Dearest Ladies,
HAPPY THURSDAY!!!
Has anyone jumped back into the dating/ courting world? What was your experience? Are you still there? How are things going?
If your heart is still beating....if your heart has fluttered and skipped a beat because of the thought of a new adventure with love or romance, YAY! HOORAY! I'm not sure what your future holds; GOD DOES! But, feeling lovely and loved coupled with butterflies in your stomach is a sign of your healing and progress towards complete restoration and renewal. Continue to fight forward!
Often we assume that recovery from sickness like a common cold is guaranteed. We also readily believe that broken bones can and will heal with proper attention. Yet, we are often doubtful about the heart's ability to be healed after trauma. When we are hurt, we often wonder if we will EVER recover and bounce back. Well sisters, God is a heart surgeon. It is His great pleasure and will to heal our hurting hearts. Allow the Lord to minister to YOU!!!!
I was out and about several days ago. I was conducting business transactions when all of a sudden I was startled by an approaching man.
I was completely side swiped.
I don't even recall his salutation. He quickly began a monologue on his physical attraction to me. He went on and on. I was speechless. I hadn't received so much fanfare and attention since FOREVER. I didn't know how to process the 'sweet nothings,' the accolades, nor the attention. I wanted to drop everything and run. But, I held my ground.
Eventually, I mustered up the courage to respond. I believe it was a coherent statement because a brief conversation ensued. After all was said and done, we exchanged numbers and departed.
Initially, I felt giddy, electrified, and excitable. I felt my gradual ascent to cloud 9. Could it be that love had found me?! I was bitten by the 'love bug.'
Hours later, reality yanked me down from cloud 9. I felt strange. All at once, it felt awesome to be on the receiving end of an intelligent, handsome man's attention but somehow a budding 'love' interest and all of its entanglements felt awkward; 'love' didn't appear to fit in my busy, single-parent world. His smile was perfect. His deep baritone voice was comforting. His handshake was firm yet friendly. He appeared to be a winner. But, there was so much more to discover about Mr. Prince Charming.
My heart felt ready for a new adventure but my 'world' did not seem to have a vacant corner where a new love interest could take hold and occupy. This gentleman shared that he also is a divorced, single parent although a few years old. I guess that similar identity should have been reassuring but somehow I couldn't clinch the assurance that I sought after I slipped away from his inviting, warm gaze.
Many thoughts raced through my mind before I received the first text, "goodnight beautiful." The attention felt great but I wasn't ready to lose myself in the plummeting, all-consuming power of romance and love. I was simultaneously excited and nervous. Love requires many risks. I wasn't sure if I was up for the challenge. Starting a new friendship requires time, energy, and selflessness. I wasn't sure if I had time, energy, or 'self' to give.
It all felt so overwhelming yet I felt affirmed and validated. It felt great to be noticed especially when I had done nothing special to warrant anyone's, let alone any man's, attention. Inhale! Exhale!
Presently, I am fully committed to single parenting. I'm already triple booked in many areas. I haven't dated in FOREVER. Where could I possibly squeeze love? I couldn't even easily take off on a date. It's challenging enough to get a sitter for my business appointments. Who would be available to sit for dates?
I was quickly exhausted thinking about myriad possibilities and impossibilities.....
I have occasionally day dreamed about courting again. I have also given thought to remarriage. I have even glanced through a couple of bridal magazines to stay abreast of the current trends in the industry. I was once looking forward to the future hope of new marital bliss and romantic adventure. But, when the chance surfaced, I scurried away. Cold feet got the best of me.
I won't be on a hot date with a hot man this Valentine's Day but I still feel very, very loved and grateful for my progress with healing.
Do any of you have 'love interests' stories to share? Has anyone vowed to remain single indefinitely in order to be single-handedly devoted to motherhood? Has anyone experienced recent dating or courting? Is anyone looking forward to marriage/ remarriage sooner than later? Can anyone relate to my experience? Please feel free to share.
We all are on the journey to renewal and restoration. With each and every day, we are moving closer and closer to God's intended goals for our lives. We all are a work in progress. The Lord God will finish the good work that He began in us many years ago.
I'm not sure of your cares and concerns during this month of love but I pray that you are filled with God's unspeakable joy. I hope that you are persuaded of God's enduring, faithful love towards you and yours. God loves YOU! Your kiddos love YOU! A host of family and friends love YOU! And, I love YOU!
YOU. ARE. LOVED.
Enjoy those that love you on TODAY!!! Enjoy each moment with your loved ones. The days are long but the years are short. ENJOY!
In God's sovereignty, you may experience romantic love again. Surely, people fall in love in mysterious ways. But, wait for God's lead. Don't rush. The Lord will make EVERYTHING beautiful in His timing.
Love and blessings beautiful mamas
Hugs
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
GRACE
Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Dearest Ladies,
HAPPY WEDNESDAY!
Smile!
G.R.A.C.E.
Grace makes the world go 'round....
Without grace, all would be consumed in a 'dog eat dog' kind of world.
God is the grand exemplar of grace. The Lord extended to us love and grace in place of what we really deserved. Our Heavenly Father demonstrated that love covers a multitude of sins. Our Lord illustrated the sufficiency of His grace.
