Prayer 11.22.2016

Dear Lord,

Today as we reflect on our lives, I pray that we will realize that life can sometimes be like a game of Checkers or Chess (or really any other game), we have to take time to contemplate the next move. We have to consider options. We have to decide what we feel we should play. We have to decide how we will show up. We have to make a plan, plan our plan, and be committed to our plan. We have to ultimately have a vision of where you want to go and the end result of the game so you can create each play in the game.

Let us not forget that in every moment, we have to ultimately act. We can talk all day about a plan, but action is what creates results. And through action we show the world our choice.

We have to trust that we will know that you will guide us into which move is right. We know that it is through making decisions repeatedly and being disciplined that we get results. We also know that you give us a choice to choose. We have freedom in this power you give us. Help us to make the play that you want us to.

Sometimes we have to position ourselves for a loss so we can have a bigger or better or more important win. Sometimes we get crowned King or Queen. Sometimes we conqueror everything in our path. Sometimes we loose it all. Sometimes the things we loose aren't nearly as important as the energy we give them. Just as some of the wins we really want aren't nearly as important as we place them to be.

Sometimes we feel the whole play is taking too long. Sometimes the whole outcome unravels and happens all very quickly. Sometimes we see what is coming and sometimes we are blind sighted. But in all of this, your timing is perfect, and we need to realize that you are the master of the game. We can't let the game determine the outcome of our enjoyment of it.

We are told that those who win are the winners of life and those that loose are the losers of life. Yet, in reality, the score doesn't matter. You've covered all the wins and all the losses. Help us to not get stuck in the wins or the losses but to enjoy the game.

Help us to see each person on the team who is fighting with us to stay in the game. Help us to appreciate all the players, not just the ones on our team but the ones fighting against us, for they help strengthen us. They help us become better in the game. They help create the character inside of us to play the game. They show us what we need to learn to be a better player. They also make us see what is possible in ourselves when we can't see it. Help us to take the blows that are dealt directly at us and be a champion. Help us to remember that we are always being watched.

In all of this game of life, you are always with us, in every move. We do not have to be afraid. We do not have to have worry. We do not have to be discouraged. You give us hope. You give us strength. You only ask us to believe in faith. To trust you. And above all love you and your players.

Today as we continue to play our game, may we be more devoted to focusing on being intentional in our connections, relationships and time with each other. May we be the arms and feet of you to all those who come into our game. May we forgive. May we give grace. May we treat each other the way we want to be treated.

May we make more choices to love in spite of the pain we have experienced in life. May we choose faith over doubt. May we share more truth and light. May we choose love. May we never loose heart in the game and always stay focused.

In your loving and powerful name I pray, AMEN!
#PrayForOneAnother #PrayerChangesLives #BeAllInTheGame#LifeIsAGame #PlayWell #ThePowerOfChoice #CreateTheLifeYouWant#LiveIntentionally #LiveIntentionallyInFreedom

Thankful. Today.

Today, I am thankful.

Thankful for My God who walks with me through every storm, challenge and dark day of my life.

Thankful for My Circle of Friends who have been praying for me.

Thankful for my bed, my down pillow and cozy comforter that have allowed me to sleep lots and work on being healed.

Thankful for garlic tea, lemon tea, peppermint tea, green tea, and all other herbal teas that bring warmth to my throat and body.

Thankful for understanding clients, strategic business partners, charity partners, my coach and each of my friends that have had to deal with my canceling of all plans for days on end. For their grace in understanding I just couldn't do it. For being patient with me when this had a ripple effect on their schedule too.

Thankful for a house that is quiet and peaceful.

Thankful for another day to do nothing.

Thankful for a friend who is able to use my The Lantern Fest: Dallas ticket for today in which I was going to send off 1 Lantern for all my Gratitude and 1 Lantern for Dreams for the Future. This will remain on my want to and wish to do list.

Thankful for the growth in my own life to say no and take care of me.

Thankful that I have no feelings of guilt for taking care of me. This is a new experience and I am appreciative of all who have worked with me to bring me to this place in my life.

Thankful for the resources in Probiotics, Acidophilus, Vitamins, Immune Defense Emergen-C, Dayquil, Nyquil, Collidal Silver, and whatever else I am forgetting in my extreme regimen.

Thankful for Fresh Squeezed Juice.

Thankful for you and that I get to do life with you.
#TheLifeOfMisty #Thankful #HaveGratitude #BeThankful#ExpressYourThanks #LifeIsAGift #ShareInEachOthersLives

Today I am Thankful

Today...I am thankful.

