(Written by Evelyn Padilla, inspired by the Holy Spirit)

It’s TIME for me to walk in ALL You called me to be.

It’s TIME to walk in that which You appointed me before I was in my mother’s womb.

It’s TIME to go forth confidently, boldly, and lovingly in YOU GOD, to my maximum potential.

It’s TIME to walk…TIME to run…TIME to SOAR!

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…-Ecclesiastes 3:1

About 2 weeks after my mom passed, I remember seeing this plant and it was filled with dead leaves. I told my husband, “She’s dead. Throw her out babe!” When I turned around, he was bringing her upstairs. When I asked what he was doing, he kindly responded, “I’m just not ready to give up on her yet. I’m going to cut her dead leaves down and relocate her.” I instantly heard the Lord say in my spirit, “That’s exactly how I feel about you Ev!”😭😭

As my husband walked away holding, what appeared to be a lifeless plant, I cried. My God! I told my husband, “Babe, the Lord just used you to speak to me.” That plant is me! I explained in detail to my husband as God was speaking to me. From then on, I was so curious to see what happened to her! (Yeah, I said her, lol.) I told my husband, she is me!

Des put her near a window upstairs and cut her leaves down to where you only saw about 1” of green. I wish I took the picture then, but a few weeks later, I saw her and noticed she began to grow. She grew and grew!

Today, I took the picture of her on the right and I thought the following:

She’s growing, developing, and blooming! She’s beautiful and although many may have saw her at her worst and chose to give up on her, Her FATHER NEVER DID!! She is magnificent, defies odds, and is blooming in a different place! She…is…ME!!! Thank you God!!😭😭😭🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. –Rev22:21

 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” -2 Corinthians 12:9

Allow Grace

Grace? What is grace? The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as and unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration, as well as approval, favor, mercy, pardon, and a disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency. The Lord gives grace unto each and every one of us so in turn, we should give grace to others, including our children, their teachers, and also, ourselves.

Let’s practice extending grace to all of the teachers. Yeah I know, you’re receiving an abundance of calls, texts, and emails. I know, trying to figure out the changes from packets to google classroom, and now having to transition into distance learning has been challenging and extremely time consuming. I also know some of you have even had to go through this process with multiple children, have had communication with multiple teachers, and it’s been quite a lot at times. Let’s extend GRACE anyway. Besides, it’s also their first time trying to figure this all out too. They’re trying to manage the new systems, the distance learning, how to stay in contact with multiple families, all while, they too, are home with some of their own children or families. These are unprecedented times for us ALL. Give grace so that you may receive it. Let’s show more kindness, courtesy, and understanding.

Extend grace to all the children. They are also going through a huge transition being home now all day, having to deal with the challenges of learning new routines, not seeing their everyday friends, unable to go to places they usually would go, all while having to figure out this new transition of distance learning.  Let’s show a bit more favor, kindness, mercy, and love towards them during this time. Let’s extend to them, GRACE.

Last, but certainly not least, allow grace for yourself. You, yeah you Mom! You Dad! You have gone from the office, classroom, or place of employment to working from home, helping your child adjust, homeschooling, keeping communication with teachers, all while handling all your work tasks. Allow grace to YOU! Don’t be so hard on yourself. Take a deep breath. Pray! Listen to worship. Speak life over your day and yourself, as well as your children. Set realistic expectations of working from home and talk to your supervisor about it. Stop and take breaks in between. Get yourself something to eat, drink water, and/or go outside and get some fresh air. Recharge and get back at it! You can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens YOU.

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.-2 Timothy 1:7

Create New Routines

Creating new routines helps with transitioning. Routines also help with time management. It assists children by knowing what to expect next. It also decreases stress for all involved by allowing the children to be more independent, while allowing parents the time needed to handle tasks in between.

Maybe you’re thinking, I have always had routines in place. Great! I must say, it might be a good time to create new ones, especially if your routines were set in place prior to the changes that have recently occurred due to this COVID-19 pandemic. Developing new routines during this time will help children gain a sense of security.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. . –Philippians 4:12-14

Flexibility

Don’t forget to be flexible at times! Yes, routines and structure are great and add consistency, but we also have to keep in mind the importance of having moments of flexibility. Leave room for the Holy Spirit to lead you! Don’t miss out on how God wants to lead you during this time, especially as it relates to your family.

One example of flexibility from my own life took place today.  We have managed to gain a better handle on our new routines and it’s been working out great. Today, I had a work phone conference. I was discussing my ideas as it related to work and our programs. My daughter was on her Chromebook and by the end of my conversation, I noticed she was totally into what I was talking about. She was even peeking at my laptop to see some of my work. I hung up and looked over at her. She quickly turned her eyes to the Chromebook. I could have said, “Do your work,” but instead, I decided to use it as a teachable moment. I said, “You were interested in what mommy was talking about?” She nodded yes. I said, “Do you want to see and talk a little bit about what mommy does at work?” She was soooo excited and said yes. We took a 10 minute break together to go over some of my work. She was joyous, it was flexible, and she and I were both happy that we were able to bond. FLEXIBILITY, and discernment around flexibility, are key components during this time!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.-Philippians 4:6

Prayer

This is the most important tip I have for you! Prayer! The bible reminds us that “faith without works is dead (James 2:26). This is the FAITH part. The other sections stand behind the “works” part, but prayer helps you to stand behind your faith!

