Set Me On Fire

Sometimes inspiration comes when I least expect it. Sometimes it is a sermon at church. Sometimes it is a song I hear or a quote I read. Sometimes it is something a co-worker or friend says to me in passing…”All you need Stacey is the right attitude and a time machine” or “Are you ready to fight the good fight?” Sometimes it is an encouraging message from a sweet soul on Twitter…”I so love your blog…” (Thank you Caroline 🙂 ) Sometimes it is waking up from a nap…hearing the rain outside my window and looking out to see lightning bugs shining their lights in the trees.

And sometimes it is all of the above.

I attended a prayer service last night at church seeking some comfort and reassurance from God. I needed to feel His presence and I have learned that there truly is an increase in God’s presence when we praise Him together. Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” AMEN!

I have been TRYING to focus on an important task for several weeks now. It is a task that is very important to my heart and consumes my thoughts a lot of the time. Yet I cannot focus. I prayed last night (as I do everyday) for God to give me a clear head and to free me from the distractions in my life so I can get this done. I am exhausted from my day job and not getting enough sleep. On top of that, I am just stressed about other things going on in my personal life…consumed with worry instead of faith.

I am saddened from the news I have been hearing about the Charleston shootings. I do not watch TV and I have only read bits and pieces on the Internet but I have heard enough. If my mom were alive today and heard this news she would say (as she said at least 1,000 times)…”We are in the last days!” When I was a child I had no idea what that meant and honestly I thought she was crazy. She wasn’t crazy. And this is why I feel it is SO VERY IMPORTANT to know who you are in Christ. The enemy is all around us (sometimes the enemy is myself). If you don’t know who you are in Christ, it’s even harder to recognize the enemy.

We are called to live on purpose and when you receive your calling…please don’t ignore it. I know everyone is at a different place in his or her spiritual journeys. I have just come ALIVE in mine again in the last 2 years. I had been sleeping for most of my adult life. My fire was out. And I was LOST.

The lightning bugs shining their beautiful lights in the dark and pouring rain reminded me tonight that when there are distractions it is even more important to SHINE your light. Be a guide for others who are lost. Know who you are and what God has done for you…and be prepared to battle the enemy. There is strength in numbers.

Yesterday was also the 12-year anniversary of my mom’s passing. Although my life might appear really messed up right now to a lot of people who don’t know me very well…she would be so very proud. I am so thankful she always expressed to me how important it is to have a personal relationship with Jesus (although I resisted for so many years). She is rejoicing in Heaven now and shining her light down on me. Love and miss you mom!!!

I share some intimate “stuff” here and my hope is that it helps someone, in some way. I am a work in progress…as I know you are too. If you have lost your fire…get it back!

Have a safe and blessed weekend,

Stacey ~ iamalive