God-Sized Dreams

Have you ever felt a calling to do something, but had no idea how to start? Maybe it’s a God-sized dream that you’ve never mentioned to anyone because it feels so far out of reach.

That’s what a God-sized dream is…something we feel called to do, but it seems impossible. That’s because it is impossible…without God. But with God anything is possible!

“God never calls us to do something He has not equipped us to do.” –Micca Campbell, An Untroubled Heart

God will not put a dream in our heart and then say, “Now, go figure it out.” If He is calling us to do something, He’s already there preparing and equipping us. Even when we don’t know it!

That doesn’t mean everything we want to do is a dream from God. Satan can be crafty in making us think something is good, when in reality, it is not in our best interest.

So, how do we know?

I believe it starts with prayer and waiting for God’s direction. If a dream is from Him, He will be there to direct the way. It may seem impossible, but if it is of Him, He will open doors that we never imagined could be opened.

Stepping out into unfamiliar territory can be nerve-racking…and downright frightening. But God has made us a promise…we do not need to be afraid because He will be with us.

“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NLT)

Not only will He be with us; He goes before us! I don’t know about you, but that alone brings me comfort and encouragement. God may be leading me to do something completely outside of my comfort zone, but He doesn’t send me out on my own.

When God plants a dream in my heart, it is part of His plans. There may be a period of waiting, but it is not a time of doing nothing. It is a time of preparation. He’s preparing me for what is to come, and He’s preparing anyone else who may be touched by His plans.

And when it is time for me to act in His God-sized dream, He will let me know.

This week wraps up our online study of An Untroubled Heart by Micca Campbell with Chapter 12 “Living With Courage.” Whether you have joined me in the study or just visited my blog, I thank you for being here! What a blessing it is to share God’s Word together!

In Christ,
Laura

Linking up with my friends at On Your Heart Tuesday, Winsome Wednesday, Word Filled Wednesday, Women Living Well Wednesday, and Thought Provoking Thursday.

An Untroubled Heart Online Study - Week 12

Welcome and thanks for visiting!

It's hard to believe this week wraps up our study of An Untroubled Heart by Micca Campbell! I hope you've enjoyed the study as much as I have and feel it was worth your time.

The next study I'll be hosting here will be the book Do You Know Who I Am? And Other Brave Questions Women Ask by Angela Thomas, beginning on April 29. Click on the link for more information. If you'd like to join me in this study, please send me an email with your name, email address, city, and state.

Have a blessed week!

In Christ,

Laura 

Week 12 – Mar. 18-Mar. 24, 2012

Monday & Tuesday

• Read Chapter 12 “Living with Courage.” Underline or take notes on points you want to remember or go back to.

Tuesday/Wednesday

• Visit Laura’s blog at www.laurarath.blogspot.com for the weekly post, and leave a comment with your thoughts.

Wednesday & Thursday

• Reflect on, and answer, the Bible Study Questions at the end of the chapter. 

Friday

• Spend time in prayer and reflecting on the reading. What have you learned from this study?

Spiritual Nourishment

“Good morning, Lord! What are we doing today?”

Have you ever started your morning by talking to God before even getting out of bed?

I don’t do it every day, but I try to. I wonder what the day will entail and ask for what I think I’ll need during the day (guidance, patience, strength, etc.); and as I spend time with Him, I listen for anything He might want to share with me.

Sometimes this conversation before and while I get up is all I have time for in the morning. Other times, I know I need more. So, I grab my Bible and maybe a devotional book and find a place where I can spend one-on-one time with my Lord.

It’s not just in the morning when I need the peace and spiritual renewal He offers. It’s anytime—morning, noon, night…during and after a long day…when I’ve blown it again in some way…when I just can’t take anymore…and when I just want to cuddle up and spend time with Him.

God is our source of life filling us with peace, energy, strength, and so much more. What happens when we skip this time with Him? I find that I get irritable and restless. I worry more, lose my focus, and become stressed out easily.

When I’m separated from my source of life, I start to wither, much like a leaf that gets severed from the stem.

