Ask and You Shall Receive- More Than I Expected

 

Last week this time, I was preparing to give my expecting daughter a baby shower in the backyard of our home.  We had originally had it scheduled at another venue, but unforeseen circumstances caused us to have to change the location at the last minute.  Two days before the scheduled event, a friend of mine were helping me go over my checklist and confirming we had everything we needed for a successful event.  “What about tables and chairs?” she asked.  Panic threatened to take over my ability to think clearly as I realized I had completely forgot all about needing table and chairs for an outdoor event. 

The morning of the event, I decided to ask my neighbors across the street it they knew of any local places that rents tables and chairs for an event.   Sadly there were none in our small little town but their offer was beyond surprising.  

Our family recently moved into this neighborhood almost a year ago, and although we’ve spoken and waived at each other from our respective yards, we had never actually spoken or went through the traditional introduction. “Hey, we have a long table and a few chairs that you are more than welcome to use,” my neighbors offered. 

Well you already know that I was in a desperate need of the table and chairs, so I wasn’t in a position to really turn down their offer.  You know how we do sometimes, when we don’t want to seem needy or feel like we are a bother to anyone.  LOL.   Anyhoo- by the time it was all over with, my neighbors had provided me with tables, chairs and a nice tent.  Everything I needed and so much more. 

Isn’t that just like God?  Always going and doing above and beyond our expectations.  The Bible declares that our God can do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we could ever ask or imagine.  Ephesians 3:20 

I must admit- sometimes I forget that He's there and all I have to do is ask and trust and believe that He will take care of all that concerns me, but this was an excellent reminder- don't you think?

Life can definitely throw some unexpected surprises and leave us in want or in need, but rest assure, God has everything you need.  All you have to do is ASK.  He’s right across the street- close enough that all you have to do is take the initiative and ASK.  If you ask-- you shall receive.  Matthew 7:7   If you need anything, absolutely anything, physical, emotional,  or spiritual- just ask.  I beseech you to ask.  Actually, I dare you to ask.  Watch God respond and blow your mind. 

I am truly grateful for great neighbors that exemplify such a beautiful Godly character. Thanks, Gerard and Kim! 

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa

 

I Didn't Give Up

Back in March, I wrote:

I Will Not Let You Die!  

I’ve noticed it for quite some time that she had been falling off.Week after week, she was looking weaker and weaker.I didn’t know exactly what I should do for her, so as much as I wanted to help, I didn’t do anything for her at all. Besides watered her, I just watched.

Today was a little different as I was sitting here looking at my plant in her current state, I felt compel to move and do something to try and save her fragile life. Although just a plant, it symbolizes life at its best. And I feel that as long as there is life, there is always a chance. Always hope.

There are several ways we can look at this, but let me just flow with it for a minute. Sometimes we have good seasons and sometimes not so good seasons. We flourish, we grow, we bloom and we excel. Then there are times when we are down and out, sickly and frail, and more vulnerable to our environments. Sometimes we’re strong.And then other times we’re weak. Those are just some of the same stages a plant may go through.

As an observer, my heart began to ache at the declining health of the plant. I remembered when she was so full and pretty. She was growing and everyone that saw her complimented on her beauty. J ust seeing her made me smile. But now what? Now that she needs me the most, do I just turn my back on her and let her die. Do I just sit and watch her deteriorate?

Have you ever been in a situation where you saw someone in pain or in need and wanted to do something to help them? I believe this is where God was with us. We were sick. We were dying and He couldn’t and wouldn’t allow us to die. He sent a Savior- someone to save us from ALL sickness (physically, mentally, and/or emotionally). He sent someone to heal the broken-hearted and to lift the heavy burdened.

The more I thought about how God’s love for us demonstrates RESTORATION- The process of repairing or renovating a building, work of art, etc., so as to restore it to its original condition—which is wholeness, I decided to no longer sit and just watch her die. As a matter of fact, “I refuse to let her die,” is what I told myself.

I will do all that I can to restore her back to her original state.I will nurture it, pour into it, and I will even SPEAK life back into it. I refuse to let her die. I refuse to let you die! So, no matter what you may be dealing with today, no matter how bad you may be hurting today, don't give up, help is on the way! Know that God loves you and wants you whole. Know that there is absolutely nothing too hard for God. Respond to his love. Respond to his voice, and watch and see how you bloom.

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa

Today, I write:  Look at my plant! 

There's nothing like seeing what you put so much work into flourish! I'm so glad I didn't give up on her! Had you seen her before, you would understand the joy I feel. Let me inspire and encourage you to not give up on that thing that looks DEAD or HOPELESS!  Your marriage, your career, your children, your life---whatever it is---I ask you---Can it live?  I hope you say YES!

Grateful For Life

With sinuses and allergies lurking, breathing during the night has been a little difficult.  As I was lying in bed on last night, I recalled a few years ago when I actually woke up and couldn’t catch my breath.  Not sure of what to do, I panicked.  I ran from one room to the next trying to find help, I guess.  I kept coughing and trying to clear my throat until finally something broke free.  All I can say is this:  I have never been so glad in all my life. 

You never really know how much you take for granite until it’s almost or completely gone.    To be able to breathe is definitely a blessing.  Although I know it’s important, the value of it's importance became even more clear for me when I experienced myself not being able to do it.  Just as much as we are thankful for houses, cars, jobs and all, we should also be just as thankful for even bigger things that we sometimes take for granite such as; being able to breathe, being in our right minds, being able to feed ourselves, being able to walk and to talk, being able to see (like right now, you are able to read this blog). 

