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  • Happy Thanksgiving! I’m Thankful For Life. What About You?

    Happy Thanksgiving! I’m Thankful For Life. What About You?

    Happy Thanksgiving guys! What are you thankful for? 

    I know that I am thankful for my life! Yes, technically I am not supposed to be here. 

    Let me explain. My mom and dad had my sister and then they had my brother. After my brother was born, my mom had her tubes tied. And yet, I am the baby of my family! 

    Yes, I was conceived with my mom’s tubes tied! 

    But wait, there’s more! 

    When I was born, the nurse taking care of me in the nursery noticed something was off about me. I wouldn’t eat, I was sleeping a lot, and I was hard to wake up. My parents kept that observation in their head as they took me home. 

    A while after taking me home, they took me to the doctor who sent me to Wheeling Hospital and from there onto Morgantown where they found out that my aorta was narrow in a spot. 

    I ended up having surgery at 18 days old! On top of that I had a diaphragmatic hernia that was also fixed at the same time! 

    Throughout my life, I have had many things happen that changed my life forever. 

    I have been molested, inappropriately touched, diagnosed with autism, had three eye surgeries, and many other things, but — haha — but God! Throughout everything, God has been with me through it all! 

    Another thing I’m thankful for are my parents! They have NEVER left my side and have always supported me. 

    I am thankful for my brother and sister. When I was diagnosed with autism, my sister decided to take some classes at West Liberty University for autism so she could understand me better. My brother got me my first gun and stayed with me when my parents went on their annual cruise when I was in school! 

    So count your blessings and be thankful you are alive! 

    Remember, God loves you and so do I!

    Hannah Benson — known for her big heart, her kindness, and her eagerness to serve — is the author of the Overcoming Autism blog.

    Hannah was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 14, and now uses this media platform as a way to reach out to those living with Autism and other handicaps. Hannah shares tips and coping skills for those with Autism and for family and friends of those who have been diagnosed; she also relates her life to stories in the Bible and chronicles the lessons she’s learned along her journey.

    Hannah Benson can be found on Instagram @hannah_benson94 or on Facebook on the Overcoming Autism Hannah’s Story.

  • A Call To Action

    A Call To Action

    Have you ever had an idea that you were just so excited about? An idea that you know without a doubt is a God-inspired idea. An idea that you know is good and you know could make a difference and help people. 

    You have this idea, and you’re so excited about it. Maybe you share it with some people and let them in on your plans.

    You’re rearing and ready to go. And then, all of a sudden, with no warning, you lose steam. You lose motivation. The idea and all your plans fall to the wayside, and slowly you forget about it.

    All the passion and motivation and excitement — all gone. All that’s left is regret and a vague hope that the passion returns. 

    Has this ever happened to you? It has for me.

    I’ve lost motivation and passion for ideas, for projects, jobs, positions, and, most embarrassing, my relationship with God.

    I can go long stretches where I’m totally on fire for God. I’m passionate and in full pursuit of Him and His Word. I connect with God so easily, and worship is always great. I always find good things in His Word. And generally, everything is great.

    But then all of a sudden, I lose my passion. I lose my motivation to read the Word. I lose my motivation to pray and worship God. And slowly, I feel myself slipping away from a passionate and true relationship with Christ.

    Let’s be honest, have you ever done that?

    When we lose our passion and motivation for something, it just seems like it’s so much harder to get it back then it was to first receive it.

    We know what we need to do, but we just don’t. And isn’t that a shame? I mean really, think about it.

    Whether we’re talking about an idea or your relationship with God, both are such a shame to lose. Why? Because not only are you missing out, but so are the people you will affect and influence.

    Your awesome idea could change the life of hundreds. Your relationship with Christ and your passion for Him and your obedience could mean salvation for the people you come into contact with.

    Your life and what you do with it is important. You are not a waste of space, and you do have purpose. God created everyone with a purpose and He has a plan for each of them. He’s just simply asking for obedience so He can work it out.

    So what are you doing? If you’ve lost your passion or motivation in any capacity, do you plan to take it back?

    If you haven’t already, this is your call to action. God wants you to pursue His heart again. He wants you to be consumed by Him again. He desires to spend time with you and bring you all good and perfect things. He desires to give you gifts, and to fill you with peace and joy. He desires to use you.

    It simply takes your yes. Your obedience. 

    Will you answer?

