My heart sings,”In Christ Alone, My Hope is found; He is My Light, My Strength, My Song…”#Worship #UnquenchableWorshipper #Blog

I am Undeservingly Blessed! Have you though about how blessed and how loved you are?  Well, I have! You might be able to relate to me on this. I thought of it for a few minute today. Although  I couldn’t quietly wrapped my head around the growth, the joy and The Hope I have but here is my heart. 

My life is filled with incredible blessings! I don’t deserve it, I’m not worthy, but I stand here today with an overwhelmingly grateful heart. As I continue to do life, walking in daily obedience on this journey with my Maker, I see and understand at a deeper level how in my surrender, I gain so much more in return. I know it doesn’t make sense to the outside world, that giving something up even renders a possibility to end up with more you had to begin with.. but that’s the easiest way I can describe it. I lay it at the feet of Jesus, and He uses it, He uses EVERYTHING for His good, and He always has my best interest at heart, ALWAYS. Are all my situations and relationships ideal? Hardly. But I trust and I know that He is using every circumstance to further develop and strengthen my character.

 

Want to know the crazy cool thing about this whole experience? I’m beginning to see His hand working in places I’ve never noticed it before! And those moments, the ones that at one point in my life seemed pointless and irrelevant, are the moments I covet the most lately, because it’s when I see the goodness and faithfulness of my God so clear, so evident, so bold, so beautiful! I love these moments, I crave these moments. I love the purely gorgeous feeling my heart has when it’s overflowing with joy. I love seeing Him woven into heartache and tragedy, in my life and the lives of those around me. I love witnessing Him begin a work in someone important in my life. I love seeing people begin the transformation of growing into the person they were created to be. I love being part of this journey with those He intentionally put in my path at different times in my life. I love the honesty and authenticity of a real heart to heart conversation. I love that I get to do life with people who inspire and encourage my heart. I love seeing His plans come to life. I love being humbled by words of a loved one. I love that things happen in my life every single day that make my heart burst with a happiness that can’t be put into words. I love the freedom surrender provides. I love getting to be part of something so much bigger than myself. I love that God gives me opportunities to live out His love and to be His hands and feet.

 

Tonight, (I), “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”—Hebrews‬ ‭6:19‬ ‭NIV‬‬ 

Becaus of that same HOPE, I’m grateful, grateful for a God that knows my heart, and who loves me unconditionally. It’s really that simple. My hope is built, on nothing less, than Jesus’ Blood, and His Righteousness! I dare not trust, the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ Name! 

I love the lyrics of “In Christ Alone” by the Gettys. The writers expressed the true sentiment of my heart in this song. I just don’t know where I would be if it has not been that “Hope” that is made secured through Jesus Christ Alone! 

Friends, I am Undeservingly Blessed! That same Hope is still available today! Hope is waiting for you! Believe it and received it. 
                    ~ In Christ Alone ~

“In Christ alone my hope is found,

He is my light, my strength, my song;

this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,

firm through the fiercest drought and storm.

What heights of love, what depths of peace,

when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!

My Comforter, my All in All,

here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone! who took on flesh

Fulness of God in helpless babe!

This gift of love and righteousness

Scorned by the ones he came to save:

Till on that cross as Jesus died,

The wrath of God was satisfied –

For every sin on Him was laid;

Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay

Light of the world by darkness slain:

Then bursting forth in glorious Day

Up from the grave he rose again!

And as He stands in victory

Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me,

For I am His and He is mine –

Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death,

This is the power of Christ in me;

From life’s first cry to final breath.

Jesus commands my destiny.

No power of hell, no scheme of man,

Can ever pluck me from His hand;

Till He returns or calls me home,

Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.”
Sing with the Gettys here: 

Advertisements

I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”#NoOtherName #Jesus💕✨💫

When the world seems overwhelming, or our relationships are conflicted, or we’re fearful about our future or regretful of our past, we want to retreat. We want to take refuge in a safe place where all that troubles us will be silenced or forgotten.  
People of faith have always sought refuge in God. The holy texts of every faith tradition affirm the safety that is to be found in the Holy One, and it is to that safety we cling when life seems larger than our capacity to make sense of it. The word refuge actually means a place to flee back to. It is a descriptive definition because it is so real to us.  We know what it is like to feel viscerally the need to “flee back to” the place where we are free from harm, where we are as protected as a fledgling sparrow under her mother’s wing.

I can relate with Psalmist David and no matter what I face or how I feel I can always find hope, comfort, joy and peace because David went through it and came out victorious. 
I love the book of psalms for several reasons but here are my top 2. 
#1 I love how honest Psalmist David is.
If he’s sad, we know it. If he’s overwhelmed, he painfully expresses it. If he’s fallen into sin, he readily admits it. And somehow in his honesty I see myself. And I am encouraged to practice the same kind of honesty because deep down I intuitively know that there is freedom with this kind of honesty.
#2 The Unreliability of my Feelings
We can’t trust our feelings. One minute we’re high on praise, and the very next we’re wondering where God is when we need Him. If you’ve ever felt like you’re spiritually bipolar, then you might agree that no one expresses this see saw of emotions like the Psalmist does and in doing so somehow gives me the freedom of knowing that we are not alone. That God understands. That there is yet hope for me. There is hope you. There is hope for our nation. 

