Hold On and Don't Let Go

A few weeks ago,  as I was driving out of my subdivision, I noticed a spider hanging from the passenger side view mirror on ONE strand of web.  Anyone who has seen a spider web, knows how thin the strands of threads are- so imagine a spider hanging on to just ONE strand.  After noticing the spider, my first response was- “Oooooh that’s a spider- He gots to go.” So I sped up, hoping that would shake the thing off the car, but every time I got to a stop, I noticed the spider was still hanging on, all the way to my destination, which was approximately 20 miles down the road.  I was impressed with the spider’s ability to hang on through all the strong winds, constant bumps and stops as I drove down the highway.  Instantly, I was inspired and encouraged.  If the spider can hold on in such tedious conditions, so can I.  So can you!

So often, we go through things that leave us wanting to give up- on life; on goals and dreams; on people; on our marriage; on our kids; and even though some of us might be ashamed to admit it, sometimes on God.  These times can leave us drained, fragile and weak.  For some of us, we are hanging on by our pinky fingernail or even by a single thread.  I’m here to encourage you today, to continue to hold on and don’t let go.  Even when you feel like you can’t hold on any longer, put your trust in Jesus, just as the spider trusts in that thin strand of web.  The spider is confident in the special substance that resides in him.  Guess what…we have something special too!

Our God has given us something special that strengthens us during our times of weakness.   We have the Holy Spirit that strengthens us above and beyond our own natural strength.  It works in our favor and it works when we need it to the most.  When we are weak, The Holy Spirit steps in and provides unimaginable strength. 

One place we can find strength in our dark and scary times, is in the Word of God!  There is so much power in it and it tells us that- God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. – Psalm 46:1 .   I want to let you know that you are never alone, even when you feel like you are.  The strength you need to endure is found in Christ Jesus. This is the time to get in His Word and learn more of Him.  Draw closer and nigh to Him.  Let Him give you peace beyond your natural understanding, while you are going through.  Let Him strengthen you to continue on.  Let Him endow you with power to hold on, even when the winds are blowing, the seas are roaring, and the ground is shaking.  Trust in Him and no matter what… HOLD ON AND DON’T LET GO! 

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa

You Have Power Too

This morning as I sat in the backyard, every so often I would see a golf cart pull up to the sixth tee.  Sometimes there were two or more people, and sometimes there was just one.  Some were young and some were much older.  Even when there was just the one, all by his lonesome, he still swung his driver with just as much vigor as the ones did that were playing with someone else. 

Watching these players gave me a refresher course in one of the most important things a person need in their life- PRAYER!  I really love my relationship with the Lord because he allows me to see things that others would not even pay attention to.  Here’s what I saw…

As I observed the different players, I realized golf was very much like prayer in many ways.  Let me explain-

1.        It doesn’t really matter how old you are, you can still learn how to do “it”. The more you do “it”, the better you become.  And the more you do “it”, the more you gain a love for “it”.

 

2.        There’s nothing like companionship or someone to do “it” with, but if at any time no one is available to do “it” with you…guess what… you can do “it” by yourself and the results will still be the same.  In fact, it seemed like some of the loners preferred doing “it” by themselves, which brings me to my next point…

 

3.       You find that when you are alone, you’re not under anyone else time schedule or scrutiny.  You can do “it” as slow… as fast…or as long as you want to.  You don’t have to rush or worry about how you look to others.  If you mess up, you don’t have to worry about the others laughing at you or anything like that.

 

4.       Your strength and ability to do “it” doesn’t change whether you are with others or alone.  Everything you need is within.  All you gotta do is do “it” and watch what happens.

 

It has been a peaceful and enjoyable morning as I sat and watched the players play and the Spirit speak.  My prayer for you today is-- you realize that as long as you possess Christ, you are more than capable to pray for yourself and your situation- no matter what it is!  Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world. – 1 John 4:4 (NIV).   You possess the power to speak over your life and your situations.  Faith (the confidence of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen- Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)) is the key to prayer that unlocks the door.  Trust and believe in your own ability through the power of Christ that resides in you! 