Thankful for Veterans who fulfill a calling and serve, because they believe in The United States of America. They believe in their job to protect. They believe in the gift of giving for others. They believe in standing for the principles of our military. They will do so with their life.

Thankful for Friends who will listen. Who will work through differences, disagreements and varied perspectives. Who will show love, always love. Who will give input. Who will not shun or reject or build walls. Who will empower each other. Who believe in each others true character and hearts. Who won't let hurt feelings ruin a relationship. Who will give, graciously, unconditionally, and openly. Who will walk the walk and talk the talk. Who have integrity, honesty, commitment. Who will choose to love through anything and everything.

Thankful for another day to live this beautiful life.

What are you Thankful for?
#BeGrateful #HaveGratitude #ChooseLove #LoveOnPurpose

how to choose when your heart is hurting

My heart is hurting. Deeply. I feel crushed.

Yet I'm not, it's just a feeling. Because His Word tells me I will feel crushed, taken out, torn down, destroyed, forsaken, rejected, BUT He has overcome my battles! He has already provided a way through it! So yet, again today, I'm asking God for strength and direction. I believe in Him. I trust Him.

These aren't empty words. They have power. And I say them with ownership of them.

I get to walk out my Faith. I get to choose to Believe. I get to choose Love.

Even in the dark moments. Even in the waves. Even in the emotional pain. Even when life has its moments that make you question why you have Friends. Even in the ugly situations.

And as always, I will choose to find Gratitude in ALL things.

What will you choose?
#ThePowerOfChoice #PainIsAGift #RelationshipsMatter #TheSassyVoice

The Everyday Election

Every day, we get to choose in the Election.

The election of thoughts.
The election of actions.
The election of love.
The election of discipline.
The election of choice.
The election of motivation.
The election of grace.

The election is personal. It mirrors your internal beliefs. You are unique in what you create. It is a minute by minute choice. It is created by your own power. You are responsible for your own election. What will you choose?
#CreateTheLifeYouWant #LiveIntentionally #Election2016#ThePowerOfChoice

movie review ~ Priceless

I am a huge fan of the Band For King and Country.  So when I learned they were producing a movie about how each of us are Priceless and Worthy, I was anxious to see it. And so when I was tagged in an activity for the Gateway Church Singles for some Friday Night Fun, I said "I'm in".

I hadn't watched the Priceless Movie Trailer.  I had only read articles about the basics of the film.  I promise you, if I had seen the details in the few minutes of a clip of it, I wouldn't have gone.  If I had known the full plot, I wouldn't have gone.  But I didn't do my research. I trusted that this was something encouraging to see.

Before I launch in further, please know that this post is MY OPINION of the 60 minutes I saw of the film.  Because yes, I walked out!  This post isn't meant to discourage you from seeing it if you want to, but I am going to tell you that it is raw, horrific and tragic, and though I am told it has a redemptive ending, from the pieces I saw and the remaining I was told about, I do not believe it creates the result of something that I want in my life.  So, if you asked me if I would recommend you see it, the answer is not just no, but hell no!!!

I know that I probably stayed longer then I would have if I had gone by myself because I was with Friends.  And I was hoping the film would get better because I know it takes time to create a plot and build a story line.  But when it got to the scene of the Man and the Girl sitting on the bed and he started his controlling behaviors, creating mind games with her, twisting the meaning of what love is and telling her she didn't have a choice in this and he was going to have her.  I was more then done.  

She had a voice and told him that this wasn't love.  He said that it was up to her to decide what she believed Love was.  That's the line that drew it in the sand for me.

I was like, yes, heck yes, I get to decide what love is!  I get to decide what is good for me.  And this isn't love and this isn't good for me!

I got up.  

I walked out.

Right then.  Not a second more.

I was done.  

Gone.

This movie was painful to watch. It took me down memory lane and experiences that I have already lived as a person and I don't want to watch a movie around a theme like this. It took me back to situations I have left and done my best to heal from.  It has made me feel trauma in a whole new way.  

Triggers cannot always be predicted, but they will come, even if you have gone through healing because the level of healing always has a deeper layer, another strand, another perspective, another root.

Am I aware that the world wide problem of Sex Trafficking is extensive?  Yes.  

Do I believe that more education and awareness needs to be done on this topic?  Yes.  

Do I believe that more could be done to help those involved in it and victims of it?  Yes.

However, in my opinion, there are better ways to tell a redemptive story and not make people live horrific scenes images, words, emotions, raw energy, concepts, beliefs, and that help me learn something to apply to my life. We know these and more situations exist. But a redemptive movie that is effective has a way to make a lesson to any and all without taking you through trash to get there.