    Today, I encourage you to jump back on the horse. If you can only take one small step, that’s progress. Any amount of progress is pleasing to the Lord.

    And remember to leave shame behind. Shame is a shackle of the enemy, and we no longer have to carry it with us. We have forgiveness under the blood.

    So today, walk forward in victory. Delve back into your Bible, start your prayer time again, and find time to worship Him. Pick that idea back up and begin to work on it again. 

    Find your passion again. Find your motivation again. And walk forward. You’ve got this!

    Maddisen Sauls is the smile and voice behind the Everyday Joy blog as well as the author of the Word of the Week posts and the editor of by leaps and bounds. Throughout her life, Maddisen has worked as a reporter for small town newspapers, a School Age and Preschool teacher, and has acquired her ministerial license. 

    An avid book reader and lover of the written word, Maddisen is passionate about using her favorite medium to reach the lost and the hurting, and to offer encouragement and hope to those struggling through life. 

    Following her battle with depression, Maddisen has made it her mission to help other people through this journey and to bring joy to the lives of the people around her. 

    You can find Maddisen on Instagram @maddisen.paige

  • Elevate

    Elevate

    Elevate: raise or lift something up to a higher position; increase the level or amount of something

    God is calling us to increase. He’s calling us to elevate ourselves to a higher plane of living by spending more time in the Word, increasing our prayer time, and moving forward.

    So many of us have passed our days by in a manner that’s less than deserving of our God. We allow laziness to distract us. We allow business to consume us, and we find ourselves saying, “I just don’t have time to read the Bible today. I just don’t have enough time in the day to pray. I don’t even know where my day went! I completely forgot to pray today.”

    We allow ourselves to be consumed with this world, and we alienate the One who created it.

    Guys, this a call to action: it’s time to elevate.

    Stop waiting on the perfect service. Stop waiting on the perfect preacher, the perfect song, or the perfect moment. Create your moment now. You have the power inside of you to pray over yourself, to stir yourself up, and to kick yourself into motion.

    Begin increasing the time you spend with the Lord. Start acting more like Jesus and working on being a good steward of the word.

    Elevate yourself today. Don’t wait. It’s time to act now. Will you answer?

    Maddisen Sauls is the smile and voice behind the Everyday Joy blog as well as the author of the Word of the Week posts and the editor of by leaps and bounds. Throughout her life, Maddisen has worked as a reporter for small town newspapers, a School Age and Preschool teacher, and has acquired her ministerial license. 

    An avid book reader and lover of the written word, Maddisen is passionate about using her favorite medium to reach the lost and the hurting, and to offer encouragement and hope to those struggling through life. 

    Following her battle with depression, Maddisen has made it her mission to help other people through this journey and to bring joy to the lives of the people around her. 

    You can find Maddisen on Instagram @maddisen.paige

  • Three Days Later…

    Three Days Later…

    2,020 years ago it looked hopeless for all mankind. Kind of how it feels today. 

    The disciples, Mary, and Jesus’ followers all thought their work and faith had proved to be useless. Why did Jesus come if He was now lying dead in a grave and nothing seemed to have changed? 

    I bet those three days after Jesus’ death on that rugged cross were the longest three days in history. Can you imagine what the disciples felt during that time? They literally devoted their entire lives to a man who claimed to change everything, but was now gone, leaving everyone confused and hurt. 

    The Romans probably had the time of their lives laughing and criticizing Jesus’ followers… probably saying, “Where is your God now? I thought He could do anything He wanted? Now He’s dead and buried just like the criminals he hung next to.”

    Oh, but three days later!!! 

    You see, there will always be situations in your life that will look hopeless and lost. You will feel like the disciples felt those many years ago. But oh how things changed three days later. Not only did Jesus break free from the chains of the grave, He also took back the keys to Hell, defeated death itself, and offered life and salvation to all. 

    Those three days of sadness, pain, and heartache had to take place for everything in the universe to change. It had to look hopeless in order for Jesus to offer true hope to all. The struggle had to happen before the celebration could come. 

    Our world looks very hopeless at times. Our lives may become broken, dark, and feel useless. We all hit what feels like rock bottom at some point in our lives. 

    Whatever you are going through today, I’m here to tell you that celebration will come. Hope is on the horizon. It is not over and it won’t ever be over until Jesus returns and Satan is bound to the depths of Hell. 

