Finding my Voice

Are you a Pointer, Sample, Invitation, or all for God?

Man, church was GOOD today. Do you know that when I go to church, sometimes the message is spot on. I mean, it is like God is telling me to listen up. Other times, it is the interactions at church that make me think that God intended me to meet those people that day. Thankfully, my husband and I have started in a leadership role at church. We are at a smaller campus, but we are really getting involved which excites me. Today was one of those days that everything made me feel like we are placed in that church for a reason. 
Our morning started off, a little slow, but we had the please sure to listen to Ruth at our pre-service meeting. This is my Facebook post: 

Today was very rewarding at church. Glenn and I have started being lobby team captains for the 12pm service at the Oneighty building. Every week in our meeting we ask our group, “What did you do personally to make a difference in someone’s life this week?” Thankful Ruth spoke up and decided to share with us her first American Thanksgiving Dinner that she shared with one of our volunteer team members. (The back story is that Ruth is here on a temporary religious visa from Papua New Guinea and she just met Stacy about a month ago. They clicked and Ruth has been volunteering and coming to Church On the Move ever since.) She explained to our group that she was so excited to see the love and tradition for our American Thanksgiving. That people had come from near and far to show love and thankfulness on that day. Ruth was asked to pray before the meal and she said that she became overwhelmed with love for the family, our nation, and this great American tradition. That she prayed that this tradition would always be protected and continued over the years. America is still that great nation that we sometimes forget it is. That our traditions and values are not only important to our country but shows others how we can come together and love and hold true to the ‘American Dream.’ Today, Ruth made me tear up. I was so proud to be an American and to live in this Nation, because though we always see the bad in our society, others see our good. We condemn the ones that speak up about their faith and others praise us for having such amazing bonds with God. I wish that each of us could see what God and his people see in our Nation. We live in an amazing country and it is not as far gone as most think it is. I just hope that I can continue with the amazing traditions and values that have been celebrated in our country. As well as continue to speak highly of God and the way he continues to bless me DAILY. I am proud to be an American and a Christian.

But that wasn't all that happened. That is what I wanted to share with my Facebook friends. See before that meeting, we connected with Kendra and her daughter. Thankfully Kendra is back from visiting her dad whom was diagnosed with leukemia. She shared her testimony with us on how God was working in all of their lives and has a hand in his walk towards healing. Then Brian shared with us about his wife and how she has Crohn's Disease and I am planning on continually asking how she is doing. After our pre-service meeting, we ran into our good friend Matthew which was awesome because he is such a good-hearted soul that we truly enjoy seeing.

Then I was able to connect with Rebekah and Bekah. We are challeneged to really get to know our volunteers. Today, I spoke to Rebekah at length about some issues she had. She was telling me how excited she was to feel like she fit in and could connect with the other volunteers. Rebekah continued to explain how she was politely asked to leave her small group... This made me SO MAD. I love my small group and have only had positive ideas about it, however, here I was getting a story that just seemed like it was coming from an outsider whom just wanted friends. I listened and deep down, I wanted to go find this group and beat them for hurting Rebekah. Trust me when I say, that I will let some others know. So after our chat, I speak to Bekah and she tells me also had a bad experience with small groups. That our leader told her that the other girls thought she hated them?! Who tells someone that? Within 10 minutes, I was shown a crack in our wonderful small group system. So, I plan on speaking to a couple of people at my church to see if there is a way to correct this for future small groups.

Right before service, I was able to connect with Skye, whom is new to COTM and she let me know that she loves seeing me every weekend. Talk about exciting and uplifting. Finally, we made it to the service and at first I couldn't get my mind from thinking about all that had happen that morning. Well, then the guest speaker got my attention, telling us about how we are all wired a certain way. (Sort of like my new friends) But that God had plans for each of us. That what we do for God and others is not to boast but to show love and faith for him.

Some Key Notes: 

1. My good deeds are 'pointers' to God not myself.
2. My good deeds are 'samples' of Jesus.
3. My good deeds are 'invitations' to church and to God. 

So basically, we can be little pointers for God by doing simple, every day good deeds. We can be samples of Jesus by stepping out of our comfort zone and showing how faithful we are by praying or speaking genuine to strangers/friends/co-workers. We can physically invite or proclaim our church so much that others want to come and see for themselves. 

Well, I'm continuing this journey of being a Mustard Seed by pointing, being a sample, and inviting others to Church and God. 

Found on unbrokenbygrace.tumblr.com

What is a Mustard Seed?

Counting My Blessings

I am a traveling outside sales representative for a large furniture company.  I have a large territory that consists of two states, Oklahoma and Arkansas. There are so many pros and cons to my job that sometimes I forget my blessings. I mean, how many people get to actually enjoy the sunny weather every day? Lately, I have been so stressed with issues that are beyond my actual control in my job that I am forgetting the blessings my job has given me.

For example:

          Today I got up around 6:45 and began my day. I didn’t have to rush because I had a webinar that I needed to attend at 8:00. So I did my emails and got ready for the day. While I was getting ready I was able to read from my Bible, which sometimes I neglect to do. When I was finished with my webinar, I jumped back on my phone to help my clients with some minor issues. I stayed on my phone for most of my drive to my appointment in Oklahoma City. Within two hours and one drive I spoke to probably 5 different people. On top of that before I walked into the dealership, I started thinking about this blog and ideas where popping into my head.