God proved that love and grace never fail when Christ was born in a lowly stable. God proved that love and grace never fail when Christ ascended into Heaven. God continues to prove that love and grace never fail as He daily chisels us into His prized workmanship.
Some argue that God's gift of salvation or His grace is free. And, to some extent it is. Salvation or grace is free in that we could never satisfy the initial payment nor we could ever repay God for it. Moreover, we were never deserving of His grace. And, even after a lifetime of works and service, we are still undeserving. We could NEVER, EVER, EVER become recipients of God's grace on our merit alone. So, grace is free in that it was freely given to us as we could never earn it. But, grace is hardly free.
Truthfully, Jesus paid a hefty price for the dispensation of grace that so beautifully characterizes our lives. Also, God made an enormous sacrifice in order for us to be set free from the oppressive, fatal wages of sin. Although a down payment was not required of us, as we grow and mature in the Lord we should eventually realize that grace costs us a handsome price as well.
Because God bestows immeasurable grace upon us, we must be bearers of immeasurable grace. The unbeliever can choose a lifetime of unforgiveness, resentment, anger, bitterness, hate, and revenge. It's a choice that's full of morbid consequences. Nevertheless, unbelievers can choose that course. We, on the other hand, may initially grapple with all manner of strong emotions and disgust after divorce. But, God doesn't want us to linger in the toxic, murky, unfruitful waters of the soul's poisons. Someone once said, "holding on to unforgiveness is likened to drinking poison but hoping someone else dies." Ladies, we can't afford to wallow in misery and self-medicate with poison. God wants so much more for us.
Divorce and life post-divorce can be very, very hard and painful. Post-divorce struggles with income, housing, life and health insurances and outstanding debt from legal work can make us very upset and bitter. News of an ex-husband's new girlfriend or new wife can cause us to seethe with anger and frustration. Having our children shuffled back n' forth every other holiday can make us irritable and miserable. Or perhaps, observation of our exes starting lives anew and fathering additional kids (when we can barely get by on child support), can catapult us into a visceral, anxious, hate-filled existence. Typically, we struggle with abandonment and it's lethal attack on our hearts and egos. But, often when our exes appear immediately successful or seem so quickly able to rebound, we can experience post-traumatic stress. We often wonder how they could desert us and then so easily move on. Then, we lambast ourselves for not being able to bounce back as smoothly and swiftly. "Why? Why? Why?" we ask.
If we're not careful, we can cripple our chances for renewal and restoration. It's tempting to rehearse all of our hurts, frustrations, and disappointments. But, if we daily stir up and feed upon negative experiences and memories, then we risk being enslaved to the past and distanced from reality and a favorable, bright future.
It's only natural that we feel hurt and angry after divorce. Anger is a self-preservation aid. Anger fuels us with energy and adrenaline; we are driven to protect and defend ourselves against all harm. However, godly anger will eventually subside and we must navigate forward after it wanes. Anger is healthy when we subscribe to it in healthy doses and in healthy ways.
We have to resist stoking the flames of anger. We have to resist fueling and cultivating anger after its 'normal' range of expression has passed. We must work through our anger and all those things that negatively trigger it.
As recipients of God's amazing grace, our lives are marked by love. Love resides in our hearts. However, love and mercy can't live in our hearts alongside anger, malice, hatred, vengeance, and bitterness. Love and hate cannot co-exist in our hearts; neither can light and darkness. Eventually, hate will choke love. And, darkness will soon strangle all rays of light.
Sisters, we must guard our hearts!!!!
The price of receiving God's grace is our dutiful obligation to extend grace to others, including ourselves. Surely, we must engage in a process to 'bounce back' from hurt and harm. But, in the aftermath, we must chose life, love, forgiveness and healing. We are called to be bearers of God's grace.
Being a bearer of God's grace is beneficial to others but, we benefit as well. When we extend grace to those that don't deserve our forgiveness, we are set free from mental and emotional prisons. We also are able to reflect an image of God in a lost and hopeless world. Ultimately, we bring honor and glory to God, when we extend grace. As the Bible admonishes us, let's allow grace to greatly abound where sin abounds.
Jesus makes us worthy of God's grace. But, if we never extend grace, we will NEVER feel worthy of God's love and grace. Without "feeling" God's grace, we will feel unworthy. Without extending grace so that others can "feel" God's grace, we feel more unworthy. Consequently, low self-worth will cause us to reject God's influence and impact on our lives. We must resist and rise above the snares that rob us of experiencing God's grace and extending it to others. We must be gracious to others.
HAPPY GRACING sisters!
NOTHING and NO ONE is worth us living a life of fear, hatred, and unforgiveness!!!!
Let's continue to resolve the issues of our hearts so that we can love liberally and generously ALL those that don't deserve our love and grace....
We are most like Christ when we live and act as He did!!!!!
Love and blessings to all
Hugs
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Dearest Ladies,
HAPPY WEDNESDAY!
Smile!
G.R.A.C.E.
Grace makes the world go 'round....
Without grace, all would be consumed in a 'dog eat dog' kind of world.
God is the grand exemplar of grace. The Lord extended to us love and grace in place of what we really deserved. Our Heavenly Father demonstrated that love covers a multitude of sins. Our Lord illustrated the sufficiency of His grace.
