5 minutes ago is just as over as 50 years ago

Hebrews 10:22 "Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful."  Five minutes ago is just as over as 50 years ago!!   Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we have in Jesus Christ!! Today, we each have much opportunity.   I am choosing to focus on the goodness of God and what I can do today, to shine and make good use of the talents and blessings He has given me.   I have done plenty of stupid, sinful things.   I have wrecked many of my days being focused on my guilt and shame when I focus on that I bring those around me down not build them up. .   How silly!  Jesus gives us a new day!! Today let’s love God and love each other with purity and newness of heart!  ❤️ 🙏😇

Rid it, tell you get it!!

Colossians 3:1 "Since, then you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.  2 Set your minds on things above not on earthly things.  3 For you died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you will also appear with Him in glory. 5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these the wrath of God is coming.  7You used to walk in these ways in the life you once lived.  8 but now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language from your lips.  9 do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on a new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of it's Creator. ". Take off the old and put on the new!!!    Funny how I can be thinking I’m doing pretty good in my  “Holiness” then  I read things I’m supposed to be RID of and I realize how broken I still am.    Yet, in Christ I keep shaking off the old and putting on the new.  It’s my constant battle.  In order to win the war, I need to remember the battle has already been won by Jesus on the cross!  I confess, ask for forgiveness and try, try, try to change my thinking so I embrace God’s ways not mine.  How are you doing in your war?  Let Christ fight your battle!! He has already won the war!!  Let’s walk in the newness of life He suffered and died to give us!!

Ash Wednesday, will you observe Lent this year?

 James 4:15 "Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."  Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.   Many Christians use this time to draw closer to Jesus.   (James 4:8 “Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands,  you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double minded.”). Prayz network (My favorite Christian radio station❤️), reported that one listener committed to only listen to Prayz  network, when she was in the car for the 40 days of Lent.  By Easter she was enjoying a deeper more encouraging walk with our Lord!! What will you do for Lent?  Personally, I want to be more focused on remembering  Jesus is with me always so I can be still and trust Him in my daily decisions.   I will be trying to pray first and react second.   When I intentionally remember Jesus is with me I am more apt to make good decisions.    I read my Bible most days, but even so in the middle of my day I forget to call on the ever present strength, knowledge, love and song of God.   This Lent season will you join me in actively seeking God first and remembering He is with you always?   Please share how you plan to do it.  Let’s stand strong in our conviction one day at a time from now to Easter and hopefully beyond!!    Have a blessed, happy, reflective Lent!!😇🙏❤️

Get strength for your battle

 Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  29. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest  for your souls.  30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."   His yoke is easy, His burden is light!! Do you ever feel like you are walking up hill in both directions?  Do you feel like the wind and the hills are ever present? Maybe you aren’t walking in Gods will.   I heard a sermon from Adrian Rogers the other day, he said,”Stop trying and start trusting!”  When I am fighting hard for something and not getting anywhere, I need to evaluate whether or not what I am fighting for is truly God’s  will.   Sometimes the fight is worth it and He gives us strength and courage for the battle.  Sometimes we do face righteous fights.   It was a battle for me to give up alcohol.   Yet, sometimes we are fighting for the wind.   When I put Jesus, as the focus of my heart, my battle with alcohol became easy.  I longed for Jesus more than the numbing of the booze. I couldn’t have both.  Today, I’m looking at my battles, the ones I am getting wearied by are the ones I’m fighting for myself and my selfish desires;   The ones I am fighting to be closer to God for are energized!  I Hope this helps you put God first, so you can have strength for your battles and enjoy your life!!

Meaning of life?

 Psalm 39:4 "Show me, O Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is."   What are you doing with your life?   That is a question I often ponder.   There is a saying, “Life on earth is soon to pass only what’s done for Christ will last.”  Who has made the most difference in your life?   For me it’s the people who pointed me to Jesus and His word.   In the Bible I have found the meaning of life; “Love God and Love His people!”  ( The Kimberly paraphrase ).  Jesus said, “Love others as I have loved you.” He also said, “I give you two new commands all the other commands are based on these two, Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and soul and love others as you love yourself.”  I have always had a hard time with loving myself, so I try to love others as Jesus loves me.  Today, when we are figuring out what to do with our time, let’s plan to make an eternal difference!

