Following in the Footsteps of My Hero

Alot of us can say that we have a hero or someone who has impacted your life dramatically.I was thinking yesterday about my papa whose 84 and the impact he's had on my life throughout the years. He was a Baptist preacher for over 50 years a man who loves God and his family. As I was growing up he had already retired as a pastor, but always had the fun bible stories to tell us. I remember always looking to my papa for the answers and would crawl in his lap and ask him questions about Jesus. Papa was always excited to tell us the stories or answer our questions. No matter the time of day or where we were he would always be willing to share Jesus with someone or talk to us about Him.
One specific time in my life I remember, I was around 12 or 13 , he was driving his blue Camry and course we were talking about Jesus! He said Whitney God has called you to minister to kids and you need to keep that focus. I remember thinking that's cool, but I want to be a volleyball coach and teach health. He always told me I was a special kid who was going to do extraordinary things with my life, little did I know HE WAS RIGHT! God really used my Papa in my life to show me truth and tell me I have a purpose with ministry. I always thought I would live an ordinary life with going to college, being a volleyball coach and living the "normal life" but God definitely has shown me my calling and purpose with KIDS! It goes back to God speaking through my Papa at a young age telling me I wasn't going to be apart of the "norm", I was going to do something amazing in ministry. I am now seeing it all play as a movie right before my eyes! I thank God for the Papa that I have, who has poured the love of Jesus into my life for 22 years now. He's a mighty man of God who is still seeking Him today.
Papa is now living in a nursing home with Alzheimer's. The cool thing is he still goes around talking to people about Jesus. Every Thursday night my mom will go up there to sit with him for church. Some weeks he trys to teach even if its scattered and everywhere he still manages to get thru. He is a man that has changed my life and many others! I am so thankful he played such a vital role in my life and has given me more conformation to where I am today!!

Bumps In The Road

Everyday is a new day! We may have a few days that go by when we're just in a funk. But when we're in that funk we can choose how to handle it! WE can either choose the Joy of the Lord or be consumed by the enemy. Over the past few days I was in a funk, not wanting to deal with anything or anybody. I was letting everything around me take over my emotions. I came to realize the only way of overcoming it was to speak the word of God over myself and believe the truth of God. So no matter the circumstances going on CHOOSE JOY! TRUST GOD!

ALL THE THINGS YOU'VE BEEN THRU DO NOT DEFINE WHO YOU ARE!!!

God will heal your scars and make them beautiful!

Children entering the Kingdom of God!

First Wednesday was unbelievable! I had a little 9 year old girl jumping, dancing, and praising the Lord with me tonight. She would cuddle he watched me, I would glance down to see how she was, and was in awe of her innocent little heart singing to God. I see what God sees when he watches children and the joy He receives from it. We then had communion and I asked if she goes and she said no. So I proceed to get the elements and then I feel a tap from Rebecca, I lean down and ask what it is. She asks me what it meant to have Jesus. We sat down with the loudness going on, I explain what Jesus did on the cross for REBECCA and how he forgives us and LOVES us. I ask her if she understands, she shakes her head YES, then I ask if she wants to ask Jesus into her heart. With a smile on Rebecca's face she shakes her head YES. I was filled with joy right then. I prayed with her and had her repeat a little prayer after me. She just hugged me as I had tears of joy run down my face. The last song I grabbed Rebecca and said we are going to jump and dance like crazy for Jesus. We definitely were up in the front doing that! Right after service she said can we go tell my daddy what I did, I exclaimed YES YES, lets do it NOW!! Her dad had tears of joy also. What a glorious picture of Gods little children!! I give God the glory for all the things He has done in me and thru me! I find joy in my passion for children and excited to see what my next step it! Come on God show up!!!!

Forgiveness

So many of us hold onto unforgiveness for a long time. Some a day, a week, a month, and even YEARS! This has definitely been a process for me. I was one of the ones that have held onto things for years, since childhood even! I had unexplained bitterness, anger, emotional breakdowns until i fully gave God the chance to take all control and aspects of my life. I no longer have the hurt, pain, guilt, shame from the unforgivenes that I once held onto. This was a difficult process but now I live in complete freedom!
Look into your life at the unforgiveness you may have. Allow God to work in you and set you free! Seek counselor from a friend, mentor, counselor that will stand in the gap for you in time of need!