Life’s A Journey #19: Same Story and Another Day; BUT God…

by | Jul 20, 2026 | Life's Journey | 0 comments

“It feels like the same story and just another day…BUT GOD is not done with me yet.”  – Stacy Turley

Fear…doubt…imposter syndrome…procrastination…maybe next week…too busy…negative self-talk…resistance…it’s been so long…who cares anyway…

These are all feelings and thoughts going through my mind every time I think about sitting down to write again.  As soon as I think about writing, my mind immediately fills with these thoughts.  And the sad part is that I have been listening to the lies and the doubts. I have been talking myself out of putting even one word “out there” for others to hear my story and see God meet me in it…to be a witness to God moving in my life.  I have listened to the lies and not to God’s pleas to follow Him.  I recently heard the youth pastor at my church share a quote, “God is a gentlemen.  He will not force Himself in our lives.  He knocks and then waits for us to open the door.”  So, WHY would I listen to the enemy’s forceful, rude, bullying lies over God’s patient, loving, and gentlemanly Truth??  Good question!!

WHAT HAVE I LEARNED…

God has been nudging me for a long time now through His gentle whispers in various sermons, songs, affirmations from my pastor, books, and comments from friends and family. (1 Kings 19:11-13, John 10:27)
God’s plan for me is more important, perfect, and rewarding than my plan for me. (Jeremiah 29:11, Psalm 32:8, Proverbs 19:21)

The enemy is behind these thoughts, doubts and fears…not God. (1 Peter 5:8, 2 Timothy 1:7)

I read this yesterday in the book Battlefield of the Mind Bible Psalms and Proverbs by Joyce Meyer…”The fact that our thoughts are so powerful and wield so much influence over every area of our lives is why the enemy, Satan, attacks our minds so often and so strategically.”  (Link to book below.)

And also from the same book, “When the enemy tries to oppress your mind with negative or discouraging throughts, one way to overcome him is to praise God. (Psalm 42:5)

I only need to answer the door when God is knocking and He will give me the words to speak.  (Luke 12:12, Luke 21:15, Jeremiah 1:9)

I am never alone.  God is with me always. (Psalm 16:8, Isaiah 41:10, Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5)

Even if no one else reads a word of what I share, God knows me, knows my heart, and acknowledges my obedience to Him.  God moves in the ripples of my life and from His words through to areas, people and situations that I cannot see.  And it is really His Story IN me that matters.  I am the vessel; He is the Word. And I truly believe that he is guiding me to this very moment as my fingers depress the keys to form letters then words then thoughts then big ideas…and in the end I hope they all lead others to Jesus.

So, regarding the question from above… Who cares anyway?…

GOD CARES!!

“God cares because it’s not just my story…most importantly, it’s HIS Story!  HIS love for me; HIS strength in me through my struggles.  HIS peace and calm when I feel out of control.  HIS promise to be with me always.  He does not cause my struggles, but God is perfectly capable of using my struggles to strengthen and prepare me for the work ahead in His name.  My purpose is made complete in Him.” – Stacy Turley

I confess to God my months and months of denying the path I believe He is leading me down.  I confess to God my disobedience.  I said this outloud to my husband who has supported me through it all and “outloud” to you in this entry and most importantly outloud to God in my prayers.  I want to be a disciple and witness to the goodness of God.  I want to hear Him and respond to Him.  I want to open the door when he knocks. (Revelation 3:20)

PRAYER:  ABBA, Father.  I want to be obedient to You, Jesus, My God.  I am sorry for my disobedience to respond to You when You have reached out to me over and over to share Your story in my life as an encouragement to others and an act of obedience to You.  Help me reject the thoughts, fears and doubts that comes from the enemy and obey You through the strength and Words of the Holy Spirit in me.  You are my God.  Help me to be Your servant. Amen.

Battlefield of the Mind Psalms and Proverbs by Joyce Meyer:  https://joycemeyer.org/shop/battlefieldofthemind/010275

In The Word #26 – Waiting for the Pour-Over

In The Word #26 – Waiting for the Pour-Over

by | Nov 21, 2023 | In the Word | 0 comments

I was making my coffee this morning using one of those portable, pour over tools…you know what I mean, right? It makes one cup at a time. The process is slow and steady. During my wait I was rocking and swaying from side to side. Likely due in part from the comfort of the rhythm but let’s face it…also due to impatience and anticipation of what is to come…

A WARM CUP OF JOE!

As I rocked and waited I was struck by the similarities of waiting-for-the-pour-over and waiting-for-answers-from-God. The waiting from God is not only for “answers”, specifically, but also for His direction, wisdom, confirmation, healing, discernment, or a host of other responses from our Lord.

“So the LORD must wait for you to come to Him

so He can show you His love and compassion.

For the Lord is a faithful God.

