Dearest Sisters,
HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!
HAPPY FRIYAY!!!
Be encouraged!
God is for YOU!!!!
Turn your worry into worship and watch God turn your battles into blessings!
Have a beautifully blessed weekend!
Love and blessings
Hugs
Friday, March 31, 2017
Thursday, March 30, 2017
TENDING YOUR GARDEN
Psalm 145:8 KJV
The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.
The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.
Blossoming flowers don't rush, yet they bloom on time......
Ever tucked your kid in at night and discovered a new change? It's amazing how our kiddos are constantly changing and developing, right under our noses. Some of their changes we readily notice and other changes are more subtle. Growth is beautiful, melodic, rhythmic, and ongoing. Our kiddos will go from losing their teeth to losing their car keys. But, all stages and phases are glorious. And, our kiddos are all the more glorious and awesome because of their succession through stages and progression through life.
Everything that God made was created in an unrushed manner, yet everything was exquisitely accomplished.
God doesn't rush, NOT in His anger nor in His love, yet everything is always accomplished in His perfect timing. Our Lord and Savior makes EVERYTHING beautiful in His timing. The Lord is full of grace, compassion, and mercy. Creation sings the Lord's praises! Glory hallelujah!
Our children are far more important and far more radiant than any flower. We don't have to rush them to achieve anything. Let's just strive to offer them tons of sunshine and rain, and trust that God will do ALL the rest. With enormous, unconditional compassion and mercy, our kiddos will blossom just in time AND right on time.
Cheers to tending your kiddo garden!
Love and Thursday blessings to you and yours
Hugs
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
HAPPILY EVER AFTER
Titus 2:13 KJV
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Dearest Sisters,
HAPPY WEDNESDAY!
Be encouraged!!!!
Consider the following:
Life's problems are NOT forever!
Jesus is soon to return!
Carry your cross like you know how the story will end!
The problems of life are temporary. BUT, Heaven is forever!
Smile! Hold your head up! Breathe! Relax! You know how the battle will end! God has EVERYTHING under control!
You are fighting from a place of victory! A cloud of Heavenly witnesses are cheering you on! Angels are assigned to you for your protection and well-being; they are Heavenly ambassadors that execute God's will and protect your interests as you pass through earth, your temporary home. Jesus is at the right hand of God, daily interceding for you! God is steering and directing you! Don't keep looking around; look up! You are surrounded by cheerleaders!
Rest if you must! But, DON'T QUIT!!!
The same resurrection power that woke Christ from death is active in your life! God is daily breathing life into the hard, challenging, worn, weary, overbearing areas of your life! The Lord is daily equipping you for your pilgrim journey. The Lord will sustain you until He returns for you! Mission failure is impossible! You win because God has already won! Read the Book of Revelation for further encouragement!
God is for YOU!
God is for YOUR FAMILY!
God is for YOUR successful navigation through life!
God is for YOUR ultimate destination, in Heaven, with Him for eternity!
God is for YOUR happily ever after!
Sometimes our longest, hardest battles are against ourselves. Be kind to yourself! Someone once said, "if you think you've blown God's plan for your life, rest in this. You, my beautiful friend, are not that powerful." Remember, God doesn't call the equipped. Instead, He equips the called. And, truly understand that NOTHING/ NO ONE can thwart the plans of God.
Rest in God's power, love and grace, Ladies! Allow the Lord to fill you with a hope that won't let you settle and a love that will never give up!
Fight on!
Love and blessings
Hugs
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
GOD IS OUR PORTION
1 John 4:4 KJV
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
HAPPY TUESDAY PRECIOUS MAMAS!!!!!
Do you realize that boiling water softens potatoes but hardens eggs???!!!!! What accounts for the difference: substance or surrounding?
Keep your eyes on God! Trust Him, not your circumstances. Trust God, not your surroundings.
Our surroundings do NOT determine our outcomes. Our situations and circumstances do NOT determine our outcomes. God alone determines our course and outcome. The Lord God, that dwells within us, is our great substance, portion, and sustainer. He makes ALL of the difference in our lives!
Trust the Lord! When all else fails, Jesus NEVER fails! Glory hallelujah!
Love and blessings
Hugs
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
HAPPY TUESDAY PRECIOUS MAMAS!!!!!
Do you realize that boiling water softens potatoes but hardens eggs???!!!!! What accounts for the difference: substance or surrounding?
Keep your eyes on God! Trust Him, not your circumstances. Trust God, not your surroundings.
Our surroundings do NOT determine our outcomes. Our situations and circumstances do NOT determine our outcomes. God alone determines our course and outcome. The Lord God, that dwells within us, is our great substance, portion, and sustainer. He makes ALL of the difference in our lives!
Trust the Lord! When all else fails, Jesus NEVER fails! Glory hallelujah!
Love and blessings
Hugs
Monday, March 27, 2017
GOD WILL PERFECT YOU
Hebrews 13:20-21 KJV
20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Dearest Sisters,
HAPPY MONDAY!
I pray that you all are off to a promising and productive start. Yay! Hooray!
Please bear in mind the Hebrews 13 prayer; it is posted above for your convenience. I am praying this prayer over us all. Please pray it over you and yours.
Cheers to you and yours!
God is for you and your family!
Go, fight, win!
Love and blessings
Hugs
Friday, March 24, 2017
RAIN OR SHINE
HAPPY FRIDAY mamas!!!!
My morning began with a startling yet beautiful Spring shower.....
Today's storm was very, very welcome. The torrential rain melted away the thick, yellow pollen that coated the landscape. Prior to the Spring douse, my surroundings looked heavily battered like everything at a Deep South fish fry.
The rain was cold, loud, and hard-hitting. It has brought much needed relief from the assaulting pollen. I found myself coughing, sneezing, and contending with dry eye. Alas, the airborne, individually invisible assailants are put at bay.
Did I mention that I'm super grateful for the t-storm this morning? I needed the liquid sunshine to clean my little part of the world. As I sat at morning tea, I only marveled at the thought of God and His goodness.
Sisters, the Lord knows when we need rain or shine. There is a purpose for both. Just like flowers, we need rain and shine in our lives. The weather, as are the seasons of life, is constantly changing. Periods of rain or shine never last forever yet they are guaranteed. But, I assure you there's something YOU need in every season, rain or shine.
We are daily being shepherded and molded as God's prized handiwork. Every season is needed to refine and perfect us. Enjoy the journey!
Can you imagine a human being that went from infancy to adulthood without the teenage years? Scientists are probably presently cooking up such a test tube baby. Surely, at first glance that could appear to be a blessing. But, seriously, can you imagine how much that individual would lack. The teen years are hard but they also are beautiful and necessary for adulthood productivity.
God wants us perfect and mature. We wants us to be whole and complete. So, we must successfully progress through every stage and season of life. God is always after our good and His glory.
There are no shortcuts with God. But, tons of edifying revelations, and lots of opportunities for restoration are within His scope and plan. We exist for God's glory! The Lord will NOT let us fail!
