Find a Blessing in Your Day

Have you ever had one of those days where you find yourself extremely busy and literally do not have an hour to spare because you are so booked with work, appointments, being a wife, a mother and then our child/children’s extracurricular activities, and spending/allowing time with ourselves or spouses?  Then comes a time where God allows us to have time off and we take it for granted. Why is that? 

 

We get so consumed with everyday life that when it’s time for us to take a day to relax, spend time with our loved ones and/or just enjoy the time, we don’t know what to do with ourselves.  Don’t complain about it, cherish it, and use it to your benefit. 

 

Two weekends ago, we received a huge snow storm in New England.  Some of us got 30 inches of snow while others got 19 inches.  Either way, it was a lot of snow.  The Governor called a state of emergency and there were some people in uproar.  Before the storm started, I went out to grab some milk at the store only to find that people were rushing on the roads.  They weren’t horribly bad, but enough to get into an accident.  As I looked through FaceBook, I saw many complaining about the snow and how they couldn’t get out to do what they ‘needed’ to do.  “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be” (Psalm 39:6). As I read, I wondered why we are so anxious when the world stops for a minute. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18).

 

Let’s take the time to enjoy the season and move forward to do something else.  Perhaps, something you haven’t done in a while.  There might be a point in your month/year/life that you might have to take a personal day at work because YOU need time.  Take that time and spend it on you, and the Lord.  Allow yourself to put the rest behind and just meditate and enjoy your day off; everything else will be there when you get back.  The workload doesn’t go away, but if you are rested and rejuvenated, it will help you in the future.   Each season brings a different change and atmosphere so enjoy it.  Be a child again, enjoy your time with your children and be blessed by their spirits. You don’t know what the next day may bring so don’t live with the regret of a missed opportunity.

 

Receive Your Healing

When we hear the word healing, we automatically relate the term to physical healing of an illness or disease.  However, at times, the healing we need isn’t physically; it’s emotional, mental and routed down to our soul. 

 

In Psalm 6, David was pleading with the Lord asking for mercy.  He said “O Lord, heal me, for my bones are troubled. My soul also is greatly troubled” (Psalm 6:2-3). David’s need was deeper than a physical need; his soul was also troubled. 

 

Perhaps, you find yourself struggling with your past, you have an emotional battle that you can’t seem to shake off, or your soul is troubled within you because you can’t find peace over a situation.  Whatever the case, you can find healing in the Lord.  “But He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon him, and by his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). Through Jesus, we are able to obtain healing for any area of our life. 

Refuse to be tied down in bondage, negativity or depression.  Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17).  Tap into that freedom we receive through the Spirit and allow him to heal your inner being.  Receive strength knowing that he already paid the price for you to enjoy freedom.  Don’t waste your time being troubled.  Allow him to work in you and release all of those things that are tying you down and holding you back from fulfilling all he has planned for you.  Receive your healing today!

 

Opening Pandora's Box

We all have secrets; secrets that we can no longer keep because they hinder our spiritual life. These secrets bind our lives and don’t let us move on. We have to learn to break the box of our life. It is the box that is holding us back; the box that is not allowing us to seek God to our fullest potential. In Matthew 14, we read about the woman with the alabaster jar which held the most expensive perfume in that time. This jar might have been hard to break, in the sense that it was the most expensive gift the woman had, but she knew that she was blessed by Jesus, and if she broke the jar many more blessings would come to her. She poured the nard onto Jesus in a sense of thanking Him for being her Savior because she was once lost, but now she had ever lasting life. This is why opening Pandora’s Box is so important.

Boxes come in all shapes and sizes, made out of many different types of wood, and some may even have locks on them. My box was pretty big. It had a lock with chains that were crisscrossed over and over again, and it was locked with what I thought was a dead bolt.  My box was very hard to break open because I had shipped it away to some Island that no one would have access to, not even myself, so I thought.  But when I accepted God as my true Savior, I knew that I had to open up Pandora’s Box not only for my Spiritual life, but for the healing of my soul.  By doing so, a lot of judgment was placed on me. I went through a lot of hurt, but I was able to emerge because Jesus was by my side.  He allowed me to understand that I could not let anyone judge my praise because they were not there the day Jesus found me. 

 

Once I broke the box that was hijacking my life, I was able to let go of the fear, suffering, resentment, pain, doubt, unbelief, coldness, loss of trust, hatred, remorse, grief, the feeling of being lost, misery and many more.  Through a lot of prayer and healing from the Lord, I was able to forgive one who I never thought deserved my forgiveness.  I understood that if I did not forgive, I was allowing this person to control me, and God wasn’t going to permit it. “ Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive” (Colossians 3:12-13). God allowed me to realize that demons were surrounding this person and it truly wasn’t their fault because they were being influenced and led by evil.  (Even though this is truly hard for me to acknowledge, as I type, the Lord is moving my Spirit to do so. I have to obey.)  

