Spiritually Healthy

Last week I ordered a few clothing items online. With each passing day that they didn't arrive, I kept checking back via the tracking number to see were the parcels were located. Each time I would be a little bit disappointed because it didn't seem like they were any closer to my house.  As I was thinking on my little packages this morning, I had this thought of God's will. I thought to myself, How many times do I pray and ask God, "Oh please let this package come" or, "Please make the rain stop", OR "Lord, please let this sickness pass." Many many times I have cried those little prayers out to God, but like the human that I am, I try to keep a grasp of "control" on the outcome. In other words, not fully surrendering that outcome to God.   I would put so much pressure on that very little thing that I requested, and if it didn't come to pass, well then something's wrong, right? Not so.  I've realized (again and again) that ...

As I walked the family dog this morning, I talked with God (something I try to do whenever I'm taking a walk). The past few days I've been feeling down - or rather, frustrated. Until sharing this feeling with God, I didn't realize that I was placing my worth and value in what I can do. As some of you know, I just recently walked away from a really fun job (click  here  to read more), and since then, I've been in this season of waiting.  As I seek new employment, I am reminded how I must must place my hope, worth, peace; my everything in Christ and what He has done for me: which is that He has saved me from Darkness, Death, and Separation from God. Therefore my worth is not in what I am - for I am a sinner, rather my worth is in who He is.  May the Lord continue to bring these thoughts to mind as I navigate this season of waiting on Him to provide (and I know He will for He is faithful to provide for all our needs). Philippians 4:19 says, "But my God shall supply al...

Seasons come and go and this past week saw the end of one season. After almost three years of helping teach gymnastics, God has closed that door and I said goodbye to a bunch of precious children/coaches.  I've said it here before, but I absolutely love working with and teaching children. Throughout my life, the Lord has blessed me many opportunities to work alongside kids. Whether that was teaching Bible class, helping with gymnastics, volunteering at a summer camp, or simply baby-sitting, God has given me many moments where I have had the blessed opportunity to be a positive example in a child's life. There is a weight that comes with that though. Knowing that children watch by example is HUGE - at least to me. Every week when when class would start, I would try to remind myself that some of these kids don't have both sets of parents raising them, some of them don't attend a Bible-preaching church, and some of them come from terrible backgrounds. Keeping the thought o...

As I look back on the last five months of my life (really it has been longer than that, but I'll just go with the last five months), I see just how scary it as been for me to take risks.  What if something goes wrong? What if it doesn't work out? What if I get hurt? What if I can't move on?  Those questions (and more!) have been frequently coming to mind. I thought I was doing a good job at dispelling them, but it turns out I was letting them consume me with extra worry and fear.  I am not a daring adventurous kind of girl; I'm rather fond on my cocoon of safety. Why? Because it is predictable, and often times for me, predictable means safe. That's not always the case, but in my little head, I often justify it. I like to be secure and feel safe. But as life has thrown me a few curve balls, I have realized that these unexpected events come no matter what. So, what to do? I am a naturally anxious person and so surrendering that area to Lord is rather difficult for me....

Isn't there a phrase, "It's the little things in life"?  As the Lord continues to lead and guide me, I have come to see many many times over that life is mix of little blessings that add up and showcase how great our God truly is. Last week, I had a special friend visit me from out of town. Over the course of their stay we went all over and explored some of what Florida has to offer. Through our little adventures, I came to realize how special it is to simply be . Maybe this doesn't surprise you, but I can be a "go big or go home" type of person. While I think there are times that call for that, I also have learned that there is beauty and tranquility in the simplest of things. Such as: Listening to the rain, walking , discovering hidden gems, trying something new, talking, dreaming, laughing, embracing, and even silence.  Of course there are many more, but these stick out to me because they are fresh in my mind.  So as I savor these memories, not only d...

I will be turning 36 in two days.  If someone were to ask me at 26 where I saw myself 10 years from then, I would more than likely not have guessed to be sitting where I am currently sitting. What's the big deal about turning 36, you might ask? Well, it's really not that  big of a deal; age is  just a number, isn't it? True.  The past two and a half years of my life have been some of the most challenging for me emotionally, spiritually, and even mentally. The hopes and discouragements God has so lovingly placed before me were painful, and yet there was beauty and purpose in them. It's funny though how the Holy Spirit works in our hearts and how it is by God's grace and mercy that even in the midst of a heartbreaking disappointment, His purpose and glory shine through. Praise the Lord! He must increase and I must decrease, no? (John 3:30). So what's the big deal, Sarah? Well, I'm gonna shoot straight with ya'll - I have had a ton  of anxiety about turning...

