Mark Within Salvation Book Review

Reading Mark’s story, the third book in Alisa Wagner’s Anoma Series was a total emotional roller coaster. Zach the brother of Ruth emerges as a very strong character in this book. He is now known as Mark so that he can remain under the World Government’s radar after completing a daring robbery of the World Bank. He and his friend Li are on a mission to strengthen their underground network so that Pastor Tom’s and Ruth teachings can have a wider reach. 

There are many twists and turns in this book as the story comes together. Mark and Li are doing an excellent job working to expand the underground network however, Mark has a secret that could put their entire operation in jeopardy. Also, danger follows Ruth and their expanding colonial family.

I love the way this underground group has grown into a strong family unit who are there for each other even in the face of danger. They continue to encourage and pray for each other while living their lives with hope in the one true God. Their small but determined group thrive as they make inroads in weakening the World Government.

Alisa Wagner has done an excellent job with this book. You will find it hard to put this book down once you get started. I’m excited that she has decided not to end this series at three books and look forward to reading other books in this series.

If this book sounds interesting to you, check out the entire series on Amazon, starting with Eve of Awakening. I promise it will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Trusting Him,
~Bernadine~

Uniquely His

Dear Friend,

Do you know that you are one of a kind? You are a unique individual designed by God himself? Before He even formed you in your mother’s womb He had you future planned. Everything about you, from the smallest birth mark to each hair on your head He thought about and designed unique to you. If that isn’t love I don’t know what is. I love how this Psalms puts it:

13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
16 You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed. Psalms 139:13-16 (NLT)

Sometimes we have a negative self-image based on how others see us and the way we think about ourselves, our achievements, appearances etc. However, none of us is perfect. We all have different strengths and weaknesses. Unfortunately, many times we focus so much on our areas of weakness that they dominate our view of ourselves. Sometimes it makes us afraid to try new things because we are so sure that we are going to fail.

One thing I'm trying to do is work harder on my areas of personal strengths so that I may become better. Also, try a few new things and maybe discover some hidden talents within myself.  In fact, let’s all show God our appreciation for loving us so much that He took the time to make each of us unique and special. We can do this by trying to see ourselves the way our Creator sees us. We are the apple of His eyes, He delights in us, He loves us, and He wants us to succeed in life.

4 The LORD gave me this message:
5 “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.
Before you were born I set you apart
and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:4-5(NLT)

Trusting Him,
~Bernadine~

Published previously on my teen girl blog

Don’t Feed Negativity

I was checking my email when I came across an unfamiliar email address.  It
didn’t surprise me because I frequently received emails in response to articles I published in my teen girl magazine.  I opened the email and then sat there in shock.  It was a short email, only eight words in length and unsigned.

“You still waiting on true love? You fool.”

This happened quite a few years ago, but I remember that as I read the email I felt hurt, anger and shock all at once. I wondered why someone would take the time to send an insulting email to a stranger because of something they perceived to be foolish. I had received negative emails before however, this one felt like a personal attack. 

It is so easy in our social media driven world for people to attack each other.  From behind the anonymity of a computer screen they attack people that they have never met and likely, will never meet in real life.  Why? Because they look different? Think differently? Act differently? Why does someone acting upon their right to think, look or behave in a certain way upset someone so much that they take the time to send a negative message or leave a rude comment?

There’s a name for people who act in such a negative manner on the internet.  They are called trolls.  Their only objective is to cause an argument or crush someone’s spirit.  The best advice I’ve seen given to handle internet trolls is, “don’t feed the trolls!”  There is a saying, “whatever you feed will grow.”   In all honesty, I’ve answered a few of them, inclusive of the one I talked about. There’s no satisfaction in it though. It’s best not to no matter how tempted you are. None of us want negativity growing in our minds. So, ignore the trolls.  Don’t engage because that’s exactly what they want.

Has this ever happened to you, online or in your day to day life? Have you ever felt attacked because of your beliefs, appearance, the way you dress etc.?  It hurts, doesn’t it?  If you let it, you can be left feeling as if there is something wrong with you.  But, there isn’t. We are all uniquely made by God. You are His masterpiece, the apple of His eye.  He loves you just the way you are. Allow those to be the thoughts that you feed.  The thoughts that God thinks about you. Let His positive thoughts towards you grow, bloom and replace the negative thoughts of others.

None of us is identical in the way we think and act. Don’t allow the perception of people who don’t truly know you to become the reflection you see of yourself.