“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37).  Who am I to judge? God is the only true judge, and He will do so on judgment day.  I knew that if I did not listen to the Lord and empty the remains of my box from the things that were not allowing me to grow spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and even physically, I wouldn’t be blessed to the fullest.  Allow yourself to let go of your box and be blessed.   

Stay Out of Hot Water

Like any relationship, our relationship with our Heavenly Father requires time, effort and nourishment.  The Lord is willing and able to meet all of our needs, and help us grow spiritually, but if we don’t dedicate time to him, we will not see that growth.  In fact, the opposite can happen.  So how do we stay out of hot water?  How do we ensure our spiritual life doesn’t suffer? It’s simple…spend time in prayer and study the word.

 

 

Acts 2:28 says, “You have made known to me the ways of life; you will make me full of joy in your presence.”  If we aren’t spending time with the Lord and studying his word, we will miss out on revelations that will guide us through life.  “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).  We make time to read magazines, our emails, text messages, etc… We spend hours doing research online to obtain information. The Word of God is much more valuable; make time to read it. Explore the treasures that are within and I guarantee you that your life will never be the same.

 

 

 

Reap What You Sow

Do you ever wonder how you can show your children the word of God?  Do you question the ability to do so because you may not be that in tune yourself with knowing the ins and outs of the Bible?  Try to remember that children live a simple life.  What is taught to them has to be in steps and in simplicity. 

At times we may find ourselves reading a portion of the Bible in the morning, afternoons, or even a night, praying and also praising the Lord.  Why can’t we teach our children these abilities?  Our children learn from what they see and also from mimicking the adults/children around them.  It’s important that our children grow with a sense of reverence to the Lord and know when to pray, when to praise and when to read the word of God. 

 

 

Take these small steps:

1)    In the car praise the Lord with music (it doesn’t have to be adult music, it can be child friendly Christian music)

2)    Show your child how to pray (a way to do this is before nap time/bedtime)

3)    Help them learn the word by reading it to them at night or in the mornings.  It’s a nice way to start off the morning and end the nights.  You will also see that you too will learn the word and will start reflecting on it more and more as you spend that quality time with the Lord and your little one as well.

 

According to the Meriam-Webster Dictionary, the word ‘reap’ means to get something, such as a reward, as a result of something that you have done.   Allow your child to grow with you and sow what has been reaped.   “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers”(Galatians 6:7-10).

 

 

Be You

We’ve all been in there.  Standing in front of the mirror, feeling bloated, wondering where our skinny waist went, deciding on the next hair style, the next outfit, or the next something that will make us feel good.  But did you know that God considers you his masterpiece?

 

The word says that we are ‘fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14).  In fact, Ephesians 2:10 says: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

 

Beyond the superficial, God created us with a plan.  You may think you were a mistake or the result of a careless act, but God has a plan for you.  You didn’t catch him by surprise.  Check out what Psalm 139: 15-16 says: “My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.  When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.  All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” So don’t let social pressure or negative thoughts steer you away from your determined purpose.  Be the best you that you can be! After all, there is none like you! 

 

God gave you the gift of life so what will you do with it?  Will you waste time feeling down about yourself or fervently pursue him to accomplish all he has in store for you?  Remember, “What you are is God’s gift to you. What you do with yourself is your gift to God” -Leo Buscaglia. So get out there and live out your purpose!

 

Walk in Love

Have you ever found it difficult to love?  And I don’t mean that puppy love stage where everything appears so innocent and we are dazed with every beautiful moment.  It’s easy to love in those moments. I’m referring to those moments when things aren’t so peachy, when you aren’t on the same page, the same chapter or even the same book as your significant other. It’s tough! However, God expects us to walk in love even during those difficult times. 

 

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 says:

 

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails.


Seems like a mouth-full! Why would God expect this?  Ephesians 5:2 says: “And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” Basically, we are asked to give back what we have received.  It’s so much easier to receive than to give at times, but we have to be givers; even when it’s difficult.
 

Let’s not miss out on the blessings of showing love and doing good for the benefit of others.  “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons (daughters) of your Father in heaven...”  (Matthew 5:44-45).
 

Take time this week to celebrate your relationships and your friendships.  Get creative! Take time to write a thank you note, give an I Love You card, do a kind gesture for some in need, etc…Anything to brighten up some one’s day. Don’t forget to share your ideas so that others can share the love as well!

 

A Mother's Work

Many of us have those days where we just wish we could get an extra hour of sleep; spend the day to ourselves, and with no worries.  As mommies, we tend to rely on ourselves and others rely on us for everything.  A mother’s work is never done from making meals, getting the cherubs ready for the day, chores, work, being a wife, discipline (that’s a biggie) and all of those lovely reminders.  I am getting tired just thinking about it all. 

 

 

Do we need the rest?  Yes.  Should we pamper ourselves once in a while?  Yes.  Do we need someone to take care of us at times?  Yes.  Don’t deprive yourself of loving yourself as well.  As a mommy, we are expected to do for others and at times, we would rather take care of things because we know how to do it ‘right’.  Take the time and try to delegate to others even if they don’t do it as ‘right’.  A mother’s work will never be done so learn to share the load when possible.

