Change is

Let me ask you – when you look back on who you use to be, what is one area in your life you can see God’s growth the most? 

Last weekend… I knew it. I knew it as soon as it happened. I had pulled my sciatic nerve… again!

This time, I was just trying to teach my daughter some cheer skills on a casual evening in the backyard… Forreal! Listen adults – it is extra important that we take the time to stretch. Alright?

Hahaha… I’m laughing as I write this.

But here’s why I even bother sharing this. It reminded me that sometimes, we simply aren’t who we used to be.

Maybe we can’t do everything we once could, or maybe life looks a little different than it did years ago. But in so many areas of life, we can look back and confidently think, “Thank God I’ve grown. Thank God I’ve matured. Thank God I’m not who I used to be.”

As I thought about that, I realized how much I hope I’m not the same person I was ten years ago. Goodness, I hope I’m not even the same person I was last week. I hope I’m listening better instead of talking more, I hope I’m more patient, and less hard on myself. More than anything, I hope I am consistently growing closer to Jesus.

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6 NLT

We are still growing. Still learning. Still becoming. Just because we can’t do everything we used to do doesn’t mean God can’t use us in new ways. There is beauty in looking back and realizing you’re not who you used to be. 

Remember this. Change is evidence that God is still working.

This is the day


As a stay at home mom, there are times I feel my life consists of the same mundane tasks on repeat. The world around us seems to value the extraordinary, visible gains. It doesn’t affirm the monotonous moments that may consist of picking up toys, changing diapers, and preparing meals. However, this ordinary faithfulness we practice on a daily basis has purpose, and it is a gift from God. If you are a Christ follower, you are practicing every day what it means to represent Jesus in your actions. If you are in the trenches of parenting little ones, you know it takes a whole lot of patience and faithfulness to get through the day. Those Fruits of the Spirit don’t appear overnight; they require practice and reliance on the Holy Spirit. 
Even the simple parts of our everyday lives give way for God’s glory to shine through. Those little conversations, morning cuddles, and meals around the table are all opportunities to bring Him glory. And not to mention, they are actually a blessing! It doesn’t always feel easy to slow down and savor every precious moment. We get bogged down, and want to move onto the next big milestone. When we get stuck in discontentment, we can remember God is working in those small things that may seem unremarkable.

In the Bible, God uses the seemingly ordinary people and their common vocations, everyday relationships, and continual prayers for His bigger purpose. The part of us that wants to accomplish the big, impressive things may always exist. But we can shift our focus on the fact our identity is extraordinary and our calling is spectacular because we are united with Christ. 

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm‬ ‭118‬:‭24

Abide

Romans 12:11 “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.”

 This time of year is the perfect time to ask yourself, “Am I treating my time with God as something that’s set apart?”

The relationship God desires with us is something we can’t comprehend. He listens to us in prayer and speaks to us through His word. We know from Romans 8 there’s absolutely nothing that can separate us from the love of God. 

Psalm 1:3 describes one who loves the word of the Lord as a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season. This is what we constantly need in our lives. Planted, producing spiritual fruit, drinking of the living water.

 Being rooted in the love of God not only produces spiritual fruit but spiritual strength. We abide in Christ and Christ in us, a unique fulfillment that surpasses all knowledge and understanding. 

His strength

My husband and I welcomed our first born, Jonah back in April. He is 4 months old and such a blessing. 

I am a stay at home mom so I am with him 24/7. It’s the best thing in the world. We recently had a rough day though. He is teething and has also decided for himself that he only needs to take two thirty minutes naps a day and that’s it. Lol. 

The other day he was super fussy from being tired and his teeth hurting him and he would not calm down. I tried everything. He wasn’t hungry, he had a fresh diaper, I tried teething drops, I tried a nap, I tried a nap with him laying on me, I tried going outside…. I tried everything and I said to myself, “ I cannot do this. Why can’t I figure out what’s wrong.” And immediately I felt the Holy Spirit telling me to pray. So I prayed and begged the Lord to help me and help Jonah. 10 minutes later he fell asleep in my arms and took an hour nap. 

