When a believer is working under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, acknowledging their obedience does not rob God of praise; it returns it to Him.
Sometimes, Christians mistake deflection for humility. We see it often: a pastor delivers a powerful, life-giving sermon, and when someone says, “Thank you,” the response is a quick dismissal, with eyes lifted upward and hands raised, as if to say, “It wasn’t me; it was the Lord.” Worship leaders do the same, shrinking back when thanked for a Spirit-led time of praise, believing that accepting a compliment somehow diminishes God’s glory.
But Scripture teaches us something deeper.
When a believer is working under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, acknowledging their obedience does not rob God of praise; it returns it to Him. The Apostle Paul understood this balance well. He wrote:
“I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” — 1 Corinthians 15:10 (NIV)
Paul did not deny his effort, nor did he claim the glory. He recognized the work and credited the power behind it. That is true humility.
When someone thanks a spiritual servant for a job well done, they are recognizing evidence of God at work. To reject that acknowledgment outright is not humility. It risks silencing the testimony of what the Holy Spirit has accomplished through willing hands.
The better response is to receive the compliment with gratitude and intentionally pass the praise where it belongs. A simple, sincere acknowledgment honors both the obedience of the servant and the power of the Spirit working through them.
So accept the compliment, and then offer it upward.
Living authentically is about walking in truth. It means letting go of the pressures of the world, the opinions of others, and the weight of expectations that don’t belong to us.
From the time I can remember, I have felt a deep calling to teach, to encourage, and to help others discover who they truly are in Christ. Recently, that calling took on a new dimension when I completed an intensive program to become a Certified Authenticity Life Coach.
On my very first day of certification, I met with a woman who faced a struggle many of us can relate to, choosing between pleasing others and honoring her own God-given path. She has a servant’s heart, always eager to help, but this time she was torn. Someone wanted her to take on a responsibility that didn’t align with her true calling, and she felt pressured. Her heart said no, but her fear of disappointing others said yes.
That moment reminded me of the truth found in Psalm 139:13 (NKJV): “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.”
God did not create us by accident. He carefully designed every part of who we are, our bodies, our personalities, our emotions, and even our unique ways of serving others. When we ignore that divine design and allow others to push us away from our true purpose, we step out of alignment with the life God created us to live.
The Holy Spirit whispers to each of us, guiding us toward the purpose that brings glory to God and fulfillment to our souls. Your talents, your passions, and your voice are not random; they are gifts meant to be used authentically.
Jesus said in John 8:32 (NKJV): “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Living authentically is about walking in that truth. It means letting go of the pressures of the world, the opinions of others, and the weight of expectations that don’t belong to us. Instead, we anchor ourselves in the promises of God.
When we choose to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” as we are reminded in Matthew 6:33 (NKJV): “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
…we find a freedom this world cannot give. We discover peace, joy, and fulfillment, not because life is perfect, but because our hearts are aligned with God’s will.
To live authentically through God’s eyes is to live in truth. It’s to accept that He made us intentionally. We are to love ourselves as His creation, and boldly walk in the path He has prepared.
When we do this, life becomes lighter. Our service becomes more meaningful. And our joy? It overflows.
Reflection
Ask yourself today: Am I living the life God designed for me, or am I letting the expectations of others pull me away from His purpose? Remember, authenticity in Christ is not selfish; it is obedience. When you embrace the person God created you to be, you not only walk in freedom, but you also bless others with the unique gifts only you can give.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Thank You for creating me with intention and love. Help me to hear Your voice above all others and to walk boldly in the path You have prepared for me. Teach me to live authentically, seeking Your Kingdom first, and trusting that everything I need will be added in Your perfect timing. May my life be a reflection of Your truth and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Whenever God prepares you for greatness, He often begins by removing everything that no longer serves your growth.
Whenever God prepares you for greatness, He often begins by removing everything that no longer serves your growth, like people, habits, places, and even comforts that once felt essential. What feels like loss is often divine pruning. He breaks down what is unstable so He can rebuild something unshakable within you. This breaking is not punishment, it is preparation. It’s God clearing the path for a stronger, wiser, more refined version of you.
Just like a caterpillar cannot become a butterfly without shedding its former self, you cannot transform by clinging to what once was. The cocoon is a place of isolation and undoing, but it’s also the sacred space where wings are formed.
You may feel like your world is collapsing, but in truth, it’s being realigned. Some people will fall away, not because they dislike you, but because they are no longer meant to go where God is taking you. They were part of your past, not your purpose. And that’s okay. As one wise man said, “It’s better to walk alone than to walk with those who are going nowhere.”
Let God do the removing, the refining, and the reshaping. What He rebuilds will be greater than what you lost.