God proved that love and grace never fail when Christ was born in a lowly stable. God proved that love and grace never fail when Christ ascended into Heaven. God continues to prove that love and grace never fail as He daily chisels us into His prized workmanship.
Some argue that God's gift of salvation or His grace is free. And, to some extent it is. Salvation or grace is free in that we could never satisfy the initial payment nor we could ever repay God for it. Moreover, we were never deserving of His grace. And, even after a lifetime of works and service, we are still undeserving. We could NEVER, EVER, EVER become recipients of God's grace on our merit alone. So, grace is free in that it was freely given to us as we could never earn it. But, grace is hardly free.
Truthfully, Jesus paid a hefty price for the dispensation of grace that so beautifully characterizes our lives. Also, God made an enormous sacrifice in order for us to be set free from the oppressive, fatal wages of sin. Although a down payment was not required of us, as we grow and mature in the Lord we should eventually realize that grace costs us a handsome price as well.
Because God bestows immeasurable grace upon us, we must be bearers of immeasurable grace. The unbeliever can choose a lifetime of unforgiveness, resentment, anger, bitterness, hate, and revenge. It's a choice that's full of morbid consequences. Nevertheless, unbelievers can choose that course. We, on the other hand, may initially grapple with all manner of strong emotions and disgust after divorce. But, God doesn't want us to linger in the toxic, murky, unfruitful waters of the soul's poisons. Someone once said, "holding on to unforgiveness is likened to drinking poison but hoping someone else dies." Ladies, we can't afford to wallow in misery and self-medicate with poison. God wants so much more for us.
Divorce and life post-divorce can be very, very hard and painful. Post-divorce struggles with income, housing, life and health insurances and outstanding debt from legal work can make us very upset and bitter. News of an ex-husband's new girlfriend or new wife can cause us to seethe with anger and frustration. Having our children shuffled back n' forth every other holiday can make us irritable and miserable. Or perhaps, observation of our exes starting lives anew and fathering additional kids (when we can barely get by on child support), can catapult us into a visceral, anxious, hate-filled existence. Typically, we struggle with abandonment and it's lethal attack on our hearts and egos. But, often when our exes appear immediately successful or seem so quickly able to rebound, we can experience post-traumatic stress. We often wonder how they could desert us and then so easily move on. Then, we lambast ourselves for not being able to bounce back as smoothly and swiftly. "Why? Why? Why?" we ask.
If we're not careful, we can cripple our chances for renewal and restoration. It's tempting to rehearse all of our hurts, frustrations, and disappointments. But, if we daily stir up and feed upon negative experiences and memories, then we risk being enslaved to the past and distanced from reality and a favorable, bright future.
It's only natural that we feel hurt and angry after divorce. Anger is a self-preservation aid. Anger fuels us with energy and adrenaline; we are driven to protect and defend ourselves against all harm. However, godly anger will eventually subside and we must navigate forward after it wanes. Anger is healthy when we subscribe to it in healthy doses and in healthy ways.
We have to resist stoking the flames of anger. We have to resist fueling and cultivating anger after its 'normal' range of expression has passed. We must work through our anger and all those things that negatively trigger it.
As recipients of God's amazing grace, our lives are marked by love. Love resides in our hearts. However, love and mercy can't live in our hearts alongside anger, malice, hatred, vengeance, and bitterness. Love and hate cannot co-exist in our hearts; neither can light and darkness. Eventually, hate will choke love. And, darkness will soon strangle all rays of light.
Sisters, we must guard our hearts!!!!
The price of receiving God's grace is our dutiful obligation to extend grace to others, including ourselves. Surely, we must engage in a process to 'bounce back' from hurt and harm. But, in the aftermath, we must chose life, love, forgiveness and healing. We are called to be bearers of God's grace.
Being a bearer of God's grace is beneficial to others but, we benefit as well. When we extend grace to those that don't deserve our forgiveness, we are set free from mental and emotional prisons. We also are able to reflect an image of God in a lost and hopeless world. Ultimately, we bring honor and glory to God, when we extend grace. As the Bible admonishes us, let's allow grace to greatly abound where sin abounds.
Jesus makes us worthy of God's grace. But, if we never extend grace, we will NEVER feel worthy of God's love and grace. Without "feeling" God's grace, we will feel unworthy. Without extending grace so that others can "feel" God's grace, we feel more unworthy. Consequently, low self-worth will cause us to reject God's influence and impact on our lives. We must resist and rise above the snares that rob us of experiencing God's grace and extending it to others. We must be gracious to others.
HAPPY GRACING sisters!
NOTHING and NO ONE is worth us living a life of fear, hatred, and unforgiveness!!!!
Let's continue to resolve the issues of our hearts so that we can love liberally and generously ALL those that don't deserve our love and grace....
We are most like Christ when we live and act as He did!!!!!
Love and blessings to all
Hugs
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
HOPE IS THE SOUL'S ANCHOR
"But if the storms don't cease,
and if the wind keeps on blowing,
my soul has been anchored in the Lord." ~My Soul is Anchored
Hebrews 6:19
"Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;”
Good morning dearest Ladies,
HAPPY TUESDAY!!!!
I hope that you and yours are well. Welcome to the dawn of a new day! Cheers to a promising and productive day!
An old African proverb states, "it doesn't matter if you're a lion or a gazelle, you better start running when the sun comes up." Run on sisters! Fight forward! We have much to accomplish!
