Hey you all!! I'm so happy to announce that my latest book is in the works! And in fact is nearing completion. Praise the Lord! This is a very time consuming project for me being a busy homeschooling mom, but I'm very excited about it just the same. And can't wait for it to be finished and ready for you. There is some really great and powerful content in this book to encourage you in your journey regardless of what you may be going through in life. Watch this video for more details about my book! Look for Holding On To Hope coming later this fall! Mae Renfroe
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Hey, I just did this short video to introduce my YouTube channel to anyone new here, and for those of you that have been following along and enjoying my channel. An introduction of who I am and what I do here ony channel. This is something you can share with others. Back in our Alberta home!! in this video I give more details of our trip up from Texas, about how the spit tests we did didn't go as expected, and our 14 day quarantine. Traveling is not what it use to be pre-covid for sure, I guess it's easier for those that have the vaccine, but getting much tougher on the rest of us. if you haven't already go watch part of Our ROAD trip from Texas to Alberta. Closed doors are so hard when it's things you've been really hoping and waiting for and you thought it was the right thing. But we have to realize who is in control especially when we've been diligently praying for Him to guide and direct our lives, and when we consider it we certainly don't want that thing that doesn't have God's favor and blessing over it. Closed doors means He's got something better in mind. And when one door closes another one usually opens. God is our guide and our protector. And as we pray diligently for Him to guide, guard, and direct our lives, and then closed doors happen, that's Him doing just that. Keeping us from situations that are not the best for us. But closed doors don't always feel good at the time. I'm going through something right now. But I just have to keep trusting, keep resting in Him, and praising Him for His guiding hand over my life. And be alert for the doors he does open. I'll share a canva design I just made the other night from saying I just seen about closed doors. Probably why I find it so hard is my lack of patience. I want to see things happen soon, and when it doesn't I think I've did something wrong. Either not working hard enough in that direction, or not praying hard enough, not fasting. Or a number of things. It's hard for me to just realize and except that either it's just not God's timing yet, or maybe just not the door he wants me to walk through and he closed the door that I thought was open for me. So that's hard. Hebrews 6:12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Hebrews 6:12 KJV Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV Mae Renfroe Have you ever been around someone that is always full of joy? No matter what’s going on in their life, they're upbeat & positive. Well they must know the secrets to living a joy filled life.
It’s not that I have this all figured out and am always living this joy filled life, but I know it's possible and it's spiritual. It’s not that we will always be walking on sunshine, but when we live out the 6 secrets of living a joy filled life then we can stay above the waters when the clouds do come, which they will. And when we have learned to be content in whatever state we are in. How can you live a joy-filled life when things are not always going smoothly? If you're faced with great disappointments in life, or have gone through tragedies and your life has been changed forever? Or when things are not going your way, when things don't happen the way you wanted, when you wanted and how you wanted? When life isn't going the way you thought it would. This is especially vital for us mothers since we are the heart or center of the home. As the saying goes, “If momma ain't happy, ain't no one happy.” Or my spin on it, “If you have a stinking attitude the whole house will smell.” How we are feeling, and the attitudes we express, and how we go about our days really affect the whole household. And more often than not our children will pick up on it and portray the same thing. Just as there is always things to be thankful for if we would just look, we also will always have things we could complain about too, but we all know regardless of how much we grip, wine, complain, fret, or worry over something it won’t change anything, so this is an area we really have to be purposeful about. In part one I cover the first 3 steps that I put together on living a joy-filled life. Learning to give thanks in all things, rejoicing constantly, and continuously forgiving. A full and abundant life is possible in Christ, and is the life He intended for us, when we heed his words, and the things He instructed us to do. He gave us these commands, instructions, and guidelines for our good. There is a reason. It wasn’t withhold any good thing from us, but that we would have a more abundant and fuller and richer life in him. And I don't mean the riches the world can give, that is so temporary and fleeting. Jesus said, “A thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy. I have come that they might have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). People often talk about God doing “exceeding abundantly, beyond all we can ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). In part 2 I cover the last 3 of the six steps to living a joy filled life: Dying to self, Seeking first the Kingdom of God, and Trusting God.
