Hi Friend,
You’ve been on my mind lately. Especially this weekend while I was deciding what to share on the blog this week. I have several topics that would make great conversation starters, but honestly, I wanted this week to be about you.
I’d love to know how you’re doing and what you’re up to.
Have you started a new job, had a baby or got married? Are you getting ready to take a vacation, begin a new hobbie or retire from your job?
Maybe you recently had something wonderful happen that you’d like to share or have a question you’d like to ask me.
Maybe you’re entering a new season in your life or believing God for a miracle. I’d love to hear about it.
To get the conversation going, I’ve listed a few questions below. Feel free to answer 1 of the questions or create your own.
Be sure to include your name and the city, state or country you live in. Those details will make our conversation much more fun and interesting.
Pick a question below to answer:
1. What do you love about this season in your life?
2. What miracle are you believing God for today?
3. What worries you and keeps you up at night?
4. What encourages you to get out of bed each day?
5. If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?
6. What do you find yourself daydreaming about most often?
7. Create your own question …
I can’t wait to hear from you! If you’re reading this post from your phone or tablet, be sure to click HERE to go to my website. Then scroll down to the bottom of the post to leave your comments.
But first … let me encourage you with a quick word from Scripture.
Regardless of what season of life you’re in, it’s inevitable that each day has it’s own challenges. And let’s face it … we don’t have to go looking for challenges. They always seem to find us, right?
Thank goodness we don’t have to face a single challenge on our own.
Regardless of the tough decisions you’ll make, the frustrations you’re experience or the difficult people you might encounter this week, you can be certain of this:
God is with you.
Not only is God with you – He is for you!
All that you need is provided by Him. All of your answers are found in His Word.
God never faces a challenge He can’t overcome and by His power operating through you, you can overcome challenges too!
You’ll never face a challenge that’s greater or too big for God.
He is your Rock. He is your Fortress. He is your Salvation.
Keeping that in mind, next time you bump into a challenge remember these truths so that you will not be shaken.
If you like this graphic (above) or know someone who would be encouraged by this post, please consider sharing it on your favorite social media site. The share buttons are below to make it easy-peasy.
Until next week, remember to stay in God’s Word and stay awesome!
Deliris Perez Beltran says
What Miracle I am waiting for today? For My marriage to be restored that the word that God spoke on this Sunday Service entered his heart and that he may comprehend that God is not pleased with the choice he has done on starting divorce proceeding, I pray that God will break that stoning heart and give him a new heart and a new spirit, that he can make choices which are align with God word. I never got to celebrate my first wedding anniversary, I have prayed to God that this year I could be able to celebrate a wedding anniversary despite of how my circumstances looks like, My Faith in God word is where I chose to stand. What God has joined together let no man put asunder. With GOD all this are possible. In the meantime I am enjoying God teaching threw this bible study What Happens When Woman Walk in Faith… Perfect for this season in my life, God has put me in this path for a reason, I know something wonderful God is going to do in my life and in my marriage,..
Dawn says
Hi…So glad that I found your website… I am going through depression… and was put on an
an anti anxiety drug that is giving me lots of side effects.. I am going to ask my dr. to take me off of it… I also have a grown son who lives with us that was sexually abused as a child. He is going through some tough times… I know that it all will get better and that the Lord is there.. but it is hard to believe sometimes… but I know he will come through… Thanks, Dawn
Leah DiPascal says
Hi Dawn,
Welcome to my blog. I’m so glad you stopped by and left a comment so we could connect. I know first-hand how difficult depression can be. There are many factors involved and things to consider when working towards healing, but it’s definitely possible! If this is the first time you’ve suffered with depression it may be linked to a physical component such as: Vitamin D deficiency, not enough sunlight on your skin, poor diet, lack of sleep, lack of exercise, too much sugar in your system, imbalanced hormones, etc… I’m sure seeing your son struggle may have something to do with it too. He may still be dealing with wounds from his childhood. I’m praying for both of you today. God bless you both.
