Nurture

//Nurture//
to give tender care and protection,  to help grow & develop.
to encourage to grow, develop,  thrive.


//The Need For Nurture//
Are we far too busy trying to survive, that we cannot make time to nurture others?
Far too often we are too guarded, wounded, afraid, broken... to open our lives to the
possibility of being nurtured.
Why? Because we have been disappointed in the past. We sought nurture and failed
to receive it.
But without nurture,  how can we ever expect to feel love? In order to receive we must
first give..
Learn to nurture others, wholeheartedly,  despite your past trials & disappointments.
Show love to others, show genuine care. Encourage them, protect them.
Nurture others and receive nurture in return.
God calls us to love one another.  To love our neighbors as ourselves.
To love without expecting anything in return. To be the light in the darkness.
And God will take care of the rest.


//Nurture is Expansive//
Parents, teachers, employers, government,  and churches, seek to meet the basic needs
of people. The every day basic needs of life.
But what about going beyond that.?
Food, water, clothes, shelter, money,...
what about nurture? where is the deeper meaning of life?
Nurture is not expensive,  its expansive.  And it can be freely given & received.
No matter who you are.
Nurture is the difference between simply survivng, and thriving.
We will cease to merely function, going thru the motions,
And we will flourish,  really live.


//Teachers Who Nurture//
This is where my emotions and passion lie.
Being a teacher,  I know I have the blessing of shaping children's lives.
Helping them to believe in themselves, healing their corruption,  their pain.
Reassuring them of their potential.
Showing them tender care.
A student once said "she saw something in me that I didnt even recognize in myself. "
Being that one adult they care look up to. The one person they can trust.
Giving them God's love that they so greatly deserve.
Pointing out their strengths, walking them thru their weaknesses.
Teaching them life skills, helping them be successful in life outside grade school.
Plant seeds, that if nurtured, will lead to thriving. Lead to flourishing.
Lead to them believing in themselves,  discovering hidden talents.
I have the career that shapes children for the rest of their lives.
Going to school each day without nurture in my heart, leaves them empty.
They need care, protection, encouragement and love.
Without nurturing teachers, students learn aimless facts, connected to nothing.
I help them to see the bigger picture, to connect it all to real life, to them.
I make sure they know of my love and compassion for them each and every day.

"The correction and the nurture that sweet, nameless teacher had released into
my life 13 years earlier had reached into my future and spoken to me when i was
ready to hear it. Her words served a purpose, and helped me to thrive. "


"There is something within you that this world so desperately needs."


"Children learn what they live. How you raise them will determine everything.
If mothers do not nurture their children, they will grow up to be self focused,
self contained and disconnected from the world. They will merely function,
meet their basic needs, and go thru the motions. However they will never truly
thrive  and flourish into all they are capable of being."


//We Need Something More//
Our individual souls remain selfish in the absence of a nurturing heart.
It appears that we are all afraid to give too much of ourselves away.
We go through the motions, meeting others needs,  with resentment in
our hearts, holding a grudge all the while.
We check things off our lists, living simply to meet our basic needs and get by.
But is this really living? We need something more.
People do not GROW beyond themselves if they think the world revolves around
them.
Far too often, what people want is contrary to what they need.

"No one gave me the tender encouragement and nurture I needed when I was
young, so it's too late and too difficult for me to give those to others."
//don't believe this for a second. Its a lie.//

With God you are renewed to start again, regardless of your past.
regardless of what others have done to you, God brings healing.
He teaches us how to nurture others,  even if we ourselves have never
experienced it.
There is rebirth, at any age and in any season.
God's word provides nurture and pruning.


//Where  We're Headed//
Where we are and where we've been is not where we are going.
Gods kingdom is not stagnant, we are not at a standstill.
We are constantly growing,  He is constantly pruning.
Life is constantly changing.
And Gods kingdom doesn't stop when we get to Heaven either.
It has only just begun there.
GOD IS LIMITLESS.
He wants us to believe that, and believe in ourselves.
With God all things are possible.
Nurture other's by opening their eyes to the endless possibilities.
Dont weigh them down with your own disappointments.
Don't try to spare them the pain by limiting their view on life.
Don't.
They will either inherit your fears, or God's promises for them.
the disappointment we have seen,  that is our story.
our outlook, not theirs.
Let us nurture others. Love them. Take a genuine interest in them.
Provide them with hope. Encourage them. But not limit them.