I wrote this post because people often ask about my political beliefs. But when I try to explain where I stand, especially when my views differ from theirs, I’m often met with interruptions, condescension, or outright dismissal. Instead of having a respectful dialogue, I’m treated as if my beliefs are too offensive to even be heard.
Let me be clear: I listen. I stay open to what others have to say because I know we live in a world full of misinformation, manipulation, and media spin. Deepfakes, fake news, and agenda-driven narratives are everywhere. So, who can we really trust?
The truth is, in today’s world, “truth” often depends on what we choose to believe, and too often, our beliefs are shaped by sources that aren’t as honest or reliable as they claim to be. That’s why I think for myself. I seek out facts. And I form beliefs based on personal experience, reflection, and discernment.
This post isn’t about converting anyone to my way of thinking. It’s about having the space to share my perspective without being silenced, mocked, or dismissed. These are my beliefs. My truth. And I’m choosing to express them here, fully and freely, because every voice deserves to be heard with dignity, even if others don’t agree.
I’ve come to a place in life where I understand what matters most to me and my household. When I vote, it’s not about political parties. It’s about policies, policies that allow me to build the life I’ve worked hard to create.
Why I Vote the Way I Do
Over the years, I’ve noticed specific patterns. People in different life stages or economic situations often align with different parties. For instance, those working for others or facing financial hardship may find that Democratic policies better support their immediate needs, such as healthcare, job programs, or housing support. I can relate. When I was just starting out, I leaned that way, too. I needed support, and I appreciated the programs that helped me get on my feet.
But later, when I became a business owner, my perspective shifted. I began to see how certain regulations and tax requirements made it harder for me to keep my business going, let alone help it grow. In one particularly challenging year, I had to lay off and let go of my employees. The financial strain from government mandates was just too much.
Then, when the political landscape changed and new policies were introduced, ones that lightened the tax burden and made running a business more feasible, I was able to rebuild. It wasn’t about party loyalty. It was about what allowed me to continue providing jobs, serving my clients, and supporting my family.
I believe in paying my fair share. I believe in treating employees well. And anyone who has worked with me knows that I give generously when I’m able. But to give, I first need the freedom to grow, and sometimes, that means voting for policies that support businesses.
I also understand that people have different needs. Some voters may base their decisions on issues such as education, healthcare, or the environment. That’s their right, and I respect it. We all live different lives, and we all vote with the hope of improving them.
As for political affiliations, I don’t claim any one label. I vote based on alignment with my values and the future I want for my home. Do I agree with everything any one party says or does? No. But I try to choose the candidates whose policies will best serve my family’s needs.
On the topic of immigration, I believe this country is built on the strength and beauty of its immigrant roots. I’ve known many families who came here legally, worked hard, and became citizens. What I struggle with is the idea of bypassing the process. Like any home, I believe our country deserves the right to know who’s coming in and why, just as I would want to know before someone walks into my own home uninvited. That’s not about a lack of compassion. It’s about order, safety, and fairness.
At the end of the day, no matter who holds office, I choose to pray for them. Whether I voted for them or not, whether I like them or not, I believe in the power of prayer. I believe in praying for wisdom, for guidance, and for leadership that benefits all of us. That’s what my faith teaches me.
For People of Faith
For those who are people of faith, I think it’s important to remember what Scripture says about our leaders. Here are a few verses that guide me:
1 Timothy 2:1–2 (ESV) – “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions…”
Romans 13:1 (ESV) – “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God…”
Philippians 4:6 (ESV) – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
These verses help center me when politics feel divisive or discouraging. I believe our time here on earth is part of a greater test: to live by our faith and our values, regardless of what the world looks like around us. My role, as I see it, isn’t to complain or tear others down, but to live out my beliefs through love, prayer, and trust in God’s bigger plan.
So, when I cast my vote, I think about the bigger picture, my household, my faith, and how I can best contribute to the well-being of those around me. And I trust that others are doing the same, even if their choices look different from mine.
This is simply who I am: someone who chooses prayer over protest, love over labels, and faith over fear. I may not get everything right, but I try to walk this journey with integrity, grace, and compassion for all people.
Let’s Talk
I shared these thoughts not to argue or persuade, but to invite an honest and respectful conversation. These are my beliefs, shaped by my experiences and perspective. You may agree, or you may not, and that’s okay. My only ask is that we listen to each other with open minds and mutual respect. Let’s have the kind of discussion where every voice is heard, even when we don’t see eye to eye.
We grow up in life expecting that life will be grand as we move out on our own and make our own decisions. Instead, as we maneuver through the world, we are met with disappointments, broken promises, and broken hearts. We discover the reality of this world. We find out that living life is not easy.