          Once I was in the dealership, I began connecting with my sales reps. I was able to help them categorize some items, eat lunch, and really talk to them. I mean TALK. While we eat, we usually talk about everything, BUT WORK. I spent about four hours with two of these lovely people and it was great. I also made sure to sit down and really hear one of the sales reps, who is having a rough time personally. I  then shared my stories of the week and how God was working in my life and then headed out the door.

          I had to speak with three people from work on my way home. When I wasn’t on the phone with co-workers, managers, etc. I was talking to my husband or friends. I was really excited to plan some days with one of my best girlfriends, which included going to Saturday Morning Prayer at my Church since my husband has to work.

          When I got home, I checked voicemails and emails and spent time with my husband. When he laid down for bed, I began to prepare for my next day’s activities.  I also went over to my neighbors for like 10 minutes, played on facebook, email, etc. I even read a passage in my bible and now I am blogging.

So why am I giving you a rundown of my day?

Because there were many blessings in my day that I could have easily overlooked.

1. I got up and read my bible
2. I didn’t have to get up early (sometimes I do)
3. I thought about my blog and how it ties with God
4. I connected and spoke about God with someone that I work with
5. I connected with one of my greatest friend’s and planned time to go to Church Prayer together 
6. I spoke to my husband, outside of our home
7. I wasn’t stuck in a building all day

It amazes me that I overlook the small things. 7 simple blessings, probably more if I thought more about it. God is good. He has allowed me to FREE UP time to pray, speak about him, etc. Now two years ago, I would have never had those moments. So why do I continue to dwell on the negatives? Well, simply, because it’s a habit that I want to break that is placed on my mind by Satan himself. See I know that Satan works hard to throw me off my path of happiness, because if I am happy and sharing God’s word then he isn’t winning. He is losing a battle, so he then creates more battles for me to make it seem like his winning. But the jokes on him. He could win a million battles, but he won’t EVER win the war. I’m saved, and I will be going to heaven. It’s simple. 

And I will help be a mustard seed in someone else’s life.

A mustard seed? What does that mean?

(found on Pinterest from Instapray App)

This means more to me then you may realize. According to the scripture it means that with a small amount of faith I can move mountains. I can claim my life from Satan. However, a mustard seed is so much more. I always say I want to be the mustard seed in someone’s life. I want to be their first of many examples of pure faith that makes them stop and think. What is she doing? How can I be that happy? I want to be their small amount of faith building. I want to plant this seed in their heart so that it starts a journey for them. So one day when someone asks them about their testimony, they are reminded of me and that one small act of faith that started their journey.

There is a lot of different types of people needed to help show believers the correct path to being saved. There’s people whom are like me, who want to be the starting point. There’s the ones whom lead people through prayer to be saved. Then there’s the ones to help bring people back to their faith by having strong testimonies. But there’s SO MUCH MORE. There’s teachers, pastors, healers, etc. We all have talents and we all have ways to help someone else through their journey. We have prayer warriors and worship leaders. All of these talents and no one is given one specific job. However, I want to AT LEAST be a mustard seed in someone’s life. I am still new in my faith, so I am starting with a reasonable goal. Now, I am going to continue to grow, so this mustard seed woman may become a healing, mustard seed, worship singing, and prayer woman.

So I guess you can tell that I am finding my way by helping others. Time will tell how successful I will become, but I plan on trying to share it all with you. I want people to see the good and the bad. The highs and the lows. I probably won’t have the perfect Christian life. I am going to sin or make mistakes. However, I plan on making sure those are farther and farther apart.

I may keep this blog forever or it may only last for a small time, but right now, this is how I am going to start planting those mustard seeds! 

New Beginnings

Welcome!

Today, I am starting a new journey. One of blogging to help others in their daily struggles of becoming a follower of Christ. I will also be showing my journey as a newlywed and hopefully a mother. I want to become a mustard seed and this is my start. 

Did you know that you can personally help people in different ways? How is that? 

Well, you should start by SHARING your story of how you became a follower of Christ. 

(picture found on Pinterest)

I currently attend Church on the Move in Tulsa, OK. It has 100% changed my life. While I am still crawling in my walk with the Lord, I am becoming a more focused woman in Christ. For the first time in my life, I am happy over 50% of the time. I am confident in my marriage (whom led me to Christ almost two years ago). I am learning how to KICK Satan to the curb! 

Now don't get me wrong, I struggle. DAILY on what I should be doing. I want to be REAL with people I meet. Sometimes I get angry, depressed, or sad. I start stupid fights and can't help that. However, I am trying to become happy and joyful 95% of the time. 

A little bit about me: 

• Woman of God
• Currently Under the Age of 30 (for less than two years)
• Newlywed
• Career Woman
• Doggy Mom
• Sports Fanatic

That's about it! For now. 

Here's a Great Scripture for you to think on:

"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strenthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." 

Ephesians 3:16-19 NIV