I encourage us all to fiercely cling to God now and always. I pray that we all tenaciously hold firm onto our hope and faith in God. Hang tough!
The storms of life will rage around us. Sometimes storms will threaten to rage in us. But, we must press on.
Like Daniel, who was tossed in the lion's den, we must fight forward. We must walk through life trusting that God is with us and believing that He will deliver us. But, we must engage the storm and walk through it even when God's deliverance doesn't preclude us from danger.
We must walk through life even if the storms don't cease and the winds keep on blowing!!!!!
Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, whom were tossed in the fiery furnace, we must approach storms with that the mindset that even if God doesn't spare our lives, we will serve Him through the storm. In fact, we will serve Him always because our souls are anchored in Him.
Our allegiance to God helps us to walk through storms. It also influences 'how' we walk through storms. We can always endure storms with hope because our God walks with us regardless of the outcome. We are reassured that God works ALL things, even storms, together for good.
We must walk through life even if the storms don't cease and the winds keep blowing!!!!
Our souls are anchored in the Lord sisters!!!!!!
God holds our future! He holds our tomorrow!!! We can fight forward with hope! Divorce is not the end; it's just another NEW beginning.
I'm proud of YOU!!!
I'm praying for YOU!!!
I'm cheering for YOU!!!!
Love and blessings
Hugs
and if the wind keeps on blowing,
my soul has been anchored in the Lord." ~My Soul is Anchored
Hebrews 6:19
"Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;”
Good morning dearest Ladies,
HAPPY TUESDAY!!!!
I hope that you and yours are well. Welcome to the dawn of a new day! Cheers to a promising and productive day!
An old African proverb states, "it doesn't matter if you're a lion or a gazelle, you better start running when the sun comes up." Run on sisters! Fight forward! We have much to accomplish!
I encourage us all to fiercely cling to God now and always. I pray that we all tenaciously hold firm onto our hope and faith in God. Hang tough!
The storms of life will rage around us. Sometimes storms will threaten to rage in us. But, we must press on.
Like Daniel, who was tossed in the lion's den, we must fight forward. We must walk through life trusting that God is with us and believing that He will deliver us. But, we must engage the storm and walk through it even when God's deliverance doesn't preclude us from danger.
We must walk through life even if the storms don't cease and the winds keep on blowing!!!!!
Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, whom were tossed in the fiery furnace, we must approach storms with that the mindset that even if God doesn't spare our lives, we will serve Him through the storm. In fact, we will serve Him always because our souls are anchored in Him.
Our allegiance to God helps us to walk through storms. It also influences 'how' we walk through storms. We can always endure storms with hope because our God walks with us regardless of the outcome. We are reassured that God works ALL things, even storms, together for good.
We must walk through life even if the storms don't cease and the winds keep blowing!!!!
Our souls are anchored in the Lord sisters!!!!!!
God holds our future! He holds our tomorrow!!! We can fight forward with hope! Divorce is not the end; it's just another NEW beginning.
I'm proud of YOU!!!
I'm praying for YOU!!!
I'm cheering for YOU!!!!
Love and blessings
Hugs
Monday, February 6, 2017
MY SOUL HAS BEEN ANCHORED
My Soul Has Been Anchored
Verse:
Though the storms keep on raging in my life,
and sometimes it's hard to tell the night from day.
Still that hope that lies within is reassured
as I keep my eyes upon the distant shore;
I know He'll lead me safely to that
blessed place He has prepared
Chorus:
But if the storms don't cease,
and if the wind keeps on blowing,
my soul has been anchored in the Lord.
Bridge:
I realize that somtimes in this life
you're gonna be tossed by the waves
and currents that seem so fierce,
but in the word of God I've got an anchor;
and it keeps me steadfast and unmovable
Dearest Sisters,
HAPPY MONDAY!
I had the privilege of celebrating my grandmother's 90th birthday this past weekend. Up above, I posted lyrics to a song that my father sung to my grandmother. You can hear the song with a quick GOOGLE or YOU TUBE search.
My father's rendition was very, very encouraging. I don't believe there was a dry eye in the room. My dad's song selection was absolutely glorious and such a fitting tribute to my grandmother. She has been through a lot in 90 years but she's still a 'tough ole bird.' She is a baby of the Great Depression era. If you know the caliber of the folks of that era then you know my grandmother. Interestingly, she is one year younger than the current reigning Queen Elizabeth II. They both are very poised, graceful, and wise beyond their years.
As I listened to my father's serenade, I reflected on the storms that continually blow into our lives as divorcees and single parents. The storms are many and sometimes long. But, WE ARE STILL HERE!
Sisters, I want to remind you that God is our anchor. His word is the rope that secures us to Him, our anchor. Storms will rage. Winds will blow. But, God will keep us from being overtaken and defeated.
THE LORD IS OUR ANCHOR!!!!
GOD IS OUR ANCHOR!!!
God never promised to give us storm-free lives. Jesus didn't have a storm-free life and we won't either. BUT, the single most beautiful difference between our lives and that of unbelievers is that God promises to hold our hands during the storms. He promised to never leave us nor forsake us. So, hang on! The storms will come....the storms will rage....the winds will blow. BUT, God is our anchor.
BE ENCOURAGED sweet, beautiful mamas.
