How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don't let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:12-14)
I may not show it, but I'm still grateful... said my nine-year-old to me last night after I fussed at her and her younger brother about their lack of gratitude. At that moment, I was out of words. I simply blinked...slowly, then turned to walk away. All I could think was how in the world can you be grateful and NOT show it?
You know how children are? Toys that they plead for and finally receive, are found under sofas, in between cushions, or simply lying around on the floor like they mean nothing. Naked dolls. Matted hair. Action-figures missing pieces. Stuff like that. I don't know about you, but nothing about that says, "I'm grateful."
But then I began to think about this a little more. Am I the same way with my Heavenly Father? I don't want my sentiments with Him to mirror my child's. I want to show my thanksgiving to Him and not just give Him lip service. I want my heart and my actions to be in alignment. I'm sure there are things that I've asked for and received that I may not always seem grateful for. What about you? Promotion? Help out of undesirable circumstances? Opening up your womb to have children? A new car? Ministry? Healing? Whatever that thing may be, my prayer for you, me, and this child of mine, is that we'll be grateful and our actions will show it.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for being Jehovah-Jireh, our provider, for You have provided so much for us in our lives. Help us to never lose sight of Your place in our lives and Your love for us. May our heart, mind, and spirit be in alignment to show our honor and thanks to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Thursday, May 21, 2020
Saturday, April 4, 2020
Don't Forget
But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. (2 Peter 3:8-9 NLT)
I don't know about you, but when Facebook first introduced the On This Day feature, it was kind of creepy. Actually, it still is rather creepy to see anything you post on Facebook will show up on the yearly anniversary of the original post date, right? However, depending on what you post, it can be a good thing.
A few days ago, a picture popped up in my timeline reminding me of a sermon titled, "Don't forget."(See picture below) At the end of the sermon, we were encouraged to take a picture and post it to social media so that it would appear in our memories. When it popped up, I went to look up the Scripture and I was simply in awe at the reminder, especially in our current environment.
Surely with the rise in numbers of people contracting the virus, the deaths, the lack of toilet paper, and the shenanigans happening at the grocery store, it may seem to us like God has forgotten about us and that He is being slow to act, but we can find encouragement in 2 Peter 3:8-9. His promises are still good and He hasn't forgotten about us. In fact, His Word tells us that He doesn't want anyone to be destroyed (eternally separated from Him), but that He wants us all to repent.
Father in Heaven, we praise Your name in spite of everything happening around us. Help us to keep our hearts and minds focused on You. Forgive us of our sinful thoughts, deeds, and ways and give us strength and courage to return to You. Strengthen our spirit and body. Guide us in Your truth. In Jesus' name, Amen.
I don't know about you, but when Facebook first introduced the On This Day feature, it was kind of creepy. Actually, it still is rather creepy to see anything you post on Facebook will show up on the yearly anniversary of the original post date, right? However, depending on what you post, it can be a good thing.
A few days ago, a picture popped up in my timeline reminding me of a sermon titled, "Don't forget."(See picture below) At the end of the sermon, we were encouraged to take a picture and post it to social media so that it would appear in our memories. When it popped up, I went to look up the Scripture and I was simply in awe at the reminder, especially in our current environment.
Surely with the rise in numbers of people contracting the virus, the deaths, the lack of toilet paper, and the shenanigans happening at the grocery store, it may seem to us like God has forgotten about us and that He is being slow to act, but we can find encouragement in 2 Peter 3:8-9. His promises are still good and He hasn't forgotten about us. In fact, His Word tells us that He doesn't want anyone to be destroyed (eternally separated from Him), but that He wants us all to repent.
Father in Heaven, we praise Your name in spite of everything happening around us. Help us to keep our hearts and minds focused on You. Forgive us of our sinful thoughts, deeds, and ways and give us strength and courage to return to You. Strengthen our spirit and body. Guide us in Your truth. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Thursday, March 26, 2020
You must go
Jeremiah 1:5-9 NLT "I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” “O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said, “Look, I have put my words in your mouth! Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms. Some you must uproot and tear down, destroy and overthrow. Others you must build up and plant.”
As I meditated on these verses this morning, I couldn't help but think about the virus that plagues our nation at this very moment. I'd honestly rather hear less about it, but its news is everywhere I turn and affecting so many people. It can be downright depressing. However, the great news is that none of this surprises God.
