Author: UYM

Guest-Writers

Stop the Fear In Your Life, Before It Stops You.

UYM

Written By: Gwendolina Paoletti

Today is the moment you can step out to live the life you were created to excel and enjoy.  Learn how to fight your fear, how to overcome your fear, and how to stop the fear from stopping you or your future.

No matter what your circumstance, you have something more inside you; more to give, more to do, more to become.  There is something still waiting to be released from within you, something God imparted uniquely to  you.

Maybe it’s as simple as a hobby you’d love to do or learn or a place your heart has always been drawn to go visit or move to.  Is it a complete career change that requires new learning, a job change that would require you to build new skills to offer better value to a new company or department?

For someone reading right now, there is a book you’ve thought of writing, a business you’d like to open, or a powerful message or ministry if you shared would benefit so many.

There’s still sooo much in you, so much life to still live, excel in, and enjoy.  Making sure your words are life-building and not faith-eliminating is a critical piece to bringing that into a reality.  Our words carry power with each one we assign to a thought, emotion, or action.  This is true even if we don’t recognize it on a conscious level.

In today’s episode, you will learn how to STOP fear at its onset, before it gets any more opportunity to mess with your mind or your destiny.

Today’s Power Truth: ” For God has not given you the spirit of fear; but of POWER, and of LOVE, and of a SOUND MIND.”  (2Timothy 1:7)

Everything we say and hear impacts us on some level, so does how we say it.  Take a look at these 2 negative dis-empowering phrases:

  1. “I’ll never be able to do this, so why try?”
  2. “I’m always broke and I never have any money.”

These images formed when you think or say things similar to this are destructive and hopeless.  The results of the seeds you are planting will be extremely different than if you were to say or think:

  1. “It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve failed, I won’t give up.”
  2. “I’m going to get resourceful and begin using my creativity and energy to do what it takes to earn the level of income my value and effort deserves.”

The 1st one is bound in fear and discouragement, shutting the gates of possibility and puts your momentum on lock down.  The 2nd one, leaves you and your faith wide open for creative thinking, fast momentum, and opportunity.

Its time to play big in your own life and step out courageously.

You deserve a life, you not only live, but LOVE LIVING!

You are a blessing and a gift, and you are here to make an impact that only you can make.  Your greatest days wait right within this day and in those that follow.  Be bold and BELIEVE God to walk you through with a peace, joy and certainty like you could only have dreamed of until now.

Until Next Time,
~Gwendolina

Guest-Writers, {Worth}

{Worth} Don’t Try… Trust! God Is In Complete Control

UYM

Written By: Gwendolina Paoletti

At one time or another, we’ve all felt broken, maybe today that’s you; whether it’s in your finances, emotions, strength, or relationships.

Brokenness of any kind, causes us to operate in partial power, whether the root cause is hurt discouragement or frustration.

In Jeremiah 17 God says: “the Potter takes the clay, even while it’s still marred in His hand and makes it whole and complete.”

God is whole and complete and has formed you in His own image (Genesis 1:27) to live and function through Him that way too.  He doesn’t want you living broken, confused, or making only tiny measures of progress in only certain areas of your life.  There are strategic steps you can take to accelerate your progress by taking the right kind of action.

When you let the frustration and cares of the world lead you and guide your actions, you will always be left diluted in your Christ-available power.  Leaving you to not function at your fullest potential, and frustrate the plans and purposes God has for you.

It’s easy to feel so far behind, or mentally and emotionally exhausted, that we just can’t seem to experience a complete satisfied life in EVERY area.

We may have a little joy over here, then maybe a good moment over there.  Yet, as a whole, it just doesn’t seem to all come together like we know it can.

In today’s Episode: Don’t Try… TRUST, you will be equipped and encouraged.  We will reveal:

  • The Most critical and scripture-directed step to help you release the weight of your burdens (allowing room for the Blessings)
  • Why you must come “as you are” to recieve the fullness of His grace
  • How much success is waiting for you when you 1st come to Him and TRUST the process.