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. (John 15:4-6 NLT)

To receive spiritual nourishment, we must stay connected to God and spend time with Him. The more time we spend with God, the better we get to know Him personally. We grow to trust and depend on Him more, and through our relationship with Him we receive the nourishment only the Lord can provide.

Thank you for visiting today! If you’re participating in the online study of Micca’s Campbell’s An Untroubled Heart, we are in Chapter 11 “Practicing His Presence.”

In Christ,
Laura

Linking up with Winsome Wednesday, Women Living Well Wednesdays, On Your Heart Tuesdays, Grace Cafe, Word Filled Wednesday and Thought Provoking Thursday.

An Untroubled Heart Online Study - Week 11

Welcome! It's hard to believe we're nearing the end of our study of An Untroubled Heart. How is the study going for you? Is there a chapter that has really made an impact for you? If you are comfortable sharing, please leave a comment with your thoughts.

In Christ,
Laura

Week 11 – Mar. 11-Mar. 17, 2012

Monday & Tuesday

• Read the Chapter 11 “Practicing His Presence.” Underline or take notes on points you want to remember or go back to.

Tuesday/Wednesday

• Visit Laura’s blog at www.laurarath.blogspot.com for the weekly post, and leave a comment with your thoughts.

Wednesday & Thursday

• Reflect on, and answer, the Bible Study Questions at the end of the chapter. (Don’t worry if you don’t get to all of them.)

Friday

• Spend time in prayer and reflecting on this week’s reading. Friday can also be a catch-up day if needed.

God’s Unfailing Love

“His love is never changing. It doesn’t depend on what we do or don’t do. God’s love is constant, steady, and unconditional.” -Micca Campbell, An Untroubled Heart

Unfailing and unconditional love.

In our everyday life, it’s hard to imagine—a love that doesn’t depend on what we do, how we act, mistakes we’ve made…and yet, this is God’s love for us. No matter what we do or don’t do, God continues to love and care about us.

But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. (Psalm 86:15 NLT)

God’s love is unfailing, but that doesn’t mean He condones our sinful ways. There are consequences to our actions. The result of sin is separation from God. 

Have you ever had a disagreement or argument with someone and until everything was made right, it felt like there was a rift in the relationship?

That’s what I think of when I’m separated from God. He hasn’t turned away from me, but by following my own ways, I’ve distanced myself from Him. How do we get back to Him when we’ve strayed?

God, in His mercy and grace, will meet us where we are, but He loves us too much to leave us there. God reaches out His hand to take us with Him. Will you take hold of His outstretched hand?

Going with Him means turning away from sin and letting Him change our hearts. Trying to change ourselves won’t do it. But when we invite our Heavenly Father into our hearts, change begins.

The changes are not easy. In fact, at times they can be painful. Letting God change our hearts means letting go of our pride, selfishness, fears, anger, desires, greed, and much more. Dying to myself means I let it all go and let Him fill my heart with Him and His desires for me.

Letting go is unfamiliar territory. I don’t know how to act if I’m not acting out of emotions, anger, and feeling like I’m in control. But as God changes our hearts, He will be there to see us through it all. He promises to never leave us, and God never breaks His promises.

Thanks for visiting today! If you’re participating in the online study of Micca’s Campbell’s An Untroubled Heart, we are in Chapter 10 “The Love of a Father.”

Linking up this week with my friends at On Your Heart Tuesdays, Women Living Well Wednesdays, Winsome Wednesday, and Faith Barista.

In Christ,

Laura

An Untroubled Heart Online Study - Week 10

Have a great week!
Laura

Week 10 – Mar. 4-Mar. 10, 2012

Monday & Tuesday

• Read the Chapter 10 “The Love of a Father.” Underline or take notes on points you want to remember or go back to.

Tuesday/Wednesday

• Visit Laura’s blog at www.laurarath.blogspot.com for the weekly post, and leave a comment with your thoughts.

Wednesday & Thursday

·         Reflect on, and answer, the Bible Study Questions at the end of the chapter.

