Happy New Year Friends,
Facebook is now asking me what my New Year’s Resolution is. I haven’t made resolutions since my life BC. But as many people do who walk in vital purpose, I set realistic goals for my life, both yearly and seasonally, but life has a way of taking us by surprise at times, and God also has His ways.
If your circumstances have taken you by surprise this past year, I’d like to encourage you for this new year of 2013. I found the Scripture to be true that a man plans His way, but the Lord orders his steps for how to get there. So when the steps don’t look the way you thought the plan ought to take shape, one thing to remember is to guard against being resistant to unexpected circumstances. You could be resisting the hand of God, and fail to learn the lessons He has for you through those circumstances. Being a bit disconcerted is acceptable, but don’t allow it to turn your faith sour against God.
When life is not what you expect, or it’s too big for you, accept that the only way is to go through. But go through while being present to the moments, present to people when you’re with them, present to love, and aware of what the Spirit is speaking so you don’t miss out on what the Lord has for you. His ways are higher than your ways and His plans for you are made in love. Trust Him and He’ll bring you through, and you’ll find He knows your desires and will bring them to pass. Remember, if you fall on times that are harder than you expected, don’t relinquish your faith in the Lord’s goodness for ANY reason. Jesus loves you! May you be abundantly blessed, both spiritually and relationally, throughout this new year of 2013.
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LOLACHE Members have been able to have access to the Love’s Actions Seminars by Barbie Poling for quite some time. We’re now making these seminars available to all. They will be in sets of three. Here’s what people are saying about the Love’s Actions Seminars:
“Last night I listened to the first Love’s Actions audio on patience. It was exactly what I needed Barbie and Marilyn. ‘Pressing in to the relationship while calmly and lovingly telling the truth’–that’s what I was trying to understand when I was trying to see my disconnect between correcting and rightly relating. I just couldn’t connect the two. All of the examples were soooo helpful. I have already been much more free this morning and now I am so excited for what the Lord will do.” ~ Becky P
“I have found the Love’s Actions so helpful! It’s like we’re little children, needing to have the essential truths spelled out for us, and when they are, we can take them and run with it! When people ask me what I’m up to right now, I tell them I’m busy re-educating myself on what it means to love. And what a glorious answer it is!” ~ Ellen B
“You are teaching Scripture as I have never heard before. It is so clear. I love the way you teach, Barbie. It’s like the Truth slips into my heart and the Lord works it into my life personally. You speak tenderly yet boldly, lovingly yet convictingly. I was taking notes, but had to stop so I could listen more intently. I’m looking forward to hearing the message again and again.” ~ Carlise
Dear Marilyn,
Your words have been gold this season. Our family began major home renovations mid-December as well as have many college kids home with friends in and out. In the midst of this, I came down with the flu and was in bed for nearly two weeks, just getting up to visit with the family or open Christmas presents. The house was topsy turvy and all our plans were cancelled because we were quarantined. Can I tell you this was a wonderful time because I embraced it and allowed God to work in our lives instead of anger or bitterness. The Lord gave me an opportunity to see how he had been working in our hearts by the way everyone took care of me and pitched in to keep the house in some kind of order. They also kept our holiday traditions without me leading the way. I just joined in when they were ready. Such a blessing and I would never have known if I had not embraced and gone through this season with an open and obedient heart. Thank you for your ministry.
Sharyn Kelly
Thank you Sharyn for letting me know how you’ve been blessed! God really used your down time in your favor to show you some precious fruit growing in your family. He’s so good! ~ Marilyn