Example: War Room showed a struggle in a marriage but it lived out the way praying for a Spouse and Family and your own life changes things. It helped one to realize the power of prayer and what happens when you have increased faith.

What did this movie, Priceless, teach me? 

What did this movie, Priceless, help me to learn about my own life? 

What was the lesson to encourage, support and inspire me in my walk with God?  My life with Friends?  

What did this movie, Priceless, do to create a desire for peace, love and kindness?

You say we need more education on Sex Trafficking.  So if I take that line of logic, you are saying that I should see a movie that shows people being killed and stabbed to death in a Gay Club because society isn't aware this happens and it is such an issue and we need need a better perspective to awaken us?

Or you say that I should see a movie about affairs and relationships being torn apart and marriages ruined because it isn't enough that we see this happening all around us?  I should watch a play that shows me how this happens?

You are telling me that I should be filling my mind with drama and angry words and images because it helps me grow to be a better person? Stronger in my faith? More courageous in my Spirit? More loving in my actions? Kinder in my relationships? More patient and forgiving with one another?

I say F that!

Someone that saw the movie with me said to me, well at least it didn't have nudity and profanity. And to think that you/we/others justify this saying it didn't have nudity and profanity is better than Sex Trafficking? As Donald Trump would say: WRONG!!!

I pray every single person who has seen this film will stop and think about their life. This is not a funny matter, and yes, I've been triggered deep in my soul.  I've been there.  I lived this.  No not with multiple partners, but does that matter?  One was more than enough.

People say that the Christian World needs a wake up call, and they may, but let me tell you something, this isn't the way to do it!

Don't be afraid to stand up and walk out of a movie if it isn't feeling your soul with things that matter to you.

Don't be afraid to put only good things in your life that help you create the life you want.

Don't be afraid to go against the crowd.  Following the masses doesn't bring peace.  Knowing you are living your truth does.

Be you.

Personalized Application of II Kings 18

Misty trusted in the Lord, her God. She clung to the Lord and did not stop following him; whenever He spoke to her heart, she listened and obeyed. So the Lord was with her and she was successful in everything she did.

Will you make II Kings 18 yours? Are you trusting the Lord? Will you cling to His Promises and Truth? Will you seek God? Will you listen?

One of my friends posted this as a comment on Facebook and it was a great way to think on the truths and our walk and actions!
#TheLifeOfMisty #ThePowerOfChoice #Affirmations

Single with a Purpose

Being single isn't for the faith heart. It is a choice to wait for the person we believe God is bringing to us. It a choice to not give into the hookup culture. It is a choice to continue to believe in Marriage even if we do not have a guy or girl of our own. It is a choice to continue to have faith and trust that God has a plan. It is an opportunity to work on ourselves, trying to be our best each and every day, to work extremely hard, to be diligent in our goals and plans for the future, to not be a victim in our circumstances, to not grow bitter when others seem to have the love of their life and make you feel like a 5th wheel for your single status, it is a choice to remain positive, it is always an option to seek to be an overcomer, to love ourselves through all of it: the good, the bad, the pretty, the ugly, knowing that we are happy single because we know that being married isn't our identity and shouldn't be our main life goal, but we continue to believe that loving relationships make life even more beautiful and so with that we have hope that someday we will post Facebook statuses like you do that shout to the world who the love of our life is!

[I had to create my own version of what is going around Facebook for Married Couples because at almost 40...well, I got a lot of Single Years Experience!!!]

#MistysDatingJourney #SingleWithAPurpose #BeDifferent #GodsPlan

Prayer 10.10.2016

Today Lord, I pray for those hurting who can't see past their tears, their pain, their discouragement, their grief, their circumstances. I pray for those that desire to see things shift in their life. I pray that they will open their heart up deeper to trust you. To move past the areas of regret, shame, guilt and fear.

To believe. To have hope. To choose positivity over negativity. To believe that it all starts with us making a choice and allowing you to give us power. Knowing we have your power inside of us. Knowing that you give us all the tools to live and do our tasks here. Knowing that we do not have to fight any harder than with your armor.
#Pray #PrayForOneAnother #PrayerWarriors #ShareInEachOthersLives#ThePowerOfPrayer

be willing to ask questions

Don't be afraid to look deep and ask questions. Asking questions allows us to open up the space to seek and find answers. It allows us to be disciplined to renew our vision and focus on what is important. It allows us to ask others for help. It allows us the option to make choices.

Why did I respond this way?
What do I want for my life?
Who do I want to show up as in this situation?
How can I have gratitude in this moment?
What are my options?

We are not victims. It might feel like it, but we have options as to how we respond, what we choose to do, how much we will trust God, and answer why we do what we do.

