Tag: faith

Living With Hope During The Storm

Life is hard. I think we can all agree on that one. We are either experiencing a storm, coming out of a storm or getting reading to enter a storm. Can I get an Amen? That is how life tends to work for most of us. So how can we find Hope during or after the storm? Here are a few things that have helped me as I walk through my own crazy beautiful journey.

God Is In Control. I know sometimes that is hard to fathom, when we are in the middle of the storm or dealing with the aftermath of a storm. But if God is in control during the good times, that means He must be in control during the rough times. Also, if God is God, then nothing good or bad happens apart from His knowledge. One of my favorite scriptures and one that has helped guide me through my almost 18 year crazy beautiful health journey is 2 Corinthians 1:8-9:

For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. 

God Never Forsakes Us. Sometimes that is hard to believe when we are walking in the middle of the storm. It can appear that God has left us to find our own way. We have all faced those moments in life. The poor diagnosis, the broken relationship or the lose of a loved one. But God promises us in His word that he will always be with us. One scripture that has given me comfort during my own journey is Deuteronomy 31:8:

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. 

God’s Timing. I used to use the old Christianize, God is always right on time all the time. But during my health journey, I have started looking at this in a different way. When I used to use that phrase, I felt like I am saying that God had left my side at some point during my journey. I truly believe God’s timing is always perfect, because He never leaves us. *Just a side note. I do not have a problem with people using the phrase. This was just me sharing my perspective. Sometimes I still find myself saying it.

I pray these words will encourage you as you walk through the storms of life. God wants us to seek Him during the good and bad times. He is always there for us. We just have to reach out to Him. ~OC

 

 

 

 

 

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Encouragement

For the past 17.5 years, I have spent countless hours at doctors appointments, treatment centers & the hospital. During those times, I have had the privilege to talk with hurting people experiencing life changing moments. I have had the honor to pray for people who wouldn’t see another year. I have rejoiced with those who experienced a miracle in their medical journey. I have never taken one of those moments for granted. None of those precious moments have been about me. God placed me in those moments to hopefully encourage someone. The truth is, most of the time I have been the one walking away feeling encouraged. Never miss the opportunity to encourage someone. It could be life changing. ~OC

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God Don’t Make Junk

I apologize to all the English teachers out there. I just have to be real with this message. God Don’t Make Junk!

As we travel this crazy beautiful journey, sometimes we look at our current circumstances and think God cannot use our mess. Our junk. How can He use a man with a broken down body? How can God use the addict? How can He use the divorced person? How can God use the person that just keeps screwing up? Have you ever felt like junk? I know I have.

During those moments of brokenness, we need to seek after God. Because the world will tell us we’re worthless. That we are broken. That we are junk. Please do not believe the lies. God made each of us for a wonderful purpose in life. Our mistakes and brokenness make us stronger. Our past failures help us find our true purpose in life.

As you walk this crazy beautiful journey, I pray you will remember God don’t make junk- so we need to be living like our lives are masterpieces. There are storms we will face along the journey, but there are also many blessings. Keep striving to be the masterpiece God has created. ~OC

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The Blessed Life

Today’s a new day! Do not ever feel sorry for me because of my crazy beautiful health journey. I view this journey as an opportunity to get life right. The blessings have far outweighed the negatives. I plan on Staying Focused and Finishing Strong. ~OC

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From Heaven

Today’s a new day! This crazy/beautiful journey is not about me. It’s not to show you how strong I am, for my strength comes from God. It’s not to show you how great my faith is, for my faith is a gift from God…exactly at the time I need it. Anything you see in me that is good is not of my doing… it’s from Heaven. ~OC

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Emanuel

I received this dvd in the mail yesterday. It is a powerful story of faith and forgiveness. A must see. ~OC

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The Blessed Overcomer Meets The Tech Guy

Good morning! I had the honor of being on my friend Marvin Bee’s podcast last night. Marvin and I attended college together at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Thanks for having me Marvin. ~OC

***During the podcast I mistakenly said I completed my first marathon 4 months after surgery. I meant to say I started running 4 months after surgery. I actually completed my first marathon a year after open heart surgery. Sorry for any confusion.

http://podnutz.com/ppro235/

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When Christians Disagree About Politics

The past few years, we have seen how politics has divided America. All you have to do is tune into a talk show, watch the news or scroll through social media. Politics have sadly brought out the worst in some people. What is even more heartbreaking is how politics have divided some in the Church. A place where we should be united as become divided by today’s politics. So how can the Church work through this political division and be united? Here are a few thoughts.

Republicans and Democrats can be Christians. I have been amazed how some people question your faith based on your political  party. I personally do not belong to any political party. I gave up my party affiliation before the last election. It is okay for Christians to be involved in politics, but their political party cannot be more important than their relationship with God. When Christians become more concerned about who’s in the White House than who their neighbor is, that becomes a dangerous and slippery slope.

Arguing about your political beliefs does not make you a better Christian. That only means they enjoy arguing. We need to look past our political differences and love our neighbors the way God commands us. Even if they have a different political opinion.

Admit when your political party is wrong. Guess what?  Republicans and Democrats are not perfect. I know, your favorite political cable news show wants you to think they are, but their not. So do not be afraid to step up and admit when your favorite candidate  messes up.

Take time to talk. I encourage everyone to reach out to those with different political beliefs and talk. Not argue. Not debate. Just talk. I promise, you will walk away realizing you have more in common than you think.

Living out our faith. My heart has been broken hearing how the current political landscape has ended friendships. How politics have driven some people from the Church. I am not sure how we got to this point in American politics, but it truly saddens me. I have a lot of friends on both sides of the political aisle and I respect their right to vote for their candidate. Even if I disagree with that candidate. I have had some serious conversations with friends at church who vote and believe differently than I do. I do not pass judgement. We have respectful conversations. Because at the end of the day, I am more concerned about serving God and others, than I am about who wins an election.

As Christians, we should make the choice to rise above partisan politics. We can still have our opinions. We can still vote our conscience. But it is time we work together to unite this country. Our words and actions should model the teachings of God and not mock them. ~OC

 

 

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A Must Read

Good morning everyone. I encourage everyone to read this book. I have been praying for Mrs. Long’s story for years. Cyntoia does a beautiful job sharing her incredible story with the audience. Make sure you add it to your reading list. ~OC

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