8-9


God Bless, 
Haleigh

God's Work Lately

So I just got home from an AMAZING concert with Casting Crowns. Let me just tell you God's presence was ALL OVER that place! It was Mark Hall's (lead singer) first concert back since having surgery to remove a cancerous kidney, and God's light shined brightly through him. He spoke so much wisdom into my heart and really opened my eyes to a lot. It was great to sing praises to my mighty God with my hands lifted high (while standing barefoot on the chair :)....hey this southern girl was trying to get a little close to God lol).

Mark said quit a few things that really pulled my heart strings and got my gears working. He spoke about how our roots spring forth from digging deep into God's word and from our roots we bear fruit...and our fruit is what reaches out and shines light and blessings on those around us. He said that before really knowing Christ he just hung God's word and truth on him like ornaments on a tree...those "ornaments" that are hung can easily be knocked off. It's when we really plant our hearts (roots) in God's word that we actually produce fruit instead of just hanging it on ourselves as a decoration. Just like trees thrive with rain water, we need to drink from the LIVING WATER of God's word daily so that we may also thrive for Christ!

(I loved this beautiful illustration I found on Google.)

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5

Something else that spoke to my heart was the meaning behind his song "Broken Together". He used the verse 2 Corinthians 12:9 where it speaks about God's power being made perfect in our weakness, and how we should BOAST about our weakness. I am VERY guilty of trying to cover up the weak times I have had in my life. Partly because the person I used to be totally embarrassed me. I share with people that I feel led to share my testimony with, but there are a few parts I tend to leave out because I am totally ashamed. I know that with God's help and strength I WILL be able to forgive myself, get past my pride, and instead of hiding those weaknesses I will BOAST about them to bring his power and name glory. This is something I am praying hard about because I know that God is calling me to share my story (my WHOLE story) with others. I just need to remember WHO I am IN CHRIST, not who I was in this world.

"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Many Christians today do not boast about their weakness, instead we shove it in a closet and lock the door so no one can see. We are all living in a day and age were "having problems" is something that gets talked about, but in reality we.all.have.problems. No one is immune...problems are inevitable! Instead of acting lofty as though our life is grand we should share with others our brokenness. In showing others the broken areas in our life it gives God's power the opportunity to be made perfect through us. It shows others where our strength comes from and what the source of our daily survival is.

I will one day (maybe soon) share the totally amazing transformation that God has done in my heart, mind, and life. I am going to have to pray very hard about it so that God's power can be glorified through it, and so that I can make beautiful words explain the ugly mess my life was. Until then I need to go catch some zzzzz's because it is way past my bedtime. I just needed to share my heart with you guys tonight!

Goodnight & God Bless,

Haleigh