Ashton Firkus says
What I love about this season in my life is that I am really seeing the work that God is doing whereas in other seasons I was blind to His work. I am currently going to school for Christian Ministries with an emphasis in Youth Ministry at Grand Canyon University full time online while working full time doing administration work AND I am volunteering at my church every other Sunday working with 4th and 5th graders, so I am already in Youth Ministry. I love it because I get to use my time and talent for God’s glory, I get to teach kids about His love for us, and I have been filled with the Holy Spirit and have been able to provide others with the wisdom He gives me! Oh what a wonderful time! Of course everything isn’t all dandy and there are things that I would like differently in other areas.
Leah DiPascal says
Ashton, how exciting to hear that God has already planted you into children’s ministry! Congratulations on going back to school. That’s a huge undertaking, but I’m certain it will be worth it!
Betty says
What keeps me up worrying, I feel that time is running out for me to do anything productive with my life, to accomplish any of my dreams and I have a large family but I’m rather estranged from them and I only saw them recently for a brothers’ funeral, no phone calls or anything. It’s hard for me to find anything to love about this season in my life, but I guess I would say my independence and the experience and wisdom that comes with age. If I could change anything about myself it would be the female pattern baldness. God said hair is a woman’s glory and people always complimented me on mines so why have I lost much of it, though it’s always been thin? I daydream more about my fears now than my dreams. I also dream about being reunited with someone(s) special to me. I do have a question unrelated to my life but about God, I’ll ask it after you address this. Thank you!!
Leah DiPascal says
Betty, I have a couple friends who have experienced some hair loss and it could be several things that you might want to consider. #1–> stress. Stress does all sorts of things to our bodies; including some hair loss at times. #2 –> diet. You may consider taking a good look at your diet. Are you getting enough nutrients in your food. There are some great supplements on the market that help skin/nail/hair growth. #3 –> hormones. A dramatic change in a woman’s hormones can sometimes cause hair loss. I hope this information is helpful. 🙂
Betty says
Well Leah like I said, I think it’s female pattern baldness, I think my doc checked the hormones, I have begun incorporating more greens and garlic into my diet, a cure all for most ailments (the garlic). Will see if that changes anything.
You didn’t respond to anything else I said because those are some mind-boggling problems right? Yes my life is unlike the majority of America, I started to say the world but I’ve heard of the problems of some parts of the world so I won’t go that far.
My other question was regarding something Glynis Whitwer said in a devotional, she didn’t reply back but it’s a general question, so I’ll ask you. She said that God had told her something would happen in a year but it took more like 5 or 10 and that God probably told her one year so that she wouldn’t be overwhelmed by the actual amount of time. So that sounds to me like God lied, what would be your explanation? I am in a very similar situation myself and have often felt that I was lied to about the time but I attributed it to the devil. Glynis, however said she prayed and was told only a years time.
Betty says
I never really liked garlic and only ate it if it was already a part of some other food I did like and the smell would give me a headache. But now it has become my new found friend, I have even eaten it raw a few times. I have taken hair and nail vitamins mainly for my nails but no results with either, as a matter of fact my nails are worse than ever!
I know Glynis wasn’t calling God a liar and I, too, know of that Bible verse. But she implied, though not intentionally, that he lied, that is how I saw it. She, herself, probably can’t explain it but I only wanted her to explain her feelings on it because to an unbeliever who may read the post, it could give them the wrong impression. I mean if it has me questioning and somewhat confused, I can only imagine how someone at the beginning of their faith walk or an unbeliever might see it. So, yes, I would really appreciate your speaking to her on it. Thank you, Leah!
Lisa Richardson says
Hello Leah,
Well, I could talk about any of those questions, but I am going to answer what keeps me up worrying at night.
My step daughter’s salvation. She has recently moved in with us, she is 19. So that alone is alot to manage. My husband and I have 2 younger children. So, we have a house full now. lol
She has been raised in church, with us anyway, so I know she knows who Jesus is, but she is making some serious bad choices. She told us that she is gay and that about broke her dad’s heart. I think what bothers me most is that she is listening to false prophets and the world and does not see that it is wrong. I know God loves her more than we do, but this is definitely something we were not prepared to deal with. We are just trying to love her back to Jesus, set some strong boundaries and rules. Spending lots of time in prayer and very thankful for our church family and the support we have from family and friends.
Leah DiPascal says
Lisa, I can see why this would keep you up at night. Parenting certainly isn’t for the weak at heart. It requires so much, but it’s totally worth it! It sounds like you’re doing all the right things. Keep planting those seeds while you pray big prayers. God loves it answer bold prayers and fulfill the promises He’s made to us. No situation is too great for Him. God is the author of miracles and loves to perform them. I’m praying their is a miracle just waiting to happen in your step daughter’s life.