Well, I experienced something that I never thought I would living in the state of Florida -  SNOW! This once a lifetime event happened this past week and I cannot even begin to tell you how exciting it was to experience. :) Please enjoy some pictures (I ended up taking WAY TOO many, lol):  My sisters, brother and I were so excited we ended up walking several miles up and down our back roads, taking it all in.  Growing up in New Hampshire, I wasn't unfamiliar with snow, it just isn't so common in this area of the Sunshine State! My hair actually froze and I loved it, LOL. I think one of the many things that I loved about this whole experience was the silence. I had forgotten just how peaceful the snow can be. The sounds of winter are rather magical. Never in a million years would I think that this would be my backyard! Such a simple, yet invigorating sight.  Our puppy Max was so happy to be able to run around in the snow! And while his paws were sore the next day, he ...

A song that always seems to speak to my soul - no matter the season, is none other than My Worth is Not in What I Own,  by Keith and Kristyn Getty. It doesn't seem to matter what season or episode I am on in my life, but the words of this beautiful song continue to point me back to Christ.  My worth is not in what I own, Not in the strength of flesh and bone, But in the costly wounds of love At the cross. My worth is not in skill or name, In win or lose, in pride or shame, But in the blood of Christ that flowed At the cross. I rejoice in my Redeemer Greatest Treasure, Wellspring of my soul! I will trust in Him, no other. My soul is satisfied in Him alone. How true are those words? I know that personally for me, having that reminder that my worth is not found in anything tangible  - but in the Greatest Treasure, Christ, is vital for me spiritual well-being.  It's extremely easy for me to look at where I am and compare it to where others are. "Comparison is the thief o...

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see. 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed. Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come; 'tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.  The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be, as long as life endures. When we've been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we've no less days to sing God's praise than when we first begun.

Take courage in this devotional from the Prince of Preachers, Charles Spurgeon. It was a great encouragement to my soul and I pray it has the same effect on yours. "Behold, he prayeth."Acts 9:11 Prayers are instantly noticed in heaven. The moment Saul began to pray the Lord heard him. Here is comfort for the distressed but praying soul. Oftentimes a poor broken-hearted one bends his knee, but can only utter his wailing in the language of sighs and tears; yet that groan has made all the harps of heaven thrill with music; that tear has been caught by God and treasured in the lachrymatory of heaven. "Thou puttest my tears into thy bottle," implies that they are caught as they flow. The suppliant, whose fears prevent his words, will be well understood by the Most High. He may only look up with misty eye; but "prayer is the falling of a tear." Tears are the diamonds of heaven; sighs are a part of the music of Jehovah's court, and are numbered with "the...

Well hello there. We mustn't keep meeting like this, you know, with months in between each interaction. How are you all doing? I've missed you. As the title says, I thought to update ya'll on what has been going on in my life since I last posted. It's not much, lol, but I've missed writing, so here I am.  Since my post in March, life has been crazy, beautiful, painful, lovely, sorrows and surprises (no, not that kind...at least Lord willing, not yet!).  So, let's catch up... What has been Crazy : With so much going on in the world, and in each of our lives, my goings have been more hectic than I care to admit. I am a person who thrives on routine and structure and when either of those things are challenged, I can get anxious. *cue the crazy* One thing we did do was get a dog. We have livestock and so with the threat of other animals, my parents made the choice to go out and get a puppy. Say hello (picture below) to Maximus Decimus Meridius, or Max for short. H...

 35. Another year. Another 365 days to offer thanks for what has been given.  Was it what I expected? Of course not. Were there moments of doubt and fear? Absolutely. Did I trudge through it all, pressing towards the mark (Phil 3:14)? Yes, though often with little strength.  Now as I begin a new year with a new age, what will I do? Well for one, I will "press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14 I want to make it my aim (and this is a constant readjusting!) to do the will of God - no matter my circumstances. It is very easy to let the mind slip into thoughts of fear and anxiety, especially when it seems like things never change. But, 2 Corinthians 10:5 says to bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. Every thought. While that is hard, I make that my aim. When those fears of anxiety threaten to overwhelm me (and this is very easy to do), I must bring them under the obedience of Christ. I must reme...

Yesterday my sisters and I worked outside the whole morning. We are in the process of doing a lot of yard work that consists of trimming trees, clearing brush, burning said brush...the works. The weather was beautiful and just right for the tasks that we three sisters set for ourselves.  I have made it my little project to clear a small-ish area for my long awaited flower garden. And as I set about cutting small trees, clearing palm bushes, raking up leaves, loading the wheelbarrow, dumping the wheelbarrow (and repeating that process many times over!), I realized just how easy my thoughts turned to wanting to give up and walk away from what I was doing.  Of course it was hard work. My back hurt, my hands were red and sore from using the trimming/cutting tools, my body warm from the constant walking and bending down - all of these natural things that occur from being a human living in a sinful world. But as I continued to work, and begin digging up the soil to prepare it for th...

