Wow, can you believe it's New Year's Eve,
and 2010 is considered history?

As we each consider the year's events, both positive and challenging, I encourage you to take a breath .... look back through the twists and turns, and identify ALL of God's blessings interwoven throughout. To some this may be an easy task and to others ... SELAH .... take that breath and look carefully ... as the blessings are indeed numerous ~ maybe smaller, but more significant or precious!

Personally, as we look back at 2010, several amazing miracles quickly come to mind. The most recent on December 14th, 2010 as we received a phone call ~ when in a blink of an eye, all the busyness of Christmas and the whirlwind of life responsibilities was brought into perspective. Our daughter-in-law was undergoing an emergency c-section and our grandson was arriving seven weeks early ~ butt first ~ no time/no options according to the doctor! As many of you may understand, this was one of those moments filled with exhilaration and fear all rolled up into one big emotion. As I excitedly, yet nervously hung up, I remember the first word out of my mouth ~ PRAY ~ for I believed only God could guard and protect them in the midst of their circumstances!

And though outwardly I was a ball of agitated excitement, I had a peace deep within me that 'all was well' ... as I believed and declared that this precious child's life would line up with all the promises in God's Word. And, I thank God for His faithfulness; that HE is always with us as we turn to Him: our comforter, counselor, and Sovereign God ~ bigger than any life event ~ a God who cares, loves, guards, heals and walks us through all that comes our way!!

Later that night, as I was introduced to our precious little Vincent David (whose name means Conquering; Beloved) ... and every day since then ... I have found myself in joyful tears, overwhelmed and in awe, as I considered how every detail of Vincent's existence was minutely detailed by God. And it reminded me of Psalm 139 ...

"O Lord, .... you know everything about me ...
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my
mother’s womb ...
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven
together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed."

To think about this child, like each of us, created by God, perfect in every way ... born exactly when we are to be born ... and every day of our life already recorded ~ for HE has great plans for each of us!

So, as we look ahead to 2011, may we look forward to the wonderful plans ~ plans for good and not for evil. As we seek the Lord with all of our heart, mind and soul ... and listen to HIS still small voice, may you experience the wonderment of God's promises ~ health, prosperity, wisdom, and love!

God's Love and Blessings,
Michelle Lord Samples, CCLC
From the Heart, Christian Life Coach/Mentor

Resources:

Psalm 91:14-16 " The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.” (NLT)

Romans 8:28 "We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. (Amplified)

Jeremiah 29:11-13 "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me." (Amplified)

Proverbs 8:17 "I love those who love me, and those who seek me early and diligently shall find me." (Amplified)

Deuteronomy 4:29 "But if from there you will seek (inquire for and require as necessity) the Lord your God, you will find Him if you [truly] seek Him with all your heart [and mind] and soul and life." (Amplified)

Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God!" (NLT)

Thanksgiving 2010

"Know that the LORD Himself is God;

It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; ....

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.

Give thanks to Him, bless His name.

For the LORD is good;

His lovingkindness is everlasting and

His faithfulness to all generations."

Psalm 100:3-5 (NASB)

I can't believe that it was back in August when I last wrote ... and it was about Gratitude! How appropriate to be reminded of that ~ three months later ~ Thanksgiving Day 2010! I pray your day is blessed abundantly ~ in all ways!

As I ponder about Thanksgiving ... I thank God that ...

• today is a new day ~ each day we can start fresh and anew because of Jesus and what HE did on the cross for each one of us;
• we are forgiven and loved ~ unconditionally;
• HE cares about every detail of our lives!
• we can come to Him with every single challenge, concern, worry and be thankful ... because HE says HE will be our protector, our guide, our comfort and our wisdom ~ as we look to Him and ask with an open and yielding heart;
• and .......
• I thank God for YOU!

Have a blessed Thanksgiving Day ~ giving God all of the glory for every blessing no matter how small or how big! No matter what you face, remember to look carefully ... for there are blessings all around you ~ a smile, a helping hand, a God that loves YOU!