    Your mistakes, choices, heartaches, and life situation don’t define you. Death couldn’t define Jesus. Jesus defines you and has your destiny in the palm of His hand. Even death can’t separate you from the love of God. 

    Your “three days later” is coming and it’s better than you could ever imagine. God will not waste the pain or the waiting in your life. He can use anything for His glory and for your good. You have to have faith that you will come out on the other side. 

    God says it is impossible to please Him without faith. He tells us to walk by faith and not by sight. A lot of times if we relied on what we saw in this world, we would remain terrified. But we don’t put our faith in worldly leaders or morals. We serve a God who conquered the grave itself. We stand before the Lord just as Jesus did. 

    Jesus stood in the gap for us. He made a way when it literally looked impossible. He proved to the world that nothing could stop His miraculous, life-giving power. People mocked, ridiculed, and even beat Him to death, but Jesus had the final say. 

    Your three days are coming and it will be so glorious that you can’t contain it. Don’t let go, don’t give up hope, don’t give in to what you may see or hear the devil and the world telling you. Remind Satan he has already been defeated and his time is coming when he will no longer have a say in this world or your life. 

    It may appear so hopeless and dark, but keep holding on and keep running back to Jesus…because your miracle is coming. 

    “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present or the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” — Romans 8:38-39

    Hannah Smith, author of the Moving Mountains blog, is a woman who feels she has experienced a lot of life in her 33 years. 

    At 19 years old, Hannah joined the Army. After moving around the country, getting a divorce and losing what seemed like everything, she landed back where God wanted her in Ohio, even though she fought the whole way. She is now a devoted follower of Christ and seeks the Lord with all she’s got.

    Hannah is married and a RN, but works as a stay-at-home mom to her 3 children per instruction from the Lord.

    She loves to hike, travel, drink coffee, and talk about Jesus. Hannah also has a heart to create a home and life in which she can be a safe place for the hurting and the broken. Her biggest piece of advice would be to never tell the Lord you will never do something- because He will most likely then ask you to do that very thing, LOL!

    To her readers, Hannah says, “I believe that God set every single one of you reading this apart, for such a time as this. It is my hope and prayer that God would use the words I say to change your life in a way you and I never thought possible!”

  • Thanksgiving

    Thanksgiving

    Thanksgiving: the expression of gratitude, especially to God

    I know; it’s a little early for me to pull out the word thanksgiving. Afterall, this word evokes images of turkeys, mashed potatoes and gravy, casseroles, rolls, and food galore. 

    But thanksgiving is more than just a holiday where we stuff our faces, spend time with family, and go shopping afterwards.

    Thanksgiving is defined as the expression of gratitude. So when we thank someone or show them how grateful we are, that’s thanksgiving.

    But I’ll take it a step further and say this: thanksgiving is more than a simple expression — thanksgiving is a heart posture.

    When we live in a state of gratefulness, our eyes shift from the negative to the positive.

    For instance, if we wake up and it’s stormy and cold outside, we could focus on that and think I hate this weather. I can’t believe I have to go out in this. Or, we could focus our thoughts on thanksgiving and think Although this weather is terrible, I’m grateful I have this day; that this is the day the Lord has made; and I’m thankful I have a job to go to, even though I have to go out in this.

    You see that? If our heart posture is one of thanksgiving, our focus shifts and our mood will probably brighten.

    Thanksgiving can set the tone for the day. Instead of starting it off grumpy and bad (as the first example does) we could start off positively and thankful, like the second example.

    So as you go about this week I want you to remember this: thanksgiving is not just a holiday. Every day can be lived in thankfulness.

    Try living in an attitude of gratitude and see how it shifts your week. I bet if you truly give it a shot, you’ll see your focus shift, your mood improve, and your day gets brighter. We can’t control our circumstances, but we can control how we react to it. Living in thanksgiving sets us up for better reactions.

    So try it this week. I dare you. Are you ready to be thankful?

    Maddisen Sauls is the smile and voice behind the Everyday Joy blog as well as the author of the Word of the Week posts and the editor of by leaps and bounds. Throughout her life, Maddisen has worked as a reporter for small town newspapers, a School Age and Preschool teacher, and has acquired her ministerial license. 

    An avid book reader and lover of the written word, Maddisen is passionate about using her favorite medium to reach the lost and the hurting, and to offer encouragement and hope to those struggling through life. 

    Following her battle with depression, Maddisen has made it her mission to help other people through this journey and to bring joy to the lives of the people around her. 

