People mess up.

They mess up big time.

Thank God for redemption and amazing grace.

Here’s the thing about my Jesus – He’s all about forgiveness. He’s all about a clean slate. He wants you to come to Him, start fresh, and then extend the same hand of grace to others that He has extended to you.

Don’t forget about that part.

If we want the church doors to be open, we better open up our hearts first – because nobody can walk through a locked door.

“But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.” Ephesians 4:7 (NIV)

I like to write. Not speak. Because when I’m writing I can go back and edit. It’s safer. Grammatically and emotionally.

But let me tell y’all something – this morning I’m fired up about Jesus, and if someone gave me a mic I would go off.

I would go off about how Jesus loves everyone.

About forgiveness.

About the underdog.

About religion and skin color and poverty.

I would go off about how I was a big fat sinner – and still am – but Jesus washed it all away. I would go off about how Jesus loves me [and you] in spite of our shady past.

I would go off about how He is rooting for me.

And He is rooting for you.

And for the person you don’t like.

And for the person that sinned differently.

And for the person that’s a different skin color. A different religion.

The atheist.

Jesus doesn’t care who you are or who you were.

He just loves you.

Excuse me while I go off.

And pray.

And worship.

And tell my story.

Excuse me.

Dear God, humble me. Remind me. Forgive me. If judgmental thoughts creep in – take me down a notch or two or three. I have a past, but my future is brighter because of you. And the same goes for every person I come into contact with. Remind me. Amen.

Refining.

It’s happening every single day, and you best believe that it’s going to burn.

Sometimes God has to hold us in the middle of the fire to purge the impurities from within us. And sometimes when we are stubborn, when we are refusing to let go of the dross within our heart and soul, He has to hold us there a little bit longer.

Just remember, when He is holding us in the fire – He is doing just that – He is holding us. And He isn’t going to let us go.

Guys, the fire has a purpose. The fire is making us pure. When the impurities within us have melted away and we’ve been purified and cleansed of the world, God will look into the fire, stare straight into our eyes, and see His reflection.

What an incredibly beautiful process.

I want to look like Jesus – even if it means sitting in the fire.

“For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver.” Psalm 66:10 (NIV)

Sometimes bad things happen. Things that shake us to the core. Things that change the trajectory of our life in ways we could have never imagined.

And while we are sitting in the middle of a big ol’ mess it’s hard to see, to believe, that God can in fact turn this mess into a masterpiece.

He can, and He will. We just have to stick with Him.

So next time you find yourself staring at what you perceive to be an immovable barricade, try and keep this one thing in mind – that obstruction may not be a stumbling block, it may be a building block.

Don’t step over it. Don’t step around it – step onto it. Step onto it and stand tall. Look around. Your perspective just may change.

Bad things happen, y’all. But God is a good, good God. He always finds the good. Let Him reveal that good to you today.

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28 (NLT)

Makeup.

I love it. Red lipstick is my jam. I actually love all of the colors. I love the different combinations. And when a blemish decides to rear its ugly head, I love that makeup can cover it up so that no one knows what’s under the surface but little ol’ me.

But makeup isn’t the only mask we put on to conceal flaws. Oftentimes we use different types of barriers to protect us, to shield us, or to just downright cover up some defect that we perceive too imperfect to let others see.

We use this defense mechanism:

To cover up our insecurities.

To cover up our weaknesses.

To cover up our experiences.

To cover up our past.

To cover up our sin.

Sometimes that mask can do more harm than good. Sometimes that mask builds a barrier so strong that it creates other impurities. Deep impurities.

Sometimes we just need to come clean. We need to let Jesus wash away all of the guilt and fears associated with whatever mask we’ve been putting on everyday. We need to let Him clean us from the inside out.

People need to see us in our most unpolished state – no masks, no barriers, no coverups. People need to know who we truly are underneath it all – just a girl counting on Jesus to strip away her many impurities and imperfections.

