Category: Spiritual Growth

Finding Peace Amidst Envy: My Personal Reflection

that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. Matthew 5:45

Hello! Life is usually remarkable, but yesterday, I was briefly in a funk. The woman inside of me gave myself 24 hours to process the emotion of envy. Especially since I knew what bothered me didn’t have a lasting impact on me, either directly or indirectly. So, what triggered envy within me?

Long story short, a messy, deceitful, and mean-spirited neighbor is moving out of Denver before me. When I saw the for-sale sign being placed in her yard, I instantly felt upset! My emotions were all over the place! I experienced a mix of guilt and shame over my envy. And! Sadly, I couldn’t contain those runaway feelings!

Watching my rival move away is really difficult, especially since she’s heading to a town I’ve always dreamed of living in. However, I truly believe that God wants me to sincerely wish her all the best. I’m not there yet, but I’m gradually working on it and staying positive!

I’m documenting this as it happens. I’m giving myself 24 hours to gain more confidence in my own journey. This change will alter my outlook, and I expect spiritual growth to follow.

My attitude toward a real enemy reminds me that everyone faces challenges. Seeking help and forgiveness is a positive step forward. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, sometimes forgiving others can be really hard, especially when the pain runs deep and the wounds feel overwhelming. But I know you understand everything we’re going through and why we feel the way we do. So, I entrust my hurt to you, asking for your help to heal the wounds that seem so heavy. Please bless my enemies on their journey, and let your grace always be with them. Amen.

The Journey to Serenity: Building a New Home in Nature

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 2 Peter 1:5-7

Hello from the stunning Rocky Mountains of Colorado! As many of you know, I’m holding loved ones close in prayer, especially someone who struggles with drinking. I’m also praying about finances. I am working towards building another home that will be mortgage-free. I am also moving from Denver/Metro.

I will always love Denver. The surrounding areas, like Lakewood, Westminster, Arvada, and Littleton, hold a special place in my heart. Towns like Niwot and Timnath are also dear to me.

Honestly, Denver was once a city that had a charming small-town feel. For example, drivers made it a habit to let other drivers change lanes without rushing them. Afterwards, the grateful motorist responded with a wave of appreciation. And! The driver who didn’t mind allowing someone to get in front of them simply responded with a nod. Their gesture clearly meant “you’re welcome.” Now! It seems like accidents are happening on every corner! And, I’m finding myself seeking routes with less travel, even if I must pay tolls.

PRAYER

Sometimes, people find themselves longing for things they haven’t fully understood yet. When they finally make such dreams come true, they can face difficulties due to their lack of knowledge and understanding. This can make things more challenging for them and those around them. Lord, I pray that you show us how to guard our hearts from wandering souls in growth. Amen

August 8th 2025

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

Wow! I’ve been busy this summer working in my garden and doing yard work. I just looked outside and saw that we have cloud cover! Yeah! That means I can finish several projects easily. Recently, I have been praying for someone I love who drinks too much alcohol. Each day, I ask the Lord for guidance on this person’s behalf. I want them to overcome this harmful habit that probably started with trying to fit in. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, Creator of the Universe, thank you so much for blessing us with a new day. We dedicate this day and every day to loving You and praising You with a grateful heart. Lord, please gently reveal to our loved one their deepest fear that keeps them connected to alcohol. Help them face this challenge with courage and self-understanding. This way, they can be free from shame, guilt, or judgment from themselves. With Your unconditional love, please help them find a way out. This will allow them to be free from something harmful to their soul and body. Amen.

Prayer for America: Seeking Guidance in Troubling Times

Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11

Yesterday, on our way home, my husband and I saw a group of white people harassing others on Arapahoe Road. Because it was near a medical and business campus, I guessed they were upset workers. I turned to my husband and asked, “What are they annoyed about now?” He remained silent, focused on the road. As we approached, I caught a quick glimpse of one of the many signs that said, “Release the Files.”

Release the files! Honestly, only in America do you find people eager to dig up sordid details about someone who has passed away. Their petty demands show they are Democrats still looking for reasons to impeach the current President. But they will regret this in the future, as they will be defeated once more. They do not realize they are not his only opponents. America’s president faces more serious enemies than just a few protesters holding signs. These are people seen as rumor-mongers who pry into the private, dirty laundry of strangers.

