Calm your Mind, Body and Soul

The last couple of blogs have been about life’s expectations and motherhood.  These two aspects of life can take a toll on us mothers and at times we don’t know when to say no or how to stop.  I know I have this problem.  I over extend my abilities, and want to do everything and help everyone.  As Christian women, wives, mothers, daughters, granddaughters, sisters, and aunts, we need to learn when to take time out for ourselves and relax. 

 

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to relax.  Although I did work on some laundry, cooked and cleaned, I managed to unwind.  I gave myself the time to build up a bubble bath, placed some eucalyptus oil in the bath, gathered candles and lit up the bathroom with their scent, and dimmed the lights.  Soothing music was playing and I was in rest mode.  It was my time.  No one was home so I was able to read in the bath and just relax.  I tell you, those 20 minutes helped relax me for the whole weekend.  “But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content” (Psalm 131:2).

We don’t have to do anything extravagant to help us relax; just take some time for you.  Tell those in your family that you need a break. Then plan for it, and take the time to pamper yourself. 

 

 

Some ideas:

• Do your nails: make a foot bath, massage your feet, cut your cuticles, and paint your own nails

• Take a bubble bath and simply relax.  Don’t think … just lather in the quietness of life

• After the kiddos are in bed or in the early morning, take some time to read…Gay Norton Edelman says in Find Time for What You Love, “actually makes you a better mom because it replenishes the well your kids are always drawing from.”  Reading relaxes the brain and allows you to prepare for the day or night by calming your mind.

• If the children nap during the day or have quiet time, take some of that time for yourself.  Do something you truly enjoy!

• If you enjoy arts, being creative or enjoy nature, make the time to have the possibility to get your creative inner self out again.  Your children can enjoy this too.

• Writing

• Exercise

• Enjoy a hot cup of tea, hot cocoa, a cozy blanket and no noise

• Take a nap

I personally love painting things. I don’t have a lot of time for it, but it relaxes me and I feel a sense of accomplishment when the product is done. I have started to teach my daughter that not all activities have to be very active. So I put on some soothing music and I’ve been teaching her that its relaxing time. She’s been learning to listen to the music and allows herself to calm her body. In the future, I will introduce art into this mood, allowing us to relax during this time and although she is with me, we can learn to relax together. :)

The less time you take for yourself the more resentful you will become.  “A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel” (Proverbs 15:18).  You don’t always have to be going, going, going like the energizer bunny.  As much as our husbands and children need us, we need ourselves as well.  We need to feed our souls with things we enjoy and allow ourselves to take some time out to enjoy what we like to do.  Everyone will benefit in the end.  When mom is happy, everyone else is too.  “They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven” (Psalm 107:30).

 

 

It's Not All About You

The title of this blog is “it’s not all about you!” What? Does that seem right?  It should be all about us, but the reality is, that’s it’s not and it shouldn’t be.  We live in a very self-centered society where personal gain is the priority.  However, Jesus lived by another set of rules.

 

Matthew 20:28 says that “the Son of Man (Jesus) did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” This is how we need to approach life.  We should always be looking for ways to serve others, to bless others, and to give to others.  As we focus on serving others, God will take care of our needs. “Acts 20:35 says that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” and it’s true.  Not only is there satisfaction in giving to others but God blesses us for blessing others.  It’s a win-win!

When God gave the Ten Commandments, he began with loving God and loving your neighbor.  This order was established so that we could give priority to our creator and so that we could be a blessing to others.  Matthew 6:33 says: “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” In others words, seek him and his way of doing things and he’ll take care of everything else that you need.

We all have a sphere of influence.  Whether it’s at work, with our family, our community, etc…To be a blessing to others and live out the example Jesus left for us, we must begin with humility.  Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges in their book Lead Like Jesus said: “The humility that Jesus demonstrated did not arise from lack of self-esteem, love, power, or ability.  His humility came from the fact that he knew who he was, where he came from, where he was going, and whose he was.  That permitted him to treat people with love and respect.” In such a way, we need to know that we are children of God, created by him and for his purpose.  And part of that purpose, is to be a blessing to others.  “You are called to be a good steward of your season of influence in service to a plan that was set in motion before you came on the scene.  Your influence will extend beyond your exit in the hearts and minds of those entrusted to your care.” (Blanchard and Hodges)

Take notice of your sphere of influence and live according to Jesus’ standards.  Be a blessing to those entrusted to your care. Because it’s not all about you, it’s about others!