Take that mask off, ladies. He is the only barrier you need.

“Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:22

Are you creeped out by Google listening to all of your conversations? Is Facebook freaking you out by sending suggestions based on things you just thought?

It’s weird, right?

Listen, God’s bigger than Google, and He is definitely going to accept your friend request.

He is the ultimate mind-reader, and He will even help you redirect your thoughts. He is going to send you suggestions on exactly what you need. He is going to offer you the kind of advice that only the best daddy in the world can.

He has all the answers. You just need to search.

Search His word.

Search your heart.

God’s bigger than Google, guys. I’m gonna put that on a t-shirt.

“Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:1-2

Labels.

They don’t define you, and they don’t define me.

The world will try and tell you who you are. Don’t listen. They will try to put you in a box. Don’t let them.

The diagnosis from the doctor, the preconceived judgements, mistakes from the past – that’s not you.

I have diabetes. But that’s not who I am.

I have celiac. But that’s not who I am.

I used to battle fear. But that’s not who I am.

Dyslexia, ADHD, cancer, diabetes, poor, rich, broken, eccentric, rebellious, weak, meek, strong – label after label after label.

Labels.

Don’t place them on people, and don’t let people place them on you.

God’s bigger than any label that this ol’ world will try and stamp on you, and don’t you ever forget it.

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light;” 1 Peter 2:9

A vehicle can’t run on empty fumes, and neither can you.

Prayer, worship, and spending time in God’s word are truly fuel for your gas tank. And guess what – it’s free!

Are you feeling run down, damaged, or just not up to par? It may be time for an inspection. It may be time for a tune-up.

Don’t live a life where you are constantly running on fumes. Don’t allow your vehicle to be damaged by neglecting the fundamental constituents that are the building blocks of who you are. Take care of yourself.

Guys, fill your tank up. Start today.

If you need help getting started do not hesitate to message me.

“He FILLS my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagles.” Psalm 103:5

“For he satisfies the thirsty and FILLS the hungry with good things.” Psalm 107:9

The other day I walked out onto my front porch, barefoot nonetheless, and there it was.

There it was – my biggest fear curled up in my rock bed – a big ol’ nasty snake.

Y’all. I don’t do snakes.

I froze, including my breathing. The unwelcome guest sensed my presence and slithered underneath my trashcan. Side note: I’m never taking the trash out again. I already told Frank.

For the rest of the week I was extremely cautious when I walked outside. First of all, I put on my dang shoes. Secondly, I walked out slowly looking up, down, and all around – kind of like a SWAT team member but kind of like a crazy lady. To say the least, I was hyper-aware of my surroundings.

The whole scenario got me thinking. We don’t know when “that” very unwelcome guest is going to decide to show up, but we sure need to be ready. We need to be aware of what’s surrounding us – what’s trying to slowly slither into our lives.

I’m not saying to be paranoid. I’m just saying to be prepared. Be smart. The Bible clearly states to put on the full armor of God so that we will be ready for whatever comes our way.

It’s time to put on our tennis shoes, guys. It’s time to stand our ground.

“10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV)

I love funny memes. I love funny catchphrases. I seriously still roll down my window and yell YOLO really loud when I drop my kids off somewhere. What 37-year-old mother of two doesn’t?

“Stay in your own Lane.” Words of wisdom brought to us by cute, vintage t-shirts all across the U.S.A. I totally get it. In fact, the first time I heard it I literally laughed out loud.

However, I’ve made the decision to change it up a bit. I’m gonna go with the following instead – “Stay in God’s Lane.”

Because when we do that, when we stay aligned with God’s word and God’s will, we don’t have time to focus on anything else.

I’m gonna stay in God’s lane, and I’m even going to hand Him the keys.

“You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.” Acts 2:28 (NIV)

🎼So come and empty me

So that it’s you I breathe

I want my life to be

Only Christ in me

So I will fix my eyes

‘Cause you’re my source of life

I need the world to see

That it’s Christ in me🎼