
6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
This story is true:
I have told this story before, but I felt to share this today. Life changing experiences are forever and we are reminded of things in life. Some grow us into better people.
A life experience about my life:
In the waters of Cabo 2004, my family and extended family experienced a life changing thing. We were walking along the beach and a big wave came to drag us into the waters. Trying hard to dig into the sand and not let the wave take us further.
It was there that I talked to God. I said these words to God, "God, please tell my family and friends that I love them. If I had another chance, I would teach and do what you have called me to do". It seemed like forever that we turning in the water. My daughter, son, and Ana husband was walking ahead of us. When they saw this happen to us, they came running to jump into the water. Ana's daughter (Vanessa) said, "I didn't see anyone for a long time". She stood there is shocked and never thought we would be seen again. She was 16 years old and she saw two people walking along the beach and they jumped into the water to help us. It was dangerous and scary. When it was all over, we were safe and the two strangers said to thank God, not them. They walked off down the beach and seem to disappear.
MOMENTS IN LIFE ~
Changes us forever
I saw yes to God in the waters of Cabo. I came back home to find our women's ministry leader (Rene') asking me to teach a class for women. I am still co-leading this class with our new women's Pastor (Darlene). God has been so good to so many women who attend THE WELL at Hillside in Napa. We have grown together, people have moved away and we still stay connected to each other. It is through faithfulness that we see God doing great things. Miracles have happen in this service and life changing experiences too.
What are you waiting to say YES to today in God? He has brought you to this page so you can read the journey of one woman who trusted God. I was scared to teach this class, but God knew exactly what I needed to do. Many other came along side and co-lead this class. I love the women who taught with me and continued friendships. I value the new experiences that Wednesday nights have each week. My yes, not only affected my life, but so many others. Now back to you, there is a message your heart needs to share. I would love to hear your story, you can write me at: Janet@youdontevenknow.org
I am praying today that your YES to God opens amazing doors for you. Prayer works and I've seen so many great things. Even when you feel at the end of your rope, there is still God. Even when you feel like you can not take one more thing, there is still God. God remains the same and it is us who changes. Once again, we become better people or bitter people in life. Life changing experiences that takes us to another step.
I REMEMBER THAT DAY ~
Promises of God
Isaiah 40:29-31 (NIV)
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Go ahead and soar on wings like eagles ~
Trust God in a new way today. Whatever you face, you can face it with strength and know that God increases your faith. I love how God knows best and he gives us words to help us. The Bible is full of great words and encouragement.
There are times we are right in the middle of a change of life that it is hard. Hard to face a new day and hard to say yes to God. Learning to deal with new normal is not always easy. To some who read this, it is about a bible verse, a walk of faith or a reason to get closer to God in this moment. It is about breathing and trying hard to let go of frustrations and anger of your now situation of life. I know this and that's why I pray for you, your family and friends. Life isn't always pleasant or a walk on a bright path.
I believe I'm writing just of you or that person you know that needs to read this. In the scariest of situations of life, God is there. We don't always feel him, but he is there. I was talking to someone and I mention the word FAITH. They quickly reminded me their situation wasn't about how much faith it took. It was about getting through this day without a thousand questions and a thousand wonders of why this happen. I don't know whys of life at times, but I know asking why all the time only drives me to doubt. So I go to thanking God for moments of his miracle working power on things in life. I know he cares and I know we each face things. I truly care about you (the reader) and your family and friends.
Here I am today, not everybody understands me or even wants to be my friend. I've had hurtful words said to me, doubt of myself and today I stand stronger than ever in God. But it took days of wonder, days of hurt and days of doubt that has brought me to say YES to God. I hope you feel the love through the words on this page and feel the love from God above through this. You were created to be you my friend and not someone else. Walk this path with boldness, grace and his mercy into a new day. Freedom of thoughts, wonder and doubt. His power is real and it might be hard today, but each day is a change to count some blessings and take that deep breathe if needed.
My prayers continue for you, your family and friends!
~ Sparkie