It is what it is…but it really isn’t!

March 14, 2016March 14, 2016 / Susan Woodward

I have definitely said that at times. And in many cases, it has helped me to process whatever it is that has been presented to me or someone I love…a little better.

The easiest way for me to deal with something out of my control is to think “it is what it is.”

But guess what? It really isn’t!

It isn’t what has been presented or what I may see it as. And it never will be!

It’s completely fine to think “It is what it is” if in our hearts we can know that “it really isn’t.”

Situations beyond my control become a little more bearable and understandable (I didn’t say they were easier) when I take the next step and fully trust God and cling to His eternal hope. I have learned to accept that God is the only one who sees what really is.

He is the only one who understands all the details of the masterpiece He is creating with our lives. And God uses every “it is what it is” moment that we face. He uses our every pain and our deepest hurts.

When we look to Him we can make more sense out of something that seems so senseless. We can cling to the promise that His plan is far greater for our lives than we could ever comprehend. We can move forward knowing that everything out of our hands is really in the best hands ever!

His plan is far too complex for any of our knowledge. It is much too beautiful for our eyes to visualize. Our broken hearts could never grasp how all the pieces will perfectly be mended together one day. How He works things out for our good will always be far beyond what our minds can understand.

But He is working!

And what IS really ISN’T.

Learn to trust Him with ALL of lifes moments.

Open your heart, mind and soul to Him.

Remember “It is what it is…but it really isn’t.”

You Are More…

December 3, 2015December 3, 2015 / Susan Woodward / 4 Comments

YOU ARE MORE….

You’re More Than Your Hard Days!

Some days you may try your best and it may not seem like it’s enough.

Some days the words you want to heal may hurt instead.

Some days you may question everything you do or lack the energy to complete it.

Some days your agenda, goals and plans may be shattered.

Some days your intentions may seem like they dont matter.

This doesn’t mean you’re a failure.

Or you should quit.

Or God is mad at you.

It just means this…

All of your days you will be human and make mistakes.

All of your days you will grow, but you will never reach perfection.

All of your days there will be grace enough for you.

All of your days will start fresh.

And new.

And with joy.

Remember that the positive always out weighs the negative in life.

Remember God never gives up on you, so never give up on yourself.

Remember everyone’s ugly can become something beautiful.

Remember there’s no test or trial or hard day the Lord can’t use for His glory.

If you let Him.

So, Keep going.

Keep trying.

Keep moving forward.

I know it’s hard on some days. But you are MORE than those days.

At the end of all of your days, you may very well hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

And that alone will make ALL the hard days you had to persevere through worthwhile.

So take a deep breath.

Keep your focus.

Remain strong in your faith.

And each night when you close your eyes, remember you are loved.

Loved Today.

Loved Tomorrow.

And Loved Forever.

Because You Are More Than Your Hard Days!

I have a purpose, hear me roar!?!

November 19, 2015November 19, 2015 / Susan Woodward

Roar

P -Passionately Mothering!

U -Unflinchingly keeping my eyes on the goal!

R -Regularly and richly impacting God’s word to my children!

P -Praying constantly-my heart always looking to the Lord!

O -Ordering and managing my home with diligence!

S -Saturating my husband and children with love & encouragement!

E -Embracing & nurturing all the children God has placed in my life!

Ok, maybe you can’t actually hear me roar. But, I do sometimes! I’m passionate, loud, dramatic and full of energy, as I embrace and live out my purpose!

We all have a purpose!

What’s yours? And how do you live it out?

Don’t Confuse Your Path With Your Destination

September 8, 2015September 8, 2015 / Susan Woodward / 8 Comments

Every one of us will encounter storms on our journey. Let’s face it, not one of us is exempt from them. It’s a part of growing. It’s a part of parenting. It’s a part of building our faith. Storms can mold our character; teach us about love, mercy and His amazing grace….they are a part of life. We can face storms on our path at any time as we move towards our destination. We may walk through some dark and gloomy days, wake to hurts and losses wishing they’d have disappeared over night, and stomp our way through some very difficult times.

But the Lord says this….

Deuteronomy 31:8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Sometimes we get off the path while we are facing a storm. We lose focus on the sunshine that is promised to come again. We need to remember we are never alone. The Lord is with you and has already gone ahead of you. He already knows the outcome and has a perfect plan. The sun will shine again. Keep your head up. Keep pushing through the rain. Trust His plan even when all you see is dark clouds. Have faith that your destination will soon be glorious.

After the storm…..the outcome may be all that you have hoped for, everything that you have pushed forward towards, and way more than you could have ever imagined. Allow the Lord to work on your behalf as you seek Him…even in the midst of your storm…seek him with all your heart!

The Lord also says this….

Jeremiah 29:11-13 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Facing a storm? Or in a storm right now? Or do you have a testimony where the Lord has calmed your storm, brought the sunshine back into your life, and or set your path straight again?

You may be a glimmer of sunshine to someone else. Share your story. It’s been given to you for a reason. Let God use the path you’ve walked to share HOPE with others.

Mission Impossible? No Way!

August 30, 2015August 31, 2015 / Susan Woodward / 4 Comments

I am so honored to have my son as a guest on my blog!!! He has a huge heart for people and missions and he serves the Lord that he loves. He needs help in going to Nicaragua. We know God will move in the hearts of His people and make a way. He always does. The Lord gives us the desires of our hearts and I am so thankful for a son that has a heart for reaching others and furthering His Kingdom. If you would also like to make a difference in the lives of the people in Nicaragua….You can! There are two ways YOU can serve with this Mission.

Give if you are able to financially help (here)
Pray for the Team that will be going.

mission

From the Heart of my Son Wes

Thanks Mom for letting me put this out there.

To those who are reading this blog. Here’s the scoop.

The opportunity for me to go to the nation of Nicaragua presented itself to me and I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to go. I have always had a heart for kids and missions. While the Team is there we will be doing hands on ministry in the streets and reaching out to the communities. We will be serving so many young and old that need to know Jesus. This is an awesome opportunity for me. Not only to serve others, but for my faith to grow as well.

This will not be my first mission trip. I am extremely excited and praying God uses me greatly. The missions on our agenda will be difficult, but there’s no doubt the rewards will be great. We hope and pray to see many lives changed for eternity!

Prayers are needed for both me and the team above all else. If you are able and can help me in raising the funds to go, it would be a huge blessing to me. I am currently 1/3 of the way there in my fund raising with a deadline fast approaching. If there should be any funds exceeding my goal, they will be directly applied towards this mission.

Click here : Nicaragua Mission Trip

Thanks in advanced for all the support and prayers. Maybe Mom will let me update all of you on the awesomeness of this mission when I return.

Destine to reach my goal,

Wes Woodward
WES