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa

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!

Are You Committed?

Hello Everyone!

It has been a long time since I've posted a blog.  It has literally been three months, and I honestly must say, that is too long.  I could give you many excuses, but what good would that do?  I'm sure some of you will be understanding and then some of you may not care at all.  But the truth is--I'm not satisfied or happy about it.  I believe that when we commit ourselves to something, we should do our best to fulfill the task that we have committed ourselves to.

At this point, I'm not sure what "satisfaction" looks like when it comes to posting blogs, but three months of nothing is waaaay too long.  What if this was the only inspiration someone in the world looked to, to be encouraged or inspired?  Well in three months of nothing, wouldn't you say I let them down?  Absolutely! 

I guess a good question would be--what is committment?  Commitment is the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc.  (definition courtesy of Wikipedia).  Another defintion is an obligation or promise that restricts one's freedom of action (definition courtesy of World English Dictionary).  Commitment has everything to do with dedication and being obligated to something or someone.  With that being said, we should take all of our commitments seriously.  Our marriages, families and/or relationships, our jobs and/or careers, and especially our commitment to God.  We can't check in every three months.  Something or someone is going to suffer if we do. 

Now that I think about it, it is even possible to be so committed to one thing and some of our other commitments are pushed to the back burner because we are only focusing on that one thing.  And that one thing can be something good.  For example, as an author, I can be so committed to writing books to inspire the world and fail to take care of my home and family.  The house is a mess.  The hubby and kids have to fix their own dinner.  The dog has to walk himself.  LOL- You get my point right? 

Some of you might say that family should be understanding, but the truth is, when we have more than one thing we have committed to do, we have to learn how to balance everything.  How do we do that?  I honestly believe the key is through prayer.  I truly believe that if we acknowledge the Lord in all our ways, He will direct our path--day in and day out. (Proverbs 3:6)  He will teach us how to fulfill our commitments.  He will show us better ways to do things.  He will give us wisdom in how to handle those things. 

So today, think about your commitments and take observation.  Ask yourself, "Am I truly being committed to this (whatever it is)?  If yes, Kudos to you!  If not, don't beat yourself up about it, just get in there and do better. 

**It's funny how I came in here to post something else, non-related to commitment.  Trust and believe that this message is just as much about me, as it is any of you.**

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  Colossians 3:17 NIV

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa

Only The Strong Survives

I have been extremely busy within the last month and realized that it had been a minute since I’ve last posted.   I pray this word make up for the lost time.  Be blessed....

We recently just moved, and so I decided to set up my fish tank.  It has been, I know, every bit of three years since the tank has had fish in it, so we were all pretty excited about getting it back up and running.  There’s something so serene about a fish aquarium—watching the fish swim, the water—I love it all!  Anyhoo, after the tank was cleaned and set back up, and the fish were purchased; it was only a few days later, we noticed one of the fish looked weak—then he died.   After him, another fish expired.  All the fish died except for two.  To my surprise, even the algae eater died. 

After looking closely in the tank, we noticed that all the fish had white spots on them.  So I did what only any curious person would do—I went on Google.   What I found out was— the fish had been exposed to a disease called Ich. 

Apparently, Ich is some type of parasite that is common in tropical fish (unlike our previous fish—we had cichlids.  Oh how I miss them now!)  The disease is fatal and highly contagious and can easily spread from one fish to the next.  If not treated soon enough, the result is death.

Upon the advice of a friend and calling the local Petsmart store, we purchased the recommended medicine to help rid the tank of the issue that was killing off the fish.  Out of all the fish that were in the tank, the last two held on until help arrived. 

What appealed to me the most out of this situation was the two fish that lived.  Just like the other fish, they were also affected by the disease, but they lived.  One of them was literally on their last leg (well in this case, last fin) but he would not give up.  I was blessed by this one fish persistence and tenacity to live.  When it looked like he was out for the count, he would not lie down and die.  He would not give up.  In the end, only the strong survived.

