Endure

1 Thess 3:5 ~ For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.


Knowing that the Lord has something great in store for me, this past week, I began to reflect on what it would take to receive the promise(s). Our ministry has been fasting and praying for the last 10 days; seek the Lord for a fresh anointing and more of His spirit. As a corporate body, we turned off our T.V.'s, and radios, stopped reading the paper and tuned out of the world's events. Our total focus was on the Lord.

This was a time of pressing in and continuing to the end. The whole purpose of our consecrated time was to draw closer to the Lord and to really seek His plan for our lives. Spiritually this was a great time because God was doing different things for each one of us.

But....It was hard.

Our spiritual growth of course did not please the tempter. During this time I felt that I was not going to make it. It seemed that everything that I wanted to do happened during this consecration period. Our new President was took the oath of office, a local group had a wonderful concert (we were allowed to go), and all of my favorite shows had special surprises. I wanted to cheat, quit, and give up. Even with all that, my spirit kept speaking endure to the end.

Well I made it through quite well up until Friday. I ran a couple of errands and was verbally attacked by one of the clerks at the Christian store. I had called to check on an item and someone told me they had it. When I arrived, she told me that the store did not carry this items and I was mistaken but I told her that one of her collegues had given me this info. As she was giving me her point of view (nice way of telling me off), I was shocked and amazed but my spirit kept saying to me endure to the end. Now the unfocused, non-consecrated me, might have had my own point of view (nice way of saying giving it back to her) but the consecrated me kept my focus: ENDURE TO THE END.

I kept my cool, got my items and then left the store. But all the while I was thinking "FOR REAL?!" Where was the love of God in this encounter? Should I have confronted her lack of love unto her sister? Was I right in letting it go? I don't know but I endured to the end.

Each time we are placed in a position that may challenge the God in us, it is our faith in Him that allows us to hold our peace. It is our faith in Him that may need to grow a little. It is our faith in Him that the tempter is trying to destroy, so that we question ourselves. The tempter knows that all it takes is one thing to push us over the edge. But God sends a word to show us our level of faith and assure us that our labour is not in vain. Our duty then is to remain in the faith and to endure to the end.

I know that the enemy was trying to unravel 10 days of communion with the Lord in one encounter but he lost that battle. My faith in God held me together and told me that He is the warrior in these battles.

Sometimes the best thing we can do to show our faith in Him is to pull up your bootstraps and ENDURE TO THE END.

Keep Walking,

MiVida

Shoes by Steve Madden ~ Enforce

Open the Door!

Acts 14:27 ~ "And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles."

How long has the door been closed?

I believe that it is time for the women of faith to open the door of faith to others who are in need of a faith-infusion. We guard so carefully the testimony within us that we do not even attempt to rehearse all that God has done unless it is within the walls of the church.

Our testimony is to be shared with others about the goodness, mercy, justice and love that the Father has for us. We assume that the atmosphere must be just so, that we must have a particular platform or that our testimony is useless.

God is compelling us to open the door of our lives to others, so that they might also have Faith in what He can do. We don't all go through things in the same manner. We don't all experience the same issues and we don't all get delivered the same way. Therefore our uniqueness in a situation is useful to someone elses deliverance, acceptance and edification.

We often shut the door on what God has in store for us and for others, because of our lack of faith in what good can come from what we have experienced. If it has helped or blessed you, then it is useful to me.

As I continue to live, I have learned that everything is of value, it is just what you choose to do with it. Being left and rejected has value because it causes you to re-evaluate your own life and either grow from it or groan about it. Being lied on cause you to always be mindful of the truth and to speak it always. Being friendless has valued because it causes you to love the friends that you do have and recognize them when they enter your life, etc.

I am grateful that God has pointed out to me that there is a door of faith and that He wants it open to everyone.

So ladies, anyone, everyone, tell me how the door of faith get closed?

Keep Walking,

MiVida es De Oro!

My Life is Golden!

Shoes by S. Weitzman ~ Fever

THURSDAY'S THOUGHT

Today's Submission is part of our new Thursday's Thoughts. As promised, I will have various submissions by women of Faith who also have a very special and poignant word for us. Please enjoy these submissions as I have. Log on to Bonnie's Blog at extendedhope.com and leave her a comment.

