Tag: faith

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DEVOTIONAL WRITINGS

How I’m Living During this COVID-19 Pandemic

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Photo by Vecislavas Popa on Pexels.com

My last post was about what I’m learning in this season so I thought I would continue with how I’m living as well.  Like some of you, I’m at home all day, working,  cleaning house, doing laundry and cooking my meals.   Honestly I’m enjoying this unexpected change in life.  I’m slowing down and not feeling the rush so much.  There’s no traffic therefore no rush hours.  I have plenty of time.  There’s no running to the office to make those back to back meetings and conference calls.  I only have one meeting I’m committing myself to daily which is a prayer meeting with God first thing in the morning.  I’m able to exercise my faith and my body.  I’m enjoying the natural light beaming through my windows as I begin to work on using the equipment sitting in the corner of what I’ll call my “home gym.”  I’m developing  a quick 10 minute work out routine with my balance ball, dumbbells and resistance bands. I’m trying to build up to 30 minutes a day and incorporate my stepper that’s currently being used as a mini bookshelf.  Speaking of books, I’m reading a little more too.  I’m finding ways to get a chapter or two read of all those books I purchased.   I’m literally breathing in fresh words of encouragement, hope and confidence.  I’m making room for God to speak to my heart.  I’m checking on family members, church members and friends.  There’s still plenty of  phone calls, text and e-mail to answer as we stay connected to each other.   I am shifting, not shaking in fear due to this corona virus. How we do things has changed.  How we worship, shop, eat out, visit stores, communicate among friends, display human touch and even noticing how we wash our hands has all changed.  I’m prioritizing and restructuring  my life during these changing times.  I’m cherishing each moment I have to spend time with God and honor Him in my daily living at home.  I’m listening to God’s soundtrack. God has removed some major distractions in my life so I can be still and pray.   My earthly, temporary home is comfortable now and I am comfortable sheltering in it.  My heavenly home awaits and it is a place I can only imagine how safe it is and what it really means to stay at home.  Let me know how you’re living during this pandemic and what you’re up to.  I’d love to hear from you!

 

 

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DEVOTIONAL WRITINGS

What I’m Learning from the COVID-19 Pandemic

Giving (1)

As you know we are in uncertain times with the corona virus ( COVID-19) pandemic that is happening around the globe.  I’ve watched the news reports, watched the shelves empty as people shop for basic needs, and watched how we all have become more aware of our hygiene and are cleaning responsibly.  This time of pandemic has grabbed our attention, changed our focus to mini retreats of being at home with one another.  It has brought a whole new meaning for me to the staycation, the stay at home, the telecommute, and the overall virtual experience.  I’m learning the real value of quiet time and solitude, but even more the value of gratitude.  I’m learning to pull over, turn off, be still and listen to God speak.  I’m learning to dial in, plug in, connect and reach out in various communication forms.  My takeaways are becoming giveaways.  I’ve lost some things materially but I’ve gained much more spiritually.   Maybe God has to take away our jobs and the stress, in order for us to give away words of comfort, encouragement and hope to others.  Maybe God has to take away our consumption of time spent focusing on mindless activities in order for us to be more mindful of Him and who He is.  I’m learning God is still in control of my life and I don’t have to quarantine the gospel.  I’m learning to just share it.  I may have to stay at home but the gospel of Jesus Christ doesn’t have to. The  messages of  hope found only in Christ Jesus have the power to overcome anxiety, hopelessness, panic and fear.   Here are a few scriptures to help us meditate on and share with others. (John 3:16, Romans 8:28-31,  Luke 12:22-24)

 

 

 

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Balance prayer Uncategorized

How To Make An Exit

Do you know how to make an exit?  We’ve heard of making an entrance but I am curious to know if you know how to properly make an exit.   How you leave says a lot about who you are and what you value.  On the airplane there is a row called the exit row.  You have a little more leg room in that row but you also have more responsibility that comes with that seat.  Some people make quick exits and other s take a while to leave.  Do you know how to exit a conversation loaded with gossip?  Do you know how to exit a conversation filled with negativity?  Do you know how to exit a restaurant serving unhealthy food when you’re watching what you eat?  Here are two ways to make an exit.

  1. Practice.  Like making an entrance you have to prepare for it.  You must do it. Get up and go. Shut up and leave.  Walk away silently or loudly.
  2. Pray. You have to pray about the decision you are making.  Ask yourself what do I value most?  What does God say about this situation?

