You are God's Masterpiece!

A New Beginning in 2012!

2012-01-03T17:57:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year to each and every reader!

I find each New Year to be an exhilarating time ~ a time to begin anew; to look forward with anticipation and excitement to all that we have not yet achieved! For, if we believe that God created each one of us with unique gifts and plans to be used for His glory, we can look forward with optimism and hope to fulfilling every Godly goal, hope and dream.

Oh, but some may say ... not me. This past year was the worst (economy, health, state of mind, loss of loved one, circumstances, etc.). How can I begin to think ahead with excitement? I'm too sick, too poor, too broken!

Oh, my friend, yes choose life* to its fullest ~ look forward with promise! You may choose to look back at everything you lost or that which went wrong. Or ...I encourage you ~ consider putting aside disappointments, mistakes, conflict, brokenness which keeps you defeated, and keep your eyes fixed forward*, on all that God has promised you ~ beginning with His open arms of love and His healing power for your heart, body and emotions! Seek out those who have experienced the power of God to remind you how God can move mountains* in your life!

Even with my own exuberance, I faced a three day challenge of excruciating pain right at the gate of 2012! BUT, for God who is ever faithful: who never leaves our side; who loves us with tenderness; and comforts; bringing people to pray, love and reinforce knowledge of God's power to heal as we rest in Him. I give God all the glory for walking me through this time and encouraging me not to lose site of all the excitement and hopes I have for 2012! And so I come along side you ~ no matter what you face ~ to encourage you!

Remember what the Lord says:

"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." Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

"... I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back." Philippians 3:14 (The Message)

"Jesus was matter-of-fact: "Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you... Mark 11:22 (The Message)

God's Love and Blessings,
Michelle Lord Samples
From the Heart, Christian Life Coach
www.fromtheheartlifecoach.com

* Resources:
"Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!" Deuteronomy 30:19 (NLT)

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith."
Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust." Proverbs 3:25-26 (The Message)
"The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd." Heb 11:1 (The Message)
"I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back." Philippians 3:13-14 (The Message)

"Jesus was matter-of-fact: "Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, 'Go jump in the lake'—no shuffling or shilly-shallying—and it's as good as done. That's why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you'll get God's everything. And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it's not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins." Mark 11:22-24 (The Message)

Unfailing Love

2011-12-18T08:49:00.001-05:00

"I have always been mindful of your unfailing love

and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.." Psalm 26:3

This past week, my x-father-in-law, Arthur W. Berry (PopPop) passed away at the age of 91. My son and I have wonderful memories of PopPop and we loved him dearly. As we began reminiscing about PopPop, I heard my son's observation ..."he loved us even when others didn't...!" We remembered that no matter what ~ successes or failures; right choices or wrong ~ PopPop loved and supported us. Yes, he may have questioned why we were doing what we were doing, but he loved us. What a precious gift and we will miss him.

In reality, that amazing love and support was only a glimpse of God's eternal and unconditional love toward us. Try for a moment to imagine, the immense depth, width, height and length of God's love. The God who knew us when we were created in our mother's womb; the God whose thoughts of us outnumber the grains of sand; the God who reaches us through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. Jesus, humbly born in a manger to bring us abundant life.

As we celebrate Christmas remember the King of Kings, born in a manger, for you and me! Born because of God's faithful and unending love toward us!

"For God so loved the world,

that He gave His only begotten Son,

that whoever believes in Him shall not perish,

but have eternal life." John 3:16

Resources:

"For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does." Psalm 33:4

"But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness." Psalm 86:15

"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1John 1:8

"When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen."

Fifty nine and counting!

2011-11-15T11:17:00.001-05:00

Today is my 59th birthday ~ wow, I can't believe it! And yet I feel like life is just beginning, Praise God!  I'm bursting with excitement, enthusiasm and passion for the gifts within me that God has planned and purposed in my life!

Yet, as I ponder upon all that lies ahead, I can't help but think about my dad who died at this same age of 59. Bertram Elwood Lord, a man I've learned to honor, admire and appreciate more and more as time has passed. He died when I was 23, lost and angry at the world! And though I know he is joyfully enjoying the Lord in heaven ~ I wish he could have seen me mature and find my peace and place with God; happily married; I wish he would have met his grandson and great-grandson, impacting their lives like only he could have! Oh, my dad would have loved and enjoyed Nathaniel and Vincent!!! He would have taught them all his handyman skills ~ done with honor, respect, Godliness and all the values that only a Navy man who lived a very hard life could.  He would have loved them with a pure and tender Godly heart!

But as I look back at my dad's life, I know that he instilled in me all that God placed in him.  Though I didn't understand my dad's strict ways, I now understand he only wanted the best for me ~ the life he didn't have.  He protected me, as I only learned of his difficult childhood after he passed. Testimony to the joy of the Lord, his strength. He loved God with every ounce of his body, mind and soul. He would do anything and everything he could for those in need. He showed me that a man could be tough, hard-working and yet tender hearted. I thank God today for my dad! And, I pray that as I move forward in this life, walking out all that God has planned and purposed in my life, I not only honor God, but I honor my dad for all he instilled in me. I thank God for my dad's tender heart.

So celebrate with me! Life is good because of Christ. No matter what is going on around us, we are loved unconditionally by a Loving Father God through Jesus! A God who knows every detail of our lives, both beginning and end. And HE has plans for us ~ plans for good!

Psalm 118:24, 28-29:

This is the day which the LORD has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it....
You are my God, and I give thanks to You;
You are my God, I extol You.
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;
For His loving kindness is everlasting. "

God's Love and Blessings,

Michelle Lord Samples

Psalm 139:13-18
"For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb.
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;

Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them.

How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand.
When I awake, I am still with You. "

Jeremiah 29:11 "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. NLT

Jump in His arms...Receive His love

2011-08-26T07:08:00.001-04:00

It is always so revitalizing/life-giving when we visit our 4 year old grand-daughter, and she gives us that unconditional welcome only a child can give.  When she first sees us, she runs toward us, calls out grampy/grammy, and then jumps up into our arms, giving us a great big hug. You can only image what an awesome feeling that is?! For a split second, you feel like the most important person to her and she's filling us with all of the love she has! We truly cherish those moments.

And I believe God is also waiting for us to run toward Him, jump in His arms and receive His love, as we tell Him how much we love Him too. Oh, some of you may say that's different ~ we can't 'hug God'; or run and jump in His arms.  Or, you may say that goes against religious protocol; or He's out there somewhere and we're here. Not true!!

The Word of God is filled with God's Love toward and for us!  His highest commandment is to Love ~ love God with all of your heart, mind and soul (Mark 12:30); love your neighbor as yourself. How do we love God ~ with unbelief or unworthiness? No, "EAGERLY PURSUE and seek to acquire [this] love [make it your aim, your great quest]" 1 Corinthians 14:1.

And, the Bible is filled with real life examples such as the story of the Prodigal son and how the dad ran to his long lost son who chose to come back home ~ that's an example of how much Jesus loves us and wants to run and greet us, as we run to Him.

God loves us so much HE gave us everything we need when He sent Jesus to the cross to take our sin, our sickness/disease, and our sorrow/grief! That may not seem real to you as you sit there lonely, anxious about decisions, etc. But, put down your cares for a moment, and in that child like manner think about the love of God toward you!!! He loves YOU!!! He loves you with an everlasting love; forgiveness; a new life every day, if you need it! He is your counselor/your wisdom, as you make a conscious choice to run toward Him ~ through prayer and reading His Words of life. With such love, wouldn't you want to run toward it! Wrap your arms around it; grab hold of it and never let go??? That's what God wants ~ for us to run to Him with open arms, open heart, open mind!! Receive His unconditional love today!

God's Love and Blessings,
Michelle Lord Samples
www.fromtheheartlifecoach.com

Resources:

Mark 12:30 "And you shall love the Lord your God out of and with your whole heart and out of and with all your soul (your life) and out of and with all your mind (with your faculty of thought and your moral understanding) and out of and with all your strength. This is the first and principal commandment."

Luke 15:18-24 "I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’ “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry."

