Ripples Of Grace

  Some of the best things in life are birthed from pain. And perhaps the Lord is going to use the waiting season you are in right now, even though it is hard and painful, to make you better. To refine your character. And to give you a new found hope in Him. So let's not step away from pain prematurely. Let's not strive in our own strength. Perhaps one day soon we will be grateful that the Lord loved us enough to get the worst of us out. While we wait on Him, He is doing a new thing in us. And perhaps after all the pain we endure, we will be the better of it.

  Jesus warned His disciples that we would have trouble in this life. We're not immune to the effects of living in a sinful world. Sickness, loss, trials, and a multitude of other challenges can cause us to doubt God's  purposes. "Why, Lord?" we ask, and wonder if God is cruel. Or, worse yet, that He doesn't care at all. The Bible assures us that while we may not understand why, we can hope in the promise that God never wastes pain. He always uses it to accomplish His promises in our lives. 

  There are certain situations that God has to put you through - to make His Word more tangible to you. You'll read that God is light in the dark, but you won't fully understand it until you're in the dark and He's your light. You'll read that He's a redeemer & restorer, but you won't fully grasp it until He puts you in a situation that He has to redeem + restore. You'll read that He's faithful to His Word. A comforter. But until you're in a situation where God's comfort is the only comfort - all these things will just be distant concepts.

  I think we have so much trouble just giving up & in to God because we've become accustomed to the temporary things of this world, & have forgotten what we know about God. What do we know about Him? The Bible tells us He created this entire earth, & every soul that wanders it. He created me, you, your best friend, that person you just can't seem to get along with. He created every planet & star in the universe. The hands that so carefully rolled the stars in His palms formed your soul. Not only that, but He knows every thought you've had; He sees your soul, & He knows you better than you know yourself. & yet He loves you the same. He has mapped out your entire life with perfect precision. The Creator of the universe looks upon you with love, & you are worthy in His eyes. This beautiful, glorious world & life He created for you. He died on that cross with you in His heart so you could have & experience that. So why is it so hard? Why is i...

  You're anxious because you're rushing when you don't need to.     Isn't that always like the enemy though? He hates rest. He also hates a steady pace and wants us to run out ahead of God in the waiting seasons. This is why we become so stressed and anxious; We adopt a counterfeit timeline then accuse God of working too slowly. See, the enemy loves nothing more than to tempt us into believing that we can conquer all things by our own strength, especially when we are waiting on the Lord. You get to point where faith doesn't seem like enough (although you know it is),  and you think, maybe, just maybe I can DO something to help God make this come to pass FASTER in my life. But God wants you to just TRUST and BELIEVE. Trust and believe without losing your joy in the waiting. Trust and believe without trying to put your own spin on it due to impatience. Trust and believe without growing weary in doing well. Yes, there's a time for action, but you'll know when G...

  Don't be disappointed or frustrated with  yourself when you feel like you have to renew your mind over and over and over again. Today, Keep Giving It Back To Him. That relationship? Lord, it's Yours. That Healing? Only You can do. That hardship? Nothing is too hard for You. That Uncertainty? You're already in it. That fear pocket? Your peace invades it. That heartache? Only You can mend it. That diagnosis? You work miracles. That mountain of stress? You'll walk it with me.  That scarcity? It hasn't met Your supply. That hypothetical? Your plans can't be predicted. The continual reminder that what's weighing  heavy on you is priority to Him - it's the only way to walk lightly, especially when it feels dark.

 God if I'm honest, I hate it here.                                       I know you're with me, I do.                                             But some days the wilderness                                       Still wins.                                                                             The waiting wears me thin.                      ...

 As God began to prune me, It was messy uncomfortable, painful, overwhelming, and it felt like I couldn't continue. That feeling was right. Living as I was, could not continue. God allowed me to feel the conflict between my soul and flesh and gave me space to choose which would win. I chose my soul that day and am choosing it still because that's what It takes: A daily choice, and grace from God. Truth is, I need His Grace to choose my soul and I need His Grace all the more when (in my weakness) I choose my flesh.

  When You're Spiraling:                                     >>Try This:<<      ->  Breathe - Inhale: "I dwell in you."                                    Exhale: "You dwell with me."       -> Open The - Even one verse is a seed               Word         (Start with Isaiah 26:3  or Psalm 46:10)        ->  Name What - Not to be ruled by it, but to              You're Feeling             bring it into the light.       -> Speak It - Tell God exactly where your                Out Loud...