 

 

Upbringing Dynamics

The dynamics of everyone’s upbringing are interesting.  Some of us have fond memories about our childhood and upbringing while others are not so fond. We might have been brought up with strict, authoritarian parents and others with permissive parents.  As grown adults, we have to learn to realize that our parents did their best with what they had to foster our upbringings.  We might not have always agreed with their parenting, the punishments, or how they dealt with certain situations, but they too learned from their parents. 

 

Prior to having children, we should consider whether we want to follow in our parent’s footsteps or create our own parenting style. Do we want to reprimand our children the way our parents did? Do we want to give our children responsibilities they are not ready for? Do we want our children to grow up in a positive, calm, and nourishing household?  All of these questions and more should be answered before we become parents.  Once we become parents, we tweak and tweak, learn and grow with our children, as they too will show us knew things. 

A child who was always responsible for his/her siblings, chores and was told to take the role of a father, will have a tough time acting as a child when child initiated activities are brought to him/her.  A child who is screamed at and reprimanded for every little thing, and is not given positive feedback in any circumstance, is most likely going to bring those same attributes to his family once he gets older.   Balancing what we’ve seen and heard is very hard especially when it’s seen from an elder.  We tend to think that they know best, after all, they brought us up and we came out ok.  We might be okay, but when out buttons are pushed our inner actions come out and the true us is seen.   These types of negative impacts can be seen through different aspects of our lives, and we have to learn to control them, and do away with them before children come into the scene as they can be hurt in the process. 

 

Seeking the wisdom of God is so vital to our parenthood journey.  “Get wisdom, get understanding…do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you” (Proverbs 4:6, 7- NIV). As parents we have to learn to push away the negative attributes of our upbringing, and work on how we want to raise our own children.  We need to allow our children to feel the love we have for them, cherish them, make them a priority in life and enjoy every minute we receive with them.   They grow up fast and although we will never be perfect parents, trying to be good parents and learning from our mistakes is the best we can do as parents.  So, turn the not so fond memories into a positive outcome; it will benefit your children in the long run!

 

 

Diligently Seeking

I’ve begun training for a 5K run.  It’s my first event and it’s to help raise money for a charitable organization that I’m proud to sponsor.  The training, so far, hasn’t been too bad since I have been jogging periodically as part of my regular exercise regime.  However, knowing the event is upcoming, certainly adds a level of intensity to my focus and training.  I find myself being much more careful about what I eat.  I printed out a training schedule that I strictly follow and have my husband serving as coach/motivator throughout the process.  What’s interesting is that I’ve put so much energy into researching and planning every detail for an event that won’t last long. And it made me question whether we put the same intensity, research and planning into the event that will take us into eternity- the coming and reign of our Lord, Jesus Christ!

Are we diligently praying, and studying the word; not just reading it?  Are we sharing our faith with others so that they too can have the blessing of salvation?  Are we putting in the hard work of practicing self-control and eliminating from our lives the things that aren’t pleasing to the Lord?  Are we growing the fruits of the Spirit so that others can be blessed?

 

Hebrews 2:3 says: “How shall we escape [appropriate retribution] if we neglect and refuse to pay attention to such a great salvation [as is now offered to us, letting it drift past us forever]?” Although training for a 5K, and planning other events are important to our life, we should not fail to be as diligent, if not more diligent, with our salvation.  “…work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ). [Not in your own strength] for it is God who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight” (Philippians 2:12-13).

Lets stay focused on what's truly important...eternal salvation!

 

Praising in the Storm

Jeremiah 29:11 says, "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."

I once read the story of a woman who went to China as a missionary. She contracted smallpox during the days where there was no cure; this was considered a deadly disease. She had to be quarantined in her room and the smallpox covered her body from head to toe. Since she didn’t know what else to do, she began to seek God. He spoke to her and said to praise Him for His faithfulness and to keep His Word. God showed her a vision of two baskets. One basket represented the trial; this basket was full. The other basket represented her praise; this basket was half full. The Lord told her that she needed to fill her praise basket so that it would outweigh and overshadow her tests. He said to her “When your praise basket is full, your healing will be manifested.” She began to fervently seek and loudly praise The Almighty God, not for her healing, but for His faithfulness. No one had any hope or faith that she would live through this disease but still, she praised! She praised Him for all that He had done and all that He is. She thanked Him in advance for her healing. What was the result? God removed every mark of smallpox from her body and she was completely healed.