    You can find Maddisen on Instagram @maddisen.paige

  • Don’t Blame God; Plus, a Recipe For Brown Beans and Ham With Cornbread Cheese Muffins

    Don’t Blame God; Plus, a Recipe For Brown Beans and Ham With Cornbread Cheese Muffins

    I recently met a woman who shared a story with me; she had just experienced a tremendous loss in her life. And because of the loss, she found that she could no longer trust God. 

    This is the case with many people in the world today. They’re angry with God because things have not worked out the way that they should have in their lives. 

    I’m always sad to see someone with this mindset because God is their friend and He’s not there to cause troubles in their life. They should trust God with their troubles because He’ll help them get through them. 

    Just as I know people who have blamed God for their troubles I also know people who have experienced a great tragedy in their life and have a testimony that says God is good. 

    I cannot totally explain why some people have more difficulty in their life than others, but I do know that God never allows more to come on us than we can bear and He always provides a way if we trust in Him (1 Corinthians 10:13).

    God never allows more to come to us than we can bear, and He always provides a way out if we trust him. God’s answers may not always come in the amount of time we prefer, but it will come at the right time. 

    If we do not get delivered from difficulties then God will give us the grace to endure with a good attitude. 

    God loves us, even with all of our problems. If we never had any troubles in our lives, we wouldn’t have to have the trust in God. 

    Someone else helped me write this story because I was having such difficulty coming up with the right words to say. I want to thank her but won’t mention her name.

    This week’s recipe is brown beans and ham with cornbread cheese muffins.

    Brown Beans and Ham with Cornbread Cheese Muffins

    1 pound bag brown beans

    1 medium onion (diced)

    Salt

    Pepper

    Water

    Ham (chunks)

    Wash beans well and pick out bad beans and rocks. I soak my beans for 1 hour to soften them. This cuts down on cooking time. 

    Put beans, ham, and onion in a pot full of water, about 2 inches over beans. Add salt and pepper. Cook beans until tender, adding water if cooked down. 

    Cornbread 

    (I use jiffy) Follow directions on the box. I add half cup shredded cheese.

    From my blog to your kitchen, God bless and happy dishes. Remember to comment and tell me your stories!

    Stay tuned for more homemade recipes and blessings from my table to yours.

    In addition to providing delicious recipes on her Faith and Food blog, Tina Rucker is a proud mom to her 18 year old son, happy wife to her husband Joel of six years, and the spearhead of the Five Loaves Food Pantry ministry in her local church, open twice a month. 

    Tina has worked in the food industry for over 25 years, and has a heart and a passion to serve, feed, and provide for those in need.

  • Watch Your Witness

    Watch Your Witness

    Ok guys, so this week I am going to tell you guys about something I have had to learn the hard way. 

    As a person with autism, I am a little developmentally delayed. So that means that I am extra impressionable. I have to be careful of who I hang out with, or I can easily fall into some of my old habits. 

    One of those habits is cursing. I can very easily go back to cussing. We all have a weakness, and this is mine. 

    I have slipped at times, and when I have I realized I have been with someone who also cusses. 

    Like this past week, I hung out with one such friend. And of course, I fell into the trap. The Holy Spirit gave me a gut check right then. I remembered that I am in ministry and I am anointed! I was, in a way, trading my anointing for acceptance. 

    This is NOT okay! Nothing is worth trading your anointing for! 

    I’ll say it louder for those in the back: NOBODY IS WORTH TRADING IN YOUR ANOINTING! 

    You have a calling on your life and nothing is worth throwing it away! 

    When you fall into those traps, you hurt your witness. I am not in any way saying it is easy! Trust me, it isn’t. It is so important though. 

    Be careful who and what you spend your time with. You might end up having to break some ties, but trust me, it’s worth it. 

    So please, watch your witness and be careful who you hang out with! 

    Remember, God loves you and so do I!

    Hannah Benson — known for her big heart, her kindness, and her eagerness to serve — is the author of the Overcoming Autism blog.

    Hannah was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 14, and now uses this media platform as a way to reach out to those living with Autism and other handicaps. Hannah shares tips and coping skills for those with Autism and for family and friends of those who have been diagnosed; she also relates her life to stories in the Bible and chronicles the lessons she’s learned along her journey.

    Hannah Benson can be found on Instagram @hannah_benson94 or on Facebook on the Overcoming Autism Hannah’s Story.