God's Amazing Love

2011-08-14T15:36:00.003-04:00

We are blessed to have three grandchildren!!! Before our grandchildren, I didn't think we could love anyone more than we already love our family! No one could have told me beforehand how much more love could pour out of our hearts Today, our grandson turned eight months old! Born seven weeks early, he is a testimony of God's goodness!

And yet as I think of how much we truly/deeply love our family, that doesn't even begin to compare to how much God loves us. Think about it for a minute. If we, as flawed human beings can love from the depth of our hearts .... how much more the God of this universe, creator of mankind loves us!!!

God's love never fails;

God's love never gives up on us;

God's love never runs out!

I encourage you today, to allow God's unconditional love to fill and surround you right now ~ whatever you've been through/are going through ~ know that HE loves you completely and yearns for nothing more than your love in return!

God's Love and Blessings to All,

Michelle Lord Samples

www.fromtheheartlifecoach.com

Resources:

John 3:16 "For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."

Ephesians 1:4-5 "Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure."

Psalm 103: "...But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments..."

God's Loving Truth ....

2011-08-02T21:36:00.005-04:00

Whenever I face challenges, part of my prayer is asking God to reveal truth to me ~ especially that which I would prefer not seeing ~ so I can see truth and then grow/move forward In Christ. Let's take for example, the issue of Offense...

Have you ever felt offended? And of course the answer is yes, because in Luke 17:1 it says "It is impossible but that offences will come..." (KJV)

When someone hurts us ~ in word or deed, real or perceived ~ our flesh can easily take offense and feel quite justified in how we feel, or worse yet, react/respond. And if we're not careful, with offense can come long standing hurt, strongholds, a sense of betrayal, resentment, abandonment, and on and on the list goes. What offense just came to your mind ~ from today, a week ago, a month ago, years ago?

But, what do we do with that offense?

Jesus says, we are to forgive, as HE forgave us! In fact, Jesus says we are to forgive 7 x 70 times ... ouch! When Peter asked Jesus "How many times should I forgive someone who does something wrong to me? Is seven times enough?" Jesus answered: Not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!" (Matthew 18:21-22 CEV)

But how do we really forgive those who have hurt us?

We forgive those who have offended us by following the example Jesus gave us. Just envision Jesus, who was wrongly accused and hung on a cross ... What did He do? "And Jesus prayed, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do..." Luke 23:34.

You may say, well...that was Jesus. Yes, it was. But, as believers, we have His power, wisdom and strength to follow His example. By the grace of God, we forgive, because HE forgave us! We love, because HE first loved us! ... And then we ask and allow God to heal our wounds ~ as HE surrounds us with HIS unconditional and trustworthy Love and renews our mind with His Word.

And though we forgive, we must also assure that our hearts are pure and that our forgiveness is deep rooted, not simply intellectual. Thankfully, God knows our heart, and that is why we ask God to reveal truth. For truth be told, even though we believe we have forgiven, something or someone may trigger the hidden, unresolved hurt from a past offense and we realize ... we really haven't forgiven!

So, I encourage you to observe your reactions to offense ~ what comes out of your mouth/heart ~ and ask the Lord to show you, through His Word, how to let go/lay aside and truly, deeply forgive. Forgiveness is freedom for us! And, as my friend Jayne says: don't let offense rent space in your brain! Fill it instead with God's loving Words/Truth!

Resources:

I encourage you to read John Bevere's book, "The Bait of Satan - Living Free from the Deadly Trap of Offense" with it's devotional. It has a wealth of information on identifying the traps and the truth of God's Word.

Proverbs 18:19 "A brother offended is harder to be won over than a strong city, and [their] contentions separate them like the bars of a castle."

Matthew 24:10 "And then many will be offended and repelled and will begin to distrust and desert [Him Whom they ought to trust and obey] and will stumble and fall away and betray one another and pursue one another with hatred."

Matthew 5:44 "But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."

Luke 17:4 "And even if he sins against you seven times in a day,and turns to you seven times and says I repent (I am sorry), you must forgive him(give up resentment and consider the offense as recalled and annulled)."

Matthew 26:59, 63, 67 "Now the chief priests and the whole council (the Sanhedrin) sought to get false witnesses to testify against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death; ... But Jesus kept silent... Then they spat in His face and struck Him with their fists; and some slapped Him in the face"

Proverbs 4:18-27 (Amplified) "But the path of the [uncompromisingly] just and righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines more and more (brighter and clearer) until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day [to be prepared]. The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble. My son, attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings. Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of your heart. For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh. Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life. Put away from you false and dishonest speech, and willful and contrary talk put far from you. Let your eyes look right on [with fixed purpose], and let your gaze be straight before you. Consider well the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established and ordered aright. Turn not aside to the right hand or to the left; remove your foot from evil."

Take Courage ...

2011-02-05T09:57:00.013-05:00

Snow, snow and more snow .... anyone among you discouraged of traveling in, or shoveling snow and ice? Or maybe weary because of challenging life circumstances? Let me encourage you, as I was encouraged this morning when the Lord blessed me with a warm, brightly glowing sunrise!

"Great is the Lord and highly to be praised;

and His greatness is [so vast and deep as to be] unsearchable....

On the glorious splendor of Your majesty

and on Your wondrous works I will meditate."

Psalm 145:3,5 (Amplified)

And even though the beautiful orange glow of the sunrise, quickly turned to gray skies, with more snow and icy rain in the forecast, I could hear the Lord encourage me ... take courage ... meditate~remember His goodness. Jesus said:

"I have told you these things, so that in Me
you may have [perfect] peace and confidence.
In the world you have tribulation and
trials and distress and frustration;
but be of good cheer
[take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]!
For I have overcome the world.
[I have deprived it of power to harm you
and have conquered it for you.]"
John 16:33 (Amplified)

To "take" courage means we must take action. We must choose to receive and act. "Take courage" - receive HIS love, HIS power and HIS wisdom over and about your circumstances, receive HIS healing, HIS plans for good and not harm, and follow HIS lead/guidance. "Take courage" ~ be encouraged in your thoughts and your feelings while you meditate~remember God's Word and Promises. "Take ... courage."

"...be strong in the Lord
[be empowered through your union with Him];
draw your strength from Him
[that strength which His boundless might provides]."
Ephesians 6:10 (Amplified)

No matter what you face, whether small or large, remember how much God loves you ~ so much so that He sent His only begotten Son to the cross ~ for you! Receive HIM today ~ see His glorious sunrise in the midst of your life circumstance and TAKE COURAGE!

God's love and blessings to you and yours,
Michelle Lord Samples
From the Heart, Christian Life Coach/Mentor
http://www.fromtheheartlifecoach.com/

P.S. If you'd like to join me in a tele-conference Bible study "You ARE God's Masterpiece ~ Believe It," the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. EST, please contact me for specifics at coachmichelle@charter.net.

Resources:

Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong. Take courage. Don't be intimidated. Don't give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He's right there with you. He won't let you down; he won't leave you." (The Message)

Psalm 27:13-14 "[What, what would have become of me] had I not believed that I would see the Lord's goodness in the land of the living! Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord. (Amplified)

Psalm 31:24 "Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for and hope for and expect the Lord!" (Amplified)

Matthew 9:22 "Jesus turned around and, seeing her, He said, Take courage, daughter! Your faith has made you well. And at once the woman was restored to health." (Amplified)

Matthew 14:26 "And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified and said, It is a ghost! And they screamed out with fright. But instantly He spoke to them, saying, Take courage! I AM! Stop being afraid!" (Amplified)

2010-12-31T08:05:00.005-05:00

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

2010-11-24T05:59:00.007-05:00

"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 ....

2010-08-12T07:12:00.010-04:00

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 ....

2010-07-24T08:41:00.006-04:00

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 ...

2010-07-04T10:31:00.008-04:00

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 ...

2010-05-28T16:48:00.009-04:00

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)

God has every detail planned...

2009-12-30T12:52:00.008-05:00

During a recent visit to my mom in Belgium, we were privileged to experience God's love and power in such an amazing way! We were so honored to look back at the end of our trip and give God all of the glory for orchestrating connections and circumstances beyond our wildest imagination!

Jeremiah 29:11 says "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 2009 Jim and I experienced many blessings, but during our trip to Belgium we experienced one that surely boosted our faith and reminded us of His plans for good ~ to give a future and a hope. May I share briefly?

