Happy Birthday Evelyn

Today, WG3 celebrates the birthday of one of its bloggers, Evelyn Medina. Evelyn has been an incredible blessing and inspiration to this ministry and to the lives she touches through her encouraging blogs. To me, she's the sister I never had. I am blessed to have a spiritual connection with this child of God who has cried with me in times of sorrow, has prayed for me when I couldn't pray for myself, has laughed with me in the good times and encouraged me in the bad times.

Evelyn, may the Lord's blessing pour down on you abundantly! 

May the Lord answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.
May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings. Selah
May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
We will shout for joy when you are victorious
and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the Lord grant all your requests. (Psalm 20: 1-5)

 

As I celebrate my best friend and sister, I encourage you to remember your friends. Celebrate them, not only on their birthdays, but every day. Share with them how thankful you are that they are a part of your life. Seek for ways to bless their life as they have blessed your life. And more importantly, pray for them. Pray for their health, their family, their job, their finances, etc...Prayer is the biggest gift you can give a friend.

Bless Others

I’m reading this book called “You are invited on a 40 Day Spiritual Journal to a more Generous Life” by Brian Kluth.  One quote in the book said, “ Your bank and credit card statements are theological documents. They tell who and what you worship.” Go back and re-read that quote again. Okay, now meditate on it for a minute. 

The areas where we are spending the most reflects where our heart is at.  If we are spending most of our money going out to eat, purchasing items that we don’t really need, etc… versus giving to the kingdom and helping others in need, then we are off balance.  It doesn’t mean that we can’t treat ourselves to things, but those material posessions shouldn’t be superceeding our giving to the kingdom of God and being a blessing to others. 

 

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).  God wants to be first in our life, our finances, our relationships, our faith, our health; in all areas of our life.  We need to ensure that as we are making decisions, making purchases, etc… that we ask the Spirit to guide us so that we may be good stewards of all that God has entrusted us with. 

 

Amazing Grace

Have you ever listened and actually paid close attention to the lyrics of the song “Amazing Grace” by John Newton? I challenge you to do so.  Webster’s Dictionary defines grace as the exercise of love, kindness, mercy, favor, disposition to benefit or serve another; favor bestowed or privilege conferred.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

 

The Lord expressed the love He has for us and saves our life.  We might have been lost or been in the worst shape ever, but through His mercy we were cleaned.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through His ‘Amazing Grace’ we learn to fear Him, not in terror, but as our all mighty father.  Always paying respect to Him, as He so much deserves.  Your worldly fears go away because He has shed you from the burden of your past once you started believing.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

We have gone through and keep going through trials and many tribulations, but His kindness has kept us safe and will always bring us back home, back to His thrown, to pay him respects for the new life we have become.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

The Lord promised so much to us when He died on the cross for our sins.  His word is our shield that helps us keep seeking hope and having faith in Him.  He has given us eternal life and we are in debt to keep on living through his Amazing Grace.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

And when that day comes and the Lord calls for us,  we will be blessed meet Him and be in His presence we will live a lovely life of peace.  We will no longer have to feel, see or endure the worldly troubles because the Lord has made a beautiful and pure home for us.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

As we live with our Heavenly Father is will be forever lasting…there will be no time, hours, days, months, and years, we will have the abundance of shinning as bright as the sun, singing and praising in peace, as when we first met Him through His Amazing Grace.

Quitting is Not an Option

The Lord has given us life, who are we to quit?  We need to be grateful for what we have even through the tough circumstances.  Allow yourself to accept what is and ask God to give you the strength to get through or work through it.  Stop asking God, WHY? 

 

 

He allows things to happen in our lives to make us stronger, to allow us to grow and have Faith in Him, and only Him.  Quitting is not an option.  He didn’t quit on us when he was fighting for our souls and life on the cross.  He suffered for our sins and forgave those who betrayed Him.  Let’s take some time and learn from our Lord and Savior, and move forward in our lives accepting the things that come our way.

We need to stop taking things for granted, and instead, seek to find the valuable lessons God is teaching us through each situation.  It might not be a lesson that we are willing to go through, but it’s necessary for our growth.  Learn to value that season! Give yourself the ability to break it apart and get from it what the Lord wants from you. “Blessed is the one…whose delight is in the law of the Lord…that person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.”  Psalm 1:1-3 Don’t quit, be victorious!

Can You Step Up?

For a couple of days, I had been feeling that I should watch the movie called The Passion of the Christ.  Now granted, I have seen this movie several times before, but I kept feeling that I should watch it again.  So I ended up staying up late one night to watch it. As I watched, there was a scene that struck me.  At first, I didn’t remember reading about it in the bible so I wasn’t sure if that part had been added for the movie or if it really happened.  I began searching in my bible and found the story in Luke.  What’s crazy is that I have read the entire book of Luke before and that section hadn’t stuck out before. 