God is for you and yours!
Go, fight, win!
Be radiant and resilient!
YOU are God's beautiful creation!
Love and blessings
Hugs
Verse:
Though the storms keep on raging in my life,
and sometimes it's hard to tell the night from day.
Still that hope that lies within is reassured
as I keep my eyes upon the distant shore;
I know He'll lead me safely to that
blessed place He has prepared
Chorus:
But if the storms don't cease,
and if the wind keeps on blowing,
my soul has been anchored in the Lord.
Bridge:
I realize that somtimes in this life
you're gonna be tossed by the waves
and currents that seem so fierce,
but in the word of God I've got an anchor;
and it keeps me steadfast and unmovable
Dearest Sisters,
HAPPY MONDAY!
I had the privilege of celebrating my grandmother's 90th birthday this past weekend. Up above, I posted lyrics to a song that my father sung to my grandmother. You can hear the song with a quick GOOGLE or YOU TUBE search.
My father's rendition was very, very encouraging. I don't believe there was a dry eye in the room. My dad's song selection was absolutely glorious and such a fitting tribute to my grandmother. She has been through a lot in 90 years but she's still a 'tough ole bird.' She is a baby of the Great Depression era. If you know the caliber of the folks of that era then you know my grandmother. Interestingly, she is one year younger than the current reigning Queen Elizabeth II. They both are very poised, graceful, and wise beyond their years.
As I listened to my father's serenade, I reflected on the storms that continually blow into our lives as divorcees and single parents. The storms are many and sometimes long. But, WE ARE STILL HERE!
Sisters, I want to remind you that God is our anchor. His word is the rope that secures us to Him, our anchor. Storms will rage. Winds will blow. But, God will keep us from being overtaken and defeated.
THE LORD IS OUR ANCHOR!!!!
GOD IS OUR ANCHOR!!!
God never promised to give us storm-free lives. Jesus didn't have a storm-free life and we won't either. BUT, the single most beautiful difference between our lives and that of unbelievers is that God promises to hold our hands during the storms. He promised to never leave us nor forsake us. So, hang on! The storms will come....the storms will rage....the winds will blow. BUT, God is our anchor.
BE ENCOURAGED sweet, beautiful mamas.
God is for you and yours!
Go, fight, win!
Be radiant and resilient!
YOU are God's beautiful creation!
Love and blessings
Hugs
Thursday, February 2, 2017
THE LORD IS YOUR DELIVERER
Dearest Sisters,
BE ENCOURAGED!!!!
The Lord is your deliverer!
There is nothing that God cannot deliver you from!
The Lord God will deliver YOU out of ALL your afflictions!
Cry out to God!
The Lord is listening!
God will deliver YOU!
God will redeem YOU!
February is known as the 'love month.' Please read below an excerpt from Psalm 34! I pray that you are refreshed and renewed by this love letter that God penned to YOU. Allow the love of God to overwhelm you; to flood through your veins. Walk in God's love. Live in God's love. Exist in God's love. Drink deeply of God's love.
YOU ARE LOVED!!!!
Because God loves YOU, it is His great pleasure to deliver YOU!
Be encouraged sweetheart!
Read on....
Psalm 34:17-22 KJV
17 The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.
20 He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.
21 Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.
22 The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.
God loves you!
I love you!
The Lord is loving, compassionate, loyal and faithful!
Look to Heaven for your deliverance!
Fight forward!
Love and blessings
Hugs
BE ENCOURAGED!!!!
The Lord is your deliverer!
There is nothing that God cannot deliver you from!
The Lord God will deliver YOU out of ALL your afflictions!
Cry out to God!
The Lord is listening!
God will deliver YOU!
God will redeem YOU!
February is known as the 'love month.' Please read below an excerpt from Psalm 34! I pray that you are refreshed and renewed by this love letter that God penned to YOU. Allow the love of God to overwhelm you; to flood through your veins. Walk in God's love. Live in God's love. Exist in God's love. Drink deeply of God's love.
YOU ARE LOVED!!!!
Because God loves YOU, it is His great pleasure to deliver YOU!
Be encouraged sweetheart!
Read on....
Psalm 34:17-22 KJV
17 The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.
20 He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.
21 Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.
22 The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.
God loves you!
I love you!
The Lord is loving, compassionate, loyal and faithful!
Look to Heaven for your deliverance!
Fight forward!
Love and blessings
Hugs
GOD EQUIPS US
Exodus 4:10-12 KJV
10 And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.
11 And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord?
12 Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.
Dearest Ladies,
HAPPY THURSDAY!!!!
I pray that you and yours have a promising and productive day.
I'm praying for you and yours!
I'm cheering for you and yours!
Sisters, God has commissioned us to parent our kiddos. The day the Lord knit a child in our wombs, our journeys began. God knew before He commissioned us as moms that we would face enormous giants, terrifying enemies, excruciating obstacles, and crushing setbacks. The Lord knew all along what was up ahead. And yet, He still chose us because He knew that He would qualify and equips us for every battle.
God created our children's unique personalities, preferences, styles, and quirks. He knew of our children's needs before we did. He knew that our beautiful children needed a special mother that was uniquely formulated to embrace their individualities and to encourage them to maximize their potential. The Lord God set love in hearts as life was growing in our wombs. Not only were we called to Mommyhood, we were specifically made for it. Never doubt God's plan.