True success is found in making God our 1st step.

He IS:

  • The Key to unlock our confusions
  • The combination to a vault that hold your dreams and success
  • The coordinates to guide you into safety every moment of your days, leading you away from delays, unfruitful connections, and obstacles set up to detour you from your Destiny destination. 

Once we stop TRYING to be deserving of God’s Grace and His help, we get to fully experience the undeserved favour of His miraculous saving Grace.  As long as we are continuing to work out the things in life on our own, we will live in partial power and unfulfillment.

God shares with us where to find the wisdom:

“Without Me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5)

He also shares how and where to fuel up with His power:

“You can do ALL things through Christ who will strengthen you.” (Philippians 4:13)

No matter what problems you are facing right now, you can rest in His love for you.  There is no problem that is too insignificant for Him to handle.  He is not just God Almighty, He is also your heavenly Father who loves you!  He desires for you to live in the fullness of who HE is and have unlimited expectations in His truth.

May you release every weight of concern to Him and remember these truths:

  1. If it bothers or burdens you.. it interests HIM to carry it for you.
  2. If the hurt or disappointments are keeping you down, He wants to lift you up & get you out.

Begin practicing today:

“Cast your burden upon the LORD, and He WILL sustain you: He WILL never allow the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22

Cast your cares as they arrive, and the ones you’ve carried far too long.  Peace and rest are your gift and inheritance as a child of the Living God.

When you let go of your burdens to Him, you make room for the blessings and gifts He is ready to pour out and bring forth into your life.  This is your blessed life, you are FREE to LIVE it and ENJOY it along the way.

Live Generously, give discreetly, and always keep shining upon the world.

Until Next Time,
~Gwendolina

Guest-Writers, {Love}

{Love} Although the Struggle Is Real, so Is MY God. 

UYM

Written By: Marsia Dech

Not many people know about my struggle with anxiety.  However, when I was asked to write a piece to empower women, I knew I had to be real and tackle this topic that I know so many people battle.

“The struggle [was] real.”  Literally.  In high school I would struggle.  Not for a day, a week, or even a year, but for all four never ending years.

I struggled with immense feelings of loneliness and worthlessness.  I was very insecure in who I was and high school just made it all feel like I was on a big stage and everyone was staring at me.  I did not like attention, in fact I never have being the quiet, introverted person I am.

On top of that, I struggled with chronic pain and sickness to which no doctor could really give me an answer and caused me to miss A LOT of school.

I began to have problems with teachers.  Although most seemed to somehow understand my situation, there were the odd few that just seemed to have no remorse for what I was going through.  This led to some of my grades being…not so excellent.

This would be the least of my worries, except for my parents have really high standards; they always have.  They tried to understand but eventually seemed to give up on me.  This hurt more than anything in the world.  I turned to my friends who thankfully took me in.  This emotional pain became very real and I was now completely overwhelmed at school and struggled on a regular basis not to break down crying in class.

What I didn’t fully understand at the time was that my parents had a lot of problems of their own; which was evident in all the arguments and awkward silence.

I struggled daily, but I can honestly say that God was there more than ever during those hard times.  He was there with me when I soaked my pillow with tears, He was holding my hand through all the physical and emotional pain.  He hugged me as I considered taking the precious life He had given me.  He was also there with me as I worshipped my heart out despite it all.

I found God in the very beginning of my high school years and I can without a doubt say I wouldn’t have made it through without Him.  He was my friend when I felt I had none, He was a parent when mine grew weary, He was a healer when no doctor could fix me!

God calls us to trust Him completely, to “find rest in Him alone, for He is our refuge, our rock, He will not be shaken!” (Psalm 62)

He says that He is here to help, He will not let us down!

