When You're Weary

God does not need to rely on us to fight. He has all the strength and power to overcome anything, but He does want us to trust Him and believe that He will fight for us. Our circumstances most likely will not change if we're trying to change them with our own abilities. His word says, in 1 Samuel 17:44, "All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.” It's difficult at times to just be still and trust Him that He is working things out. When we struggle and fight, we are really fighting ourselves, making ourselves weary and tired. That's something the enemy wants -for us to be tired, confused, and to lose hope. Burnout is bad, because then you really want to throw in the towel and not trust God. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Mathew 11:28. Resting in His word and His presence is not giving up, it's trusting. Trust is so important to our Heavenly Father. He wants and desires that from us. If we are not completly relying on Him, it's like were saying His Word is a lie. This would be insulting to Him. Thankfully He knows and understands our human frailty and loves us anyway. Lord, I lay down at your feet everything that concerns me. I ask you for the strength and faith to keep it all in Your hands, and for me to not pick up my worries again. You will perfect that which concerns me. Your eyes are on me and I rest in You alone. Your Word is all I need. Thank you for taking care of what concerns me today. I trust in You and lean not on my own understanding. You will guide and direct my life. Amen.

Bethel Music- Draw Near ft. Jeremy Riddle

Waiting

Waiting on the Lord is not a waste of time. God is eternal and He is not limited by time, for He is the one who created it so we could measure our days and reflect on our memories. Don't lose heart during the time of waiting. Get close -ever so close to His chest and listen to His heartbeat. Waiting does come to an end. God finishes what He has purposed to do in our lives. It's we ourselves that struggle with our human impatience. We let our hopes slip away like a balloon floating way up to the sky and disappears. Good things happen to those who wait upon the Lord: Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Psalm 130:5 I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope. Psalm 33:18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love. Hebrews 11:1 [ Faith in Action ] Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Waiting and hoping go together. If you feel you're on the edge of giving up -don't, because most likely you are about to receive what has been promised. Waiting is a part of life. Each season passes. The seeds in the ground wait for the sunlight to cause them to burst up from the earth and emerge as a plant or flower. It may seem dark while waiting for God to answer, but that does not mean God isn't working out the details in your life. Waiting sometimes can feel extremely lonely. It's a time and opportunity to lean close to your Heavenly Father. At these times it may even feel like God isn't hearing our cries, but keep waiting -keep hoping -keep trusting in His unfailing word. When you have too many tears and you feel like you're swirling in negative thoughts and emotions, remember the enemy wants to make you give up so you will forgo the promises that God has given to you. Don't let your temporary feelings cause you to give up on waiting on God. If you were sitting in a lobby or special designated room to meet the president or some other famous person that was your human hero, you would wait. Because you know that at any moment that person would come walking through the door. You would surely be anticipating and reaching out your hand to greet them. Your answer will come through that door. Just wait. Be strong in the Lord and wait patiently for Him to act.