The Lord knew that single parenthood was up ahead. He knew the grief, despair, and depressed moods that we would experience when our husbands declared that they would no longer participate in the day-to-day parenting of our kiddos. God knew that our hearts and minds would swell with fear, anxiety, worry, and frustration. The Lord knew that we would struggle with bouts of lethargy, fatigue, insomnia, and strange illnesses and physical attacks. The Lord knew that we didn't think we could face down the terror and move forward. The Lord knew.....
The Lord knew that we would lose or give up jobs, careers, educational opportunities, comfort, convenience, money, lengthy vacations family members, friends, relationships, loved ones, marriages, houses, homes, and other fringe benefits on our journeys....in order to remain committed and available to our children. Likewise, the Lord also knew that we would have to take on the new burden of jobs, careers, and additional schooling in order to make ends meet in our new role as sole breadwinner. The Lord knew that we would go through storms that would make us question our abilities and fortitude to parent alone. God also saw that we would struggle with faith and sometimes our sanity. The Lord knew that trials and tribulations would come that would cause us to take inventory of our resources and then doubt that we were able to financially underwrite our single parent endeavors. The Lord knew this ALL. Yet, He still handpicked us. He still chose us. The Lord chooses us EVERYDAY. The Lord knew....
The Lord is moved with compassion towards us!!!! Daily He looks upon our humble estates! Daily He promises to walk with us and equip us for every challenge that we will face on our journeys.
God qualified us to be the BEST mothers for our kiddos then and now. He gives us a thumbs up everyday. God specifically designed us to effectively parent our darling kiddos. Divorce nor its traumatic outcome can decommission us. God is for us!!!!
Sisters, can you itemize the small DAILY encounters with GOD that whisper to your heart, "Go on! Move forward! I'm proud of you! You can do this! I am with you always." They are there! Believe me, they are there. Look for those blessed impressions that God wants to leave on your heart. The Lord wants to fill your heart and days with compassion, understanding, and encouragement. The Lord sees your struggles; He wants to encourage you.
Dearest beautiful mamas, the opportunity to commence motherhood was never an invitation to sojourn without God. Rather, the undertaking required then as it requires now a personal, intimate relationship with God. Motherhood is a God thang; yep, embrace the slang-SMILE! Since the days of Eve, motherhood was a divine, miraculous endeavor- SMILE! The history of mothering goes waaaay back to the beginning. It's a God thang, sisters! It's the Lord who indescribably chooses us, creates life in us, and then stirs up every heavenly gift, trait, talent, and skill in us that we will need to care for our children. God entrusted Eve to be a nurturer of life. The Lord also trusts us. Motherhood is God's invention and idea. Therefore, we cannot be effective, committed, nor long suffering without God breathing life into our endeavors DAILY!!!!
Ladies, God chose Moses to lead the Children of Israel out of Egypt. He, too, was forsaken of all before his face-to-face encounter with God. When the Lord approached Moses with his commission, Moses was so focused on himself. Moses was consumed with anxiety and worry about his inabilities, his shortcomings, his lack of resources, and his inadequacies. Moses doubted that the Children of Israel would listen to him. He doubted his ability to lead them and his ability to persuade and influence them in light of his past. Early on, Moses was a member of the Egyptian elite and he also murdered man. Moses could not see past his past in order to move forward with God. Ladies, is anything holding you back? Let it go! God is not holding your past against you so don't you hold it against yourself. Your kiddos need you. They need you to shower them with attention, affirmation, affection, assurance, and approval.
Ladies, we MUST get past the hurt of divorce to fulfill our divine calling as mothers. We have to allow God to heal and mend our broken hearts. We have to push through the pain. We MUST get better. Unforgiveness, bitterness, and anger will surface in our hearts and rightfully so. But, they cannot remain there indefinitely. We have to be full of life and love in order to fill our kiddos' lives with love. We can do this! YOU can do this. ALL things are possible with God!!!!!!
Moses gave God reason after reason to substantiate his perceived limitations and his angst about his mission. Moses moaned and groaned in his attempt to disqualify himself and terminate his commission. Exodus chapter 4 contains a dialogue between God and Moses. Mid-chapter, Moses tells God that he is not qualified for leadership because he is not an eloquent speaker. The Lord, yet again, responded in love and compassion. God reminded Moses that HE was ALL that Moses needed. The Lord reminded Moses that amazing oratorical skills does not qualify leaders for service with God. The Lord alone qualifies and calls leaders to accomplish His will.
Ladies, we are qualified to 'mother.' We were qualified before divorce and we remain qualified. God is ALL we need. Divorce challenged us in nearly every way possible. We have questioned many, many things. We have asked "WHY?" probably more times than we can recount. Sure, we are a bit bruised, battered, and bewildered BUT, God still qualifies us. God is the one who makes ALL the difference in our parenting endeavors. He knows that we have fought immobilizing feelings and warred against myriad fears, cares, and concerns. Yet, the Lord still qualifies us. Take heart! You are fit for battle!
When Moses doubted, the Lord did not give up on Moses. In the same regard, God does NOT give up on us. When we waiver, falter, and faint, the Lord is there to gracefully and graciously usher us back to the frontline of our missions; He is always there to cheer us on. We are mommy-leaders that God have called and equipped. He will make sure that we stay focused and committed to the end.