Press On

By Bonnie Alvarado

I like the old saying that tells you to “Bloom Where You’re Planted”. Some might prefer to say it like this: “When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade”. There is something significant in both of these phrases that the Lord has shown me.

I became a Christian nearly twenty years ago. When I began to serve the Lord, things were good. I was filled with the fire of God and life was flowing nicely. Little did I know then that being a Christian did not make me exempt from life’s blows. I was thrown a blow in my marriage that I never expected, anticipated, or deserved. It was a blow I was unprepared for, and one that would prove to break me or make me. I’m proud to tell you that those hurtful blows have helped to make me what I am today, but it did not come without a whole lot of breaking first.

With the hurt in my marriage came a draining of my spirit.=2 0A draining of everything good that I once believed in myself for. Prior to the obstacles, I had been fairly confident in the abilities that God had given me, and I was filled with a limitless outlook of what God could use me for. With the challenges and hurt however, I felt as though everything that was once possible had been sucked away by the defeat that satan was constantly trying to convince me of. Oh yes, the enemy loves to whisper defeat when we’re walking through struggle. I tried hard not to feed those whispers, but ultimately my passion and confidence had disappeared. I no longer felt able to do the things that once ignited my soul. I went through a real mourning because of this. I felt so much had been robbed from me.

I wish I could say that this struggle passed and never returned, but that‘s not how the story goes. The struggle unfortunately continued on for years in phases of victory and defeat. That pattern alone can be exhausting, and it was when I finally got tired of being sick and tired that I was pushed to apply the word of God to my life and my circumstances like I had never done before. I learned that if I were to win, I had to apply the word of God to EVERYTHING in my life, and do so without an ounce of doubt, or self pity. I had to look ahead and press on. Surely God could have delivered me from the hurt and disappointments if He wanted to, but He didn't. I knew there had to be a reason that He didn't, and that it was not because He had abandoned me. He allowed the adversity to be used to grow my faith, endurance, perseverance, and character. With that growth came a bigger degree of how He could use me for His glory.

With my determined application of God's word and the perseverance that God was growing in me daily, came true victory! Here's what I learned in that process and would like to share with you.

Many individuals/churches/organizations will communicate that you shouldn't be serving others if your life is not in complete order. God showed me differently, though. I believe in the importance of having your life in order, but I also understand that sometimes situations will occur that are not directly related to bad decisions that you made personally. We will sometimes, unfortunately, experience the repercussions of poor decisions that have been made by those we love. Although it hurts, I learned that even then, you can “Bloom Where You're Planted” and “Make Lemonade With Those Lemons”.

I want to tell you that you have been designed for a significant purpose that God can only accomplish through YOU! If there’s been a robbery going on in your life, you better know right now that it is because the enemy of your soul has been shaking in his boots over you. He will stop at nothing to stop you, and he knows that stealing your passion, God given dreams and visions is the way for him to do it.

The poor choices that others perhaps have made, are not a representation of YOUR gifting or passion for the Father. Realize that every obstacle you face, whether by your own doing or not, only represents another attribute of calling and victory that can be added to your life, if you'll let it!

I say, "raise up!" Walk out those giftings that He's embedded inside of you. In your pain and disappointment, reach out to others! Your circumstances do not determine your ability. Take your trials in stride. Learn from them, grow from them, and continue to press into the purposes of God.

It may not look like a garden of roses right at the moment, but believe you me, you can still bloom for His glory! It's your very life that will create that garden of roses. And the lemons may still be sitting up on the counter. But, get busy mixing and know that your perseverance is the perfect sweetness for that lemonade.

Many people are waiting to drink it right now! My dear sisters, may you continue to press in and press on!

Shoes by NaNa ~Emely in Lemon

2009 - A Year of Manifestation

In December, I was really trying to gear up for the new year and to get some things in order for Faith With Heels. But on the inside, I kept thinking, am I touching anyone, am I reaching anyone, does anyone care? So 2009, with all of the excitement of birthing, made me depressed.

Looking at some numbers from the new email site, I found that the number of people who opened this email had dropped dramatically. That hurt. Then I had some financial concerns that were simmering on a back pot in my mind. I was working like a Hebrew slave with no bricks and going to school. I had had enough!