Prayer is communicating with God. People have different ways of doing this. This can be by making your supplications known to Him, petitioning Him, crying out, and/or conversing with the Most High God. When we put HIM in the midst of all things, HE helps us get through, even a pandemic. He gives us the wisdom, favor, and strength we need to tackle our day, and if we get it wrong that day, had less patience, or even sinned, we can repent with a clean heart before Him and HE will forgive us. With this, we have assurance that we can try again in Him!

In the midst of all the transitions taking place in the world today, don’t leave God out of the equation. Make HIM priority in all things and HE will direct your paths. Most importantly, lead your family by example in modeling prayer. Include your children in prayer. Allow them to make their requests and supplications known, for we know that if we train children in the way they should go, when they are old, they will not turn from it. (Proverbs 22:6). They are experiencing much transition as well, and so they, too, need God to get through and persevere during this time.

I’ve shared just a few tips for parents transitioning during this pandemic. Do you have some that you would like to share? Please comment below.

In the last couple of weeks, I’ve heard God in my spirit remind me of this very title. There’s no strength without the struggle and no progress in life without pain at times. I mean, it makes sense. How can you grow or even become strengthened without struggle or pain? Can a physically fit person grow muscle overnight? Do they just train and never feel pain along the process? The answer is clear, NO! There’s NO strength without struggle and NO progress without some pain. As a matter of fact, the trials, the struggles, the tribulation, is an opportunity for growth, increased stamina, endurance, and strength in your faith walk!!

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. -James 1:2-4

About a month ago, my mom was hospitalized. I went from thinking my mother was just a bit sick, to finding out she in fact, was terminally ill. I’ve had moments that I’ve cried and have felt extremely sad, naturally. I mean, its my mom! For the most part, however, I have been incredibly strong spiritually and have been trusting God beyond comprehension. I’ve had many people comment about how strong I seem to be during this process, and I always turn it back to HIM, for only HE gets the glory. God showed me, the sickness journey I faced with my husband during the previous years were my training ground for this very moment! I have spiritual muscle! I’m no baby in this faith walk! See, my struggle in the past has strengthened me for this! I know WHO got me out of THAT situation and that HE can and WILL do it again! For,

Yesterday, as I was in the office planning and preparing for my upcoming week’s work, which involves parenting education through home visiting with first-time moms, I happen to “accidentally” stumble upon an activity page that stood out to me. I wrote “accidentally” in quotes because I know better than to think it really was accidental. There’s nothing accidental about My God and I know He is in fact, INTENTIONAL! With that being said, the title read, “The Wait is Over…Preparing for Birth!” Oooooooohhhhh, Jesus! Reading that title stirred something up in my spirit! I knew God was speaking to me so I read on, and boy oh boy did He speak??

As I read on, to paraphrase, the information discussed how our bodies undergo amazing change to create the space or environment for our baby to grow and come into the world. Wow! It was as if HE was telling me, “Evelyn, that’s why you have been feeling such a change! Your spirit is going through an amazing transformation to allow for growth of the new that will be birthed through you!” I had to contain my emotions as I sat at my desk! It didn’t surprise me that I was receiving this revelation because I have been praying and listening for it, and most of all, opening up my heart more to HIM to speak to me in this season. It was the humility in knowing that HE loves me so much that HE would show Himself to me and give me clear answers and guidance in this way. It felt as if He was showing me that HE hears my prayers and is working things out in my favor so I need not worry and continue to believe as I have been. Confirmation!

The next part I read ministered to me even more. It was as if I just received an explanation as to what was happening  in my life most recently and now HE was giving me clear direction as to what I should do next. The document discussed the importance of pregnant moms book sharing and reading to her baby in the womb. In short, it stated that the BABY will respond to the voice he/she hears the most while in the womb over ALL other voices! JESUS! God was explaining why I need to begin to speak LIFE over my NEW to come. My new will respond to my voice, my words, and even if another voice tries to come in with negativity, it won’t matter for MY BABY (the new ) will respond to the one it hears most! He was instructing me to not only speak life over it, but to speak HIS WORD over it, which is more powerful than a two-edge sword! The activity page talked about how parents should read over and over as they prepare for this MIRACLE MOMENT of BIRTH! My God! I got it loud and clear! Thank You Lord!

Dear You,

I wanted to let you know, I FORGIVE YOU! I forgive you for not being there for me when I needed you MOST! I forgive how you slandered my name behind my back (even though you didn’t even know that I was aware of it). I forgive you for not clapping for me when I won in life, for being so engulfed in yourself, that you didn’t take time to see about me. I forgive you for each time I tried to reach out and you did something to push me away, for wishing and praying on my downfall. But most of all, I forgive you for not loving me by the evidence of your behavior, although I’ve always loved you.  I…forgive…you!