  • Hope Is Not Lost

    Hope Is Not Lost

    Have you ever been in a situation that seemed hopeless? I have, so many times.

    I’ve been in circumstances that cause fear to grip at my heart and my faith to falter. I’ve felt depression wrap its arms tight around me and steal my breath. And I’ve felt hope slip further and further away into a deep abyss.

    All exaggerations aside, have you felt this way too?

    Looking back on these moments in life, I just smile, shake my head, and think if she only knew. 

    Hindsight is 20/20 guys, and if I had known then what I know now I wouldn’t have felt so hopeless.

    Situations always seem so bleak when you’re in the midst of it, but I can promise you that there is always hope.

    Saying that makes me cringe a bit at the cliche-ness, but it’s true and it’s biblical.

    The bible says that the Lord our God Himself will fight for us.

    The bible says that we are more than conquerors. 

    The bible says that we are victorious and that the battle is already won.

    The bible says that He can do all things, and nothing is impossible for Him.

    The bible says that we have a hope and a future.

    And we can trust that this is all true, because our God is great and mighty. Our God is not a liar. Our God has not and will never fail.

    When we have no hope and everything seems like it’s falling apart, we can put our faith and hope on the one thing that is secure: God. 

    Hebrews 6:13-20 explains it best. This passage, in some translations, is under the title “The Certainty of God’s Promise”.

    This passage begins by speaking of Abraham. God came to Abraham and told him that he would be the Father of many nations, even when he and his wife had no children and were past the child bearing years.

    Starting in verse 13, it says, “When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.”  And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all arguments. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”

    Let me just highlight some amazing things that are found in here:

    1. It is impossible for God to lie, so we can truly trust His word and His promises
    2. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Our hope in Him is like an anchor, and it will hold us steady and in place.
    3. Abraham waited patiently, and eventually he received the promise. We won’t always get what is promised immediately. Abraham waited 25 years for his son, but God still delivered. God doesn’t always work on our timetable, but that doesn’t mean He’s not working. God’s timing is actually the perfect timing, and we can trust that He will deliver perfectly.

    Romans 4:18-21 is another great passage of scripture, and it too references Abraham. 

    “Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead —since he was about a hundred years old —and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”

    This right here just fires me up!

    Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed, and so became the father of many nations as God had promised. 

    Even though it seemed impossible, Abraham believed. Why? Because he was fully persuaded that God had the power to do what He had promised.

    And that, my friends, is amazing! We need to learn from this.

    Stop putting faith in people. Stop placing your hope in things that are subject to change. And start putting your hope in the one stable, unchanging force: Jesus Christ.

    When it seems like there’s no hope; when hope feels so far away; or when hoping feels like a wistful dream, place your faith in your God and against all hope believe. Yes, you can face reality, just as Abraham did, but don’t let facts or reality shake your beliefs. Do not let your faith weaken; do not waiver. 

    Instead, stand on the Word and be fully persuaded that God has the power to do what He says He will do. Stand firm in your faith.

    Isaiah 40:31 says that those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. So today trust that your God has got your back, His promises are true, and He is working even now. Let your strength be renewed. 

    Hope is not lost, friend. 

    I encourage you today in this: against all hope, in hope believe that God will come through. 

    Stand firm in your faith (1 Cor. 16:13). Grab a hold of your hope, and let it be an anchor for your soul, firm and secure.

    Maddisen Sauls is the smile and voice behind the Everyday Joy blog as well as the author of the Word of the Week posts and the editor of by leaps and bounds. Throughout her life, Maddisen has worked as a reporter for small town newspapers, a School Age and Preschool teacher, and has acquired her ministerial license. 

    An avid book reader and lover of the written word, Maddisen is passionate about using her favorite medium to reach the lost and the hurting, and to offer encouragement and hope to those struggling through life. 

    Following her battle with depression, Maddisen has made it her mission to help other people through this journey and to bring joy to the lives of the people around her. 

    You can find Maddisen on Instagram @maddisen.paige

  • Aim

    Aim

    Aim: point or direct at a target; a purpose or intention

    When I think of an expert marksman, I imagine Hawkeye from The Avengers. And I know for a fact that I could never, and I mean never, hit a target like him. My hand-eye coordination is not exactly up to par if you know what I mean.

    Maybe you feel the same way. However, I hate to break it to you, but we all have targets in our lives that we need to hit.