 

Friday

• Spend time in prayer and reflecting on this week’s reading. 

Fear of the Lord

Welcome! If you’re studying An Untroubled Heart by Micca Campbell with us, we’re in Chapter 9 this week, “The Right Kind of Fear.” This chapter had me looking for some clarity on the word “fear.” Here’s what I learned… 

When we think of fear, we usually think of the everyday common meaning of the word.

Fear – (v) to be afraid of something, (n) something that causes feelings of dread or apprehension; a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined. (Dictionary.com)

My NLT study Bible, as well as Dictionary.com have another definition.

Fear – profound reverence and awe of God. Synonyms: honor, respect, to stand in awe of.

When I think of fear being awe and respect for God, I get a clearer understanding of Scripture.

Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom.
All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom.
Praise him forever! (Psalm 111:10 NLT)

In this verse, fear of the Lord isn’t shaking in my boots fear, it’s sincere respect and honor for God and His Word. The more time I spend with God, the better I get to know Him, and the more understanding I receive of His Word.

Wisdom is more than just knowing facts or knowing what the Bible says. Wisdom is asking God for understanding, listening to the Holy Spirit’s leading, and making good decisions based on what we know to be true and the insight God gives us.

Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom.
All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom.

Now when I read this, I understand it differently.

Respect and honor for God our Father is the foundation for understanding and discerning Scripture. The more I grow to know Him, the more I desire to be obedient to Him, as He takes me deeper into His Word and guides me in wisdom.

What are your thoughts on fear, wisdom and obedience?

God Bless,

Laura
Linking up with On Your Heart Tuesdays, Women Living Well Wednesdays, and Winsome Wednesday.

An Untroubled Heart Online Study - Week 9

Have a great week!
Laura

Week 9 – Feb. 26-Mar. 3, 2012

Monday & Tuesday

• Read the Chapter 9 “The Right Kind of Fear.” Underline or take notes on points you want to remember or go back to.

 Tuesday/Wednesday

• Visit Laura’s blog at www.laurarath.blogspot.com for the weekly post, and leave a comment with your thoughts.

Wednesday & Thursday

• Reflect on, and answer, the Bible Study Questions at the end of the chapter. (These questions can help us go deeper into Scripture and the study, but please don’t get stressed out if you can’t, or don’t want to, answer them all.)

Friday

• Spend time in prayer and reflecting on this week’s reading. 

Lay Your Cares at the Foot of the Cross

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. (1 Peter 5:7 NLT)

Sounds easy, doesn’t it? I can hand off my worries and cares to God and let Him take them so I can go about other things.

So, why isn’t it that easy? Why do I find myself still worried and stressed out if all I have to do is give my cares to God?

I’ve found that giving my cares to God isn’t a one time act. If new fears and worries aren’t surrounding me, I’m trying to take back what I’ve already handed off.

An Untroubled Heart Online Study - Week 8

Have a great week!

Week 8 – Feb. 19-Feb. 25, 2012

Monday & Tuesday

• Read the Chapter 8 “Overcoming the Fear of the Unknown.” Underline or take notes on points you want to remember or go back to.

Tuesday/Wednesday

• Visit Laura’s blog at www.laurarath.blogspot.com for the weekly post, and leave a comment with your thoughts.

Wednesday & Thursday

·  Reflect on, and answer, the Bible Study Questions at the end of the chapter. (These questions can help us go deeper into Scripture and the study, but please don’t get stressed out if you can’t, or don’t want to, answer them all.)

Friday

·  Spend time in prayer and reflecting on this week’s reading. 

Fear of What Could Happen

Do you know anyone who always seems to be waiting for something bad to happen? Who lives in fear of the worst case scenario? Maybe this even describes you.

God never said our lives would be easy. Once sin entered the world, the stress-free, problem-free days without trials were over. In fact, Jesus said it bluntly.

Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. (John 16:33 NLT)

We each go through storms in life we wish we didn’t have to face, and each of us reacts and responds differently in the face of trouble.