Trusting Him,
~Bernadine~

What I Wished I Had Said…

My cousin Pearl & I

It was during our weekly conversation when out of the blue she said to me, “I’ve told Jesus whatever His will is just let it be.”

I knew exactly what she meant but I didn’t want to hear it, not at that time.  So my reply to her was, “We know where we’re going when we leave this earth.  We’ll be going home to be with Jesus. There’s no reason to be afraid but you don’t have to be in a hurry to say your goodbyes. 

We talked, we laughed, I prayed and told her, “I love you and I’d call again soon.”  Neither of us knew that would be our final conversation.

I wish I had taken that moment to say:

 I believe with all my heart I’m going to see you again on this earth but, if I don’t I want you to know my friend, you’ve had an impact on my life. You’ve left an impression on my heart that will never be erased.

You have given generously, loved unselfishly and defended all. You smiled through your pain while offering others comfort and support.  You lived out your faith, trusting always in God. 

You believed however he answered His way was best and you lived surrendered to his perfect will.

But I didn’t say this because wouldn’t saying it mean I had no faith? Who says goodbye when believing for a miracle?

I hate goodbyes.  If I can I avoid it, the awkwardness, the sadness, the finality of goodbye. However, whether we are in perfect health or dealing with a life threatening illness, we don’t know how far we are away from our final goodbyes with our loved ones.  Hence we should make each moment count, say the things that need saying so there are no regrets.

When I tried to explain my sometimes mixed up words to my cousin she’d always say, “You don’t have to explain, I know your heart.” So today I take comfort in knowing, although in that moment I didn’t say the words I wish I had said, she knew how I felt about her.

…Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. Psalms 30:5 

I also rejoice in the fact that because we shared the same faith in our risen savior I’m going to see her again.

 ²⁰ But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Philippians 3:20-21(NIV)

Are there any words that you want to say to someone you love? I encourage you to say it…

Heavenly Father, I pray for those today who are dealing with grief.  Wrap your loving arms around them.  Let them feel your presence and your peace.  Give them the strength to make it through this difficult time.

I write this post in memory of my cousin and friend Nurse Pearl Carey. Beloved child of God.

I also shared this post at Laced With Grace.

Trusting Him,
~Bernadine~

Minimizing my Library

I didn’t know it would be so difficult but it was.  This year I find myself having to do a complete purging and minimizing of my belongings.  I started with what I know would be the most difficult… my books.  I’m an avid bookworm and book collector.  One of my dreams in life, for as long as I can remember, was to have my own personal library.  I was well on my way. Then recently came the realization that I had to let go of a very large fraction of my books, we’re talking probably more than half.

This week, I forced myself to make the first cut.  Books I’ve had, some dating back to my teenage years, found themselves on the floor about to be given away but to whom?  It was with heavy heart that I sat surrounded by my books and in the midst of it all, I whispered a simple prayer… “God you have to find good homes for my books.”  I know it seems a bit silly but it gave me a measure of peace with having to part with my treasures.

My taste in reading is very eclectic and my library reflects that.  From the inspirational romances of my teens, to my Left Behind Series, my Frank Peretti books, to books on Youth’s Ministry, Sunday School, Self Help, Bible studies, Scripture based books, I have books that covers a wide genre...  I love to read and I read books according to the mood I’m in at the moment…

I asked around and found people who were happy to take some of the books off my hands.  However, I was overjoyed when my cousin, who lives next door to me stopped by.  She and her daughters love reading so she left with many of my novels.  She and her husband also has a new ministry so she also happily carried some of my books on teaching Sunday School and Youth Ministry.  I told her, she was an answer to prayer because I know that the books will continue to be used and taken care of.

As I go through the process of minimizing my library I feel my heart getting lighter even as I give away things that I have loved and held on to for many years.  Many times I hold on to things and don’t want to let go.  But I have to let go of somethings in order to get to where God wants to take me.  This year, I know that I have to minimize so I choose to do it with a good attitude and joyful heart knowing that God is at work on my behalf.

In the main time I have still have many books, some of which are pictured, waiting to go to their new homes...

A bag of novels for some teen girls...

books for friends...

Salvation Army Thrift Store

Two of my shelves after the first cut...
Where was I keeping all of those books?

In the midst of dealing with my books I got the news that one of my favorite cousins had left this world to be with Jesus.  I’m sure he had his things that he loved, family being first of all.  However in order to gain the ultimate prize he had to let it all go.  It is no longer a concern to him.  He’s not thinking about his favorite possession or anything he had in this world… absent from this body present with the Lord. R.I.P my dear cousin.