Blessed are those who wait for His help.”

~ Isaiah 30:18

In my waiting for God’s lead…I am rocking and swaying in my soul. God calls me to wait on Him patiently and confidently.

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,

    and he turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the pit of despair,

    out of the mud and the mire.

He set my feet on solid ground

    and steadied me as I walked along.

~ Psalm 40:1-2

As for me, I look to the Lord for help.

    I wait confidently for God to save me,

    and my God will certainly hear me.

~ Micah 7:7

Why should I wait on God to lead me and answer me when I come before Him? Because God is a good and righteous and compassionate God: (Emphasis mine.)

Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness;

    they will sing with joy about your righteousness.

8 The Lord is merciful and compassionate,

    slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.

9 The Lord is good to everyone.

    He showers compassion on all his creation.

~ Psalm 145:7-9

God knows me, created, me, and goes before me.

O Lord, you have examined my heart

    and know everything about me.

~ Psalm 139:1

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body

    and knit me together in my mother’s womb.

~ Psalm 139:13

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you.

He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.

~ Deuteronomy 31:8

Yet, I know that patience and confidence while waiting is not always my posture. I am fighting the desire to do-it-on-my-own, to make-my-own decision based on my limited knowledge and understanding. I am pushing back against Satan and his minions who lie to me and deceive me in thinking that my way and my timing is better than God’s way and God’s timing. I am swaying and rocking in my anticipation of God’s response. I struggle to slow down and wait to hear His still, soft voice. All the while knowing that His direction and path for me will ultimately warm and soothe my soul like a fresh, warm cup of coffee which comforts me on a chilly morning…if I just wait for Him.

Just like when we rush our pour-over coffee and end up with a watered-down, disappointing cup of joe, when we rush into decisions without waiting on God’s guidance and discernment through the Holy Spirit, we may face unexpected disappointment and trials. The WAIT is worth it, Friends! God often has a reason for the wait. It may be that He has something better for us that is still developing…still brewing. The wait is necessary for a rich, robust, and fulfilling result!

PRAYER:

Abba, Father. Thank you for waiting on me…for not giving up on me. You desire to show me, and all Your creation, Your deep love and compassion. Thank you, Jesus, for your patience and faithfulness as You wait on us to turn to You. Lord, help me to trust You, to wait on You, and to recognize Your voice. You know what’s best for me. Help me to let go of my own control, pride, and desire for attention and recognition. I am Yours and You are mine. I choose to wait for You in all I do. Help me to be faithful to You. Help me to trust You patiently and confidently in the wait. Amen.

QUESTIONS TO PONDER:

  • What are you currently waiting on?

  • Are you struggling in the midst of the wait?

  • How are you struggling and what is the result of that struggle?

  • What is the next step you may take to be obedient to God in the wait?

Hugs & blessings,

Stacy

In The Word #25: PRAYING SCRIPTURE – 2 Thessalonians 2: 16-17

In The Word #25: PRAYING SCRIPTURE – 2 Thessalonians 2: 16-17

by | Oct 19, 2023 | In the Word, Praying Scripture | 0 comments

16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,

who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope,

17 comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (NIV)

PRAYING SCRIPTURE:

Thank You, Lord, for Your boundless love for me. 
You promise me in this verse that my ultimate source
of HOPE & ENCOURAGMENT is from You through Your grace.
Help me to remember this promise always.
And help me to live into the HOPE that only You can provide,
rather than putting my hope in the things of this world
that will only lead to disappointment.


Your HOPE is not fickle or fake; it is not limited or dwindling.
Your HOPE is filled with Your deep love for me;
filled with the promise of eternal life with You, as a result
of the death and resurrection of Your one and only son Jesus on my behalf.
Your HOPE reminds me that I am free from the chains of my sin
through Your forgiving mercy and grace.
Your HOPE gives me comfort and encouragement knowing
that I am seen, known, and worthy as Your created child.
Your HOPE promises that I am never alone
through the mountains and valleys of my life.
Your HOPE is true…lovely…reliable…steady.


You, Lord, are my Guide and source of strength.
You, Lord, are my Provider and Leader.
You, Lord, are my Savior, Comforter, and HOPE-giver!
Amen and Thank you, Jesus.

QUESTIONS TO PONDER:

  • Where have you placed your hope in the past besides our God?
  • What were the results?
  • Did you find these sources to be reliable and trustworthy? Why or why not?
  • What are the changes you are able to make in your life to move your hope to Jesus and the One True God?

Hugs and blessings, Sweet Circle,

Stacy

In The Word #24: PRAYING SCRIPTURE – Ephesians 2:8-9

In The Word #24: PRAYING SCRIPTURE – Ephesians 2:8-9

by | Oct 3, 2023 | In the Word, Praying Scripture | 0 comments

“God saved you by His grace when you believed.