I seek to help position them,  but never limit them.
To inspire them, but never designate which way they have to go.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate,  but that we are powerful
beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
we ask ourselves,  who am I to be brilliant,  talented, beautiful?
Actually,  who are you not to be?? You are a child of God. Limiting yourself
does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people wont feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
it is in all of us. As we let our light shine, we subconsciously give other's
permission to do the same. As we are liberated from fear, our presence
automatically liberates others."

//Nurture Defined & Applied//

1. Tender Care
Taking a genuine interest and care in others lives. Being gentle 
With the sensitive areas in other's lives. Be tender with one another's
Spirits. There is never a need to be harsh with those whp look up to you.
If you are rough, people will not heal properly.

2. Protection
Don't live in a "mind your own business" type of world. We are called to
Be involved in each other's lives. To share one another's burdens.
If we see someone in harms way, we should intervene. We can protect
One another physically,  mentally, emotionally and spiritually. To protect
Is to prevent one another from harm, or damage,  or pain.

3. Encourage
The most priceless gift. To give courage, hope and confidence.
There is fear everywhere,  hearts failing. For you to simply tell someone
You believe in them is huge. Encouragement is not for your benefit.
Encourage complete strangers, encourage those you love.




More to come.
stay tuned.
God is constant.


Natalie

Fearlessly Single

Snippets from my journal, and the book "Fearlessly Single."

 

 

 

Women give up their morals at times, for the fear of being alone.

We want what it is we don't have.

Live by the world's standards, or live by God's?

God doesn't show favoritism.

Those God loves, He prunes.

It's all about purpose...and growth.

Women start dating ungodly men out of desperation.

Things always look easy when one is looking in from the outside.

God works everything together for our good.

He knew the mistakes we'd make, before we even made them.

And then He loves us until we heal from those mistakes.

Daughters, do not awaken love until it's ready. Song of Solomon 3:5

God works differently for all of us.

Soul ties. We were not made to become attached to anyone & everyone.

That tie is for our future spouse, to save us heartache and pain.

Unevenly yoked, a believer with a non-believer. Don't do it.

Your husband will father your children.

Think about it...

Humans, even if we do the right thing, part of us always questions our decision.

When will it be me?  I want that....

We ask ourselves.

Self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. We must learn it.

It's not about getting married as much as finding the right person to marry.

Don't choose in desperation, but in calm, with a clean mind.

We become obsessive & consumed by it. You know, finding the one.

Don't you ever settle.

You will only suffer in the future if you do that.

Don't lose who you are.

Don't compromise who you are for someone else.

Christians still have the same desires as everyone else out there.

Watch out for the two-faced men, the one's who live a double life.

Acting Godly in church, then persuading a woman to compromise who she is.

What she stands for.

Selfishness.

Think about the type of men you gravitate towards.

"I tend to go for the fast ones."

We feel pressure from society.

Don't be lured by beauty, physical attributes. You'll pay the price later.

We long for men because there is something missing in us.

Loneliness tempts us.

But he is nice, and caring, we clique so well... we spend all our time together.

We are like an old married couple, but he is not a Christian...

What I did not realize was that I placed him in God's place.

No man deserves the love that is reserved for God.

We worship non other than God.

God is a jealous one.

Put God back in His rightful place.

The things of this world fade away, but God still remains.

After all, You are constant.

After all, You are only good.

After all, You are sovereign.

Not for a moment, will You forsake me.

New creation.

2 Corinthians 5:17-

Anyone who belongs to Jesus has become a new person.
The old life has gone and a new life has begun.

Form new habits.

When we accept Jesus into our lives,
when we surrender to His power,
when we accept His forgiveness,
when we seek His love,
when we ask for His strength & guidance,
when we find our joy in Him,
when we pursue Him as Lord of our lives,
we are a new creation.
The holy spirit makes its way into our hearts.
We will never be the same.
God has given us a new nature, a new self.
The original self, which He intended for us to be.
We receive so many blessings.
We see the world through new eyes.
Discipline and self-control are ours.
Our old self has washed away, a better version has come.
A sound mind,
one that isn't controlled by emotions, is ours.
This life is so much more fulfilling,
so satisfying.
It's what we were created for.
All it takes is one simple prayer,
asking God to come into your life.
Repenting of our sins and asking Him to move.
And he will NOT HESITATE.
He loves you.