This veres doesn’t just say to be thankful when things are going smoothly, it says to be thankful in everything. No matter what happens in life.Thankful in difficulties, in disappointments, in tragedies, on good days, on bad bad days. Sick days, well days. We can always find things to be thankful for. As the saying goes there is a silver lining to every cloud. There is always a bright side to every negative thing. But we have to be more diligent and very purposeful about finding it. We can always find something to be thankful for even in a major tragedy, and when we do it lifts the spirits, allows you to smile even with tears in your eyes, and heals the heart bit by bit. Like when we lost our son we found things to be thankful for, lifting our spirits. We were thankful that he died very quickly, with no suffering, that he didn’t have any of the other little ones with him, thankful for our new baby who was really healing to my heart, thankful for my other children. And be thankful for the very simple everyday things in life, the ones we often take for granted, like the gift of a new day or life it’s self. Since we lost our son I see life in a new light, each new day as a gift from God, and life nothing short of a miracle. When I wake each morning I thank him for the new day. And I thank Him for life. I’m awake, I’m alive, thank you God!! We are still here, we are alive and breathing! There is still time and hope for our plans and our dreams, and what God wants to do in us, and through us for others, and for us. There is so much to be thankful for all the time. In the same way though there are always things we could complain about too, but we all know regardless of how much we grip, wine, or fret over something it won’t change, so this is an area we really have to be purposeful about. And when we are always grateful and thankful our countenance is joyful and others can see that joy in you and they can wonder, “Wow, why is she happy ? She has gone through all this and she is still smiling.” Only God. And staying grateful and thankful and always looking for things to be thankful for. Everyday I look for something new. Yes, you will have to be purposeful about it. And you're doing it with a purpose in mind. I encourage you to do that everyday and you will see what it will do for your heart and spirit. 2.Rejoicing - rejoice evermore Rejoicing and finding things to praise the Lord for. Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4 Praise the Lord. Rejoicing is similar to being thankful. Rejoicing in every situation. Focus on the blessings. Focus on what we do have and not what we don’t. Rejoicing in the Lord for who he is. That He is our great and mighty Lord, our refuge, our strength,our protector, our redeemer. OUr strong tower. Our help in times of trouble. Our hope, peace, comfort. He is always there with us and for us. And when negative thoughts come, speak life over them and truth over them in Jesus. Shoot all negative thoughts down with praise and rejoicing to the Lord. Yes, I may be worried about this, but my God is good, He is on the throne and in control. Yes, but I'm serving a great God, and He has said he would never leave me nor forsake me. Yes, this may have happened, but I’m in God and He has me, yes this is bothering me, but God loves me, I am forgiven, I’m chosen, I’m His daughter. Just thank them, and rejoice in his goodness and greatness, and what He has done for us, and through us. There are so many things to rejoice and thank him for, and just do it throughout the day. And Rejoice in the things we usually take for granted, Like rejoicing in HIm for your marriage, your children, your good health, a roof over our heads, a dependable vehicle, a warm house, etc… Be mindful throughout the day to do that. The more we do that the more we will find to rejoice about. And that lifts us up and puts joy in our steps. Rejoicing that He loves us, cares for us, calls us by name. Psalm 146:5 Happy is the man who has God as his help and his hope is in the Lord. That is what keeps us joyful! Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.KJV Philippians 4:11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. NIV 1 Peter 4:13-17 Rejoice in tribulation and in sufferings for Christ sake. Mathew 5:12 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philpiallans 4:8 3. Forgiving -Matthew 6 14-15 - love and charity Forgiving is so powerful and healing. Having a forgiving spirit and forgiving attitude. Matthew 6:14-15New King James Version 14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Always forgiving. We will be hurt, and not like in tragedies, but by our spouses, by other family, or just things in life. Sure this may be easier said than done, but we can do that in Christ, He gives us the ability to forgive. and we just have to keep forgiving, and keep forgiving, it’s an ongoing thing as long as we are living. We have to seek to do that and be very purposeful about it, and we can. And dying to self, because it’s really not us living anymore, but Christ living in us. And if we can truly live like that, die to ourselves and not be so consumed on ourselves and our little feelings, and be more concerned about and looking out for others, and not have these