We discover that no one can guarantee us a life of bliss. Even God, our Creator, does not promise that we will live a life without chaos. He does say, however, that He will carry us through the chaos. See Isaiah 43:2 (NIV) –
“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.”
There is so much turmoil in the world, and I know that worrying about it day and night will not do more than cause my blood pressure to rise. And so, it is my quest to live a life without worrying about all of those matters. I’m not saying I do not care about what happens to others in the world, and I do my part to help others when I can. I mean to say here that I prefer not to spend my life worrying about turmoil day in and day out.
It is easy to become overwhelmed, and when that happens, I refer to the bible. One of my “go-to” passages is in Matthew 6. In particular, the verses in Matthew 6:25-34 make me stop and recognize that my life is all taken care of. After reading those verses, I ask myself, what am I worried about? I realize God has me in the palm of His hand. He will make sure my needs are met. No matter what I need, He will provide it.
Even when it seems all is lost, somehow, if I step out of the way and let God have control of my life circumstances, everything works out more beautifully than my little mind could have ever planned it.
Oh, please don’t think I go through life willy-nilly, without plans. Oh, I plan! I plan many things, but here is what I do now that I did not do in the past. I take my plans and discern as best as I can if my plans are in tune with the desires of God. And, not being all-knowing, I am fortunate enough to be smart enough to give my plans to the Lord, who intercedes on my behalf to take my plans to God. I ask the Lord to look at my plans, and if they fit in with what God has planned for me, He would take them to God for me.
And then I go on about my life, and as my life unfolds, I see which plans come to fruition and which plans go by the wayside. I am pleased either way because I know God has my back.
Do Not Worry
I do not worry about things as much now as I had in the past. Please read Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV) to see what God wants us to know about worrying.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 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 its own.
When I read that final sentence, “Each day has enough trouble of its own,” I realize that God wants us to wake up each day and receive what He has in store for us in that day and that day alone. Isn’t it wonderful that our Heavenly Father takes care of us so that we do not have to worry about anything? We don’t need to worry about tomorrow. We only need to get through today.
You Are Not Alone
When you feel that all is lost, when you feel like you can’t possibly live another day, reach out to your Heavenly Father. He loves you, and He will carry you through whatever you are going through at any stage of your life.
When you feel sad, it is okay to cry. And, I want to encourage you to let go of your tendency to turn to the coping skills you may have used in the past. Instead, rely on God because He has you in the palm of His hands. He can remove all obstacles to make your world right. Rely on God for all things, big and small.
Reach for your bible for words of encouragement. When you feel that all is lost, remember the following verses that offer words of hope. Remember, God created you; God loves you, and God will never let you fail.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 46:4 (NIV)
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you
And remember that each time we go through a hardship, it is likely that we are going through that situation so that we can learn to trust in God more. Our Lord is here to help us get through life. One way He does that is by helping us learn to lean on Him for everything. You have noticed by now, that each time the Lord brings you through to the other side of a hardship, especially those times when you relied on Him, you came out of it a much stronger person than you were before. He has you in the palm of His hands.
I am hopelessly hopeful. You will discern this statement between the lines to mean I am optimistic despite what is happening all around me. I steadfastly cling to verses in the bible that speak of hope and pray that these verses will carry me through this time of sorrow.
I desperately need the comfort of the Lord as I mourn the recent passing of so many family and friends, one after another, in such a short period. Who will be next, I ask? Who will be taken from this world and into the next? I rely on the hope that I will see those who have gone from this earth again in heaven. I assume that I will make it into heaven, myself.
I assume that believing in our Savior, Jesus Christ, and living a righteous life, loving others as Jesus loves me, will spare me a place in heaven where I will be reunited with my loved ones who have left this life before me and with those who follow me.
Dear friends, my heart is heavy right now. It is heavy thinking about the wives who are now widows, the husbands who are now widowers, the parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who are now mourning. Even as an emphatic person, I cannot claim to know the pain survivors experience. No, all I can say is that my pain is unbearable on my own right now.
Sometimes I forget, but thankfully the Holy Spirit reminds me to go to the bible and read scripture to get help in recovering and gaining strength. I need to remember that no one on earth can help me through anything as much as the Lord can help me achieve balance and the ability to be strong amid the weakness of pain.
I don’t know the plans the Lord has for me. I don’t know the plans the Lord has for others. But, I do believe the Lord has a plan for us all. This is my belief. You may have a different belief, and I will still love and accept you. But, this is my belief, and I hold steadfast to it. It is, as a matter of fact, how I get through life. When things happen unexpectedly, and when I cannot find the strength to carry on, I run to the bible to read and re-read God’s promises to me. I read what He said he would do for me if only I believed in Him. And, I believe in Him, so I rest on His promises.