Jesus told us what to expect (trials and sorrows), but He also told us where to find peace (in Him) and what He’s done (conquered the world.)

An Untroubled Heart Online Study Week 7

Have a great week!

In Christ,
Laura

Week 7 – Feb. 12-Feb. 18, 2012

Monday & Tuesday

• Read the Chapter 7 “What’s the Worst That Could Happen?” Underline or take notes on points you want to remember or go back to.

 Tuesday/Wednesday

• Visit Laura’s blog at www.laurarath.blogspot.com for the weekly post, and leave a comment with your thoughts.

Wednesday & Thursday

·  Reflect on, and answer, the Bible Study Questions at the end of the chapter. (These questions can help us go deeper into Scripture and the study, but please don’t get stressed out if you can’t, or don’t want to, answer them all.)

Friday

·  Spend time in prayer and reflecting on this week’s reading. 

I Choose to Trust God

Welcome and thanks for visiting! If you’re studying An Untroubled Heart by Micca Campbell, we’re in Chapter 6 “Learning to Trust Again” this week. I apologize for being late in getting my thoughts posted. Thanks for your patience!

“The choice is ours. We can focus on the worries, burdens, and fears of our limited experience and miss the joy that can be ours or, like Joseph, we can take the risk, venture out, and truly believe that God has a plan.” ~Micca Campbell, An Untroubled Heart

Which choice do you make?

I know which choice I want to make. I want to trust God so completely that I don’t worry about the day-to-day, and I don’t get down when life isn’t going smoothly.

An Untroubled Heart Online Study - Week 6

Welcome! If you're reading An Untroubled Heart by Micca Campbell with me, what do you think so far? Is there one point that stands out for you? Below is the suggested reading schedule for this week.

God Bless,
Laura

Week 6 – Feb. 5-Feb. 11, 2012

Monday & Tuesday

• Read the Chapter 6 “Learning to Trust Again.” Underline or take notes on points you want to remember or go back to.

Tuesday/Wednesday

• Visit Laura’s blog at www.laurarath.blogspot.com for the weekly post, and leave a comment with your thoughts.

Wednesday & Thursday

·  Reflect on, and answer, the Bible Study Questions at the end of the chapter. (These questions can help us go deeper into Scripture and the study, but please don’t get stressed out if you can’t, or don’t want to, answer them all.)

Friday
        ·  Spend time in prayer and reflecting on this week’s reading.

Scripture for Direction, Fear, Strength, and Comfort

Welcome and thanks for stopping by!

In Chapter 5 of An Untroubled Heart, author Micca Campbell mentions several Scripture verses she turns to for guidance and direction in different matters regarding her family and home.

I thought about the verses I often turn to for…

Direction

Commit everything you do to the LORD.
Trust him, and he will help you. ~Psalm 37:5 (NLT)

The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand. ~Psalm 37:23-24 (NLT)

Fear

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you. ~ Deuteronomy 31:8 (NLT)

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.  Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. ~ Isaiah 41:1 (NLT)

Strength

But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint. ~ Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. ~ Philippians 4:13 (NLT)

Comfort

When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you.
When you're in rough waters, you will not go down. When you're between a rock and a hard place, it won't be a dead end— ~ Isaiah 43:2 (The Message)

God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. ~ 2 Corinthians 1:3b-4a (NLT)

What verses do you turn to? Will you share one by leaving a comment?

In Christ,
Laura 


Linking up with Women Living Well Wednesdays and Word-Filled Wednesday.

An Untroubled Heart Online Study - Week 5

Have a great week!

Week 5 – Jan. 29-Feb. 4, 2012

Monday & Tuesday

• Read the Chapter 5 “Family Matters.” Underline or take notes on points you want to remember or go back to.

Tuesday

• Visit Laura’s blog at www.laurarath.blogspot.com for the weekly post, and leave a comment with your thoughts.

Wednesday & Thursday

• Reflect on, and answer, the Bible Study Questions at the end of the chapter. (These questions can help us go deeper into Scripture and the study, but please don’t get stressed out if you can’t, or don’t want to, answer them all.)