The orchestration began with the blessing from God ~ free lodging for a week on Cape Cod in July 2009. During this visit we asked God to show us where to go to church ~ and HE did ~ and that is where we met a Belgian man and his wife. Fast forward a few months as we were planning our trip to Belgium, and having kept in touch with this Belgian man through his pastor, we offered to visit his sister who still resides in Belgium (and before we left, he shared that his sister did not yet know the Lord and her health was failing). Truth be told, I initially became anxious because I needed to share God's love in French, and I'd never ministered in French before. So, we began praying asking the Lord to prepare hearts and to fill us with His Words, His Love, and His Will ~ while we stood on His promises and believed!

Once in Belgium we contacted the sister (Jeanine), made arrangements to visit and we continued seeking the Lord's counsel. As we arrived for our visit, we were greeted by her daughter (Nadine) and as I began speaking I sensed God's power and love, and the room appeared lit, though in reality the room was dark and sad. Saddened by a woman with ailing health who had lost her husband only a year before, but even more to our surprise her daughter, who cared for her day and night, who herself had lost a child when still a baby and her ill husband, after caring for him for 17 years! And this daughter all too aware that when her mom passed, she would be alone ~ no remaining family! But by the Grace of God, I was able to share the good news that God promises in Hebrews 13:5 "...I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down ( relax My hold on you)!" I was able to share the Love of God, His forgiveness and her hope ~ In Him.

We stayed an hour and as we left Nadine followed us to the car, walking through the snow ... not wanting us to leave because she too sensed the presence of God in that room. We were in awe of how God provided all of the words necessary, His love and peace. We left their home feeling so blessed and energized from our visit because of God's faithfulness. And God continued to bless us as we drove home in the snow ~ a trip that took us 30 minutes to come, turned into a three hour return trip! God IS faithful!

During our drive home I felt impressed that the sister/daughter needed to receive a Bible but we were returning to the US early the next morning. So, I made a few contacts in Belgium, and once back in the US, we found a pastor who lived near the sister and daughter who, unbeknown to us knew my mom when he was in seminary and also knew the Pastor of our own church back home.

Full circle we had gone. God connected the dots from our home church to Cape Cod to Belgium and back ... God knew all about this, made the connections and made the way. As we follow HIM, HE makes a way where there seems to be no way.

I encourage you in the Lord not to limit yourselves by what you know or see, because HE holds the whole earth in His mighty hand and HE can move mountains and divide the sea.

God's love and blessings,

Michelle Lord Samples, From the Heart, Christian Life Coach

http://www.fromtheheartlifecoach.com/

NOTE: A special thank you to Pastor and Mrs. John Hamel, The Gathering at Cape Cod for their faithful ministry and for connecting us and prayerfully supporting us in meeting Jeanine and Nadine.

Truth be told ....

2009-11-21T09:44:00.012-05:00

Why is my heart so sad?

I will put my hope in God!

I will praise him again

my Savior and my God!

Psalm 42:5

Recently, I was thinking how easy it is for us to give advice to others. Isn't it? We always have 'obvious' solutions and scriptures for their challenges. But, following our own advice to others for our own life challenges ~ well, that can be a different story. Truth be told, His Word works for us too!

If I may be transparent for a moment ... over the last few weeks while personally under attack, I thought about the scriptures and encouragement I would offer others if they came to me with similar concerns. And so I spoke God's Word over myself, but began to realize that my heart was not open ~ I wasn't receiving His encouragement, His love and His way through the challenges. And, as a result I suffered unnecessarily for a period of time, until I finally began believing His Word as truth, and speaking it with authority and power over my circumstances. I was saddened that I gave room to the attacks of the enemy, but grateful that God can use it as a way of pruning me, making me stronger In Him ~ and yet more humble and sensitive to the plight of others.

Reality is that every day, in every circumstance of life, we have a choice - free will. Scripture says we are to "resist" the devil. This means even when we don't "feel" like it, even when we feel we can rationalize or justify our thinking. And sadly we can spend a lot of effort/energy rationalizing why we have every right to feel what we are feeling. But, as we 'think' this way, we allow doubt, unforgiveness or a hardness of heart to begin taking place and we miss out on God's blessings, on His still small voice guiding us to HIS way of peace, liberty and amazing plans.

So, I encourage you "... humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you." James 4:7. "Resist" means WE must take action ~ use God's Word as our sword. Remembering His Word IS truth and we are overcomers In Christ. "Come close" is an action of humility. When we want to run away, we must choose to come close ~ other wise HE waits for us, never leaving or forsaking, but HE waits until we humble ourselves and choose life In Him instead of suffering.

I encourage you ~ no matter what you face ~ to Resist and Come Close if you feel challenged now ~ no matter how small or big the matter(s). God's Word/His promises are true! And, I encourage you to encourage others if you see them challenged. God's Word never returns void, so encourage them with God's truths. It just takes a few moments to love and encourage someone else IN Christ and that moment may be the Godly moment when Jesus, through that caring person, takes our hand and helps us walk through the struggle. Just this week, I was blessed by two sisters-in-Christ and I am very grateful for their Godly love and wisdom. And if truth be told, one asked me a question I frequently ask others ~ is my God too small for the challenge I face? Truth be told ... My God is bigger/all knowing and able to help me overcome anything I could ever face ~ when I allow Him to be Lord of my life! Is your God big enough? Are you willing to humble yourself? He is there, waiting just for you with open arms!

God's love and blessings,
Michelle

Resources:

Matthew 11:28-30 (AMP) "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good--not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne."

Psalm 55:20 (AMP) "Cast your burden on the Lord [releasing the weight of it] and He will sustain you; He will never allow the [consistently] righteous to be moved (made to slip, fall, or fail)."

1 Peter 5:5-11 (AMP) "Clothe (apron) yourselves, all of you, with humility [... with freedom from pride and arrogance] toward one another ..... Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you, casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour. Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset--rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined], knowing that the same (identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians) throughout the world."

Isaiah 55:11 (AMP) "So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."

Ephesians 6:10-13 (NLT) "A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. "

AMP (Amplified); NLT (New Living Translation)

Whose Path Are You Following?

2009-11-01T09:13:00.006-05:00

“Be strong.
Take courage.
Don’t be intimidated…
because God, your God,
is striding ahead of you.
He’s right there with you.
He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 (The Message)

We can all agree, life is full of ups and downs, good times and challenging times. How well we fare in the roller coaster of life depends on how much we remember ~ and then actually believe ~ that God is right there ... striding ahead and making a way! BUT, the big question is do we LET HIM 'stride' ahead.

I challenge you to think about your last day, or your last uphill battle in life, and ask yourself ALL of the following questions ...

did I seek God first in prayer ~ welcoming Him and yielding myself to Him?
did I listen to His still small voice inside of me ~ instead of my own logical thoughts and plans?
did I believe; and
did I follow His plan ~ His direction/path set before me?

I encourage you to remember that God is the Vine and we are the branches. We can only find life (our wisdom, direction and strength) in HIM, just as branches can only live and be fruitful when they are completely attached to the vine.

I encourage you to stay connected and allow Him to direct you ~ through prayer, through knowing His promises in the Word of God ~ welcoming His wisdom and standing strong on those promises (believing with all of your heart and mind). In doing so, your ups and downs will be less frequent and less painful as you allow Him to 'stride ahead of you.' "He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you."

God Loves YOU so much!

Michelle
http://www.fromtheheartlifecoach.com/

Resources:
John 15:5-8 (NIV) "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

Matthew 6:32 (Amplified) "But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides. "

Matthew 6:34 (The Message) "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes."

Psalms 25:4-5 (NAS) "Make me know Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day."

Psalms 119:105 (NIV) "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Proverbs 4:10-15 (The Message) "Dear friend, take my advice; it will add years to your life. I'm writing out clear directions to Wisdom Way, I'm drawing a map to Righteous Road. I don't want you ending up in blind alleys, or wasting time making wrong turns. Hold tight to good advice; don't relax your grip. Guard it well—your life is at stake! Don't take Wicked Bypass; don't so much as set foot on that road. Stay clear of it; give it a wide berth. Make a detour and be on your way. " [God's Way]

Victorious!