I have stopped counting the number of family and friends who have left this earth transitioning to heaven. God’s plan for them is not transparent to me, but God knows what He is doing. I like to think God is organizing and preparing His Kingdom. Those who went before us will already be there to warmly welcome us into the Kingdom.
If you are like me, struggling to survive the loss of a loved one, I encourage you to read the verses I am reading right now. I pray that they will help you through this time of sorrow.
Read and re-read the following scriptures. Believe they are words from God. Believe that they are words meant to comfort you and carry you through your heartache.
All verses are extracted from the New International Version (NIV).
Psalm 71:14 (New International Version)
14 As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.
Romans 15:13
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
1 Peter 5:10
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
1 Peter 1:13
13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
1 Peter 1:3-6
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade — kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.
Romans 5:2-7
2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. 6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.
God bless you today and always. Be strong in His word. Be hopeful!
We have been redeemed by the love of Jesus Christ, our Savior.
We have been redeemed!
One of my favorite games is Scrabble. And there was a time when you could not tear me away from Words With Friends. I am fascinated by words because words, used properly, can lift people up. Words can motivate and inspire people to do great things.
I see words as tools to be used effectively in communication.
I have a friend who speaks and writes with an uncanny sense of clarity. Carefully chosen words assure that the listener or reader comprehends the exact meaning of what is said or written.
I subscribe to Dictionary.com, and each day I receive a Word of the Day. To make it fun learning this new word, I try to use the word appropriately in a sentence sometime during the day.
My Word of the Day
Today, there is a wonderful word appropriately circling the globe. This word is “Redeemed.”
Approximately 2000 years ago, Jesus was crucified. He suffered horribly, sacrificing Himself to atone for our sins. Think about it! We are the ones who sin and should suffer the burden and make the sacrifice for our sin. But Jesus, who is sinless, stepped in for us and became the sacrifice for us. He redeemed us!
As a man in the flesh, Jesus took on all sin out of His pure love for us. He did this so that we could be spared the suffering associated with our sin. He endured pain and humiliation. He did this so that we could overcome our sins and be washed of our sins then, now, and forever. And, I want to add that He did this joyfully. He did not complain or change His mind, even when the torture was, no doubt, excruciating.
Jesus died on a cross so that we would not have the burden of suffering for our sins.
Word Fanatic
I am a word fanatic. On any day, you can find me looking up the meaning of words. I even spend time looking up the meaning of common words. Today, I looked up the word redeem and found the following definition in Dictionary.com. It seemed appropriate for the remembrance of the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for us.
Redeem
verb (used with object)
to buy or pay off; clear by payment: to redeem a mortgage.
to buy back, as after a tax sale or a mortgage foreclosure.
to recover (something pledged or mortgaged) by payment or other satisfaction: to redeem a pawned watch.
to exchange (bonds, trading stamps, etc.) for money or goods.
to convert (paper money) into specie.
to discharge or fulfill (a pledge, promise, etc.).
to make up for; make amends for; offset (some fault, shortcoming, etc.): His bravery redeemed his youthful idleness.
to obtain the release or restoration of, as from captivity, by paying a ransom.
Theology. to deliver from sin and its consequences by means of a sacrifice offered for the sinner.
We have been redeemed
It is appropriate that the theological definition describes precisely the point I present today. Jesus delivered us from sin and was the sacrifice offered for our sins.
Dictionary.com Word of the Day
Today, Dictionary.com has a word that I think is appropriate for the day.
The word is passe-partout. It is pronounced, “pas-pahr-too.” The word is a noun that means “Something that passes everywhere or provides a universal means of passage.”
When I think of the meaning of passe-partout, I think of how Jesus provides us a means of passage.
A person who is not cleansed of their sins cannot go to God. We need Jesus. He is our pathway to God. When we ask Jesus for forgiveness, Jesus speaks to God on our behalf, and our sins are forgiven.
It is written in the Bible,
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6 (NIV)
Happy Friday!
On a Friday, almost 2000 years ago, Jesus Christ died on a cross for us. On that day, He became the sacrifice for our sins. On that day, our debt of sin was paid in full. Once and for all, on that day, we were forgiven!
And then, three days later, on a Sunday, Jesus became alive again. He was resurrected. Satan, who would have preferred we suffer for our sins, was defeated. It was Jesus who fought our battle against Satan and won. Jesus did this because He loves us so much. He loves us so profoundly we cannot imagine the depth of His love. He fought for us without hesitation and any expectations of repayment.
