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1/24/2010 I am a "fixer" which has its benefits and pitfalls. The benefits include being very compassionate and empathetic combined with some God given gifts and earthly education and resources. The pitfalls include, thinking I can fix things on my own and forgetting to rest in the Lord. Additionally, I try to shield people from pain and hardship. What's wrong with that you ask? In some instances, that instinct to shield and protect is God given and provided but in other instances it is me getting in God's way of doing a work in someone. Most of us have been through some hardship or painful experience that we would have preferred to escape at the time. However, on the other side of that pain and experience we sometimes realize the lesson God took us through. Through money coaching, I have somtimes mistakenly tried to "take over" people's finances them instead of giving them the empowering tools to get their own finances in order. I've been "fishing for people" instead of "teaching people how to fish". I have been crying out to God, through prayer, to make me a better teacher instead of a better "do-er".
09/22/09 On Saturday, I returned from an amazing five days at Dave Ramsey's Financial Counselor Training. While there, I was nourished spiritually, educationally, emotionally, and nutritionally. They fed us like kings and queens, left notes of encouragement and a gift in our room each night, and they empowered us to empower the people we will be counseling. I was introduced to Dave Ramsey's materials in late 2007, and was amazed at how much our principles "fit" together. Since that time, my family has applied his tools to our own finances and am proud to say we will be on "baby step" four by the end of this year. (Check out Financial Peace University on http://www.daveramsey.com/ to find out about the baby steps). His tools work, if you get serious about managing your finances according to God's word. I was blessed last week and hope that those blessings spill over onto those I have the joy of coaching. 12/19/08 2008 has been an amazing year professionally and personally for me and my family. I have truly experienced the joy of the Lord, as I've learned to wait on him and trust his plans. God has shown his ultimate provision for me and my family this year as we transistioned to 1/2 our household income while also incurring expenses to launch this ministry. Spending this year at home with my family, working from home, and seeing God open doors for me has been amazing beyone words. I thank God daily for his provision and all the many blessings he has bestowed upon us. As 2008 comes to a close, I encourage you to seek the Lord's ways for your life and trust that he will provide beyond your comprehension. "No eyes have seen, no ears have heard, no mind can conceive what the Lord has prepared for those who love him." 1 Cor 2:9 AMEN! 10/13/08 I had the privilege of escorting 19 fabulous women to the Extraordinary Women’s Conference in Rockford, last weekend. This was my first time coordinating a bus trip through Finding Faith Ministries, yet I was not stressed out about it. You see, the old me would have let the “control freak” in her stress about the money, the hiccups, the time schedule, and the satisfaction of the women. The “in process” me surrendered the details of the trip to God and let him drive. I felt an incredible sense of peace this weekend, which allowed me to focus on the speakers, the fellowship, and the spirit. “And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7 KJ). 09/01/2008 Happy Labor Day! I am awestruck by God's provision over the past eight months, and I have had a fantastic summer. Every once in a while I get down or fearful about our family finances, and God seems to send me a reminder of his provision during those times: devotional, encouraging word, money given to us, encouraging card, new clients, etc. One thing Darrel and I have been extremely faithful in is tithing, as we trust that God will take care of us in ways we cannot even imagine. I will be honest and say I miss shopping, I miss not going out to eat as much, and I miss having a steady paycheck. However, the sacrifices made and the God moments experienced have been more fulfilling than any mall, restaurant, or paycheck. I've met some wonderful people over the past several months, and I LOVE what I am doing. The best part of my work is it's not for me or by me; it's for other people and it's allowing God to work through me. I just keep asking God to show up and take the driver's seat, and I just do what he's equipped me to do. I greatly appreciate the prayers and support, and ask that you keep praying for God to lead me where he wants me to go and that I will discern his voice and direction. The Birth of Finding Faith Ministries In the summer of 2007, I found myself extremely anxious and frustrated, as I sought to understand what God was calling me to do. I was having a hard time discerning God's voice, but seemed to clearly hear Satan's defeating and fear-invoking comments. My professional life had become extremely difficult, and I found myself trying to understand what God was trying to do with me: do a work in me to work out some pride, discipline, or confidence issues OR to make me so uncomfortable that I would leave the security of a steady paycheck to get on track with HIS plans for my life. To find peace and resolution, I sought the bible, Christian friends, a Christian counselor, books on discernment and obedience, and deliberate prayer. The more I sought a relationship with God and prayed for discernment, the more God enabled me to better discern his voice. By turning to God first for direction, instead of relying on my own earthly abilities, I have found a state of peace never before experienced in my life. With all of that said, life still tends to drown out God’s voice when I allow it to, but at least now I have the comfort of understanding what I need to do to hear God….seek God’s word, pray, and wait for HIS timing to reveal his message to me. I have been foolish, disobedient, and arrogant to think I had control of my life, and I thank God for his mercy, grace, discipline and unconditional love for a slow learner like me. Below are some scriptures that God has repeatedly shared with me, as I sought his guidance on pursuing Finding Faith Ministries. The first two verses (1 Cor 2:9 and Jer 29:11) have been pursuing me for years. Maybe God has a message on this page for you. To God be the glory! 1 Cor 2:9 “However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" 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 a hope and a future.” Heb 11:1 “What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is certainly that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead.” Matt 7:7 “Keep on asking and it will be given to you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you.” 1 Cor 4:3 “I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself.” Psalm 30:5 “Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.” Heb 12:10 “…God disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.” 2 Cor 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal”
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God Moments 