Philippians 4:13 says that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. This verse isn’t saying that God will give you strength to get through whatever you may be going through because you’re strong. No. It’s not about our own strength at all. It means that because of His strength we can do hard things. Because of the work on the cross we will make it through the battle. Because of Christ, through HIM and HIM alone we can do all things. Jesus died on the cross for my sins and your sins, but He rose 3 days later and because of that victory, the greatest one of all, the grace we need to survive our battles is given, and then some. 

I can do all things through Jesus Christ who showed the greatest strength ever, because He strengthens me because He saved me. 

I can get through a rough day with my 4 month old because of His strength on the cross. You can get through a rough day at work because of His strength. You can get through those family issues. You can get through the job search. You can get through your grief. You can get through your marriage struggles. Not by your strength, but by HIS strength, because He died for you.

Say yes


Are you willing to say yes to the now?”


I sat and stared into space for 5 seconds after hearing this through my airpods. 


To quickly contextualize: I am not normally one who pulls up a podcast or sermon on the whim as I work, but here I was, sitting in a coffee shop, Bible open to Romans, when God prodded my heart to search up, “The Porch” (The Porch is a Young Adult ministry based out of Watermark Church in the Dallas-Fort Worth area). 


The message I had unintentionally clicked on was about the purpose of the woman, how God created her to nurture, how God bestowed beauty in her, and how she can be used in God’s kingdom regardless of where she is in life. 


The speaker went through his list of questions and ended the night out with, “are you willing to say yes to the now?” This “now” that he spoke of, pertains to whatever God has currently placed on your heart to do. And while this question was pertaining to the lesson, I thought it was a good question to ask in general. 


I can’t speak to what or when everyone”s “now” could be, but I can speak to the moment God asks us this question. I’ve found there are a few responses we can give Him:
“I am…but can you give me some details for what it is that I’m getting myself into?”
“Yes! Let’s put those Crocs in sports mode and get!!”
“Yes…but let me have my coffee first.”
“Maybe?”
“Honestly, no. I am not ready to say yes to the now.”


While these may seem funny, the crazy thing about these answers is that our faith can grow out of each one. In our obedience to God, we develop a trust in Him as the provider, author, and sustainer. In our hesitancy, God highlights the areas in our lives where we need to give up control and take on trust. In our excitement, God grows our joy which in turn points others to Him. In our honesty with Him, we grow in humility, reliance, and our ability to be vulnerable before the Father.


It may be that your “now” is stewarding the Gospel in your home. Your “now” could be taking on a teaching role within your church, standing up for Biblical principles, starting a Bible study, taking advantage of Gospel-Sharing moments at your workplace, or even intentionally spending more time with God throughout your day. 


I don’t know what your “now” is, or what it could be in the future,  but this we can be sure of: saying yes is worth it. 
Romans 8:28 states that “for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.”


So, whatever God may be creating your “now” to be, are you willing to say yes to it? And if in true honesty the answer is “no” or “not right now,” are you willing to be vulnerable with God so that in the future it could be, “yes?”

Holding space

Recently, I spoke with someone who had been holding space for a person processing some deeply painful and difficult things. “Holding space” means sitting with someone in their deepest pain, grief, or confusion without judgment or hurry.  It’s creating a temporary refuge where a person can be totally honest, really messy, and feel safe while doing so. 

This holding space kind of work doesn’t just happen in formal settings like at a hospital or doctor’s office, in a counseling session with a therapist, or in a church service with a minister.  It happens in the quiet, ordinary days of our lives where we are often called to hold space for someone… Space for the grieving friend dealing with the emotions of losing a loved one. Space for the one with the unexpected diagnosis. Space for the one with a marriage in trouble. Space for a parent of young children feeling overwhelmed. Space for aging parents who are grieving the loss of their health and independence. Space even for our  “strong friends”  you know, the ones who faithfully care for everyone else. 

Holding space can be sacred work. But let’s be honest, it can also be incredibly heavy. Sitting with someone else’s pain takes a toll on our own hearts. The truth is,  Jesus will sit in that space with us.  We may hold space for others, but we were never meant to hold the full weight of what they are carrying. “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NLT) 

There comes a point when we have to take what has been entrusted to us and entrust it to Him. We can listen, love, pray, and be present but ultimately, we place that person and their pain into hands much stronger than ours.

