Tuesday, August 6, 2013 - harmony

When someone throws a temper, our first gut reaction is to throw one right back at them. There may even be times when it feels as if the reaction is rooted in our toes. Our urge is so strong to "up" the other and prove our superiority. Not a pretty scene from all standpoints.  As Christians, we have a choice. When we are steeped in the Spirit of Jesus, we can react calmly and logically in every situation. We can regain self-control and remember that each of us is equal in His eyes and each deserves the other's respect. Yes, it is hard to be yelled at and bullied, especially when your honor is at stake, but the purest honor is one of harmony and love, walking in the footsteps of Christ.

You are joined together with peace through the Spirit, so make every effort to continue together in this way. - Ephesians 4:3

Monday, August 5, 2013 - Beginnings

Each day is a new beginning; a cliché which never grows old. Yet, within each day are many moments wherein lies a new beginning as well: chances to mend bridges, or build new ones. Tempers may have flared just seconds earlier, your coffee may have spilled down your shirt as you were introduced to the new client, you may have hit send way too early on a draft email . . . Each and every moment has consequences, yes, but each is forgivable. Each can be renewed. Begin the new day with a prayer. Ask God to go along with you in each moment. Put on His Spirit of patience, self-control, mercy, forgiveness, and love. Seek God in each moment and the day will be a good one.


Draw close to God and He will draw close to you. - James 4:8a

Friday, August 2, 2013 - Perseverence

We want to quit. Life is too hard. Work is filled with conflicts. Our struggle with illness is intense. Children rebel. Parents need senior care. Everywhere we turn, our paths are blocked through paperwork, controlling natures, or complacent attitudes. When the grace does not flow through those in your path, ensure it flows through you. The saints and holy people who have gone on before us, learned to look past the obstacles. They recognized each of these, and more, as spiritual warfare. Take a moment to step back and remember to look at each moment in the eyes of Jesus. He took up the cross because He saw beyond it. Keep the end in sight, never give up, and know that we will finish in victory.

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world-- our faith. - 1 John 5:4

Wednesday, July 31, 2013 - Happiness

Fun vs. happiness . . . which do we choose?  Our road can lead us to many moments that are hard to endure. Sickness, sorrow or frustration can steer us onto a path that helps to put the pain "on hold".  However, the release of these excursions do not last and oftentimes increase our burdens. True happiness will never be ours until we make the choice to find our way through God's guidance,  not the world's. When we call upon our Father and allow Him to settle our discomforts, then we can be filled with peace. We can learn to embrace the journey we are lead through, whether hard or fun, with the pure happiness found in heavenly joy.


In each and every province and in each and every city, wherever the king's commandment and his decree arrived, there was gladness and joy... Esther 8:16a

Monday, July 29, 2013 -#POWER

If you have to ask for help, does this mean you are weak? Well, yes. God created us powerless. We were not formed to, nor are ever meant to, stand alone. Every attribute we own, is a gift from God and He places us in community to help these gifts flourish. No building erected, no orchard harvested, no child raised is done alone. We have to have help. Alone, we are powerless. Reach out in faith and hope and accept the hand of another. A community who lives right with God is very powerful.



Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. - James 5:16

The Invisible Mother

What a beautiful way to start my morning. A friend sent me this link.  Enjoy.

The Invisible Mother

July 19, 2013 - Spirituality

Merriam webster describes #spirituality for the lay person as "sensitivity or attachment to religious values". This is curious to me as, although I truly love my #religion and feel I grow closer to and stronger in Christ because of it, I never felt that this was my spirituality. Perhaps I misinterpret the definition. I personally feel the most spirtual whenever, whether in a religious setting or outside a religious setting, I feel the power of God's presence in my life. Many times people get so wrapped up in the concept of religion that they put their spirituality on hold. They feel they can only be close to God while in church. Yet God manifests Himself in all things. Whenever we call on Him and ask Him to dwell within ourselves and in each moment, we are united with His #Spirit. Our religion is our means of strengthening this bond and giving us power to take our relationship with our Lord wherever we go. Religion is necessary, but it is only a beginning. Whether we are worshiping in church, driving down the highway, braiding our daughter's hair, or working in the food bank, it is up to us to call on God and make Him a part of that moment. The Holy Spirit is ready and waiting to bring us into full spirituality. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.


For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and #peace. - Romans 8:6