The week following Christmas, I tried desperately to stay in bed. I didn't want anything or anyone to pull on me. I forsook my blog and gave out a minimal amount of virtue. I celebrated Christmas and New Year's with the excitement of a dental exam. I tried to block out anything that needed my attention.

But God said not so.

In January, I received two words of encouragement that has really confirmed that this is not about me. I have to continue to move and do what "Thus saith the Lord". Please read the emails that I have attached in their entirety. Both of these women confirmed that it is only what you do for Christ that will last; that my labor is not in vain. I am grateful to everyone who supports Faith With Heels.

Dear MiVida, I received your gift in the mail yesterday! What a joyful surprise! I kept wondering what & why you were sending something, and finally, your sweet note explained it. It was indeed a blessing to find a surprise in the mail, but even more, I'm blessed in knowing that God has joined our hearts together for this season. It amazes me to know that this could be possible when you're way over there and I'm way over here! Only our God could orchestrate such a thing! My 9 year old son was even surprised that a blogging friend would actually send me a gift. I explained that it was the work of our Lord and the only thing different about this friendship is the miles that are between us. We have a mighty God indeed, and I sure thank Him for you! I can sense your busyness lately. I want you to know that I am praying for you. I'm praying that God would protect you from the enemy's device of distraction, that God would pour out His rest, His peace, and His encouragement upon you, that you might be free to move ahead toward the vision He has placed within your heart! Thank you again!

My love,Bonnie Alvarado

And

Hey Girl,

I just stopped by to tell you about the bracelet, when I saw the award. Thank you so much. It may take a few days for me to post it on my blog because my daughter Zoie is still real sick.I wanted to stop by and tell you about the bracelet you sent while I had a second or two.When you got the bracelet for me God had a two plan use for it. One for me and Honey, that verse has been ringing in my ears and my heart is claiming it.The other reason was for my down spirited daughter Zoie. She has been sick with respiratory infections on and off since Thanksgiving. Now she has an unidentified virus infection that is causing severe hives and pleurisy.Her little nine year old spirit is down and she kept asking me why God would not heal her. She even begged Jesus to take her home during one of her itching and chest hurting attacks. She is convinced that the devil wants her dead! He does! But Jesus is bigger and it is His want that counts!When I read that verse on the bracelet...I knew God was sending that verse to Zoie.Then I notice that the bracelet could be adjusted to fit her little arm.So I put it on her and told her to give it back to me when she saw the promise on it fulfilled!It has helped. She reads it aloud several times a day and already I see her spirit changing.I just had to share with you the wonderful and marvelous way God has used you and this precious gift!I love you my friend May Jesus Himself return to you a hundred-fold the kindness and love you have shown to us!

Pamela

It is time for me to keep my own words and Keep Walking. The birthing process has never been an easy one and the outcome far outweighs the pains endured during the process. My pit was only for a moment because I can see the rainbow behind the rain. Plus, when people like yourselves send prayers up on my behalf, it is always worth it.

Thank you to everyone who reads, comments, forwards and blesses this endeavor. I am grateful that the Lord has given me this mission.

Keep Walking,

MiVida

This is my Faith Shoe.

p.s. Bonnie Alvarado is our first Thursday Thoughts writer. Please log on this Thursday January 15, 2009 to get her word of encouragement. Thanks Bonnie.

Thank you, thank you!

Thanks to Bonnie at extendedhope.com for this award.

This award acknowledges the values that every blogger shows in his/her effort to transmit cultural, ethical, literary and personal values every day. I am truly honored to be a recipient!
The rules to follow are:
1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person that has granted the award and his or her blog link.
2) Pass the award to 15 other blogs that are worthy of this acknowledgment. Remember to contact each of them to let them know they have been chosen for this award.
I am now well-pleased to present the following blogs with this same award:

Pamela at Pinkshoe Lady http://pinkshoelady.blogspot.com/

T. Allen Mercado at Teanhoneybread http://teanhoneybread.blogspot.com/

Harry Tucker at Daryn Kagan.com http://darynkagan.ning.com/profiles/blogs/everyone-is-talking-is-anyone

Daryn Kagan at http://darynkagan.ning.com/

Lauren at Restored Designs http://www.restored316designs.com/

I am sure there are more but this is my start.

Congrats to all who have won.

MiVida