A Woman Can Rebuild

Does it feel like everything around you, your life, your family, has fallen in disarray or totally apart? Emotionally, it's hard holding it together. You put a brave smile on your face, even though you can barely see through the blur of the thousands of tears you have cried, but you are tired of telling everyone out of politeness that you are "fine" or that "everything is alright" because you just don't want to sound like a negative broken record. Going to church or family functions is sometimes difficult, because it's a painful memory of what used to be. Memories of the love you had haunt you like a ghost. Your knees feel worn and sore from the prayers you have prayed in secret. The hinges on your prayer closet door just may even be squeaking because you have used it so much. You wonder if things are ever going to change, if he will change, if you're getting back together, or if this is the end of the dream of a whole family and marriage.  For the sake of love, you question that heart of yours -if it's is going to ever stop caring for the one who hurt you, rejected you, broke you, used you and maybe even abused you. You cry yourself to sleep at night, and the bed seems so lonely you can almost hear your tears -and it's crying too.....puddles on your pillow. It's been so dark for so long. You ask yourself, "How can I hang on any longer?"  Don't lose heart my friend, my sister in Christ, my hero in my eyes -because your pain is not in vain. God promises to make ALL things work together for good to those who are called according to His great purpose. (from Romans 8:28) Notice GREAT PURPOSE. This pain, this disappointment, this hurdle, this mountain, this flood, this fire, this difficult and tiresome season will come to an end for you. It's not permanent. No matter what happens, the tears will cease. God has not forsaken or abandoned you. He is right beside you, and He will take your brokenness, hurts, fears, disappointments and pains, and turn them into REAL STRENGTH, REAL BEAUTY, and MAKE YOU A NEW WOMAN. His word says, "...and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of His splendor." Isaiah 61:3. This painful time can be turned into beauty if you let Him. Trust Him in this process. He will help you, and what were your ashes, rubble, and heaps of junk, will become a monument to God's amazing goodness...a living testimony of His faithfulness, His grace, and His glory. Psalm 34:5 says, "Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame." Written By Jenny Williams, Ruby Wives  Copyright 2012

Letter To My Wife

Dear Wife of Mine, I know I should have sent this to you sooner- I sometimes don't know how to tell you how I feel. You're the most beautiful thing my eyes get to see every day; and even when I'm away, you are still in my view. You never fade from my sight. I know I don't always tell you what you need to hear. It's hard for me to come up with the words, because I'm a simple man and I have a hard time admitting what I'm feeling. I just want you to know that your my whole world and I never want or need anything else. The creator knew exactly what I needed when He made you. Your smile washes away the struggles of my day. Your laugh makes me feel alive. Being in your arms is like being at home. I feel accepted, wanted and relaxed. Your presence makes me at ease and you are my safe place to land. You let me be me, and you love me anyway. Your voice, your touch, your smell, are always what I long for when I'm away. You are never not on my mind. When I'm busy working and earning a living, I feel it's an honor and a privilege to provide for you, my wife and the beautiful family we made. Face it, girl, you're my whole world. Don't you ever fret or worry as you grow older with age. You are always beautiful to me. I always see you as my bride -every day. Thanks for putting up with me. For loving me in spite of my foolish notions, the mistakes I make, and my weaknesses. I am always learning something valuable from you. I love your heart. You're so gentle and so kind. I have a good woman by my side. There's nothing more I could ever want. You and the kids and God are all I need. Thank you, Baby for making my life better than it could ever be. I love you, always and forever. ~ Love, Your Husband
Written By Jenny Williams, Ruby Wives Copyright 2012 All Rights Reserved

I Want My Daddy

Sometimes it feels this world of problems and struggles is just too much to bear. I feel like a little girl with snot running down her nose, hair and clothes all rumpled, tears smeared across my face. My thoughts are racing, "Where's my Daddy? Where has He gone?" I'm searching and looking. Running from room to room. I'm looking for my Daddy so He can pull me up on His lap and tell me it's going to be okay -that He will beat up the bad guys who are chasing me, and give me the feeling and assurance that He will protect me. I can feel Him wiping my tears with the corner of my dress and He is holding me tight. I feel safe and alright. I smell His neck and his scent relaxes me. He tickles me and makes me laugh. I soon forget what troubled me. We're both laughing. And I'm kissing His cheek. He whispers, "What does my baby girl want?" I know that whatever my heart's desire is, He will give me. I can hear my own voice say, "Just hold me close, Daddy. Just hold me a whole lot longer." From Hebrews 13:5,b God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

There Is Always Hope

Do you feel you're losing hope? Are you tired? Do you feel you are hanging by a thread and it's about to break? Do you feel like you have been calling out and you hear nothing but silence to your hearts cries? God's word is true and everlasting. His word is faithful and true. Cling to the hope that you know. Faith, hope and love are all inertwined together -they are your rope to hang onto in times of struggle and pain. Jesus is on the other end of that rope you're holding onto. He is your anchor and He won't let go of you. When you are running low on hope, cry out to Jesus. He will give you more hope, just ask Him for it. Psalm 62:5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Psalm 43:5 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 71:5 For you have been my hope, Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth. Psalm 119:114 You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. Job 11:18 You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. There's always HOPE, my friend.