2009-04-28T06:26:00.013-04:00

Every coaching client has heard me say this, it's on my website, prior blogs and in my flyer ~ You ARE a Masterpiece, created, with divine plan and purpose! But, so many are challenged with that reality ~ and have trouble hanging on to how special and how powerful they are ~ in Christ.

The general response to "you are a Masterpiece" is the lowering of their head and a sigh ... or they say ohhhh, how sweet, as they squirm in place. And sadly I can tell they don't believe it, just as I didn't for many years!

That's why I'm so passionate about it now. I finally got it! When someone spent the time to show me God's Word and His Love - over and over again; and when I welcomed God's true, unconditional love, allowing it to sink in to my heart and soul ~ no longer just words ~ I began to feel energized, renewed and empowered! And, because I know how 'getting it' changed my life, it has become the platform for coaching others through life's challenges and circumstances.

Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) "For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." "...We are children of God. And if we are [His] children, then we are [His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ (Romans 8:16-17 (amplified). Man, we are royalty! We are precious to Him even if no one else on earth thinks so, because HE says we are!

So you say, well ... that's not how I feel; or that's not what I've been told. And, look at what happened to me in my life, look at how the economy is impacting me, the negativity and violence around me .... how can God be a good God, and think I'm so special with good things planned for me?

The Message version of 2 Corinthians 10:3 says "The world is unprincipled. It's dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn't fight fair." And John 10:10 warns us that the enemy (thief) comes to steal, kill and destroy. The enemy (thief) comes in many forms such as hurtful words spoken or actions in our life time through family, co-workers, and circumstances that have attempted to diminish who we are and squelch our dreams, hopes and aspirations, etc. But there is HOPE and there is a future ~ even in this economy or environment! The Bible says we WIN.

Why, because the Bible says we are victorious and overcomers! John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]" IF we keep our eyes focused on our power source ~ God, creator of the universe and of the uniquely beautiful and talented YOU.

So, what will you choose? Defeat .... or are you willing to consider yourself an overcomer IN Christ ~ HIS MASTERPIECE. You have heard it said before, our state of mind will strongly impact our outcome. State of mind, empowered by Christ who overcame the world, gives us unbelievable strength, wisdom, discernment, love, and an unending support system to face our day to day and to overcome victoriously!

My passion grows stronger each day to encourage those who feel powerless, disillusioned, fearful, empty, and hopeless to really believe what God says of them one step at a time, one situation at a time ~ IF you're willing to make changes and move forward, believing God's Words as truth!

Be blessed and not moved by what is going on around you! You are His Masterpiece and HE has great plans for YOU ~ even in this economy!

Michelle Lord Samples
From the Heart, Christian Life Coach
http://www.fromtheheartlifecoach.com/

Resources:

Isaiah 41:10-13 "Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice. Behold, all they who are enraged and inflamed against you shall be put to shame and confounded; they who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish. You shall seek those who contend with you but shall not find them; they who war against you shall be as nothing, as nothing at all. For I the Lord your God hold your right hand; I am the Lord, Who says to you, Fear not; I will help you!"

As we keep our eyes focused on Jesus and keep His commands, 1 John 5:4-5 says "For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith. Who is it that is victorious over [that conquers] the world but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on that fact]?"

Revelation 3:20-22 "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears and listens to and heeds My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he [will eat] with Me. He who overcomes (is victorious), I will grant him to sit beside Me on My throne, as I Myself overcame (was victorious) and sat down beside My Father on His throne. He who is able to hear, let him listen to and heed what the [Holy] Spirit says to the assemblies (churches)."

John 1o:7-11 "So Jesus said again, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that I Myself am the Door for the sheep. All others who came [as such] before Me are thieves and robbers, but the [true] sheep did not listen to and obey them. I am the Door; anyone who enters in through Me will be saved (will live). He will come in and he will go out [freely], and will find pasture. The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd risks and lays down His [own] life for the sheep."

Hope ...

2009-02-23T14:00:00.002-05:00

This morning in New England the sun is shining, the birds are chirping and it's above freezing! This stirs Hope within!!! Hope that Spring is just before us - grass will turn green, flowers will bloom full of color and a fresh, new season begins!

But for many, hope for tomorrow is overshadowed by a season of great change in our world. A season that may be personally impacting you or those around you. Can you see Hope through the chaos, or have you allowed fear, anxiety, anger and/or confusion to eclipse your Hope?

What is your Hope in today?

Psalm 62:5-8 (NLT) "Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my Hope is in Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. Interlude"

May I encourage you as believers in Jesus Christ:

1. to remember who you are IN CHRIST. You are the child of God (Romans 8:17), the heir and partaker of promises (Ephesians 3:6), complete and lacking for nothing (Colossians 2:9-10). You are a Masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)!

2. to keep your eyes fixed upon Jesus (remember when Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he walked on water; when he looked away, he began drowning [Matthew 14:27-30])! And, He has promised us that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

3. to bring your very real fears/concerns to HIM in prayer ~ be specific ~ and ask HIM for wisdom, discernment, and truth; and believe without doubt that HE will guide you, show you the way to provision and walk you through this season as He has for generations past.

4. to trust/believe in your anchor through God's Word, the Bible. Remember your favorite scriptures that lift you up and give you wisdom/guidance and Hope. And, if you need help, you can always go to http://www.biblegateway.com/ and select keyword search. For example, HOPE is found in 195 scriptures in the Amplified version of the Bible.

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

John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]

And, if I may be of help as you face life transitions/decisions, confusion/fear/anxiety ~ by breaking your challenges into manageable steps with accountability, encouragement and God's Word, please contact me at michelle@fromtheheartlifecoach.com.

God's love and blessings,

Michelle Lord Samples
From the Heart, Christian Life Coach
http://www.fromtheheartlifecoach.com/

Resources:

Romans 5:1-2 "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."

Hebrews 6:18-19 "So God has given 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 have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary."

Hebrews 11:1 "Faith is the confidence that what we Hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see."

Ephesians 1: (The Message) I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength!

Ephesians 3:6 "And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus."

Romans 8:31-39 "So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn't gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God's chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture .... I'm absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us."

2 Peter 1: 2-5 "May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires."

Romans 12:11-12 (NTL) Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying."

2 Corinthians 1:9-11 (The Message) "And he ... rescued us from certain doom. And he'll do it again, rescuing us as many times as we need rescuing. You and your prayers are part of the rescue operation—I don't want you in the dark about that either. I can see your faces even now, lifted in praise for God's deliverance of us, a rescue in which your prayers played such a crucial part."

Psalm 27:14 "Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord."

I also encourage you to read about your blessings in Deuteronomy 28:1-14.

Who are you?

2009-01-26T04:08:00.000-05:00

When someone asks who we are, what is the first thing that comes to mind? What just came to your mind ~ Who Are You?

Is your identity ~ who you are ~ defined by:

* Being someone's spouse, parent, child or friend?
* The title of your job or career path?
* What you've been dreaming you will be?

And, what happens when that identity is shaken? What happens when a spouse or child dies; a career, in which you took much pride, is eliminated/down sized or it's time for retirement; or when dreams are shattered? What is your anchor - who are you?

Or are you seen by others ... or yourself ... as the sum of life's mistake(s)? Is that who you are?

The Word of God says that in Christ, you are a child of God and you are His Masterpiece, created with plan and purpose! Always and unwavering ~ not impacted by the circumstances around you nor your history ~ for you are the child of God!

But, you were also created with free will! So, I pray you know that your anchor is in Christ. You are a new creation, forgiven, and righteous in the eyes of God! Whether in the midst of success or the ups and downs of life, in Christ, know that you are chosen, accepted, blessed and an heir to his promises. You are complete and lack for nothing! You are unconditionally loved and perfected ~ in Jesus!

God's love and blessings to you,
Michelle http://www.fromtheheartlifecoach.com/

Resources:

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God through faith (Galatians 3:26)

In Christ I am....

1. God's Masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10) For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

2. a new man (2 Corinthians 5:17) Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

3. forgiven (Ephesians 1:7) In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.

4. righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21) For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.