As we learn in today's verse, He knew us before we were even formed in our mother's womb. (Take a moment and meditate on that fact.) Before my mom conceived me, God knew me, my decisions, and the person I would turn out to be. Considering that He knew me, tiny me, in the midst of this great universe, surely He knew that this virus would come. He knows what we have to go through and when/how this will all end. Even as we all go through this together, we have to remember that we, God's children, have been appointed to speak life and to keep our hope in Him, regardless of what we see around us.
Though you may have an excuse for why you can't speak up for God, perhaps like Jeremiah, you think you're too young or too old, not enough knowledge of God's Word, or too shy, know that God will give you the words to say. By no means am I advocating misquoting scripture or trying to come up with things to say, but I believe that in the right timing, God will give you the right words for the person(s) they're meant for. Today's Scripture is a great reminder that God will put words in our mouths! As God's children, this is certainly time for us to be light in this dark world.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your goodness and mercy. Thank you for your sovereignty. Even in the midst of this chaos, we will still praise Your name because You are worthy. Guide us so that we may be the light of the world and the salt of the earth that You have called us to be. Strengthen us in Your truth that You are all-knowing and all power is still in Your hands. Protect Your children with Your Holy hands. In Jesus' name, Amen.
As I meditated on these verses this morning, I couldn't help but think about the virus that plagues our nation at this very moment. I'd honestly rather hear less about it, but its news is everywhere I turn and affecting so many people. It can be downright depressing. However, the great news is that none of this surprises God.
As we learn in today's verse, He knew us before we were even formed in our mother's womb. (Take a moment and meditate on that fact.) Before my mom conceived me, God knew me, my decisions, and the person I would turn out to be. Considering that He knew me, tiny me, in the midst of this great universe, surely He knew that this virus would come. He knows what we have to go through and when/how this will all end. Even as we all go through this together, we have to remember that we, God's children, have been appointed to speak life and to keep our hope in Him, regardless of what we see around us.
Though you may have an excuse for why you can't speak up for God, perhaps like Jeremiah, you think you're too young or too old, not enough knowledge of God's Word, or too shy, know that God will give you the words to say. By no means am I advocating misquoting scripture or trying to come up with things to say, but I believe that in the right timing, God will give you the right words for the person(s) they're meant for. Today's Scripture is a great reminder that God will put words in our mouths! As God's children, this is certainly time for us to be light in this dark world.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your goodness and mercy. Thank you for your sovereignty. Even in the midst of this chaos, we will still praise Your name because You are worthy. Guide us so that we may be the light of the world and the salt of the earth that You have called us to be. Strengthen us in Your truth that You are all-knowing and all power is still in Your hands. Protect Your children with Your Holy hands. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
#IStillBelieve #TellYourStory
A couple of hours ago, my husband and I went to an advanced screening to see I Still Believe.
In case you haven't heard anything about it, it's a new movie based on Jeremy Camp's early years as a musician, sort of. I was choked up most of the movie trying to hold back tears. I left the theater with a headache because I fought the tears. I knew if I let them loose, I wouldn't be able to stop. Thinking about it now makes me want to cry.
Without spoiling the movie, I'd say One big takeaway for me is that we should all tell our story and if only one life has changed because of it, then what we've gone through would all be worth it. God gets the glory. Often what we go through isn't for us, but for the growth of others, to draw them closer to Christ. Depending on the level of difficulty, this can be a tough pill to swallow.
But as I pondered my takeaway, I started to think of my story. What is it that I could share with the world? What is it about my life that would draw someone closer to Christ? I don't have a sad, heartbreaking story. But is that the only thing that draws others to Christ? Heartbreak and difficulty?
God has kept me. What do I mean by that? I've done some crazy things in my life, but not too crazy. There've been times when I've crossed the line, but I quickly turned around. Imagine life with a toddler who you're constantly yelling, "aht aht!" Yea, those aren't real words, but we say them to get the toddler to change direction. Too hot! Too dangerous! Too cold! Too sharp! Too close to the edge!
Many years ago after starting college, I can recall one of my "church mothers" calling to check on me as I was heading out of town to do something I shouldn't have been doing. Maybe she knew. Maybe she didn't. But I believe that was a warning from God to turn around. I was going too far left. Did I turn around? Literally? No. But her call changed the course of my weekend, I think. "aht aht!"
