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If You Only Knew

If You Only Knew

4 For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;  he is to be feared above all gods.
Psalm 145:3-5
3 Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.
4 One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.
5 They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty— and I will meditate on your wonderful works.[a]
1 Chronicles 29:11
11 Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.

In 1988 I had a very successful Interior Design business in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.  During that time, I was privileged to work with some amazing clients.

One day while having lunch with a client, who by the way quickly became a friend, I was invited to attend an event. I accepted the invite, not knowing that she was involved in direct sales, and was hoping that I would sign up to be on her team.

On the day of the event I pulled up to a beautiful spacious home where I saw several ladies walking briskly to the front door. At that time, it did not occur to me that I would be attending a Team Sales Meeting.  When I got to the front door, I received the warmest welcome ever.  As I looked around the room I spotted my friend Anita.  She invited me to follow her to the kitchen, in which there were lots of ladies gathered around a long island chit chatting.  I noticed right off the bat that these women seemed to be unusually happy.  While in the kitchen Anita introduced me to the owner of the home, who was clearly also the woman that was running the show.

She was very gracious towards me.  She told me that Anita had told her that I was her Interior Designer and invited me to look in every room of her home to see if I would have done anything differently than her designer.  It was a strange request, but I obliged her.  After the tour of her home, we were all invited to go outside for the sales meeting.  There was seating arranged around the swimming pool in the backyard and lanterns hanging in the trees.  It was an absolutely perfect evening to have this type of event outside.

After the event, the Sales Director who by the way was the owner of the home and my friend Anita wanted to know if I would like to join their sales team.  I must say although I enjoyed the evening I had absolutely no interest in signing up to be a part of their business.

Now let’s fast forward. Somehow over the years Anita and I lost touch with one another.  Over a four-year span from my initial invite to join their company, the offer to join was presented to me a couple more times by other women. I finally broke down and said yes, only to find out that the Sales Director that Anita introduced me to was a Rock Star in the Direct Sales World. I had no idea that this woman had such clout.  When I was there at her home, I was in the presence of greatness and had no clue.

I am sharing this story because it reminds me that many times we come before God and we have forgotten to be in utter awe of who He is.  If we only knew who we were in the presence of when we are before Almighty God, (which by the way is always) I am sure that we would respond to Him differently.

I would have probably responded differently to the sales director had I known the magnitude of what she had achieved, not that I would have put her on a pedestal, but I certainly would have had a healthy respect for the position that she had acquired through her hard work and dedication.

So how do we be in complete awe of who God is?  In order to be in continuous awe of who God is, we have to know as much as we can about His character and that comes from studying His word.  Looking at His creation should put us in awe of Him.  Thinking of the sacrifice that He made for us when He did not have a blemish, yet He still chose to die a sinner’s death should put us in awe of Him.  His constant provision for us should put us in awe of Him. The way that He protects us, should put us in awe of Him. By the way He protects us even when we don’t have a clue that we are in danger. Isn’t He a great Father?

There are not enough words in all of the dictionaries on the planet to describe all that He is.  One day we will fully grasp who we have been in the presence of our entire existence.  But until that day, let’s stay as close to Him as possible, so that He can reveal as much of Himself as chooses to.

No matter what, make it your greatest mission in life to stay in awe of our Awesome Creator, because He is so worthy of our reverence, praise and amazement of who He is.

There is none greater than He!

 

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PSALMS THAT BRING ME COMFORT

Psalms That Bring Me Comfort

During my lifetime I have gone through several difficult seasons.  What I know for sure, is that anytime that I have gone to the book of Psalms I have found comfort there. I have left feeling like God Himself, has sat me on His lap and given me a big hug.  And, that he has said: It will be ok my child, just trust me.  I leave encouraged and full of hope.  So today I thought that I would share a few of the Psalms that have blessed and encouraged me over the years.  My prayer is that they will do the same for you.

