Having been born in Denver, I’ve been a Broncos fan my whole life. Having become a Christian at 7 years old, I have been a fan of any professed Christian who is leading the life God has called him/her to. So Tebow and the Broncos are like peanut butter and jelly to me. It’s an awesome mix.

But something else clicked for me this weekend watching the Broncos fall to the Patriots. Tebow has his faith on full blast. There is no trepidation – no fear. I admire that greatly. No criticism, no attack has stifled his voice. It’s made me analyze my own faith. How many times have I allowed my own light to be covered? How many times have I stayed silent when I should have spoken up? As a PR professional my job is diplomacy. I think it’s part of my personality as well. By nature, I like to keep the status quo….but what happens when the status quo needs shaking up?

I’m not one for making resolutions, but I’ve been inspired by Tim. I need to stop worrying about offending people by bringing up my Savior. After all, what am I here for if not to worship God and point others to him? I need to make the most of the opportunities I’m given and perhaps even create a few opportunities of my own.

God, please guide me as I embark on turning up the volume in my praise and witness for You.

It’s a new day!!!

It’s crazy. Here I am throwing temper tantrums, feeling frustrated and angry and sad and all sorts of emotions in between and yet, I have joy.

God doesn’t promise us that we will always be happy, but when we’re His, we’ll always have His joy. For me, it comes in the form of serving kids who just need someone to listen – to care. Even in high school, I began to feel the pull toward working with kids. My path has seemed rather long and winding but where I am at this moment is perfect. My heart is full of God’s love for these amazing foster children. His joy becomes my own.

I am blessed.

So, I’m at the wait and see stage again in a most important piece of my life. I’m waiting on God to show me what He’s doing. I’m praying He is working on me and another. I’m praying that His answer will ultimately be Yes to my request but as of this moment, I’m not getting a yes or a no…just a “be still and know that I am God” (translation = wait).

I’m uncomfortable and hurting and confused and probably in the exact place that God needs me to be in as He continues to mold my life. Waiting on God is worth it. I pray for the outcome I desire but am willing to accept (with probably some arguing on my part first) whatever God rules. He is working in this situation. He’s working in every aspect and I have a feeling that the outcome for us will be amazing. But for now, I wait.

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. ~ Proverbs 16:9

It’s a new day! God will never fail us!

But it’s the times that I’ve reached out to someone whether for help or just a word of encouragement that things were so much easier. So it frustrates and hurts me when someone I love refuses my support.

I guess I get it. I can think of one particular instance where I didn’t want to have anyone bear the burden I was carrying…especially those I loved. I tried to give it just to God but I was miserable. It turns out I didn’t have to be. When I finally couldn’t bear it any longer, I opened up to a close friend. I know she felt my pain, but she allowed me to release a bit of that burden through her constant support and love.

That’s what I want to give…but you can’t make someone accept it. My heart hurts. I pray for all my friends and family this night. Every single one of us has burdens, some heavier than others. God can handle it all, but He also created us for fellowship and support of each other.

Sometimes in our lives
We all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there’s always tomorrow

Lean on me, when you’re not strong
And I’ll be your friend
I’ll help you carry on
For it won’t be long
‘Til I’m gonna need
Somebody to lean on

Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you won’t let show

You just call on me brother, when you need a hand 
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you’d understand
We all need somebody to lean on

If there is a load you have to bear
That you can’t carry
I’m right up the road
I’ll share your load
If you just call me

Call me (if you need a friend)
Call me (call me)
Call me (if you need a friend)
Call me (if you ever need a friend)
Call me (call me)
Call me
Call me (if you need A friend)

All the reasons I love you.

In some ways, I see the movies as paralleling what’s happening in the spiritual world now. It says in Ephesians 6:12:

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Our fight is against Satan and his forces, and he is excellent at throwing those fiery darts knocking both Christians and non Christians down. His goal is to keep non Christians in the dark and Christians ineffective. And from my perspective, it seems like he’s getting stronger and the world is crumbling under his grip. However, like Voldemort in the Harry Potter books, his build up to power will culminate in an epic battle where he will be soundly and permanently defeated.

I like knowing the end of this story. Knowing that good wins…God wins. But in the meantime, it’s the small battles that seem to consume us and defeat our spirits. Harry found himself consistently facing obstacles and difficulties throughout the books and more than once he was tempted to give up. We live in a world of sin and darkness. A war is already in full effect within the spiritual realm. It’s growing. Whether its in my lifetime or my children’s or my great great grandchildren’s, it will come to a head and a final battle will be waged. For now, I pray I am able to face those obstacles that Satan throws my way and win the battles as well as the war.

It’s a new day!

The matching answers are few

I keep plugging along

Not because I believe I’ll find them

But because I know I won’t.

I love this verse. It helps me face any opposition with courage. There are people who will not like me because of my race, my sex, my faith, my political views, my choices, my affiliations, my opinions or any combination of the above. But the fact is my God is a great God. He knows my heart and He wants the very best for me always. I may go through trials and tribulations but He’s with me through it all. He’s for me, and in the end, I’ll win. Woooohoooo! (just had to do a happy dance!)

It’s a new day! Winning!