"Sunday Story"

Today's blog is made up of several different parts of my testimony.  It is my belief that GOD wanted me to share some of the greatest moments of HIM rescuing me throughout my life. 

Growing up I attended church with my family every Sunday.  We would get dressed in our "Sunday best" and walk hand in hand into church.  We would smile, and on the outside everything appeared to be just fine.  I would go to Sunday School and would learn stories about Jesus, and how GOD made the whole world.  I sang songs like: He's got the whole world, Zacchaeus, I've got the joy, joy, joy.  The list goes on and on.  However, I never really knew what any of that meant.  To me God was just a "Sunday Story." 

Throughout my childhood, and the early part of my young adulthood I hadn't a clue who was GOD, and I certainly didn't go out of my way to find out.  For as long as I could remember church was the place I went to so that I appeared to be normal.  These days however, I go to church to worship HIM, thank HIM, and praise HIM for all He has done in my life.  The songs I sang on those Sunday mornings, now have GREAT meaning to my life!  I know that even when I don't feel like it, is when I definitely need to be there.  I know that HIS plans for my life are far greater for me than I could possibly imagine. 

In the past I have found myself in the midst of a storm, and realize I have completely forgotten about GOD.  I get so "busy" living my life, that I forget to include HIM.  I sometime's forget to talk to HIM, and then when I have a crisis I remember HIM.  GOD has shown me that HE wants to be 1st in my life, above all else.  HE doesn't want to just lead me through a crisis, rather HE wants to lead me through blessings and joy that HE pours over my life.  HE wants to be included.  Sadly, I didn't always know this, but I can tell you this, in the Spring of 2002 He heard my hearts cry, and little did I know "help" was on the way.

It has been 11 years since I first cried out for help, and HE has been with me every step of the way.  Even when I was "too busy" to acknowledge HIM.  Three years ago D and I suffered through our 2nd misscarriage.  I, Heather in all of my humanness said, "Its ok GOD I've got this, I am ok."  Little did I know I was far from ok.  In fact I was so far from it I let Satan completely take over my thoughts and actions.  I decided what was best for me, and I almost left my family because of it.  It pains me to know how much hurt and strife I caused in my wonderful husband and amazing kids.  I remember my daughters praying over me, and begging me to stay.  GOD once again, came when they cried out for help.  It was then that HE began a good work in me.  Sure I have fallen many times, but everytime, I have gotten back up with the strength that HE has supplied me with.  When I look back on my life I know that had I never cried out for help and gotten to know GOD personally I would have missed out on my greatest blessings.  I know that if I had given up, I wouldn't be Mama to Isabella, Isaac, or Seth.  That is a very sobering thought to me, as to "how could I have possibly given all that up?"  Thankfully GOD knew, and was in control, and HE answered my cry for help in HIS perfect timing.

On the morning of May 13, 2013 I was dealing with another ulcer attack, and was feeling so stressed with a horrible migraine.  I thought, "I can't do this another day."  That is when GOD rescued me once again.  A little over two months ago I started reading "Power Thoughts" by Joyce Meyer.  This book has been life changing for me as it has shown me that my thoughts control my overall health.  For the past two months I have learned the importance of seek GOD's will for my life daily, praying, and obeying HIS word.  I have learned that I can boldly declare that, through HIM I can do anything as HE will supply me with the strength, HE loves me uncondtionally,  I will NOT live in fear, I will NOT be easily offended, I love people and enjoy helping them, I trust GOD completely; there is NO need to worry, I am content and emotionally stable, HE will meet all of my needs abundantly, I will pursue peace with GOD, myself, and others, I will live in the present and enjoy each moment, I am disciplined and self-controlled, and most importantly I put GOD 1st in my life. GOD has shown me that with this 12 power thoughts I am now ready for battle.  That I can live my life according to HIS will, and not have to do it on my own. It has been two months since I started this journey with GOD asking HIM to create in me a renewed heart for discipline.  I have am on week 3 of no medication to treat my ulcer, and I have lost a total of 15 pounds.  It has been through my earnestly seeking HIM daily, and putting HIM 1st in my life that I have been set free from the internal strife that I had allowed to creep into my body.

I pray today that if you suffer from internal strife that you will seek HIM.  Even if you don't know if you want to seek HIM, ask HIM to give you the desire to do so.  Pray, talk to HIM daily ask HIM to show you want HE wants you to do.  HE knows your heart, so it can never be a "fake it till you make it" relationship.  Be honest with HIM, and allow HIM to transform and renew your heart.  I pray that once you seek HIM you will be disciplined  in putting HIM 1st in your life and spend time with HIM, in HIS word, through songs, or prayer.  Seek out HIS instructions for your life by surrounding yourself with people who know HIM, and find yourself a strong bible-based church to help you in your spiritual walk.  I pray that you won't let any excuses get in the way of  GOD's best for your life.  I pray that you will obey HIM and do what HE tells you to do, even when you don't feel like it.  Allow GOD into your heart and let HIM be more than just a "Sunday Story" in your life!

Blessings,
Heather