A chance...

Sometimes life is good...

Sometimes, not so much. 

Sometimes we win...

Sometimes we fail.

Sometimes things are exciting...

Sometimes, things are pretty lame.

Sometimes we feel loved...

Sometimes we feel alone.

Things are always changing and nothing on earth is predictable. There are good days and there are bad days. Laughter and tears... But there is always hope in each new day. Circumstances change and people change, But the love of Christ remains the same. His promise is true and his love never ceasing.... He gives the hope of a new day.

With each new day, He gives new opportunity. Each new day is a fresh start. A chance to forgive. A chance to grow. A chance to encourage. A chance to renew. A chance to help someone. A chance to smile. A chance to make the most of it. A chance to go for it. A chance to learn. A chance to persevere. A chance to love. A chance to work it out. A chance to achieve.  A chance to make a difference. A chance to create.  A chance for laughter. A chance to decide. A chance to live for today. A chance to hope. A chance to embrace all that is good.

Sometimes we just need to believe He has a plan for us.... and take a chance on Him. 

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” -Galatians 6:9

Africa Bound...

No, not me... my little brother Timmy (16 yrs. old) will be traveling to Uganda, Africa in March on a mission's trip with a church in Anaheim.  I am extremely proud of my little bro for all his hard work, dedication, and passion behind Invisible Children Aside from raising money for his trip, he has been working hard along side many of his peers earning money and bringing awareness in the desert to help these children in Africa. 

Check out these photos from a walk-a-thon he did a couple months back at :

mtaylorphoto.blogspot.com

Please join us in praying that God would continue to spark a passion in Timmy's heart, and that he would continue to seek God's will in his life... and also for his protection while in Africa.

Desert Snow...

Here are a few more pictures of the rest of our family enjoying the snow....

My dad finally made it home in time to see the snow.

Lee and Dom in the Rhino.

Broc and Grandpa!

Broc loved the snow!

Our Clark/Potter Family.

I'm dreaming of a white... desert?

I wanted to post a few pictures of the outrageous snow we had today. 8 Inches is alot for the desert. My mom wanted to make sure my aunt in Colorado, my brother in Arizona, my dad down the hill today (still stuck in Rancho) and everyone else out of town could see for themselves how much snow we got!! Oh and I'm sure my friends in West Virginia will not believe their eyes (they too, were once desert dwellers!) Here is a glimpse of our winter wonderland...

I'm sure this will be my dad's favorite photo... leave it to Marcos!

It was such a fun day! No work, school got out early, we got to build a snow man, Marcos ran out in his undies, and we ate Chipotle. Sweet. I just wish my Dad could have been here! Praying he gets home soon!

End of the year reflection...

I have been studying my brains out this week so I thought I would take a little break to focus on all of the blessings in my life and the amazing things God has done this year. I think it's easy to forget to stop and smell the flowers when things seem so hectic. 

Well I am just about finished with fall quarter, which means I only have two quarters left before I graduate! I am so excited yet kinda sad that this chapter of my life is approaching it's end. I have been in college since high school and after this it's time to move on to more "grown up" things =) Instead of being anxious, I am finding myself embracing and really enjoying my time at CSUSB. It will be over before I know it! I also got a part time Job at Starbucks since I will only be going to school two days a week next quarter. I am really excited and I have always wanted to work there!

Marcos and I have been so blessed by God's grace this year. He has given us a beautiful little home that I am so thankful for. It is amazing to me how God does things that we wouldn't think are possible... at least right now. We have gotten into the routine of lots of bargain shopping and coupon clipping, but it makes grocery shopping that much more fun and challenging =)

We have had our fair share of car trouble (with me stranded in the center divider of the freeway trying not to cry while really fast cars zoom by me!) Some days Marcos was forced to listen to my oh-so-amazing voice singing him christmas carols at 7 AM on his way to work because we only had one car. (That was normally his quiet time... poor guy!)  Things were a little uncomfortable for awhile but we made great memories out of them and it is very humbling. 

I am amazed how God really does pull through and continue to provide even when we don't see extra money in our bank account. I feel so blessed beyond words to think that I have a warm bed to sleep in, warm water available anytime I want to shower, a refrigerator to keep our food from spoiling, a wash machine so that we don't have smelly clothes =), and vehicles that get us to where we need to go...  It is so easy to take these everyday things for granted when in many parts of the world, they are absolute luxuries! We are so well taken care of!