God has a blessing, nestled in every season, for YOU. Sometimes, you will have to wrestle for those blessings as did Jacob with the angel. And, other times those blessings will cascade down from Heaven like manna in the wilderness. Whatever the case, don't miss the blessing in your season. Nothing happens in our lives by accident; everything is an outcome of divine intelligent design.
Have a dynamic, dazzling weekend!!!
Spend time with God! May His glory be upon you! Radiate His glory!
Love and blessings
Hugs
Thursday, March 23, 2017
HAPPY SPRING
Happy Spring beautiful mamas!
Happy Thursday lovely ladies!
I pray that you all enter this glorious, new season refreshed, renewed, and restored! Dust off the winter drab! Find some encouragement and inspiration as the Lord's beauty and wonder blossoms around you and yours!
Pick some flowers!
Laugh out loud!
Watch a pink and gold sunset!
Attend a festival!
Roll down a hill!
Skip some rocks over a lake!
Listen to a bird sing!
Creation is again awakening to remind YOU of God's great love for YOU and your family. Feel God's love! Embrace God's love! Spread His love!
Love and blessings
Hugs
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
That Guy
That Guy
That guy that doesn't want to get in your pants
That guy that doesn't want to get in your house
That guy that doesn't want to get in your head
That guy doesn't want to hastily get into your heart
That guy that doesn't want to get in your purse
That guy that doesn't want to get you in his car
That guy that doesn't want to get you in his bed
That guy that doesn't want to awaken love with no intention of loving you
That guy that wants to come alongside you and care for you like a friend that sticks closer than a brother
That guy that wants to see your heart repaired and restored
That guy that is very careful with you
That guy that doesn't want anything from you except to see you excel
That guy that loves Jesus
That guy that doesn't mind praying for you
That guy
Keep him around
Love and blessings
Hugs
That guy that doesn't want to get in your pants
That guy that doesn't want to get in your house
That guy that doesn't want to get in your head
That guy doesn't want to hastily get into your heart
That guy that doesn't want to get in your purse
That guy that doesn't want to get you in his car
That guy that doesn't want to get you in his bed
That guy that doesn't want to awaken love with no intention of loving you
That guy that wants to come alongside you and care for you like a friend that sticks closer than a brother
That guy that wants to see your heart repaired and restored
That guy that is very careful with you
That guy that doesn't want anything from you except to see you excel
That guy that loves Jesus
That guy that doesn't mind praying for you
That guy
Keep him around
Love and blessings
Hugs
Friday, March 10, 2017
LOVE IS COMPLICATED
Love is Complicated
Sometimes relationships end. Sometimes the end is neat and necessary and other times the end is messy, painful, and inconvenient.
Sometimes when relationships end, we give life to thoughts about the meaning of love. If relationships end, we may say that it's wasn't true love or we may say that we've never been loved. Many times we have an all-or-nothing approach to our understanding of love.
Sometimes when our former spouses or lovers conclude the relationship with hateful comments and condescending attitudes, we imagine that they were always incapable of receiving and giving love. We can sadly relegate the entire relationship and experience to lies, deception, and vice.
Love is complicated
It's not all good and it's not all bad.
Love is bittersweet. To know love and to be loved involves bitter and sweet experiences.
It's a blessing to know and feel love even if it was a fleeting feeling or experience. Love shapes us. The absence of love shapes us. Deep down we know what love feels like and we crave it.
God is love and we all are flickers of His great flame of love. All fleeting, complicating experiences with love help to point us back to God's perfect, pure, painless love.
Keep living!
Keep loving!
Love is complicated but it's very necessary.
Life without love is like a year without Summer.
Sometimes relationships end. Sometimes the end is neat and necessary and other times the end is messy, painful, and inconvenient.
Sometimes when relationships end, we give life to thoughts about the meaning of love. If relationships end, we may say that it's wasn't true love or we may say that we've never been loved. Many times we have an all-or-nothing approach to our understanding of love.
Sometimes when our former spouses or lovers conclude the relationship with hateful comments and condescending attitudes, we imagine that they were always incapable of receiving and giving love. We can sadly relegate the entire relationship and experience to lies, deception, and vice.
Love is complicated
It's not all good and it's not all bad.
Love is bittersweet. To know love and to be loved involves bitter and sweet experiences.
It's a blessing to know and feel love even if it was a fleeting feeling or experience. Love shapes us. The absence of love shapes us. Deep down we know what love feels like and we crave it.
God is love and we all are flickers of His great flame of love. All fleeting, complicating experiences with love help to point us back to God's perfect, pure, painless love.
Keep living!
Keep loving!
Love is complicated but it's very necessary.
Life without love is like a year without Summer.
DISCOVERING OUR CHILDREN'S GIFTS
Proverbs 18:16 KJV
A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
Dearest Sisters,
HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!
HAPPY TODAY!!!!!
HAPPY YOU!!!!
God is our good, good father! God uniquely created and designed each of us. There is no one in the world just like us. We all are totally, cool, unique bundles of awe and wonder.
Inside of us all God placed special characteristics and gifts. Our gifts shape our personalities and development. Our gifts set us apart from others and also unify us with complementary folks. Use your gift! I hope you are using it daily! LIVE BRIGHT, BE BOLD, AND SPARKLE.
Often times, parents do not take the time to discover their children's gifts or even cultivate and encourage them if they are easily discernible. Many times the very things that children are punished or reprimanded for are manifestations of their gifts. Gifts can can be used for good or bad but the gift is simply that, a gift. I hope that we all seek God as we embark upon the journey of discovering and developing our children's gifts.
Remember, the very things that kids are often punished for are manifestations of their gifts. Those pesky childhood peculiarities will often lead individuals to their "callings" as adults. Unfortunately, those peculiarities are rarely ever seen as "gifts" until adulthood when a person has the opportunity to nourish and cherish it themselves.
I recall one child that was talkative and sarcastic in childhood and later went on to a very successful career in law enforcement and public speaking. After enduring a childhood full of admonition that girls should be quiet and polite, her chatter and wit helped her to excel. There is another story of a kid that hoarded the family newspapers and locked himself up for hours at a time to study the paper. He was scorned and ridiculed as a odd ball kid but went on to become a senior editor for the New York Times. And there was yet another kid that was diagnosed with ADHD. This child suffered in the public schools. His only pleasurable outlet was tinkering around with video cameras and older electronics that he would dismantle and reassemble. No one thought this kid would amount to anything. He later went on to become a sports broadcaster and a movie producer.
Sisters, it's so important that we study our kiddos and discover their passions. It's helpful to pray and ask God for discernment and wisdom as we seek discovery and as we seek to invest in their primary gifts and strengths. Our kiddos will often have several gifts but perhaps one or two are stronger gifts that will undergird their "callings" as adults. We need God's intervention, grace, and mercy as we commit to cultivating the stronger gifts and celebrating the secondary gifts (sometimes in the form of hobbies).