Psalms of Protection
Psalm 3:1-8
1 Lord, how many are my foes!
How many rise up against me!
2 Many are saying of me,
“God will not deliver him.”[b]
3 But you, Lord, are a shield around me,
my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
4 I call out to the Lord,
and he answers me from his holy mountain.
5 I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
6 I will not fear though tens of thousands
assail me on every side.
7 Arise, Lord!
Deliver me, my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
break the teeth of the wicked.
8 From the Lord comes deliverance.
Psalm 91
1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.[a]
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 “Because he[b] loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
Psalm 4:8
8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord,  make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not [a]want.
2 He makes me to lie down in [b]green pastures;
He leads me beside the [c]still waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will [d]dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.
Psalms For Direction
Psalm 25:4-5
4 Show me Your ways, O Lord;
Teach me Your paths.
5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
On You I wait all the day.
Psalm 25:9-10
9 The humble He guides in justice,
And the humble He teaches His way.
10 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth,
To such as keep His covenant and His testimonies.
Psalm 25:12
12 Who is the man that fears the Lord? Him shall [a]He teach in the way He chooses.
Psalms For My Waiting Season
Psalm 27:13-14
13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living.
14 Wait[a] on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!
Psalm 37:7
7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Psalm 62:5
5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God;  my hope comes from him.
Psalm 130:6
6 My soul waits for the Lord
More than those who watch for the morning—
Yes, more than those who watch for the morning.
Psalm 39:7
7 “And now, Lord, what do I wait for?
My hope is in You.
Psalms That Give Me Strength
Psalm 28:8
8 The Lord is [a]their strength,
And He is the saving refuge of His [b]anointed.
Psalm 46:1-3
46 God is our refuge and strength,
A[a] very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the [b]midst of the sea;
3 Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
Psalms For When I Need Healing
Psalm 107:20
20 He sent His word and healed them,
And delivered them from their destructions.
Psalm 34:19-20
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the Lord delivers him out of them all.
20 He guards all his bones;
Not one of them is broken.
Psalm 6:2
2 Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak;
O Lord, heal me, for my bones are troubled.
Psalms For Praise
Psalm 109:30
30 I will greatly praise the Lord with my mouth;
Yes, I will praise Him among the multitude.
Psalm 100
Make a joyful shout to the Lord, [a]all you lands!
2 Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing.
3 Know that the Lord, He is God;
It is He who has made us, and [b]not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
5 For the Lord is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations.
Psalm 95
 Oh come, let us sing to the Lord!
Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
3 For the Lord is the great God,
And the great King above all gods.
4 [a]In His hand are the deep places of the earth;
The heights of the hills are His also.
5 The sea is His, for He made it;
And His hands formed the dry land.
6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.
7 For He is our God,
And we are the people of His pasture,
And the sheep [b]of His hand.
Today, if you will hear His voice:
8 “Do not harden your hearts, as in the [c]rebellion,
As in the day of [d]trial in the wilderness,
9 When your fathers tested Me;
They tried Me, though they saw My work.
10 For forty years I was [e]grieved with that generation,
And said, ‘It is a people who go astray in their hearts,
And they do not know My ways.’
11 So I swore in My wrath,
‘They shall not enter My rest.’ ”
Psalm 7:17
17 I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness,
And will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.

 

 

 

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HE IS ALL WE NEED

Today, I want to share scriptures with you that you can have readily available when you need to be encouraged. These scriptures will reassure you that God is who He says that He is, and that He can do what He says that He can do.  My hope is that you will read them daily until your faith in who He is and what He can do and be in your life has increased.  When you really start to believe these scriptures, you will no longer walk in fear and doubt.   You will start to be courageous and bold to act on what He is calling you to do, because you will become fully aware of the power that resides within you.

GOD IS OUR PROTECTOR 

Isaiah 54:17
17     no weapon forged against you will prevail,  and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,”
declares the Lord.
Deuteronomy 31:6
6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Psalms 34:7
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,
Psalm 32:7
You are my hiding place;  you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Psalm 91
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High  will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.[a]
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,  nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
12 They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 “Because he[b] loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble,  I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
GOD IS OUR PROVIDER
Philippians 4:19
19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 23:1-6
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3     he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Luke 12:24
24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!
Matthew 6:33
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:26
26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Matthew 7:11
11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
Genesis 22:13-14
13 Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram[a] caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”
Psalm 145:15-16
The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.
16 You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

GOD IS OUR SOURCE OF STRENGTH
Philippians 4:13
13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Psalm 118:14
The Lord is my strength and my defense[a];   he has become my salvation.
Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—  of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 37:39
The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Psalm 46:1-3
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam, and the mountains quake with their surging.[c]
Psalm 22:19
But you, Lord, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me.
Isaiah 12:2
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.
The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense[a]; he has become my salvation.” 