5. chosen (Ephesians 1:4) According as he hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.

Forgiven, healed and redeemed: (Psalm 103:2-4) Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits--Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and corruption, Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy."

New Beginnings...

2008-12-30T14:11:00.000-05:00

January 2009 - a time of new beginnings!

I remember in January 2008, I considered 'New Beginnings' as the name of my new coaching practice. It seemed to make sense, since January is a popular time for people to envision new goals, revamp older ones and believe with renewed anticipation for a brighter, more successful year than the last.

As I reminisce I realize the wonder of this first year. As I sought the Lord for direction/guidance, He gave me a different name, From the Heart Christian Life Coach, a more fitting name for He knew what He had planned for me. He taught me many lessons this year, and showed me His miraculous power as He worked through me and I was blessed to see lives changed, one heart at a time!

So now as we look forward to 2009, I can’t help but ask (it’s the coach in me :-)

Have you thought about your successes in 2008? Why not list them and thank God for them!
What are your goals/visions for 2009?
What changes would you like to make spiritually, personally and/or professionally?
What assurances do you have for success in these areas?

My testimony is that when we yield/surrender to God ~ our thoughts and plans ~ before making decisions and setting the course ~ God is faithful and we are successful and blessed beyond belief! And, since God created us all uniquely with plan and purpose, I encourage you to yield/surrender yourself by asking HIM to show you HIS vision for you this year! Remember, you are His Masterpiece!

If He has already given you a vision, ask Him to show you the steps to be taken this year before moving one foot forward. He will help you identify and realize your goal(s) beyond your wildest expectations. The Bible says His ways are higher than ours. So, I encourage you to seek God .... tell Him the desires of your heart [yes, He knows them already, but share them with Him anyway] ~ He longs for relationship with you.

And as you seek Him, remember to Listen to His still small voice, as He shares His wisdom and direction for you. Write them down and pray over them every day. Ask God to make a way where there seems to be no way. If God placed a desire in your heart, you can expect with excitement a wondrous outcome! New beginnings with God as your pilot.

And if you need someone to prayerfully help you put order to the goals/visions and steps, please consider From the Heart, Christian Life Coach.

May you expect with childlike anticipation God's bountiful blessings each and every day as you look to Him. God's love to you and yours,

Michelle Lord Samples
From the Heart, Christian Life Coach
http://www.fromtheheartlifecoach.com/

Scripture resources:

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.”

Isaiah 55:8-9 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."

Jeremiah 33:2-3 “This is what the Lord says—the Lord who made the earth, who formed and established it, whose name is the Lord: Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come."

Psalm 37:4-5 "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you."

Psalm 139:15-16 "My frame was not hidden from You when I was being formed in secret [and] intricately and curiously wrought [as if embroidered with various colors] in the depths of the earth [a region of darkness and mystery]. Your eyes saw my unformed substance, and in Your book all the days [of my life] were written before ever they took shape, when as yet there was none of them."

Psalm 18:30-31 "God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock?"

Proverbs 16:9 “A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure."

Proverbs 19:21 "Many plans are in a man's mind, but it is the Lord's purpose for him that will stand."

Romans 12:2 "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."

Luke 9:35 "Then there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is My Son, My Chosen One or My Beloved; listen to and yield to and obey Him!"

Proverbs 16:3 "Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.

From the heart....

2008-12-19T05:22:00.000-05:00

What a year ~ what a month! We hear about and feel the effect of the economy's ups and downs, weather changes/disasters and scandals. We may think about our own personal struggles or losses this year.... and then, oh yes, it's Christmas time.... could life be any more stressful?

But in the midst of all that, I encourage you to take a moment.... take a l..o..n..g, deep breath.... be still.... and think back on all the blessings of this year! Oh, yes, dig deep for no matter how devastating this year may have felt to you personally, there are many positive, precious moments interweaving through each day ~ miracles in fact! Remember a smile, a hug, a helping hand, encouragement, a friend, answered prayers, breakthrough, healing ... lift your head and look around you ... there are many blessings. Recapture those moments in the midst of today's chaos. In fact, write them down.... savor and appreciate them for they are priceless gifts!

And oh yes, Christmas ~ December 25th, a date that represents and celebrates the birth of Jesus. "And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 "For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord!" Luke 2:11 The ultimate gift from God to you!

So, from my heart to yours, Merry Christmas!
I thank God for YOU and for every blessing ~ every precious moment ~ a gift from Him. I pray you sense God’s real and unconditional love for you today and always (refer to last month's blog). No greater gift than His love ~ every moment of every day!

From the Heart, Christian Life Coach
http://www.fromtheheartlifecoach.com/

Love ... what does it really mean?

2008-11-27T19:36:00.000-05:00

My husband and I recently took a course on Love. After finishing the course we realized how little we knew about/understood God's Love and acknowledged that we would never be the same as we ask God to help us love, as HE loves us.

As part of our homework, we were asked to read the scriptures and explanations below - everyday - so that little by little we would recognize when we were not operating in Love!
Wow! I encourage you to read this well known scripture with fresh eyes as we all learn to give the gift of Love ~ this season and always!

1 Corinthians 13:4-8, 13 (Amplified):

Love endures long and is patient and kind; Love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily.

It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].

It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail.

Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].

Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. As for prophecy (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), it will be fulfilled and pass away; as for tongues, they will be destroyed and cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away [it will lose its value and be superseded by truth].

And so faith, hope, love abide [faith--conviction and belief respecting man's relation to God and divine things; hope--joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation; Love--true affection for God and man, growing out of God's love for and in us], these three; but the greatest of these is Love.

Love suffers long: I have patience with imperfect people.

Love is kind: I am active in doing good.

Love does not envy: Since I am non-possessive and non-competitive, I actually want other people to get ahead hence I do not parade myself.

Love is not puffed up: I do not treat others arrogantly; I do not behave rudely, but I display good manners and courtesy.

Love does not seek its own: I do not insist on my own rights and demand precedence; rather I am UNselfish.

Love is not provoked: I am not irritable or touchy, rough or hostile, but am graceful under pressure.

Love thinks no evil: I do not keep an account of wrongs done to me; instead, I erase resentments.

Love does not rejoice in iniquity: I do not find satisfaction in the shortcomings of others and I do not spread an evil report, rather I rejoice in the truth, aggressively advertising the good.

Love bears all things: I defend and hold other people up.

Love believes the best about others: I credit them with good intentions, and am not suspicious.

Love hopes all things: I never give up on people, but I affirm their future.

Love endures all things: I persevere and remain loyal to the end.

Love, Gods love in me, Never Fails!

Thank you, Victory Bible Training for opening our eyes!

Michelle Lord Samples
From the Heart, Christian Life Coach
www.fromtheheartlifecoach.com

Love ...

2008-09-26T17:41:00.000-04:00

Jesus said, “The most important commandment is this: ... you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. The second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:29-31 NLT)

How do we love our neighbor as ourselves when someone has seriously offended us, or deeply pained us in a life changing way? The answer is Forgiveness!

I believe forgiving and loving go hand-in-hand, and are a process only possible with God’s help ~ because of His profound, unconditional love for us. But, how?

* Take inventory: Ask God to show us areas where unforgiveness rules.
* Ask, and receive God’s forgiveness of our own sins, mistakes and blunders.
* Know that we have God’s strength, wisdom and ultimate love which enables us to forgive others.
* Pray blessings for those who have hurt us ~ with a sincere heart.
* Love our neighbor as ourselves, because we can love as God loves us!

Unforgiveness is often time the root of anger, defensiveness, cynicism, isolation, inability to trust, addiction, or illness. I pray that with God's strength, wisdom and love, you will release the poison that hurts YOU, allowing love, peace and forgiveness to fill you!

Remember what Christ went through – mockery, torture, death. Scripture says that when he went to the cross HE bore our grief, weakness, sorrow, sin, and disease so that we would suffer no more. Can we dismiss His ultimate sacrifice for us and defy the principal commands because we believe our offense/pain is far worse than anything Jesus went through. Ponder upon the unconditional love God has for us through His Son and ask Him to give you the grace to forgive those who have hurt you and allow the love of Jesus to heal your broken heart and make you whole ~ complete freedom, able to be loved and to love!