  I want God to move in my life,  and I want him to do it on my terms and my timeline... Maybe that's why i'm so tired - Because I've been trying to  carry the weight of something that was never mine to control. Maybe that's why i'm confused -  Because i'm interrupting every  delay as rejection instead of a  redirection.  Maybe that's why i'm resentful -  Because I've mistaken God's silence for absence and  His patience for  punishment

  Grief wraps me like a fog - Thick, heavy, unwelcome. And deep down, I know: This isn't how it's supposed to be. I was made for Eden -  For unbroken mornings and laughter  that never had to say goodbye. But now I carry a silence Where a voice used to be. And it aches because my soul  Remembers wholeness. And He's not done restoring  What death tried to steal.

What if the darkness I'm in  isn't where your story ends? I've cried the kind of tears that leave me hollow. I've whispered prayers that  felt like they hit the ceiling. I've smiled when I was breaking,  Battled thoughts I never told anyone about And wondered if God still sees me ---          Or ever did...

  And I know you're still good... And I'm bleeding questions  I don't know how to stop asking. Why didn't you stop it? Why does healing feel like humiliation? Why do I flinch when people say "Gods timing is perfect"? I trust you I do. And I'm also angry. Am I allowed to say that?

  If I'm honest:     My past self couldn't sustain the life I have today, and my current self can't sustain the life God is preparing for me... There's a bitter sweet duality in grieving who I once was and the dreams attached to that version of me, while also holding onto expectant hope that God is doing something beautiful. By His Grace, He is transforming me into who I need to be for the season I am stepping into.

I'm not pretending anymore, This is my altar.  These pieces... The ones I wasn't to throw away. The ones I'm ashamed and afraid to show you. If this is the life I didn't choose, then God, please - Show me how to hold it without hating it.

  Sweet Friend, God has already placed everything you need inside you for a life full of purpose and joy. It's there, it's ready, and now it's about uncovering it. Just like a gardener knows every seed they've planted, God knows exactly what's been placed in your heart. But just like a seed needs the right soil and sunlight, you need to lean into His love and trust the process. It's not about surrendering - letting God do what only He can do in you. Trust that the life He's called you to is already where you need to be..

  God is still good, even when I don't understand. God is still faithful, even when it doesn't make sense. God still has a plan, even when I can't see a way forward. God still reigns, even when things are falling apart. God is still working,  even when I'm in a waiting season. God is still good..!

 Worshiping is about so much more                          than what we're feeling. It's a conscious choice,                                            an act of devotion and will.                                            It's a way of living. Not because we feel like it,                                    but because it's what                                                  w e were made for.

  Heal...  so you can learn to sit still. Heal... So you can remember what good feels like  and how to carry joy. Heal... So you can hold onto hope  and believe that you're worthy of  keeping it. Heal... So your human can learn how to become more than what broke it.

Crumple up a piece of paper. Roll it up into a ball. -That's pain. Now do your best to unravel it again. Try to flatten all the creases. -That's your scars. Hold it up to the light and show it to somebody else who is struggling. -That's vulnerability. Give your pieces of paper to God even if your hands are shaking. -That's surrender. Read His love letter written in gold across every wrinkle. -That's your worth. -Samantha Tyler<3

 You continue to overwhelm me God... Reflections from prior chapters of my life flash before my eyes... Every hurt, broken, dark places and the excruciatingly painful damage left in shattered dreams scattered on the ground...  The intense fear because you can't handle anymore destruction... This is the surrender of the deepest hurts that I've hid in the back of my mind... God you have guided and protected me... In every surrender you have stretched me beyond myself... I have been broken... God you are bigger than the brokenness... In every busted gap and cracked lines... Your Glory and light shines way beyond me... You restored the hurt places with opportunity to love... Looking back, the lessons have molded me into someone completely new but the same.... Like the last paragraph of the chapter anxiously awaiting the next...  The complexity of emotion seems surreal and bittersweet... I comprehend the blessings and am grateful, yet still remember the losses...  <3 S...

  ELIJAH WAS SUICIDAL. JOB WISHED HE WAS NEVER BORN. DAVID WAS DEPRESSED. MOSES WAS ANXIOUS. HANNAH WAS BARREN. PAUL WAS ALONE IN PRISON. But God set them FREE. He used their mess and made it into a message. God can turn your worst seasons around when you choose to worship him in the middle of the storm. Turn your eyes away from the darkness and fix them on JESUS. HE WILL MAKE A WAY FOR YOU.