 

 

Praise is the cure to get you through any storm! When you can’t see your way through a storm, praise gives you vision. When you think you just can’t go on, praise is what will give you the strength. When the enemy comes against you, praise will make him flee! When the Israelites arrived at the enemy’s camp, not one of the enemy soldiers was alive! If the Israelite army can offensively march out against the enemy in praise and then God finishes the battle, how much more will He fight your battles for you? The Israelites knew that God was going to do just what He said based on what He had already done for them. We can take a great lesson from this. Think about the things that God has done for you up to this point, and reflect on the promises that He has for your future. God allows battles in our lives to increase our faith.

 

The amount of your praise determines your breakthrough! Remember that the battle is not yours – it belongs to God! Be fully persuaded that God has power to do what he has promised (Romans 4:21). Stand firm on His word believing that He will fight every battle and bring you through any circumstance. Praise Him not only when the battle is over but when you are going through it. Don’t wait to praise Him after the situation changes. Praise Him to change the situation! Don’t praise Him because of the circumstance; praise Him in spite of the circumstance! Praise God in faith because of what He is going to do in your life. Praise is the cure for everything so take your position!

 

“And once the storm is over you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure in fact whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm you won’t be same person who walked in.” - Haruki Murakami

 

 

Ask God

The frustration of life, life’s issues, financial issues, uncertainties, and the list goes on, may take a huge toll in your life.  Sometimes you have those moments where you are totally done with everything and just want to walk away. You wish that you had no worries and could live a care free life.  You pray and pray and seek for guidance, and God allows you to feel His peace within the storm. Then there are those times when you need more than peace, and you just want to be held.  You ask God over and over and over again, “Please Lord, all I desire is a HUG.  I need to be held.” 

“For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened” (Matthew 7:8).  At times, the hug you need is around the corner, but you miss out because you have become angry and hold resentment in your heart.  The hug might not be coming from someone you want to hug at that moment in time, but it is sent from the Lord.  That blessed hug would have been so intense that all of your worries would have disappeared.  Now, you step back only to realize,” oh my, what have I done. I just refused what I’ve been asking the Lord to bless me with this whole time.”  Now, sadness sets in your heart since you’ve just pushed away what you’ve been longing for.

Allow the Lord to work in your life and don’t push away what is yours- sit back, analyze and accept it.  Don’t let the worries of life over flow in your inner soul and harden it. Ask and allow yourself to receive.  “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer” (Matthew 21:22).

 

 

Throw in the Red Flag

It was one of those days where the kids aren’t listening, you aren’t seeing eye-to-eye with the hubby and you feel overworked and under-appreciated.  Ever had one of those days?  Well I did.  The last straw was when I came out to the living room to find the same mess that I had asked the children to pick up 30 minutes prior.  And although in retrospect, it probably wasn’t that big of deal but at that moment, it was enough to break me down into tears.  It wasn’t the pillows thrown on the floor, or the books left out, or the shoes under the table, it was the lack of obedience and lack of consideration that got to me. 

 

Like many mothers and wives, I take great pride in keeping up with the household chores, making sure that my husband is taken care of and that my kids have everything they need.  So I take it as a personal attack (even though it’s not) when I feel like I’m working hard but my hard work is being taken for granted or feeling like my own family is working against me.

I decided to go out for a walk, cry out my frustrations, and vent to God.  As I was talking to him, I began to ask him for help and wisdom.  I expressed my desire to honor him through serving my family.  At the same time, I complained about my family and their behavior.  As my venting session continued, the thought came to me that God knew exactly how I was feeling at the moment because he experiences that same behavior from us.  He does so much for us, he blesses us, heals us, restores us and yet, we take it for granted.  We take his mercy and grace for granted, intentionally or not, but the reality is that we do.  And yet, God doesn’t throw in the red flag.  He doesn’t give up on us!

As I was humbled by this thought, I asked God for forgiveness and thanked him for his grace.  I took a deep breath, and went back home to continue to serve my family.  Thankfully, seeing me break down into tears sent out the red alert signal--- the “oh, oh, we pushed mommy beyond her limits” signal--- so when I returned, the kids had picked up their mess and apologized for their behavior.  The hubby was in much better spirits also, and the day turned around for the better. 

So the next time, you feel like throwing in the red flag, don’t!  Take a deep breath, seek the Lord in prayer for wisdom, and he will give you the strength to get through any situation you are facing.  “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

 

 

Get Balanced, Live Purposely

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). What things are you treasuring?  Are your priorities in line with God’s word or have you lost your balance? 

