Welcome to my world...

Hi everyone and welcome to my little piece of the world!

It has been evident to me since I was in about seventh grade, that I love writing and it is a talent I have been blessed with . It wasn't until I reached the ripe old age of 28 though, that I realized God had a much bigger plan for the gift he had given me.

Through blogging on MySpace, I was able to reach not only those that I knew in my own life, but also complete strangers and was amazed at how just my "ramblings" had helped so many people to be inspired, encouraged, or just to think about things in a new way.

From there, it grew into an inspirational column in The Charlotte Observer, then a religious news column in The Statesville Record & Landmark, a speaking engagment for a women's church group and now, a gig as a religion news freelance writer for The Charlotte Observer.

The writing that is closest to my heart though is not the news reporting, but the words that come from my soul - the words that I know God puts there not only to help me to understand life better, but also those around me.

I hope you feel encouraged, enlightened and inspired but what you read here and of course, I look forward to hearing back from you too!

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Winning the War

It is 6 days until I leave for my mission trip to Honduras.  I have all my supplies stacked neatly in the corner of my room.  Travel-size toiletries, check.  Medicines and shots, check.  Passport, check.  Satan's attacks, check.

Oh yes... Satan.  Boy does he start throwing a tantrum when you set out to do good things for God.  He's consistently showed up in the past, kicking his feet and whining and throwing his toys at me from across the room.  And I will admit, in the past he has won a couple battles, but he will NEVER win the war.

See, this is the thing he doesn't seem to get.  I have God on my side.  God is in my heart, my mind, my soul, my every breath.  You can point out my flaws or throw obstacles in my way and yes, you may succeed at making things a little more difficult.  But you will never stop me from spreading God's love and shining His light.

We mustn't underestimate how much we will be attacked when we are working for God.  Nothing is safe... your feelings, your finances, your family, your friends.  It may seem as if God went on a vaca and forgot all about you.  But in reality, it is quite the opposite.  God is like your coach over in the corner, while you're poised in the middle of the octagon.  (Ok, sorry, random UFC reference, but hey, the analogy works)  He knows how strong you are, He knows your heart and He knows you can defeat anything Satan may try to throw at you.

I have had my share of obstacles come my way in regard to this mission trip, some big and some small.  But God showed up as He always does and not only confirmed for me that He most definitely wants me on this trip and has great things planned for me, but reminded me it is exactly those things that we sometimes think are our weaknesses that are His biggest gifts to us.  They are what makes us who we are and are our greatest tools in spreading the love of God.

So, flawed and all, I am excited about my trip and can't wait to see what God has in store!!  Oh and Satan, watch your mailbox, I'll send you a postcard from Honduras!  :-)