God's love and blessings,
Michelle Lord Samples
From the Heart, Christian Life Coach and Mentor

**********************************************************************

Resources:

Psalm 103 "... O my soul, bless God, don't forget a single blessing! He forgives your sins—every one. He heals your diseases—every one. He redeems you from hell—saves your life! He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown. He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal. He renews your youth—you're always young in his presence. God makes everything come out right; he puts victims back on their feet...God is sheer mercy and grace; not easily angered, he's rich in love. He doesn't endlessly nag and scold, nor hold grudges forever. He doesn't treat us as our sins deserve, nor pay us back in full for our wrongs. As high as heaven is over the earth, so strong is his love to those who fear him. And as far as sunrise is from sunset, he has separated us from our sins...God's love, though, is ever and always, eternally present to all who fear him, making everything right for them and their children as they follow his Covenant ways and remember to do whatever he said..." (The Message)

1 Chronicles 16:34 "Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever." (NLT)

1 Chronicles 16:8-10 "Thank God! Call out His Name! Tell the whole world who He is and what He's done! Sing to Him! Play songs for Him! Broadcast all His wonders! Revel in His holy Name, God-seekers, be jubilant! Study God and His strength, seek His presence day and night; Remember all the wonders He performed, the miracles and judgments that came out of His mouth." (The Message)

Psalm 28:7 "The Lord is my Strength and my [impenetrable] Shield; my heart trusts in, relies on, and confidently leans on Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song will I praise Him" (Amplified)

Psalm 42:11 "Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again—my Savior and my God!" (NLT)

Psalm 54:6-7 "I will praise your name, O Lord, for it is good. For you have rescued me from my troubles and helped me to triumph over my enemies." (NLT)

Acts 16:24-26 "He, having received [so strict a] charge, put them into the inner prison (the dungeon) and fastened their feet in the stocks. But about midnight, as Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the [other] prisoners were listening to them, suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the very foundations of the prison were shaken; and at once all the doors were opened and everyone's shackles were unfastened..." (Amplified)

Colossians3:15-17 "Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way." (The Message)

Eternally GRATEFUL ....

Learning to be grateful proved challenging thirteen years ago when a friend suggested I begin "journaling five things ~ every day ~ for which I was grateful”! Can I just be honest … at that time in my life I could think of few positive/grateful things to write about! It seemed easier to share ALL of my challenges ~ in quite some detail ~ to anyone who would listen, instead of looking around me for something positive ~ something for which to be grateful! Admittedly, at the time I didn’t know how much Jesus loved me and how blessed I truly was despite my circumstances. And, little did I know how biblical my friend’s suggestion was “Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise!” (Psalm 95:2 amplified)

As I started believing God's promises, looking for HIS beauty around me ~ and less at my problems ~ I became grateful for the colors in the sky, a sun rise/sun set; the fragrance and color of flowers; the sound of birds chirping; wind blowing; and grateful to be able to take a deep breath of fresh air! Then, I realized how grateful I was for the roof over my head; a bed to sleep in; hot water in the shower and food to eat!! And, I began noticing a smile or a helpful hand. In reality, as I drew nearer to God, trusting HIM, my focus changed and I could recognize that HIS desires for me are for wholeness, peace, joy, and HE gave me HOPE again. And for that, I was GRATEFUL ~ as I noted them all in my journal.

And, as the years have past, I even became grateful for all that I learned through my bad choices/mistakes. I am grateful that God can use everything for good! My testimony of God’s goodness and faithfulness can help me connect in a very real way with others who are walking through challenges right now, giving them HOPE In Christ!

Yes, I am Grateful that ~
~ Jesus died on the cross for ME and YOU giving us eternal life;

~ HE taught me to forgive as HE forgives me;

~ HE taught me to love because HE first loved me;

~ HE teaches me to surrender ALL to HIM ~ every day;

~ God walks me through ALL things I face as I seek HIM;

~ HE promised me a future that is better, according to HIS plans and purpose;

~ His healing of my sorrow/grief can allow me to extend His love and HOPE to others ~ for HE is such a faithful and loving God!