Ruth was one such handmaid that was blessed with the gifts of compassion, hospitality, service, grace, and mercy. In God's amazing sovereignty, Ruth went from a lowly, pagan woman to an incredible heroine of faith. Her story is quite remarkable. By utilizing her gifts (God has blessed ALL people with them as gifts reflect God and should point everyone back to Him), Ruth left her country, culture, and family and followed her mother-in-law to grace, salvation, and a wonderful future beyond her imagination.
Boaz noticed Ruth's gifts. Consider the following verses:
Ruth 2:11-12 KJV
11 And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore.
12 The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.
11 And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore.
12 The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.
Sisters, God intentionally gave our kiddos specific gifts. He wants to bless our kids through their gifts just as He did for Ruth. Let's partner with God to develop our children's gifts and perfect their strengths. Our kiddos' gifts will be very essential in their certain, established futures. Bear Proverbs 18:16 in mind as you raise, educate, and disciple your children. Have fun!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Love and blessings
Hugs
Thursday, March 9, 2017
WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS, MAKE LEMONADE
John 4:14 KJV
But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
Happy Thursday Ladies!!!!
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
Life, like lemonade, is a splendid blend of bitter and sweet components. Life isn't always bitter like lemons; it isn't always sweet like sugar. But, bitter and sweet experiences color our lives. Dearest darling sisters, allow the living water of Jesus, that bubbles up from your souls, transform the bitters and sweets of your life into something delectable like lemonade.
Our present bitters and sweets pale in comparison to the glorious joys of eternity with Christ. But, the Lord works ALL things together for good. Nothing is lost or wasted in the Kingdom of God. Just as sour milk is transformed into yogurt and molded cheese into another variation and specialty, NOTHING is lost as God daily molds us, like clay, into His unique handiwork.
Like the Samaritan woman that met Jesus at the well, let's choose God's life-transforming, living water instead of the temporal water and things of the here and now (John 4:13-14). The Samaritan woman was such a lady that had a life full of bitters. But, Christ did not turn her away. The Lord forgave and welcomed her into his kingdom.
By way of allowing Christ to transform her bitter into sweet, the Samaritan woman went on to enjoy the fountain of the life, the well of water springing up into eternal life. And, she went on to share with others, Christ's living water that allows one and all to make lemonade from lemons. Many Samaritans were later converted after hearing the woman's testimony. It's amazing how our lives and the lives of many others can be transformed when we choose to embrace God...His living water....and, the sweet and lovely.
Dearest sisters, embrace the sweet and lovely. Learn and grow from the bitter. The bitter plus the sweet can afford you many bittersweets that make life all the more lovely. Embrace the lovely dear ones. Embrace the lovely EVERY day!
You are strong. beautiful. brave.
Grief is not forever; love is!
Love and blessings
Hugs
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
YOU ARE WONDERFUL
Song of Solomon 8: 7 KJV
Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would be utterly contemned.
Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would be utterly contemned.
YOU ARE WONDERFUL
Dearest Sisters,
HAPPY WEDNESDAY!!!!!
Have you camped out in the Song of Solomon lately? Whew! Wow! Whoa! It's a beautifully penned love letter from none other than King Solomon to the Shulamite woman. Please stop by! You don't want to miss it. There is a blessing therein. What woman can't appreciate a good, ole fashioned love letter every once in a while? The Song of Solomon is as wonderful as any other loving dialogue between a man and his darling but it also points us back to God, as does the entire Bible.
Some have questioned and wondered why the Song of Solomon was included in the canonized books of the Bible. Dearest Ladies, allow me to clear things up. Solomon's letter to the Shulamite woman gives us a small, small, SMALL glimpse of God's immense love for us. Shulamite's response to Solomon underscores the importance of love and fellowship in our lives. The Lord knew that we would need an timeless example. The Lord knew that we would need a kernel of truth and bastion of hope to sustain us during challenging times.
Surely, we talk about God's love, and trusting Him as our husband during our singlehood sojourn, but have we really felt the magnitude of His love. Have we truly dug deep to study God's word, understand His ways, discern His heart, and learn about His feelings for us? God doesn't leave us in the dark.
Song of Solomon 6:9 KJV
My dove, my undefiled is but one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; yea, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her.
My dove, my undefiled is but one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; yea, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her.
Sisters, in God's sight, you are wonderful. You are beautiful! You are worthy! Everyday, the Lord pursues you! He wants a loving, vibrant, passionate relationship with you.
Of all the women in the whole wide world, God choose you. And, He chooses you daily....to love, to cherish, to protect, to teach, to disciple, to prune, and to develop. Stop by the Song of Solomon and engage the delightful prose. Drink deeply as you experience Solomon and Shulamite's love. Celebrate and enjoy their love and the beauty of love itself. Most importantly, draw comparisons to God's eternal, steadfast love for YOU. And, understand that although Solomon expresses a deep, rich, wonderful love to Shulamite, it doesn't even begin to fully capture God's great love for YOU! However, the Song of Solomon is all about YOU and God's immense love for YOU!!! Drink deeply!
Song of Solomon 7:1-2 KJV
7 How beautiful are thy feet with shoes, O prince's daughter! the joints of thy thighs are like jewels, the work of the hands of a cunning workman.
2 Thy navel is like a round goblet, which wanteth not liquor: thy belly is like an heap of wheat set about with lilies.
7 How beautiful are thy feet with shoes, O prince's daughter! the joints of thy thighs are like jewels, the work of the hands of a cunning workman.
2 Thy navel is like a round goblet, which wanteth not liquor: thy belly is like an heap of wheat set about with lilies.
Please read the entirety of Song of Solomon chapter 7. God is into details. He's a master designer. He's an incredible creator.
God blessed us with beautiful, intricately detailed bodies. Our bodies are a gift; they carry us through every season and stage of life. Enjoy being in YOUR body. It was specially made for YOU!!! YOU are wonderfully made.
What's your favorite physical feature about yourself? Study yourself. Decide on a favorite feature if you haven't already done so. Appreciate your body; take good care of it. Appreciate your unique beauty. Have a healthy pride about your favorite feature. Walk boldly and confidently before the Lord and others. You're wonderful! You're beautiful! You're God's favorite!
Love and blessings
Hugs
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
HAPPY NATIONAL PANCAKE DAY
Deuteronomy 11:18-19 KJV
18 Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.
19 And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
"It's easier to build strong children than to repair broken men and women....."
Dearest Ladies,
HAPPY TUESDAY!!!!!
HAPPY NATIONAL PANCAKE DAY!!!!
Please grab some flapjacks (gluten-free if you're ordering for me- SMILE!) and join me on a journey of refreshment and renewal.....