I am so thankful for our parents and families who are always there for us and go out of their way to help make life a little easier. Honestly, my parents and Marcos' parents are the most selfless people I have ever met. They are givers from their hearts and love us more than we could probably even understand. I am so thankful for the family God has given us.

I am also very thankful for our small group and the rest of the amazing friends in our lives. It is so nice to have people that will hold you accountable, and be there for you when you just need someone to talk. I miss my best friends in West Virginia but I am excited to see them this summer! I miss my brother Billy and am really excited for him to get married in Mexico next October! Our nephew Broc is getting so big and each time I see him I just want to squeeze him! I also think about how he is going to need a cousin here pretty soon =) All in God's timing.

And most of all, I am so thankful for my best friend Marcos. He is a good man. I learn something new from him everyday and I admire his hard work and determination. I am so thankful that he has provided for me more than I deserve. He loves me even when I am moody and tells me I'm most beautiful right when I wake up. I am so thankful that it is his desire to see me achieve my dreams, and more importantly, to see us both grow closer to the Lord each day. He is my most precious blessing and I love him so much more today than when we got married. 

I thank God today for making my life so rich in blessing. He has given me more than I deserve and I appreciate every single person he has brought into my life to make it so meaningful. 

We look forward to seeing all that God has for us in 2009!  Blessings to you all!

"Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don't have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless; it is like chasing the wind. Everything has already been decided. It was known long ago what each person would be. So there's no use arguing with God about your destiny." -Ecclesiastes 6: 9-10

Thank you for being a part of my life and for all your prayers. God amazes me!

Everyone....

 

Everyone has a struggle. Every person who has done things "the right way" still have something that God is calling them to give up to him. Every Christian and non-Christian alike is tempted by sin daily. You are not a Saint by stepping in and out of a church service every Sunday. 

  "You seem like everything is going good... it must be because you go to church.... I really need to get back into religion".           

 Ever heard this?--  Or said this?

Each time I hear this, I am reminded of how the word "Religion" has skewed the true meaning of what a Christ follower really is. For years, people have judged each other, pointed fingers at one another, and convinced themselves that if they go to church and read their bible enough, they will get into heaven.

  Instead of accepting each other, helping each other, and walking alongside them in life-- Religion chooses to push things under the rug and not face the fact that believers do struggle with adultery, pornography, alcoholism, jealousy, abortion, etc. People need help getting through their struggles, they don't need to be kicked while they are down. 

There is nothing magical about being a Christian. You do not suddenly stop sinning. The impure thoughts do not automatically leave your mind. You won't suddenly be able to quote bible verses and you won't walk on water. But when you do accept Christ,  your mind and heart  will be transformed. You will leave your old life behind and become a new creation in Christ. 

The bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"

 You come to a point when you realize that no matter how many empty traditions you follow, how much 'stuff' you have, how many repetitive church services you attend, or how much you try to make your life look perfect-- nothing can fill the void that will only be fulfilled by a relationship with your Savior Jesus Christ. 

A parent will not fill it, a spouse, a child, a boyfriend or even your best friend will not replace your need for Christ's presence in your life. 

Don't let people's judgements and stiff traditions keep you from knowing Jesus Christ-- that's what Religion does. Stop trying to fix yourself. Stop trying to "clean your life up" before you can decide to become a Christian. Such perfectionists we are. That is God's job. 

 The Holy Spirit will enter your life and give you the strength, the wisdom, the compassion, and the confidence that you will never find on your own. You don't have to be perfect, because God does not expect us to be. In fact, he knew we wouldn't ever be perfect.... that is why he sent his son to die for us. 

"The spirit will always triumph over the flesh-- And relationship will always triumph over religion" - Tom Mercer.

Check out the "Vote No on Religion" series at http://www.highdesertchurch.com/

and join us at HDC, where you will experience Relationship, not religion.

Fan of Coldplay?

LOST?... by Roberto Comparan & Phillip Bosco

Coldplay music video contest. For more, check out 

http://www.rcomparan.blogspot.com/

Please join me in praying that Luke 15 will make its mark.

coffee date.

This is something I read on the wall of the communications department while waiting to meet with my professor. I couldn't find the actual story on the internet so I am going to try to paraphrase... it was a good little story =) 

A man was sitting with his teenage daughter and her friend when he pulled out four different coffee cups. Two were really fancy and shiny looking, while the other two were dull and not so pretty. He asked the girls to pick a cup. They both reached for the shiny, pretty cups of course because they were the best. Then he filled their cups with coffee and began to explain his little theory.