Michelle Lord Samples
Certified Christian Life Coach
www.fromtheheartlifecoach.com

Resources:

He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! 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. Isaiah 53:2-6 (NLT)

Just think of Him Who endured from sinners such grievous opposition and bitter hostility against Himself [consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you may not grow weary or exhausted, losing heart and relaxing and fainting in your minds. You have not yet struggled and fought agonizingly against sin, nor have you yet resisted and withstood to the point of pouring out your [own] blood. Hebrews 12:3-4 (Amplified)

"Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor. Matthew 7:1-5 (The Message)

"bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. (Colossians 3:13 NKJV)

And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings and shortcomings and let them drop. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your failings and shortcomings. Mark 11:25-26 (Amplified)

Part of Lord’s prayer: “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven (left, remitted, and let go of the debts, and have given up resentment against) our debtors…For if you forgive people their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses. Matthew 6:12,14-15 (Amplified)

My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.
God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Ephesians 3:14-20 (The Message)

And what are the characteristics of that love – God’s love? In 1 Corinthians 13 it shares "Love never gives up; cares more for others than for self; doesn't want what it doesn't have; doesn't strut; doesn't have a swelled head; doesn't force itself on others; isn't always "me first;" doesn't fly off the handle; doesn't keep score of the sins of others; doesn't revel when others grovel; takes pleasure in the flowering of truth; puts up with anything; trusts God always; always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end.” …”Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.”

Uncompromising Faith

2008-08-07T07:37:00.000-04:00

Ben, a young man in Belgium and whom I never met, went home to His Maker this past week after fighting a heroic battle of lung cancer for the past two years. Too common an event, so why am I writing about it when possibly some of you or your friends may also be facing a similar challenge? Because this young man taught me about uncompromising faith and hope and I want to encourage you! He exhibited a faith in God so powerful that it penetrated beyond his immediate circle of friends and family; beyond his country, beyond our casual understanding of what FAITH in God really means.

He remained strong throughout his journey, he was a light on to the world as it says in Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven."

When the doctor's needed to tell him there was nothing more they could do, they wrote the word God in the middle of a piece of paper. They had learned about and seen his faith in action.

When I spoke to Ben's friend while visiting Belgium in April, a young man who didn't understand Ben's Faith in God, he simply shook his head when I asked him how Ben was doing. He said WOW, he never loses hope - how does he do it?

He did it because he kept his faith! He was not moved by what he saw or felt, like it says in Psalms 62:6-8 "He [God] only is my Rock and my Salvation; He is my Defense and my Fortress, I shall not be moved. With God rests my salvation and my glory; He is my Rock of unyielding strength and impenetrable hardness, and my refuge is in God! 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]!"

His faith did not waiver. He kept up his hope, his humor, and his strength in God until he was, as his Pastor said "for a short while - no more on this earth." But, instead he is at peace, free of pain and struggle until we meet him again ~ for eternity!

This same lesson has been passed on to me by another friend. Jan, yes older than Ben, but twice healed of cancer in her life. As she lives through her third attack of cancer, she recently said to me: "God continues His miracle of allowing me to live despite the cancer, which scientifically should have killed me at least 3 years ago." She faces cancer with a smile on her face and says to me "what do I have to lose? Either I am healed once again, or I go home and face eternity, pain free with God." She has uncompromising Faith in God and what a blessing she is!

So I share these lessons of uncompromising Faith. And as we face our struggles, what does our faith look like to to us and to the world?

Be strong in the Lord and be blessed,

Michelle Lord Samples
Certified Christian Life Coach
http://www.fromtheheartlifecoach.com/

Resources:

Matthew 17:20 (NLT) “You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible."

Mark 5:34 (AMP) "And He said to her, Daughter, your faith (your trust and confidence in Me, springing from faith in God) has restored you to health. Go in (into) peace and be continually healed and freed from your [ distressing bodily] disease."

John 6:47 (AMP) "I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, he who believes in Me [who adheres to, trusts in, relies on, and has faith in Me] has (now possesses) eternal life."

John 20:29 (AMP) "Jesus said to him, Because you have seen Me, Thomas, do you now believe (trust, have faith)? Blessed and happy and to be envied are those who have never seen Me and yet have believed and adhered to and trusted and relied on Me."

Romans 5:1-3 (NLT) "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."

Romans 10:17 (AMP) "So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the preaching [of the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself)."

Romans 15:13 (AMP) "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."

2 Corinthians 5:6-8 (NLT) "So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. For we live by [faith] believing and not by seeing. Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. "

Hebrews 11:1 (AMP) "NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]."

IF ...

2008-07-23T07:06:00.000-04:00

IF, such a small word, yet so powerful. We day dream and say, IF I had a million dollars, I would ...... Day dreams of things hoped for. Yet, the Bible shares our true rewards IF we only obey His Word. Did you know that IF appears 1,583 times in the Bible according to Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, several of which show us the path to God's rewards, IF...

As we consider our daily walk with God, I encourage you to pay attention to IF in God's Word and believe His promises which are not things hoped for, but His assurances!

Romans 10:9 "IF you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."

John 14:23 "Jesus answered, IF a person [really] loves Me, he will keep My word [obey My teaching]; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home (abode, special dwelling place) with him."

Romans 8:31 "What then shall we say to [all] this? IF God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, IF God is on our side?]"

Matthew 21:21 "And Jesus answered them, Truly I say to you, IF you have faith (a firm relying trust) and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even IF you say to this mountain, be taken up and cast into the sea, it will be done."

John 11:21-22, "Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, IF only you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.”..."Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory IF you believe?”

Hebrews 3: 12, 14 "Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God... For IF we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.”

Matt 6:30-31,34 "But IF God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and green and tomorrow is tossed into the furnace, will He not much more surely clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry and be anxious, ..."But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides."

Rev. 3:20 "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; IF anyone hears and listens to and heeds My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he [will eat] with Me." (Relationship with God!)

Be blessed and if you need encouragement, please contact me!

Michelle Lord Samples
From the Heart, Christian Life Coach
www.fromtheheartlifecoach.com
508-459-2731

John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]"

Testimonies of God's Miracles

2008-07-22T09:40:00.000-04:00

Does anyone need encouragement? Well, I asked for testimonies last time and here are a few to lift you up and remind you how faithful our God is as we seek Him and obey His commands.

Janie wrote, "I had a lump in my breast. The doctor told me that it did not look good, so I was scheduled for a mammogram and was to see a surgeon directly after. I went for the mammogram then they sent me for an ultrasound. Before I saw the doctor, my friend Lucy prayed for me. Then Joe and Marilyn prayed with me over the phone. That morning in the shower I felt to see if the lump was there and it was. All morning the 'eleventh hour' kept going through my mind. As I was still on the table waiting for the results of the test, fear came upon me. Then I thought of the prayers and the Goodness of God. I knew if I did have cancer it would be OK because I knew Jesus would heal me and still get the glory no matter what the results were. After what seemed like hours, the nurse came in the room. She said we don't know what your doctor was feeling, but we can't find anything there. Praise the Lord! When I got home I had to check myself and it was completely gone. Isn't God Wonderful. All we need is the faith of the mustard seed. Again thank God for His Goodness and Mercy that He shows up even at the eleventh hour!"

Michelle wrote: "My husband and I have experienced many miracles, small and large, since God called me out of full-time work and we agreed to step out in faith two years ago. Admittedly, the financial challenges sometimes feel overwhelming. But God, in His infinite glory keeps providing even though my husband, a CPA, said we should not have made it past six months! To keep track of the miracles, my husband started a spreadsheet titled "Favor of God." On it he lists all of the unexpected work that comes to him ~ miracles from God. And, we will never forget the day that upon coming home, we found an envelope in our doorway. When my husband opened it he found cash ~ $1,000 to be exact! My husband has always been the one to give to others, and now it was his turn to receive from God a gift beyond our belief! And then the time my mom, who lives in Europe was hospitalized with multiple blood clots in her lungs. By the grace of God, my brother paid for my trip to see her and I was able to care for her for one week. And, miracle of all, the doctors have since said that my mom should not be alive today given the number of clots and her 87 years of age! And then, and then, the miracles go on and on and our faith grows daily!!!! We are grateful that God is walking with us on this journey every day as HE prepares us for His ultimate calling. As it says in Hebrews 13:5, He "will never leave you nor forsake you!" Ever!!"