I don’t know the challenges you face today! BUT, I know GOD knows every detail and will walk you through them as you ask HIM for HIS wisdom, HIS strength, HIS love, peace and joy! HE is with you, around you and for that you can be eternally GRATEFUL.

Michelle, From the Heart, http://fromtheheartlifecoach.com/

Resources:

Psalm 95:1-3 “O COME, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation! Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.” (amplified)
Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].” (amplified)

2 Corinthians 8:9 “For you are becoming progressively acquainted with and recognizing more strongly and clearly the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (His kindness, His gracious generosity, His undeserved favor and spiritual blessing), [in] that though He was [so very] rich, yet for your sakes He became [so very] poor, in order that by His poverty you might become enriched (abundantly supplied).” (amplified)

Isaiah 30:18 “And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]!” (amplified)

1 Corinthians 8:3 “But if one loves God truly [with affectionate reverence, prompt obedience, and grateful recognition of His blessing], he is known by God [recognized as worthy of His intimacy and love, and he is owned by Him].” (amplified)

Romans 5:1-6: “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.” (NLT)

1 John 4:19 “We love Him, because He first loved us.” (amplified)

Romans 15:13 “May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope.” (amplified)

HOPE ....

HOPE

Think about recent conversations with friends or family. If you listen carefully, you either hear people excitedly speaking of their dreams and visions (hopeful expectations) OR you hear that they have lost Hope in the midst of their life circumstances. Sadly, you can see in their body language and hear in their words the anticipation of worst-case scenarios, cynicism, resentment, anger, blame ~ hopelessness ~ an inability to see beyond their circumstances!

And in reality, losing Hope means they have lost faith. For Hebrews 11:1 says "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see." (NLT)

“What we hope for will actually happen.” So, what are we Hoping for – God’s promises or the worst case scenario of our battle? Ah, you say …. I’m believing God’s promises, BUT you don’t know what I am going through!*

Though friends and family may not completely understand, we must never forget that Jesus does! Remember, He lived here! He was tempted, misquoted, misunderstood, beaten/persecuted and died for you and me …. so that we would have life and have it more abundantly. He truly knows every aspect of the pain, disappointment and challenges you face for HE is the Powerful, Sovereign One who knew you before you were even created; who created you with great plans and purpose; the One who is always with you; …. Jesus the only Truth and Life.

Is your HOPE in Him and all that He did for you? Is God bigger than your mountain (circumstances)?

Psalm 62:5-6, 8 "My soul, wait only upon God and silently submit to Him; for my HOPE and expectation are from Him. He only is my Rock and my Salvation; He is my Defense and my Fortress, I shall not be moved." "Trust in, lean on, rely on, and have confidence in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is a refuge for us (a fortress and a high tower). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!" (Amplified)

Jesus says to you … here I am, take My hand and follow Me; draw near to Me and I will comfort you; give you wisdom; protect you … Here I am, just look to Me instead of your circumstances; allow Me to move your mountain of circumstances and burdens.

Hebrews 10:23 "Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise." (NLT)

God's love and blessings,

Resources:

John 10:10 “"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (NASB)

*James 1:5-8 “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.” (NLT)

Psalm 139:13-18

Psalm 91 “…If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says God, "I'll get you out of any trouble. I'll give you the best of care if you'll only get to know and trust me. Call me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times;” (The Message)

Isaiah 55:8-9 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. (Amplified)

John 14:6 “Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (NLT)

Psalm 121:1-2 “ I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains? No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains." (The Message)

Psalm 34:17-18 “The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. (NLT)

Romans 8:28 “We are assured and know that [ God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose...” (Amplified)

Psalm 130:5 "I wait for the Lord, I expectantly wait, and in His word do I hope." (Amplified)

Isaiah 26:4 "So trust in the Lord (commit yourself to Him, lean on Him, hope confidently in Him) forever; for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages]." (Amplified)

Hebrews 6:18 "So God has given us both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can take new courage, for we can hold on to his promise with confidence." (NLT)

Never abandoned ...