Psalm 55:22 reminds us, “Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you.” We don’t have to solve every problem or carry every outcome. We can  hold space for someone for a season or a moment and allow Jesus to hold both of us.

The Lord has encouraged me to look for the space holders. The ones who stop and quietly listen, who faithfully show up when needed, and who often carry the weight of others. Even the strongest shoulders grow weary. They may secretly be longing  for someone who will simply let them be heard and receive care themselves. Reach out with a  kind note or word, a prayer, or a simple question,  “How are YOU doing?” And if needed … be a space holder for them. Galatians 6:2 (NLT)  “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” 

We are called to both carry and be carried. Wherever today finds you, I pray your “space” is filled with the peace and comfort of The Father.

God’s plans

are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21

The older I get the more I realize my need to want to control every situation or circumstance that comes my way. I am a planner. I like to know every detail of the day and when things don’t go as planned I find myself frustrated, anxious, and at times even angry. I admit I have questioned God as to why he isn’t following the plan. I think as humans we all struggle at times and feel like God just didn’t get the memo. I know that is so prideful, but it is an honest struggle for me, anyway. I know that God understands and doesn’t condemn me for that! I also know that He does, however, expect me to repent and work on it.

Trying to control and manage every detail of life is not what the Lord intends for our daily lives. Our lives are to revolve around honoring and glorifying Him no matter what we face. We will never have all the answers and that is the way God designed it. That is why He commands us to have faith. He wants us to walk in the freedom that it’s all going to work out in His will and His way. We can look back and see the good in everything God has done for us. Yes, there are things we may never completely understand but we can be assured because we know the character of God. We know that He sees things we don’t! We just need to keep living to please Him in all that we do! The more we let go of our need to control, the more we can be a light and joy walking and serving the Lord.

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

Remember in Job, where He questioned God about his suffering? God answers him in chapters 38-41 with multiple questions that humble Job’s spirit.

“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, If you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it?” Job 38:4-5

That is a small part of what the Lord responded with, but wow, just these few questions is enough to humble me when I want to be in control and question God’s ways. I am so thankful for God’s word and that the Holy Spirit directs our minds to passages that help us in our struggling times.

“Then Job replied to the LORD:

“I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.”Job 42:1-

Grow your community


 As I grow older, many different concepts become so fascinating in a way to me that I can only describe them as beautiful. One of these is the six degrees of separation. Basically, if you have ten friends and they have ten friends then through extension you know every soul on this earth. While interesting and kind of mind boggling on the vast level, it is just as meaningful when you look at it with just one person.


   My mom is Daisy Marino. She runs this entire non profit, so I am using my nepo baby powers to post this message. It honestly feels like my mom knows everyone somehow. I can be three towns over, and there’s usually a 70% chance someone will ask me “aren’t you Daisy’s kid?” I’ll respond yes, and add them to the ever growing list of people that know me yet I don’t know them.


   I preface all of this to show just how strong community is! I am connected to hundreds of people just through my mom- hundreds of people who are kind, encourage me, and care about me just because of one very important person in my life. Just one woman has left such an impact on me and the people around me through just being herself. Seeing this sort of ripple affect reminds me that every single person is impacting and changing others lives, even if they do not realize it.


     So if you’re going to spend this life leaving behind your mark on others, choose to live it for Jesus! My mom is my example of God’s light shining through someone, and I am so blessed to be in a position to step back and see all of the amazing things she has done by just being her joyful, Jesus serving self. There isn’t some dramatic “movie moment” where she says the exact right thing and hundreds of people turn to faith in a day. Instead, through years of constantly loving the people around her and serving with joy, she quietly grows her community in the direction of our savior.


   Not everyone is called to be a Billy Graham. You don’t need a stage or perfect moment to spread the word and make disciples, you just need a full heart and serving attitude. Through just touching one persons’s heart, God can use you to paint a picture so beautiful!


“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭18‬-‭20‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Seasons change


A new school year. One of my favorite times of the year! Working for a school district makes me appreciate the anticipation of a new year and new routines. An opportunity to start fresh. I love it!


