If I told you my story, you would hear hope, it wouldn’t let go.

If I told you my story, you would hear love, that never gave up.

If I told you my story, you would hear life, but it wasn’t mine.

If I should speak, then let it be of the grace that is greater than all my sin.

Of when justice was served and where mercy wins.

Of the kindness of Jesus that draws me in.

Oh to tell you my story, is to tell of HIM.

Each of us have a story. Each of us have a journey. 

It is how we tell it that matters. Do we tell our stories and live our lives acknowledging that Jesus is the reason we have a heart which beats to His love and mercy?

When we look back, do we see God’s mighty hand as He’s woven the threads of our existence into a beautiful story? Do we tell of our victory over the enemy? Of freedom from despair? 

Or do we turn back the pages, only seeing the hardship, tears, and trials while missing the obvious reminders of God’s love?

We are here only because of Jesus’ love, His sacrifice, His goodness. Through Him we have life, and breath, and hope.

Our stories are unique - so unique, that no two are the same. Each of us has a unique beginning and a beautiful life-journey where God has led us even when we couldn’t see it. 

Our stories should be told, intertwined with God’s faithfulness. It’s really about perspective. What kind of eyes do we look at our journey with? Do we look with the eyes of hopelessness, letting the enemy have his way?

Or do we look with the eyes of faith and grace, shining hope and light on our life-path?

I like to think of our lives as beautiful books. Each chapter holds a new, life-changing transition and each page is beautifully written. God wrote that book. While you were being knit in your mother’s womb, God had a story for you already. He knew about that heartbreak you’d have one day, he knew of the greatest joys and the deepest sadness that would sweep your soul. 

When you were born, you were perfect in HIS eyes. And as you grew and became capable of choice He watched as the choices were made. Choices that were good. It made Him so happy to see you joyful. Choices that were hurtful - to you and others. It broke His divine heart to see your pain.

But He worked with you, allowing circumstances to blow, gently pulling you towards Him.

He worked through your mistakes and made good.

When you asked Him into your heart, He rejoiced and so did all the angels.

He molded your heart. He delighted in your soul warming to His love.

Life is never a smooth road, it is never flat, easy, level. There are many uphill climbs, downhill descents, rocky terrain, and flooded plains along the way.  Tears will flow - not every page in your book is happy.

Battle wounds will be inflicted  - not every chapter is easy.

But God is great. His love is infinite. He’s there by your side through-out every page and for each chapter of life.

So how will you interpret your life? Victorious over the enemy? Or despairing hopelessness?

Choose light! Choose hope! Choose victory!

Even if your life so far has been mostly uphill, just trust. Jesus is your Saviour. He’s enough.

He’ll take you into the plain, into the green pastures where your soul can rest.

Life is often messy, but it is a beautiful mess covered by Jesus love, HIs grace, and His faithfulness!

So look back with thankfulness. Acknowledge how God has worked. And turn back around and face the future with wondrous expectancy, waiting for what God has in store!

Each breath we take, each heartbeat that beats is a precious gift, a beautiful reminder. A reminder that we are not in control. It is a blessing of God. 

So what will I do with this breath that I have been given?

I was reminded of the fragility of life just recently and my heart was touched knowing that I could bring hope to another human being with a very simple gesture. You will never know what a card, smile, or simple word of encouragement will do until you’ve tried.

If we would love more, hate less, bless more, take less - our lives would be so much more full and satisfied.

The love and be loved.

To bless and be blessed. 

This is what fills up our cups and overflows them. God blesses us in our lives so greatly. Our paths will definitely not be smooth the whole way, but look around. Has HE given you breath? Has HE given you a warm place to live? Family & friends that love you?

And most of all, HIS love. Hasn’t Jesus given you this as well? Didn’t He give you life over death, freedom over bondage?

In Christ we find our love, our life, our hope - why not share that with someone else?

As we touch another’s heart we not only change their lives but we ourselves are blessed.

Our lives are like wisps of smoke that come and go ever so quickly. How will you make the most of what God has given you?