little pity parties and wow me attitude, then we can be forgiving, because we want to be joyful. Not forgiving is just being down in spirit and low. But when we can forgive we can just get on with our lives and these things won’t keep bothering us anymore. Like sometimes my husband says something or does something that hurts me or disappointed me and I've let that get me down. And I know he needs to tell me he is sorry and until he tells me sorry I will be upset at him. So finally I'm tired of being upset at him and I go to him and say I'm tired of being upset. Let's get this over with I don’t want to be mad at you anymore. So when i mention that to him, he is usually a little quicker to tell me he is sorry that he would have, and then i'm like great, now we are good again. Let's be happy, let's not be upset and that helps us joyfull each day. Forgiving is so powerful and healing and life giving, but we have to be intentional about it, and as the other things we have to continually be forging throughout our days everyday. Not worrying about the future. Philippians 4:5-7 So today we covered being thankful, rejoicing, and forgiving. And just got to keep doing things everyday, it's a choice we have to make. The choice we have to make is to be thankful, rejoice in the Lord to praise the Lord no matter what happens, be grateful, in whatever situation we are in, and forgiving. And we know that when we forgive others, God forgives us because we know we do plenty _ everyday, we are not perfect, we keep making mistakes. If we want to be forgoing, we have to be forgiven. And that keeps us joyful and keeps us going. In this blog post I wanted to share something I wrote about a year ago of things I've learned or God is teaching me or putting on my heart since loosing our son Clayton in 2017. It has been just over for years now since our loss. God is still working in us and through us!! Six things I've learned since losing our son.
Have you just added God to your life? And is He just a part of your life? God doesn't want just a part of you, He wants all of you. And he doesn't just want to be a part of your life. We are not to just add Jesus to our lives, and go on as normal. Or make Him just a part of our lives, He needs to be our life, at the center of everything. The breath that we breath. We got to move from co-pilot to pilot, or backseat driver to the driver of our lives. We got to take our hands of the controls and give it over to the one who uatilmately is in control in the first place and do better at than us. Every thing we do needs to with wheather it's pleasing to God or not, kingdom focused, and not self or money focused or driven. But all our descions and things we do should be driven by God. A man makes his plans, but God directs His path. A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps. Proverbs 16:9 KJV My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord , and depart from evil. Proverbs 3:1-7 KJV We got to be very prayerful when making descions and rather it's for the right reasons. And live He is the one in control and not us. But how do we really practice that and live that out in our lives. Like the verses say, It's no longer I that liveth, but He that liveth in me. But how do we do that daily? I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 KJV I guess as Paul said, "I die daily.". 1 corinthians 15:31 It's a daily thing. To choose to lay down our selves, our will and and desires for His. Choosing His way. Mae Renfroe We are all commissioned to share the gospel with others in some way, shape, or form. But how do we that, and why does some find it easier than others? In this video I answer those questions, and give encouragement to you to step out with courage and compassion to share your faith with others in various places and situations in your everyday living, doing, and going. First it takes a heart for God, and a heart for our fellow man, caring about thier eternity later and thier lives right now. Living without God is not a fun thing. Could we emagine going through life as a wife and mother with the hope, peace, and wisdom of God in our lives? Well those around us probably don't like it either and are not fairing too well. We got to care enough for them to share God with them and the hope we have. We know we have something they need whether they know it or not and we need to care enough to share it with them. we never know who would be interested in God if they all knew. If we only took the time to tell them. To connect with me please visit my website and blog. Mae Renfroe Here is the link to the podcast episode I mentioned in this video. The Mission Suitcase podcast by Lisa Batchelor, June 1st, 2021 episode. https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly90aGVtaXNzaW9uc3VpdGNhc2UubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M&ep=14&episode=OWZmNjUyMmYtNmI2NC00ZGUyLWE1NmItZDllMjU1ZjdkNzM3 Here is another great resource for individuals and families to be more mission minded and to get started in that direction on the Mission Pulse podcast. https://youtu.be/HQPHNp1G7MY Growing in our relationship with Jesus is an on going process. It's something we do daily. And we have to want God in our lives. And desire and seek after