We see that every time Moses cast doubt on his abilities, the Lord reassured him that He would equip him and walk with him. Every time that Moses cast doubt on the success of the mission, God assured him that He ALONE was the remedy for every challenge that lie ahead. The Lord is faithful! The Lord was faithful to Moses! The Lord is faithful to us!
God promised to equip and lead Moses! And, He did. The Lord wanted Moses to be fully assured and confident that although his assignment was tough, God was able to see him through it.
After all, God created everything for His purpose. The Lord orchestrated the 'Exodus' mission and called Moses, so He knew that everything would unfold just as He planned. Everything was meticulously set, Moses's trust and faith in God were the only things that had to be nailed down. Trust and faith were essential to his success on his odyssey...
Odyssey.....
Odyssey.....
Sisters, we all are on an odyssey. Single parenthood is an odyssey. Both trial and triumph lie ahead. Both sacrifice and success lie ahead. Both revilement and reward lie ahead. But, take heart! Be bold and courageous! God has called you to motherhood AND He has equipped you for the single-parent journey.
God commissioned you! God commissioned us! He knows everything that lies ahead. He knew the entire length and scope of our courses before He invited us to walk with Him....to follow Him. Trust the Lord!
Let's be mindful of Moses' example. Instead of telling God all that we can't do, let's trust that His grace, leading, equipping, and provision is all sufficient for us. Fight forward!
Love and blessings
Hugs
10 And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.
11 And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord?
12 Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.
Dearest Ladies,
HAPPY THURSDAY!!!!
I pray that you and yours have a promising and productive day.
I'm praying for you and yours!
I'm cheering for you and yours!
Sisters, God has commissioned us to parent our kiddos. The day the Lord knit a child in our wombs, our journeys began. God knew before He commissioned us as moms that we would face enormous giants, terrifying enemies, excruciating obstacles, and crushing setbacks. The Lord knew all along what was up ahead. And yet, He still chose us because He knew that He would qualify and equips us for every battle.
God created our children's unique personalities, preferences, styles, and quirks. He knew of our children's needs before we did. He knew that our beautiful children needed a special mother that was uniquely formulated to embrace their individualities and to encourage them to maximize their potential. The Lord God set love in hearts as life was growing in our wombs. Not only were we called to Mommyhood, we were specifically made for it. Never doubt God's plan.
The Lord knew that single parenthood was up ahead. He knew the grief, despair, and depressed moods that we would experience when our husbands declared that they would no longer participate in the day-to-day parenting of our kiddos. God knew that our hearts and minds would swell with fear, anxiety, worry, and frustration. The Lord knew that we would struggle with bouts of lethargy, fatigue, insomnia, and strange illnesses and physical attacks. The Lord knew that we didn't think we could face down the terror and move forward. The Lord knew.....
The Lord knew that we would lose or give up jobs, careers, educational opportunities, comfort, convenience, money, lengthy vacations family members, friends, relationships, loved ones, marriages, houses, homes, and other fringe benefits on our journeys....in order to remain committed and available to our children. Likewise, the Lord also knew that we would have to take on the new burden of jobs, careers, and additional schooling in order to make ends meet in our new role as sole breadwinner. The Lord knew that we would go through storms that would make us question our abilities and fortitude to parent alone. God also saw that we would struggle with faith and sometimes our sanity. The Lord knew that trials and tribulations would come that would cause us to take inventory of our resources and then doubt that we were able to financially underwrite our single parent endeavors. The Lord knew this ALL. Yet, He still handpicked us. He still chose us. The Lord chooses us EVERYDAY. The Lord knew....
The Lord is moved with compassion towards us!!!! Daily He looks upon our humble estates! Daily He promises to walk with us and equip us for every challenge that we will face on our journeys.
God qualified us to be the BEST mothers for our kiddos then and now. He gives us a thumbs up everyday. God specifically designed us to effectively parent our darling kiddos. Divorce nor its traumatic outcome can decommission us. God is for us!!!!
Sisters, can you itemize the small DAILY encounters with GOD that whisper to your heart, "Go on! Move forward! I'm proud of you! You can do this! I am with you always." They are there! Believe me, they are there. Look for those blessed impressions that God wants to leave on your heart. The Lord wants to fill your heart and days with compassion, understanding, and encouragement. The Lord sees your struggles; He wants to encourage you.
Dearest beautiful mamas, the opportunity to commence motherhood was never an invitation to sojourn without God. Rather, the undertaking required then as it requires now a personal, intimate relationship with God. Motherhood is a God thang; yep, embrace the slang-SMILE! Since the days of Eve, motherhood was a divine, miraculous endeavor- SMILE! The history of mothering goes waaaay back to the beginning. It's a God thang, sisters! It's the Lord who indescribably chooses us, creates life in us, and then stirs up every heavenly gift, trait, talent, and skill in us that we will need to care for our children. God entrusted Eve to be a nurturer of life. The Lord also trusts us. Motherhood is God's invention and idea. Therefore, we cannot be effective, committed, nor long suffering without God breathing life into our endeavors DAILY!!!!