O LORD my God, I take refuge in you; save and deliver me from all who pursue me… — Psalm 7:1 
Today, who or what is pursuing you? Is it a past mistake? Is it an old enemy? Is it your conscience? Is it a nagging sense of guilt? Is it someone who wants to do you physical harm? Is it a physical illness? In the middle of all the storms and struggles of life, where do you go to find peace and security? There is only One who can be a true and lasting refuge. Just One! His Name is JESUS!
Father God, you are my refuge and source of strength when my courage is gone and my soul is weary. Please, dear Father, destroy all the forces and powers and enemies that pursue me and seek to take me captive and draw me away from you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Do you have a favorite psalm? Do share!

Be kind. Share love. Share Peace. Be Radiant. Be The Light! -Flore 💕✨💫

Don’t take nothing and no one personal today. Don’t get offended so easily. Everybody is fighting something, in the middle of or going through something. Everyone is upset about something. Rightfully so but Stay away from disunity, anger, criticisms, and evil speaking. Whatever you do or face today, don’t let anyone take away your Joy, Peace, Love, Patience, Kindnesses and Self-control. Stand for righteousness! Stand for truth and Be Radiant! al Version”A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. ” Prov15:1 – Flore 🌺🌸🌺🌸🌺💕✨💫

Fear is a darkroom where negatives develop and you literally block your dream when you allow your fear to grow bigger than your faith. #blog

What happened when I decided to put on your big girl pants on and overcome my fears? Guess what? I took a little break, hopped in my car and got on the road. Yeah, I did. I took little time away from work, daily routine and allow my body to replenish, repair itself, a little time out to reflect, to refresh and renew your mind. Away from from the norms.

 It wasn’t long enough though but just what I needed. In results, I got to see the Dolphins and sharks, enjoyed the beautiful water, site seeing….I saw the rainbow, the sunset, the beautiful sky….the ocean…did fun activities and I got to spend time with my beautiful sweet youngest sister. We catched up, girl talk, laughed, fellowshiped, the long walks and the long talks…break bread together, shopped and reminisced….  Great time! 

Sister time! 

Sister? 💕 

My Sister. She is your mirror, shining back at you with a world of possibilities. She is your witness, who sees you at your worst and best, and loves you anyway. She is your partner in crime, your midnight companion, someone who knows when you are smiling, even in the dark. She is your teacher, your defense attorney, your personal press agent, even your shrink. Some days, she’s the reason you wish you were an only child. You can kid the world but not your sister. Family is everything. I am Blessed with 5 sisters and I won’t complain.

The girls and I have been missing her a lot since she’s moved to Virginia. 

This may be small and has no value for some but for me it is big. I did something that I never saw myself doing and I couldn’t be any more proud of myself. 

So much has changed for me and the girls over the last few years which makes going on vacation by ourselves sometimes impossible. I find it hard to get up and go on a 3 to 7 days trip from Atlanta to a brand new state/country/resort on vacation with 2 small little girls. From packing at home, airports, hotels, car rentals to final destination, 2 kids, I just can’t. It can overwhelming. LOL It can be tricky and confusing sometimes….hah! With all kinds of craziness going on the news about our children’s safety while on vacation over the last few weeks. As a (single) mother, call me crazy but I can’t be any more careful. I think of all the fun things we can do but I just don’t think it’s safe “in my limited overly careful mindset” to fully enjoy all the fun activities in a large, new and busy environment while vacationing. We have always gone on vacations but thanks to our family and closed friends who have always made room for us and allowed us to travel with them but never by ourselves. Although this trip wasn’t necessarily at a big resort by ourselves but to step out and get on the road like we did was a big leap of faith for me. 

We took several trips over the last 4yrs but those who knows me well know how much I love love road trips but one thing I always said that I will NEVER do is to get in a car for (3-8hrs) long with 2 princesses by myself. Well, I put on my Superwoman cape on and to be honest I don’t know what I was thinking and what triggered this sudden change of mind but I drove 8.5 hrs from ATL to Virginia and had the best time with the best behaved children ever. The lord has been faithful to me in every areas of my life from the little things to the big things. I literally never thought I could do this! My fear made me thing and see things through my own lenses where faith gave me the confidence to trust and believe that all things are possible. When I said that I can’t and won’t, God said yes you can and yes you will and He made them possible. He prove me wrong every time. I am an OVERCOMER! “With man this is impossible, but God ALL things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

 So, my time In Virginia was a blessing to me in so many levels but I was not only able to enjoy some time away with the girls and my sister but to reflect on God’s beauty and His faithfulness.