Lisa Richardson says
Thank you 🙂
Betty says
I have a question regarding this issue, what about the homosexuals claiming they are born that way and science saying that their brains are different from straight people? I not for their behavior but if they’re born that way, there has to be a reason for it.
Ruth says
I am believing God to take care of a serious immigration situation with my husband. I’ve spent years creating a document to allow him to stay with us, and the document was denied. I provided more information and we should hear something in the next 2 weeks. In the meantime, me and my little girls are struggling with several chronic health issues. Our church is in a season of revival, and it’s so encouraging to feel God’s power and to know He has everything in control. I like to say , “Be still and know that I am GOD!” You can’t get much more succinct than that. He’s got us all in the palm of His hand!
Leah DiPascal says
Ruth, I’m praying that everything works out according to God’s perfect plan for your family. I’m so glad your faith is growing through this experience and how exciting it is to hear that your church is in a season of revival.
Susan Elizabeth says
I’m in a season of transition. I have been only a stay at home mom since before my oldest was born. For years I have been called to go back to college to finish my Bachelors and go onto Law School. Huge leap, walk in Faith.
Leah DiPascal says
Susan, how exciting to hear that you’re returning to college and pursuing a career in law! That’s wonderful news. 🙂
Julie says
What miracle are you believing God for today?
Healing me from my fear, anger, and grief over my breast cancer return which now puts it at stage 4. I pray for the miracle of healing, but most of all to have peace and for me to allow God’s glory to show through my life.
Leah DiPascal says
Jule, I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis with stage 4 breast cancer. I’m praying for a miracle on your behalf and for God’s peace to reign in your heart and mind. He is your Mighty Healer and takes great delight in you.
Traci says
3. What worries you and keeps you up at night?
My boyfriend and I had a pretty good relationship. Like all couples, we had our issues, but it was good for the most part. But, after 3.5 years together, he still could not find a way to get over his fear of marriage. He has no desire to ever be married and I don’t believe in living together without marriage. Even though we loved each other very much, I felt I had no choice but to listen to God and end the relationship. It’s been a little over two weeks now and the pain is still as fresh as the day it ended. Every time I start to feel somewhat better, something new pops up to remind me that my future is so much different now. My first marriage ended very badly due to abuse and adultery on his side and it took me 11 years to find someone who I actually wanted to date and fell in love with and now I had to say good-bye to that as well.
So what keeps me up at night is wondering if the pain will go away, but also if things will ever change for me and whether it is God’s desire that I be alone. Added into that mix is the fact that I have an almost 16 year old daughter and I have to start preparing myself for an empty nest as well as how she will do on her own and will she keep her faith.
I know that the only reason I am able to keep going right now is because over the course of the last several years my relationship with God has grown substantially and I know He is there for me and I am truly grateful for that fact.
Leah DiPascal says
Traci, breakups are never easy and letting go of someone you love can be very painful. Maybe this experience will help your boyfriend see that he wants to get married and is willing to work through his fears so that you both can be together. I admire your decision to wait and not live together. I believe God will bless you because you chose what is right. It’s great that your relationship with the Lord has sustained you and kept your growing in faith during this challenging time.
sandy says
4. What encourages you to get out of bed each day? Spending time with the Lord at 5am! I am excited to see what he has in store for me each morning! It’s a glorious time of day (and I am NOT usually a morning person… but God has changed that)!
Leah DiPascal says
Sandy, I love your answer! I wasn’t a morning person either, but now I look forward to getting up before everyone else in my home to read my Bible and spend time with the Lord. 🙂
Candace says
What worries me is not fulfilling God’s plan for my life and being all he created me to be. Will his plan ever come forth in my life.
Candace from Sanford, FL
Leah DiPascal says
Candace ~ Your concern is very common and women ask me all the time how they know know God’s will for their lives. I believe that fulfilling God’s plan in our lives is more about who we are becoming as His children than what plan we are accomplishing. When we focus on becoming more like Christ, our thoughts – words – actions – directions will begin lining up with His which will head us in the direction of God’s will. As we read the Bible, God’s will is clearly spelled out for us. I want to encourage you to be faithful with what God is asking you to do today. The rest will come as your focus your heart and mind on Him. Seek Him first and everything else (plan, calling, purpose) will be given to you.
