Encouraging Word-Over the Hump!

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

By now, you are almost to the middle of the week..also known as Hump Day.  Smile and take a deep breath!  Yes, I do think of the Geico commercial with the obnoxious camel.  If you haven't seen this commercial-YouTube it. It will indeed put a smile on your face.  

Anyway! As you're now well established into your routine for the week, I ask you to sit back and give thanks for the blessings you've been given so far.  For example, this evening, I had the opportunity to celebrate the birthday of a wonderful friend, fellow co-worker, and Sister in Christ.  Surrounded by ten other friends and Sisters, we went out to dinner and celebrated with great food and conversation.  We didn't do anything fancy or crazy.  We simply joined together in honor of her precious life.  

You never know what tomorrow brings, or if it will even be yours to have.  Each day is a precious gift that holds immense opportunities yet to be discovered or experienced.  Much like precious stones buried deep beneath hard layers of earth, God chips away at the surfaces of our lives to reveal gems found in joy, sorrows, failures, triumphs, tears, and laughter.  How you are blessed depends on how you choose to see or live each moment.  Don't get so caught up in the "everyday" life that you miss the beauty that LIFE provides. You don't want to look back twenty years later and wonder "what did I do?"

1 Thessalonians 5:18

I absolutely love Mandisa and her joy inspiring music.  She always has such a positive and joyful message to her songs.  As someone who has overcome numerous battles in her life, it is so refreshing to see her enjoy each gift she is given.  This is a song I listen to almost EVERYDAY-no joke!  It gets me going for the day with an extra bounce in my step.  Hope you enjoy it too!

I pray your eyes are opened this week and you learn to SEE life in a fresh, new perspective.  

Until Next Time! <3 

        

Encouraging Word of the Day-Always Be My Home!

Hello again!  

By now, you've finished what's usually the hardest day of the week-Monday.  With it, has come new triumphs, failures, stresses, and worries.  For some of you, it continues the struggles and fears of the previous week, and for others, it introduces a new set of challenges.  

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I can say with certainty, that I understand how you feel.  Maybe not specifically the struggles you are experiencing, but the general ups and downs each day brings.  No one says it's going to be easy, but each day is a GIFT!  Please know that you are PRECIOUS in the sight of the Lord.  Struggles are not an indication that God doesn't care for you.  In fact, struggles are often tools of refinement that God uses to stretch and mold you.  Don't let your fears keep you from reaching out to Him in prayer.  He longs to hear from you every day, all day.  

I found this song by Rachel Lampa, titled Always Be My Home that spoke so deeply to me.  In fact, I was in tears the first time I listened to it.  I pray you are touched by her beautiful singing and the uplifting message she shares through her music.  Enjoy! 

               

Until Next Time! <3 

Encouraging Thought of the Day!

Hello to you all! 

Praying this week and weekend brought joy and many blessings.  And if they unfortunately brought sorrow, know that you are being prayed for even though I may know you not.  

I got to thinking this week about how I approach each day-from the time I rise to the time I lay my head on the pillow to rest.  I decided, that in between my longer, more substantial posts, I want to get into the habit of writing shorter blurbs that offer encouragement, while still getting our minds and hearts focused on the Lord! I pray you'll take this journey with me as we begin learning the discipline of giving thanks, reflecting daily, and actively praying.

"A woman's or [man's] heart should be so lost in God, that a man or [woman] must seek Him in order to find her or [him]."

                                                                          personal annotation of original quote

As a single woman, I am often reminded of my relationship status, and sometimes it is extremely discouraging.  It's easy to complain and grumble about how it's not fair that ALL of my friends are getting engaged and married, while I am still waiting for at least ONE guy to ask me out on a simple date.  And then I begin to wonder; what do they have that I don't?  What are they doing right that I am clearly doing wrong? Is there something wrong with me?  God! What is it that I am missing?  

As a single Christian, you and I both know the dating world can be a bit on the intimidating side- if not entirely terrifying.  We find ourselves holding back and waiting for that "right" someone, checking off our laundry list of "must haves" in personality, faith, and numerous other items. But!  Where does God fit into this equation?  How are we seeking to glorify Him?

I came across this quote several years ago, without my annotations, and it struck a chord deep within me.  It may not always be easy to wait and watch, but it is well worth waiting for God to lead, direct, and guide! 

As you start this week, take time to reflect on where you heart is centered.  As a Christian, is it focused on the Lord?  Are you seeking Him daily?  Are you actively engaged in prayer?  Or are you taking matters into your own hands? 

Are you deeply lost in your relationship with God? 

Prayers for a great start to your week! 

Until next time! <3