He said, "You see, the coffee in the cup represents your life. It is rich and warm, all the things that make life enjoyable. The cup itself represents all of the material possessions in our lives. We always go for the best, shiniest, more expensive things to make our lives look better on the outside. When really, it doesn't matter what our cup looks like or how pretty it is.... it is the coffee on the inside that really matters to us."

God brews our coffee and makes our lives rich. The cup is just a material thing that holds it... what do you take more pride in? Your cup or your coffee?

Have a blessed day.

 

How easy it is...

.... to take control.

We think we know what we are going to do today. We have it all planned out. And not just today, but we have everything planned out for the rest of our lives. We know what we want and we are going for it. In this comfort of routine and control, we find our happiness. 

Then something unexpected happens -- A family member dies. We lose our job. We fail a class which prevents us from graduating. Our boyfriend dumps us for another girl. Our car breaks down. A friend breaks their promise. We miss a job interview.

Our plans are ruined. And we are devastated. 

Who really has control over our lives? Do we? Really? Or can we rest in the fact that we really have no control. God's plan is better than ours. Yes, we are happy when life is good and goes our way... but what about when it goes God's way and it's not what we expected? Will we be happy then? Will be have joy in all circumstances?

How easy it is-- to lose sight of God's purpose for our lives. In good times and in bad. When we want control... we are up against a powerful God. It is all in his hands, since day one. Stop fighting, and learn to find rest in his plan. 

"Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truths and teach me, for you are God my savior, and my hope is in you all day long." Psalm 25: 2-5

Today, this is my prayer. I don't want to fight for control over my life. It is in his hands where it belongs. 

Ladies-- are we GLAMOROUS?

Yes, Fergie and many other sexy Hollywood woman have given us their definitions of Glamorous. In fact, this world reminds us everyday of their definitions of what makes a Glamorous woman. Many times, Glamor is based on the outward appearance and material things that makes us "beautiful" and "wanted" by the male species.

Have you ever stopped to think about what a Glamorous life in Christ might look like and how attractive that must be to a man seeking Christ in his own life? C'mon, we give fashion magazines the chance to tell us day after day. Perhaps we can consider a different type of Glamor?

Now this does not come from the bible, just my thoughts today. But perhaps you can let this sink into your thoughts for a bit. What if our lives could portray this kind of Glamor?

G- Grace of God: Knowing God has given us the gift of grace sets us free from a life of guilt and restores purity in our lives. Even after we have messed up bad. His grace is always sufficient.

L- Love: Christ's love is present in our daily lives. In the way we love our families, friends and even strangers. People can set us apart because we love through Christ.

A- Acceptance: We can accept situations and people in our lives even when they are difficult. Each one is made to test us and grow us. And we can accept that all things work for the good of Christ who loves us.

M- Maturity: We can rest assure that every situation teaches us something about ourselves and God's purpose for our lives. His plan must carry through so that we will be mature and complete in Him.

O- Optimism: In him, we have hope in each new day. We can look torward the future with confidence that we are exactly where we need to be.

R- Redemption: We are redeemed by his love. We no longer have to let the past hold us down.

O- Opportunity: We have the opportunity to be used for a bigger purpose than what our own dreams can tell us. And with each new day, we have the opportunity to demonstrate the love of Christ to our world.

U- Unique: We are unique in every way. And made for a specific purpose that no one else in this world can live out but you.

S- Sinner: We are all sinners saved by grace. None better than the other. We fall and pick ourselves back up again so that Christ's love may shine on this world.

When will you realize that you are worth far more than a cheap beer and convenient sex? We've all been there. You deserve the rainbows and fairytale wedding you've always dreamed of.

This is not the kind of Glamor that can be bought or sold. It is rare. It is eternal. It can't fade. No matter how far you have gone or how corrupted you have been, you can be made whole and clean.

Christ's love gives us something that no man can ever give or take away. You are precious and worth far more than rubies.

Pray for our President.

 

I am a McCain Supporter and I do not agree with everything Obama believes in. However, regar​dless​ of our views​ or who we have voted​ for, Barac​k Obama​ is now our Presi​dent.​ He deser​ves respe​ct and suppo​rt.​ Altho​ugh I wasn'​t too fond of Bush,​ it burne​d me up to hear peopl​e tear him down.​ The same goes for now. I hope we can all be matur​e and reali​ze that it is our duty as Ameri​cans to respe​ct our comma​nder-​in-​chief​,​ no matte​r who it is. Let us not forget, God will not give us anything that we cannot handle. This is the time to show the love of Jesus, not the love of politics.

