Month: May 2025

Day Seven – Believe In Yourself

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

Each of us faces our own mountains to climb and conquer! Yes, even the three billionaires who stood alongside Trump encounter difficult moments. Remember, while money can enhance life, it isn’t the solution to all of life’s challenges. With a calm demeanor and a clear mind, anyone can overcome most obstacles and succeed if they believe in themselves and their goals. At least that’s the American mantra! That’s why many people dislike Americans, yet so many aspire to live in America. Our forefathers weren’t always kind or right in establishing the foundation of our nation, but they provided us with a blueprint that can adapt swiftly for our country’s success as well as individual achievements. The truth is, America’s success has always relied on the strength of God. May we always believe in and worship Him, for He has always been our rock.

So!  When you have a mountain in front of you that you must climb to reach a goal, figure out a way to climb it with God on your side!  Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, thank you for this new day! Grant me my daily bread and the wisdom to achieve my present goals, enabling me to live an abundant life in You. Amen 

Day Six – You’re Not Alone

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Good day! I hope to convey the essence of this blog in just two to three brief paragraphs, focusing on God’s omnipresence. He exists in the past, present, and future.

Yesterday, I had the wonderful opportunity to catch up with a dear friend who means so much to me. Even though she looked a bit pale, I initially thought she had a tough week. Imagine my surprise when she revealed that her week was actually fantastic! I couldn’t help but feel concerned about what might be stressing this gentle soul.

As I shared stories about my oldest and his children, she listened intently. Then, when I touched on an issue I hadn’t realized she was dealing with, her tears unexpectedly flowed. At that moment, I quietly shifted my focus, understanding it was her turn to open up and share her troubles.

She quickly shared her “shameful” feelings regarding something she’d done. I listened, stunned, thinking, “Oh wow!” Given her character, it was hard to believe what I was hearing. My mind immediately drifted to my blog post about “Bad Advice.” I certainly didn’t want to give my friend poor counsel, nor did I wish to hear all the messy details. Yet, she revealed them through her tears and her seeking relief from pain. As her friend, I suggested we find a solution together. We talked about what led to her current situation and began plotting a plan of action despite the heavy atmosphere of her stress!

To lighten the mood, I shared one of my most embarrassing moments. Her expression turned goofy as she was surprised I could be so silly! I believe we both began laughing at once. Then she exhaled! Following that, it was clear to see her emotions of hopelessness making way to let God assist her in overcoming her feelings of shame as she and He work to address and fix the issues that imprisoned her. Over time, her shame will fade away, becoming less and less of a burden each day. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, you are not the source of confusion but the great deliverer. Please spiritually liberate those who are trapped in emotional prisons due to shameful moments. Grant them the capacity to forgive themselves. Help them fix the problem and learn from these experiences to enhance their lives and become better individuals. Amen

Day Five – Bad Advice

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. James 1:13-14

I’m here, shaking my head at people who give terrible advice. Recently, I was talking with a long-time friend about my mortgage. He told me I couldn’t find a one-bedroom apartment for my current mortgage payment. His comment reminded me of a long-ago experience when I sought help with a utility bill. A customer service representative suggested I sell my house because I couldn’t afford the utilities. I found her suggestion offensive then and now. I’m grateful I persevered through my high mortgage payments. Now! I can live comfortably in a state and city I cherish.

At that time, I aspired to afford living in Colorado. My eagerness to pay my bills punctually might have lent unwarranted credibility to bad advice. Consequently, I could have sold my house and pursued apartment living as suggested by that woman. Wow! I’m really glad I didn’t take that route!

Not everyone who speaks freely and offers unsolicited advice truly has others’ best interests at heart. Therefore, prioritizing self-love should guide your life-changing decisions. With that said, it’s time for me to end this blog and go outside to work in my yard. Have a great weekend!

PRAYER

Lord, it’s the weekend; let us strive to be fruitful in our efforts. Amen.

