You are approved by God! Isn’t that awesome!? You were created in His image and you are the apple of His eye. You did not choose God, but chose you and He is pleased with you …His most precious creation.

“Before you were ever formed in your mother’s womb, I saw you and approved you.” Jeremiah 1:5

Notice the verse does not say that God approved you as long as you do not have any faults or as long as you do not make any mistakes. God approves you unconditionally. No matter how many times you fall, you have got to get right back up again and hold you head up high. Do not allow the enemy to deceive you into thinking that you are not good enough. Instead, stand strong in your thoughts about yourself knowing that not only have you been chosen, but you are approved by our Almighty God!

Many Blessings! 

In America, every year July 4th brings with it festivities, fun, food, family and friends, and fireworks—all as a celebration of national freedom.  But even with all the celebrating and fun, many Americans are still caught in the web of bondage on a mental, emotional, relational, financial, vocational or spiritual level.  Most often, we ourselves create the chains that bind us by making poor or sinful choices.

“Choose you this day whom ye will serve…as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15

The longer I live, the more convinced I am that life is a series of choices, each choice has a consequence, and we must live with the consequences of our choices.  In order to have true freedom in your life, then, you must make wise choices.

Will you choose good over evil (Psalm 34:14; Romans 12:21)?  Obedience over rebellion (Proverbs 10:8; Hebrews 13:17)?  Truth over deceit (Colossians 3:9; Proverbs 12:22)? Kindness over dishonor (Ephesians 4:32; Proverbs 14:2)?  Every day you make hundreds of choices and these form the basis for your lifestyle.

Seek God’s wisdom in all of your decisions, not the wisdom of the world, the flesh or the devil (James 3:17).  Take the sometimes difficult step of saying, “I’ll do it God’s way!” even though it may mean avoiding the easy road.  In the long run, the freedom that comes with making godly choices is definitely something to celebrate!

Many Blessings!

I recently received this story in an email from a friend and laughed so hard I had to share it with you…

“There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and saw that she had only three hairs on her head. “Great,” she said, “I think I’ll braid my hair today.” So she did, and had a wonderful day. The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head. “Hmm,” she said, “I guess I’ll part my hair down the middle.” So she did, and had a wonderful day. The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only one hair left on her head. “Wow,” she said, “today I get to wear my hair in a pony tail.” So she did, and had a wonderful, wonderful day. The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that there wasn’t a single hair on her head. “Thank God!” she exclaimed. “I was running out of things to do with my hair!””

ATTITUDE is everything! Psalms 34:1 reminds us, “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Let’s be grateful for the things God has given us and have a wonderful day!

Many Blessings!

Reruns can be dull, boring, uneventful re-hashing of the same ole stuff you’ve seen a hundred times before…but I’ve got a re-run to recommend to you that, when God’s the producer, will make your day! Well, it makes MY DAY – every May 24 – when my husband, Brian, and I celebrate our wedding anniversary. One of our traditions is to watch and listen to the DVD of our wedding photos and music. I must admit…surprisingly, I did not cry on our wedding day; however, each year when Brian and watch our wedding DVD, I tear up.

You see, when God brings two people together for a lifetime, it is truly a blessing! Some may even call it a miracle. It will get off-the-chart ratings of the bride and the groom, and the crowd of friends and well-wishers who watch!

The Lord who put it together knows how to keep it together…He’s the real “Someone” who makes it happen and this month, we’d like you to celebrate His goodness with us–as we pray for you and God’s love, joy, and peace in YOUR life and marriage too. Someone “up there” cares about us all–single, married, wish-to-be, or widowed. We–and lots of you–are proof that the Adam-and-Eve “leave-and-cleave” stuff still works! And so–find yourself a seat with us on the sofa, share your popcorn–and we will rerun it again–with love, laughter, a few tears–and a LOT of gratitude to the Producer who makes it all happen!

So, go find someone to hug and share your joy with! After all, 1 Corinthians 13:13 reminds us, “And now faith, hope, and love abide, but the greatest of these is love.”

 Happy Anniversary, my sweetheart! I love you!!

Many blessings to you all!

 To view photos and read more about Brian and I, please visit www.brianandtrisston.com . Enjoy! 

As Easter approaches, I find myself thinking about the death and resurrection of Jesus. The purpose of his life was to offer himself as a sacrifice for the sins of mankind. The Bible says that Jesus became sin for us so that we could be forgiven and found righteous in God’s sight (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus was so certain of his purpose that he predicted when and how he would die (Matthew 26:2).

As believers and followers of Jesus, what is our purpose?

Some would answer that it is to love God while others might say that it is to serve him. Still others say that man’s chief purpose is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. While considering these ideas, Hebrews 12:2 came to mind: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him, endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Jesus looked beyond the suffering, shame, and death he knew was to come and focused on the joy that would be. Jesus anticipated the joy that would happen when each person would repent and be saved. He also looked forward to the joy that would result from each good work done by believers in obedience and motivated by love.

What a wonderful God we have who honors sinners like us by giving us the ability to give him pleasure! He rejoices and experiences joy as we respond to him in repentance, love, and good works that bring him glory!

Happy Easter!

Many Blessings! 

Whether you are facing a day of running errands or scheduling a big trip, it is always a good idea to make a plan. The same is true when thinking about your future and God’s purpose for your life.

“Comment to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3

Wake up each day knowing where you are headed, which direction you are taking, and what you are going to accomplish…..and then, stick to it! And when life’s distractions arise (and you know they will), ask yourself, “Is what I am doing moving me towards my purpose in life, or am I wasting time being busy and not really making any progress?”

Proverbs 4:25 reminds us, “Keep your eyes fixed straight ahead. Don’t look to the left and don’t look to the right.”

Don’t be distracted and spend your time and energy on things that are not helping you fulfill your purpose. Remember, God’s plans are blessed and as you walk in His plan for your life you will experience His abundance.

Many Blessings!   

“The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love." Jeremiah 31:3

Valentine's Day is a day for lovers. Did you know that Jesus is the lover of your soul? He is. You, as part of the church, are His bride…His chosen one.

Our Lord loves us with an infinite love, an everlasting love, and an indescribable love.

Are you without a valentine? Take heart…His heart. He has set His affection on you. Jesus has purchased you, not with silver or gold as a bridegroom would have in Jesus' day, but our Lord has purchased you with the silver of His tears and with the gold of His blood.

You are loved! 

Every time you get a Valentine, see an advertisement for Valentine's Day, or hear someone say "Happy Valentine's Day," remember that Jesus is the Lover of your Soul.

As my Mother would say, “Jesus loves you and so do I!”

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Many Blessings!

“Behold I am doing a new thing. Can you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19)

Do you have a vision of victory for your life for the New Year? Are you living each day filled with faith and expectancy? The Bible verse above says that God is going to do a new thing some day. He does not say maybe next week, next month, or next year. God said, “I am doing something new in your life right now! Can you not perceive it?” God wants to do something new in your life this year, this month, this week, TODAY!

Jeremiah 29:11 tells us, “My plans for you are good and not evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Regardless of what may have happened in your past, God’s plans for you are good. His plans will always be for your good. God can take your tragedy and turn it into triumph!

This year, let go of the past and seek God’s plan and develop that vision of victory for your life.

Happy New Year!

Many Blessings!