And you can’t take credit for this. It is a gift from God.

Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.”

Ephesians 2:8-9

PRAYER:

Abba, Father, You are LOVE. And through that love you are full of mercy and grace for your creation – mankind. Lord, You gave me the freedom to choose You and obey You OR I may choose to follow someone or something else. Serving someone else may be serving myself – chasing what I think will make me happy, doing what I want to do when I want to do it. Or, I may choose to serve other idols by trying to find something, buy something, or do something to make me happy, prove my worth, or earn my way through good deeds.

Lord, thank you for this clear message that I am saved by YOUR mercy and grace…only. I am broken and I am a sinful being. There is NOTHING I can do to earn my way into a perfect eternity with you when I am an imperfect being on my own. I have nothing to brag about. Yet my present and my future are not lost because when I choose You and Your Son as my Savior, then Your grace, mercy and forgiveness saves me.

Lord, help me remember that my salvation is in You. My path to eternity with you is my CHOICE. It is my choice to follow you and accept Your Son, Jesus, as my Messiah and Savior. The sacrifice of His life on the cross, the blood He shed for me and my sin, and the glorious rising from death to conquer sin for ALL, forever, is the way to eternity. Jesus is my Way to eternity. Jesus is the path to complete wholeness. Jesus is my joy.

Amen. Amen.

Hugs & blessings, Sweet Circle,

Stacy

In The Word #23: Hope in the Trials

In The Word #23: Hope in the Trials

by | Sep 26, 2023 | In the Word | 0 comments

Pat and Stacy in Frisco, Colorado - Sept 2023

Last night my Dear Hubby and I were talking about my latest doctor’s appointment on 9/18/2023 and my ongoing maladies:

  • autoimmune disease that we are still working to control after 2-3 years of symptoms,
  • ongoing insomnia issues,
  • five years, and counting, of menopause symptoms,
  • side effects of medications,
  • side effects from autoimmune symptoms,
  • fatigue, stress/anxiety, and general malaise, at times.

My Hubby mentioned that my current struggles remind him of the story of Job…How God permitted Satan to bring trials to Job’s life as a testament to Job’s righteousness as a faithful servant.  Job experienced personal and financial loss, illness, suffering and even rejection from his remaining family and friends as a result of the Enemy’s plagues against him.  Yet in the midst of those trials, Job remained faithful to God.  Even when he wife challenged him and his decision to continue to submit to God, he remained faithful and shared his heart with her. 

His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!”

He [Job] replied, “You are talking like a foolish[b] woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”

In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

Job 2:9-10

Job’s friends challenged him…even blamed him…that he had to have done something wrong to be in the situation of struggle that he was facing.   Job continued to argue his case that he was not to blame; yet he did not know why this was happening to him.  In all of this, Job did not just talk about  God with his friends and his wife.  He also cried out to God with his struggles and confusion.

Job’s words and actions have also brought me words of HOPE and JOY.  Job has reminded me that my God and Father cares for me.  He knows my limitations and He desires to strengthen me and my relationship with him through and due to my trials.  I must go through these situations for growth and renewed closeness to my Savior.

In summary, some of the LESSONS I learned from the Book of Job are the following:

  • I am able to love God and remain faithful to him while lamenting my losses and burdens.
  • God is big enough to handle my honesty and my laments. (Plus…He already knows them anyway.)
  • I am able to pray to God about all my fears and doubts.
  • God will never leave me and he protects me in my trials.
  • Even in the midst of the most devastating trials, I may still put my hope and joy in the Lord.
  • God is in control of all things.
  • My trials have the ability to draw me closer to my Savior.

Unlike Job’s wife and friends, my Hubby has supported, encouraged and cared for me through my health journey.  He has protected me when I have struggled to set boundaries.  He has provided countless foot rubs when I need to relax and rest.  He has gifted me with little (and not so little) surprises to help bring me joy and community with those I love.  Thank you, Pat, for your care, compassion and love.  You are a gift from God to me.

I hope and pray the story of Job brings you comfort and hope in the midst of your trials, too, my Friends.  Bless you this day and every day!

PRAYER:

Abba, Father. Thank you for your faithfulness to us.  Thank you for the promise to never leave us, the promise to never burden us with more than we can bare, and the promise to love us and build us up during and  through our trials.  Our hope is in you, Jesus.  You have sacrificed your life to save ours.  Thank you for your unconditional love.  Amen.

QUESTIONS TO PONDER:

  • What is your current trial or trials?
  • Who are you leaning on…yourself or your Savior?
  • Have you been honest with yourself and with Jesus about your fears, your concerns and your frustrations?
    • If not, why not take a moment to do so now.

Hugs and blessings, my Sweet Circle.

Stacy