Friday

·    Spend time in prayer and reflecting on this week’s reading. Which Scripture verses do you rely on for guidance?

God’s Loving Character

Welcome! If you’re reading An Untroubled Heart by Micca Campbell with me, I’m in Chapter 4. If you’re not studying this book, please know that you are welcome to read any posts that interest you. And stay as long as you like!

Psalm 23 from the New King James Version (NKJV) is printed in Chapter 4 of An Untroubled Heart. I’m familiar with Psalm 23 so I didn’t notice what version it was quoted from; I was more focused on the points made in the chapter.

However, when I read Psalm 23 from my New Living Translation Bible, I immediately noticed the difference in how it reads. I’d like to share it with you…

Psalm 23 (New Living Translation)

The LORD is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.

He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.

Even when I walk 

through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me 

in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me 

all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the LORD
forever.

I don’t know about you, but I find these words give me comfort and a greater understanding of God’s character.

Allow me to pull out some of the parts that struck me…

He lets me rest; He leads me and renews my strength. He stays close beside me to protect and comfort me. He will pursue and stay with me forever.

So, I wonder, in God’s loving character, why would He leave anything in our lives to chance or coincidence? I don’t believe He does.

Over the past few years, I have stopped attributing anything to coincidence. I don’t believe things happen through luck or by coincidence. But what I do believe is that, from small insignificant things to life-changing events, God works things together for the good of those who love Him. (Romans 8:28)

God wants to be involved in every part of our lives. We shouldn’t feel like we cannot ask Him for His provision, or that we need to figure something out on our own. He wants us to turn to Him and let Him provide for us. God knows what we want and what we need, and He knows what is best for us.

This doesn’t mean life will always be bliss. Life this side of Heaven will never be without struggles and trials, but He will be there with us. God knows what we can handle on our own and how much more we can deal with through His love, strength, and guidance. No matter how dark the valley we must go through, we don’t need to go through it alone—for He gives us His Word that He will be close beside us, guiding us through each day.

In Christ,
Laura 


Linking up with: On Your Heart Tuesdays, Women Living Well Wednesdays, Grace Cafe, Word Filled Wednesday, Thought Provoking Thursday, Brag on God Friday, and Spiritual Sundays.

An Untroubled Heart Online Study - Week 4

Thanks for stopping by! Here is this week's reading schedule for our An Untroubled Heart (by Micca Campbell) online study. Whether you're reading the book or not, feel free to look around, read past posts, and come back any time! Have a great week!

In Christ,

Laura

Week 4 – Jan. 22-28, 2012

Monday & Tuesday

• Read the Chapter 4 “The Pressure’s On.” Underline or take notes on points you want to remember or go back to.

Tuesday/Wednesday

• Visit Laura’s blog at www.laurarath.blogspot.com for the weekly post, and leave a comment with your thoughts.

Wednesday & Thursday

·  Reflect on, and answer, the Bible Study Questions at the end of the chapter. (These questions can help us go deeper into Scripture and the study, but please don’t get stressed out if you can’t, or don’t want to, answer them all.)

Friday

·  Spend time in prayer and reflecting on this week’s reading. It’s also a good catch-up day if you’ve fallen behind.

Where Do You Put Your Faith?

“People say all the time, ‘Just believe. Just have faith.’ I want to ask, ‘Believe what? Have faith in what?’ Those are very important questions, because just believing is a faulty method for overcoming fear.” (Micca Campbell, An Untroubled Heart)

So…where do you put your faith?

Do you put your faith in yourself? Others? Fate? Luck? Or maybe a little of each for good measure? When we place our faith in any of these we set ourselves on unstable ground.

An Untroubled Heart Online Study - Week 3

Welcome and thanks for visiting today! If you're reading An Untroubled Heart by Micca Campbell with me, you'll find this week's reading schedule below. You may also be interested in reading a devotion by Micca at Proverbs 31 Ministries...Learning to Trust Again.