The season of Lent is upon us. Most are aware of this season despite their church affiliation. I was reading in Isaiah and how the prophet spoke of Jesus and His great sacrifice and how it pertains to us and truly transforms our lives. It was spoken of long before He gave His life for many and thousands of years past and we still are sharing the good news. I was thinking of what He gave up for all of us, and it inspired me to sacrifice something in my own life as a gesture of love and thankfulness. No obligation but I do benefit  benefit by growing closer to my Lord and receiving a blessing in loving Him in our relationship. When you reach out and love someone it always feels good! He did it all for us before we ever returned love to Him. I want to encourage you to love someone today, maybe someone who does not deserve it, maybe someone you feel is hard to love. I promise you will be blessed!
Often I remind my kids when they are angry and fighting with teach other that the Bible says when we bless those who are unkind to us it is like heaping burning coals upon their head. Now my kids like that part because they are mad. BUT the truth of the matter is when they bless the very person who has hurt them, both hearts soften...and that allows Gods love to shine through. May your day your efforts be blessed! And KNOW God loves you and has great plans for you!

​Depression found its way to my door and he had Netflix, a big comfy blanket and a bowl of popcorn, he stayed a while but he was not good company and had to leave. Strength and the motivation to go forward came from the Lord. Steps forward are made by making a decision to spend time thinking on positive things and locking into a hope that was not dependent on me. God meets us where we are time and time again; we just cannot give up and give in. Sometimes it is a season we go through, but through means we come out on the other side. Defeat will come knocking, but that does not mean we have to answer! 
Make today the day you take that next step forward!