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

He invites us to “cast all [our] anxiety on Him because he cares for [us].” (1 Peter 5:7)

He reassures us that the struggle will “certainly come to an end and will not delay!” (Habakkuk 2:3)

I am overjoyed to say that I have greatly overcome my anxiety and panic attacks.  While I do still fight this battle, I know that I am not alone in it.  I am able to find rest in the King of Kings who steadies my heart.

Until Next Time,
~Marisa

Guest-Writers, {Life}

{Life} Messy Motherhood: When to Throw In the Washcloth 

UYM

Written By: Alyse Gonyea

Much like a cluttered, overflowing kitchen sink with dishes caked with puréed sweet potato and pizza sauce, motherhood can be messy.

I was standing here at our kitchen sink washing the dishes (and can you believe I’ve already done two loads from this sink already today, and it still looks like this?!) while also browning some ground beef for dinner, while my 7-month-old sat (momentarily) contented in her high chair.

The struggle has been real lately.  My husband had one day off in the last month, and I haven’t gotten enough uninterrupted sleep the last few nights due to my infant’s recent sleep regression.  Coffee had become a major food group.  The days have been full and so have my sink and to-do list.  My patience, on the other hand, has not.  So, when my son repeated to me for the third time that our daughter made a silly noise (since I didn’t respond the first two times), I pretty much lost it.  As I was firmly trying to defend my stance of silence to my preschooler, he simply replied, “I just wanted to make sure you heard me.”

Wow.  While I was focused on scraping mashed avocado off of a bowl in my third attempt to finally clean all the dirty dishes, he just wanted to be heard.

Is that not too unfamiliar to what us “big-people” desire?  To be acknowledged by someone else that what we’re saying is important and heard?  At least I know I’m that way!  Since I didn’t respond the first time (or the second time), he just wanted to ensure I heard him.  That I valued what he had to say more than the sink full of dirty dishes.  And not to say that there isn’t a place for some quiet time (because heaven knows I need some moments of silence from my little extrovert sometimes), but I don’t want my kids to ever to think that something is ever too trivial to come to me with.  That I’m too busy to listen to what they have to say.  That’s a slippery (and dangerous) precedent to set, especially at only 4 years old.  I want them to know from the get-go they can talk to me about anything.  Silly noises his sister makes.  The (5th) Star Wars picture he just drew.  How he split his slice of cheese pizza in half at lunch.

Because when they know they can come to me about the little things, they know they can come to me about the big things.

So, I quickly prayed for patience and grace and put down the bowl I was scrubbing.  I walked into the living room where he was having lightsaber duels with his Lego characters, looked into his eyes with complete, undivided attention, and said to him, “I hear you.  I’m sorry for not listening to what you had to say.  Next time, I will respond to you so you know you’re heard.  Will you forgive me?”

And in his little grace-filled 4-year-old ways, he did.

For now, I will go back to try and get the dishes cleaned for the fourth time today.  But, I won’t forget the importance of knowing when to stop doing the dishes and put the washcloth down.

About Alyse:

Alyse is a (pastor’s) wife to her high school sweetheart and a mommy to two awesome kiddos.  She’s a former Labour and Delivery nurse who is now navigating the waters of being a stay-at-home-mom.  She’s a passionate enthusiast of coffee, cooking, and crafting.  She loves anything and everything Disney and may or may not believe she’s a Disney Princess.

Kerrington's Posts, {Faith}

{Faith} I ain’t no, “Little Leader.” 

UYM

Written By: Kerrington Sweeney

Have you ever been in a season of your life, where you ‘really’ felt like you were making a difference?  Where you felt like lives were being radically changed and impacted through your hard works?

Well, just a little while ago, I was journeying in a genuinely good season just like that.  It felt just right.  This passionate pursuit of God’s presence to actively flow in and through me became my new normal. I was ready for the next.  On the edge of my seat to see the Spirit move.  I was infatuated with the new positions of leadership I was placed in.  It was perfect in my eyes.

