The New Year is already in full swing, and again, I noticed I haven’t written anything for quite some time. It’s been an “interesting” couple months, actually. I must have been sick about 4 times, with the last episode being just the week of New Years Eve. I can honestly say, I don’t know if I have ever been that sick, but probably have and just don’t remember. Before that, I kept struggling with some respiratory issues, and then the flu bug hit me, and many others, big time.
I was so busy with my business as a Dove Chocolate Discoveries Chocolatier in December, which was great, but I did get very run down. I work full time and do DCD part time along with volunteering as much as I can at my church, leading a small group bible study, and trying to finish up a bible study so I can move on to another one I really want to take.
There has been a lot on my mind with all the different opportunities that have come my way, and with feeling like I am “going in circles” I believe God made me “Be Still” so I could “hear” Him. You can’t get much stiller when you are so sick that you can’t get out of bed, or even turn your body, unless it’s to get up to go the bathroom in a hurry! Yep, the Lord got my attention!
Ps 46:10 “ Be Still and Know that I am God”
I have known, deep within, what I want to do with my life, at least over the last year and a half, since I completed a program that helped me heal from some deep issues, and I have prayed to God for direction. Last August, the weekend of my 58th birthday, I attended a church on the next street over from where I live. Prior to that, I was attending and serving at another church . God led me to Pure Heart Christian Fellowship. I walked into the church, wondering what the heck I was doing there and kind of feeling like it was a waste of time, since I felt I already had a church that I was “content” with yet I didn’t feel I was serving in the capacity I had grown to serve.
After that first service, I knew it was no accident I was there! You see, my heart is to reach out to the community, making a difference, and that is what Pure Heart is all about! It felt like Pastor Dan was speaking directly to me and welcoming me home. There is so much to do in the local community and around the world, and the opportunities area endless at Pure Heart!
There are so many people hurting for one reason or another. They may be alone, hungry, feeling ashamed or full of regrets, worthless, unloved, etc. You name it, people feel it, although many are either in denial, or just to “proud” to admit it. I know, because I have been there! We have been “labeled” by our parents, teachers, bosses, family members, and even friends, and many of us have lived with that belief for many years. Some of us have even lived through very difficult situations and some that we were too ashamed to share with anyone, keeping all of it “stuffed” inside for years.
I have come a long way the last 2 ½ years, and am so grateful for where I am today. I wish I would have “been here“ years ago, but I also know that by not going through the things I did, I would not be as strong as I am today.
I believe my prayers for direction have been answered, and doors have started to open for me. I continue to pray that I will have the discernment and do what God has planned for my life.
When I quit a good paying job in June of 2009, packed up and moved to Arizona where I knew no one, other than one person God was speaking through, no job in site, I couldn’t believe what I was doing, yet I had more peace about it than any other time in my life. God has always give me “just enough” and continues to do so.
My favorite verse is Jer 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
God does have a plan for all of us, but we will never know that plan if we don’t take the time to know Him and hear Him. Life is short and getting shorter. I want to finally take some time to enjoy it, “stop and smell the roses”. We never know what tomorrow brings, and I do not want to ever have to say “I wish I would have, but I never thought I could…”
Till next time…..
Deni