GOD IS MY SOURCE OF JOY
John 16:24
24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
Galatians 5:22
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Romans 15:13
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Nehemiah 8:10
10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Psalm 16:11
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalm 30:5
 For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night,
GOD IS MY SOURCE OF PEACE
 2 Thessalonians 3:16
16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
Colossians 3:15
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Isaiah 53:5
But he was pierced for our transgressions  he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him,  and by his wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

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A New Year A New You!

A New Year A New You!

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.[a]
Jeremiah 29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Psalm 20:4
4 May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.
Philippians 4:19
19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Let me start with Happy New Year!  Can you believe that it is already 2026? It seems that 2025 went by so quickly.  I guess I was just so busy that

 I didn’t keep track of how quickly time was passing by. 

As we embark upon this new year do you feel the excitement that a fresh start brings? I know for me personally I was ready for 2025 to go far far away.  A lot happened in 2025 that was physically challenging for me.   No one over fifty wants to be told that they have to have a tonsil removed and boy was the recovery of that one a bear.  Not to mention a strained shoulder that took weeks to recover from and other ongoing ailments that I won’t bore you with. If I keep going at this rate, someone is going to decide that I should check into my nearest nursing home.  Sorry I am not ready for that one yet.

I do have good news though. I saw God’s deliverance in every single challenge that I faced this past year, no matter what the challenge was.  I must say He is ever powerful to deliver us from our places of pain, whether physical, spiritual, emotional or even financial.  When you hear that Jehovah Jireh is our great provider that is not just for our financial needs it is for all of our needs no matter what they are.  So I hope that once the excitement of this new year starts to fade you will look to Jehovah Jireh your True Source of all that is good and perfect for your life.

My next question is are you a goal setter?  If life has been crazy for you since the first of the year, and you rolled out of one year into the next without getting still for reflection, no worries, start today.  Just as you would make a doctor’s appointment or a dental appointment, put yourself on your calendar and take some time to pray and ask God what He would like to see you accomplish this year. Give him full permission to do His best work through you.  When you totally release your plans to His direction and care, big things will start to happen for you.  You will need to commit to daily time with Him in order to receive your daily marching orders.  What a powerful year you will have when you trust His timing, His promises, His provision, and His power to work for you and through you.

My prayer for you is that you will surrender your will to God’s will this year. So even when life gets a bit challenging for you, simply trust and obey because He is always faithful to those who love and trust Him.   May you have a powerful 2026 and may you carry His light wherever you go.

19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 34:10
10 The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart  and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.[a]
Jeremiah 29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Psalm 20:4
4 May he give you the desire of your heart  and make all your plans succeed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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When Things Don’t Go As Planned

When Things Don’t Go As Planned

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Have you ever sat down with your calendar at the beginning of a month and planned your schedule, only to have something come up that totally derailed your plans?  Well, it has certainly happened to me. As a matter of fact, it happened just this month.

Initially, I was so frustrated.  I had scheduled doctor’s appointments, my hair appointments, meetings, and had even planned to treat myself to a massage.   Now I am left trying to figure out what appointments I can keep and which ones I will need to cancel or reschedule.   So, what I have just shared is called Life!

Life is unpredictable.  Things happen without warning and without our permission.  Life gives us constant reminders that we are not in charge. We cannot even claim time as our own.
As Christians, we know that during those times we simply need to trust the one who transcends time.  God knows and sees all, and His plans will always reign superior over ours.

So, when your schedule has been thrown a curveball, you may have to do like I did, and just take a deep breath and say a prayer.  Ask God to help you figure it out, and I can assure you that He will.  Not only will he help you figure it out, but if it is something that is going to create a lot of stress in your life, He will give you the strength to go through it.