Raising children is much like preparing pancakes. Just as certain ingredients are required for a great pancake, great, godly children need specific investments. God intentionally made our children, in fact, ALL children, impressionable in the first quarter of life so that we could shape their hearts and minds with the truth of God's word. Every seed that we plant in our children will reap a harvest, good or bad. Everything that we model in front of our children will influence them more than anything else. We've all heard before, "children do what they see, not what they're told." Generally speaking, learning is a catch all experience of what is caught, not taught. Let's use our time wisely.
After the pancake's ingredients are whipped into a batter and then subjected to high heat, it's unreasonable to try and alter the outcome. Have you ever tried to alter the texture, consistency, or taste of a fried pancake? It's super hard but only possible but adding things like syrup, whipped cream, cream cheese frosting, and perhaps fruit-based toppings. The additives can only alter so much but definitely not the substance of the pancake itself. Likewise, it's impossible to "raise" an adult. Furthermore, it's hard to counsel or repair adults.
By God's design, childhood experiences are supposed to form a foundation from whence adulthood springs forth. If the formative years were healthy and helpful then the results can be very beautiful and rewarding. In contrast, a traumatic childhood can plague a person an entire lifetime. It's never ever too late to receive help but it's more challenging to undo or minimize the effects of brokenness. Let's begin each day with a renewed pledge and vow to partner with God to raise strong children.
If you are in your right mind today, you are TREMENDOUSLY blessed! In fact, you are a HUMUNGOUS miracle. Did you know that stress and trauma can rewire the mind, and coupled with genetic predisposition and other environmental factors, can lead to mental instability and also, mental illness?
When someone says or suggests something outrageous, we respond, "are you out of your mind?" Being out of one's mind is a pop culture hyperbole that often reflects an outrageously awesome idea or an insanely terrible idea. But truthfully speaking, hardships, struggles, prolonged stress, and of course trauma can cause some folks to lose their minds or at the least experience mental challenges.
It's a blessing to be in your right mind. Many times things happen outside of a person's control that results in cerebral rewiring. By nature women are emotional beings. The apostle Paul refers to women as the weaker vessel. Because of our sensibilities and sensitivities, and often lack of protection, our minds and bodies can have adverse reactions to overwhelming stress.
Ladies, it's so important to know your worth in God. It's so important to daily remind yourself of your worth in God. Moreover, it's equally important to remind another sister in Christ of her worth in God. If not a sister in Christ, try to offer words of support and encouragement to other women in your circle of influence. Help win them to Christ. We all need love, support, and encouragement to weather the storms of life. We all need love, support, and encouragement to fight Satan's many attacks on our bodies and minds.
I am reminded of a great overcomer, Sonya Carson. She is the mother of famous neurosurgeon and current Housing and Urban Development Secretary, Ben Carson. After her husband left, she was forced to raise her sons alone in the dangerous, inner city of Detroit.
She was abandoned by her birth family and grew up in foster homes until she met and married her husband at the tender age of 13. He was nearly 20 years her senior. She reports having a loving, attentive husband until they had kids. With the arrival of babies, the marriage began to deteriorate. She eventually learned that her husband was secretive and unfaithful; he had another family across town.
The weight of her husband's abandonment was enormous. The hurt and betrayal from Mr. Carson only compounded her childhood pain. Sonya struggled with profound anxiety and depression as she juggled working up to three jobs to provide for her boys. Occasionally she would have members of the church care for sons, while she admitted herself for psychiatric care.
Sonya is a incredible survivor and overcomer. She battled and won many trials with anxiety and depression. With only a third grade education, she raised her boys to become accomplished men. She credits God with her family's success (Gifted Hands).
Dearest Ladies, the devil is after our souls, our bodies, and our minds. Our mind is the tool that we use to raise our children in the Lord. Our mind is a invaluable asset that is needed to follow Moses' command in Deuteronomy to teach our children God's law when we "sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." A sound, sober mind is a gift; it's a blessing. Continue to entrust your work, as single parents, to God. Always pray for your mental health and the mental health of fellow single moms. Let's consistently cast our cares on the Lord; He can deliver us from every attack of the devil.
Remember, NO weapon formed against us shall prosper!!!!!
ALSO remember, weapons will surely be formed against us. But, by God's grace and mercy, they shall NOT prosper. Please read ALL of Isaiah 54:17!!!!! It's a wonder!!!! THANK YOU JESUS!!!! Glory to God!!!! Glory hallelujah!!!!!
Love and blessings
Hugs
18 Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.
19 And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
"It's easier to build strong children than to repair broken men and women....."
Dearest Ladies,
HAPPY TUESDAY!!!!!
HAPPY NATIONAL PANCAKE DAY!!!!
Please grab some flapjacks (gluten-free if you're ordering for me- SMILE!) and join me on a journey of refreshment and renewal.....
Raising children is much like preparing pancakes. Just as certain ingredients are required for a great pancake, great, godly children need specific investments. God intentionally made our children, in fact, ALL children, impressionable in the first quarter of life so that we could shape their hearts and minds with the truth of God's word. Every seed that we plant in our children will reap a harvest, good or bad. Everything that we model in front of our children will influence them more than anything else. We've all heard before, "children do what they see, not what they're told." Generally speaking, learning is a catch all experience of what is caught, not taught. Let's use our time wisely.
After the pancake's ingredients are whipped into a batter and then subjected to high heat, it's unreasonable to try and alter the outcome. Have you ever tried to alter the texture, consistency, or taste of a fried pancake? It's super hard but only possible but adding things like syrup, whipped cream, cream cheese frosting, and perhaps fruit-based toppings. The additives can only alter so much but definitely not the substance of the pancake itself. Likewise, it's impossible to "raise" an adult. Furthermore, it's hard to counsel or repair adults.
By God's design, childhood experiences are supposed to form a foundation from whence adulthood springs forth. If the formative years were healthy and helpful then the results can be very beautiful and rewarding. In contrast, a traumatic childhood can plague a person an entire lifetime. It's never ever too late to receive help but it's more challenging to undo or minimize the effects of brokenness. Let's begin each day with a renewed pledge and vow to partner with God to raise strong children.
If you are in your right mind today, you are TREMENDOUSLY blessed! In fact, you are a HUMUNGOUS miracle. Did you know that stress and trauma can rewire the mind, and coupled with genetic predisposition and other environmental factors, can lead to mental instability and also, mental illness?
When someone says or suggests something outrageous, we respond, "are you out of your mind?" Being out of one's mind is a pop culture hyperbole that often reflects an outrageously awesome idea or an insanely terrible idea. But truthfully speaking, hardships, struggles, prolonged stress, and of course trauma can cause some folks to lose their minds or at the least experience mental challenges.
It's a blessing to be in your right mind. Many times things happen outside of a person's control that results in cerebral rewiring. By nature women are emotional beings. The apostle Paul refers to women as the weaker vessel. Because of our sensibilities and sensitivities, and often lack of protection, our minds and bodies can have adverse reactions to overwhelming stress.