How To Make A Woman Happy

To the boyfriends, husbands and the someday wanna be's...Here's a few tips :) What makes a woman happy in a relationship ? And what keeps her happy ? NOTICE US: Look her in the eyes. Have you seen it light up or sparkle when she sees you? You are the one who has the ability to turn the twinkle lights in her eyes. If she's delighted, If she's feeling loved. If she adores you- It will show. Notice her thought and input on her outfit. Notice her perfume and mention it. Notice if she's done her hair differently. Always comment and say, "I notice your hair looks different today- I love seeing it up it shows your beautiful neck." Notice her shoes. If you notice anything good about us it makes us feel good. But you have to tell us. It doesn't do anything if you don't say anything. Nothing's worse than getting ready for an evening out- And a man says nothing. Always take notice. The only real way to take notice is to look at us and study us. TREAT US LIKE A LADY ALWAYS: Be an old fashioned guy and treat us like a lady. Not just once in a while, but all the time. Open the doors when entering and leaving any place. Open the car doors for us. Reach for our hand to help us out of a vehicle. Some guys even buckle the seat belt for us- That's sweet and romantic. Pull out the chair for us at the table in public places. Pay for the date when going out. Bring flowers just for the sake of it's a beautiful day. Send flowers to our work place- this makes us feel valuable. Special note: If your woman is not use to being treated this way- Be patient. She may make a silly remark if you haven't done this for her before, but just keep doing these things anyways. We will appreciate it. Don't use foul language in front of us. Don't ever call us a "B"word when angry. BE PROUD OF US: What I mean by that is if you introduce us to someone- Say, "This is my beautiful wife". Compliment what a wonderful wife, mother and person she is. We need to know this often. We feel valued if you are proud of us. Hold our hands in public. When were walking to the car or shopping. Give our hand a little squeeze and smile at us- for no other reason but to just say "Hey, I'm on your side and I love you". Touch the small of our back and guide us gently when were walking into a room of people- WE LOVE THIS. SHOW US YOUR STRENGTH TO US: Be a man and show your strength to us by carrying our packages, groceries, etc. Reach up high for us and get something down for us. Change the light bulbs, take out the trash, change the litter box- Do the unpleasant, smelly chores- Because were a lady. A lady should not have to do those things. Yes, it's old fashioned, but it makes us feel good. Knowing you like being a man for us. Take "hot" things out of the oven so we don't get burned. Again- If you haven't done these things for your woman before- It may take her a while getting use to you doing it. AFFECTION: Give us physical affection without voicing a sexual invitation. Leave it up to her if she wants it to lead to the bedroom. Touch our face, trace our features with your fingers, kiss the top of our head and pull us into your chest. This is endearing and it FEELS GOOD. We feel loved, safe, and secure. Rub our aching legs or feet. Kiss the back of our neck while were doing dishes or cooking. Give us hugs when we look stressed or down. If you do these things- Most likely we will feel loved and often may want to make love to you because we feel cherished and adored. MAKE US FEEL NUMBER ONE: If you spend alot of time on your boat, going golf with the buddies, fishing, watching tv sports all the time- We will feel jealous for your attention. WE dont mind if you do have your man cave time and your stress relieving activities- But if there ever is a day when were sick or we need extra help with the kids or it's a emotional day- Please always be willing to cancel that engagement and choose to be there for us. This gives you huge brownie points :) Also because we know that no matter what were more important than anyone or any thing. This makes us feel secure and valued. when we feel secure we have no problem you going out with the guys or you spending time in your man cave. SEX: Make us feel like your making love to us. Take the time to caress us, explore us, enjoy us. Try to pleasure us before yourself and you will be a happy man in the bedroom. Because the more you appreciate our curves, tell us were sexy and beautiful. It makes us more confident. If were more confident about our bodies- we will be more open and delicious for you. Also remember sex starts outside of the bedroom for us women. This means- You have flirted with us, smiled at us, spoken to us kindly during the day. Help us with the kids or chores- This gives us more energy for you. REMEMBER THE DETAILS: These are important to us. I know it's hard to remember- But take special notes when your woman says she wants something or she admired something in a store. Because then you can surprise us. Nothings more admirable when a man remembers a pair of shoes or perfume his woman wanted and he later brings it home to her. She will feel special and she will feel that you listen to her ! COMMUNICATING WITH US: When talking and listening to her- Always, Always, Always look her in the eyes and face. This makes us feel heard. If your wise you will repeat back what we said just so we know you understand. Example: " What your saying is that you would like for us to go on vacation at the coast and stay at the the hotel we stayed at last ?" The tones you use in your voice when speaking to us. I CANNOT EXPRESS THIS ENOUGH- HARSH TONES HURT US. Don't shout at us when your angry either. Show us respect like you would your boss or aquaintenance. If you are harsh-Then apologize quickly and say it was unacceptable. Work on this area if it's a problem for you. WORDS: Speak sweet "Everythings" to us... Call us sugar, honey, babydoll, babe, georgeous or whatever- But call us sweet things. And tells us were beautiful often !!! We don't get tired of hearing it. Let us know were your whole world. Whisper love words in our ears...Write little love notes or buy love cards. PLAN DATES FOR US...Surprise us. Just take care of the details and hire the baby sitter. Be clever and creative. If your not- then google ideas on the internet. Want a really awesome idea? Buy her a dress, necklace and shoes- Then surprise her with a note saying "I saw this and it reminded me of you and I want to take you out tonight with you wearing this. " The lady at Macy's will think your sweet- YOUR WIFE WILL THINK YOUR AMAZING !!! BE A MAN OF GOD: Pray for us and with us. Lead us to God when there's a problem. Make it a priority to have us go to church together regularly. Live and lead our family in a lifestyle of worship, prayer and walking in God's love daily to us. Nothings more SEXY than a man who is a worshiper and a man of prayer and integrity !!!!!! WE LOVE IT. ALWAYS PURSUE US. THE MAGIC IS YOU NEVER STOP CHASING US. THATS WHAT KEEPS THE ROMANCE AND PASSION ALIVE.
Written by Jenny Williams, Ruby Wives  Copyright 2012 All Rights Reserved. Please only share for encouragement purposes.