Not long after that season, a painful situation surfaced that wasn’t a very admirable or life giving part of my life.  Dishonouring words were spoken about me, by someone whom I trusted and admired greatly.  Subsequently, I was labelled in that moment just a “little leader.”

When I heard and witnessed those words for myself…my confidence came to a cease.  My feelings of making a real difference and a radical impact vanished, no where to be found.

I felt small.
Inadequate.
Incapable.
Unqualified.

A vault of anger and bitterness engulfed my tattered heart.  I wanted to shake and scream in resentment.  A time of processing my emotions began to take place.  I embarked upon a healing journey, in pursuits of peace and love for that person once again.

Sister, the next time you are abruptly labelled “little” like I was…I encourage you to grab a hold to these words:

“You were created to be fearless, by the fearless one.”

He has created YOU to boldly approach His throne and pursue His presence.  The giants, the never ending expectations, the oppressing constant pressures, the corrupted voices of the enemy, and the twisted words and labels are NOT your portion.  No longer, do you have to be enslaved.

2,000 years ago on the cross, Jesus said “…It is finished.” (John 19:30)

He conquered everything.  In that compelling moment in biblical history, the power that overmastered death and the grave, became your accessible power, to use with authentic balance and grace.

Fearless leader who may be hiding in the shadows of fear and regret, come forth.

Mighty Woman of God, YOU are enough.  Rest easy knowing that you are, in the hands of the fearless one and He is pleased.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
(2 Corinthians 12:9)

Brave soul, rise up high out of the ashes.

Until Next Time,
~Kerrington

Guest-Writers, {Beauty}

{Beauty} God’s Garden! 

UYM

Written By: Karen Sweeney-Ryall

God mentions various flowers in the Bible.  One of the things that God is speaking to us by example of the flowers is that we are each:

1) UNIQUE & BEAUTIFUL

God created the flowers to bring beauty to the earth and pleasure to us.  Each flower is unique and some are very beautiful as a single bloom but many times it is more beautiful to see them put together as a bouquet or arrangement.  That can be a lovely parallel to how we each come together and complement the strengths, weaknesses, gifting and needs of each other.  Together we are more powerful, more complete, although individually we are also beautiful in our own way.

Like the flowers, each of us is unique in various ways.  I am going to use some types of flowers to reflect on the types of woman you and I may be.  Which one are you??

Some flowers are:

Early bloomers= CROCUS =Forerunner- push through conditions that hold others back – Give hope (Spring is coming)

Late bloomers – MUMS- blooms after the heat has worn others out, continuing to minister their beauty and joy to us after others have stopped.

Slow bloomer- often used in rock gardens, SEDUM eventually blooms, taking more time before releasing its potential

Long lasting- HYDRANGEA and YARROW- can actually keep on giving beyond when they seem done, by having the double purpose of being able to be used fresh or also when dried out.

Needs lots of attention in the beginning, then hardy AZALEA- needs a lot of protection before it is able to make it on its own

Delicate- ORCHID – is temperamental and bruises easily, needs ideal conditions to flourishing but is one of the most desired flowers and often used in weddings
Able to grow well in difficult conditions- IMPATIENS and HOSTAS- can bloom even without a lot of sun

Faithful- Perennials like ROSE OF SHARON and BLEEDING HEART – Comes back again and again every year

Very bright and attention getting/ Burst with color to brighten the world – ORIENTAL POPPIES
More subtle, quiet -FORGET-ME-NOTS- Don’t say “Hey look at me” but quietly do what they were created to do

Needs pruning often- ROSES and WISTERIA – have great potential but will grow wild if not controlled

Doesn’t draw attention to itself but enhances others- BABY’s BREATHE, PURPLE STATICE babies breath, roses, free moreguefile Has a beautiful, lasting aroma- ROSES – but needs lots of TLC, susceptible to disease, and has thorns

2) TO COMPLETE EACH OTHER
Do you ever feel insignificant, like God wouldn’t pick you from His garden?  He doesn’t see one gifting or personality or appearance as better than another.  None of us is less important to Him.  We are all supposed to be different.  And we are pleasing to Him if we fulfill the specific call and purpose He created us to be.  We are only to be ourselves, not like someone else.