How will you tell someone today, “You life is precious. Don’t give up”?

Truly, our life is a beautiful gift. What will you do with this gift?

Do you ever wonder as the days blend into months, the months to years, just what your mission is?

What the epiphany of life is? Why you are here?

Deep down, God has planted in each of our hearts a desire. To be something. To accomplish. To succeed.

To run the race. 

As a Christian we realize our destiny. But the rain and the storms dim our eyes. Our hearts become weak. We’re not sure if we’re ever going to make it. We feel torn down, broken.

But that flame is there, flickering still.  Deep in your soul, you know that you were made to run the race - the race of light over darkness, freedom over bondage. And as we go through life, we plant seeds of kindness, courage, and hope in others’ hearts.

Don’t give up. The prize is ahead, waiting just around the corner for you. This is not the end. That flame in your heart was given to you to be a shining light, so that you can fulfill your life mission: to bless, serve, and minister to others.

Courage will come in the darkest nights. You were made for this day. You were made for each day that is given you. Each breath is a gift. 

And your life is unique. Only YOU can accomplish the mission you were given. Each of us were gifted with talents that we can use to God’s glory. 

Will we let discouragement take us captive or take hold of Faith and let God free our hearts?

Don’t lose hope, focus on the mission at hand.

How can I BLESS Someone TODAY?

How can I REACH OUT to someone TODAY? 

How can I bring HOPE to someone today?

We were all were made with a desire, a yearning to accomplish something great. And this is our ultimate mission. To become light-seekers and reflect that light of Jesus Christ to the world.

We may not find ourselves in influential positions, meeting world-changers, and making life-changing decisions. But who says that smile you just gave that sad elderly man did not bring hope back into his life? Have you ever wondered what just one kind word, smile, or simple gesture can do to the receiver’s life?

The power of our actions are unprecedented. The reach of just one smile could light up the whole town. 

By blessing others, we are blessed. By loving others, we feel loved. By touching another’s hearts we light up ourselves.

So, next time you are discouraged, find someone to bless or even pray for that day. See if it doesn’t change your heart!

Sometimes we lose sight of the true meaning of laying our helpless, hopeless plans in the hands of the Infinite. We forget that Jesus is the way, truth, and life. 

He is the reader of our dreams, the secret observer of our heart yearnings, the quiet listener when we whisper our deepest desires and hopes, the one that lends a sympathetic ear to our anguished filled prayers. 

We forget that He is the light on our path, guiding, leading, gently orchestrating our life.

When you do not know your next step, When the next minute, hour, day, week, month, and year in the future is unknown - just remember that it does not matter if we do not know.

If Jesus is the one leading you, your future is sure. He will be by your side, and that is a certainty you can rest in.

When you cry out to Him, He's there. When your anguished heart reaches for hope, He touches your soul through circumstances, others on your life journey, and everyday miracles. When you seek guidance, He will provide it. 

Just listen. Many times we cannot hear because we refuse to listen. 

When your dreams are bigger than so-called reality? Just place them completely in the hands of the good shepherd. He will lead your heart and open doors that you imagined were bolted and locked. 

He sees the fallen tear. He has a book of remembrance for each tear that falls.

He knows your deepest longings. A prayer for a loved one who has gone from the truth, a prayer of deliverance from a sin, a deep heart desire for a closer walk with Him - He hears it all.

Zacharius in the New Testament prayed for a child for years, and only when he was aged in years did that prayer become reality. Yet, the prayers of the years of waiting had been heard and in the right time and right place they were fulfilled.

God hears every one of your prayers, if they are done in sincerity and truth. You may be left with what seems to be a waiting time, but fear not if it is God's will in the right moment at the right time it WILL happen. And no power on earth can stop that prayer from being answered when that time comes. 

So have hope. There is a listener to every one of your expressed heart desires. And He just wants you to take it all to Him. Don't hide. He sees what is in your heart before you say it. Lay it all bare. 

Open your heart. And let the peace in knowing that God is in control and knows your future wash over you.

Rest in that. Rest in Christ's love and be blessed beyond measure by it.