Today I just want to encourage you to trust God’s timing.  He never makes mistakes, and there is always a purpose in all that He does.  Romans 8:28 says that all things work together for good.  So even though in your particular situation you can’t see how things could ever possibly work for good, trust that He is not a God that will lie.

Know that in time, you will see that His interruption of your plan was actually a gift. So, get ready to praise Him for His goodness. After all, who doesn’t like gifts? Be blessed this day and always.

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.

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Let’s Talk

Let’s Talk

19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
Ephesians 4:29
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Psalm 19:14
14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart  be pleasing in your sight,  Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Proverbs 12:18
8 The words of the reckless pierce like swords,  but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 18:2
2 Fools find no pleasure in understanding  but delight in airing their own opinions.

When you turn on the news these days, it is absolutely heartbreaking to see how people have come to an all-time low.
When I go on Facebook, I see o many negative comments.  Sisters, it is time to readjust our thinking.  This whole political thing has everyone in an uproar.  No one seems to be listening with the intent of actually hearing and understanding the other person’s point of view.   Somewhere along the way, we have stopped having meaningful conversations.

Somehow, someway, we have lost our way when it comes to communicating with one another. It’s sad that it has spilled over into every area of our lives.

It is so important to maintain our ability to talk with one another civilly, respectfully, and honestly.  That means no shouting, no arguing, no lies or false accusations.

God created us to be there for one another. How will you know my struggles, my joys or my hurts if we are not communicating, and how will I know yours?  The answer is that we won’t.

One of our jobs as Christians is to be the heart and feet of Jesus here on earth, and we can’t do that with our heads constantly stuck in a phone.

When it comes to conversations regarding politics, make up your mind ahead of time that it is ok to agree to disagree.   We don’t have to act mean or ugly because someone has a different point of view than ours.  Maybe it’s the perfect time to  invite them for a cup of coffee and conversation.  Call and simply say let’s talk.  I strongly suggest that you say a prayer first and ask God to bless your time together.  Remember what we are reminded of in Ephesians 6:12.

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Ask Him to open your spiritual eyes to see and know the truth and for them to see and know the truth.  Stay calm no matter what. Also, ask God to give you the right words to speak.

Remember, God gave us the ability to talk for a reason.  We can encourage and motivate with our words.  You have the ability to calm and soothe others with the words that you speak.   Just with a few words, we are able to build up or tear a person down.  The right words can have such a powerful impact. Let’s get back to talking in a loving, kind, respectful way.  Always use your words for good.  And always remember that God hears and sees it all, so let’s make Him proud by representing Him well in all that we say and do.

Know that nothing will ever be better than sweet eye-to-eye conversation.  By the way our devices will never take the place of human-to-human interaction. God meant for us to interact with one another and one of the best ways that I can think of to do that is through talking.  Why not go visit someone that you care about and just talk?  You will leave feeling great, and they will too!

Proverbs 18:20-21
20 From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.
21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Proverbs 15:28
28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers,  but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.
James 1:26
26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.
Romans 14:9
9 For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.
Colossians 4:6
6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Luke 6:45
45 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

 

 

 

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Fruit of the Spirit

Good Friends Are Like Medicine For The Soul

Good Friends Are Like Medicine For The Soul

17 A friend loves at all times,  and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
Proverbs 27:10
10 Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family, and do not go to your relative’s house when disaster strikes you—better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away.

Last Friday, I met two of my girlfriends at one of my favorite restaurants to celebrate our birthdays.  These are ladies who have been my friends now for over thirty years.  I feel sure that we have been getting together for at least half of the thirty years to do these Birthday celebrations.

I can’t tell you how refreshing it was to just sit there and laugh and catch up for three hours. Yes, I said three hours.  The time literally just flew by.  I work so much that to have this time with two of my favorite people on the planet was like sneaking away for a mini vacation. I left the restaurant thinking, boy, I could really use more of that in my life.

About six years ago, I was struck with an illness that literally hijacked my social life. My immune system was compromised, so I had to be very careful about going into public places.  Although I still try to be very careful, I have now realized that the social aspect of our lives is so important for some resemblance of balance in our lives.