 

The story is about when Jesus had finished praying and Judas, the high priest and his servants came to find Jesus to arrest him.  Judas had betrayed him so Judas told them that he would give Jesus a kiss on the cheek to signal to them who Jesus was.  So in that scene, they are trying to take Jesus but the disciples flip out.  Some run, but Peter took out his sword and started fighting with the men and he cut one of the servants ear off. Here’s the amazing part…Jesus is about to be arrested to face crucifixion and yet, he stops, grabs the ear that was cut off and healed that man by putting the ear back in place and restoring his hearing.  Are you kidding me? Now that is selflessness. That is true forgiveness, compassion, mercy and love.  He didn’t care that this same guy was with the group of people coming to arrest him.  He still had mercy enough to heal the man.  He didn’t have to do that, but he did. 

 

Can we step up to that level?  When we are being mistreated, can we still treat that person well?  When someone is talking bad about us, can we still speak positive things about them? It’s that level of compassion, forgiveness, love and mercy that Jesus expects from us.  Anyone in Jesus’s situation, would have been panicking. They would have been thinking of themselves and what they were about to face or feeling sorry for themselves.  They wouldn’t be thinking about helping someone in need because they would be too focused on their own need. 

 

Proverbs 25:21 says, “If your enemy is hungry, give him  bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.” Now I’m not saying this is easy, but this is the level that God wants us to reach.  Why? Verse 26 says “For so you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the Lord will reward you.”  So it may require sacrifice, forgiveness, and humbling on our part, but the word says that God will reward us.  It’s not for us to take matters into our own hands and act out of vengence.  Our obligation is to do right even when others do wrong, and let God take care of the rest.

 

Move Your Mountains

Every life, including yours, is a series of successes and failures, celebrations, disappointments, joys and sorrows. Every step of the way through every victory and tragedy, God will stand by your side and strengthen you… if you have faith in Him. Jesus taught his disciples that if they had faith, they could move mountains. You can too!!!

 

“If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20, NKJV)

When a woman that was suffering looked for healing by touching the hem of His garment, Jesus replied, “Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole” (Matthew 9:22, KJV). The message to every believer is clear, we have to have faith!!

As Christians or believers, we have every reason to be courageous! We serve an Almighty God that has won the ultimate battle, and won on the cross at Calvary. The next time you find your courage or faith to be tested to the limit, remember to take your fears to God. If you call Him, He will answer. Whatever the circumstance, God can handle it!

When you place your faith and trust in the hands of your Heavenly Father, you will be amazed at the great things He can do with you and through you.  Strengthen your faith through praise, worship, studying the bible, and through prayer. Trust God’s plan! With Him, all things are possible, and He is standing ready to open a world of possibilities and blessings to you, if you have faith!

 

 

Break Free from Food Bondage

One of my personal goals for this year has been to work on developing a healthy lifestyle of exercise and good nutrition.  I’ve been doing a lot of praying in this area because I’ve been an emotional eater, I splurge too much on desserts, and I over eat. Basically, I’ve been glutton which is a sin. I’ve sought out comfort in food vs. in the Lord which is also a sin because I’ve been putting my desire for food above God’s desire for my life.  Another no, no!

 

Daily, I make a conscious effort to allow God to break the bonds of food in my life, to help me eat only what my body needs, and to eat healthy things.  Proverbs 25:16 tells us “If you find honey, eat just enough.” It doesn’t tell us to stuff our face until our belly hurts; it says just enough. Isaiah 55:2 tells us to “eat what is good.” What is good for our bodies, aside from Spiritual food, is healthy, fresh foods; not all this junk food we eat. Proverbs 28:7 says “whoever keeps the law of God and man is a wise son, but he who is a companion of gluttons and the carousing, self-indulgent, and extravagant shames his father.” So if it’s a shame to be a companion of gluttons, self-indulgent people; then why do we act that way ourselves? 

 

If you’ve struggled in this area of your life, I encourage you to pray to the Lord about it.  Talk through your feelings and come clean about your behavior with respects to food and your health.  The bible says our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. As such, we should take care of it. Tracking your food intake will definitely help you.  I’ve been keeping a food journal since the year started and I find it to be very helpful.  In addition to my meals, I write down the exercises I did and I make comments about my struggles and successes for that day.  One day, I went out to lunch and I didn’t over indulge in the food. I ended up taking half of the food with me because I stopped when I felt satisfied vs. stuffing my face (like I normally would).  So to me, that was a big success.  For every step we take in the right direction, we need to pat ourselves in the back for it! 