Whatever type God created you to be, it is not just for us to keep to ourselves but our beauty, our aroma, our gifting are to be used for the benefit of those around us.  Just as in the bouquet, each of us is important to the whole.  Even those who feel small or insignificant have a role to play.  Even a beautiful rose is more breathtaking when enhanced by subtle baby’s breathe and a simple green fern.  The contrast of the bright and soft colours, the larger and smaller blossoms, add to the beautiful complete bouquet.

Until Next Time,

~Karen

About Karen:

I am Karen, married to Roger, mother of Christina, Laura, Tim and Natalie, “Gigi” to 3 wonderful grandchildren and blessed to be a young great-grandma to Sophia, age 1.  I am thankful to have many precious, wonderful friends.

I am a devoted follower of Jesus and my prayer is that His light shines through me and His love flows through me to others.  He has carried me through the many ups and downs of life and proven to be so faithful.  My desire is to share what I have learned, wisdom gained and deeper knowledge of who God is with others, allowing God to make “Beauty from Ashes” of the difficult times of my life.

I am a hospice bereavement coordinator and hope to help those who have suffered loss mourn, regroup and find joy and meaning in their life again.  I love to read and am writing my first book “Revealing Your Treasure Hidden in Darkness” about finding your identity, calling and purpose for the next season of your life.  I was thrilled to attend the She Speaks conference in July 2015 with Proverbs 31 Ministries.  I am becoming healthier by following the Trim Healthy Mama eating plan.  I love to travel to see family and friends and especially enjoy beach vacations.

Guest-Writers

{Mother’s Day SPECIAL} 

UYM

Written By: Paula Walton

Dedicated to: Fran Damario

I have said my mother has the elegance and beauty of Jackie Kennedy, the faith and generous heart of Mother Teresa, the humour and eccentricity of Ellen Degeneres and a mind like Albert Einstein.
Wait . . . did I say a mind like Einstein?  I take that back.  I can’t possibly compare my mother . . . thee Fran Damario . . . to Einstein.  Not when she’s been known to pick up a TV controller, press the buttons, hold it up to her ear and then ask why the phone doesn’t work or advise someone to just fax money.

Needless to say, her time-to-time slip-of-the-mind or discombobulation—something her children and grandchildren like to warm-heartedly tease her about—is one of the things that I love about her.  It simply adds character to the amazing person that my mom is.  What’s one flaw anyway?

God has blessed me with a mother who is an incredible role model.  I see first-hand how very well-respected she is—within the very large family she comes from, within the Irish community she has spent her entire life in, the co-workers she spent more than 25 years working with, and the enormous circle of life-long friends that she has and holds dear.

Her generosity and compassion shines brightly through volunteering and whipping up meals or home-made baking for others.  She is always available when I need her, whether it’s to drive our kids to hockey or listen to me babble.

Not only is my mom’s strong work ethic and loyalty reflected throughout our homestead, having the opportunity to work alongside her in my grandma’s catering business and at a local manufacturer for many years, allowed me to see how hard my mom works, how committed she is to excelling in any position, and respecting the people she works with.

In passion and partnership with my dad, my mom created a home for four children that was always filled with faith, family, friends, fun, laughter, sarcasm, music and, of course, love expressed in immeasurable ways.  It now embraces two adored son-in-laws, two beloved daughter-in-laws, and ten delightful grandchildren.

Like every family, even those with the strongest relationships, we experience hardships, frustrations, and tough love—mom’s strong faith, patience, and devotion is the crazy glue that keeps us together through it all!