Jill Beran says
Leah, I always love your posts…great encouragement and a glimpse of your loving heart! I’m sure my mind will come back to these questions! The one that stuck out – If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be? I would remove my tendency to worry and doubt! I make progress and do alright at times, but then can fall back into old ways and worse yet thoughts! It’s a battle, but I know it reminds me of my dependence on Him!
I’ve also been meaning to tell you something I’m excited about, but honestly at times worry a bit about – I’ve registered for She Speaks!! Looking forward to seeing you and many others in NC this summer!!
Thanks for the encouraging reminder that He is with me!! That’s been a focus of one of the books I’m reading with my kids…obviously God’s working hard to remind me of that Truth!!
Blessings to you Leah! Have a wonderful Easter!!!
Leah DiPascal says
Jill, I’m over-the-moon excited that you’ll be joining us for She Speaks 2015!!! Each year our conference gets better and better. I can’t wait to see you there. I’m also praying for you today. I completely understand that constant struggle with worry and doubt. And just when we think we’ve got it under wraps, it resurfaces in the smallest ways … or the biggest ways, right?
You’ve come so far and made huge strides! Honestly, I’m not sure we’ll ever be 100% free of worry and doubt this side of heaven. The important thing is to daily ask the Holy Spirit to tap us on the shoulder when we start to worry/doubt, so that we can immediately go to the Father, talk it through with Him, repent and renew our minds, then move on with the victory He’s already given us in Christ. As children of God, fear and doubt is not a part of our inheritance. Freedom is!
Susan says
God sent me as a volunteer in prison ministry and a week from this coming Thursday, our Team will enter a women’s maximum security prison in Virginia, for the weekend, to bring God’s Agape Love and the light of Jesus Christ to them. The Holy Spirit takes it from there; we are there just to show them they are loved. By us, by many others around the world, and by God who wants them to come home to Him. I’ve needed His help through the entire training process, and nothing less than a miracle or two. One of those is to have 100 dozen cookies ready to go with me, to join all the others. That miracle is already in progress, with over 40 dozen already donated to me by members of my congregation. GOD IS AWESOME. The next one is that He will inspire me to write a letter to the offenders in the weekend program, and for that I have been praying and reading and searching my heart for days. Please pray that He will, in His great goodness and mercy, give me the words HE wants me to bring these women, who are in the darkest of places, so that the closed doors to their hearts might crack open enough for His Spirit to enter and they will find Jesus, The Way, there. Waiting for them to ask for forgiveness and receive His redeeming love and grace which are so abundantly given when asked for with a humble and sincere heart. Even if His plan is for this letter to reach only one heart, that is sufficient. God’s timing is perfect. Thank you for the prayers of support, please feel free to pray during our weekend in the prison, which is April 9-12, so that we can surround the women with love and peace and the desire to ‘come home’ to their Lord and Savior. God is good… all the time. All the time… God is good. Amen.
Leah DiPascal says
Susan, what an incredible assignment the Lord has given you! Yes, I am praying and trust that God will give you His Words to speak healing, wholeness, love, light and truth into these women’s souls. Jesus came to set the captives free! Praise God you are partnering with Him – even when that means making 100 dozen cookies (goodness gracious! – to bring life change to these precious women.
heather says
I have opportunity to go into our county jail with a couple different ministries. I enjoy bringing the word of GOD and the hope of CHRIST into the jail.
Susan says
Thank you, Heather, for also being His servant in the dark place of jail and prison. Your simple words encourage me greatly.
Peace of Christ
Sandra says
What worries me and keeps me up at night? Lately, concerns and worry for two of my boys keeps me up at night. I pray for peace and guidance during this time. I pray for my sweet boys and for a “hedge of protection” to surround them. I do find peace knowing that He is with me and for me during this time and always.
Leah DiPascal says
Sandra, I can so relate to your up-all-night prayers for your children. I’ve been there many times. It reminds me of a verse In Lamentations 2:19, “Arise, cry out in the night, at the beginning of the night watches! Pour out your heart like water before the presence of the Lord! Lift your hands to him for the lives of your children …” I don’t think God has any problems with us staying up at night to pray for our children. We are going straight to the One who has the love and power to do miracles in their lives.
heather says
Thank-you so much for your blog.
