She Stands

Photo Credit: Joanna Kosihska Here it is post Valentine's Day and though I am not a huge fan of this particular holiday, I do find a tender sweetness of it's meaning. Sometimes being single has it's downfalls and holidays are a reminder that I am indeed single. Most of the time I am quite content where I am in my journey of singleness and then there are those times in between when I wonder if I will ever share my life again with a man. I do not ponder on that thought quite often as I know my daddy God has a plan and the right man for me.  This year Valentine's day was odd for me. I was not in a place of sadness nor did I feel sorry for myself. It was not a pity party holiday for me but yet I found myself wanting to hear I am loved. And I believe my daddy God wanted to show me as well. So yesterday as I read many beautiful post from what seemed like tons of flower pictures, and candy filled "I love yous", I secretly asked myself wh...

Photo Credit: Brigitte Thom       "Love doesn't hide, it stays and fights; it goes the distance. That's why God made love so strong, to carry us home."  - Touch By An Angel.   I heard that line a few years ago. It was a cold Thursday night and I was all bundled up on my couch having myself a "Touch By An Angel" marathon. I love that show; I love the message each episode brought. However that particular line has resonated with me for the last two years. While most see love as warm fuzzy feelings, pure happiness dripping in sugar and emotions that are in a constant euphoric state, the truth is love is a choice and once the newest wears off and reality sets in, many sadly choose to no longer love the one they proclaimed to go through life with. The happy happy, joy joy syndrome is now overshadowed with bills, running in different directions with kids, family crisis and daily life circumstances.Th...

 * Photo Credit *   There is a man that shows up every few weeks at my office. He walks in with eyes wide, fearful like, hands clasped together, clothes dirty and humbly says to me without fail ....  "Ma'm I haven't eaten in a few says can you help me?"   I look past his physical appearance and into his eyes and see his desperation. My heart breaks a thousand times over and I blink the tears back that form in my eyes as I hand him a few dollars. Some days I have none to give and I scramble to find him a snack from my bag.  And then without fail I hear the snide remarks made by others and see the shaking of their heads; I witness the lack of compassion . I continue to watch from the window and see him shuffle his feet across the street and walk into the store to perhaps buy him a sandwich or maybe just a small snack in which he can save the change for tomorrows meal.  I turn to go back to my desk, the sorrow I feel is great, and the...

*Photo Credit -Seth Doyle* What is seen through our individual lens may at times look different but yet are the same.  We are each a mom and a grandmother; a sister, a daughter and a friend; one is a wife and two are single. We are women who walk and have walked paths that are identical and some that parallel one another. Then there are the roads we have traveled that could not be more opposite if we tried. However the one common ground, the one perfect picture in each of our lens, the solid foundation of our lives, is Jesus. There was a time when we three lived, raised our children and worshipped together from our little homes on the prairie. And even though we are now stretched from Texas, Louisiana and Alabama, our geographic location has not become a factor in our bond.  Our personal lenses have expanded and our boulevards have changed directions, but our connection has been made stronger. We are there to encourage, laugh, share ...

      Over the last several years, the Lord has given me one word for the New Year. I keep each word tucked away as a reminder of each season I walk. This year I have waited for my word; the word from Him that will send me into the New Year with a new found hope and assurance. Up until 5 minutes ago, I had no word. As my fingers began to flow over my keyboard with the belief I had been given a scripture instead, my word, His word for me, rings in my spirit. "EXPECT" , He tells me.   Expect your hearts desires..... Expect my will to be done..... Expect the road your are walking will bring you to the place I have set aside for you.   This beautiful word now falls into place with the last two words given to me.  2015 I was to "believe His words over my life, 2016 came and I was instructed to "declare" His promises over me. 2017 I am to now "expect" all that has been told spoken to manifest in its fullness. Not only has He given m...

 I can relate to this picture in several ways. Holding to the things I love in life, at times, can be a downfall for me. I clutch to the small with the belief this is the best I can do. I put restrictions on my daddy God as I live my daily life in a complacent safe zone; a area where no growth is available and a season that has come to its end. The reality is I get comfortable and convince myself I am right where I need to be. And all the while He is telling me "Trust me. I have better."   The definition of trust . .... to depend on, believe, have faith, and assurance in. And yet I continue to cling to what I think is best. The truth, my truth, is the struggle I have been battling within myself and my reasoning behind it. Though I feel my reasons are warranted, my complacency however is not. The world will have me to believe what I am holding in my hands is it, all there is for me to receive in this life. That's the worlds version However Jesus gives me...

I am so excited to have Lyn Livingston guest post today. Her love for God and all his children is beautiful and her words of truth reflect her heart felt love. Please join me and welcome Lyn to She Stands. !! I know she will bless you as she has blessed me!! I felt my heart break in half. A wrenching tearing pain signifying a part of me was no longer there.  I felt hot tears burning my eyes and rolling down my cheek. How did this happen?  How could I have lost a friend just like that and not understand why? Laying the phone down, I held my face in shaking hands, crying out to God between sobs.  “Oh Father, Help me.” I cried. “Help me give grace & mercy, help me understand.  If I have done something wrong show me so I can ask for forgiveness.  Father I need you.” When rejection becomes personal it develops into a relentless searing sting unlike any other.  I will be honest, my first reaction was “What! How dare she? After all I did for he...