Him with all our being. Our relationship with God does not grow without us doing our part. Seeking Him first. Making Him Lord of our life. Setting aside time to get in His word to read and study, memorize scripture, etc... And establishing a consistent and daily prayer life. Making prayer a top priority in our lives. We have to be purposeful about guarding our hearts and minds making time and space for God in our lives to be fits place. To connect with me and for more great resources and articles for Christian living please check out all that I offer here on my website. And remember I do speaking, so check out my speaking page on my blog while you are at it!! Mae Renfroe Welcome to part two of remaining faithful till the end. I In this one I continue reading in Mathew 24. From verses 21 - 31. I encourage you to read the full chapter. In this chapter Jesus speaks up the tribulation, turmoil, and persecution that will take place before His coming. A common teaching out there says we will be raptured before the time of great tribulation. But here in Matthew 24 it tells bus we will go through much tribulation in the end times before He comes in a great cloud and with the sound of a very loud trumpet in which everyone will see Him. I did this video to help us be aware of what Jesus said will take place and what we can expect in the end which is getting closer and closer by the day. When we are aware of what is to take place we will not be taken off guard when these things start coming to past and we can be built up and we'll established in the faith and ready to stand strong. I want to encourage you to remain faithful, do the work the Lord has for us in these last times, and to trust and rest in the one who gives us peace. We have nothing to fear when we are secure in Christ. True love cast out fear. And it says, He didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. Take heart, and be of courage God is with you until the end. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Mae Renfroe Hey there and welcome to this week's video. In this one I talk about stuff about the end times that's been on my mind and heart and what Jesus said about it in Mathew 24. I read some of Mathew 24 in this video, but I encourage you to read it all. this is not a deep study or end times prophecy at all. But just covering some things that are suppose to happen in the end before Jesus returns to take His people Home. What we are to expect, and what to look for. I encourage us to remain faithful amd strong. To be an encouragement and support to others, and get encouragement and support from fellow Christians. And to do the work God has for us until He does come. And keeping in mind our end and the end of many may be sooner than the end when He comes. So we need to be making the most of our days and times and reach out to others with the Hope and Love of Christ as we still can. This is not a time to sit idle. not a time to worry or fret at the news, but to get in Jesus Word and see what He says about His coming and what we are to be doing until the end. Stand Strong. Memorize scripture. Spread the Hope! Mae Renfroe www.maerenfroe.com (This is the shorter version about my dream, I shared the longer version in an earlier post. ) A couple months ago I had this dream about dead sheep and I felt I really needed to share it with others so they can glean from it what God has for them. I really feel the dead sheep represented lukewarm Christians. And the building in the dream very likely represents the churches. Also it's very significant that the sheep went off and left their lambs by themselves. I pray that this dream will challenge you to grow and change in all the ways God intended for you. It's time for for Christians to wake up!! In HIm, Mae I'm adding this video, taken out in our woods, to the Hope From the Cemetery series that I've been doing over the summer of 2020. It's done at the accident site of where we lost our son. I did a video here early in the spring before starting my series at the cemetery. ( there is a link to that video below ) I thought this video would be a great way to wrap up the series. I hope to do one more at the cemetery though . Mae Renfroe Here is the link to the first video I did out here in the woods of spring 2019. https://youtu.be/P0bXS8FG4uU And here is the link my first video from the cemetery in Hope From the Cemetery series 2020 https://youtu.be/eDbS5qSCHqY What do we do with the time God has given us? Are we doing His will? This is a word for somebody11/8/2020 Hi you all! God has been speaking to my heart lately on many things and so I just had to squeeze in time for this video and share with you all. Some of these things I have shared before about making the most of our time and how we should be living in a since of urgency for spreading the Word of God and being the light in our crazy world. But I am being more and more convicted that we need to be all the more diligent about spreading the gospel at this time and being the hands and feet of Jesus if we truly love Him. If we love God with all our hearts, soul, mind, and strength then it should show in every area of our lives. we should be just as passionate about reaching the lost, the lonely, and the hurting