Truths for transition + Announcement (Giveaway)

Over the last two weeks we’ve dug into how moving into a new season of life can make us feel as well as ways to deal with it. Today I want to share some truth nuggets we can plant deep in our hearts as we move forward.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Romans 15:13 (ESV)

Direct your children onto the right path and when they are older, they will not leave it.

Proverbs 22:6 (NLT)

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.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

Proverbs 16:3 (ESV)

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (ESV)

Also, I have very exciting news!

I'm so blessed to be among the contributors of a new book out from a community of writer's called 

"Five Minute Friday".

You can order a copy from Amazon or visit the following link for more info:

Five Minute Friday Book

Want to win your own copy of the FMF Book? 

Enter to win right here!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I'm sharing this post with several other blogger's at these Faith Linkups. I encourage you to check them out. If this post resonates with you and feel it would help others please feel free to share. Easy to share buttons below. ~Laura~

Celebrate Marriage! - FMF

Five Minute Friday is so much fun for me. No pressure! Simply a word prompt on twitter (#fmfparty) on Thursday night and then write. No over thinking or editing. There is a linkup on Friday at http://katemotaung.com where we can read other's five minute free write. This week's prompt is: CELEBRATE

Today my husband and I celebrate 23 years of marriage. Wow! First, I have to say, where did the years go? I still vividly remember meeting him at a neighbor’s branding and the countless miles we spent together horseback.

We got married young and I heard from quite a few people that it would be a huge mistake. I was told repeatedly that young love doesn’t last. We knew it wasn’t a fleeting type of love but one that would see us through.

I’ve learned over these 23 years to celebrate the little moments as much as I do the big milestones. Like the time we were moving cows and he killed a rattlesnake. He cut the rattles off and gave them to me. I know it sounds silly but I still have those rattles.

Also, when we had our first son and were right in the middle of sleepless nights with calving. He was exhausted but still found the energy to snuggle, feed and change our new baby whenever he was inside.

23 years of memories, large and small. Today, I celebrate knowing that love is constantly evolving. We’re not stagnant beings and neither are our relationships. They ebb and flow through life. We grow and find a deeper love that carries us through the valleys in life. I’m so grateful that God has covered our marriage and continues to bless us.

Please, Not Me! (Five Minute Friday)

Have you ever felt that small tug at your heart from God? You might brush it aside and chalk it up to just a stray thought. But, it just doesn't go away. It continues to grow. 

 A couple of years ago God was calling me out of my comfort zone. He was calling me to be our local youth group leader. Wow, this was going to be a stretch for me. I hate to admit it, but I resisted. Strongly! 

"God, there has to be someone better for the job," I said. "I'm not at all equipped for this kind of ministry." Besides there was already someone in that role at our church. Why was I feeling such a strong pull when from what I could see, there wasn't a need? 

 But when God sends us to do His work, He's already got a plan. He is equipping us in the "off season" to prepare us for the season of work ahead. I wrestled with God over this issue for some time and finally just said, "Okay, I don't see it at all, but I will trust you and go where you send me." 

It was only a few short months after that when the youth group leader had a shift in her own life and our church was in need of someone to step up. I was still scared and didn't feel equipped, but God had been preparing my heart and the circumstances. 

Also, God in his perfect timing, sent a new gal into our community to help with youth leadership. She has truly been a God send and our youth group is not only still alive, it's flourishing. We are watching the youth of our community come alive for Christ. I have been blessed beyond my wildest imagination in making the choice to go where God sends!