If America’s current president were listed in Epstein’s files, someone would have leaked that information by now. Yes, there are photos of him attending at least one of Epstein’s parties. However, the image only shows him standing with Epstein, not a teenager.

It is often observed that, at times, Americans show a greater sense of entitlement than total rationality. Let us, thus, offer our prayers.

PRAYER

Father God, it seems that the American people have strayed from their spiritual path that focuses on you. As a result, this has led to the belief that our nation is in decline. We humbly ask for Your divine protection over our country. Guide us to focus on what truly matters. Enlighten us on how to work toward maintaining our prosperity despite ongoing uncertainties. Amen

Effective Prayer for Complex Family Connections

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14

Good day from the Rocky Mountains of Colorado! I’ve been busy with garden chores and shooing mosquitoes away. I’ll tell you! I miss my Mosquito Magnet. That device truly works at clearing spaces of biting, blood-sucking insects. Well! I’m switching gears: I’m not sure why God has placed Phil Robertson and his family in my path.

Over the past week or two, Phil and his family have shown up on my YouTube feed. As a result, I try to watch whatever appears to understand what God wants me to learn about family, faith, and Him. Especially since my oldest and I are not speaking because I have chosen to wish his two middle children well and keep my distance from them. I know my decision might seem unlovable for a grandparent, but I was never allowed to be one. Sadly, they grew up to perpetuate the environment in which they were raised. I dislike mindsets that show entitlement and greed, especially when linked to family expectations.

Sidenote: My son and I are talking for now, but anything, even a puff of wind, could cut off communication; therefore, I will enjoy the moment for what it is. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Lord, family is a complex group built around bonds, with many ups and downs. Heavenly Father, we humbly ask for Your guidance, both as individuals and together, to help us understand that everyone is uniquely created and has expectations that match our innermost selves. In other words, please help us to respect and love individual differences. Amen.

The Blessings of God

From everyone given much, much will be required; and from the one for whom more is provided, all the more they will ask of him. Luke 12:48

Life can get more complicated despite ongoing efforts to simplify it, especially when prayers are answered and blessings multiply. Yet, it is not life’s demands that attract jealous people, but the visible display of blessings that incites envy, since outsiders often neglect to understand seeking inner fulfillment through one’s connection with God is the foundation for achievements. Because ultimately, He is the source and provider of all blessings. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Lord, guide my steps to maintain your peace in my life. Teach me to be a faithful steward of all you have entrusted to me as you bless me more. Amen

Honoring Truth in Legacy and Loss

Romans 8:28: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

I recently viewed Phil Robertson’s celebration of life ceremony. I was profoundly moved by his service for numerous reasons. However, the primary reason is that his legacy was grounded in truth. It is all too common for us to attend funerals where inaccuracies are presented about the deceased, either to enhance their reputation or to detract from it. During such moments, the atmosphere becomes laden with an unsettling heaviness, creating a sensation that the spirits are lingering, unable to transition peacefully.

In my family, we experienced the loss of a relative, and their offspring spent years proclaiming to anyone willing to listen that they represented their deceased parent’s legacy. Unbeknownst to them, many were laughing and speaking disparagingly about the parent, as their shortcomings were significant. And what was even more chilling was their behavior as they embraced their parents’ deceitful legacy as their own.

During my observation of Phil’s funeral, I arrived at the conclusion that it is not the deceased whom I fear, but rather the living individuals who perpetuate deception that instill a sense of apprehension within me. Consequently, I have chosen to forgo a traditional funeral in favor of a brief graveside service. My intention is to protect my children from the deception of those I have spent years shielding them against. I do not wish for my children to find themselves embroiled in disputes over possessions they did not earn and were only bequeathed to them upon my passing. It is my belief that my life should signify more than mere financial gain. I desire for them to understand that the time I dedicated to self-improvement, so I could become a better person and mother, is what truly matters, as I could not have achieved either without the guidance of Christ. And! This is what I witnessed at Phil’s services.