God reminded me that if I forgive those who sinned against me, HE, will forgive me (Mark 6:14). I need forgiveness daily, so Lord, I pray You continue to heal my heart and strengthen me in YOU!

Sincerely,

Evelyn

I witnessed something that puzzled me recently. I said to God, “Look at that God! After all that has been said and done?!” Then, what I heard next, encouraged me immensely! I heard in my spirit, “Don’t you know that I prepare a table for mine in the presence of their enemies?!” I thought, “Wow!” Immediately following this moment I heard, “I am also preparing a table for you in the presence of yours!” My God!

God showed me a flashback of individuals who at one point or another, turned on me, spoke ill against me, tried to change other people’s views about me based on their own insecurities or jealousy towards me, and those who have literally tried blocking blessings from me. I heard in my spirit, “You need only be still and know that I am GOD! I will not forsake MY people and I WILL prepare a table for you in the presence of your enemies. Continue to do right, walk in humility, and continue to trust ME and I will CONTINUE to vindicate you!” I don’t know who else needed to hear that, but I am sharing it because HE told me someone else did! Praise God!!

In the meantime, I will do what I know pleases HIM. Walk in love, forgive often, and trust HIM in all things! If this hit home for you, receive it in Jesus name! Most importantly, remember HIS word reminds us:

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.-Romans 12:19

He cares about everything that pertains to us. The Word says,

You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.-Psalm 56:8

God bless and walk in confidence for you belong to the King of Kings, the Most High God!! He will never leave nor forsake you! Nothing goes unseen by God! He sees all, knows all, and can do ALL!

Vision

Vision is the act or power of seeing, and envision means to picture oneself, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Have you ever envisioned something for your life? I mean, really saw yourself walking in it?! You know, like imagining yourself in your dream job or career, thinking of all the wonderful characteristics your future husband or wife will possess, seeing your new home in your mind, envisioning the very day your child will graduate school or start college, or even envisioning yourself totally and completely healed from that sickness, infirmity, or broken heart?! In this season of my life, God has allowed me to see and share with you how HE gave me vision, how I wrote the vision, and how I took steps towards the vision, which ultimately resulted in me being able to see those things that I once only envisioned in my mind, actually come to pass.

See the Vision

I want to encourage someone today that if you can envision the better for your life, you can receive it! God’s word reminds us that HE has a plan and purpose for our lives. His plan is to prosper us and not to harm us. His plan is to give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). So pray and ask God to show you what HE has for you. For if we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us and the things that we ask for in prayer, believing, we shall receive. So pray and see!

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. –Proverbs 29:18

Write the Vision

In a place of brokenness, but total trust in GOD last year, I wrote a letter to my future self. I wrote about where I currently was and what I was facing in the moment. I wrote what I was believing God for with regards to my husband’s healing, my son starting school, my marriage, and even the new I was believing God for in 2018. I backed up my petitions with HIS word because I knew HIS word is true, infallible, and powerful! God is NOT a man that HE should lie, so I was confident, and even though I didn’t know how it was going to happen, I knew it would.

Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.  For the vision is yet for an appointed time;But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, it will not tarry. –Habakkuk 2:2, 3

Steps Towards the Vision

I now realize what happened after I wrote the vision in a letter form to my future self. Those things I put before God remained in the back of my mind throughout the year, and therefore, guided my steps moving forward. Writing my vision down on paper allowed for a visual and in a sense, assisted me in putting my feet to action towards it. I took several steps of faith in this past year. I tried things I usually wouldn’t have because I knew God was working on my behalf and I didn’t know how my blessings were coming, I just knew they were. So, without realizing it, I put another biblical concept into action, faith and works (James 2:20)!

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. -James 2:26

 Reflecting

Looking back now, I see the goodness and faithfulness of God. Yes, I am able to read and rejoice about how God found a miraculous way to get a kidney donor for my husband. Yes, He was able to transition my son into his new school and help him find his niche and be excited about it in the process. Yes, He brought us many NEW things and new starts in this new year, but that’s not the part that truly touched my heart. It was that, even in my lowest place, God allowed me to SEE greater and because I followed HIS principles, HE came through on HIS word. I didn’t know that in the moment, but He’s granted me access to flashback and see it now! He had a plan the whole time. He had away of escape in the distress, and already had plans to prosper me in the future. God is a good God. I praise HIM and give HIM all the glory for everything good in my life!!

Vision for Your Own Life

What do you see for yourself? Are you envisioning things in your own future right now? Do you see increase, promotion, healing, new beginnings, ministry, friendships, marriage, home ownership, travel, learning a new skill, or even mending a relationship on the horizon? Remember, prayer and relationship with God is key. Once you have true relationship with Christ, HE will steer you in the right direction and give you vision for your life.

Each and every one of us are different and have our own stories. We all have our own walk and our own areas in which we need to not only see the vision and write it, but take steps towards it. I pray you are blessed and that HE stirs up vision for your own life.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6