"Forward Progress"

This word is for someone(s) in the now moment of time.
Pay heed, read, consider, and be encouraged!

Yesterday morning I woke up and heard the Lord say, "Forward progress."   I knew immediately His point, and throughout the day, I found myself smiling as I mediated on His point.  This morning I woke up and heard Him say, "Write it."  So here I am, sharing this word with you. Without a doubt, I know it will bless and encourage you!

Just months ago, I rediscovered a childhood love of mine.  Football.  Now, know this: you don't have to be a fan or know how the game is played to appreciate this word, so READ ON!

My years of adulthood had eroded my enjoyment of the game, but with my youngest son picking up the sport and actively playing it last fall, an enjoyment of mine was joyfully resurrected.

In watching the sport this season, two words resonated in my spirit each time I heard them: "Forward progress."

By definition, forward progress is "the location to which a ball carrier's forward momentum carries him."  Where forward progress stops is how and where the officials determine where to place the ball for the next play.

So, get this.... this is THE point:  Should the ball carrier be pushed back, he is NOT penalized.  The ball is still placed at the spot where he ceased forward motion.

Do you sense where this is going?

I have found God invokes the ruling of "forward progress" within our lives.

We are not penalized for where we are tackled.  If we get pushed back, God places the ball of our lives at the moment forward progress ceased.

He knows in this life we are going to get tripped up, we are going to get tackled, we are going to get run and/or shoved out of bounds, and without a doubt - there are going to be moments we get pushed back.

 
But in such moments, TAKE HEART, dear ones! God is going to place the ball, for the next play, graciously at the moment your forward progress stopped.   

So, in those moments where you feel that initial shove backwards, press your shoulder into it, resist it, give it all you have, but know HE is FOR you, He sees your heart and your desire to continue moving up the field..... and at the end of the play, regardless of where you go down, you will begin again with NO lost yardage!

Remember:

HE is FOR you!  

Greater still, He is WITH you!
You are  NOT in it alone if you don't want to be! 
Tap into HIS strength.
He is more than willing and able
 to press HIS shoulder into your difficulty!

Come what may, press on towards the goal!  With God, you WILL make the touchdown!

Blessings!
Deborah
 

Happy New Year.... a bit tardy!

Even though this greeting comes a week late.... it still counts! 

Coming directly off our family holiday to New York City, we went straight into Christmas....literally.  On the heels of Christmas, I blinked and the new year said, "Hello."

To say my last few weeks have been a "little busy" is a bit of an understatement.  (Grin)

During the last two days, I have made it a point to take a time out and get my mind wrapped around the coming months. Can I just say that I am so excited about what lies ahead in the domestic category of life?!

This year my eldest son turns eighteen, my darling daughter turns sixteen, and my youngest son turns thirteen.  Yep!  Three teenagers!  Woohoo!  (Have you not heard?  Teens are the BEST!)  We will have much to celebrate this year in their lives, but as I was bolding the "star-studded" dates on the calendar, it occurred to me:

Make sure to celebrate EVERY day!

For me, life comes at such a fast clip.  I have to intentionally take moments, quiet myself, and celebrate the present.  When it comes down to it, that's all we have.  Today.

Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow here is not guaranteed.  

While in New York, just weeks ago, we received sad news. A precious teen we knew had taken their life.

Just days ago, we received word that a beloved father who was out exercising literally took a step into Glory.

One event was sadly planned.  One event was completely unexpected.  The net result for both was the same.

I challenge you today as we begin this new year to inspect your life.

May you, first and foremost, know Jesus as your Savior, and therefore God as your Father.  But then may you make this year a "Year of Obedience."

I John 5:3 states:

"This is love for God: to obey His commands."  

I don't think it can get any more clear, do you??

To love God is to obey Him.

I truly pray your NEW year exceeds your expectations!

Don't you just love the word "NEW"?!  It holds such promise in the hands of the Father!

Blessings to you and yours!  
Deborah