And then Elaine shared a beautiful testimony which in part said : "One morning recently, I packed an overnight bag, drove to the country, and checked myself into a little Inn. No, it was not a vacation!! It was a self-imposed retreat. I needed the Lord. Fear had taken root in me. It had become unbearable. It had been almost 40 years since my first panic attack and I was at the point where I couldn't even take a walk around the block without fear. Living this way was not the Perfect Plan that God had had for me. What was I doing wrong? I loved the Lord, my Father, with all my heart. I loved others as myself. I was not living in sin. I had the Spirit of the Living God on the inside of me. I knew hundreds of scriptures by heart. But I needed to be set free. During the drive, I said to God, "whatever it takes, Lord, whatever it takes."..... What I did not expect was that my merciful, gracious God would lead me to a higher knowledge of His Love for me. And He would do it gently, tenderly.

While taking a walk the next morning, God spoke to my spirit and led me towards an archway that was hidden from view. As I approached, I was surprised to see that the vine-covered archway led into a lovely garden, sprawling with roses, white lilies, and daisies around its perimeter.... I knew that the Lord was going to "meet" me in this garden, so to speak. It was perfect, and private, and had a "sweet smelling aroma." In the center of the garden was a white gazebo and two stone benches on each side of it. One bench was in the shade; the other was in "the sun." I heard a still, small voice tell me to sit on the bench that was in the sun. I laughed to myself, and obeyed, delighting in God's subtle humor.

He began to speak to me about His Love, and what His Word says about His Love. I had not yet fully comprehended what Jesus had died to give to me. I had allowed the cares and concerns of this world to overrule the Truth of the redemptive effects of Jesus' sacrifice, and the Great Love of the message of Calvary. Even with intensive study, I had not yet made this Truth real in my heart.

God brought a scripture to mind: "He who fears has not been made perfect in Love." This meant that when I fear anything, I am not remembering that Jesus came to destroy ALL the works of evil, and redeem from ALL the curses....Fear is not of God, I realized, it is of the devil. "My perfect Love casts out all fear," he reminded me, "the same way that Light casts out darkness." God was ministering His Word to me - that Word that goes forth to achieve the thing for which it was sent. His incorruptive Word. I had better pay attention here, I thought. This is the key to the Kingdom here - the Spiritual Law. His Holy Spirit was leading me to the exact piece of Gospel Truth that could heal my mind.

Ever since that day in the garden, these have been my "steady" scriptures - ones I recite out loud whenever the enemy attempts to plant those same old lies in my mind about fear. The real Truth is that I have been made perfect in love by the Grace of God. What could possibly make me fear - ever again? Silly me. I never understood His Love for me!! But I humbly receive this revelation knowledge, and Thank Him, glorify Him, magnify Him !! I have been living in His Victory - in the Light of His Presence ever since that day. And the next time satan wants to tempt me to lose sight of the Glory of God, and the Love of Jesus, I will look to the WORD. And I will know that because He Loves, I can face tomorrow. Because He Lives, all fear is gone. All Praise and Glory to my God!! Amen.

Whoever is reading this - Let Him give YOU a scripture or two that will change your life today!! He is willing. He is able. Whatever you are going through, ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE. SEEK HIM AND YOU SHALL FIND HIM. His Word is Truth! Amen."

Thank you Janie and Elaine .... there are thousands of testimonies out there. God is faithful when we are obedient!

God's Love,
Michelle Lord Samples
From the Heart, Christian Life Coach
http://www.fromtheheartlifecoach.com/
508-459-2731

Our Powerful Testimonies

2008-07-07T10:27:00.000-04:00

As I continue to focus on the issue of Trust in God, it makes me think about the incredible testimonies we witness in our lives and how powerful they are in building us up!

In Hebrews 12 it says: "Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth]..." The Bible is full of testimonies ... and we too, have witnessed God's power through His miracles in our own lives.

Think back to answered prayers and God's intervention on your behalf! Ahh ..... remember how your life changed for the better and how it encouraged you?!

Would you be willing to share your testimonies with others ~ to uplift them? If so, please send me your testimonies at michelle@fromtheheartlifecoach.com and I will share some of them in my next blog - to encourage others during their trying times to trust even more in our Powerful and Mighty God! Remember times when God sent someone or something JUST at the right moment; times when in the natural it seemed your back was against the wall or when the doctor's report said you only had a few weeks/months to live and ... by the grace of God ... you walked through your darkest hour! Wow, how compelling to share God's power with others!

Be encouraged, God is always with us no matter what we are walking through "because the Lord is the One who holds 'our' hand." (Psalms 37:24)

God's LOVE and ENCOURAGEMENT to you!
Michelle Lord Samples
From the Heart, Christian Life Coach
http://www.fromtheheartlifecoach.com/

Testimony Resources:

Psalms 77:14-15 (NAS) "You are the God who works wonders; You have made known Your strength among the peoples. You have by Your power redeemed Your people."

Hebrews 12:1-3 (The Msg) "Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on [giving testimony]? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!"

John 19:35 (Amp) "And he who saw it (the eyewitness) gives this evidence, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he tells the truth, that you may believe also."

Acts 4:33 (Amp) "And with great strength and ability and power the apostles delivered their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace (loving-kindness and favor and goodwill) rested richly upon them all."

1 John 5:9-12 (The Msg) "If we take human testimony at face value, how much more should we be reassured when God gives testimony as he does here, testifying concerning his Son. Whoever believes in the Son of God inwardly confirms God's testimony. Whoever refuses to believe in effect calls God a liar, refusing to believe God's own testimony regarding his Son. This is the testimony in essence: God gave us eternal life; the life is in his Son. So, whoever has the Son, has life; whoever rejects the Son, rejects life."

Trust/Believe

2008-06-20T08:57:00.000-04:00

What does it really mean to say I trust or believe in God. Do our actions and words back it up?

Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary defines Trust as "to place confidence; depend; hope; believe." And defines believe as: "to accept as true, genuine, or real; to have a firm conviction."

Recently a good friend pointed out that I spoke a lot about a specific concern. I thought about what she said, knowing how much I believe I DO trust in God, His power and faithfulness ~ always ~ in all circumstances. And it saddened me that I had fallen into a non-trusting state and was fretting about about how we, in our own strength and wisdom, and in our timing could overcome this concern. How quickly my words or action refuted my firm conviction (trust/belief).

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)

Trusting/believing without wavering. Do you ever say you trust or believe in God and His faithfulness? And then spend your energy worrying, strategizing and manipulating the situation so that things work out your way, in your time frame? As I recognized this week, that is not trusting or believing. So, like me I encourage you to refocus on what you trust/believe in God. Remember His promises in the Bible and regain peace and assurance that He has a plan. Seek His wisdom and direction!

Resources:

Proverbs 3:5-7 "Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths." (Amplified)

Matthew 14:27-31
"But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”
“Yes, come,” Jesus said.
So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.
But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” (NLT)

www.fromtheheartlifecoach.com
508-459-2731

"Is God's Word and are His Promises more REAL to you than your fears, your failures, or your past which holds you back from living a fulfilling life?

As a Life Coach, my heart’s desire (passion) is for people to see themselves as a Masterpiece in ALL aspects of their lives, to help them overcome obstacles and pursue their God given purpose and significance in life."

A Time to Reflect

2008-05-30T10:15:00.000-04:00

We reflect on this past week when my daughter-in-law's father, Mr. Clemente, left this earth suddenly and unexpectedly at the young age of 58. Though death is a reality for all of us, we are somehow never prepared for such a shocking moment in time.

Death brings life into perspective. We long remember all the wonderful memories of our lost ones. Mr. Clemente's family summarized his life as a man who loved and valued his family more than anything ~ and he did! For all his accomplishments, love of family was the utmost.

Death causes us to reflect for a moment. Many times we see how precious and short life really is on earth and we promise to accomplish or change something in our lives, just like we do on New Year's Eve. But then life's reality moves on and no matter how painful our loss we lose sight of that moment and we get caught up in the details, work and emotions of life. And the reflection is lost and change often does not happen.