PRAYER

Father God, I humbly ask that you sweep over the souls who follow you and desire to follow you. Amen

Smart Shopping: Save Money with Bulk Buys

A wise man saves for the future, but a foolish man spends whatever he gets. Proverbs 21:20

Yesterday, my husband and I shopped at Costco. During our visit, we returned several unopened bags of unsatisfactory Sargento crackers. While there, I decided to purchase additional Scrubbing Bubbles Citrus foaming bathroom cleaner. The package of four 25-ounce cans is on closeout for $9.97, making each can approximately $2.50, saving me at least $2.50 per can! I have two bathrooms and two men in the household, so I bought another case of five packages because I use the product daily. As a result, I’m saving $12.50 over the long run! That’s money earned by planning ahead! Can you say “cha-ching!”

Well, [sigh] a rather loud individual, accompanied by her indulgent mother, remarked, “Why would anyone need that much cleaner?” I found myself wanting to respond with a thought-provoking statement. Instead, I allowed the young girl and her mother to pass by, permitting them to feel a sense of triumph in their impolite behavior. Especially since the joke is on them! I’m shopping in their affluent community because they buy on an as-needed basis. As a result, when things go on clearance, most times those who are privileged or want to act like they are privileged won’t buy because they don’t need to. However! Smart women DO finish first!

I know I will need the product. Right now, prices are rising daily on this and that! So, when I can stock up on my favorites… guess what… I’m stocking up! I use my savings to help me get further along in life!

So! I guess what I’m trying to say is to never let the loudmouths dictate how you live on the plus side! 

NOTE: The closeout price is not on Costco’s website. You must go to the store in Colorado to get this deal. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, thank you for the gift of another day to make things right! Lord, guide us in saving the money we’re putting aside from purchasing items at such incredible prices. Amen  

Day Eight – Cooking Impossible

It always seems impossible until it’s done. ~Nelson Mandela

Yesterday was a busy day! Ooh! Wee! As soon as my eyes opened, my feet hit the ground running! My day didn’t go as planned, but it went as well as possible. I started my day by visiting the local Home Depot. I had had enough of being locked out of the house once the door was shut. So, I was finally going to change the lock. But before I could do that, I needed to paint the front door’s exterior. Sadly, the front door exterior hadn’t been painted since the builder painted it over twenty-three years ago. It’s incredible how we can get used to subpar. Well! Yesterday was the day for giving the exterior door an updated look with paint and a new lock.

I returned home and asked my son to remove the old hardware, which he did. Then, he watched as I began to paint. Being an introvert, he prefers to observe unless invited to assist. As a Type A personality, I’ve been trying to avoid taking over projects and have been encouraging him to help when he’s interested. Together, we painted sections of the door, and the final result is fantastic!

As our day came to a close, he had volunteered to cook dinner, but things took a turn. He attempted to follow a recipe from a guy on YouTube, and it didn’t go as planned. Meanwhile, I was at Home Depot picking up more paint for the front door’s interior. Just as I was heading home, he called to say, “You and Mr. Jeff might want to grab something for dinner; the chicken didn’t turn out well.” I could sense the frustration in his voice. I replied, “Son! Gravy can hide a lot of mistakes! I’m about five minutes from home, so let’s see how we can solve this.”

When I got home, I entered the kitchen and discovered a man struggling with his cooking faux pas. I asked if I could taste the chicken he had already pan-fried in a cast-iron skillet. After tasting, I found the meat to have a good flavor. I told him it was great and that we would keep what he had made. Initially, I planned to prepare lemon chicken with capers, but I realized the lemons had gone bad. Instead, I made a roux, seasoning it with chicken bouillon and garlic. I also had him prepare some of those boxed hash browns from Costco. Dinner was ready!

I told him that nothing is impossible in the kitchen. He needed to trust his instincts and lose the thermometer! Why on earth are people cooking with thermometers now? My mom, grandmother, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other great cooks never used one! Yet, they created amazing dishes! Everyone makes a mistake or two when cooking, but that shouldn’t make anyone feel like they’ve failed because a dish didn’t turn out perfectly. The bottom line is that cooking should never feel impossible! It’s a chance to create something worthwhile to eat instead of relying on fast food, which is usually unhealthy.  

PRAYER

Father God, today marks a fresh start. Assist us in organizing our lives so that healthy eating becomes integral to our cooking experiences.  Amen

OMG! After uploading the picture of my newly painted front door, I realized I also need to paint the trim underneath it! Oh! Well! That’s a project for a later day! Have a wonderful day living your best life! ~Annette

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