Trusting Him,
~Bernadine~

Lessons From My Mother

Dear Mommy,

 Today makes exactly seven years since I got the news that you had gone to your heavenly home. A part of me died that day and for the longest time afterward I didn’t want to live. Life just wasn’t the same without you and I wasn’t sure I could cope. But I did. I had to put the things that you instilled in me into practice. I’m thankful for the lessons that I learned as I navigated through life without you.

 1. Talk to God always

Although I know I have a relationship with God there were times when I found it easier to depend on you for answers. I called you when I was hurt, depressed or had decisions to make that I wasn’t sure which way to go. You would always pray for me, counsel me and then tell me, “Talk to God Baby. You have to know how to talk to God for yourself because Mommy isn’t always going to be with you.”

 2. Keep my eyes on God.

 I get distracted sometimes Mommy. I worry about what others think about me and expect of me. But you always told me, “Don’t worry about what people think, keep your eyes on God. Do what he tells you to do.” It’s sinking in Mommy. I worry less and less about what others think the older I get.

 3. I am precious to God.

 From my earliest memory you always made me feel special and loved. Sometimes out of the blue you’d look at me and say, “You’re a pretty girl. I love you.” Then you’d tell me, :”God loves you. You are precious to him.”No matter how difficult life gets, even on the days when for whatever reason I’m not talking to God like I should, I know within my heart I’m precious to him.

 4. God keeps his promises.

 I haven’t changed much since you went to heaven Mommy. I’m still the same impatient person you knew me to be. I get tired waiting. I sometimes complain and often have doubts when I don’t see things happening like I want them to. However, deep down inside I know God keeps his promises. Even in my moments of doubts, I hold fast to that because I saw you live it out before me. You never seemed to doubt God’s promises. You always believed that God would do what he said he would do.

The list is endless of the lessons I’ve learned from your life Mommy. I’m so grateful to God for the time that he allowed me to have you in my life. You were my best friend, confidant, counselor, pastor and so much more. Until the day we meet again, I will always miss you.

 Love,
Your baby girl

 P.S. Sometimes when I want to hear your voice I listen to this… It reminds me of the many messages I heard you preach and the many times you prayed for me.

A word for the discouraged

Through out time God has watched

And listened to his children as they

Came to him with tear streaked faces

And questioning eyes.

He has watched sadly and sometimes

Quietly as they left his presence

With heavy hearts and shoulders slumped

Thinking he hadn’t heard their petitions.

He has closed his eyes in quiet pain

As yet another whispered why Lord?

Why? Reached his ear.  He’s listened sadly

To the cries of when? Lord when will it all end?

The night has been long and hard.

The enemy has used the covering of darkness

To bring confusion fear, anger and depression.

In the darkness it seems as if you have nothing.

In the darkness it is easy to doubt God.

It is human to doubt in the darkness because

With the physical eyes you can’t see any way out.

But God has seen, He’s listened and now

He’s saying to someone, Morning has broken.

He is saying I am with you even in the darkness.

When all seem bleak I am here.  I will never leave you

Nor forsake you.  Trust in me my child.  Morning has broken.

Trusting Him,
~Bernadine~

Shared previously on my teen girl blog.

Life Without Limits

During my summer vacation I always have my list of books to read and this summer was no different.  However I found myself pushing them aside and focusing on a book I randomly picked up at the bookstore.  I had seen Nick Vujicic many times on clips on YouTube and read articles that people had written about him so when I saw his book Life Without Limits I decided to buy it.

Part of the synopsis of the book states:

 Born without arms or legs, Nick Vujicic overcame his disabilities to live an independent, rich, fulfilling, and “ridiculously good life” while serving as a role model for anyone seeking true happiness.

As I read the book I was totally captivated by Nick’s attitude. I was also inspired by his determination to find his place in life in spite of his limbless body.

What I liked about the book is that Nick doesn’t hide the fact that he had times when he struggled.  He had times when he questioned, why?  He had times when he was despondent and considered giving up.  In fact there was a time when he actually contemplated suicide, but thankfully he never followed through.

Today Nick inspires many as a motivational speaker.  He reminds people that no matter what their circumstances are God has a purpose for their lives.

Nick’s message in this book is simply that you CAN live a life without limits if you trust in God.

Below is a short clip of one of Nick's motivational messages.