Lord, how has December already come upon us? How is it that I blinked and 2023 is practically over? I actually went and switched the song that was recommended to sing for this month. The song that was suggested wasn't bad or anything, I just prefer older hymns. So, what I am choosing to learn the whole of December is a timeless song, O Come, O Come Emmanuel. O come, O come Immanuel, and ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.  Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel, shall come to you, O Israel. O come, O come Wisdom from on high, who ordered all things mightily; to show us the path of knowledge show and teach us in its ways to go. O come, O come, great Lord of might, who to your tribes on Sinai's height in ancient times did give the law in cloud and majesty and awe. O come, O Branch of Jesse's stem, unto your own and rescue them! From depths of hell your people save, and them them victory o'er the grace. O come, O Key of David, come and o...

It never ceases to amaze me how God works in our lives.  As I begin a new month, a new hymn is in the works to learn and saturate my soul.  I will be honest though, when I saw the title of this hymn, I wasn't very excited about it. My prideful heart said, "I don't need to count my blessings."  Lord, forgive me for this prideful remark. Forgive me where I assume that I do not need to be reminded of what Thou hast done for me.  At the end of October, I had a prayer that I was trying to figure out how to formulate and pray to God. As I read through the blog post that contained the hymn I was to learn for this month, I was humbled reading through the lyrics because they were just what my soul needed. When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hast done. Refrain : Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your blessings, ...

Hello all!  How are you? What have you been up to these past few weeks? I feel like a lot has changed since I last posted. There seems to be a lot going on in our world right now. A lot of unrest and violence.  For the past few weeks my heart has been extremely heavy and hurting for those who are suffering at the hands of wicked people. May we all be lifting up the wounded and weary, praying for revival and for the lost to come to confess Jesus as Lord and Savior.  As I was driving home this morning, a song, All Creatures of Our God and King was playing and while I normally try and sing along, I just listened this time. As I was listening the thought came to my mind that, one day, every single knee shall bow to God.  Romans 14:11 says, For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.  With so much going on in the world, I take comfort in this truth. Every knee will bow and every tongue shall confess...

 It's fall, ya'll! I pray all is well with each of you today.  The hymn that I aim to learn for this month is one that I am not very familiar with but nonetheless, a beautiful song. [Refrain] There is a balm in Gilead, To make the wounded whole; There is a balm in Gilead To heal the sin-sick soul.  Sometimes I feel discouraged And think my work's in vain, But then the Holy Spirit Revives my soul again. [Refrain] Don't ever be discouraged, For Jesus is your friend; And if you lack for knowledge, He'll ne'er refuse to lend. [Refrain] If you cannot preach like Peter, If you cannot pray like Paul, You can tell the love of Jesus and say, "He died for all!" [Refrain] If you are interested in learning more about this beautiful song, click  here  to read up on it.  Blessings to you this fine day, Sarah

I am continually reminded of my desperate need for God. Each time I try to fix or figure something out, I am reminded that I don't have the ability to fix nor do I possess all the knowledge.  As the year comes to an end and another one prepares to begin, my anxiety takes form and thoughts tend to wander. Last night I was lying in bed and talking with the Lord. I was talking with Him about some fears I have, when Psalm 73:26 came to my mind. It says, My flesh and heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.  Again, I repeated the verse. O the power of God's Word! O how magnificent it is to recite Scripture and be immediately comforted. It will always amaze me what the Living Word can do to a soul.  For me, this verse in the 73rd chapter of the book of David's Psalms, it is the cry of my heart and God's response to my cry. God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. He is enough. How many times will I have to remind myself ...

While I was driving to the store yesterday, this song, All I Have Is Christ , came on the radio.  The title was new and one I wasn't familiar with so I let the music play and listened to the words.  I once was lost in darkest night, Yet thought I knew the way, The sin that promised joy and life, Had led me to the grave. I had no hope that You would own, A rebel to Your will,  And if You had not loved me first, I would refuse You still. But as I ran my hell-bound race, Indifferent to the most, You looked upon my helpless state, And led me to the cross, And I beheld God's love displayed, You suffered in my place, You bore the wrath reserved for me, Now all I know is grace. Hallelujah! All I have is Christ, Hallelujah! Jesus is my life Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone, And live so all might see, The strength to follow Your commands, Could never come from me, O Father, use my ransomed life, In any way You choose, And let my song forever be, My only boast ...