You see, as humans we have a difficulty doing things in moderation.
We go too far,
simple as that.
We act out of emotions, what we feel.
But what we feel isn't always in tune with God.
What we feel isn't always what's best.
So we act out of emotion, we go too far,
and then we regret what we did.
We regret it.
I've learned to do only what is best for me.
Do I still fail at times, yes.
But I look at the big picture,
I look at the end outcome.
Should I find temporary satisfaction,
or long-term joy & peace?
Our earthly selves love being wrapped up in emotion,
but are our emotions leading us in the right direction?
How about we seek GOD FIRST.
Seek His wisdom, ask Him for His plans.
God knows best,
afterall, He created you.

Make the decision to not do what you feel like doing,
unless it's God's Will for your life.
Amen.

Be saved. Ask God into your life.
You'll not be disappointed.
How happy you will be.
I adore Jesus.

 

 

Exodus 14:13-14

 

Don't be afraid, just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Lord himself will fight for you, just stay calm.  

 There always comes a time of elimination.
The earth sheds each year.
The trees and flowers let go of their identity.
As the old identity dies, a new identity is born.
The body sheds constantly.
Some of it happens invisibly; so naturally
and silently that we do not realize it is happening.
The heart and the spirit also shed.
They shed the emotions and experiences that we no longer need.
They shed the things that stunt our growth.
This, too, is an invisible process.
Yet because of the energy involved, the emotional energy,
we often feel the emotional and spiritual shedding; 
it feels as if we are dying.
We are.
Just like the flowers and the trees,
we are dying to an old identity.
This shedding, or death, is not the end of us,
 it is the beginning..

Luke 22:42
Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours (always) be done.

The devotion for January 31, 2012
Trusting God through emotional trails.
That's the title.
Growing into a mature Christian takes time.
It doesn't happen overnight.
It's a process.
Little by little,
one experience after another,
God tries us and tests us.
He tests our emotions,
this helps us grow.
Difficult situations stir up emotions.
We see how unstable we are.
How in need we are of a Saviour.
How we cannot go through life alone.
especially with the hard stuff.
The night before Jesus' death he begged God,
"take this cup from me"
He was going through the hardest trial.
He didn't want to die,
but he looked past his emotions,
and said,
"not my will, but your will be done."
God's will.
Not ours, no matter what we are feeling.
God knows best.
You can make it through any trial,
with God.
Jesus wasn't led by his feelings,
we don't need to be either.
When God tests your emotions, seize the moment.
Let the experience change you.
Let it grow you.
Trust God with it.
God can bring peace and confidence
to any situation.
He purposes don't always make sense to us.
But He knows best.
I trust God more than I trust myself.
And i'm thankful for my challenges,
it has made me the woman that I am.
"Not my will, but the Lord's will."
He loves you.
 

 

 

 

Through the storm, He is Lord, the Lord of ALL.

 

Lord you make all things new.

Your love is never-failing.

Your grace is never-ending.

Forgiveness you bring.

Thank you.

 

 

This season.  

So much has happened this past few weeks.

Am I proud of it all? No...

Humans make mistakes, we are no where near perfect.

We get caught up in the wonders of the world.

Our flesh consumes at times.

I have regrets, I have sins, I feel the shame.

But God is good.

He is forgiveness. He is love. He is redemption.

The Lord makes all things new.

And the truth is, God has a plan for this life of mine.

He planned it out with much detail.

I pray that His plan will override my own weaknesses.

I pray that His plan will overcome my sins.

I was lost for awhile, which hurts my heart.

But God has called me back once again.

Over and over we try to run our lives.

Over and over we fail.

We fall.

But God is quick to redeem.

He brings us back each time.

Arms open.

Heart broken.

Loving us.

Wanting us.

 

 

Looking back. 

The past is so enticing, so tempting.
Things that once broke you, have now been healed.

And you find yourself wanting to go back.

Wanting the things that brought you pain.

But brought such a high as well.

What to do...

My heart has been so confused.

I've been in need of comfort, love, security.

Have I been looking in all the wrong places?

You better believe it.

Have those other people & things been satisfying?

You better believe not.

Have I sinned and fallen away from the Lord?

Unfortunetely yes.

Do I miss my God?

With all of my heart and soul.

Am I ready to go back to where I belong?

I'm ready.

Take me as I am.

Jesus Come.

 

 

Anchored.

I'm anchored in who I am.

Who I've become.

I know my heart, my soul.

I'm secure in myself.

I'm grounded in truth, God's truth.