Its too easy to harden our hearts

 Proverbs 28:13 "He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.  14 Blessed is a man who always fears the Lord, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble."  Unconfessed sin lingers in my behaviors.  I have to identify my sinful thoughts and behaviors quickly or they will take root.   With out this constant evaluating my thoughts and behaviors, I fall into the trap of  accepting my sins as “ “not that bad”, which is a hardening of my heart.   If I look toward this worlds opinions; many sins are considered “normal” and encouraged such as gossip, lying, slothfulness, greed, slander, lust, envy…….We have a higher calling!!!  Let’s not harden our hearts!   Let’s  confess our sins to God and try, try, try again!   You know the sins you’ve hardened your heart to.   Be inspired to deal with them today!!!

Remember, we are saved by grace and not by works!! Its Jesus’s finished work on the cross that saves us!!  Yet, I have found, my days are better , when I try my best to avoid sin.  Thank you Jesus for forgiveness and desire to do better!!

Be a good team mate

 Proverbs 21:20. “A house divided against itself cannot stand,”.  I raised three boys.  When I would send them into the bathroom to brush their teeth, inevitably, a fight would break out, one of the three had to win.   I had to remind my boys, "We are on the same team, right now we are on the; "get to school on time team".  I told them, "In this house we treat each other with patience, kindness and understanding.   What part of being mean to your brother is patient, kind and understanding?"   They would inevitably have an excuse why couldn't possibly have avoided the fight.    They were children and it was my job as their mom to teach them to be on the same team.         Many times our own families feel like they are our enemies.  I am a divorced mom.  One huge mistake I made was forgetting my husband and I were on the same team.    A house divided against each other will fall.  Practice patience, kindness and understanding today.  Be a a good team mate, look for solutions with love.  ❤️

Prideful crash

 Ezekiel 28:5 “ By your great skill in trading you have increased your wealth, and because of your wealth your heart has grown proud……..17 Your heart became proud on  account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor.  So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings.”  PRIDE!  I have been feeling a bit “puffed up”, after my successful Birkie week with four good races in four days.   This morning I was driving to Madison.  I arrived in Madison and feeling pretty empowered I didn’t notice the black ice until I lost control of my car and crashed.  I felt so ashamed, one minute I’m on the top of the world.  Then in an aftermath  of a crash; praising God no one was injured because of my prideful driving.    Pride is a funny thing, it makes you feel invincible, which never ends well. Today, if you are feeling great about things you’ve accomplished, great!!! Just remember everything we have comes from God in the first place.  Stay humble so you can stay alert!!😇🙏

Quietness and trust

 Isaiah 30:15 "This is what the Sovereign Lord, The Holy One of Israel, says:  "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it."    

....."18Yet, the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion.  For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him."     In quietness and trust is your strength!!  Wow!! Quietness and trust is so profound!! I am a " get it done" type of person, yet, no matter how hard I try I can’t make things happen God will not allow.   It's hard for me to sit back, wait and trust.   When I do, His still small voice along with the words of His Bible show me which way to go.   In my obstinance sometimes I still trudge through with my plans. Today, I hope to let my mind be set on His ways and His peace.  I hope to let His word be the lamp to my feet.   Isaiah 30:21 "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, "This is the way, walk in it."   Today, in quietness and trust; let’s do our  best to follow Our Gracious Lord!!

Be the encourager!

1Peter 5:2 " Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers- not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.  4And when the Chief Shepard appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away."........6 "Humble yourself, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.  7 Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."   First of all,  thank you again for all the prayers.   I had an other great race!!  I felt good the entire time and was able to be an encourager not a complainer!!   On the 53k course there were plenty of people starting to complain about, wax, hills or snow conditions….When I heard someone complain I would quickly point out something to be thankful for.  Toward the end of the race one girl said, “You have single handedly kept me going!  Thanks for being so encouraging.”  I responded, “ It’s Our Good Lord, that has kept you going!!   I’ve been reminding you of His goodness.”  When I arrived at the changing rooms, I heard of an other testimony of a first time Birkie skier; she felt she couldn’t go on and a “Birchlegger”(person who has skied 20 or more Birkies) lady took her under her wing and helped her.  The young lady  attributed her finish to the encouragement and care of the Birchlegger!   Today, know that what you do or say doesn’t return void.  Let what you do or say be for the glory of Our Good Lord!!  Be the encourager!!!