Nobody can do this for us. We have to do it ourselves. But we can ask for help by others who have had success. We can seek direction from God more fully as He will give it to us if we just ask. We are not left to do this journey alone!
#CreateTheLifeYouWant #LiveIntentionally #AskQuestions

Prayer 08.23.2016

Dear God,

Today, I step out in faith, deeper as I search for answers to questions I have. Deeper as I acknowledge areas I am making mistakes and floundering to carry out what you have asked of me. Deeper as I desire to grow more like you have called me to be.

To be bold.

Courageous.

Strong.

Generous.

A heart to learn.

Loving.

Always seeking truth.

I ask that you help me to see a way around my obstacles. I ask you to help me to create more internal peace in the midst of challenges of being disrespected, dishonored, and abused. Help me to keep pursuing you and not focus on these offenses. Help me to stay the course and continue an upward gaze, fixed on the outcome, not the circumstances. Help me to see how to utilize the strength you have given me to face today, this moment, and nothing else. Help me to see that fear paralyzes me, holds me back, builds walls, creates barriers, makes the challenge 100 times more then what it really is. Help me to not grow weary in this path you have called for me to walk.

Because I love you Jesus.

I pray in your most loving powerful abundant and limitless name, AMEN!
‪#‎Pray‬ ‪#‎PrayerChangesLives‬ ‪#‎PrayerWarriors‬ ‪#‎FerventPrayer‬‪#‎PrayInAllThings‬

Back to School Lessons

You may not be going back to school today. You may not have any children to ever experience this like your friends. But you can choose each day to treat life like school. You can choose to be focused on living today because it is a portion of your story, your chapter, and before you know it, another year will be gone. You can choose to embrace the moments of today to learn, to grow, to communicate, to love, to have gratitude, to face your own fears, to live!

Just as these little kids are growing up and do not want Mom to hold their hand as they walk into class because they are too big for that, we sometimes don't think we need Jesus hand to guide us. We want to step out and do it on our own. We want to be strong. We think we have learned our lessons from last year. We think we can handle it.

God doesn't take it personal, He doesn't get upset, He doesn't say I told you so, He doesn't condemn us, He doesn't try to change our mind. He is waiting and ready and listening for us to choose when we want His hand to in ours, when we will allow Him to guide our journey, and He is ALWAYS loving and praying for us.

Will you be the same to those around you? Always allowing them to choose? Always showing love? Always being understanding that you haven't walked in their shoes? Always giving the benefit of the doubt? Always...

‪#‎BackToSchoolLessons‬ ‪#‎JesusHand‬ ‪#‎GodIsWithMe‬

Prayer 08.17.2016

Dear God,

I ask you to lead each of us today. To see that when there is chaos showing up either in our heart, our mind, or in our lives that you ask us to look to you, just as Peter did when the waves were creating intense turmoil around him, overwhelming him with doubt and fear. You want us to embrace the chaos and learn how to not fight it but let it strengthen us and give us more courage, hope and love.

It is a process of pruning us at times, which means it will hurt as things are cut off and damaged and removed. It is a process of refining us at times, which means it will grate like sandpaper or be intense heat as it purifies us and makes us smooth and more like you. It is a journey and we should embrace each aspect of it, not just endure it, but be ALIVE in it. Not letting it squelch the love or purpose that you have for us.

Help us to be a reflection of you, to be closer to you, seeking the truth you give. You will shine light on the darkness. You are the hope that leads us out of the dark. The darkness will never overcome the light and we have to believe that even though it may be really really really dark, light remains.

Help us to see we have a choice in all things that come our way. What we think. What we feel. How we respond. How we move forward. How we react, even just internally. Let us see that we are not victims, but overcomers that can live abundantly in freedom. Sometimes this means our prayer never ceases all day long because we need you giving us energy, breath and life as you fill us with you so we can get to the next step.

I pray this in your most incredible name, AMEN!
‪#‎PrayerWarriors‬ ‪#‎FerventPrayer‬ ‪#‎PrayerChangesLives‬ ‪#‎PrayInAllThings‬‪#‎PrayForOneAnother‬ ‪#‎Pray‬

affirmations ~ 08.11.2016

I love You.
I'm here.
I'm listening.
You are safe.
I'm not going anywhere.
You are not alone.
You are cared for.
You won't be abandoned.
You can trust me.
‪#‎Affirmations‬ ‪#‎SeekTheTruth‬ ‪#‎LoveOnPurpose‬

3 Choices

Life gives you choices:

#1—You can let it define you.
#2—You can let it destroy you.
#3—You can let it STRENGTHEN you.