“How am I doing ?” to me is quite the loaded question.
I am in a season of life with great pain and great peace. Great pain as I come to grips with issues in my past and dealing with issues in life right now. Great peace in that as I rely more and more on GOD, HE continues to come through. Also, as I begin to believe the truths and promises found in scripture are true for me( I struggle believing GOD can actually love me), GOD’s peace washes over me.
Susan says
Dearest Heather:
“God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the word so that we might have eternal life through Him. This is real love–not that we loved Gd, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.” 1 John 4:9-10
He does love you, more than anything else in the world that He created. Believe it. He loves you SO much! Praying for you to work through those issues with His help. Ask Him to continue leading you, His Way is perfect for you even when you cannot see it clearly yet. Trust in Him. Please believe me when I say from personal experience, He will NOT let you down–He promises to take care of you if you will let Him.
Peace of Christ.
Leah DiPascal says
Susan, thank you for encouraging Heather this morning. Your words are filled with God’s hope-filled truth ~ I couldn’t have said it any better. 🙂
heather says
thank-you Susan!
Stacy says
My mom is having major back problems so I have been staying with her for the past month to help her in her daily living. It has been so hard being away from my home and my husband, we live 900 miles away so I cannot just go back and forth all the time, I am lucky I was able to return home once in the last month. I have been thanking the Lord that my mom and I both work from home so we can continue to work while she is having these problems. She will finally be having surgery in two days so I have been praying that she will improve enough after surgery for me to return home permanently next week.
Leah DiPascal says
Stacy, I’m praying that your mom’s surgery goes extremely well this week and her recovery will be faster than expected. I can see how the separation must be difficult for your family. I know God will bless you for taking care of your mother in her time of need. What a blessing to be able to work from her home instead of having to take a leave of absence from work. God will work all these things together for your family’s good and for His glory!
Stacy says
Thank you Leah.
Nancy Gladwin says
My husband moved out of our home four weeks ago. I’m trusting God to take me through each day, one day at a time. My heart hurts but I know God is with me, right here, right now.
Leah DiPascal says
Nancy, I’m so sorry to hear about the struggles you’re facing in your marriage. It hurts deeply when others break their promises and I can’t imagine any deeper wound than what you’re experiencing now. I’m praying for you today and know without a shred of doubt that God will provide all your needs according to His riches and glory. He is the ultimate promise keeper and He will never, ever break the promises He’s made to you. I hope you marriage is restored and that your husband returns home soon.
Tammy says
A season of wilderness wondering what my purpose is and seeking God even though I feel he is silent right now. But realizing this season will draw me closer to God.
Leah DiPascal says
Tammy, I’ve learned so much during my own seasons of wilderness. I’ve searched the Scriptures and found great benefits to those who’ve also experienced wilderness times which produced great results in their lives. I’ve shared them below in hopes this will encourage you today.
1. God used the wilderness to do miracles & reveal Himself in amazing ways for the Israelites.
2. God used the wilderness to empower John the Baptist to fulfill his purpose/calling and accomplish great things that he could never done in his own strength.
3. The Holy Spirit lead Jesus into the wilderness and taught Him how to overcome Satan and temptation. This experience launched Jesus’ ministry and left He wilderness filled with extreme power and anointing.
In the midst of your own wilderness experience, I want to encourage you to look for God’s miracles, be keenly aware of how He’s revealing Himself to you, learn how to overcome the Enemy and prepare for God to launch you into the next great assignment He has for you.
Eleanor Scholtz says
What miracle are you believing God for today?
For God to save my eldest daughter Her name is Robertha because of her addiction
she has abanded her 5 kids and they are all with ranging from 13yr old to a 2 year old
God has blessed me with good sound health therefor I am able to care and see to them as
I am of retirement age (64) already, I know that my God whom I serve will not leave her alone as she knows the truth, stay blessing to us love from Eleanor in South Africa
Leah DiPascal says
Eleanor, what a blessing you must be for your sweet grandchildren. I am praying for your daughter, Robertha, this morning. May the Lord continue to pursue her, moment by moment, until she relinquishes her addiction and returns to Him. With God, all things are possible ~