Be courageous

 Mark 5:19 "Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.".......34 "He said to her, "Daughter, your faith had healed you.  Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.".......36 "Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, "Don't be afraid; just believe."................." Talitha koum!" ( which means, "Little girl, I say to you, get up!").  Today is my biggest and final race for the week.  Its the Official American Birkenbien in its original form.  I did the open track event on Wednesday.   I have had a great week of participation in wonderful races and enjoying my friends and family and my sister’s and brothers in Jesus.    I try to make a habit out of being bold in Christ.    Yesterday, when I was getting tired toward the end of my 29k race, I encouraged a sister with scripture, a fellow skiier over heard us he encouraged me with scripture! He said to fly on  eagles wings!!!   As I read Mark 5 today, there are so many verses that stand out.  Be encouraged today to use scripture to encourage each other.  It’s amazing how much healing takes place when we share the word of God!!!   Be bold in Jesus!  Be courageous!!!

Finish Strong no matter how tangled you get!!

Proverbs 21:3 "To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice."

....9 "Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife."

....13" If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor he too will cry out and not be answered."

...21 " He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor."

.....23 "He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity."

..24 "The proud and arrogant man -"Mocker" is his name; he behaves with overweening pride."   Today as I read Proverbs 21, I am convicted of my pride, and how sometimes doing the right thing can feel like a sacrifice.  Have you ever asked someone, “ Do you think you’ll go to heaven when you die?”  And their response is, “ I hope so, Im a pretty good person.”?   When I read Proverbs 21 I’m reminded how not good of a person I am.   Praise God we are saved by grace not by works!! Because of this amazing gift we receive from Jesus, we want to do good.   We will fail, but just like yesterday at my ski jouring race  we have the ability to keep trying!! Yesterday my dog Tonto and I got tangled up with the other dogs, we eventually broke free and still finished 

Strong!  We missed the podium by 4 seconds and were caught in the tangle for about 10.   It cost us a podium finish but in the long run who cares where you place as long as you finish well!!! What ever may tangle you up today, shake it off and keep on keeping on!! Finish strong!!

Thanks for your prayers I have felt the benefits!!    Please continue to lift me up and my fellow Birkie Skier's that we all may stay safe and finish strong!!

No greater way

James 1:6 “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.  7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double- minded man, unstable in all he does.”   My race went extremely well yesterday.   Thanks so much for your prayers.  I could feel the power of prayer as I climbed the hills with my freshly broken wrist!(Sunday).   I had complete confidence that I made the correct decision staying in the race assigned to me.  I made that decision based on reading yesterday’s Bible verse.  I let Gods’ word be a lamp to my feet and I didn’t change my mind!   I can be indecisive.   When I am I don’t  have peace.   Today, TRUST that when you read the word of God and you get a clear direction it’s the right one!  Let’s be stable in all our ways. Firmly trust and obey, there is no greater way!!

Dig deep

 Luke 6:46-49. "46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’and do not do what I say? 47 As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. 48 They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”  Today, I’m skiing the American Birkebeiner open track. I have registered for the classic open track. I wanted to switch to skate, but it would be technically against the rules, at this stage. Many people have said no worries, just go ahead and do what you want.  The problem is, I don’t feel right about it.  I'm gonna try to dig down deep today and do what I'm supposed to do in the ski race and I really hope I dig down deep today and do what I'm supposed to do,  in all areas of my life.  Without a firm foundation, I quickly head to destruction.  I hope this helps you too.  Do today what lines up with the word of God!😇

Overflowing , no matter what!

Colossians 1:10 " And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power and patience, and joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light"

13 For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."   He gives us everything we need to do His good works!!  We do good works out of the overflow of His love in our hearts!   If we're not " feeling it", maybe its because we are burdened by our own "stuff".   This human condition, can wear us out.   Be encouraged

and renewed!   We are not the sum of our wrongs we are the righteousness of Jesus Christ!  5 minutes ago is just as over as 50 years ago.    Get up shake it off and try, try, try again!!  I find it easier to keep on keeping on when I remember to keep on identifying with who I am in Jesus Christ; forgiven, strengthened, joyful and full of enough love to give out of my abundance!!  😇.  I hope this helps you to walk right today too, no matter what!!!