Have you ever felt troubled, crushed, perplexed … driven to despair? The apostle Paul surely felt that way as he fulfilled his calling to serve the Lord. He said in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NLT):

“We are pressed on every side by troubles,
but we are not crushed.
We are perplexed,
but not driven to despair.
We are hunted down,
but never abandoned by God.
We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.”

The key words are “but never abandoned by God.” No matter what you face or how you feel, I encourage you to remember ~ and believe ~ you are never abandoned by God.

But you may say, I don’t “feel” God’s presence; or where was God when ….? God promised us He would always be with us, BUT we are responsible to seek God, to allow Him into our lives and to follow His ways. So, I encourage you: seek God with all of your heart. Tell Him what's on your mind; Ask Him for help (His wisdom; His strength/courage, His understanding, etc.) You don’t need to be a theologian; your request for help does not have to be formal. It requires a humble heart and saying Lord, I’m here before you and I need you (Your Love, Your Wisdom, Your Guidance ...)! Praise God HE is always available, 24/7, no appointments required!

Jesus died on the cross so that we could come before God blameless ~ righteous (not seeing our sin/mistakes). So, go to HIM with all of your fears, concerns or questions. Be not troubled … HE will never abandon you for HE loves you ~ unconditionally ~ and HE cares because HE created you with wonderful plans and purpose!

Michelle Lord Samples

From the Heart, Christian Life Coach

Resources:

1 Chronicles 16:10-12a (NKJ) “Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the LORD! Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face evermore! Remember His marvelous works which He has done…”

Psalm 9:9-10 (NKJ) “The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 (NLT) “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.”

Psalm 119:2 (NKJ) “Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart!”

Matthew 11:28-30 The Message “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

1 Corintians 10:13 NLT “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure..”

Matthew 6:33 NLT “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."

Matthew 22:37-38 NLT "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment."

Hebrews 11:6 NLT “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him."

Life's Simple Truths ...

The word TRUST has been on my heart for months now. Yet, every time I sit down to write, I complicate it with too many details and too much depth. And then, in the midst of life's craziness, I once again witness ~ always with awe ~ how easy and completly fulfilling life is when I just TRUST God!

The simple truth is that ALL:

• wisdom (for every decision, large or small),
• peace (in all circumstances), and
• love (ability to love and be loved unconditionally) ...

come from one basic principle ~ total and complete TRUST in God through Jesus Christ.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5

Oh, we say we TRUST God ~ yet if we are completely honest ~ we rarely relinquish control of our feelings, thoughts or circumstances. Do we truly trust anyone besides ourselves?

So, I encourage you to renew your thinking. Every time you begin to think or feel anger, vengance, fear, confusion, loneliness or any other negative/destructive word ...

STOP

and remember these simple truths:

• God loves YOU ~ YOU are HIS Masterpiece;
• Jesus died on the cross for YOU ~ taking YOUR sorrow/grief; YOUR sickness/disease; YOUR sin!
• And because of this selfless act, you are saved/free, loved, never alone, wise and powerful ~ as you completely TRUST God.

So, I encourage you .... get to know God's character so you can truly TRUST Him

The Bible refers to God as the One in whom we Trust (Believe, Lean On, Rely On, have Confidence in) for HE is our strength; defender; deliverer; salvation; strong tower; rock/fortress; HE is filled with love, patience, kindness, longsuffering. He is mercyful toward us; and His grace is sufficient for us ~ always.

God gave us freewill and so HE waits upon us to invite HIM in to our circumstances and to TRUST HIM with all of our heart, mind and soul ... it's that simple ... just TRUST!

God's love and blessings,
Michelle
From the Heart

Resources:

Psalm 9:10 "And they who know Your name [who have experience and acquaintance with Your mercy] will lean on and confidently put their trust in You, for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You." (Amplified)

Psalm 62:8 "Trust in, lean on, rely on, and have confidence in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is a refuge for us (a fortress and a high tower). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!" (Amplified)

Isaiah 53:4-6 "Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down .... But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all." (NLT)

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 "Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." (NLT)

2 Corinthians 12:9 "But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!" (Amplified)