In order for us to live with purpose, we must ensure we have our priorities in check. The word teaches us that God has to be the first priority.  “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth… All things were created through Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16). Clearly, we were created by him and for him so if God isn’t our first priority then we will always be seeking to fill an empty void that is only satisfied with his presence. 

If you are married, next in line of priority, should be your husband.  Titus 2:4 advises women to love their husbands and love their children.  And I believe there is a purpose behind the order of these of words.  Sometimes we get so engulfed in our children that we neglect our husbands.  We must act with wisdom and not get off balance.  Ephesians 5:22 tells wives to submit to their husbands as to the Lord.  As we honor our husbands, we are also bringing honor to God. 

If you are blessed with motherhood, then we have to love and train our children.  Proverbs 22:6 says: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”  We should be praying to God daily for wisdom to raise our children even more so during these days when the world is throwing so many distractions at them. 

So again I ask… what things are you treasuring?  Are your top priorities aligned with growing your relationship with God and nurturing your family? If not, I urge you to do some serious soul searching.  Ask God to help you prioritize and get your life in balance.  “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

I once heard Jillian Michaels say that “most people don’t show up for their own lives and they never bring their A game.”  I love that quote because it’s so true.  We rummage through life and forget to bring our A game.  We forget what truly matters.  We forget to set and reset our priorities.  I encourage you today to renew your mind through the word.  Act in the wisdom you obtain through the Spirit.  Live consciously and purposely! 

Overcome the Floods

I came across this verse in the bible and it caught my attention.  “When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.” (Isaiah 59:19, NKJ) When I researched floods, I found commonalities in the information. 

1)      Floods often catch us by surprise.  We may watch the weather report give a flood warning, but no one ever thinks that they will actually be personally impacted.

2)      Floods can cause life or death situations that can impact yourself and/or family.

3)      Advisors always recommend that people experiencing floods should climb to higher ground.

Maybe you haven’t experienced a flood in the natural, but you have experienced an emotional flood.  Sometimes life comes at us like a flood with problems attacking us and/or families. You may feel you are drowning by the floods and you can’t seem to catch a break and come up for air. Climb!  Climb to higher ground! 

 

 

When the floods come, it’s time for us to reach out to the Lord who is on higher ground, and find refuge in him.  As we pray and give praises, the Lord will lift up a standard against our enemy.  The American Heritage Dictionary describes a standard as “an emblem or flag of an army, raised on a pole to indicate the rallying point in a battle.” Can you just imagine that?  The Lord planting his flag at the rallying point, claiming his territory and proclaiming victory against any situation you may be facing.  Thank God that there’s refuge for those who seek him.

Be encouraged today.  Regardless of what you are facing, there’s a higher power; there’s a higher ground.  Your time has come.  “Arise [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you—rise to a new life!] Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!” (Isaiah 60:1, Amplified)

 

 

Clouded Kindness

Though this holiday season might be joyful for you, it might not be for others. We get caught up in frenzy about all of the holiday gifts we need to buy, the holiday decorations, and the holiday foods to make/bake. Unfortunately, we tend to forget those around us. The rush of going out into our fast paced lives causes us to forget about those who are truly in need.

 

I recently saw a show where two brothers and a sister were feuding about letting the sister’s male friend live with them. The male friend was a homeless man who had a couple of disabilities and needed medication. These brothers forgot that they too were once homeless, and needed the help of someone when they were thrown to the streets. The sister was also homeless and this man helped her get back on her feet. So now, she felt it was her turn to help out.

 

 

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…” (Galatians 5:22). Out of the kindness of her heart, she felt the need to give back. The brothers were just looking at the negative side of this man’s life, and not giving him the opportunity to rebuild his life. This homeless man, once owned his own place, helped his mother out and was successful. Unfortunately, he lost it all as his mother suffered on her death bed and passed away. He no longer had a place to live or job since he took care of his mother during her last days. He didn’t expect any of this to happen. He searched for jobs, but struggled to obtain one since he didn’t have a place to live in and clean up. Eventually the brothers realized that they had to give back and allowed their sister and her companion to remain in the household.

At times, we are so stubborn and caught up in our own world that we forget about what others may be going through. Remember that just because someone is smiling and allowing you to feel that they are okay, it doesn’t mean they are. Be moved by the Spirit and allow yourself to be open-minded when you see someone that might need your help. “I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the power of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them. They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone” (Numbers 11:17). Feel the presence of the Lord, and listen to it. Don’t allow your kindness to be clouded. Be a blessing to others!