Ladies, it's so important to know your worth in God. It's so important to daily remind yourself of your worth in God. Moreover, it's equally important to remind another sister in Christ of her worth in God. If not a sister in Christ, try to offer words of support and encouragement to other women in your circle of influence. Help win them to Christ. We all need love, support, and encouragement to weather the storms of life. We all need love, support, and encouragement to fight Satan's many attacks on our bodies and minds.
I am reminded of a great overcomer, Sonya Carson. She is the mother of famous neurosurgeon and current Housing and Urban Development Secretary, Ben Carson. After her husband left, she was forced to raise her sons alone in the dangerous, inner city of Detroit.
She was abandoned by her birth family and grew up in foster homes until she met and married her husband at the tender age of 13. He was nearly 20 years her senior. She reports having a loving, attentive husband until they had kids. With the arrival of babies, the marriage began to deteriorate. She eventually learned that her husband was secretive and unfaithful; he had another family across town.
The weight of her husband's abandonment was enormous. The hurt and betrayal from Mr. Carson only compounded her childhood pain. Sonya struggled with profound anxiety and depression as she juggled working up to three jobs to provide for her boys. Occasionally she would have members of the church care for sons, while she admitted herself for psychiatric care.
Sonya is a incredible survivor and overcomer. She battled and won many trials with anxiety and depression. With only a third grade education, she raised her boys to become accomplished men. She credits God with her family's success (Gifted Hands).
Dearest Ladies, the devil is after our souls, our bodies, and our minds. Our mind is the tool that we use to raise our children in the Lord. Our mind is a invaluable asset that is needed to follow Moses' command in Deuteronomy to teach our children God's law when we "sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." A sound, sober mind is a gift; it's a blessing. Continue to entrust your work, as single parents, to God. Always pray for your mental health and the mental health of fellow single moms. Let's consistently cast our cares on the Lord; He can deliver us from every attack of the devil.
Remember, NO weapon formed against us shall prosper!!!!!
ALSO remember, weapons will surely be formed against us. But, by God's grace and mercy, they shall NOT prosper. Please read ALL of Isaiah 54:17!!!!! It's a wonder!!!! THANK YOU JESUS!!!! Glory to God!!!! Glory hallelujah!!!!!
Love and blessings
Hugs
Monday, March 6, 2017
YOU ARE WORTHY
Exodus 13:17-18 KJV
17 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:
18 But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.
Dearest Ladies,
HAPPY MONDAY!!!
God is for YOU, sisters!!!!
God is for YOUR KIDDOS!!!!
He's working ALL things together for GOOD!!!! -Romans 8:28
Remember, when God says "yes," He's working ALL things together for GOOD. When the Lord says, "no," He's working ALL things together for GOOD. Even when the Lord says "wait," He is working ALL things together for GOOD. God has gone before us. He knows what lies ahead. We can trust EVERY yes, no, or wait from the Lord.
Love is patient sweetheart; be patient with God and yourself. Be patient with others. Be present. Savor the joys of your current season. Learn something new from the challenges in your present stage/ phase. Forget about being preoccupied with the past or future and connect with God in the here and now. On the way to God's "yes," DO NOT LOSE HOPE!!!!!
FOR HIS GLORY
Dearest beautiful mamas,
YOU ARE WORTHY
God created each of us for His glory. We were created for sweet fellowship and relationship with the Lord. WE ARE WORTHY. YOU ARE WORTHY. Stop questioning your worth. Show up for life and passionately participate in your life. Own your story. Claim your voice. God doesn't need you to be anyone other than YOU. In fact, no one is YOUer than you so focus on pleasing God and being the BEST you.
YOU ARE WORTHY!!!!!
Sisters, show up for life just as you are today!!!!! God will finish the great work that He began in you years ago. He is faithful to shepherd you into the fields and pastures that He has predestined for you!!!! Follow His lead!
Often we are consumed with busyness. It is very common to spend our days checking off activities and deeds that we believe will make us worthy in the eyes of God and others. Sometimes we spend years perfecting and presenting an image that we hope will win the approval of our audiences although we are continually crushed under the weight of pretense. Sisters, God is not after anything that we do or give if He doesn't have us....if He doesn't have our hearts.
Have you ever rejected dinner, flowers, candy, gifts or other pleasantries because you were uncertain of the giver's motives or the true state of their heart? We don't want wooden nickels. And, we shouldn't give them. Gifts, whether given to God or others, should be a reflection of our genuine love and an overflow of goodness from our hearts. The state of our hearts is EVERYTHING. God is after our hearts. The sacrifice of our hearts is so important to the Lord. He desires our allegiance and faithfulness, NOT our busyness.
I was reminded of God's love for the Children of Israel as I read the book of Exodus. The Lord delivered the Israelites from captivity in Egypt because of His great love for them. God wanted His children free so that they could freely worship Him and freely live.
The scriptures reveal that the Israelites' deliverance could have come sooner, maybe easier, but God hardened Pharaoh's heart in order to show His power and faithfulness to the Israelites. God's focus was NOT exclusively on delivering His children. Instead, He was interested in drawing them into a glorious relationship with Himself.
I almost missed another beautiful revelation in Exodus. Thank the Lord for grabbing my attention. The scriptures reveal that there were TWO passages of escape from Egypt. Simplistically speaking, one passage was short and easy and the other was long and hard. One journey to the Promised Land was relatively short, albeit through Philistine territory. And, the other passage was longer and required a sojourn through the wilderness.
Because of His love and great pleasure, the Lord choose the longer journey for the Israelites. A long journey was necessary to get "Egypt" out of His children and to cultivate an endearing love and fellowship with them. God knew that the Israelites were weak in their faith, trust, love, obedience, and allegiance to Him. So, rather them allow them a shorter journey that would require their sojourn through another pagan land AND through situations that would have tempted them beyond their spiritual maturity, the Lord lead them through a barren wilderness where they had an opportunity to lean on God alone and grow in their faith. The easiest path is not always God's BEST!
Sisters, God loves us with an everlasting love. If you are traveling through a barren, wilderness-like season, trust God. Remember that He uses ALL things for good.
Also, remember that God is equally concerned about your journey as He is concerned about your destination. Don't despair when God reveals that a certain shortcut isn't best for you. The shortest path can be filled with myriad tests and trials that God wants to spare you from. Likewise, the long, unscenic road may be just what you need to grow and mature in the Lord and to eventually graduate to greater responsibilities and greater blessings. Trust the good shepherd!
During dry spells, our roots grow deeper. Deep roots are firmly anchored so that storm nor calamity, famine nor foe can undo their security, preservation, or rich nourishment.
T.R.U.S.T. G.O.D.
YOU ARE WORTHY OF GOD'S LOVE!!!!! GOD IS WORTHY OF YOUR TRUST!!!!!
Love and blessings
Hugs
17 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:
18 But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.
Dearest Ladies,
HAPPY MONDAY!!!
God is for YOU, sisters!!!!
God is for YOUR KIDDOS!!!!