Day Four – Harvesting Money

A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. Proverbs 10:4

The other day, I planted a bush that I bought last summer. Honestly, I was so amazed it survived! Before I could plant the bush in its new home, I needed to remove the low-voltage landscaping lights and their wiring. Typically, I just toss everything away, but this time I had a different idea. I saved the wire my husband bought decades ago for $50. I sat outside at a table and started harvesting the copper. It was quite a challenge! So, I called my sister, who’s an expert at this, but she wasn’t very helpful, other than telling me how copper is priced. As a result, my determination became my best ally, and I managed to get it done! Now, I need to harvest more copper to make my efforts fruitful when I sell my copper wire. I have already spent the money. I have my eyes on a beautiful new bush I spotted at Lowe’s for $200. I can’t help but wonder how many others might throw money away like I did! Later, hoping for a bit of financial luck to splurge on something desired. Well, I found more copper wire that needs to be stripped! And! I need to get going in the yard. Wish me luck on both!  Cha-Ching!

PRAYER

Father God, guide me today and every day to enhance my life and prosperity.  Amen

Day Three – Working In Pain

Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever. ~Lance Armstrong

I reinjured myself on Mother’s Day. The tears did not come until I spoke to a close family member. I experienced distress for various reasons. I was injured and in pain, rendering me unable to work in my yard temporarily. Yesterday has come and gone. Despite this, I found myself laboring in discomfort to clear and clean a small section of the yard. I struggled to raise my left arm to dispose of trash in the bin, but my right arm came to the rescue! It exhibited strength comparable to Hercules. Ultimately, my mind, soul, and body found peace after working in the yard—peace of happiness, peace of mind, and a sense of accomplishment. Life is good!

SIDE NOTE: This photo is of the area I’m working in. My husband and I call it section three. See how I cleared and cleaned the area filled with weeds. One of my main challenges outside of working with a hurt arm was removing all the roots of the Bermuda grass. Personally, I dislike Bermuda grass. It’s invasive and a gardener’s nightmare when trying to establish planting beds. Sigh. Oh! Well! Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, help us achieve our goals and reach our greatest potential, even in painful moments. Amen

Day Two – Jealous Big Mouths

“A competent and self-confident person is incapable of jealousy in anything. Jealousy is invariably a symptom of neurotic insecurity.” ~Robert A. Heinlein

When you meet someone who tends to correct everything or seldom gives a compliment without linking it to their own self-worth, it might feel a bit like jealousy and negativity. However, if you’re journeying through life with a positive mindset, you’ll realize that the person’s unkind statements unknowingly compliment you! How wonderful is that?

Understanding the difference between jealous criticism and constructive criticism is really about being there for yourself and striving to become the best version of you.

PRAYER

God, you stated that everything you have created is fearfully and wonderfully made. Let us embrace that knowledge and grow in your glory. Amen.

PHOTO CREDIT: The photo belongs to me. It’s a picture of a newly planted strawberry plant in my garden. I’m unsure how the strawberries taste, but the flowers are beautiful.

Day One – Showing Up for You

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Eleanor Roosevelt

Some people hate the above quote, but I love it! It is part of my revelation of truth.

I enjoy watching Roots and Refuge on YouTube. The other day, Jes shared some inspiring thoughts about the importance of showing up for yourself. She and her friend are committed to a project of 100 videos, with each episode highlighting their journey of self-commitment. Isn’t that a thought-provoking idea? Showing up for yourself can be so challenging, especially in a world that often seems to discourage it.

I’ve often found myself putting others first and neglecting my own needs. I can’t be the only one who practices self-sacrifice while others benefit from my efforts! So, for the next 100 days, I’m excited to challenge myself to write a blog and share how I’m prioritizing my own well-being. I genuinely hope that each of you will join in on this challenge and share your experiences of how putting yourself first has made a positive difference in your wonderful lives.

PRAYER

Lord, walk with us and guide us on our self-discovery journey. Amen