Trusting Him,

~Bernadine~

Called To Be

I don’t know if I’ve been singing it as a vow to God
or a declaration to myself. Maybe it’s a combination of both.

 What I do know is that lately I’ve been constantly playing
Jonathan Nelson’s song, Called to Be.

 We know that God has a purpose for our lives but sometimes
Our lives get off track and we wonder if it’s ever going to happen.
Am I ever going to be who God has called me to be?

 This song reminds me, that if I continue to press,
through the mountains high and valleys low,
if I continue to keep my focus… I will be who he called me to be.

 -Chorus-
I will be what you called me to be
I say, Yes Lord I agree
My desire, passionately
 Is to be what you called me to be
 That's what I'll be  

Trusting Him,
~Bernadine~

Daily He Provides

“Wouldn’t it be great if we woke up one day to find that all of our debts were paid and we had a daily allowance to live on?” I asked my brother recently.   

I’m reading through the Old Testament and had recently finished reading about Jehoiachin King of Judah who was released from exile after thirty seven years.  I was sharing some of what I had read with one of my brothers.  His answer gave me much to think about.  He replied that in his opinion we already have that on any given day.   

Our needs are met but we decide that we “need” more.  We have food in the cupboard but it isn’t what we want to eat so we say we have no food.  We have clothes to wear, a car to drive and a home to live in but sometimes our eyes are on “something better.”  It isn’t enough for us that we have sufficient to survive on a daily basis because often our eyes are on having a little more. 

As I later reflected on what he said I once again read the verses related to Jehoiachin’s release from exile. 

 29 So Jehoiachin put aside his prison clothes and for the rest of his life ate regularly at the king’s table. 30 Day by day the king gave Jehoiachin a regular allowance as long as he lived. 2 Kings 25:29-30

 It didn’t say that Jehoiachin lived extravagantly, or that the King gave him a huge sum of money.  In fact his lifestyle then probably couldn’t even compare to when he himself was king.  What the scripture said was that he had food to eat and a regular allowance for as long as he lived.  I’m sure Jehoiachin was grateful that he was no longer in exile and that God provided for him on a daily basis.  I hope if for one moment he forgot his time in exile or felt ungrateful he had someone who reminded him of God’s provision the way my brother did me. 

Father help me to continue to trust you on a daily basis, to not be so concerned about what I consider ‘tomorrow’s needs’ that I don’t take the time to acknowledge and thank you for the fact the each day you provide for me exactly what I need for that day.

Trusting Him,
 ~Bernadine~

This article was inspired by a conversation I had with my brother Robert.  I shared it at Laced With Grace a while back.  However I thought I'd share it here today in honor of Robert's birthday.

Follow, Follow, I Will Follow Jesus

Follow, follow, I will follow Jesus,
Anywhere, everywhere, I will follow him
Follow, follow, I will follow Jesus,
Anywhere he leads me, I will follow him

I randomly started humming this old hymn recently.  It immediately took me back over twenty years into the past.

It was a chilly Sunday morning just after dawn when a group of us young people, all around the same age, followed our pastor and other ministers down to the waterside.

The pastor and congregation sang this song as we, a group of guys and girls, went to be baptized making a covenant to follow Christ.

 None of us knew then where following Him would lead.

We had no idea that following him didn’t mean that our life story would be written according to our perfect little plans.

We didn’t know then that mixed with the joys, there would also be tears of pain and disappointment as we navigated that narrow path in following Him.

It didn’t register then that there would be times we’d question His decisions.

No one could have gotten us to believe that we'd sometimes lose sight of Him as we followed.

At that moment, we were filled with excitement, wonder and expectation. We had decided that follow, follow we would follow Jesus.

Today I can honestly say I’m so glad for that teenage decision to follow.  It has made all the difference in my life. 

I’m also thankful that the most important thing that those who counseled us during our baptismal classes said stuck with me throughout my walk with Christ.  They told us that no matter what we encountered in life Jesus would always be there.

In the good times it’s easy to follow but in the difficult times, it’s not so easy.  So during those times I hold on to what I know and believe with all my heart, Jesus is with me.  He will never leave me so I will keep following, keep believing, and keep trusting him.

 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.  Luke 9:23 

Trusting Him,

 ~Bernadine~

From Dream to Reality

It’s pretty late to be writing a New Year’s post right?   Maybe, but the newness of the New Year has not worn off yet, at least not for me J.