Friendships are key to a happy, well-rounded life. I truly believe that God wants us to have friendships and interaction with others, because trying to do life in your own little world apart from the others can lead to a miserable existence.

My friends have been such a blessing in my life that I don’t know what I would have done without their support.  I am grateful for every single friend that God has brought into my life, and I truly cherish those friendships.

Sure, life gets busy, but on your deathbed, do you think you will be concerned about the deal that you didn’t close or your to-do list?  I don’t think so. I think our thoughts will be about our family and friends.  Our family members and friends are the true treasures that God has placed in our lives.

I love friends because, unlike relatives, we get to hand-pick them. Remember, you don’t need lots of friends; you just need three or four great friends. It’s not the quantity of friends that you have but the quality of those friendships.

A great question to ask yourself is, can I count on them if I really need them to come to my rescue?  Another great question would be to ask yourself, could they count on the same from me?

You see, we not only need great friends, but we also need to be a great friend.

There is, however, one friend for sure that I know that we all can always count on, and that friend is God.  He has given us the ultimate example of how to love others.

If you feel that you really don’t share a deep, lasting friendship with anyone, pray and ask God to bless you with some great Christian friends, and I can assure you that He will at just the right time.

May God bless you as you develop lasting and meaningful friendships, and may you always remember that a great friend is a gift from God.

26 The righteous choose their friends carefully,  but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
9 Two are better than one,   because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls  and has no one to help them up.
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

 

 

 

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Relationships

Encouragements and Support Matters

Encouragements and Support Matters

24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

I was so blessed to have the world’s greatest parents. Parents who were always so encouraging and supportive of my goals and dreams.  I also have  siblings who are very encouraging and supportive, and I know that this is the example they witnessed just as I did growing up in the same household.
Just as I was encouraged I like to encourage others which turns out to be great since I have been blessed with the gift of encouragement.  I love it, because I have seen people’s countenance and mindset actually change when sharing a few positive words of hope.  It’s amazing just how much weight our words carry and how much of an impact our words can make.  We can actually bring blessings or cursing with our words.
We have the power with our words to actually bring sunshine to someone’s cloudy day.   When someone is considering giving up just a little bit of encouragement can be a huge difference maker.
I have a question for you.  When someone comes to you with a plan that they think is a great idea, are you supportive of their dream?  Do you encourage them to go for it, or are you the person who tells them every reason why it will fail. If that’s the way you respond, you may not even know that you are breaking their heart by throwing a wet blanket on their excitement with lots of negative comments?
Today I would like to challenge you to encourage others when you see that it is needed.  It may not be your gift and it may not come to you naturally but you can certainly choose to be an encouragement to others by the words that  you impart to them.
Our encouragement and our support matters.  Most importantly it matters to the person that you may encounter.
Sometimes we can encourage others without even knowing it.  Years ago I had started attending a church that had a really great Women’s Bible Class.
 For weeks I had attended but never really said anything.  One Sunday I decided to get involved in the discussion and I shared a portion of my story with the ladies in the class, because it tied in with our discussion.
Everyone was stunned when I shared what I had been through.  Afterwards the ministers wife came up to me and said you have got to speak at our Women’s Retreat.  More women need to hear your story.
I didn’t know it at that very moment, but that would be the beginning of me speaking at Women’s Conferences from churches to even a University.  God used her words of encouragement as a confidence booster.
You see that Sunday what the minister’s wife was saying to me was more women needed to hear my story, but what I heard was my story mattered and I mattered.
 Because of the few seeds of encouragement that she planted in me that day many women have been blessed.
Just her words of encouragement made a difference in my life that day, your words can also make a difference in the lives of others.
Who will you choose to encourage today?
Romans 15:5
5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had,
Galatians 6:2
2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

 

 

 

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Relationships

A New School Year

A New School Year

3 Children are a gift from the Lord;  they are a reward from him.
Psalm 46:1
1 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

This week was the beginning of a new school year for a lot of families.  Some parents will have children entering kindergarten or first grade for the first time. And I can tell you firsthand that it is heartbreaking for a mom to leave her sweet little one for the first time.