As I was typing this blog, The Spirit reminded me of a dream I had a few weeks ago where God sent a message to tell His people to learn the gift of resilience.   I must show you this:

Resilience- (definition provided by dictionary.com)  1. the power or ability to return to the original form, position, etc., after being bent, compressed, or stretched; elasticity.

2.  ability to recover readily from illness, depression, adversity, or the like; buoyancy.

I see this in the world today.  Many are affected by their surroundings.  Some self-inflicted and some due to no control of their own, but nevertheless, they are affected, hurting, giving up without a fight, and worst case—dying. 

Please know that trials, tribulations, sufferings and yes, sin is rampant in the world, and we are just like the fish.  No one is exempt.  We are all in the world and will be affected by things throughout life.  Yes, some self-induced and some we won’t have any control over, but regardless the situation, God wants you to learn to stand.  To be rooted and grounded in Him.  To not fall at every crisis and every sin that so easily entangles us.  To be like a tree planted by the rivers of waters.  To not give up.  To learn to be resilient and stand against adversity.  Even when you see others falling/dying around you—be persistent and determined to live.  You might limp, crawl, or even have to be carried, but if you can just hold on, HELP IS SURELY ON THE WAY.  It takes great strength
(which has nothing to do with your muscles and everything to do with your faith and trust in the Lord) and courage to stand during tough times, but you have to give it your best shot because truly, only the strong shall survive.

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa

I'm So Lost

On our most recent adventure, as we do so many times, we set “Sally” (the name I gave my VZ Navigator on my Verizon phone) to direct us to our desired destination. 

Being a man, my husband says, “I think I can go this way and it will be faster.” 

Me being me asks, “Why don’t you just go the way the thing is telling you to go?” 

He replies, “I got this.  Plus, that’s your phone, I don’t trust it.”

“OK,” I said in my “whatever attitude” tone. 

As we continued down the road my husband turned on, “Sally” keeps saying, “Make a U-Turn” but I’m sure you know we didn’t make any U-Turns.  After we had went so far, “Sally” finally says, “Make a left at the next road.”  Because we were out of town and didn’t know exactly where we were, my husband finally decides to listen to “Sally” only to end up back on the same road she was on trying to guide us to in the beginning.

I’m sure you might be saying that navigational systems are not always right or that they don’t always give the best directions, and I totally agree with you.  But the difference is, in this case, we were not from this place, never been to this place, and we were completely unfamiliar with the area.  Anyhoo, we had had such a great time that day, so there was no need to let this little issue ruin the day, so we looked at each other and laughed.  After the laughter subsided, I looked at him and said, “I got my new blog!”

Isn’t this just how we do God sometimes?   We ask Him for guidance a lot of times, and when he reveals to us the way or what we have to go through to get there, we try to override what He says and do it our own way.  I can see with my vivid imagination, every time we go down a wrong path, or make a wrong turn, or make a wrong decision, or make a wrong choice or date the wrong guy/girl, or say the wrong thing (you get my point, right), He is standing and waving His hands, blowing a whistle, saying, “HEEEEY, YOU’RE GOING THE WRONG WAY!”  Sometimes we can get so far off course that we still have to end up going back to Him to get us back on the right path.  But the good news is….just like Sally helped us get back on course, God is faithful to do the same. 

So today, if you are in need of direction in your life and not sure which way to go, maybe you have made some bad/wrong choices and need help getting back on track….It’s simple….ASK GOD!  And when you ask Him, trust what He says. 

Here’s what I learned from this little mishap.  Never ask God for help or guidance if we are not going to follow what He says.  I mean, what’s the purpose.  Either you trust Him or you don’t.  There’s no such thing as half trust (another blog for another day). 

Taken from the New Living Translation: Proverbs 3:5-6,  (5) Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  (6) Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa