Fold'em or Hold'em?

Wheweeeeee!!!!!

When you get to walk in God's freedom, there is nothing sweeter!!! This weekend I was able to tell my own story, not have someone tell it for me. All my life I have allowed others to tell my story----past failures, defeats, hurts, shame, and even the successes. I shielded myself with pride.  However, no more. I was able to stand before a room full of women and share MY story. Trusting God was scary but I am so thankful I obeyed. Freedom came when I got to share out loud what I had faced, what I am facing, and what I struggle with daily. When you are transparent.....REAL.....RAW.....it allows people to see who GOD is in it all. The world is craving for authenticity, something genuine, something real.....when we allow pride to set in, all they see is what we want them to see. A false sense of perfection is set when they attend church. If they only knew church is just a gathering for forgiven sinners. Through it all try to find reasons to be thankful......grateful. I don't know what you are facing  or where you have been BUT will you make the choice to be grateful? What are your 10,000 reasons????

The Love of the Father

Sunday I was able to witness one of the most moving ordination services. My pastor was honored in ordaining his son Benjamin. It moved me because I know what it is like to be a pastor's kid. The road is long and hard. You have a different standard held to your life as you are growing up. You also see all sides to a church. It can encourage you but it can also discourage you. I was so moved that after serving God as a kid under his father's direction, Benjamin and his wife would choose to serve God alongside Pastor. Three different generations were represented. Pastor Gary Delay, pastor's father, was present to charge and pray over Ben and his wife.

I know today is the world's way of expressing Love. I decided to post these pics today because to me....what greater love than the Love of the Father, our heavenly father. These pictures display God's love. His love in my Pastor's family-----and their love for God. They strive to live out what they preach in our church and our community. What greater love......than that of the Father!

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believeth shall not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
The largest expression of Love.
Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

Standing....

Let me stand like a stalk of wheat-full of grain, yet vulnerable enough to be shaken by the winds.

However, oh God I stand confidently rooted in You. The storms of life may come but the grain that falls is not lost. It is to be shed to bring forth more life....NEW life.

Use me today, oh Lord to sow new life to those around me.
-Veronica

Haven't Landed, YET!!!

This journey is long, quiet, lonely, at times chaotic....but it is MY journey. At times, I question all that is going on and all that is NOT going on. Yet, I know without a shadow of a doubt that I am right where I am supposed to be. I know because God is at work in my life even through the regular daily things preparing me for the calling He has on my life. He is working out issues in my life, building my character, preparing me for what is to come. This 'waiting time' has driven me crazy at times. However, I am learning to trust Him. I am learning to appreciate the regular. I am learning to strive in excellence even the every day-what seems meaningless to-do's.

I know I am meant to teach, and I can't wait!!!!!