He's working ALL things together for GOOD!!!! -Romans 8:28
Remember, when God says "yes," He's working ALL things together for GOOD. When the Lord says, "no," He's working ALL things together for GOOD. Even when the Lord says "wait," He is working ALL things together for GOOD. God has gone before us. He knows what lies ahead. We can trust EVERY yes, no, or wait from the Lord.
Love is patient sweetheart; be patient with God and yourself. Be patient with others. Be present. Savor the joys of your current season. Learn something new from the challenges in your present stage/ phase. Forget about being preoccupied with the past or future and connect with God in the here and now. On the way to God's "yes," DO NOT LOSE HOPE!!!!!
FOR HIS GLORY
Dearest beautiful mamas,
YOU ARE WORTHY
God created each of us for His glory. We were created for sweet fellowship and relationship with the Lord. WE ARE WORTHY. YOU ARE WORTHY. Stop questioning your worth. Show up for life and passionately participate in your life. Own your story. Claim your voice. God doesn't need you to be anyone other than YOU. In fact, no one is YOUer than you so focus on pleasing God and being the BEST you.
YOU ARE WORTHY!!!!!
Sisters, show up for life just as you are today!!!!! God will finish the great work that He began in you years ago. He is faithful to shepherd you into the fields and pastures that He has predestined for you!!!! Follow His lead!
Often we are consumed with busyness. It is very common to spend our days checking off activities and deeds that we believe will make us worthy in the eyes of God and others. Sometimes we spend years perfecting and presenting an image that we hope will win the approval of our audiences although we are continually crushed under the weight of pretense. Sisters, God is not after anything that we do or give if He doesn't have us....if He doesn't have our hearts.
Have you ever rejected dinner, flowers, candy, gifts or other pleasantries because you were uncertain of the giver's motives or the true state of their heart? We don't want wooden nickels. And, we shouldn't give them. Gifts, whether given to God or others, should be a reflection of our genuine love and an overflow of goodness from our hearts. The state of our hearts is EVERYTHING. God is after our hearts. The sacrifice of our hearts is so important to the Lord. He desires our allegiance and faithfulness, NOT our busyness.
I was reminded of God's love for the Children of Israel as I read the book of Exodus. The Lord delivered the Israelites from captivity in Egypt because of His great love for them. God wanted His children free so that they could freely worship Him and freely live.
The scriptures reveal that the Israelites' deliverance could have come sooner, maybe easier, but God hardened Pharaoh's heart in order to show His power and faithfulness to the Israelites. God's focus was NOT exclusively on delivering His children. Instead, He was interested in drawing them into a glorious relationship with Himself.
I almost missed another beautiful revelation in Exodus. Thank the Lord for grabbing my attention. The scriptures reveal that there were TWO passages of escape from Egypt. Simplistically speaking, one passage was short and easy and the other was long and hard. One journey to the Promised Land was relatively short, albeit through Philistine territory. And, the other passage was longer and required a sojourn through the wilderness.
Because of His love and great pleasure, the Lord choose the longer journey for the Israelites. A long journey was necessary to get "Egypt" out of His children and to cultivate an endearing love and fellowship with them. God knew that the Israelites were weak in their faith, trust, love, obedience, and allegiance to Him. So, rather them allow them a shorter journey that would require their sojourn through another pagan land AND through situations that would have tempted them beyond their spiritual maturity, the Lord lead them through a barren wilderness where they had an opportunity to lean on God alone and grow in their faith. The easiest path is not always God's BEST!
Sisters, God loves us with an everlasting love. If you are traveling through a barren, wilderness-like season, trust God. Remember that He uses ALL things for good.
Also, remember that God is equally concerned about your journey as He is concerned about your destination. Don't despair when God reveals that a certain shortcut isn't best for you. The shortest path can be filled with myriad tests and trials that God wants to spare you from. Likewise, the long, unscenic road may be just what you need to grow and mature in the Lord and to eventually graduate to greater responsibilities and greater blessings. Trust the good shepherd!
During dry spells, our roots grow deeper. Deep roots are firmly anchored so that storm nor calamity, famine nor foe can undo their security, preservation, or rich nourishment.
T.R.U.S.T. G.O.D.
YOU ARE WORTHY OF GOD'S LOVE!!!!! GOD IS WORTHY OF YOUR TRUST!!!!!
Love and blessings
Hugs
Friday, March 3, 2017
HEAL ON
Jeremiah 8:22 KJV
Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?
Dearest Ladies,
HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!
Hope you're in for some FUN this weekend!!!!
Do something FUN with those you love!!!!!
Love is EVERYTHING!!!!
I recently read an article about the imminent deconstruction of an old army base in South Korea. Yongsan is slated for closure as part of a campaign to lessen the footprint of the American military in Korea. The base will be converted into a green space for recreational activities.
One Seoul native reflected on the necessity of demolishing the military garrison in order to usher in and solidify national healing. For many South Koreans, Yongsan is a bitter, painful reminder of Japanese occupation and consequent oppression on the Korean Peninsula. Several buildings that the current U.S. military occupy are colonial- era Japanese structures; Korea was colonized by Japan longer than 30 years. Although South Korea and America are allies, the aged Japanese edifices linger from a harsh legacy. They cast a traumatizing shadow on the general populace. Generally speaking, the nation looks forward to the dismantling of tangible reminders of colonialism.
As I reflected on this historic change in the heart of Seoul, I reflected on life, love, and changes in our hearts. We all have experienced painful moments in our past. If we are honest, some painful relics from our past linger in our attics and closets. Dark memories may still be suppressed in our minds. I've discovered that the painful wounds of divorce seem more agonizing in the months and year(s) after the shock has worn off. Much like an anesthetic, I think we all are protected from the initial, full blow dealt us by divorce because it's force could snuff out life itself. So, as shock wears off, much like a surgical drug, pain emerges and festers.
In due time, we have to reflect on the memories and relics that we have held onto. It is healthy and wise to work through then discard those painful memories and objects that connect us to a not so pleasant past. It's awesome to replace negative memories with good memories. It's great to replace collectibles that are associated with pain with those that are reminiscent of pleasure.
Healing is an undertaking that we must all engage at some point after hurt or trauma. Heartbreak requires healing. Failed relationships of any type require healing. Let downs or bombed plans require healing. Hurt of any kind requires healing.
Healing requires us to take a journey to the past. It's very necessary to salvage the goodness from the past as we attempt to press onward. Yet, it's also very necessary to dismantle any unnecessary reminders of a painful past.
We should build upon the rich foundation of beautiful memories. And, make meaning of the other experiences and memories that weren't so beautiful. Rebuilding is hard work but it's rewarding.
Many of us don't have the luxury of packing up and taking off for a trip to Florence in order to work through life's frustrations. But, we can laugh and cry with a friend over shared gelato right in our own backyards. Love is a powerful medicine; gelato is an incredible sensation. And, friendship enables us to conquer many challenges! So, grab some gelato and a friend and engage the healing process. Heal on ladies.