                           J OB  ob was a wealthy man. He was described as blameless. upright, and feared God. Job had a large family, significant wealth, and a good reputation in his community. However, one day, Satan came before God, and in conversation, Satan challenged Job's devotion, suggesting that Job only served God because he had been blessed with prosperity. God allowed Satan to test Job's faith but placed a restriction on harming Job physically. In a short period of time, Job faced a series of devastating trials. he lost his livestock, servants, and all of his ten children. Despite his losses Job did not curse God. Instead, he tore his robe, shaved his head, and worshiped, saying " Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." And the story continues however Job maintained his innocence and questioned...

               GROWING                         WITH GOD!  *Study His Word  *Trust in Him  *Be obedient  *Praise and worship Him                                         GOD HAS ALREADY                                                                                             PREPARED                                          ...

                  JOHN 14:1  Let not your heart be troubled; You believe in God, believe also in Me. What Does It Mean?     -- This verse encourages us to Trust in Jesus ESPECIALLY during times of difficulty and struggle. In our relationship with God, we often feel overwhelmed and our path feels unclear. Jesus's word reminds us that faith is not an emotion, but a decision to trust. We need to have confidence in His promises, even when the world around us is chaotic. Nothing in life is going to be clear, yet Jesus reminds us that He is CONSTANT in our lives.  TRUST GOD! IN ALL THAT YOU DO!

 Proverbs 16:9  In their heart humans plan their course but the Lord establishes their steps. What Does This Verse Mean?     -- This Verse reassures us that although we want to follow our own path and have our own plans and intentions for our life, the one who directs our path is God. We need to learn to trust His path. God's wisdom and timing can bring us peace as we navigate through life's journey.  GOD KNOWS YOUR PATH! 

                Jeremiah 29:11       For I Know The Plans I Have For You Declares The Lord, Plans To Prosper You And Not Harm You, Plans To Give You Hope And A Future.  What Does It Mean?      This Verse gives us assurance that God has a purpose for everyone. His intentions are for our good not our harm. We need to trust God's timing and wisdom, even if we don't know His path. God's plan is not for Short Time Relief, but Long Time Growth, Wisdom and Maturity! In these times, where we feel like control is out of reach, we need to give our worries and anxieties to the Lord. We need to trust God and know his plan is perfectly made just for you. In your walk with God, remember YOUR FUTURE IS IN GOOD HANDS. 

                           LOVING GOD                                     THROUGH             LIFE'S DISAPPOINTMENTS...                                                                                            In the journey of life, DISAPPOINTMENT often comes knocking at our doors unannounced, leaving us questioning our faith. It's during these challenging moments that our trusting God is put to the test. How can we navigate the waters of disappointment and come closer to God?                   ...

            Waiting...  If you have prayed about it then there is no reason to worry. When the time is right God will give you what's yours. God's Timing...   Not Mine...  God's Will...   Not Mine...  God's Plan...   Not Mine...  God's Glory...   Not Mine...  Wait And Trust  God is still writing your story. Quit trying to steal the pen! Trust The Author! Waiting on God's timing can be challenging, especially when we don't see the bigger picture. Trusting in God's plan requires faith and patience, knowing that He has a perfect understanding of our needs and the best timing for everything in our lives. Trusting God's timing brings peace, knowing His plans often surpass our own..               GODS GREEN LIGHT                IS ALWAYS WORTH              ...

 OVERTHINKING    * Gods advice on overthinking... - Overthinking- Putting too much time into thinking or analyzing something in a way that is more harmful than helpful.. * Verses from the Bible. - Worry brings you down, encouraging words will cheer you up. (Proverbs 12:25) -- Anytime you worry or stress it will bring your energy and life down, but speak positively to bring you back up. - Have confidence in knowing that God is your helper. (Hebrews 13:6) -- When you are overthinking remember God is there to guide you. * Let God's comfort bring you Joy during anxious times. (Psalm 94:19) -- Let your mind be at ease because when you are anxious God will be there to comfort you. * RECAP...  God already knows everything but will still comfort and guide you. He will always love you. <3

  You wanna know why David wasn't stressed..? Because before David got there he had to fight a Lion, before David got there he had to fight a wolf off his sheets. So, he had been going through problems before he got there and you don't realize sometimes God lets you go through stuff today cause He set you up where you won't flinch tomorrow... Baby, if God kept me through that He'll keep me through this. This is critical so this stress is used to motivate us. That's critical motivation.