During Mr. Clemente's funeral my son read from Ecclesiastes 3:1-2: "There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die..." As I reflected on that scripture and read further into Ecclesiastes, I noticed the author ended the book with "Here is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is the duty of every person. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad."

The Bible lists the ten commandments in Deuteronomy 5, which begins with loving/worshiping our God with all our heart, mind and soul "not worshiping any other god besides Him" and then in John 13:34, Jesus said "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

So, when we reflect on the death of a loved one, what really matters in life? The new job/title, the new car or house? The hurt feelings of what he/she said? Hanging on to anger or bitterness because we're right and they are wrong? OR, is it cherishing each moment we have on this earth as if it is the last and following God's commands ~ to love Him with all of our heart, soul and mind and to love one another? Because when we keep our focus on Him we are able to live at peace and be pleasing to our Maker. And like the scripture read at Mr. Clemente's funeral, 2 Timothy 4, Paul says ... "As for me, ... I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing."

While we live our lives today, I encourage us all to remember the precious reality and focus on what really matters at the end!

Resource: 1 Corinthians 13 (LOVE described)

If you interested in life/spiritual coaching please visit my website and contact me: www.fromtheheartlifecoach.com.

God's love and blessings!
From the Heart, Christian Life Coach

Hearing God's Still Small Voice

2008-05-22T13:15:00.000-04:00

Recently a woman contacted me through my website. I quickly realized she was not interested in buying coaching time, but instead she had questions. And, come to find out she is a 16 year old with profound questions.

Her most recent question: "...I am really still kind of struggling with hearing God when I pray. I pray to him and in my mind I feel that I am just talking to myslef. How can I know what God wants me to know if I can't hear him?"

So, I sought God's guidance on how to answer this profound question that many a book have been written about. And, maybe my answer appears to be a book :-) But, I decided to share it because many of you have asked yourself that question. And, maybe you have other ideas of how I can better answer a 16 year old. Please comment or e-mail me at michelle@fromtheheartlifecoach.com. Meanwhile, here is what I offered her:

What a powerful question ... do you realize that almost every Christian struggles with that question from time to time? :-) BUT what is important for you to know is that when you pray, GOD HEARS YOU! Even if you feel as if you're talking to yourself. So, I will attempt to answer your question based on what the Bible says. But, please be patient to read through the whole thing,o.k.? I tried answering in steps.

1. Romans 10:9 says "If you CONFESS WITH YOUR MOUTH that Jesus is Lord and BELIEVE IN YOUR HEART that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." So, first before you can hear from God, you need to be saved. (that was obvious, but I just needed to say it :-)

2. When Jesus died on the cross, rose again, and ascended into heaven, he sent us His Spirit to live within us. The book of John talks a lot about the Spirit of God. But here is one of the scriptures that defines what the Spirit is to us. John 14:16-17 says "And I [Jesus] will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (COUNSELOR, HELPER, INTERCESSOR, ADVOCATE, STRENGTHENER, AND STANDBY), that He may remain with you forever--The Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive (welcome, take to its heart), because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know and recognize Him, for He lives with you [constantly] and will be in you." So, WOW, we have a helper that lives within us (not like an alien movie character, but the Spirit of God who prompts us, "speaks" to us.)

3. So, if you are saved and you have the Spirit of God in you, how do we "hear" Him? Well, most people do not generally HEAR (like an audible voice). Hearing is also NOT an emotion or a feeling. In fact, the question I generally ask is: am I hearing from God or am I hearing from Satan who will put ideas/thoughts in me that are intended to deceive and trick me!

4. The best way to begin knowing that you are hearing from God is knowing that what you sense in your spirit matches up with God's Word and His character. So, how do you know His Word and His character? Well, that requires reading the Bible and asking God to reveal truth to you. Do you have a Bible? If you don't, you can always look things up on www.gateway.com and you can pick whatever translation of the Bible is easiest for you to understand. You can look up keywords or actual books of the Bible ... it's a great resource. When you read the Bible, ask God to reveal truth to you and to open your eyes of understanding!!

5. "Hearing" from God requires quiet time with God because remember the Spirit of God lives within you, so you need quiet time to get in touch with Him. A friend of mine says that "the 'voice of God' in our spirit is more of a joyful assurance, a tenderness, a peace. It is warm and loving at all times, and we just know that we know, that we know because it is so gentle. James 3:17 says "But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace, loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere." Wisdom comes from the Spirit of God within us.

6. Generally, when you make decisions based on God's Word there will be a sense of peace within you, NOT confusion or unrest, because that is NOT from God. Some people put their hands near their heart or belly when they talk about the Spirit. I believe that is because our minds play tricks on us. Kind of like a cartoon where the devil is on one shoulder and an angel on the other. But,the Spirit of God that speaks to us - prompts us, nudges us, gives us an idea, that ultimately is a good answer, direction or understanding.

7. So, what is God's character? God's character is LOVE. In the Message version of the Bible is defines Love, which is important to know because if what you are "hearing" contradicts this, you are probably NOT hearing from God. So, let's look at the list from 1Corinthians 13:

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

So, if you're hearing something that tells you to do opposite what LOVE would do, you need to stop and ask God again because it is probably not from Him.

8. So .... I've been really long winded and I've barely touched the surface of the topic. BUT, I'll say it again ..GOD HEARS YOU even if you feel as if you're talking to yourself ... just be still and listen. He will direct you to truth. Psalms 46:10 says "Be still, and know that I am God."

Blessings to ALL.
Michelle
From the Heart, Christian Life Coach
www.fromtheheartlifecoach.com

Light Hearted and Joyful

2008-05-07T07:25:00.000-04:00

As I awoke to the birds chirping this morning, I thought about their light heartedness, their joyfulness ~ their lack of worry! It made me think of the scripture in Matthew 6:26 “Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?”

Events of the world such as rising fuel costs, jobs loss, violence, weather changes, etc. can cause us to worry! BUT the scripture is full of God’s promises for those who believe. Matthew 6 continues to say “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."

My husband and I have really been leaning on those scriptures for the last couple years and the testimonies we now have are incredible! Every time we reached a point where we couldn’t figure out how something would be paid or resolved, God has proven Himself faithful in our lives!!

So, I encourage you! As it says in Philippians 4:6 “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

If you would like spiritual or personal life coaching, please contact me at http://www.fromtheheartlifecoach.com

God's love to YOU!

Renewed Clarity

2008-04-27T13:49:00.000-04:00

Every time I travel, I come back home with renewed clarity! Having just returned from Belgium a week ago, I find that this trip is no different. Except this time my mom was very ill. I must realize that my mom is not invincible - nor are any of us! And, I realize how much I have changed by the grace of God! (That's a good thing :-)

We are all on a journey called life ... the life that God created us for long before we were born. And, every day is a gift.

If you read my profile on http://www.fromtheheartlifecoach.com/, or if you were to talk with me for a short while, you would know that I wandered most of my life without direction - all over the place! But, none of it is wasted for God uses all of it for His ultimate purpose and direction - my God given path! Now that I have yielded to my Father God, and now that I have received HIS unconditional love and allowed HIM to correct me where needed (an every day thing, by the way), I have a passion that is flowing out of me. To share how incredible God's Word (Truth) really is IF WE ONLY BELIEVE what we read.

As a Christian Life Coach I love spending time with people, one-on-one, encouraging them to seek God's truth about them and their life situations, but also to BELIEVE what they have read in God's Word. Not just words for others. He died on the cross for YOU! When you begin to BELIEVE His words, it will change your life forever. It has mine!

Never forget HE LOVES YOU. You are HIS MASTERPIECE, FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE!

Psalm 139

O LORD, You have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
You understand my thought from afar.
You scrutinize my path and my lying down,
And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.
Even before there is a word on my tongue,
Behold, O LORD, You know it all.
....You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother's womb.
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
....And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them.
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand
....Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me and know my anxious thoughts;
And see if there be any hurtful way in me,
And lead me in the everlasting way."

If you would like spiritual or personal life coaching, please contact me at http://www.fromtheheartlifecoach.com/

God's love to YOU!