After high school I went to college for a couple of years, then dropped out and joined the military. The reason I dropped out is because I was being put on academic probation. My father had made a promise to send me to school in California where I really wanted to go, but when time came, he reneged, and my heart wasn’t in it. Also, my parents were going through major changes in their marriage which led to divorce, but during the process they would each tell me their side of the story, and this caused me to have migraines. At 18-19 years old I wasn’t mature enough to handle not getting what I wanted (spoiled) and dealing with my parents’ issues. So, after my second year I went back home but couldn’t handle that, so I joined the Air Force.
My reasoning for joining the Air Force wasn’t good, I was running away, but it ended up being the best for me. It helped me grow and mature in a way that I wouldn’t have if I would have stayed at home. One of the biggest changes was I stopped having migraines, my parents no longer had access to me regularly. Secondly, I learned to be responsible for myself and it expanded my world view; I was exposed to so much more than my hometown. At that time, I couldn’t complete my degree as the military base only offered general classes and I had already completed my first two years of college.
While stationed in Italy, I met a wonderful Christian family. The wife was German, and she was married to an American soldier. They invited me to go to church with them and although the sermon and everyone around spoke a foreign language (that I didn’t understand) the environment was very welcoming, and this help spark my desire to learn more about Christ.
Some steps I continuously take are:
Removing yourself from a situation could be what’s best for you. “Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord God; Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come.” Ezekiel 11:16
Don’t allow life challenges to weight you down. “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
Be open to new people, places, and things. God might just be there. “ For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11
By doing these things…over time, I’ve been learning how to incorporate Christ into every area of my life.
Below are two books that God has inspired me to write. "The Flip Side" and "Blinded By Sight: The Heart Matters" both available now.
So… what’s this book about?
“The Flip Side” depicts the possible feelings and emotions of lesser-known Biblical characters as they navigated their lives in the shadows of the more popular characters in the Bible. While the Bible gives us snippets of their stories, we are usually left in the dark about their true motives, desires, and thoughts concerning the situations they are in. However, one certainty is that despite how little we know about these characters, they were often the catalysts to pivotal moments in the main characters’ lives.
So… what’s this book about?
Join me on a journey of self-discovery. “Blinded by Sight - The Heart Matters” is a compilation of short biblical devotions. These stories are not conclusive. They are depictions of how God is revealing my heart to me.
My prayer is, Lord, make it real for me, show me your heart, show me my heart, and give me the wisdom to change what hinders my relationship with you. I am learning that my perception is my biggest obstacle it affects my mind, what I think, and how I process my experiences. What I have experienced in my mind is expressed through my feelings and these experiences dictate my choices either consciously or subconsciously.
This devotional will allow you to explore and evaluate your past and present situations that have hindered you from seeing the heart of the matter. Simply put, look at the heart – it does matter. Your future depends on it!
I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Psalms 34:4
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