    We have a target weight goal. Or, we have a grade we’re striving to make, or an accomplishment we’re aiming towards. Whatever it is, we’re constantly aiming for something in life.

    And I don’t know about you, but I’d like to actually hit my target. I’m no Hawkeye, but I have been given power and authority through the name of Jesus, and so have you.

    So next time you’re aiming for a goal — a target — in your life, remember that you too have power and authority through His name, and all things are possible for you.

    But also, remember to aim correctly.

    So many times in life I have been distracted by another target — a target I wasn’t meant to be aiming for. So when trying to narrow down which target is yours, remember what aim means.

    Aim means to direct at a target, at a purpose, or an intention.

    So, with that meaning, ask yourself the following questions:

    What is my central purpose on this earth; what has God placed before me? What has He given me a passion and talent for? How can I work towards this purpose?

    What are my daily intentions? Am I accomplishing them?

    Does the target I’m aiming at reflect my God-given purpose?

    Maddisen Sauls is the smile and voice behind the Everyday Joy blog as well as the author of the Word of the Week posts and the editor of by leaps and bounds. Throughout her life, Maddisen has worked as a reporter for small town newspapers, a School Age and Preschool teacher, and has acquired her ministerial license. 

    An avid book reader and lover of the written word, Maddisen is passionate about using her favorite medium to reach the lost and the hurting, and to offer encouragement and hope to those struggling through life. 

    Following her battle with depression, Maddisen has made it her mission to help other people through this journey and to bring joy to the lives of the people around her. 

    You can find Maddisen on Instagram @maddisen.paige

  • Worship

    Worship

    I think we live in a time where worship, reading the Bible, and praying have become stale or “old news,” but God doesn’t change! Sometimes we just need to come back to the basics of worship. 

    Worship…changes…everything. 

    Worship has gotten me through my most difficult times. Worship opens the gates of Heaven and floods us with God’s peace, comfort, and blessings. Worship heals our heartache and comforts our tears. 

    When you experience pain so deep that you don’t have the words to speak, just turn to worship. 

    We will all experience heartache, betrayal, pain, and suffering in this world. People will hate us because we choose to follow Jesus. Worship will be our escape. 

    When I went through my divorce, I thought I wouldn’t make it but worship saved me. Sometimes I would just turn on Jesus-filled music and cry out to God. 

    Our season of waiting is never wasted. Choosing God over this world will always be worth it. Billy Graham said it best, “I have never known a man who received Christ and ever regretted it.” 

    The Holy Spirit will step in on our behalf for the Kingdom. Praising God has always had such a special purpose in which we feel His Presence in a way we can’t deny. There is something so beautiful about worshipping surrounded by our church family. But even if you don’t have one, you can do it alone right where you are. It is never too soon or too late to turn to Jesus. If your heart is still beating, God still has amazing plans for your life. 

    He died on the cross for you on your worst day. If you were the ONLY person in this world, He still would have completed the work on cavalry. He knew the mistakes you would make and He still chose you. He will always choose you. 

    If you don’t know where to start or if the pain is too great, turn on worship and just cry out to God. Be honest with Him because He already knows every thought that comes into your head. He already knows and He died for you just as you are. He wants your messy, broken heart. He knows He is the only thing that can put it back together and bring true healing. 

    You were made for such a time as this, my friend. It is never too late. 

    P.S. Did you know the stars actually sing for the Lord? I’ve attached a link to it for you. All creation and science points toward God being very real and present in his masterpiece. Check out Job 38 and Psalm 14. 🙂

    Hannah Smith, author of the Moving Mountains blog, is a woman who feels she has experienced a lot of life in her 33 years. 

    At 19 years old, Hannah joined the Army. After moving around the country, getting a divorce and losing what seemed like everything, she landed back where God wanted her in Ohio, even though she fought the whole way. She is now a devoted follower of Christ and seeks the Lord with all she’s got.

    Hannah is married and a RN, but works as a stay-at-home mom to her 3 children per instruction from the Lord.

    She loves to hike, travel, drink coffee, and talk about Jesus. Hannah also has a heart to create a home and life in which she can be a safe place for the hurting and the broken. Her biggest piece of advice would be to never tell the Lord you will never do something- because He will most likely then ask you to do that very thing, LOL!

    To her readers, Hannah says, “I believe that God set every single one of you reading this apart, for such a time as this. It is my hope and prayer that God would use the words I say to change your life in a way you and I never thought possible!”