I'm firm and secure in the Lord.

In His love for me.

In His hope.

In His life.

I'm anchored to the Lord.

Forever I will stay.

Secure.

Complete in Him.

Do I forget that sometimes?

Absolutely.

But does that change the truth?

Does that change who He ultimately is?

Does that change the fact that He loves me,

the fact that He'll always be there?

Absolutely Not.

He loves me.

 

Future seasons.

 College graduate.

Still can't believe it.

My dream from childhood is in the midst.

My passion is here.

The finishline has come.

A teacher.

A TEACHER.

Somedays it brings tears to my eyes.

Now what?

My college journey has come to an end.

well for now.

I have the anxiousness of finding a job.

We are told not to be anxious.

It is easier said than done at times.

will I teach soon?

How long until I find a full-time place?

My own school, my own classroom.

Where does God want me?

He has a plan.

He has brought me this far.

He won't give up on me now.

Lead me in your ways Lord.

Show me where you want me to go.

And help me get there.

Without God I can do nothing.

Teaching is my heart.

Children are my heart.

Teenagers are my heart.

Shaping.

Molding.

Educating.

This is me.

This is what I was made for.

I just need to find that security.

Find that job.

Figure things out.

And that is where I stand right now.

Time will tell...

 

 

 My heart.

My heart is heavy.

My heart is lost.

My heart is anxious.

My heart is wanting.

My heart is hurting.

My heart is ashamed.

My heart is lacking.

My heart is empty-feeling.

 

But God heals,

God provides,

God fills my emptiness,

God shows me strength,

God fills me with hope,

God restores,

God re-claims,

God brings peace,

God is all-knowing,

God leads me,

God holds me,

My God loves me.

Amen.

 

 

The God of angel armies is always by my side.  

Healing come.

 

Still my anxious heart

                                             Forgetting the past... Looking forward...

Phillippians 3:13

Still my anxious heart, Lord.
Let His word be my strength, and hold tightly to His promises.
Never settle, although conviction doesn't let you anyways.
A Godly spouse is a must. Period.
Be with someone who lifts you higher, who leads you to the Lord...
Not away from Him.
Light and darkness cannot work side by side.
Life starts when we leave our comfort zone.
Rely on God, not other people to satisfy you.
Be patient. Pray for patience.
With God all things are possible.
Seek a community of believers, those who share your heart.
Hope, even when you're all alone.
Trust God, even if you feel like doing the opposite.
Don't compare yourself to others.
Leave a relationship if you're staying merely for the comfort.
God gives you the desires of your heart.
Don't worry, God will answer your prayers...
It's just on His timing, not yours. God knows best.
Don't fear the future.
Be an optimist.
Let go of the things that weigh you down.
Don't worry about those who hurt you, God will deal with them.
Trust God, even if your heart wants to do the opposite.
Never seek retaliation.
No power can stand against God and His plans.
The devil cannot stop God from blessing you.
God loves you.
Why wouldn't God want what is best for you?

Song on my heart: I will rise- Hillsong United


There is so much going on in my heart lately. such discontent & eagerness. a lack of patience. the list count go on. But at the same time, I know that God is among me. He is leading me. I need only be still. And trust Him even when it hurts.

It's been awhile. here we go again.


Life hurts. God heals.
Love is patient. It's patience.
God doesn't make us selfish people.
We were made to be more.
We were made to be in His image.
This life in not OURS.
Love has self-control. It isn't easily angered.
I put my faith in God, not people.
I'm worn down, i'm disappointed.
I feel discouraged. But my hope is in Him.
He has it all planned. He knows.
Nothing gets to me before going thru Him.
He permits things.
He brings things on purpose.
But all of this is for our own good.
God is nothing but good. No sin in Him.
No evil in Him. He is all good.
God is able to do more then we could ever dream..
More than we could ever ask for.
He gives us the desires of our heart.
Those desires that are good.
We are not to settle for less. ever.
Our heart knows. God has put his plans in our heart.
When we aren't aligned with Him, we know it.
We are want to feel loved. to be wanted.
And sometimes we don't accept God's love as enough.
But it IS enough. it is...
Oh the things we think we know.
But honestly we really don't.
We need to believe that what's meant to be, will be.
No need for worries.
Trust God. afterall He made you.

Quotes, images, photography.
It brings out the depths of my soul.
It tells my story. the words i couldnt say.

Fall season. my ultimate. love.