Ladies, God chose Moses to lead the Children of Israel out of Egypt. He, too, was forsaken of all before his face-to-face encounter with God. When the Lord approached Moses with his commission, Moses was so focused on himself. Moses was consumed with anxiety and worry about his inabilities, his shortcomings, his lack of resources, and his inadequacies. Moses doubted that the Children of Israel would listen to him. He doubted his ability to lead them and his ability to persuade and influence them in light of his past. Early on, Moses was a member of the Egyptian elite and he also murdered man. Moses could not see past his past in order to move forward with God. Ladies, is anything holding you back? Let it go! God is not holding your past against you so don't you hold it against yourself. Your kiddos need you. They need you to shower them with attention, affirmation, affection, assurance, and approval.
Ladies, we MUST get past the hurt of divorce to fulfill our divine calling as mothers. We have to allow God to heal and mend our broken hearts. We have to push through the pain. We MUST get better. Unforgiveness, bitterness, and anger will surface in our hearts and rightfully so. But, they cannot remain there indefinitely. We have to be full of life and love in order to fill our kiddos' lives with love. We can do this! YOU can do this. ALL things are possible with God!!!!!!
Moses gave God reason after reason to substantiate his perceived limitations and his angst about his mission. Moses moaned and groaned in his attempt to disqualify himself and terminate his commission. Exodus chapter 4 contains a dialogue between God and Moses. Mid-chapter, Moses tells God that he is not qualified for leadership because he is not an eloquent speaker. The Lord, yet again, responded in love and compassion. God reminded Moses that HE was ALL that Moses needed. The Lord reminded Moses that amazing oratorical skills does not qualify leaders for service with God. The Lord alone qualifies and calls leaders to accomplish His will.
Ladies, we are qualified to 'mother.' We were qualified before divorce and we remain qualified. God is ALL we need. Divorce challenged us in nearly every way possible. We have questioned many, many things. We have asked "WHY?" probably more times than we can recount. Sure, we are a bit bruised, battered, and bewildered BUT, God still qualifies us. God is the one who makes ALL the difference in our parenting endeavors. He knows that we have fought immobilizing feelings and warred against myriad fears, cares, and concerns. Yet, the Lord still qualifies us. Take heart! You are fit for battle!
When Moses doubted, the Lord did not give up on Moses. In the same regard, God does NOT give up on us. When we waiver, falter, and faint, the Lord is there to gracefully and graciously usher us back to the frontline of our missions; He is always there to cheer us on. We are mommy-leaders that God have called and equipped. He will make sure that we stay focused and committed to the end.
We see that every time Moses cast doubt on his abilities, the Lord reassured him that He would equip him and walk with him. Every time that Moses cast doubt on the success of the mission, God assured him that He ALONE was the remedy for every challenge that lie ahead. The Lord is faithful! The Lord was faithful to Moses! The Lord is faithful to us!
God promised to equip and lead Moses! And, He did. The Lord wanted Moses to be fully assured and confident that although his assignment was tough, God was able to see him through it.
After all, God created everything for His purpose. The Lord orchestrated the 'Exodus' mission and called Moses, so He knew that everything would unfold just as He planned. Everything was meticulously set, Moses's trust and faith in God were the only things that had to be nailed down. Trust and faith were essential to his success on his odyssey...
Odyssey.....
Odyssey.....
Sisters, we all are on an odyssey. Single parenthood is an odyssey. Both trial and triumph lie ahead. Both sacrifice and success lie ahead. Both revilement and reward lie ahead. But, take heart! Be bold and courageous! God has called you to motherhood AND He has equipped you for the single-parent journey.
God commissioned you! God commissioned us! He knows everything that lies ahead. He knew the entire length and scope of our courses before He invited us to walk with Him....to follow Him. Trust the Lord!
Let's be mindful of Moses' example. Instead of telling God all that we can't do, let's trust that His grace, leading, equipping, and provision is all sufficient for us. Fight forward!
Love and blessings
Hugs
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
YOU have Heaven's attention
Dearest Ladies, BE ENCOURAGED!
God is for YOU!
Keep hanging tough!
Keep fighting!
God is sovereign and faithful. The Lord sees EVERYTHING that is happening to you. He sees you struggling. The Lord is grieved when you are grieved. The Lord notices your tears and angst. The Lord hears your cries and prayers. You have Heaven's attention.
It may seem like your cries have fallen on deaf ears.....I want to remind you that they have NOT. It may seem like your pleas for help have been ignored.......I want to assure you that they have NOT. You may feel forsaken, rejected, and scorned but, you are NOT. You are very, very, very special. God sees you! God hears you! God cares! Dearest sweetheart, YOU have Heaven's attention. You are the apple of God's eye. In just a matter of time, your relief will appear.
The Lord is wise and just! God is all-knowing and all-seeing. The Lord sees the vicious attacks towards you. The Lord is NOT pleased. He is moved by compassion for you. Vengeance is mine," said the Lord. The Lord God will avenge you. Dear heart, you have Heaven's attention.
It may seem like your cries have fallen on deaf ears. But, they have NOT. It may seem like your pleas for help have been ignored. But, NOT a single word have you uttered in vain. You may feel forsaken, rejected, and scorned but, you are NOT. God sees you! God hears you! God cares! You are God's beloved. Dearest sweetheart, YOU have Heaven's attention. In just a matter of time, your relief will appear.
Love and blessings
Sweet dreams!
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