just as Jesus was. We need to have the heart of the Father. For more resources, and to connect with me please visit my website and blog at www.maerenfroe.com In Him, Mae Renfroe In this video, I read the story in the Bible about the boy that gave his lunch to Jesus to feed the hungry crowed. Jesus took the 2 fish and five loaves and blessed it and fed the crowd of over 5,000. What I point out is that it was not necessary for the boy to have had enough food for everybody, but it was only necessary to give what he had. An Jesus did the rest! Too often we focus on what we don't have and what we can't do and in doing so that holds us back from doing anything. All God asks is that we give what we do have. Focus on what we do have. Even if what we have seems too meager, not enough, not good enough, etc..... Just give it. God will bless it for His glory. So what is in your hands? What do you have that you can give to God for His use? Maybe it's your resources, your time, your spare room, your interests, your talents, your story, your testimony.your money? Like the two fish and the 5 loaves, God will take your offering and bless it and it will do more with it than you ever would have could have imagined. Because with God all things are possible. God does not ask for our ability, but our availability. We serve a God of the impossible! To connect with me please visit my website/blog. mae Renfroe You also may like God Cant's use What we Don't Give Welcome to another garden video with Mae. Fun, informative, and inspirational!! You'll be sure to enjoy this one! I first take you on a run through the corn patch, then I share garden tidbits and update of garden happenings. Next comes inspiration and encouragement from John 16:33. Don't focus on what is going on around you, but rather focus on God and His goodness. In Him, we will have peace regardless of the tribulation going on in this world right now. Mae Renfroe Hey there, I have done a video out of my regular series to bring you something that has been on my heart and mind that i just had to share. So here it is and may you be blessed ,encouraged ,and inspired to get off the couch and see what great adventures God has waiting just for you! It's time to revolutionize your life! I believe it's time we Christians stop seeking our own entertainment and start living the adventurous, fulfilling, productive, and never boring life that God wants us to live. It's only one life we have to live for God, so let's do with all our might, with all our hearts, with all our passion, with all our energy, with all our being, and with everything we got. Life is simply too short to do other wise. Our days and times are far to precious and few. Let's stop filling ourselves with entertainment and let's start living an adventurous, productive, and an abundantly-full and rewarding life for God. And let's go after the things of God like there is no tomorrow. Because one day there won't be. Mae Renfroe A video about Mae's upcoming speaking events for March 2020! Finding Peace in the Midst of our Storms This is your personal invitation to my speaking events. Super excited! This will be an evening of hope, encouragement, & inspiration for hard seasons & difficult times in life. Whatever your storm may be, and regardless of your story, there is hope and healing in Jesus. He will carry you through, and enable you to to not just come through, but to be more than conquerors. He will use our past to bless someone else. He will give us perfect peace and a plan and a purpose for our lives. If your the area please plan on attend these speaking events! Bring a friend along! And spread the word to others! In Him, Mae In this video I talk about being okay with starting small. Even if it's small for a long time. Be faithful in that. Keep preserving, keep pressing on. If God gave you the dream it will happen. It will come about, it will grow, and it will prosper. But in His timing, not ours ; and in His way, not ours. Your beginnings may be small, but the outcome will be sure to be beyond your wildest dreams. When we give our little to God He does wonders with it and makes it grown and multiply. God goes way past what we can even think of, hope for, or imagine. So be okay with starting little. But keep your eyes on that big dream. Here is my encouragement to you, for whatever that dream of your is, keep chasing that dream, don't loose hope, and don't give up! Your breakthrough is around the corner! And remember, quitters never win, winners never quit! So start small and keep thinking big! But most importantly start!! If this has been a blessing to you, please share it, In Him, Mae |
Meet Mae
I am a wife to my wonderful husband, Paul, of over 22 years. Mommy to 9 blessings, ages 21 to 3 years. Our 2nd oldest son, at age 14, has gone on to be with the Lord on April 19th, 2017. I share about that new road we are on here on my blog. Categories
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My first 7 years of blogging.
Great inspirational reading! "I believe a greater intimacy with God leads us to an inner peace, unquenchable joy, & an ever-lasting hope regardless of what we go through in life." Mae Archives
December 2023
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