About nine years ago, my dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer.  It was unsettling and devastating news, without question.  Not long after my dad’s diagnosis, my mom stopped by—the unexpected drop-ins usually mean ‘big news’.  My first thought was that my parents ramped up their zest for life and she was going to announce that she was pregnant!  No, that wasn’t it.  She broke the news that she had cancer too, but with treatment there was a good chance she would be okay.

As mom was challenged with not only my dad’s illness but her own as well, I saw strength and courage in her that I had yet to see in all my years.  Even through this difficult time, she put my dad, her children, and grandchildren first.  Without question, she left everything in God’s hands.

My mom’s cancer battle was won.  My dad’s courageous fight lasted nearly two years.  In their children’s eyes, dad was heroic—so remarkably brave and faith inspiring—and my mom was deserving of the very same praise.  Mom just lost the love of her life, yet strengthening her faith, taking care of her grieving family, and her own mother (whose health was deteriorating) was her priority.  How unselfishly incredible!

No matter how life changes along the way, no matter what we celebrate or no matter what grief we experience, my mom has instilled in her children and grandchildren, that our family is and forever will be rooted in GOD—through every lesson, every conversation, and through every form of advice along the way.

I am blessed!
PAULA WALTON


Paula Walton is the oldest child of four siblings, a sister and two brothers. She is a devoted wife and an enthusiastically proud mother of a 16-year-old daughter and a 14-year-old son. Outside of working full-time as the Alumni Officer at Fleming College in Peterborough, Ontario, Paula enjoys spending time with her kids—which includes a lot of time in a rink watching her kids play competitive hockey and lacrosse—a little time playing the piano, and date nights with her husband. What is important in life for Paula is what has been passed on from her mother and her grandmother—establishing a solid foundation for her family built on faith in God and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

“Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it.” ~ Proverbs 22:6

Kerrington's Posts, {Love}

{Worth} Forget me not. 

UYM

Written By: Kerrington Sweeney 
It was in that moment, I seen you once again. The painful memories of the past flooded my weary heart. I thought, I was over this. I thought, I was finally out of that ‘rut’ in the road. I thought, I was forgetting it all. Then. I saw you. It became even more real in that moment that, I had most definitely not forgotten anything. 

Anxious thoughts, unsettled emotions and complete unrest, swirled around me as I attempted to ‘hold it together.’ 

Unsure of really what I was to do, I sought refuge in one of my close mentors and asked her to cover me in prayer. I knew, I could share with her in this journey. I knew, that I could trust her, with this special portion of my heart. I just knew that I knew, she was placed in my life to truly lighten my load. Especially, when my load unexpectedly became a little heavier than usual.  

Ladies, my challenge for you today is…When something you’re trying to forget about unexpectedly shows up in your life. Stop. Seek Gods face, find someone to share your ‘unrest’ with. Pray about it all and entrust the keys of your situation directly to Him. 
Let me tell you dear readers, that’s easier said that done. Believe me. 

The lesson that God was and still is teaching me to this day is, to never become comfortable with where I am at. Because God’s will is unknown to us all. You may be a mega-church pastor, a doctor of theology or you grew up in the church all of your life,but not one of us knows the will of God. None of us know the outcome, until it comes. Be willing. Be open. Be ready. 

Let’s pray: 

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for unexpected visitors. I thank you for being in amongst the anxious thoughts, unsettled emotions and unrest. Thank you for peace. I thank you for the life-lessons you teach each of us, on a daily basis. I pray for each and every reader of this post, that you would be with them in THOSE moments. Be their ultimate peace, protection and joy. I pray this all in your name Jesus. 

Amen!! 
Until Next Time, 

~Kerrington

Melissa's Posts, {Love}

{Love} Date Night

UYM

Written by: Melissa Longval

Keith and I have a date…Friday night.  Since our kids have gotten older, and now stay up late, time alone is sparse to put it mildly.  So, to reconnect and relax, we have purposed to make date night happen.

