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Category: FF Video Blog

Be Joyful Always?

Written by tmadmin on . Posted in FF Video Blog.

FinallyFree124 “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  Be joyful always?  Really?  This has been a tough week in so many different ways.  Every time I turn on the news I’m reminded of the lives and homes that were lost in OK.  So much devastation.  There are senseless killings here and abroad…..one person horrifically claiming “an eye for an eye” as a reason for brutally murdering an innocent man walking down the street in London.

Then there are things happening in our personal lives.  Really tough things.  A sweet friend of mine had been praying for a liver transplant for her mom and it looked like God was working to make that happen.  Tiny miracles were happening along the way and she and her mom were both clinging to that each day.  Over the weekend her mom suddenly took a turn for the worse and she passed away a few days ago before a liver became available.  Be joyful always?

Joy in the midst of the storm is only possible with Christ.  I don’t know any other way to say it.  Is it difficult to live above our circumstances at times, you better believe it is.  But it IS possible and I’ve got to choose to have enough faith to live that out in my own life.  The verse from 1 Thessalonians wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t possible.  God’s not a game player using us as His pawns for entertainment.  He wouldn’t tell us to live a certain way if it wasn’t attainable.

“Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  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.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

THIS IS NOT ALL THERE IS!  And I thank God for that!  It’s only when I keep my eyes fixed on Him that I have any chance at all of living above my momentary troubles still finding joy in life.

Today you may find yourself on a mountaintop or in the midst of a valley.  Either way, I would love to hear what is bringing you joy today?  Sometimes it’s good to just write it down as a reminder to ourselves.  You can comment below.

My Passions…..

Written by tmadmin on . Posted in FF Video Blog.

If you were to sit with those who know me best, I think they would tell you that I’m a pretty passionate person.  I feel VERY deeply about certain things.  If you were to sit across from me and start a conversation about one of my passions you would notice some things immediately.  The more passionate I am about the topic, the louder and faster I begin to talk.  My heart will start to beat more quickly and my eyes will get wider.  I’ve been told this by people who know about my passion “issue.”  J  I’ve been thinking about the things that get my “juices flowing” and I’ve formulated a list.  It’s not an all-inclusive list, but just a few of the things that come to mind immediately.  Some things on this list you might think are ridiculous, but I have some degree of passion about each of them.  It’s just who I am.

I’m passionate about:

  • My husband – BT is an amazing man and I’m overwhelmed by his love.
  • People being wronged or abused – Nothing gets my blood boiling faster or hurts me more deeply.  I wish I could stop it all from ever happening.
  • My dog – The Soph is a bundle of love.
  • My friends and family – God has given me some amazing people in my life and I’m so grateful.
  • Football – Both real and fantasy!
  • Politics – we may not see eye to eye politically, but we will definitely have an entertaining conversation about it!
  • Food – I love and appreciate a good meal.
  • Singing – I want people to feel what I’m feeling when I sing.
  • My Savior and the freedom and grace He so freely offers.
  • Helping others realize their God-ordained freedom.

The last two things on that list just completely consume me.  There is nothing I enjoy talking about more or feel more deeply about than God and the freedom He has available for everyone.  This past year I have been so blessed to be able to share that message with women all across the country.  Here’s a little glimpse of what a Finally Free Conference is like! For more information on bringing a Finally Free Women’s Conference to your church or gathering, visit the Tabor Ministries web site.