A new year always seems to start with plans to change in some way and with the setting of goals. In addition the New Year comes with the realization that some dreams and goals from the previous year have not been accomplished.  So the thought then becomes, do I bury these old dreams and make new ones or do I find a way to make my old dreams happen?

I’ve decided that, I want to make them happen. I want my dreams to manifest, become reality this year. 

The question is… how do I make my dreams reality?  I still don’t really have a clue however this year I’m going to try a few things I’ve listed below.
      

       Do something different.

There are some dreams that may not have come to pass because I continued to do the same thing every year while expecting the end result to be different.  This year I plan to discard the old methods that did not work over the years and do something different.


 Get advice

Sometimes, try as I may, I get stuck and can’t solve a problem on my own.  The independent, I can do it on my own part of me wants to just keep at it hoping I’ll find the answer.  Unfortunately, the answer doesn’t always come.  This year I’m going to remind myself in the words of John Maxwell that, “teamwork makes the dream work.” So my bloggy friends, in 2013, I just may come knocking at your blog seeking adviceJ

Keep At It

      I’m often guilty of getting frustrated and putting my dreams on a shelf with the label, “hold for inspiration”. However, inspiration never seems to come for the dreams that are on hold.  So, I plan to re-label those on hold dreams with a priority label. This year I’ll stop holding myself back and work through the obstacles and achieve those dreams I’ve labeled priority.

      

      Realize that it’s up to me

As human beings we often crave approval and validation as we make certain steps in life.  Consequently we can become discouraged and give up when we don’t receive it.  This year I’m going to keep reminding myself that although the support, validation and even applause feel good, ultimately I determine whether or not I achieve my dreams.

 Seek God Always

Except the lord build the house they labor in vain that build it… Psalm 127:1

I believe that my dreams are God given.  However I still have to seek him every step of the way to ensure that I am following his plan and not doing my own thing.  So I’m going to consult Him even more as I travel the path to achieving the dreams that he have given me.

I truly believe that if I continue to trust in God and follow these few steps along with any others He places on my heart 2013 will not end with the same dreams gathering dust on the shelf.  In fact it will end with new dreams to replace the ones that have become reality.

How are you going about achieving your dreams this year?

Trusting Him,
~Bernadine~

God Knows

“You never did tell me why you made that decision,” he said quietly, completely out of the blue.  I stared at him in disbelief.  Was I hearing correctly? The decision he was talking about wasn’t something new, in fact it was quite a while back.  Why bring it up now?

For just a moment the old anger, hurt and resentment rose up inside.   The reasons and explanation regarding my decision had all been explained, discussed, dissected and discarded by others as trivial, including him.  Did I want to even try to explain again? Yet, I wanted to be understood.  I wanted to know that somebody saw my side. I wanted validation that my decision was the right one.

“The innate desire to defend myself battled fiercely with the voice of the holy spirit speaking softly to my heart.

“Be still, the battle is not yours.”

I sat quietly, almost frozen in that moment for what seemed like a long time but in reality was only seconds.  Why is it that I have trouble remembering this?  I often try to fight my own battles and end up with unnecessary battle scars in the process.  Why can’t I just automatically trust God to fight my battles?  As I thought about it, the answer was not really complicated.  I want immediate justice, validation, perfect endings with no loose ends.  But unfortunately, life is not perfect and often not fair…

Then finally, almost unconsciously two words came softly out of my mouth, “God knows.”

I said it again more assertively, “God knows.”

As I said it, I sat back with a sigh of relief.  I gave the desire to be understood to God. 

 The Lord is watching everywhere,
      keeping his eye on both the evil and the good. Proverbs 15:3 NLT

Truly God does know.  Nothing we do is a surprise to him.   

God knows the whole matter.

God knows what was said and what was done.

God knows who’s wrong and who’s right.

God knows my side, your side, their side and the unbiased truth.

God knows the back story that no one else is privy to.  He knows the heart of a matter.

Some decisions that we make will never make sense in the natural. There will always be those who feel that they are more qualified to make decisions about our lives than we are.   Often our decisions may be second guessed and dissected.  However the important thing to know is that you make your life decisions after much prayer and communication with God. 

 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.  Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)      

The true measure of a woman shows when she allows God’s peace to fill her heart even in the midst of difficult situations.  It shines forth in her trust and confidence in God.  

Trusting Him,
 ~Bernadine~

I wrote this article for Sanctified Together a couple of years ago and decided to share it here after a recent conversation with a friend.  I needed a little reminder that, God knows!