God bless​ Ameri​ca.​ All my respe​ct and praye​rs go out to Presi​dent Barac​k Obama​ and his famil​y, as well McCain and his family.

No matter how old we get....

I was thinking this morning about my life, and all of the people who have influenced me and have helped me become who I am at this point in my life. Many people came to my mind, and I said a prayer for them. But the people who were on my heart heavily today were my parents. All four of them: Marc, Deb, Jeff, and Gina. Marcos and I (and our siblings) have been incredibly blessed by these four. 

 As we grow up, we have this need to prove our independence and show the world that we can take care of ourselves. Yes, this is part of life and it needs to happen. And hopefully it does. However, I will be the first to admit that I will always need dad's hugs and to share a good cry and good conversation with my momma. And just last weekend I texted Marcos to ask him if we could go spend the evening with his parents because I missed them. 

Yes, we try hard to act like we don't need our parents anymore, but in reality, we do need them. They are a big part of our lives no matter how grown up we are. Marcos and I are so lucky that we have parents that are still married. I can't even believe how rare that is nowadays. So I want to say thanks to our parents for toughing it out all these years, loving each other, and showing all of us kids what it means to have a sacrificial, beautiful marriage.

 Some of my favorite memories are waking up and 3 am on Christmas morning before the sun even comes up to open gifts with my Shivers family or playing chicken foot all afternoon while sippin' coffee and listening to the thunder storm at Grandma Clark's house. 

I am thankful today to have four parents that show their undying love and support to myself, my husband, and my brothers and sisters. They work hard and would give the shirt off their back for us, and all of our friends. I can't imagine how it feels to have little ones need you for 18 years, then suddenly leave and start their lives needing someone else. I just wanted them to know how important they are now, and always. I hope one day Marcos and I will be parents who are as loving and supportive as ours have been. 

Family is a blessing. No matter how old you are, whether your parents are married or not, or if it was someone else who raised you; let those people know how much they mean to you. I bet it will make their day.

And to those of you whose parent's are no longer with us, thank you for your strength... I pray you continue to carry your parent's legacy on until you meet with them again one day.

Autumn in the air...

         So awhile back I was able to slow down a bit and have a baking day with Timmy, Lisha (My brother Kenny's GF), and Rachel (Timmy's friend) while my Hubby was doing some work with his dad. It was nice to take it easy and bake some pumpkin pie and cookies. We also had some apple cider together because there was, like, one day in October that was actually pretty chilly. Marcos loved his pie and that made me happy. I'm still waiting for the Fall weather to catch up with us so that we can get to the pumpkin patch... my favorite. I realize I write a lot and hardly post pictures about life... so here you go. Have a blessed day.

Not sure you'd want to eat the cookies after they were finished. =)

He has been waiting so patiently for me...

Something I wrote back in February, 2008...

There once was a place,

a dark and cold place.

A place I was forced to go,

this place made me weary.

It made me empty and stole my soul,

This place made me envy.

It blinded my heart,

and made me hate.

It told a lie to the world, 

announcing I was full of filth.

This place sucks out more, 

I hate it, but I need it. 

This place tells me I am worthless,

and I believe every lie.

This place has nearly won,

I see no good, I am just waiting to die.

Just when I am ready to fall to the ground,

I see this face.

This face is nothing like that place.

I see beauty and hope for the first time,

I see strength, courage, and inspiration. 

What is happening now,

that old place haunts me still.

This face shines with love and mercy,

so foreign but I need a taste. 

Can this face really save my pitiful soul,

my life has been nothing but mere existence. 

I long to live,

I long to embrace all this is pure.

This face appears over and over again,

I fall to my knees and make this sacrifice.

I try to look back but this face consumes me like air, 

I begin to see a world without all that strife. 

I begin to feel whole and clean,

I have ran for so long without a drink of this water,

and suddenly, I am serene. 

My thirst is quenched,

I can finally rest.

This face cradles my heart,

his promise is true and is all I need.

There once was a place, 

a dark and cold place.

My LORD so desperitly trying to show his face,

I resisted until I could walk no more.

And it is now that I can finally see; 

his beauty and sovereign grace,

 has been waiting so patiently for me.