This school year comes with a lot of changes. Coworkers are moving into different positions. Leadership looks different everywhere I turn. My son will be moving on to 1st grade which means  a new teacher when last year I wanted to pack his teacher up and send her with him to every grade. Literally heaven sent. 


Three years ago, I was offered this position. When I say the stars aligned, the Lord aligned every one. Looking back now, I can see His hand in every detail. He opened doors I never could have opened and placed me in what I truly believe is my dream position as a speech-language pathologist. 


So even though I know these are all good and safe changes, I still find myself wanting to crawl back into my little bubble of comfort. I want things to stay the same because they’re familiar.


Change is such a scary thing for me. To be transparent, I like control. I like comfort. I like knowing what’s next. I want to have a plan. But change isn’t a bad thing. It’s actually necessary.


The Lord doesn’t call us to complacency. He calls us to trust Him. Ecclesiastes 3:1 states “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” 


How are we supposed to grow if the seasons never change? How are we supposed to let go of our past if there is no change taking place? How are we supposed to allow our babies to grow and mature without the growing pains attached? Change is necessary for growth as a follower of Jesus. 


And God is funny. Today, was my first day back and I walked into one of our new leadership offices, and “Peaceful Easy Feeling” by the Eagles was playing. That was one of my late mom’s favorite songs and the song that was played at her funeral. Maybe to some people that’s just a coincidence. But in that moment, it reminded me that the Lord is in every detail.


Every single detail. Every single decision. Every single season of change. It reminded me that even when everything around me feels different, He never does. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)


We just have to be faithful to Him, allow Him to work through us, and remind ourselves that He is for us. So if you are in a season of change and you’re unsure, let this be your reminder:


The same God who was faithful yesterday will be faithful tomorrow. The same God who opened the doors before you will continue to direct your steps. The same God who carried you through your hardest seasons will carry you through this one too.


He is for you. He goes before you. He is in every detail. Every decision. Every season.


So loosen your grip on what feels comfortable and trust the One who already knows what’s on the other side of your obedience. He is growing you, refining you, and preparing you for what’s next. The other side of that change is always ALWAYS worth it. 


I’m looking forward to a great school year!

Circumstances


“I will build an altar here
So I don’t forget
The place where all my doubts and fears
Met your faithfulness
Where I lifted my eyes, I’m lifting my hands
To the only one who could turn it…
From a valley of death 
Into a valley of worship “ 
Song – Valley of Worship
Author- Seph Schlueter


…. If you haven’t heard it – go now ❤️. 


I have heard it so many times. I’ve sang it every time, but the other day it “hit” different. I heard it in a different way, I sang it more personally- and as the next song started – I was still singing this over and over. 


God in all his gentleness, yet boldness, has been preparing my heart to get the “school year” going again. 


All the things. 


And as I sat in my car with this worship on repeat- at God’s feet, I asked myself, “Do I reflect this?”. 


In my home? 
At my work? 
Grocery store? 
With my Besties? 
With my husband and children? 
When I’m alone sitting with no one but my Jesus? 


Do I reflect the daughter of the King ? The child that has felt HIS presence so deeply on the mountain tops AND the valley? Cause man has He turned that valley into a Valley of Worship so many times! So faithfully – being the Good Father He is – with love, with grace with mercy, and accountability. 


As I prayerfully prepare for the craziness and hectic schedule to start again – He is speaking and reminding me of His presence there. 


Because we know how this goes – it comes in like a wrecking ball lol . Trainings, games, sports, running on fumes, holidays – ALL. THE. THINGS. And in all that, will I stay steadfast in being the image of Jesus ? 


No matter how the day, or week, or month is going . Will the room/office lighten with me in it – because I reflect His presence? Or, will it be like the WIFI just went out? 😬


I pray that my circumstances don’t shift my attitude away from the posture of worship. Rather a great day on the mountain, or a bad day in the valley- may His faithfulness shine through me – through each of us. I pray we choose to quiet our souls before Him -before the crazy pace of each day even begins. 


“Let my words fall like rain on tender grass, like gentle showers on young plants.” Deuteronomy 32:2