God designed YOU
God created YOU
God blesses YOU
God heals YOU
God defends YOU
God forgives YOU
God loves YOU
"GO AFTER YOUR DREAM, NO MATTER HOW UNATTAINABLE OTHERS THINK IT IS."
Love and blessings
Hugs
Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?
Dearest Ladies,
HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!
Hope you're in for some FUN this weekend!!!!
Do something FUN with those you love!!!!!
Love is EVERYTHING!!!!
I recently read an article about the imminent deconstruction of an old army base in South Korea. Yongsan is slated for closure as part of a campaign to lessen the footprint of the American military in Korea. The base will be converted into a green space for recreational activities.
One Seoul native reflected on the necessity of demolishing the military garrison in order to usher in and solidify national healing. For many South Koreans, Yongsan is a bitter, painful reminder of Japanese occupation and consequent oppression on the Korean Peninsula. Several buildings that the current U.S. military occupy are colonial- era Japanese structures; Korea was colonized by Japan longer than 30 years. Although South Korea and America are allies, the aged Japanese edifices linger from a harsh legacy. They cast a traumatizing shadow on the general populace. Generally speaking, the nation looks forward to the dismantling of tangible reminders of colonialism.
As I reflected on this historic change in the heart of Seoul, I reflected on life, love, and changes in our hearts. We all have experienced painful moments in our past. If we are honest, some painful relics from our past linger in our attics and closets. Dark memories may still be suppressed in our minds. I've discovered that the painful wounds of divorce seem more agonizing in the months and year(s) after the shock has worn off. Much like an anesthetic, I think we all are protected from the initial, full blow dealt us by divorce because it's force could snuff out life itself. So, as shock wears off, much like a surgical drug, pain emerges and festers.
In due time, we have to reflect on the memories and relics that we have held onto. It is healthy and wise to work through then discard those painful memories and objects that connect us to a not so pleasant past. It's awesome to replace negative memories with good memories. It's great to replace collectibles that are associated with pain with those that are reminiscent of pleasure.
Healing is an undertaking that we must all engage at some point after hurt or trauma. Heartbreak requires healing. Failed relationships of any type require healing. Let downs or bombed plans require healing. Hurt of any kind requires healing.
Healing requires us to take a journey to the past. It's very necessary to salvage the goodness from the past as we attempt to press onward. Yet, it's also very necessary to dismantle any unnecessary reminders of a painful past.
We should build upon the rich foundation of beautiful memories. And, make meaning of the other experiences and memories that weren't so beautiful. Rebuilding is hard work but it's rewarding.
Many of us don't have the luxury of packing up and taking off for a trip to Florence in order to work through life's frustrations. But, we can laugh and cry with a friend over shared gelato right in our own backyards. Love is a powerful medicine; gelato is an incredible sensation. And, friendship enables us to conquer many challenges! So, grab some gelato and a friend and engage the healing process. Heal on ladies.
God designed YOU
God created YOU
God blesses YOU
God heals YOU
God defends YOU
God forgives YOU
God loves YOU
"GO AFTER YOUR DREAM, NO MATTER HOW UNATTAINABLE OTHERS THINK IT IS."
Love and blessings
Hugs
Thursday, March 2, 2017
OUR TEARS WATER SEEDS OF LOVE AND COMPASSION
1 John 3:17 KJV
But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
HAPPY THURSDAY!!!!
HAPPY MARCH!!!!! It's official!!! Today is the 2nd GRAND day of the month! Yay! Hooray!
Happy Birthday to all of the March babies among us!!!!! Some are Winter babies; some are Spring. We welcome the parties and warmer weather that March will bring.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY March babies!!!!! Muah!!!
OUR TEARS WATER SEEDS OF LOVE AND COMPASSION PLANTED IN OUR KIDDOS' HEARTS
Dearest beautiful mamas,
You're super! You're tough! You're big! You're bad!
You make the bad guys flee! You make boo boos feel better! You make germs and bacteria perish! You make nightmares vanish! You make dirty dishes disappear! You seamlessly pull off play dates, field trips, and parties. You do it ALL, for everyone, EACH. AND. EVERY. DAY! You make single parenthood look sooooooo easy! In fact, YOU make motherhood look stylish, trendy, fashionable, AND COOL! Did I mention easy? Yeah, SUPER easy!!!!
Day in and day out, many of us lead heroic lives. We are unsung heroines! We juggle so many things and rarely ever miss a beat. Well, at least our kiddos can't tell when we miss a beat.
We can out pretend "The Great Pretender." We could be totally bummed out, weak, weary, and wilted, yet many of us continue to don our masks and capes as we dart about, from each summon to the next, in our quests to save the day A MILLION TIMES for our kiddos. Because we often keep our true feelings/ conditions hidden from our families, they continue to press us for things even when we are operating beyond a happy, healthy, safe threshold.
As amazing, awesome, and astounding as we are, we must reveal our humanity to our kiddos. From time to time, they need to see us cry, fail, make a mistake, break an overwhelming sweat, desperately pray, struggle, feel scared, weak or hopeless. We have to normalize our lives and experiences as much as possible. We have to teach our kiddos that although they are wonderful and special, life doesn't revolve around them. Even mamas need breaks from serving their kiddos. Mamas need to be served too.
We have to show our kiddos our fragility and our fastidious need for God so they too can learn to lean on God....to depend on Him. Super heroes may not need God. But, ALL Super moms DO. We must point our kiddos back to Christ everyday, ALL DAY. We are Christ's handmaidens; we do the Lord's work. But, we have to point our kiddos to THE SOURCE. Our gifts are great but, we must direct them to the ultimate giver of our gifts.
When we show our kids our weaknesses, we demonstrate our need for God. We also demonstrate that biblical love is not a feeling but rather a sacrificial commitment that is coupled with feeling. When we show our kids our weaknesses, we teach them how to be loving, sympathetic, and compassionate individuals. As much as we want to shield them from EVERY hurt, harm, and danger, we must not shield our kids from "all of life." We must allow them to experience life, and it's rawness, in the safe confines of our homes. We must allow our kids to grapple with reality under our wings so that we can guide their development and strengthen them.
We have to instill gratefulness and gratitude in our kids early on if we want them to become loving, compassionate adults. Trusting our kids with our tears and our hearts, in an age-appropriate fashion, will challenge them to cultivate love and compassion like few other things. Embrace the adventure!
Love and blessings
Hugs
But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
HAPPY THURSDAY!!!!
HAPPY MARCH!!!!! It's official!!! Today is the 2nd GRAND day of the month! Yay! Hooray!
Happy Birthday to all of the March babies among us!!!!! Some are Winter babies; some are Spring. We welcome the parties and warmer weather that March will bring.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY March babies!!!!! Muah!!!
OUR TEARS WATER SEEDS OF LOVE AND COMPASSION PLANTED IN OUR KIDDOS' HEARTS
Dearest beautiful mamas,
You're super! You're tough! You're big! You're bad!