Written by: Mindy Clark

Your Grace is Sufficient.

When I have doubt: "For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does." - Psalm 33:4

When I am Scared: "The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear?" Psalm 27:1

When I am in need: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7

When I doubt myself: "I have been Crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." Galations 2:20

When I fear the future: "Send fourth your light and your truth, let them guide me" Psalm 43:3

When I want to give up: "My brothers, you will have many kinds of troubles. But when these things happen, you should be very happy. You know these things are testing your faith. And this will give you patience." James: 1:2-3

When I feel weak: "My salvation and my honor depend on God. He is my mighty rock, my refuge." Psalm 62:7

And when I think I am alone: "Be strong and Courageous. Do not be terrified; Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go". -Joshua 1:9

Lord, your grace is sufficient. 

i love....

the smell of autumn.

marcos.

daisies.

lazy days.

a good book.

cider.

family time.

acoustic.

worship.

coffee dates.

small group.

pumpkins.

the color yellow.

scented candles.

kisses from hubby.

people who smile.

quiet time with Jesus.

laughing.

greeting cards.

forgetting my worries.

finding recipes.

friends. 

colorado.

watching my husband sleep.

scarves.

good conversation.

random pictures.

movie night.

a good cry.

ability to keep learning.

smelly-good lotions.

knowing i'm not perfect.

dreaming of the future.

living in the moment.

watching people i love prosper.

thanking God for giving me more than i deserve.

make a list. forget your worries... if just for today.

Enjoy.

Take a deep breath. Smile again. Pick flowers. Have a laugh. Chat with a friend. Take a nap. Read a good book. Indulge in a bubble bath. Appreciate someone. Take pictures. Light a candle. Forget the world for a day. Take a walk. Count your blessings. Whatever it is that gives you that happy feeling... do it.

This is the only September 28, 2008 you will ever get. Make sure it will be worth remembering. ♥

Captivating.

I just finished this book, which was recommended to me by a good friend of mine. I think it's probably one of the best "just for woman" books I've read in a long time. It's easy to read (Which is always good for me, I don't like author's who show off with big words!) and it's helping me be more in tune with the femininity that is quickly being buried by a sinful world. It discusses struggles in a woman's upbringing and touches on our many insecurities... and how God is basically trying to remind us of our captivating beauty. Easy, real, and helpful. Good book. I hope to see some of the ladies in my oikos pick it up.

Amber and Samantha... get this book! I think you will enjoy it.

Nothin' but a big mess.

Did you know that being a Christ follower does not mean you are perfect? Did you know it means you are broken, messed up, pitiful, and in desperate need of a Savior? It might sound dumb, but it is  something that many people don’t realize. 

The only difference between a Christ follower and someone who does not believe, is that we are saved by God’s good grace. I always hear people saying, “Well, I’m not good enough to be in church. I’m screwed up. If you only knew what I’ve done. I’ve messed up way too bad. I couldn’t even forgive myself.” Any of these sound familiar?

It frustrates me at times to be labeled as “Good girl”. “She’s got it all together” or “She’s perfect”. In reality, this is so not true. Sometimes I wish I could show people how often I mess up so that they would grasp the fact that, just because I live a life in Christ, does not mean I don’t have struggles like everyone else.

 Yeah, I mess up- But I am forgiven, therefore there is no room for guilt in my life. Anything good in my life is present only because I have decided to allow Jesus into my heart.

Once upon a time, I was completely broken. I didn’t see a bright future and I didn’t have a hope for my days to get better. Do you understand that I am a sinner in desperate need of a merciful God who forgives me day after day and makes me whole again? We often overlook this simple fact. 

I don’t know how to “do life” on my own, so I have chosen to give my heart completely to the only definite hope in my life. I have given my heart to Jesus, because without him, my life is hopeless. 

I wish people would understand that it’s not about “Going to church” and “Looking like a good Christian”. It’s not about that “feeling” you have after one night of worship. It is about making a legitimate, mindful, and definite decision to dedicate your life to be a world-changer. To do this, you've got to have a relationship with Jesus. 

 Living a life for Christ is a daily struggle that constantly needs TLC. It is a huge responsibility but it is the most rewarding decision you will ever make in your life. It is about daily growing closer to your savior and being on a mission to make this messed up world a better place.

So next time you feel guilty for something, and say, “That church would burn if I walked in there” or “God wouldn’t be able to use me to change this world” , just remember that my closest “Church” friends and I were once broken people who have struggled with drug abuse, jealousy, alcohol abuse, abortion, pre-marital sex, adultery, pornography, and the list goes on. 