Sometimes you have to say these words to yourself, I’m not staying here so you can move on.  How do you get unstuck?  You start verbally saying I’m not staying here.  I’m not doing the same thing over and over.  I’m not going to continue down the road of disappointment. I’m going to do better. You start walking in a different direction in your mind first. My prayer today is for us to live courageous lives and walk out in faith even when it seems hard to do so.

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FAMILY

To God Be The Glory

Slide 6 of 12: MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Head coach Doug Pederson of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after defeating the New England Patriots 41-33 in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Everyone has a story. So what’s yours? Millions of people watched the Super Bowl game over the weekend. The NFL highlights two of the best teams in their leagues.  Interviews begin as the excitement builds.  Lights. (there’s so many of them)  We eagerly anticipate the big day to sit around the big screens rooting for our favorite players and teams.    I listened as the stories began in my house. They were all about football, the calls the referees made, the snacks and good food, the best commercials, the sports commentators, and of course the half-time show. Then it was all over.  Our stories ended at the final score and the victorious win. Some of the players continued with their stories of sweet memories, hard work and dedication.  My attention was caught by a coach who said  these simple words, “all glory to God” and mentioned His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in his interview.  His story was not I am the best coach and my team just won the Super Bowl, his story gave glory to God. I don’t know his personal story but I thought, now that’s what I call living on pitch! That coach knows what I know, to give God all the glory is how you celebrate a victory and is by far the best part of the believer’s story.

Prayer: Dear Lord, no matter what I accomplish in life, let my story always be about you and for your glory.  Amen.

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DEVOTIONAL WRITINGS

How To Move A Mountain

I walked in my office on Monday morning ready for the week. I prayed and I was prepared for my church’s Prayer Marathon week. My conversations with God were strategically planned with targets of prayer. I was excited and War Room ready. Bible? Check. Prayer closet? check. Then it hit me. A mountain of work, a mountain of problems and situations. I couldn’t get it together. My prayers were cut short, my quiet time got loud, A “Lord help” here, and a “thank You Jesus” there was all I could get out at times. I didn’t know how I was going to get over, around or move this mountain of work. That was Monday. By Wednesday I could tell it was going to get even more interesting. It’s now Friday and I still have plenty of work on my desk but I’ve learned to keep prayer as a priority. As the old Hymn says, I must tell Jesus all of my trials. My favorite part is the refrain which says: I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus! I cannot bear these burdens alone; I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus! Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.

When we take everything to God in prayer, He gives us strength to climb, to run, to walk and to endure what is before us. Do you have a mountain that needs to move? Sing unto the Lord. Pray. Keep the faith, and watch God work.

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DEVOTIONAL WRITINGS

Wanting More

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Photo Credit:© Pakhnyushchyy ID 7949425 | Dreamstime Stock Photos

Have you ever made a reservation, received the confirmation and then got more than what you asked for or wanted? Has this ever happened to you?    You reserved a table for two at a restaurant and got seated at a nice booth instead. You reserve a mid-size car and got offered a free upgrade.  You ever reserve a spa treatment and got extra services or more time in the chair to relax.   You reserved a time for your  hair appointment and got called to come in earlier.  You ordered a general admission ticket and got moved to the front of the line like a VIP ticket holder.    I have experienced most if not all of these scenarios and it’s a good feeling to know when we’re being taken care of or treated special.  Sometimes benefits come because of our connections with a supplier.  It could be our  status as a member in  a rewards program, it could be because we’re celebrating a special day or event,  or that we’re part of a preferred group.   Sometimes I  want my life to be like that with God. I want those unlimited hook ups and promotions. I  want the VIP treatment. I want more, more, more.  I’ve learned God’s reward program is not based on any points earned or membership dues I’ve paid. The Bible says God rewards those who diligently seek Him.  He is the One who supplies all my needs.  He is able to give us more, not just because of a special status, not because of anything we earned or accumulated.  God has a unique way of confirming our reservations then giving us more just for being faithful, committed and true to Him.  When we sign up to serve, God gives us more opportunities. When we reserve a place for God in our heart, confess our sins and declare to live boldly for Him, He confirms it and give us so much more.  God  gives us life everlasting, unconditional love, joy unspeakable, indescribable peace, a blessed hope and assurance of our salvation.  Now, that’s more than we could ever imagine or ask for.