You make the bad guys flee! You make boo boos feel better! You make germs and bacteria perish! You make nightmares vanish! You make dirty dishes disappear! You seamlessly pull off play dates, field trips, and parties. You do it ALL, for everyone, EACH. AND. EVERY. DAY! You make single parenthood look sooooooo easy! In fact, YOU make motherhood look stylish, trendy, fashionable, AND COOL! Did I mention easy? Yeah, SUPER easy!!!!
Day in and day out, many of us lead heroic lives. We are unsung heroines! We juggle so many things and rarely ever miss a beat. Well, at least our kiddos can't tell when we miss a beat.
We can out pretend "The Great Pretender." We could be totally bummed out, weak, weary, and wilted, yet many of us continue to don our masks and capes as we dart about, from each summon to the next, in our quests to save the day A MILLION TIMES for our kiddos. Because we often keep our true feelings/ conditions hidden from our families, they continue to press us for things even when we are operating beyond a happy, healthy, safe threshold.
As amazing, awesome, and astounding as we are, we must reveal our humanity to our kiddos. From time to time, they need to see us cry, fail, make a mistake, break an overwhelming sweat, desperately pray, struggle, feel scared, weak or hopeless. We have to normalize our lives and experiences as much as possible. We have to teach our kiddos that although they are wonderful and special, life doesn't revolve around them. Even mamas need breaks from serving their kiddos. Mamas need to be served too.
We have to show our kiddos our fragility and our fastidious need for God so they too can learn to lean on God....to depend on Him. Super heroes may not need God. But, ALL Super moms DO. We must point our kiddos back to Christ everyday, ALL DAY. We are Christ's handmaidens; we do the Lord's work. But, we have to point our kiddos to THE SOURCE. Our gifts are great but, we must direct them to the ultimate giver of our gifts.
When we show our kids our weaknesses, we demonstrate our need for God. We also demonstrate that biblical love is not a feeling but rather a sacrificial commitment that is coupled with feeling. When we show our kids our weaknesses, we teach them how to be loving, sympathetic, and compassionate individuals. As much as we want to shield them from EVERY hurt, harm, and danger, we must not shield our kids from "all of life." We must allow them to experience life, and it's rawness, in the safe confines of our homes. We must allow our kids to grapple with reality under our wings so that we can guide their development and strengthen them.
We have to instill gratefulness and gratitude in our kids early on if we want them to become loving, compassionate adults. Trusting our kids with our tears and our hearts, in an age-appropriate fashion, will challenge them to cultivate love and compassion like few other things. Embrace the adventure!
Love and blessings
Hugs
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
LIVE BIG
Ecclesiastes 2:24 KJV
There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.
Dearest Ladies,
HAPPY WEDNESDAY!!!!
I am cheering for you all!!!
Live BIG!!!
Live BOLD!!!
Live BRIGHT!!!
Live BRILLIANT!!!!
Live BRAVE!!!!
Today I learned that a dearest family friend was diagnosed with breast cancer. Interestingly enough, she is a newlywed. She was remarried this past November after spending a few years as a widow. Please keep her and her family in your prayers.
My dear friend is doing okay at the moment. Her spirits are high. She is full of gratefulness and gratitude. She realizes that she is so fortunate even despite the recent news of a health misfortune. She also realizes that even in her misfortune, she is still more fortunate than so many, especially those who are fortunate but simply don't realize it. My dear friend knows that she is blessed. AND, she feels blessed. WOW!!!!! Her outlook is definitely a miracle!!!! She shared that so many shy back from countless opportunities, and sometimes God's guidance, because of fear or doubt. She encourages folks to live fearlessly. She is grateful that she lives fully each and every day.
Ladies, I was reflecting upon life in my quiet time. I looked back on several choices that I pondered in the last year. I was taken back by how many times and how many people discouraged me from leaping out in faith. Have you encountered a similar situation? It's puzzling that some people are quicker to discourage a mission than support it.
Sisters, we have one life. And, it's relatively short. Our days are numbered although that realization is sometimes far from us. Let's not allow a medical emergency, or emergency of any kind, to awaken us from a place of slumber, mediocrity, or complacency! Let's live BIG and BOLD daily! Let's live intentional, purposeful lives daily! We benefit from living daring lives AND our kiddos do too.
As Christian sisters, we all serve one God. And, He is definitively faithful and loyal to each of us. Muster up the courage to do something that you've always wanted to do. Muster up the bravado to follow God down an uncertain path. Faith will take you places that you never ever imagined but you won't be disappointed. Ready, set, GO!
Divorce marks an end to several things. But, endings always spawn new beginnings! Embark upon a new adventure. Treasure the journey! Indeed, the present is a gift! Relish in it daily! Enjoy! Cheers to you and yours!
Love and blessings
Hugs
There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.
Dearest Ladies,
HAPPY WEDNESDAY!!!!
I am cheering for you all!!!
Live BIG!!!
Live BOLD!!!
Live BRIGHT!!!
Live BRILLIANT!!!!
Live BRAVE!!!!
Today I learned that a dearest family friend was diagnosed with breast cancer. Interestingly enough, she is a newlywed. She was remarried this past November after spending a few years as a widow. Please keep her and her family in your prayers.
My dear friend is doing okay at the moment. Her spirits are high. She is full of gratefulness and gratitude. She realizes that she is so fortunate even despite the recent news of a health misfortune. She also realizes that even in her misfortune, she is still more fortunate than so many, especially those who are fortunate but simply don't realize it. My dear friend knows that she is blessed. AND, she feels blessed. WOW!!!!! Her outlook is definitely a miracle!!!! She shared that so many shy back from countless opportunities, and sometimes God's guidance, because of fear or doubt. She encourages folks to live fearlessly. She is grateful that she lives fully each and every day.
Ladies, I was reflecting upon life in my quiet time. I looked back on several choices that I pondered in the last year. I was taken back by how many times and how many people discouraged me from leaping out in faith. Have you encountered a similar situation? It's puzzling that some people are quicker to discourage a mission than support it.
Sisters, we have one life. And, it's relatively short. Our days are numbered although that realization is sometimes far from us. Let's not allow a medical emergency, or emergency of any kind, to awaken us from a place of slumber, mediocrity, or complacency! Let's live BIG and BOLD daily! Let's live intentional, purposeful lives daily! We benefit from living daring lives AND our kiddos do too.
As Christian sisters, we all serve one God. And, He is definitively faithful and loyal to each of us. Muster up the courage to do something that you've always wanted to do. Muster up the bravado to follow God down an uncertain path. Faith will take you places that you never ever imagined but you won't be disappointed. Ready, set, GO!
Divorce marks an end to several things. But, endings always spawn new beginnings! Embark upon a new adventure. Treasure the journey! Indeed, the present is a gift! Relish in it daily! Enjoy! Cheers to you and yours!
Love and blessings
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