I can recall when my college classes first began and I wanted to hang out on the plaza. Don't judge me. Everything was fresh and new and I wanted to see what was going on. My new friend wouldn't have it. She looked me squarely in the face and said she wouldn't go with me because she wasn't majoring in Plaziology 101. "aht aht!"
Wrong guy for you. Let him leave. "aht aht!"
The next time you might kill yourself and your friend driving drunk. Be sober. This is not the life I have for you. "aht aht!"
Turn around and take heed to your friend's story. I sent her to you for a reason. "aht aht!"
I have many "aht aht" stories...stories where God let me know many times that He was right there with me when I wanted to do something crazy, but instead, He gave me the courage and grace to turn around. The more I think about it, I guess these were immature times when I hoped God wasn't quite watching and I wanted to test the waters. But God is faithful and I'm thankful for that.
God has kept me. God has proved to me over and over again that He's with me and that He hears and answers my prayers. There are many times that He answers prayers that I haven't even taken the time to pray about. Faithful. He loves me and I am so grateful that He shows me over and over again.
No matter what your story is, I encourage you to share it and the love of God. You don't know who it may help. If it can help only one person, then it would all be worth it. And no matter what, keep the faith. :-)
God has kept me and He'll do the same for you!
Go see the movie and take some tissues so that you won't walk away with a headache like I did. #IStillBelieve
In case you haven't heard anything about it, it's a new movie based on Jeremy Camp's early years as a musician, sort of. I was choked up most of the movie trying to hold back tears. I left the theater with a headache because I fought the tears. I knew if I let them loose, I wouldn't be able to stop. Thinking about it now makes me want to cry.
Without spoiling the movie, I'd say One big takeaway for me is that we should all tell our story and if only one life has changed because of it, then what we've gone through would all be worth it. God gets the glory. Often what we go through isn't for us, but for the growth of others, to draw them closer to Christ. Depending on the level of difficulty, this can be a tough pill to swallow.
But as I pondered my takeaway, I started to think of my story. What is it that I could share with the world? What is it about my life that would draw someone closer to Christ? I don't have a sad, heartbreaking story. But is that the only thing that draws others to Christ? Heartbreak and difficulty?
God has kept me. What do I mean by that? I've done some crazy things in my life, but not too crazy. There've been times when I've crossed the line, but I quickly turned around. Imagine life with a toddler who you're constantly yelling, "aht aht!" Yea, those aren't real words, but we say them to get the toddler to change direction. Too hot! Too dangerous! Too cold! Too sharp! Too close to the edge!
Many years ago after starting college, I can recall one of my "church mothers" calling to check on me as I was heading out of town to do something I shouldn't have been doing. Maybe she knew. Maybe she didn't. But I believe that was a warning from God to turn around. I was going too far left. Did I turn around? Literally? No. But her call changed the course of my weekend, I think. "aht aht!"
I can recall when my college classes first began and I wanted to hang out on the plaza. Don't judge me. Everything was fresh and new and I wanted to see what was going on. My new friend wouldn't have it. She looked me squarely in the face and said she wouldn't go with me because she wasn't majoring in Plaziology 101. "aht aht!"
Wrong guy for you. Let him leave. "aht aht!"
The next time you might kill yourself and your friend driving drunk. Be sober. This is not the life I have for you. "aht aht!"
Turn around and take heed to your friend's story. I sent her to you for a reason. "aht aht!"
I have many "aht aht" stories...stories where God let me know many times that He was right there with me when I wanted to do something crazy, but instead, He gave me the courage and grace to turn around. The more I think about it, I guess these were immature times when I hoped God wasn't quite watching and I wanted to test the waters. But God is faithful and I'm thankful for that.
God has kept me. God has proved to me over and over again that He's with me and that He hears and answers my prayers. There are many times that He answers prayers that I haven't even taken the time to pray about. Faithful. He loves me and I am so grateful that He shows me over and over again.
No matter what your story is, I encourage you to share it and the love of God. You don't know who it may help. If it can help only one person, then it would all be worth it. And no matter what, keep the faith. :-)
God has kept me and He'll do the same for you!