Prayer: Lord, I acknowledge you God today as my preferred supplier. Thank you for having  everything I need.  Thank you for loving and caring for me.  Thank you for being more than enough. Thank you for the overflow of grace.  Thank you for both earthly and  heavenly rewards.

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DEVOTIONAL WRITINGS

Busy Bees

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Have you ever found yourself being busy but doing nothing?  You ever been full of ideas and goals but not really accomplishing them?  I can be honest and tell you that I have.  I have come to realize spinning wheels don’t go anywhere, they just spin.  It’s time to get clear about those goals and start doing what you said you were going to do. That’s my little speech to myself today.   Life can get so busy and we end up just being busy and that’s all.  No filters here, I’m feeling a little stagnant. This is not a good feeling.  I trust God so I’m asking Him for help to accomplish certain goals.  I ask God for wisdom to go confidently in the right direction.  I’m asking God for clarity and also for a disciplined heart.  I ask God to remove my fears and doubts that surface from time to time. I am asking God for His purpose to be fulfilled in my life.  I ask God to show me the way and remove distractions.   I don’t really  want to be stuck in the same old busy place with a lot of action and no activity, no fruit, no evidence of the hand of God moving.  I must pray about this and dedicate myself to doing what is required.  I desire to live purposefully on pitch for God and to do His will.  Do you ever feel too busy or stagnant in life?  How do you get unstuck?  How do you focus to accomplish your goals?  Share your thoughts and let’s pray for each other.

 

 

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DEVOTIONAL WRITINGS

A New Start

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Last month it was all about the new year, new goals, new beginnings and new adventures too.  As I look back over the beginning of the this month, some of my own new starts have already stopped.  I realize I need to be courageous for some of the new things I have on my list. I need to let go of some fears, some doubts, some anxiety.   I said to myself, out with the old and in with the new. However, I was quickly reminded that the same old courage it took me to meet desired goals previously, is what I needed to start over.  I had a talk with myself.  I spoke honestly to me saying “don’t you dare give up, don’t you throw away your courage, your do better attitude, or your no excuses mindset.”  It takes courage to be more disciplined (slow it down), to turn away from (say no), and to stay focused (live healthy).   So I began again by taking baby steps. Starting over starts with courage and I am going to use that same old courage from before to lift me up out of the pit of discouragement.  The bible says over and over to be of good courage.  I was strengthened as  I read Psalm 31:24 King James Version (KJV)

24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.

Prayer: Lord help me be courageous no matter what, because my hope is in You. Thank you for always loving me and for being there every time I am discouraged, feel like giving up and have to start over. Give me peace and persistence in Jesus name, Amen.

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DEVOTIONAL WRITINGS

Messages of Love

I have received so many e-mail messages on love this week. The messages are mostly advertisements to remind me to buy something to celebrate, surprise, amaze, cherish my true love and my sweetheart. Chocolate, fruit, nice dinners, and jewelry are all fine but they are not the greatest gifts. The best messages of love come from how we live our lives according to God’s word. The Bible says love is not arrogant or rude and doesn’t insist on its own way. Love isn’t envious or boastful. Love never ends. One of my favorite songs about love says “by this men will know that we are Christ disciples” When I give love away with a message of hope and faith I am sending the right message.  God’s love always amazes me. I am blood-bought, not dipped in chocolate bought or nice restaurant bought, or even bling bought. I cherish the fact God so loved me that He gave His only son for me. I have tasted and seen the sweetest of love in my walk with God from the moment I invited Jesus into my heart. I invited Him in and God ignited me to live on pitch for Him. That’s my love story and I’m giving this message of love, faith and hope away today. God so loves you too. Invite Jesus into your heart and you will receive the greatest gift of love! 

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prayer

Two Words of Encouragement

Today’s two words are ANSWERED PRAYER

God always answers prayer!   Whether it’s a yes, no, or wait God answers when we ask.  How easy is it to just ask? Well, the bible says to ask in prayer and faith believing.  I can testify because I’ve asked and God answered.  I haven’t always got the answer I thought but God always answers prayer.  Whenever I ask without doubting that He knows what’s best for me, I receive an answer that’s best for me.  Sometimes the answer is yes my  daughter, sometimes it’s no my daughter and sometimes it’s hold on and wait a minute, a month or a year my daughter.    God knows which doors to open and which ones to close.  God knows my heart and all of it’s desires.  He knows all of yours too so just ask Him believing that His answers are exactly what’s best for you.

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