Resist what you will be ashamed of

 Romans 6:21 "What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death!"

Sin is a snare!    What benefit do we derive from the behaviors we don't want to do, yet we do want to?  We all feel a crazy pull to behaviors that we are ashamed of. Today, when you are tempted to do things like gossip, complain,

Over indulge..... you know the sins that ensnare you try to remember how you'll feel after.   Hopefully that will help you resist.

Romans 6:21 "What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death!"

Sin is a snare!    What benefit do we derive from the behaviors we don't want to do, yet we do want to?  We all feel a crazy pull to behaviors that we are ashamed of. Today, when you are tempted to do things like gossip, complain,

Over indulge..... you know the sins that ensnare you try to remember how you'll feel after.   Hopefully that will help you resist.   We can usualg see the temptations coming.  Let’s try not to put ourselves in the places we will be most tempted!

Happy Valentines Day. Be Hos love and defeat enxiety in others!

 Proverbs 13:25 "An anxious hearts weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up."   Happy Valentine’s Day!   St Valentine wasn’t a  hallmark mushy love guy, he was a kind, caring and went the extra mile for others.  He did this so much, he is honored with this day.   Many people around us, the clerk at the check out counter, our friends, coworkers and family suffer with anxiety about something.   Today be encouraged to be the light of Jesus in other people’s day.   Have a kind word for them, with sincerity of heart.    I often see something I like about a perfect stranger and tell them.   Many times they will respond, “ I really needed that today, thank you.”    Its easy to find good things in others, just look, you’ll see, then have the courage to tell them!!   This is a perfect way to celebrate this day!!   Be the love of Jesus!! Proverbs 13:25 “ An anxious hearts weighs heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.”😇🙏❤️.  Happy Valentine’s Day!!

Live loved

 John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."   We are each loved and valued so much that Jesus, would die on the cross for each of us if we were the only person in the world!!   Yes we are each that precious to God!!   Live loved today.  You are!!!😇❤️🙏

Be the encouager not the destroyer

 Proverbs 12:6 " The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them." ......14 " From the fruit of the lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him."  ...16 "A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man over looks an insult. " ..... 18 Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."   ❤️‍🩹 A broken heart will bring many hurtful words and behaviors.   I tell people my worse behavior came out when I was going through my divorces.    Yes plural!   I wanted people to join me in my hate toward them.   That was simply evil!  I  have walked upon many roads Iwould not travel the same way today.    If I could change my past and not hurt people with my words and actions I would.  

But, this is a beautiful thing;  I can learn from my past and try harder and be better today.   I can let things roll off my back.  I can stop talking about what went wrong.  I can start talking about what is right.    I can be the encourager today, not the destroyer.   Will you join me?

Let it be joy today

 Psalm 118:24

This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Every morning we have a choice, we can say, “Good Morning God!😇”; or we can say, “Good God its morning🥺”.   The prior opens our hearts to enjoy what comes.   When we start our days in hopeful exceptation of opportunities for joy with Jesus we can see the Son behind the clouds!  Every day there is some hard.   But every day we have Jesus and that gives us the opportunity to live in joy no matter what!    This is the day the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it!!  Let’s make it a great day!  Let's set our eyes on what is good and be thankful!   Praise God for it!!  In this world we will have trouble, but fear not, Jesus has overcome the world!!  ( see John 16:33). This world is temporary, we have an eternity of joy to look forward to!!

Proverbs 17:22 “ A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”  Don't let the troubles of today, no matter how difficult they maybe destroy the joy you have in Jesus!  Look up!  He's got you!!

Live, Trust, Praise!