Go see the movie and take some tissues so that you won't walk away with a headache like I did. #IStillBelieve
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Out of the Shadows (Love, Lies & Consequences Book 4)
My tenth book will be released in seven days! I'm really excited about that, but I'm also somewhat sad. Out of the Shadows (Love, Lies & Consequences Book 4) will wrap up this series for now. Who knows? I may revisit this series in the future, but for right now, I must move on. This is my first complete series and I'm excited to share it with the reading community. All major characters stories have been told, if not, there will be spin-offs into different series.
I've spent the last few years developing Raegan, Rico, Caleb, and Chloe's characters and I believe this is a satisfying end. I'm almost certain this is an ending you didn't see coming because I surely didn't. Who would've thought it would end this way when I started writing this series several years ago. One fun fact about this series is that I never planned for four books. When I started, I committed to writing two books in the series, but as time went on and book two developed, I knew there would be a book 3. With the way book 3 (Shattered Vows) ended, I knew there had to be a book four!
Join me in wishing these characters farewell (for now) by purchasing your copy of Out of the Shadows (Love, Lies & Consequences Book 4)!
Here's the blurb:
A year after Rico's death, Chloe is still working to piece her life back together after learning of his betrayal and sickness. Though she wants to be with Shane, she senses that it may be too soon to move on, given that she is broken inside. After recommitting her life to God, she learns to love again, but just when she thinks she's over the past, Raegan resurfaces. Rico's lies initially introduced them to one another, but Chloe's mother has an even bigger lie that has remained hidden for over thirty years. Can Chloe handle it? Will she allow yet another secret to keep her from experiencing the love that Shane is so willing to give?
If she allows God to mold her heart, out of the shadows of her pain will come love, forgiveness and a sense of peace unlike she's ever known.
Kindle:http://bit.ly/Shadows10
Autographed paperback via PayPayl http://bit.ly/LLC4Shadows
Autographed paperback via Square http://bit.ly/LoveLiesCons4
I've spent the last few years developing Raegan, Rico, Caleb, and Chloe's characters and I believe this is a satisfying end. I'm almost certain this is an ending you didn't see coming because I surely didn't. Who would've thought it would end this way when I started writing this series several years ago. One fun fact about this series is that I never planned for four books. When I started, I committed to writing two books in the series, but as time went on and book two developed, I knew there would be a book 3. With the way book 3 (Shattered Vows) ended, I knew there had to be a book four!
Join me in wishing these characters farewell (for now) by purchasing your copy of Out of the Shadows (Love, Lies & Consequences Book 4)!
Here's the blurb:
A year after Rico's death, Chloe is still working to piece her life back together after learning of his betrayal and sickness. Though she wants to be with Shane, she senses that it may be too soon to move on, given that she is broken inside. After recommitting her life to God, she learns to love again, but just when she thinks she's over the past, Raegan resurfaces. Rico's lies initially introduced them to one another, but Chloe's mother has an even bigger lie that has remained hidden for over thirty years. Can Chloe handle it? Will she allow yet another secret to keep her from experiencing the love that Shane is so willing to give?
If she allows God to mold her heart, out of the shadows of her pain will come love, forgiveness and a sense of peace unlike she's ever known.
Kindle:http://bit.ly/Shadows10
Autographed paperback via PayPayl http://bit.ly/LLC4Shadows
Autographed paperback via Square http://bit.ly/LoveLiesCons4
Friday, February 10, 2017
Laurie's Non-paranormal Thoughts and Reviews: Shattered Vows: Love, Lies & Consequences by Natas...
Laurie's Non-paranormal Thoughts and Reviews: Shattered Vows: Love, Lies & Consequences by Natas...: Write Now Literary is pleased to announce Shattered Vows, Love, Lies and Consequences with author Natasha d. Frazier Virtual Book Tour. F...
Thursday, February 2, 2017
Michelle's Book Stop: Write Now Literary is pleased to announce Shatter...
Michelle's Book Stop:
Write Now Literary is pleased to announce Shatter...: Write Now Literary is pleased to announce Shattered Vows by Natasha D. Frazier Virtual book tour. February 1-28, 2017. Genre: Ch...
Write Now Literary is pleased to announce Shatter...: Write Now Literary is pleased to announce Shattered Vows by Natasha D. Frazier Virtual book tour. February 1-28, 2017. Genre: Ch...
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