Being married almost 23 years, we’ve learned that making time for each other is vital to a healthy relationship.  I was reminded of this when listening to a sermon by Pastor Chip Ingram.  He was talking about being an authentic Christian.  That by the renewing of your mind with God’s Word and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we can live authentic Christ-centred lives.

You are who you hang around with.  You are what you eat.  Garbage in, garbage out.  Not a very hard concept, really, but the Lord wouldn’t let it go.  For days, He would remind me, “Melissa, you are what you eat.”

So what does this have to do with date night with my husband?  Well, this is what the Lord has shown me.

    1. Life is busy. For us, right now, it is crazy busy, so Keith and I have set apart time to be together, just the two of us.  We value this, so we make it a priority.  Just as few things would interrupt our Friday night dates, I need to make sure that I am doing the same with my time with the Lord.  Do I give Him my leftovers, my two extra minutes when I am stressed or do I set apart time to be with Him and only Him?
    2. All week long, Keith will say things like, “I am so excited about our date.  Where do you want to go?”  He will ask me, “Are you excited about Friday night?”  We anticipate good things from our time together.  We look forward to it.  It occupies our thoughts, not just our afterthoughts.  When was the last time I felt like this towards my time with Jesus?  Has it been too long?  “Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:3-4  In order to dwell and feed, I must spend time with the Lord.  I cannot rush through my time with Him just to check it off my list.

Because Keith has Celiac disease, we are careful about where we go for dinner.  Keith and I will research and ask lots of questions about the ingredients and the preparation of the food.  Remember, garbage in is garbage out.  And, as we are getting older and a bit rounder, we try to make healthy choices – less processed more organic and locally sourced.  I need to make sure I am not using only processed time with the Lord.  I love to read, but I cannot substitute others’ interpretations of scriptures as a substitute for reading His Word myself.  I can use others’ writing to complement my time with the Lord, but not replace my time in His Word. 

 ” I will feed them in good pasture, and their fold shall be on the high mountains of Israel. There they shall lie down in a good fold and feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I will feed My flock, and I will make them lie down,” says the Lord God. Ezekiel 34: 14-15

The Lord desires time with each of us.  Even more than we could ever imagine.  You are precious and loved.  Just as Keith desires time with me, the Lord desires time with you.  Let’s spur each other on to make a date with the Lord.  To set apart time with only Him, to listen, to engage, and learn.  To taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the man who trusts in Him. Psalm 34:8

Until next time,

Melissa

Taylor's Posts, {Life}

{Life} A Positive Way of Living

UYM

Written By: Taylor Fast

I always park a few streets over from my placement for my school program.  At first I found this as a hassle because it was cold, snowing, sometimes rainy, and I had to walk further!  As time passed I realized that my attitude was negative and affected my day.  I mean, who cares if it takes me 10 minutes of walking to get to my destination?  I realized that this time gave me an awesome opportunity to meet with God.

During my walks, I’d be sure to spend time thanking God for my beautiful family, friends, and opportunities.  I also spent time thanking Him for the weather, the birds chirping, and any pleasant person that offered me a smile during my walk.  I’d also bring to God the needs on my heart that day, whether it was planning for a stressful meeting or asking God to guide my words as I prepared for a presentation or therapy session.  This whole outlook changed my attitude.  My mornings went from negative to positive.  From lacking God to coming to God with thankfulness.

I encourage everyone today to take a moment through your day to allow God’s presence to be known to you.  Whether you are walking, driving, doing dishes, or anything else to just spend time being thankful with God.  These tasks that we do everyday, we so easily do with our mind buzzing about the list of things that need to get done.  Close your thoughts, and focus on God.  This outlook has truly changed my attitude and has brought peace to me during my more stressful day.  I suggest that we all have a moment to be mindful of our God and of all the things we have to be thankful for.

God can do some amazing things even in the parts of your day that you usually go on autopilot for.

“My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14 (ESV)

Until Next Time,

~ Taylor