Just for Me

Dear God,

For some reason today, I found myself humming the song, “Just for Me.”  I stopped and meditated on the lyrics for just a moment.

Just for me, just for me

Jesus came and did it just for me…

It was a timely reminder of all you have done for me.  I stand, as always, in awe of you.  When I think of the most special thing anyone has ever done for me it doesn’t even come close to measuring up.  What do you say to someone who has given his all for you? Somehow thank you just isn’t enough, but I’ll say it anyway.  Lord, I thank you for sending your son, just for me.

Love,

Your daughter

Bernadine.

Because he Lives

It was Friday evening. Heads were hung low. Unanswered questions echoed through troubled minds.

“Did we make a mistake in following this man?” Is he really the one prophesized about by the prophets of old?” “What is he doing hanging on a cross?”

I can only imagine the questions of the disciples as they watched the events that took place unable to intervene. I’m sure Peter wanted to take on everyone on Jesus’ behalf and he did try;

10Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear.

However,

11Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?" John 18:10-11

Whenever I read the Easter story I am always in awe of the depth of God’s love for us. Jesus didn’t want anyone to fight this battle, to step in and be His savior because he was The Savior.

I can picture the disciple that Jesus loved. He must have felt helpless, lost, even forsaken. This man was probably a big brother, maybe even father figure to him and now there he hung beaten, bleeding and seemingly defeated on the cross. Probably knowing his sense of helplessness Jesus gave him an assignment, one that He would only give to someone He trusted completely.

26When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," 27and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home John 19:26-27

That beloved disciple must have held his new mother close and comforted her as Jesus cried It is finished." then bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Darkness, despair, discouragement, total hopelessness… this is how that moment must have seemed to those who loved Jesus, the moment where all hopes, dreams and expectations came crashing down. We’ve all experienced those moments in life. But I am so thankful that moment on the cross was not the end of the story. I’m so thankful for resurrection Sunday, that an empty tomb stands testament to the fact that He rose again, that my Jesus lives.

photo credit:  Photobucket.com

10Then the disciples went back to their homes, 11but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
13They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?"
"They have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don't know where they have put him." 14At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there… John 20:13-14

Oh the joy of that moment when a ray of hope cuts through the darkness, when the impossible becomes possible, when hope springs anew…

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth a living, just because He lives
Bill Gaither

Trusting Him,
~Bernadine~

Re-posted from my teen girl blog. 

God Will Do What He Says He Will Do

No weapons formed against me shall prosper it won’t work…

That song has been lingering in my spirit since this year began. I have practically worn out my Fred Hammond cd playing it.

God will do what he says he will do, he will stand by his word he will come through…

I have needed the encouragement and indeed it has encouraged me. So I thought I’d share it with my dearest bloggy friends… you.

Has God promised you something that he has not yet brought to pass?

Don’t give up! Hold fast to his promise, he will do what he says he will do.


Does it sometimes feel as if he has forgotten you? Continue to have faith, he will stand by his word. He will come through.

Do you find it difficult to accept the promises of God at times? So do I. I know it doesn’t seem a very Christian-like thing to admit but…

Sometimes I get discouraged to the point where I don’t want to hear anyone saying to me that God is going to keep his word.

I’ve read it.

I can recite it.

I know in theory (and by personal experience) that he keeps his word. He fulfills his promises, he doesn’t forget his children.

But some days I don’t want to hear what God is going to do I want to see him move on my time.

On days like that I get discouraged, I pout, I cry, I question him.

However, my pouting doesn’t cause him to move one moment faster that he planned to. It simply reveals to me that I have some more growing to do.

And so I encourage myself. I find solace in His word. I put my focus on the giver and not the gifts. I remind myself that I’ve come too far to doubt his promises now.

So I ask myself…

- What if Jairus had give up when the servant told him not to bother Jesus because his daughter was dead?

- What if the woman with the issue of blood had believed the report of the last doctor she’d seen and not trusted Jesus for a miracle?

- What if the man lying at the pool of Bethesda for 38 years had asked someone to take him home the day before Jesus came by?

They would all have missed out on their miracle.

I don’t want to be known as, “the one who missed out because she got discouraged” or “the one who because God didn’t do it in her time or in her way didn’t think he’d do it at all…”

So my dear bloggy friends, I’d just like to remind you, me, us… as January begins to wind down and the newness of the new year inevitably begins to fade that God is a keeper of his word.

His promises are sure.

He will do what he says he will do.

He will stand by his word.

He will come through.