F: Finance I: Interest R: Relationships S: Schedule T: Troubles *Put God First Financially: (Psalm 24:1, Malachi 3:10, 2 Corinthians 9:7) Seek first the kingdom of God. Jesus says we cannot have both time and money. (Matthew 6:24). God will provide your needs. TRUST HIM. * Put God First Before Your Interests: (Exodus 20:3) DO NOT IDOLIZE ANYTHING! Hobbies, career, recreation... Spend Time With God!  * Put God Before Relationships:  (Matthew 10:37) Love Him before anyone else! Choose God before friendships, family, marriage, etc. Where there is God your foundation will be solid. *Create A Schedule For God And Put Him First: (1 Chronicles 16:11, Matthew 6:33, Matthew 14:23) Pray at all times. Always give thanks every morning, and throughout your day. Form a relationship with God. He Loves You. * Put God First In All Your Troubles: (Proverbs 3:5-6, Philippians 4:13, Luke 12:31) Prayer shouldn't be a last resort but a first choice. There is power in the name of Jesus! You must lov...

  Philippians 1:6 says " He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus". That means the work God is doing in you isn't over just because you feel stuck. Even in the waiting, even in the uncertainty, even in the moments where it seems like nothing is happening.                                                         He is still working. You don't have to rush the process, force what isn't meant for you, or go back to what's comfortable just because the unknown feels scary.                                         Trust that the same God who started this transformation in you is faithful to complete it.

 I can't stop thinking about Elijah sitting underneath the Juniper tree and asking God to die. God sent an angel who says " THis journey is too much for you. "Rest and eat". And Elijah does and the angel repeats himself. it took Elijah longer than he wanted to get better. Sometimes we want to move but we can't. Sometimes the journey is too much. It is not a sin to understand your limitations. Start there, get stronger, then get up.                         Depression When Elijah battled depression God didn't send an Angel to preach to him, tell him he needed to pray more, or condemn him for feeling that way. He sent an Angel to comfort him while he rested. Some people just need to be comforted.

 Let's not sugarcoat it. Today? I didn't want to pray. Not because I don't love God. But because i'm tired. Because I'm mad. Because the silence is loud.  Because it feels like I'm surviving something new every week. But I whispered anyway. Not because I had the strength.  But because He still deserves my surrender even when I feel nothing. So here's your reminder. You don't need perfect words. You don't need to feel on fire. You just need to show up broken. He'll Do The Rest.! 

  There are times when God does things we don't understand. Sometimes God will say "here is heartbreak, let me teach you about strength".  Times when God will say "here is failure let me show you how to grow".  Times when God will say "here is loss, but I will teach you to value what was while appreciating what is".  Times when God will say "here is betrayal or unkindness but I will teach you to be loyal, honest and kind".  Times when God will say "let go of pride and arrogance and let me show you humility".  Times when God will say "let me show you fear and in return teach you to be brave."  Times when God will say "here is everything you deserve and have worked towards, its up to you to appreciate it".

  MAYBE IT HAD TO HAPPEN... Because God knew I wouldn't move unless I was forced to. Maybe He saw the parts of me that were too comfortable, too afraid, too unwilling to let go.  Maybe He knew that without the breaking, I'd never see the beauty of surrender.. The pain felt cruel, the loss felt unfair, but maybe- Just maybe it was mercy in disguise. Maybe it had to happen, not because God wanted me to suffer, but because He wanted me to grow into who He always knew I could be...  - Samantha Tyler<3

 Drug addiction will break you. Piece by piece. Your life, your mind, your soul will be gone. It's gonna take time and effort to put it all back together.  And you will never be the same person you were before dope. But, you can be even better... Keep moving forward. Recovery will probably feel like you're getting worse.  You'll be anxious, crying, because what happens now? What happens when you let go of what's been the center of your life for so long?  How do normal people do this?  Is this normal? is it too much? Is it too little? You've probably heard this before; but it gets worse before it gets better!  But don't give in.  Life is waiting for you - outside your comfort zone and it will get better. And it will get easier.  You won't always have to worry about what happens next time, next week, next month.  It will get easier I promise you. If you keep fighting it will get easier. Don't break, Don't give up now!

  I have hated this woman. I've not loved her at full compacity.  I've fed her lies & told her she wasn't good enough and have allowed others to tell her she wasn't good enough. I've allowed her to be broken.  I've allowed others to treat her disrespectfully. I've allowed her to run through brick walls and battles for others who won't even stand for her. I couldn't stop individuals from abandoning her, yet I've seen her still get up to be a light to the world and love others despite all.  I have stood paralyzed by fear while she fought battles in her mind, heart and soul. Forgive me for not going to war for you like you do for others. This queen is a warrior. She's not perfect but God calls her WORTHY! She's unstoppable. Gracefully broken but beautifully standing. She is loved.  She is life. She is brave. She builds arks before there is any rain.  She looks fear in the face and rises with faith.