 

Waiting...Never Easy but Necessary!

I was asking God to give me a verse from the Bible which will re-affirm the promises He has given me and at the same time help me write today’s devotion. I believe that there is no other verse more appropriate than this key verse:

 

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11

The bible compares God’s words to something we can relate to…the rain and the snow. We have all learned the cycle of water during our school days. Even though the cycle continues, each rain drop falls into this earth with a purpose. We probably can’t see what it does on this earth. All that we see is the tangible and visible results of its efforts. It waters the earth and brings flowers, fruits, grains, vegetables and all the green that we see around us. That one tiny drop of rain or snow that falls on the ground has its part in making this earth so beautiful.

God reminded me that the words that He has spoken to us are like that. You might have received the promises from God while you were dry, thirsty, and in need. In the same manner, this earth received a rain drop while it was dry. Now you are in that period of waiting; waiting to see your promise fulfilled. You are waiting to see that tiny bud, but remember there is a process behind it. You may not see or understand everything that is happening around you, but in due time, the bud will spring forth. It will produce its fruit in its appointed time.

 

In the Old Testament, we read that God showed Joseph many visions about him becoming the ruler over his brothers. Did that happen in a day’s time? Between the visions and the actual fulfillment of the promise, lots of things had to happen according to God’s plan. Joseph falling into the pit did not prevent the promise from being fulfilled. While he was at Potiphar’s house and in the Pharaoh’s jail, God was still training him for the promise.

 

God wants to remind you that His words will not return to Him empty; it will accomplish the purpose for which it was sent. You might not see it right now, but it’s working out its purpose. God is training you, preparing others, changing your environment, creating new opportunities and is cleaning out the toxicity from your life. If God has promised you a ministry so that you will be a channel to bring forth salvation to the ends of the earth, He will do so. Every encouraging letter you write, every exhortation you say, every devotion you post, every message you speak will not go in vain. You might not see the people you are influencing or the changes you are making in their lives through Jesus Christ, but it will perform its purpose.  And one day, you will see many saved across the world through your efforts. Let me encourage you with this verse from the bible: “For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it lingers, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. ” (Habakkuk 2:3)

Steadfast!

Simple is Best

As parents, we love to give our children the world. As a result, when we experience financial difficulty and can’t provide them with as much, we end up feeling down on ourselves.  Birthday parties are one of the activities that might cause parents to feel pressure. 

 

These days, birthday parties have gotten so out of control where parents are spending a small fortune just to entertain 20-30 children.  What happened to the days when the children had limits to whom they were going to invite, and making the event small but just as eventful, because it meant that mom and dad were thinking about you on your special day?  There were also the days where we spent our birthdays with our family members and enjoyed a small family gathering with minimal gifts, if any.  Remember that birthday parties do not have to be extravagant. The simple thought of loving your child and giving what you have to offer is best. 

Proverbs 12:25 says: “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad” (ESV). Don’t put the pressure on yourself. Children will be happy with anything.  As long as they are loved and entertained to some extent, they are happy.  Gathering small groups of friends and/or family members goes a long way.  Doing a simple activity where the children can share, have social communication and enjoy being children can be just as fun and less expensive. Don’t try to compete with the next best thing or the next birthday party. Remember, simple is best!

 

 

Be Content, Resist Debt

The pressure begins and the debt rises! There is tons of advertisement looming you in to capitalize on the latest sale; a Black Friday sale.  Can you truly afford to go shopping or are you simply getting into more debt?

 

Unfortunately, people feel the stress of buying gifts for the holidays.  What happened to the days were hand-made gifts were a blessing?  Ladies would bake casseroles and bless a family for dinner.  There wasn’t a need to spend all of this money. A sweet thought and gesture went a long way. 

 

I encourage you not to lose focus of the meaning of the season.  Yes, it’s gratifying to purchase a gift for a family member or friend, but it doesn’t have to cost us a small fortune in order for it to be meaningful.  We should resist getting into debt and purchasing more than we can truly afford.  Proverbs 22:7 says, “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.”  Don’t be drawn into all of these sales, racking up the credit card bill, and then being a servant to the lender you owe all of this money too. 

 

We also have to ensure we are being content with what we have and what we are able to afford.  Hebrews 13:5 says, "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For he himself has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you." Don’t compare yourself to others. Get creative with your giving. If you can’t afford buying a gift, consider making a gift. You can also give of your time by helping someone in need or running an errand for a person.  Be content and resist getting into debt!