Sometimes he answers “while we are yet praying” and sometimes he takes longer than we feel comfortable with. But however he does it be assured that he will do it.

As the enemy begins to send the weapons of doubt and fear to your mind don’t let it get inside of you. Remember the weapons will form but they won’t prosper… unless we let it.

My friends whatever promises God has made to you in this year hold on to them… He will come through.

I had no intentions of writing this lengthy post, I simply wanted to share this song with you but God had other plans.



I hope this song encourages you and gives you hope as it has done me.


Trusting Him,
~Bernadine~

The Joy of the Lord...

Have you ever noticed that the times you are happiest and most content in life are the times when you are walking closest with the Lord? It doesn’t mean that life is perfect or that everything is necessarily going the way you want them to go. However you’re at a place where whatever happens, good or bad you take it in stride and trust God that he’s going to see you through.

Those times are the best times in our walk with God, the times of simply trusting him and having that inner joy in our hearts that the enemy can’t extinguish.

God loves these times; times of fellowship with his children, times of love, laughter sometimes tears but most of all trust.

The enemy despises these times. It’s in times like these that he can’t get a foothold in our lives. We are too optimistic, too trusting, too confident, too joyous, hence, too strong. He doesn’t want us strong. Consequently he focuses on the one thing that if we lose, is guaranteed to sap our strength. Little by little, he tries to chip away at our joy, for the joy of the Lord is our strength.

Let’s not let him…

Remember the scripture where David encouraged himself in the Lord?

And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. 1 Samuel 30:6 (KJV) (emphasis mine)

I had to remind myself of that scripture this week when something happened that for a moment (well maybe it was more like an hour or two), started to sap my joy. But, I remembered that I made a promise to myself that I was not going to let anything steal my joy this year. Consequently, I began to encourage myself in the Lord. In fact I started writing this post the same day. The problem is still not fixed but I realized that getting all upset and depressed about it wasn’t going to make things right one minute before God’s time. So I’ve turned it over to him.

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)

The enemy will rear his ugly head in our lives, it’s his job but let’s not allow him to get the victory over us. Let’s stop him in his tracks by trusting God and rejoicing in him anyway.

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4

Joyfully trusting Him,
~Bernadine~

Joy... that's my focus word for this year.  I find that I need to choose it more, to live more joyfully, to find joy in everyday life and consequently be stronger spiritually for indeed the joy of the Lord is my strength!

The above post is actually a re post from a few years ago but the Holy Spirit led me back to it.  Maybe he thought I needed reminding...

The Day Before the End...

The day before the end… I can’t believe that another year is almost over.  This year has been a walk of faith for me but God has proven Himself to me over and over again.  I am excited to see what this New Year is going to bring.

When I was a little girl it was a tradition to go to service on New Year’s Eve and “bring in the New Year, in church.” As an adult the tradition is still ingrained in me.  To me there is something wonderful about ending the old year as I began it and starting the New Year as I want to end it… in the house of God, in the presence of the Lord.

It never ceases to amaze me the sense of child-like awe, wonder and expectancy I feel when I enter God’s house. I am excited as a child about to unwrap a much awaited and longed for gift, not sure what it is but knowing that something wonderful waits within. The beautiful thing about going into the house of God is that I always leave feeling refreshed, renewed and eager to face whatever challenges life throws my way.

I can totally relate to how David felt when he said, “I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord. Psalm 122:1″  God’s house for me is a place to lose myself in the wonder of his presence and allow his sweet Holy Spirit to minister to my hurts, lift my burdens, renew my joys and give me courage to face another day, week, month, year… with him by my side to guide and direct me. 

 You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.Psalm 118:28-29 

Father, thank you for your guidance throughout this year, I pray your protection over each of us during the remainder of this year.  As we approach a New Year, renew our desire to serve you, increase our faith that we would hold fast to the promises that you have made us, give us courage to share whatever you lay on our hearts in this coming year.

 Trusting Him,
~Bernadine~

I wrote this post for Laced With Grace a few years ago.  Hope you enjoy.

I'm about to dash off to my New Year's Eve service.

Happy New Year to all of you, I'll stop by and visit soon.

Walking in the Spirit of Excellence - Conclusion

There are so many areas that I covered during my Becoming a Women of Excellence bible study. However if I try to cover them all I’ll be here another three weeks lol. Some of them included discipline, discretion, wisdom..., all areas I’m still growing in.