 

Sit under the word of God, and he will give you the strength to get through your day regardless of how hard as it might start out to be.  Rely on the Lord to push you forward.  Remember, we are all blessed that you are here.  “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”  Psalm 37:4

Our Baggage

Are you still holding onto your life’s baggage?  Do you find that it’s heavy and at times you want to leave it behind, but can’t find the strength because you are afraid of the change?  Your life’s baggage is heavy, sometimes senseless weight that we carry throughout life, and at times, can be deadly or just weigh us down.  Don’t you want to be freed from that? 

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word baggage means (as it relates to emotions) intangible things (as feelings, circumstances, or beliefs) that get in the way.  We tend to carry this baggage everywhere we go.  It displays itself in our daily lives with our family, spouses, children, friendships/relationships, work, finances, etc.  It can take a toll in all of these categories, especially the important ones, our relationships.  Our baggage can hold such an emotional bearing on our lives that it doesn’t allow us to work with others, and it pushes our sense of being out of the equation. 

 

Learn to manage your baggage. Leave it behind; it does you no good to push it forward with you. As much as you don’t want it there it should be there because it’s not yours to handle. “Honest scales and balances belong to the Lord; all the weights in the bag are of his making” (Proverbs 16:11).

We even bring this baggage into our Spiritual lives.  When we enter the temple of the Lord, we come in with a huge load on our shoulders. Do you really think that the Lord wants to see you that way?  NO, He doesn’t.  He wants you to be joyful, to look up and be VICTORIOUS for YOU are His Daughter.  Find relief in the Lord, and allow Him to heal you.  You are keeping yourself from being alive and the baggage or sins from the past are killing you.  “My offenses will be sealed up in a bag; you will cover over my sin” (Job 14:17).

Be FREED in His Spirit.  God has a mission to reveal His face to you, and if you are at a low, He can’t do that because you will not see Him.  Allow your life to change forever, see his FACE, and let go of the baggage.

Family Ties

There are times in our lives where we may struggle to keep our family close, together, and in speaking terms.  For some, this is easier than others due to circumstances life may throw our way.  Many families have suffered from separations, divorces and even spousal deaths. Should these events cause those who were your previous family members to be cut out of your life?  If this is something you have struggled with, think about the relationships you built, the memories and time spent together.  If deep in your heart you feel the urge to reach out, God might be telling you, “It’s okay, it’s time.”  Having a sense of closure in the situation goes a long way, whether that means eventually really letting go or starting up a new sense of relationship. 

As I read the book of Ruth, I became amazed at her eagerness to stay with her mother-in-law Naomi.  She wanted to help her, guide her and be her sense of companion.  Naomi asked Ruth to go with her people; her family, but Ruth clung onto her because she felt a strong connection with her mother-in-law.  Although her husband was dead and she no longer had that obligation to be a part of Naomi’s family, Ruth wasn’t searching for anything else but to accompany Naomi.   Ruth wanted to keep the connection with her mother-in-law.  It wasn’t their fault that life threw a curve ball. 

 

Let’s try our best to pursue our family ties and reconnect with those whom we’ve lost in the process.   As Naomi and Ruth did in this verse, let’s start a new season.  “So Naomi returned from Moab accompanied by Ruth the Moabite, her daughter-in-law, arriving in Bethlehem as the barley harvest was beginning” (Ruth 1:22). Just because there have been obstacles in life, it doesn’t mean that you have to divorce yourself from your family. 

Dialogue with God

Is your prayer a monologue or a dialogue?  Do you ramble off your top 20 list of requests, give thanks, and wrap up the prayer without taking the time to wait on the Lord?  Are you taking the time to listen to what he wants to share with you?

 

God wants us to enter in a dialogue with him.  He loves when we go into his presence with thanksgiving and petitions, but he also wants us to wait on him.  “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).  Not waiting on the Lord, is like going to the doctor, explaining your aches and pains but then leaving the doctor’s office without the prescription for the medication that you need.  Think about it!

 

How can we expect answers, to feel renewed and strengthened when we aren’t waiting for the answers?  How can we live life knowing we are in his will when we aren’t taking the time to find out what his will is? 

 

Our prayer sessions should contain the following 6 elements:

 

1.     Praise- “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15).

 

2.     Worship- “Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshipper of God and does His will, He hears him” (John 9:31).

 

3.     Confession- “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). We must also confess the promises we find in the word so that they become active in our lives.

 

4.     Petition- “And if we know that he hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him” (1 John 5:15).

 

5.     Intercession- “So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one” (Ezekiel 22:30). God wants us to intercede for others.  Stand in the gap!

 

6.     Waiting- “I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined to me, and heard my cry” (Psalm 40:1).

 

So the next time you pray, make sure you wait and listen to the Lord.  It may not be in an audible voice, but he will speak to your heart.  And as you go throughout life, be aware of how he moves in your life, the signs you see, and the visions and dreams he uses to reveal things to you.