Journal Entry for January 9th

God is saying to me . . .

I am on your side.  Even when everything around you seems to be crumbling, I am here to help you.  And we are on the winning team.  So don't be afraid.  Nothing is too hard for me, and nothing is impossible for me to do.  When I make the next step clear to you, walk forward confidently in faith.  I will never leave your side.  Don't rush ahead, though.  Stay with me, and we will journey through this life together. 

R.A.O.K. #3

This R.A.O.K. was simple and done spur of the moment.  I walked into Target to pick up a few things.  Of course, the first thing I do is get a cart.  I noticed an elderly lady who had trouble walking also coming up to get a cart.  I pulled "my" cart out and said, "Here.  You can have this one."  She said something like, "You are a darling!"  :-)  Sometimes the simple things can mean a lot to someone.  So, keep your eyes and ears open to the possibilities around you.  This is fun!

R.A.O.K. #2

I was able to perform my second R.A.O.K. this last week.  I had been thinking about writing to a soldier in the military, so I did a little research and figured out how to do it.  It was pretty easy.  I found a website called letterstosoldiers.org.  On this site you can type a letter to a soldier right there, and they will send it to someone.  It was easy, painless, and you can be as anonymous or as open as you want to be.  I may never hear back from the person who received my letter, but that's okay.  I just wanted to say "Thank you!" to someone in the military for their service and their sacrifice.  Check out the website listed above.  You could thank a soldier, too. 

Journal Entry for January 8th

God is saying to me . . .

My help is abundantly available to you at any and all times.  Because of this truth, you can rejoice in hope.  Be patient and endure the hard times.  They are temporary and will end.  In the meantime, keep praying.  Keep coming to me for everything you need.  When you focus on me, I will fill you with joy and peace.  Because you believe in me, you will be filled with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Journal Entry for January 7th

God is saying to me . . .

I am holy.  And I dwell (inhabit/sit) in the praises of my people.  When you praise me it pleases me, and I sit with you, receiving your praise, drinking it all in.  I created you to praise me.  I put a desire within you to worship.  So do it!  Worship me with all your heart and soul, singing to me with everything you have.  Give thanks in every circumstance also.  This is my plan for you.  It's what I want you to do, because it will help you remember where all good comes from--my hand.  Thankfulness will help you maintain a heart of praise toward me, your Maker and Savior.

Journal Entry for January 6th

God is saying to me . . .

I can do more in your life than you could ever think possible.  Keep your mind fixed on me, and you will be filled with peace.  When you feel weak, wait on me, and I will renew your strength with the strength of the Holy Spirit.  Praise me for who I am, and you will be filled with joy which, in turn, will be your strength. 

Journal Entry for January 5th

God is saying to me . . .

When you cry out to me, I hear you.  And I will deliver you.  I will set all things right one day, and you will see how I've made the mess of your life into a beautiful masterpiece.  I am near--especially when you are broken.  I can use broken people better than those who think they have it all together.  When you feel bruised and beaten by living in this world, I will save you.  Walk by faith, daughter.  You cannot see how things will work out, nor can you understand what will happen in the future, but I am in control and will work all things out for your good and my glory.  Trust me and take the next step forward.

Journal Entry for January 4th

God is saying to me . . .

When circumstances come that are unpleasant, remember to think about my power and glory.  I am in control of and bigger than anything you will ever face.  I am strong.  I am your shepherd.  I will feed you to give you strength, and I will carry you and hold you close when you have no strength to walk on your own.  I will gently lead you.  No matter where you go,  I AM (is) always with you.

Jesus Calling

On this blog I will also be sharing how God is speaking to me through His Word and through the book Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.  This simple devotional was given to me by my mom, and my plan is to read through it this year.  It is written as if Jesus is speaking directly to the reader.  After reading each daily excerpt and the Scriptures listed below, I will be journaling what I believe God is trying to say to me.  I will be including these personal journal entries as well (also written as if God is speaking directly to me).  Maybe I will be able to encourage someone else in this way.

R.A.O.K. #1

What does R.A.O.K. stand for?  Random Act of Kindness, silly!  And, yes, I already performed my first one.  It happened on Christmas Day.  And I say "happened" because I didn't plan to do it ahead of time.  Some R.A.O.K.'s will be that way--not planned in advance, but instead simply falling right into your lap.  And . . . it was fun! 

After celebrating Christmas with my side of the family we needed to stop for a gallon of milk on the way home.  We stopped at a CVS Pharmacy.  I ran in, grabbed a jug of milk, and walked up to the check-out counter.  I got in line behind one lady and waited.  While waiting I overheard part of the conversation going on between the lady in front of me and the cashier.  I heard the lady in front of me say, "Well, happy birthday!"

I immediately thought, "I wish I knew what the cashier's favorite candy bar was."

And then the lady in front of me threw two Caramello bars on the counter, and I heard the cashier say, "I love those!"  Hm.  God threw this opportunity right into my lap.  I now knew what kind of candy bar she liked! 

I put my jug of milk on the counter, grabbed a Caramello bar and put that on the counter as well.  I paid for my purchases, handed the Caramello bar to the cashier and said, "Happy Birthday!  This is for you."

Her face lit up, and she said, "You just made my day!" 

And that made me feel happy. 

I pray that I can remain alert for more opportunities like this one.  It sure was fun!  And even though the gospel message wasn't shared, I hope she felt God's love through me.

Here I Go

This idea isn't original with me.  I read about another blogger who considered doing this before her 40th birthday, and I thought it was a good idea.  So, here I go.  If you'd like to join me on this journey, the more the merrier, I say.  Share your experiences in the comments.  Or, start a blog of your own.  Just make sure to send me a link to your blog, so I can follow your adventures, too.