 I remembered how quiet it was in the car after the long fun filled day was over. I said to myself, we can try one more adventure or another site seeing. Them I looked back and saw both girls fell asleep.  Their neck positioned….poor thing! Hillarious! They couldn’t hang no more. I loved it!😄

At that point, I feel accomplished. I had fun! They had fun! Fear got me trapped and wrapped around his little fingers and got me thinking that I couldn’t do this or that.  What was I thinking? Allowing my fear to speak louder than my faith. Allowed fear to control me. Who am I to lean on my own understanding instead of trusting God to help me live my life to the fullest.

 Them I was reminded of one of my favorite scripture: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;’ – Proverbs 3:5. 

Truth is, fear is a lie. Fear is a habit, so is self-pity, defeat, anxiety, despair, hopelessness and resignation. You can eliminate all of these negative habits with two simple resolves,” I can! and I will!” Fear paralyzes your faith and hinder you from moving forward. Fear takes away your confidence and limits you form living your life to its full potential. Fear is not of God. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear….”- 2 timothy 1:7. 
This past few days have thought me to learn totally on God, trust In Him fully as I continue to walk in victory over my fears daily in this journey called life. Ain’t God good? How great how his works? How beautiful are His creations? He is Sovereign and In control over all things including our doubts, fears, anxieties and uncertainties. Do not fear! Surrender them all to Him.

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.’” Isaiah 43:1b-2 (NIV)

In the NIV bible, there are more than 300 scripture verses on fear; these are just a few. Read through the list, find a few favorites, and memorize them. Better yet, print a copy and keep it in your handbag or computer bag! When you find yourself waiting- such as carpool, at a doctor appointment, or for a class to begin- pull out the list and read it.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32 NIV

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Psalm 34:7 NIV

So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matt 10:31 NIV

Serve only the Lord your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him. Deuteronomy 13:4 NLT

I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27 NLT

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NLT

But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. 1 Peter 3:14 NLT

One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! Acts 18:9 NLT

Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. 1 John 4:18 NLT

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3 NIV

In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56:4 NIV

He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. Psalm 91:4-8 NLT

They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. Psalm 112:7 NLT

Do not tremble; do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim my purposes for you long ago? You are my witnesses—is there any other God? No! There is no other Rock—not one! Isaiah 44:8 NLT

I, am the one who comforts you. So why are you afraid of mere humans, who wither like the grass and disappear? Isaiah 51:12 NLT

Be not afraid of them [their faces], for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord. Jeremiah 1:8 Amplified

But Jesus overheard them and said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.”Mark 5:36 NLT

They had rowed three or four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified, but he called out to them, “Don’t be afraid. I am here!” John 6:19-20 NLT

“Don’t be afraid,” Moses answered them, “for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of him will keep you from sinning!” Exodus 20:20 NLT

You must always act in the fear of the Lord, with faithfulness and an undivided heart. 2 Chronicles 19:9 NLT

The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant. Psalm 25:14 NLT

But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. Psalm 33:18 NLT

I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4 NLT

Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. Psalm 34:9 NLT

The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. Psalm 103:13 NLT

Fear of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm. Proverbs 19:23 NLT

True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life. Proverbs 22:4 NLT

Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety. Proverbs 29:25 NLT

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Proverbs 31:30 NLT

He will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the Lord will be your treasure. Isaiah 33:6 NLT

Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.” Isaiah 35:4 NLT

Listen to me, you who know right from wrong you who cherish my law in your hearts. Do not be afraid of people’s scorn, nor fear their insults. Isaiah 51:7 NLT

Fear not; you will no longer live in shame. Don’t be afraid; there is no more disgrace for you. You will no longer remember the shame of your youth and the sorrows of widowhood. Isaiah 54:4 NLT

For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears.He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. Zephaniah 3:17 NLT

Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matt 10:28 NLT

We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear, in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live. Luke 1:74-75 NLT

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. Romans 8:38 NLT

We faced conflict from every direction, with battles on the outside and fear on the inside. But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus. His presence was a joy. 2 Corinthians 7:5-6 NLT

Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. Hebrews 12:28 NLT

Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. 1 John 4:18 NLT

“Fear God,” he shouted. “Give glory to him. For the time has come when he will sit as judge. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and all the springs of water.” Revelation 14:7 NLT

And from the throne came a voice that said, “Praise our God, all his servants, all who fear him, from the least to the greatest.” Revelation 19:5 NLT

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,I will fear no evil, for you are with me Psalm 23:4 NIV

Do not be afraid of anyone, for judgment belongs to God. Deuteronomy 1:17 NIV

Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you. Deuteronomy 3:22 NIV

The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 NIV

He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Mark 4:40 NIV

Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” Mark 5:36 NIV

Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. Revelation 1:17 NIV

Fear loses its power when we actively trust God more than what we fear. Let’s ask God to show us what we are afraid of. What is paralyzing our faith and keeping us from living confidently in His peace and freedom? And then let’s give God a chance to come through for us as we courageously walk through our fears, holding God’s hand and trusting His heart to lead, protect and preserve us each step of the way.