Some parents will have children entering Junior High or High School for the first time.

And then there are also the parents who have done something very brave,  by driving their children miles away to drop them off at college for the very first time. There are many first times in a child’s life, and each first time is a big deal for the parents too.

From the time our children come into this world, our main focus is on protecting them and making sure that their every need is met.  We would do anything in this world to protect our children, and with each first comes the awareness that they are getting closer and closer to leaving the nest that we have so carefully prepared for them.

One of the ways that we can keep our children safe is by praying for them, and the school year that they are about to embark upon.

Below, I have listed some things that may be helpful to pray for this school year.

  1. This year, our children will form new friendships.  Let’s pray that God will bless our children to be a part of a good, healthy circle of friends, and that our children will not be negatively influenced.
  2. Pray that they will learn easily and even be excited to do their homework.
  3. Pray that if they are not clear or if they don’t understand what they are supposed to be learning, they will be brave enough to seek out help.
  4. Pray that they don’t struggle with peer pressure.
  5. Pray that God will bless them with good Christian friends.
  6. Pray for their safety as they go to school, pray for their safety at school and when they return home.
  7. Pray that they will be willing to listen to the advice that you may give them throughout the school year.
  8. Pray for their teachers, the cafeteria workers, the Principal, and administrative staff members.  And most importantly, pray that your child gets the teachers that is best for he or her.
  9. Pray for all of the students. Pray that everyone will be blessed with a great school year.
  10. Pray that God will give you and your spouse an extra measure of strength for those moments that may be challenging this year.
  11. Pray over your child each morning before they get out of your car.
  12. Pray that your child’s school has a peaceful learning environment.

    14 And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.
    Matthew 18:20
    20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

     

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Faith

What Are You Holding On To?

32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Mark 11:25
25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
Matthew 6:14-15
14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Are you holding on to an offense from years past?  Maybe it was an unkind word that was spoken, or a promise that was broken, or the offense could have been  something that was even more serious.
If you have revisited this offense over and over in your mind, you have probably not forgiven the offender.  Maybe it’s time to forgive so that the person who offended you no longer takes up real estate in your mind. By forgiving the offender you will set your own self free.
Even if you feel like you are ok, ask yourself, am I holding on to something from my past that is affecting my ability to move forward?  You see unforgiveness is about living in the past, and when you see people struggling to move forward, many times they are living in unforgiveness.
 Sometimes we just need to let things go and when we do, they let us go as well. Until we come to that place mentally, we are held captive by our past hurts.
God commands us in Mark 11: 25-26  that if we have anything against anyone, when we stand to pray, forgive them.  I realize that this is a lot easier said than done, and that could be for a couple of reasons. It could have to do with the magnitude of the offense, or because of the relationship of the offender to you.
The important thing to remember in all of this is, how God forgives us is contingent on how we forgive others.   I don’t know about you, but I personally want to be forgiven for my transgressions, so my plan is to forgive even when it still hurts and even when it doesn’t make sense to do so.  I will allow God to fight my battles.
As Christians we have to be willing to extend grace and forgiveness to others, just as Christ has done for each of us.  Let’s represent Christ well by doing what He has commanded us to do. Let’s forgive those who have wronged us.
Tips On How To Forgive And Release What You Are Holding On To:
1.Pray, and ask God for the strength to do the right thing.
2. If it is possible and if it is safe, arrange a meeting with your offender and share your honest feelings.
3. Pray for the person that offended you.
4. Journal, get your feelings out of you and on paper.
5. Depending on the depth of the offense you may want to get counseling. I strongly suggest that you seek Christian counseling.
Tips On What Not To Do If You Have Been Offended
1. Don’t talk ugly about the person who offended you to other people.
2. Don’t stop praying for the person until this situation is resolved.
3. Don’t live in shame.
4. Don’t blame yourself for what someone else did.
5. Don’t stop living your life.
6. Don’t let it rob you of your joy.
7. Don’t put others in the same category as the person that offended you, it will cause you to have trust issues.

Matthew 18:21-22
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”
22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.[a]

 

 

 

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