Count Your Blessings

What are you thankful for? Regardless of your current situation, we should always give thanks for the blessings we do have.  “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NLT).

 

 

Meditate on this poem by Karl Fuchs and begin counting your blessings!

 

 

More Than A Day

As Thanksgiving Day rolls around
It brings up some facts, quite profound.
We may think that we're poor
Feel like bums, insecure
But in truth, our riches astound.

 

We have friends and family we love
We have guidance from heaven above.
We have so much more
Than they sell in a store
We're wealthy, when push comes to shove.

So add up your blessings, I say
Make Thanksgiving last more than a day.
Enjoy what you've got
Realize it's a lot
And you'll make all your cares go away.

In God We Trust

Hopefully, you took the time to put in your vote for this year’s elections.  It’s fascinating to go through the process of doing your research on the candidates and proposed amendments, and then make your selection.  And to think that many nations don’t have the privilege that we take for granted; the freedom and right to vote!  Although, we have this great benefit, we can’t lose focus of who our trust should rest upon. 

 

 

Engraved on our coins, we have the words “In God We Trust.” This should continue to be our focus regardless of who is in office.  We need to pray for the leaders of this nation so that the decisions made are truly for the people and in line with the word of God. Psalm 33:12 says “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” 

 

So lets join in prayer for this nation.  Pray for God's mercy and blessing to continue. "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14) 

Being Grateful

There are difficult moments in our life. We may go through a marriage separation, custody battle, the loss of a child, etc… However, even in these moments, we need to find peace and be grateful for what we have.  Being positive through these types of situations will help us deal with what we are going through. 

At times we tend to focus more on the negatives and the what-ifs like if any of that is going to bring us peace. It won’t!  Negative thinking will keep the hurt stirring and will give the devil the right to ponder in our thoughts.  We need to let ourselves move forward and allow God the time to help us heal. Find refuge in positive thoughts and ponder on how there are others worse off than we are.  “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:4)  We have to learn to surround ourselves with positives vibes, people and things that will help us realize that we are fortunate for what we do have and not take it for granted.  God has given us the gift of life and it is for us to make our lives the best we can; living always for His glory.  Ask yourself, “What would Jesus do?” 

Just yesterday I had the opportunity to watch a case on TV where a woman was suing her potential husband-to-be because he wanted to donate his unborn child’s organs.  You see, the baby in her womb was going to be born with a malformation of the brain.  The baby would at most last a year and then die.  The father, once the baby was passing, wanted to donate his daughter’s organs to those little ones who would need then.  The mother wanted nothing to do with it.  As a mother I understood where she was coming from, but at the same time, she was going to have the opportunity to give birth, have life in her arms, express the love for her child, and potentially help someone else live. She was stuck on her ways and wasn’t allowing herself to see the blessing of her child’s organs living in someone else.  In a sense her daughter would still be alive through that other little angel.  “But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the LORD.”   (Jonah 2:9)

Sometimes we drown ourselves in our sorrows and negativity and get blinded by what God is trying to do in our lives.  Praises and glory be given to God for everything you have.  Remember you have more than most and God will always provide regardless of your need.  Be grateful, stay positive and move forward with the gift of life.

 

Blessing of Motherhood

“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.  Her children arise and call her blessed…” (Proverbs 31:26-28).  What a blessing it is to be a mother!

 

It’s easy to get baffled by motherhood.  We exhaust ourselves cleaning up the house, running around after the kids, doing laundry, taking care of their boo-boo’s, figuring out what meal to cook for them, worrying about them, helping them with school work, trying to be good role model, instilling in them the word of God, and the list goes on.  I’m getting tired just thinking about it.  No doubt, the workload of a mother is huge.  However, none of this takes away from the blessing of motherhood.

 

The bible says “her children arise and call her blessed”.  We are blessed by God when we seek to honor him and through the wisdom he provides, work at raising our children.  I was recently raised with a dilemma that I struggled to explain to my daughter.  I had to pray and seek the Lord for guidance, but as a result, I was able to have an open conversation with her.  We were both able to share our concerns and thoughts and at the end agree on what steps to take. 

 

Let’s be honest moms, we can’t pretend to have any hope of doing a half decent job with our kids, if we don’t seek the Lord for guidance.  It’s tough, but we can do it!  And as we journey through motherhood, let’s enjoy our children.  They say we need to work hard and play hard.  I think most of us focus on the working hard and forget the playing hard.  Have fun! Be silly with your kids.  Dance around, play, laugh and rejoice!