Jesus loves us! And on this Friday, I want to thank Him, with all of my heart, for His love. His sacrifice has paved the way for us to join our Father in heaven. And, He made it easy. All we need to do is believe that Jesus is the Son of God. When we sin, all we need to do is go to Jesus and ask Him for forgiveness.
Pray for Forgiveness
The Bible tells us that when we have sinned, we are wise to ask for forgiveness of that sin. And, if we ask for forgiveness, we are forgiven, and our lives made new again. Here are some verses that speak about forgiveness and the never-ending love of Christ.
Note: All of the verses are quoted from the New International Version (NIV).
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 6:23
“There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Romans 3:23
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 1:9
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8
“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’ ”
Acts 2:38
“That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved for it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”
Romans 10:9-10
The Sinner’s Prayer
Friends, if you have sin in your life and would like to ask forgiveness, there is nothing much that you need to do to get into the full grace of God. The sinner’s prayer is simple, but it effectively says all that needs to be said when asking for redemption. While the sinner’s prayer is not a prayer explicitly found in the Bible, it represents a way for us to begin praying to our Lord and Savior.
Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior.
The Sinner’s Prayer
Happy Resurrection Day
May you have peace this Good Friday and feel abundant love this coming Sunday, knowing our Lord rose and came back to us so that we could enjoy life again with Him.
In the year 2008, my husband and I worked as contracted technical writers and editors for the same company. On a regular day, as we always did, we went to lunch together and, all seemed well when we returned from lunch. Little did we know that we had enjoyed our last lunch together with this company. No sooner than we returned, we were called into a casual meeting with the manager of the department we worked. In that meeting, we discovered that we were no more valuable than any other contracted personnel within the company, and as with many contractors working at the company, the manager quickly informed us that, due to economic factors, the company was downsizing and the company would no longer be able to afford our services. And just like that, we lost our jobs on the same day, at the same time.
Losing our jobs suddenly meant we suddenly lost our means of survival (in the lifestyle we had become accustomed to). We could no longer afford the mortgage on our home, so we had to give our home back to the lender (to avoid foreclosure). And, when we gave the home back to the lender, we had nowhere to live. We had a little bit of money in a savings account, though it was not enough to pay creditors, much less, enough to afford to live in a decent part of town. And, even in the most run-down part of town, landlords would not rent to us because, over time, our credit history had become tarnished.
We needed a place to stay, or we would be destined to live in the streets as many people in our situation had succumbed. Desperate to have a place to live my husband and I had the idea that if we could liquidate our 401k plans, we could purchase land and live on it. We figured, if we bought land, we would always have a place to stay, even if we lived in a tent. But, the county in the city where our land was located had other ideas. They mandated that no person could live on their land unless they built a house on it. The county would not allow us to live on our land even if we lived in a self-contained recreation vehicle (RV).
Financially, it was tough because, even though my husband and I were able to purchase the land at a bargain price, now, a good portion of our money was tied up in the land. Survival became unmaintainable and we decided we should sell the land to reap what we could, but we were unable to sell the land because the land was raw, undeveloped land, and selling it turned out to be a non-existent option because, at the time, many other people were losing their jobs due to economic downturns. So we were stuck with the land whether we wanted it or not.
We Prayed
We prayed about what we should do. We agreed that we would rely on the Lord to provide for our needs. We decided that no matter how long it took, at some point, that for which we were praying would be answered.
As luck (or more realistically the Lord) would have it, we somehow had enough money left in our 401k plans to pay cash for a mobile home in a mobile home park. We lived seven years in the mobile home. We retired and lived on our Social Security retirement income which allowed us to pay the bills, live meagerly, and save money until such a time arrived that we were able to sell the mobile home for twice the value we purchased it. With the proceeds from the sale, we bought an RV and lived in the RV for two+ years while the house we are living in today was being constructed.
Today’s Message
My husband and I prayed daily. We prayed often. We prayed that the Lord would help us build a house on our land. With our prayers, we had faith that we would be able to build our home at the right time in the Lord’s time.
But, we are human, and I do have to admit that throughout the years, there were times when my husband and I would pause and wonder if our dreams would ever come true. It was taking a long time to save up enough money to build a house on our land. We would ask ourselves if we would ever be able to build a house.
But, the Lord always steps in. In His time, and in the perfect time, the Lord steps in to make everything as it should be.
The message, friends, is that patience is a virtue. More than that, dreams do come true. All we need to do is pray to the Lord for His help, have faith, and keep on swimming.
Praise the Lord! Friends are welcome in the home the Lord made possible!
Voice of Hope by Marlene 