Have you ever seen the movie Finding Forrester? Sean Connery taught a young boy how to write by using his words, then when he felt comfortable enough he would start using his own words. What a great tool for writers block!!! For this week's blog, I felt it was appropriate to use a poem I wrote many years ago when I was in a REALLY bad spot.

I had just moved to Texas to do DTS (Discipleship Training School) with Ambassadors For Christ and my eczema had begun to take the skin off my hands...which was devastating considering I just recovered from losing the skin off my face and feet.

Here goes nothing...

"Ten years of a divine wound," The Lord said. "It must be entire, complete Not pierced with sharp metal, But dull rock. "It must hurt and wound To break you. So when the time comes for Me To fulfill my prophetic promise to you, You will cry out, 'I'M NEVER GONNA GO BACK!' "In the stillness of My Presence you will Feel the Harvest of Peace coming, To restore and repair the loss. "Come, Renee, return to Me. I have broken you, now rejoice!" (Faithbook of Jesus, page 170)

I feel this is relevant today because God was, is, and will always be in the business of redeeming our lives, our past mistakes--even our future!

One thing I know for sure, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62, NLT).

Another set of words that have deeply encouraged me this week come from a devotional I am reading by David Jeremiah called "Life Changing Moments With God." Each devotional is made up of only Scripture. Love it. Love it! Here is February 4th's:

The Lord has said to you, "You shall not return that way again." Father, truly if I, as Israel, call to mind that country from which I have come out, I would have opportunity to return. But I desire BETTER (emphasis added)...a heavenly country. By faith, I rather suffer affliction...than enjoy passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater...Justified, I live by FAITH; but if I draw back, Your soul has no pleasure in me. But I am not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. If I put my hand to the plow, and look back, I am not fit for Your kingdom, God... (there's that verse again!!!). Deuteronomy 17:16; Hebrews 11:15-16, 25-26; Hebrews 10:38-39; Luke 9:62

Friday, Feb. 4th was the day I signed my new lease in San Diego. It is such an amazingly-God-sized confirmation that I am moving forward. I'M NEVER GONNA GO BACK! It's hard because I still have commitments (that I love) here in North County, and a family (who takes great care of me), but I also serve a God who has a far and greater imagination to the tapestry of my life and when I trust Him and put my life in His hands He blesses me. I don't know about you, but I want to be blessed!!!

No matter where you are currently in your life--seek God first.

Spend time in His Word.

Pray.

Get involved in community.

The more you reach out, the more chances you have to grow! Amen?