Author Archives: reachingupward14

About reachingupward14

Welcome :) A little about me... I am just a simple girl with a dream of making a difference. “Lord, let me make a difference for you that is utterly disproportionate to who I am.” David Platt. For quite some time, I have wanted to share some of the things that I have learned over the last few years. God has been laying it on my heart more and more these last weeks with a sense of urgency that time is running out. It is becoming more and more apparent that some of the things that Christ said would happen in the last days are definitely happening and more to follow I am sure. I am grateful for the way God puts obstacles in our way to learn from. And I honestly believe it is not just for the benefit of the individual but for others who are going through or will go through similar circumstances. Thank you for sharing in the journey God has brought me through. Where would I be without the persistence of His love fighting for me? At one time when I was sitting in a parking lot of Super One desperately fighting against thoughts of suicide I cried out for God. I felt as if no one loved me for who I was, that they were always trying to change me because everything I am was a mistake, that no one would love me and accept me unless I was perfect. I am not perfect, far from it. And I do not claim to be right or perfect in truth or facts or thoughts/feelings. I am not a part of a certain religion. I am just a child in all reality. But God is fast becoming my Reality. I hope you can know that no matter how imperfect you are, God can still use you if you are seeking to draw closer to Him, always. Take heart, God has a special place for you to be a part of His plan. In the past I have read a life changing book for me called “Dancing in the Arms of God” by Connie Neal. This quote has been an inspiration when dispairing and discouraging thoughts or words seek to overwhelm me. She is commenting on the story of when Mary poured out her costly perfume in reckless abandonment on the feet of Yeshuah, Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair. ​ ​ ​******​ ​​“Mary brought her most precious treasure to pour out because of her love for Jesus. Yet when Mary poured out her treasure, she received not admiration, but criticism from those who considered themselves more practical or spiritual than she. We too can pour out that which is a precious fragrance to God: our lives. When we break our lives open and pour out the treasure of our talent, personality, and abilities “(which is given us by God) “we too may be met with criticism. We must come to accept that there will always be those who consider themselves more spiritual than we are, those who point out the flaws in our offering.“ (Including the devil.) “None of that matters. When we live our lives doing what we can do with what we have, making the most of every opportunity, God will come to our defense. He will vindicate us before the eyes of those who misjudge us and will continue to lead us to a better life. He will honor us as He honored Mary. Our part of the dance is to do what we can and continue following His lead…We have been born into slavery, but God came to free us. We may spend some time on earth wondering needlessly, but God promises to lead us to a place where we can know His love intimately, where His secure love gives us the courage to risk intimacy with others, where we can fulfill our purpose, where our dreams can come true.” Connie Neal​​​​ ​​​ ​The following pages will contain the various Bible studies, personal devotions and journal thoughts God has laid on my heart.