You Are His Princess

I know abandonment from a father or a husband causes great turmoil to one's self esteem. You just want to feel safe. You want and desire and even crave affection. It's like an endless hole in your heart that just won't go away. This ache won't go away until you fully understand and accept that this hurt and abandonment was NOT your fault. There is nothing you did wrong. You are LOVABLE. Someone else just didn't choose to value you because of their own selfishness, fears, or issues. There's nothing you could do differently to get them to love you, but please know -you are loved beyond measure. You are passionately pursued by your HEAVENLY FATHER. HE IS PROUD OF YOU AND HE IS NOT DISAPPOINTED IN YOU. NOTHING YOU COULD HAVE DONE COULD CAUSE HIM TO STOP LOVING HIS PRINCESS..HIS DAUGHTER....HIS PRIDE AND JOY. You are Daddy's little PRINCESS- ALWAYS ♥ Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

Stormy Weather

Jeremiah 1:8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD. Sometimes we get caught in a "storm" of life of which we had no warning. We get drenched in the drama of the day. Sometimes we react in a stupid way. Sometimes it feels so fierce, and we wonder if we can recover. It's left our minds confused, our physical bodies tired and drained and our hearts disheartened, but Jesus said, "Do not fear for I am with you". The Lord reaches out His mighty hand and pulls us to safety. I'm praying your storms are swiftly over and that you have a calm knowing in your heart that you are loved and you are saved. May Poppa GOD hold you today.