‪#‎ThePowerOfChoice‬

be around people...

God tells us that bad company (family, friends, coworkers, and influences) ruins good morals (values, character, core beliefs).....

Be around people who not only act like they care, but you know they do.

Be around people who ENCOURAGE you.

Be around people who speak LIFE into you.

Be around people who challenge your thoughts and actions.

Be around people who will not just listen to you, but they HEAR you.

Most importantly, be around people who are willing to WALK with you during the hardest times in your life. It's those people who are WORTH holding onto.

‪#‎RelationshipsMatter‬ ‪#‎CreateTheLifeYouWant‬ ‪#‎LiveIntentionally‬‪#‎ShareInEachOthersLives‬

Today I Will

Today, I will learn to trust solutions rather then be victimized by problems. I will not use problems to prove that I am helpless, picked on, or martyred. I will not point to my problems to prove how awful life is. I will learn to trust the flow of problems and solutions. God, help me solve the problems I can solve today. Help me let go of the rest. Help me believe in my ability to tackle and solve problems. Help me to trust the flow. For each problem, there is a solution. 
‪#‎SeekTheTruth‬ ‪#‎YouGetWhatYouFocusOn‬ ‪#‎TodayIWill‬

Prayer 08.10.2016

Dear God,

Some days we think it would be better to run. To walk out the door. To say I quit. To tell ourselves the fight isn't worth it.

To embrace the shadow. To forget about exposing the light. To not have any hope. To believe that nobody cares. To tell ourselves that we aren't making any difference. To not focus on the good things.

We get focused on our circumstances. Unable to see that you are working a plan and planning your work in us. If we would only stop and breathe. To feel your love and allow it to motivate us in all our moments.

If only we would be more bold. Have more light. Give more love when we feel we have given all. If only we would live in the abundant life you have given us and not focus on the waves, the enemies, the lies.

We have a choice to choose to believe your truth! Your love! Your purpose for our lives! We have a choice to see you working in ALL the little details! We have a choice to ask you for direction! We have a choice to accept that you always are walking with us! We have a choice to let you into our deepest thoughts, emotions, dreams and visions!

Lord help us today to carry this out to an even deeper level! I want to Lord. I so very much do.

In Jesus most powerful and amazing loving name, AMEN!
‪#‎PrayerWarriors‬ ‪#‎FerventPrayer‬ ‪#‎PrayerChangesLives‬ ‪#‎PrayInAllThings‬

YOU are beloved...

YOU are beloved. I wanted you to know.

Let it soak into your soul. Forget the lies you've heard. Rise above the hurt.

Don't be afraid. Don't let hope fade. Keep your eyes fixed on the light above.

Nothing can separate you from LOVE!
‪#‎TruthInMusic‬ ‪#‎Beloved‬ ‪#‎YouAreLoved‬ ‪#‎ThereIsAPurpose‬‪#‎LetLoveFindYou‬ ‪#‎DontQuit‬

Prayer 08.01.2016

Dear Lord,

Please be with me today. Help me to continue to fight the good fight. To keep my focus on you and not the things around me threatening to tear me down, to discourage me, to build fear and not faith, to thwart my purpose, to create apathy in me. Help me to love those that fight me, whose goal is to suck the life out of me, who don't encourage, support and inspire me to live the abundant life you have given me in freedom! Help me to be different. To choose the path you have for me and not follow the crowd. Help me to believe. Deeper. To believe you have my back. Completely.

Give me the strength to continue to pursue you with all my heart, my soul, my mind, my strength. I love you with every breath of my life!

Thank YOU Jesus for loving me. Being patient with me. In everything. Help me to appreciate you more.

In Jesus Name I pray all these things to be my outlook today. AMEN!
‪#‎PrayerChangesLives‬ ‪#‎PrayForOneAnother‬ ‪#‎Pray‬ ‪#‎PrayerWarriors‬

poem ~ I say

I say Follow Me
you say I can't see the way.

I say Come to Me
you say I can do this my own way.

I say Trust Me
you say I want to believe you.

I say Believe in Me
you say I don't see you.

I say...
if only you could see things from my view.

I say Follow Me
for I will show you the way.

I say Come to Me
to surrender as it's light and easy.

I say Trust Me
for faith is shown when you see no action.

I say Believe in Me
for I've given you abundant life.

I say...
but I give you the choice today.

~ Written By Misty Gilbert
‪#‎Poems‬ ‪#‎AuthorLife‬ ‪#‎MistyWGilbert‬ #ISay #FollowJesus ‬‪#‎CreateTheLifeThatYouWant‬ ‪#‎LiveIntentionally‬