 I was listening to a Sermon from Adrian Rogers this morning.  He said, “ Learn dying and start living, stop trying and start trusting, stop crying and start praising!”   We have so much yo be thankful for in Christ Jesus!   I think of my own path and how many times I’ve traveled the wrong road only to be brought back to fellowship with Jesus.  His love for us never changes no matter how far we fall He is right there with us with His hand stretched out.   Im often guilty of not reaching back, thinking I can do it myself.   All my righteous acts are as filthy rags compared to His surpassing greatness.   Today, Im remembering where Ive been and how God has delivered me through it.    He is with us always even to the end of the age!! Today I will try my best to live, trust and praise because all He has done, all He is doing and all He will do!! Colossians 1:13 “For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins……21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.  22 But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation.”  Today let’s LIVE, TRUST & PRAISE!!

Dont let your anxiety ruin someone else’s day

Philippians 4:11 "I am not saying this because I am in  need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  12 I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want.  13  I can do everything through Him that gives me strength."   Yesterday, I accidentally ran over my lab top with my car.   My renter said, he saw it in the garage and was going to send me a picture earlier that day but he didn’t want to cause me anxiety.    Earlier in the day when I didn’t have my laptop at my destination, I was concerned.   So, when I did get home and saw the lab top on the garage floor obviously run over I had a sense of relief.  At least I knew where it was.  I spent much time looking for it and wondering what could have happened.   Even during my uncertainty about it, I was able to enjoy my day.  I had the good fortune to be able to hang out with my grandson and I didn't want to waste my time with him being stressed about something I couldn't change.  Philippians 4:14 "Do everything without grumbling or arguing."  The secret to not arguing and complaining in the first place is to be content in all things.  When I let myself get full of anxiety, I grumble and complain, to others, which makes me an unpleasant person to be around.   If I truly want to be the love of Jesus, I have to learn contentment in all things.  Be inspired to not let your anxiety wreck someone else’s day. Here is a good quote to end on, "When faith comes, anxiety ends!"

Forward, Cant drive forwad lioking in the read view mirror

 Philippians 3:13 "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God had called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."   Can you truly drive forward looking in the rear view mirror?   Today im evaluating what to leave in the rear view  mirror and what to have in my windshield.   To be heathy and well, I have to eagerly look forward to what God has planned for me.  When I look forward with eager expectation I am living in hope.      It helps me to live in this hope,  when I remember  Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”   If God has plans for my future why am i worried  about the past?   5 minutes ago is just as over as 50 years ago.  Today be inspired to look forward to the high calling of God.   Knowing He uses everything we go through to help us get to!!     Today:   Forward in Jesus Christ!!

Prayer is great! Read Gods word too

 Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, " plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."    Yesterday a met a few young men on the ski hill.  One was wearing a sweatshirt that said,”Y’all need Jesus!”.   I commented on the sweatshirt and the three of them with huge smiles professed their sincere believe in Jesus.  It was so fun for me to see that.  Then I asked, “What church do you go to?”  They responded we aren’t going to church right now just mostly praying and sometimes reading the Bible, but mostly just praying and trusting Jesus.   I told them praying is great!!  Trusting Jesus is paramount!  Reading the Word of God is also very important so you can know the words God has for you.  If we only pray it’s a one sided conversation.   God speaks to us through the Bible. Specific Bible verses give me solid ground to stand on.  Psalm 46:10 “ Be still and know that I am God.” Is one I have to use a lot.  Jeremiah 29:11 is one I wanted to give those boys too.   “ For I know the plans I have for you,”declares the Lord. “ Plans to prosper you and not to harm you plans to give you hope and a future.”  Knowing Gods word helps us grow in our faith.   This life is sometimes very hard.  In those tough times I need to hold unto hope.   I need to remember that Jesus can see the forest through the trees and in the middle of what ever mess I am going through, I can trust in His plans for me.   This is a verse I would want those young men to know.    Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble, Fear Not! I have overcome the world!”   Hope!!! You will never regret having hope.   Hope for me is ignited when I read the promises of God in the Bible.   Be inspired to pray and read the word of God.  It’s also so wonderful to have fellowship with other Bible believing and reading Christians.  Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us that a three fold cord is not quickly broken. Two people with Jesus is a great three fold cord team!

What are you giving birth to?

Isaiah 26:18 "We were with child, we withered in pain, but we gave birth to the wind.  We have not brought salvation to the earth; we have not given birth to people of the world."   When I read “ We were with child, I’m thinking of the things that I am growing in my mind, sometimes my thoughts go unchecked and I can think on things that are not of God and I let them grow.  When I focus on getting fulfillment from things of this world it truly only causes me pain.  And if I get my worldly desire it’s like giving birth to the wind.  Today, may each of our desires, be first God, and Trust for His ways in our lives.

Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. 4 Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord is the Rock eternal.”

Good Morning God!

 Psalm 4:2 "How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame?   How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?  3 Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for Himself, the Lord will hear when I call to Him. 4 In your anger do not sin, when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.  5 Offer right sacrifices and TRUST in the Lord.”

How long will I love delusions and seek false gods?  One of my dear friends said to me she wakes up and says, “Good morning God!”   When she said that to me, I was ecstatic! I said, “I do that too!”    That was true at that time.  Lately my mind has been filled with other thoughts besides praising God first thing in the morning.   The things that are occupying my mind are distracting me from honoring God in all I think sat and do.   Psalm 4:4 “In your anger do not sin, when you are on your beds, search  your hearts and be silent.”   When I am in my bed it is easier for me to search my heart and be silent.   I need to train my mind to be quiet and seek God first. I often squirrel off in my thoughts, even when I’m praying and stop focusing on God and His Word.  To focus on Him it takes training.  Psalm 5 “ Offer right sacrifices and TRUST in the Lord.”   Today I’m going to try to sacrifice the things that are occupying my mind ahead of God.    I am going to try to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ.    Our health and wellness begins in our thinking and in our hearts, today let’s start out with, Good morning God!! Everything else will fall into place!😇🙏❤️

Tossing and turning?

1Thessalonians5:8. “But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.”  Faith and hope are how I keep going when I struggle.  

Last night I had a restless night.   I usually sleep well and my sleep is usually sweet but I am dealing with something out of my control and I can’t seem to sincerely TRUST God in it.  I keep worrying about it and trying to figure out what to do.  I get myself so anxious because I am convinced the outcome I want,  is the only one I want and I am kicking and screaming at God to give it to me. But for what ever reason it’s not what I’m getting.  Last night I couldn’t stop my mind from going round and round.  Finally, I meditated on this prayer, “ God, heal me and I will be healed, save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise!”  I needed God to heal and save me from my own deterioration of faith and hope.  It is said, when we lose hope we loose our will to live.   There is always, always hope in Jesus Christ.  Put your faith and hope in Him today, no matter how fast your mind may be racing in the wrong direction. STOP, quiet your mind and give HOPE in Jesus your full attention.   I promise you, you’ll experience His peace no matter what your situation.😇🙏❤️He can see the forest through the trees, we often can’t.

Get off the well worn path of hurt

Colossians 3:12-14. "Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  13 Bear with each other and forgive what ever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."

Clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, bear with each other and forgive as Jesus forgives us.   Are we acting this way?   As I read this I am thinking of how I let myself feel hurt when someone doesn’t meet my expectations.  When I feel hurt I can replay the feeling over and over again in my mind tell it becomes such a well worn path I can’t see the glory of God I can only feel the pain of unmet expectations. The well worn path of stinking thinking is very familiar to me.  In order to quit drinking I had to intentionally change my first thought toward alcohol.  If I want to truly be well in my life I need to take every thought captive and make them obedient to Christ Jesus.    God tells us we are loved and we are to love Him and love others.  If we perseverate on unmet expectations we are looking at the lack in our  lives and not the fullness of God.   Today.  Put on true compassion, kindness, humility gentleness,patience and forgiveness; if I’m truly walking in these qualities I can love people where they are at and not expecting them to be where I want them to be.      This is not easy for me to do on my own. Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”  Be encouraged to Be the love of Jesus today to all people without exceptions.   😇❤️🙏

Be careful in giving and receiving council

Matthew 7:1 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others,  you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.  3 Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?  4 How can you say to your brother, "let me take the speck out of your eye", when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?  You hypocrite!  First take the plank out of your own eye, then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."      Do you ever try to give advise to people when you are suffering with the same issues?   If so be transparent, tell each other the truth about life struggles and what works and what doesn't.   God word always works!!!  If we give each other, “our opinions”, that's all we get.   We are all a bit messed up!! We all suffer with sin!! We all have a planks in our own eyes!! Find out what the word of God says about a situation and council each other with it.   Be truthful and honest about how you have tried to do what’s in God word, what has hindered you and what has helped you.    Today be encouraged to be good council by using the Bible as  your foundational truth. 