 I gained much strength and encouragement in my Christian walk as I worked through the study. I would highly recommend the study to anyone who is interested in the topic of excellence.(My somewhat battered copy is pictured)

These are some of the things that stood out most for me as I worked through the Bible study and studied the life of Daniel. As you can see there’s a lot that God requires of us as we walk in the spirit of excellence. However he also blesses us with a lot. When we walk in excellence:

1. We attract attention.
a. We attract God’s attention. He studies us, he walks with us and he brags on us.

b. We attract man’s attention. Daniel attracted the king’s attention and was promoted because of the spirit of excellence that was upon him.

2. Excellence inspires change. When you walk in excellence you will inspire others to do likewise. Daniel inspired the king with his spirit of excellence and his faith in his God.

As Christian women we are in a unique position to change our homes, our workplaces and our society simply by the way we conduct ourselves. The eyes of our families, peers, our coworkers and our communities are upon us. Our walk with God should inspire them to change their own path in life if they're not following God's path. Hence we should always strive for excellence because we want the best for others and ourselves. God has given us the mandate, to walk in the spirit of excellence. Are you willing? What are you willing to sacrifice? How are you willing to change your life to fit into his definition of excellence? Are you ready to forget the world’s standard and live up to his standards?

Note: Daniel was not one a part of the actual Bible Study, however since I was actually studying his life when I started the study I found myself referring to him often.

Follow the links to read previous post on Excellence 
Part 1  Walking in the Spirit of Excellence - Introduction 
 Part 2 - What is Excellence? 
Part 3 Excellence - Rooted in Surrender
Part 4 Excellence - Exemplified by Obedience

Trusting Him,
~Bernadine~

Previously posted on my teen girl blog

Excellence ~ Exemplified by Obedience

Part 4

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,

What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
John H. Sammis

I went to a wedding recently where the bride had major issues repeating the part of the marriage vows that dealt with obeying. In fact the minister had to prompt her several times before she could get the words out of her mouth. Where does that fit into this study? Well it just illustrates the point that obedience isn’t exactly easy. Promising to obey in essence says I trust you with my life. I believe you know what’s best for me. I’m going to defer to your judgment.

There are times when we may have followed the directions of someone in the past and it didn’t turn out well. However this isn’t the case with God. God’s purpose in giving us commands is always for our benefit or the benefit of others. He wants us to practice the act of obedience until we do it without thinking or without questioning him. Our obedience shows him how we feel about him and how much we trust him.

Daniel showed God that he trusted him when he refused to bow to Nebuchadnezzer’s golden image. Lot’s wife on the other hand had been given a specific command to not look back but disobeyed. She unfortunately didn’t trust God’s plans for her future.

Like Lot’s wife and the bride who had issues promising to obey, I too have my struggles in the area of obedience. In fact as I got deeper into my study on becoming a woman of excellence I wrote the following in my journal when I began the topic of obedience.

I am still doing my Becoming a Woman of Excellence bible study. This is really not quite what I expected it to be. In fact it is much more. I know I said it before but excellence encompasses so much! I am now on the chapter entitled “Excellence, Exemplified by Obedience. This is truly my area of weakness. I really need to learn to obey God in spite of what is going on around me and in spite of what my critics may say. If I want to become a woman of excellence obedience has to become a habit. I want to be in God’s perfect will. I want to walk in the spirit of excellence. Obedience then is my goal. To listen and obey and allow God to have his way in my life.”

My Journal, May 19, 2003.

Obedience, four years later is still sometimes a struggle. But I remind myself that excellence doesn’t mean I get it perfectly every time. It means I keep trying.  (2011 insert here... this is still an area of weakness for me)

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Isaiah 30:21

Sometimes the struggle with obedience comes when we question whether or not we’re really hearing God’s voice. However as you can see in the above verse, his Holy Spirit is there to guide us and always prompts us to make the right choice. Also, when we’re not sure we simply need to seek his counsel, spend time in prayer, study his word and ask him what is his will for our lives.

And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Philippians 2:8

God's ultimate desire for us is that we would become more like his son. As Christians, Jesus is our role model. Just as he was tested and tried so will we be. However, the question is will we obey even in the difficult times?



... I'm wondering... is it just me or do you find it difficult to obey also?  How do you get to that point that you simply stop making excuses and simply obey???

Read part one,  two and three
There are so many new nuggets I'm finding as I go through this study again. However although there is so much that I can say I will bring it to a close next week.


Trusting Him,
~Bernadine~

Posted previously on my teen girl blog.