Coconuts

I have been having a strange, weird fetish, being engulfed in a crazy and insatiable, and indescribable need for coconuts. I have been craving coconut foods, desserts, drinks (they even have coconut tea), perfumes, lotions, shampoo; I crave the smell, the taste and even just looking at the them. My mind wondered if my body was needing a certain nutrient from it. I drank coconut water, ate coconut cake, bought coconut shampoo and lotions and potions (what the heck?) -but let me tell you what Poppa God did through all this: He reminded me that He was going to split open wide the hearts of men that had been hardened like a coconut shell -those husbands and wives who have let the doors to their hearts become closed. He will reveal what is sweet and tender in the things of God, and an intimate love and passion for their spouses again. YES, God uses anything, even coconuts to get our attention! To the one who wanted to give up: His word says anything is possible. He can soften a heart, but that heart has to be seeking and searching Him out. There is hope that He will reveal what is sweet and tender in the things of God, and an intimate love and passion for spouses again. "With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of His calling, and that by His power He may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ."  2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 (Notice the word FRUITION) Praise God!

I Love You Like Crazy

I love you....so much it hurts -aches, because you don't choose to love me back. I don't understand this kind of love -to love someone who has hurt me over and over again, but yet I still do. Am I just in love with needing your love and approval? I've questioned myself deeply and the answer is: no. I have learned how to live without your love every time you gave up on us and our dreams. Each time you put thick bricks of isolation around you and wouldn't let me in to your heart or emotions, I learned how to go without. The nights of silently crying and feeling so alone even though you were laying next to me. This kind of love doesn't make sense -love with no return of affection, words of endearment or looks of devotion in your eyes. The only thing I can even grasp and somehow can relate is the love that Jesus had when He died on the cross. His selfless act for all those who rejected Him, hurt Him, betrayed Him. He layed Himself down, because of LOVE -because of His love for us. I can still remember the night God deposited love in my heart for you. I had no idea what the journey would hold; the tears, the pain I would endure having this love for you. I know that Love is a choice, but I also know there are many levels of love. It can go deep -far past the superficial "I needs' and "I wants".... Just as 1 Corinthians 13 states: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."  True love doesn't have a condition (I will only love you " if"- There is no "if" in love-Only "I will"). Jesus didn't choose to die for us if we would clean ourselves up or love Him back. He loved us first knowing we may not love back. This is huge, and honestly, how many couples love like that? How many are committed to loving even if the other is not doing their part. I don't condone physical abuse or living in danger for your life or your children's. I don't mean that we should be a doormat for being beaten, cheated on over and over by sexual or emotional affairs, but I do believe in loving at all times. Crazy!!!!! Not the norm, I suppose. Oh, to be loved like this by the ones we love. Wedding vows used to mean something: laying down ourselves for the other. In good times and in bad, in sickness an in health, for richer or poorer, forsaking all others until our last breath. Husbands come back and choose to do what is right. Wives too. Walk in love, even when you don't feel it. Maybe she's waiting ...waiting for you to be the man and step up to the plate and do what is right. A woman needs to be loved by your actions, not just your words. Maybe she's waiting for you to show her you would be willing to fight for her and the promises you made. You don't have to be perfect, but just be honest and love her with your whole heart. We don't want to share your heart with another, we want to be the only one. A woman who truly loves a man will love him in spite of his weaknesses and failures. She will get on her knees when she sees you going under, and will support you spiritually when you are discouraged. A good woman was meant to be your helpmate and strength beside you -that's how Poppa God intended it. She sees your faults, but encourages you and believes for your future even when you can't yourself. She will forgive you for being a fool, if you're "man" enough to admit that you were wrong and you follow through with making it right. As the Good Book says: "Blessed is the man who finds a good wife. He has found favor with the Lord" A good man will acknowledge he needs her in his life.