When you need council , be careful.... make sure your councilor doesn't have a plank hanging out of his/her eye, which they are pretending isn't there.   God word, it's the best mirror and council we will ever find!! Let's support each other in that today!!😇🙏❤️

Not “Feeling it”?

 2Corinthians 4:4 "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord,and ourselves as your servants for Jesus sake. 6 For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness, made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ."   A friend of mine said, he has tried to believe but just can’t.  He claims to be spiritual but not religious. He said he has tried the Catholic and Baptist churches but “it”, just did resonate with his soul.   He doesn’t  “feel it”.   I  often don’t “feel it”, but I always try my best to TRUST it!   Sometimes my prayer is, “Father, I believe, help me with my unbelief.”   My life has been a a rollar coaster ride with Jesus, feeling it and not feeling it.  What helps me stay in faith is keeping my eyes on God and His word the Bible.  I have to be reading the Bible and meditating on what it says for me to be actively putting God first not the god of this world first.  The god of this world for me can be things like fitness, relationships, worry, control, adventure.....   I can seek these things more than I seek God.  Today, look at what your deepest desire is.

If it’s anything beside Gods will for your life you will be on a rollar coaster ride with Jesus.  Get on the narrow road.  Let His light shine in the darkness

In the waiting not peace not action time

 Lamentations 3:22 "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.  23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him."  His mercies are new every morning!!! Sometimes I get so upset when my plans, hopes and dreams are not coming to be.   I have plans, and life doesn’t go according to my plans.  My expectations can turn into deep disappointments. . Why I let myself get so upset when things go the wrong direction (in my opinion) is beyond me.   True peace is TRUSTING Gods plan and waiting patiently for it to unfold.   In the waiting my mind can come up with all kinds of tricks to get my way.   When I instigate these maneuvers I just go further down the pit.  

.........55 I called on your name, O Lord, from the depths of the pit.  56 You heard my plea: " Do not close your ears to my cry for relief." 57 You came near when I called you, and you said, "Do not fear."  Perfect Love casts out fear!!! Today, let’s be inspired to TRUST in Gods perfect love for us.  Let’s TRUST Him in the waiting without fear!!   Yes, waiting, not peace not action time, the waiting!!  This is a beautiful truth the waiting can be peace when we do fully TRUST in His plan.    😇🙏❤️

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you ", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

True Love

  1Corinthians 13:4 " Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  5 It is not rude, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with truth.  7 it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  8 Love never fails........13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.   But the greatest of these is love.   As I read 1 Corinthians 13 I am evaluating whether or not I am really acting in love.   It's a say to say I love someone, but unless I act in love what good is saying, "I love you"?   Today, I will try to treat the people I say I love, with a 1 Corinthians 13 adherence. 😇🙏❤️

Embrace your thorns.

 2 Corinthians 12:7 "To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given to me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.  8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it from me.  9 But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. “.  Do you ever feel like you have a thorn in your flesh?   Do you feel like you are tormented by a sin that you can’t shake?   Do you ever have destructive thought patterns and pray they would go away , but they raise their ugly heads over  and over again?   I struggle with these types of things.  I am thankful for Paul’s thorn in his flesh. It makes me understand there is a reason for the thorn in mine.   In the song, “Yes, Jesus loves me”.  The lyrics say, “ They are weak but He is strong! Yes, Jesus loves me !”   We are not perfect, we all struggle with something.   We are weak but He is strong!!   His grace is sufficient for us.  Our weakness is made perfect in His power.  Today, instead of looking at the thorn in our flesh let's look to the hope we have in Jesus even if He never takes away the thorn.

Some of the thorns I've been given have lead to some of the most amazing gifts God can give.    An example of this is; I have the thorn of alcoholism.  Because of it, I realized my need for a Savior.    I needed to rely on His strength not my own.  I'm very thankful for that, I am not sure I would have been able to be humble enough to let Jesus be my Lord, if I didn't have it.   Be inspired to praise God for your thorns and let His grace be sufficient!! Let His strength be made perfect in your weakness!