 

I’m proud of you for working on your health!  I’ll keep you in prayer as you go through this journey and pray that it turns into a lifestyle of healthy eating and exercising; not just a diet.  Keep me in your prayers as well. J

 

Children Responsibilities

As parents, our children are our pride and joy.  We want to protect them and always make sure they have what we never had.  Sometimes, through our mini battles with our children, we let go and let them take charge for a little while.  We open our hearts to the pouty faces, the “I’m sorry Mom”, “PLEASE”, etc…, and we don’t allow our children to take responsibility for their actions.  It’s okay to let go of some things and pick and choose our battles, but when it comes to taking responsibility for messing up their room, putting on their clothes, showering, and most of all, their behavior, we have to make sure that we teach them the right demeanor.
 

Remember, children are very wise. We might say to ourselves, “oh, he/she doesn’t know what they are doing,” but truly they are taking us for a joy ride.  I know because it’s happened to my husband and me.  We have learned throughout the 4 years of parenting that our daughter picks and chooses who she goes to when she wants one thing or the other, and she knows who she can manipulate to get her way.  We’ve had to learn to stick together as parents and be consistent. It’s been tough, but we are finally there. 

 

Showing our children to be responsible is a way to let them know they can do it themselves and it also gives them the opportunity to learn from the situation, be independent and take a sense of pride in their work.  At a young age, try teaching your child the clean-up song, and mimic picking things up so they get the concept.  Once they get older, have them help you clean up until they are old enough to clean up for themselves.  You can play games by having them count and pick up 5 things in a room and put them into the toy chest. If you have more than one child this will go a long way, and when you least expect it, everything will be cleaned up.  Add to those 5 things each day. One day, you will see the children have cleaned up all by themselves and mommy will be a happy mommy. 

I’ve had a hard time getting my child to dress herself in the morning.  See, I tend to take control of situations because I want things done fast and at times my way.  My daughter is very headstrong and at times we have our little battles in the mornings.  I have learned that I have to let go of some things and let her become her little independent being especially when it comes to dressing herself.  I have taught her that she needs to wiggle her pants so they get through her legs, how to fix her socks, button and zip her shirts on. However, she does it in her own time.  My own sense of control kicks in and I want to do it for her, but I am not allowing her to take responsibility for that action if I take over.  In order to work with my daughter’s headstrongness, I allow her to select from 2 outfits.  Then I give her the opportunity to get dressed.  If she is unwilling to do what is asked, I begin counting up to 3. If she is still being disobedient, I sit her in time out to give her time to recompose, think and make a better decision when she is ready to move on.   

Allow your children to have the opportunity to become a bit independent and responsible for their actions.  Praise them and work together on getting things done so that everyone is happy.

 

 

Your Scheduled Anointing

As the holidays passed and the New Year has rung in, try to sit down and think about how you can slow down your life.  We live in such a fast pace life that at times we forget to take time for God, ourselves, family and friends.  Truly, aren’t these the things that matter the most? 

 

Stop over booking and over committing yourself to things in life that will take undivided attention from you and your other priorities in life.  Remember, you make and set your schedule so you can change it! Do not let others dictate what your schedule should be like; take power over it and let the Lord guide you through the day.  Think about what’s important and give it the significance it deserves.

Joyce Meyers says that God allows us to be responsible for things in life at the given moment He wants us to work on them. Once that moment is over and he has anointed us, we have to learn to give it up so it may be an anointing to others.  It might be someone else’s time, not yours any longer.  When you over extend and over commit yourself, you end up getting burned out and not giving yourself the opportunity to live life to its fullest.  Take a step back, relax, enjoy the Lord, your family and friends, and all the rest will come in due time.     

Plan for Success

A new year has begun and we all have our list of goals to accomplish this year.  Some of you may have already failed at one of your goals.  Perhaps you swore off desserts or caffeine from your diet and fell weak at the site of a chocolate cake or a cup of coffee.  Don’t dismay, the year has just begun!   

On the cover of a magazine that I was reading, there was a headline that read “quick fixes for wimpy willpower.”  This headline caught my attention because most of us want a quick fix.  We want to receive the benefits of our goal but would be perfectly content if we could skip out on the work it would take to achieve that goal. However, the bible tells us that “no discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (Hebrew 12:11).  So we have to be willing to put in the work and stop seeking for quick fixes if we truly want to receive the satisfaction of achieving our goals.

 

Horace said that “great effort is required to arrest decay and restore vigor.  One must exercise proper deliberation, plan carefully before making a move, and be alert in guarding against relapse following a renaissance.” Have you taken time to plan out how you will accomplish your goals?  Often times, we have a list of goals but no set action plan to make those goals come to fruition. 

Take time to plan out how you will achieve your goals.  Track your progress as this will motivate you throughout the year and keep you focused.  Share your goal with your family and close friends so that they can encourage you and help you throughout the process.  Reward yourself as you achieve mini milestones towards your goal. And most importantly, daily pray to the Lord about your goals.  Through prayer you will obtain guidance, wisdom and discipline to stay on track.