21

Really missing this guy on his special day!!! Happy 21st birthday Seth! Praying North Dakota is gentle on you! Birthdays are not just a time to celebrate, but a time to reflect. When I look back on your life I see a journey that not only am I proud of, but God is. Though not perfect, He has favored you in so many ways. He has clothed you with garments of salvation. The greatest gift you have received is grace - Amazing grace! You are loved, you are chosen, you are forgiven, you are a child of God! May his hand be over your life forever more. We love you and miss you!

Too Much Credit!

We give the devil too much credit! He's like one of those people who file bankruptcy and still comes out with a loan for a brand new house, looking squeaky clean. He might look shiny and new, but underneath it all his credit is built on topp soft and shaky ground that will eventually crumble. There is no stability in what he offers. Our God is the alpha and omega, the rock on which we stand and the loan that never stops giving. We don't give God enough credit for what He has or can do. It's time to start not only believing what God can do, believing what He hasn't done yet, but also acting as if HE HAS ALREADY DONE IT!

He is Faithful!

I often feel frustrated with what I might see or hear on Facebook or other social media outlets, yet today was different. I have had a rough month, very busy, tiresome, and overwhelming. I stopped to take a moment to rest and just peruse through Facebook and when I clicked on memories it was so wonderful to read back that on this day for the last seven years there were posts I was tagged in that lifted me and boosted me. How does it happen that on the same day every year I would be blessed by others.

It reminds me that even when we think God is not working, He is. When we think we have lost the battle, lost the fight and victory will never come - in the distance God is lining it all up. God has been faithful for the last 7 years to remind me of the part I play in other's lives. that I am special, loved and chosen. His faithfulness has always remained, it is my mind that I have let wander - to be consumed by my own self-doubt, worry and frustration. His faithfulness to me has carried me through and remains steadfast. For that today, I share with you - He is the Alpha and the Omega, your creator, your rock, your stronghold, your mercy and grace and your victory! You are special, you are loved and you were chosen! HE IS FAITHFUL!

Be the Vessel

I am a visual learner, one who needs to see things to understand them. It is as if it comes to life and sets in my soul when I see it. When I saw "My Redeemer Lives" 11 years ago, it was as if the story came to life. It made what happened so real, it brought to life the stories I had read and they set in my soul. Since then we as most of you know have called Victory Life our HOME. We as time went by have played many parts in the story, but this year is so special. Hunter is a disciple of Jesus which is so fitting - his kindness to others this year shows the great love of Jesus. Claire dances as an angel and villager in several dances which has allowed her to do the 2 things she loves most - dance and glorify God. As for me, my story is one of many ups and downs and if you knew the former me then you will understand why this is so special. I will be dancing to Alabaster Box. A few months ago, I woke up one Sunday morning reading my devotional and praying to the Lord about being filled with the fragrance of God. I wanted people to not only smell it, but see it and feel it. That morning Pastor Danny preached a message on being the broken vessel and releasing the anointing. At the end of service, I raised my arms saying I wanted to be that broken vessel. Minutes later I was asked to dance the "Alabaster Box" dance. I have had a few set backs since and let seeds of fear and doubt be planted in my mind.

I pray you are able to come and see our story this weekend. And I say our story, because it is the story of the love God has for us all, even the broken! It is a story of redemption, joy and love that surpasses all understanding. You will never understand how great His love is until Jesus is enough.

Placement

I'm always in awe of who and what God places in my path. Sometimes I fight it, as if I know better. Yet, God sticks with me, even in my stubbornness. He is a faithful God, a loving God and the one true God! I didn't get many pictures, because I really soaked deeply in what God was showing me. But I am so grateful for God placing these ladies where I needed them when I needed them. He heard my heart's cry and knew I needed to be assured of many things.

What a powerful weekend! #allbelieversstruggle #speakasthoughtheywere #heistheagenda #riseandset #removethesplinters

Smokey Joe Gautreaux

Who would have thought a dog could have infiltrated my heart in such a deep way. You were the best dog anyone could have asked for. Even when you stole my bible chair and blanket pretty much daily! Even when you hound howled because you were scared of the dark! You were the most precious gift to this Gautreaux Family! We were honored to be your family! May you rest in peace, we will love you forever, Smokey Joe Gautreaux!

13 Gifts

Happy 13th birthday to the girl who has given me the 13 white hairs in my head, the 13 stubborn headaches I get when I shop with her and the 13 panic attacks when she isn't within my sight.

Yet, all those 13s, don't come near the 13 beautiful heartfelt giftings she has brought into my life. It was so fitting she was born before Christmas, because she has given the world so much already. She has gifted us with love, boldness, courage, confidence, testimony, prayer, healing, laughter, appreciation, trustworthiness, integrity, honesty, and dependability. Don't ever lose sight of your giftings!

I love you baby girl forever and always! Happy Birthday Claire Gautreaux!!

#the13giftsofclaire