We are sinners saved by grace who would not be able to positively influence this world if not for the mercy and forgiveness offered to us by a heavenly father who gives us the wisdom and freedom to move on from our dirty pasts. 

The bible is not something we “have to” read. It is something we desperately need to cling to so that our wicked hearts would not lead us down a destructive path that would do nothing but hurt the people we love the most. 

The bible is a powerful tool created to show us what to do when life gets tough. And it is a daily reminder of how much our father in heaven loves us and wants to use us to make the world a better place. It is not made to condemn us, no. It is made to free us. 

No one can make the decision but you. No one will force you to change your life in order to become the kind of person Christ can use to influence your world. It’s up to you to seek forgiveness. It’s not easy. It takes tons of discipline. It hurts at times and it is difficult. But it is what our future generations need. Will you be a world-changer? Because without the presence of Jesus, our lives are nothin’ but a big mess.

“If there is only one thing that people would remember from my life after I pass, I hope they would say I left it a better place than when I got here.”

(Thanks to Pastor Paul for his great message that pumped me up to write this blog).

Would you do me a favor?

Hey Friends,

I don’t usually do this, but I find myself in need of the people God has placed in my life. I will officially graduate with my Bachelor’s of Arts in Communications in June ’09. To some of you, you may not think this is quite a big deal, but for me, it is huge! I have been in school for about seven years now, trying to finish a four year degree =) What the heck, right? It is something that I want so bad, and so many times I felt like throwing my hands in the air and giving up. But God knows my heart and my desire to earn that degree, and he has been so gracious in enabling me to keep going and here I am, with three quarters left. I struggled my first few years with having the confidence to go to college, but God has been so amazing to me and reminded me that through him, I can do anything.

I am asking whoever would like to, to pray for me this year, that I would not be too anxious for June to get here. I want to continue putting God first in all I do and give him the glory for any accomplishment I might receive. I ask that you would pray that I take one day at a time, and remember to count all of my blessings that I have right in front of me. Pray that I continue to be a world changer, a wife that would bring glory to God, and a friend available to offer help to anyone who needs it. I don’t want to get so caught up in that light at the end of the tunnel, that I forget to focus on today. I have been so blessed to have such a wonderful husband who encourages me and pushes me to achieve my goals on a daily basis. His hard work is a huge part of why I will be able to graduate, and for that, I am so grateful.

I know my heart is anxious right now, because along with finishing school, I am getting that baby fever! When you are married to a man who loves the Lord and whom you know will make an amazing father, it is really hard not to want to pop out some little ones! So, I ask for you to pray also for me in this area. I want everything to be in God’s perfect timing, not in mine. I want God to speak to my heart and remind me that all of these thoughts in my mind are completely out of my control. I want to be reminded that nothing is certain in this life but him, and it is there that I know I will find peace in my heart. 

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it’s own” - Matthew 6: 33-34

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.” - Matthew: 16: 24-25

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, and I especially thank you if you would remember to pray for me. I know that God puts people in our lives for a reason, even if we don’t always see them. I want to make myself available to pray for you also. If you have anything specific that I can be praying for you in this season of your life, please don’t hesitate to let me know. I often pray for my friends as a whole, but I would love to know what I can be praying for you specifically. My e-mail is Mindyclark0803@yahoo.com  Remember, we are all in this together! Thanks again and have a wonderful day!

Mindy =)

Take it or leave it.

Here is an excerpt from something I have been working on that I wanted to share... I wrote it so that we ladies would feel encouraged and motivated!

" I am a beautiful, strong woman who is important and worthy of every good thing Jesus has prepared for me in this world. I will work hard at whatever it is I do and focus my entire life on the promises Jesus has provided for me in his word. I can do anything I set my mind to so long as I trust Jesus to guide my every footstep.  I will live a life that is purposeful, meaningful, and always helpful to others. I will stop trying to prove myself to the world, but rather, dedicate my life to encouraging those around me to show them how beautiful and important they are as well. I will stop complaining and start doing. I can be used by God to make a difference in this world but I’ve got to have faith. I have decided today to think positively and expect only the best from life. I will stop trying to figure out everything on my own and learn to lean on my sweet Jesus for anything I will ever need in this life."

I too, need to be reminded of this! I am certain that if we do not continually remind ourselves, that we are bound to forget!