Life is truly a gift, and every day we should be so ever grateful for it.  Remember that, every good gift and every perfect gift is from above (James 1:17), so don’t forget to thank the giver of the gifts.

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa

HE LOVES ME, HE LOVES ME NOT

This past weekend, my family and I went out of town.  Whenever we go out of town, my husband and I normally share the task of drving.  If he drives to our destination, I will normally drive back home.  You should know that I don't like driving when my husband is in the car for two reasons.  One, I don't like heavy traffic and with him telling me to speed up, slow down, go over, etc., it makes me more nervous than I already am, and frustrated.  Secondly, I just have this thing that if he's in the car, as a man, he should drive his lady around.  Kind of old fashion, huh? 

Anyhoo, we really had a GREAT time, and we were exhausted by the time the trip came to a close.  We left later than what we had intended, and with a drive of a little over four hours, neither one of us was up for the drive.  Since he drove first, it was my time to take the wheel, and my husband was rubbing it in.  When it was time to go, he got in the driver seat and we rode out. 

After about half way, I asked him was he tired and did he want me to drive.  He said, he was okay, but I could tell he was tired, and I knew he needed to rest for work the next day.  Nevertheless, he drove all the way home.  "Oh wow!  He really loves me!",  is all I could think.  I didn't have to wonder if he did, or even pull daisies while quoting, "he loves me, he loves me not", because at that moment, I knew it.  It was not what he said, but it was what he did that told me so!

Every person, regardless how tough they may appear to be, loves to be told they are loved!  It really sounds good to the ears, and it makes the heart smile, however, the words are not as powerful than the deed.  Love is action and it's not about what one says, it's more about what they do.  I've known people and even experienced being told "I love you" and that same person who spoke those words, abused me.  The action spoke louder than the words! 

When I think about Jesus, He has never spoke audibly to me the words, "Clarissa, I love you!", but He shows me daily!  Every morning when I rise, He shows me!  When He blesses me beyond what I deserve, He shows me! When He provides for my family, He shows me!  Just last week, when my husband was laid off from work, but somebody spoke on his behalf, and although others have been laid off, they called him back to work, He showed me!  I don't have to wonder if He does, I know He loves me!  For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal. - John 3:16.  It's not about what He said, it's about what He did!   He loved me so much, that He died on the cross on my behalf, that I might not die, but live; that I would not be lost, but saved! 

Let us also, follow His example; don't just tell a person you love them, show them.  Don't let your actions make what you say be a lie.  Your actions do speak louder than your words!  

So, what do you know?  Does He love you, or does He love you not?

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa

IT'S FREE AND ALWAYS WILL BE!

Within the last week, there have been many posts and talks about Facebook beginning to charge for users to use their site.  It's amazing to me, how many people will believe something and spread the news without even investigating it.  If you go to the Facebook sign in page, it says clearly, FREE AND ALWAYS WILL BE! 

I have over 800 friends, and I've seen the rumors run rampantly across my page (it makes me wonder do any of my friends read, especially being that this disclaimer is on everybody's login page- LOL).  It's a shame we don't spread the good news like this.  The good news about salvation.  Many people feel that they have to give up so much and that it costs so much, but the truth is, IT'S FREE AND ALWAYS WILL BE!  JESUS paid the price! 

Many issues and problems has risen due to Facebook, but the creator didn't design it to create such chaos. The users are the ones who uses it for more than what it was orignially created for.  I'm sure the owner did not seek out to destroy the marriages that has been destroyed, nor the sex maniacs that preys on our kids, etc.  Facebook in itself has allowed many people to be connected to old friends and family memebers.  It's great for networking and meeting new people. 

It's the same thing with salvation, it's GREAT!  There's deliverace in salvation.  There's healing in salvation; and there's FREEDOM in salvation! God created all things, and EVERYTHING He created was good, but again, the users/people perverted some things and have just made a mess out of it.  People think they have to give up their whole life and they can't do anything fun based on the rumors they've heard.  BUT don't believe everything you hear.  People will lead you wrong sometimes.

So today, let me say this on behalf of Facebook and Salvation, IT'S FREE AND ALWAYS WILL BE! 

Disclaimer:  I don't know what FB will do in the future, but I can pretty much guarantee you that the price for Salvation will never change! 

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa

IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU

Destiny appoints one, but affects many.- Beth Moore from the Esther series.  I read this statement while in bible study class last night.  Immediately I grasped what she was saying.  So many times we go through things and while we are going through it, it doesn't feel good at all.  But the truth is, it really wasn't about you.  Yes, you are the one that went through it.  You are the one who felt the pain from it.  You are the one that lost things out of it, and so on, but even out of your pain, people can and will be blessed, as long as we do what God has appointed us to do. Our ministries and testimonies are not for us, they are for others! 

I'm reminded of the story of Joseph.  He was betrayed, sold into slavery, accused of wrong doing and everything, but in the end, those steps were neccessary in order for him to fulfill what he was designed or destined to do.  Those ordered steps were neccessary in order for him to be a savior for the people during the famine. 
 
The bible says that our steps are ordered by the Lord.  Psalm 37:23  I believe that everything we go through, even things we can look back on and know without a shatter of doubt that we caused or that it was our own doing, God can use that for his Glory.  All things (EVEN THE BAD), YES!  All things and everything work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28.  

Be encouraged that you have purpose.  Know that people can be blessed through your trials.  Although you are the one that has been appointed for such a task; many will affected and benefit from it.  Just think about it- Destiny apponts one, but affects many. 

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa