October 15, 2023
The plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.
PSALM 33:11
As I write about my experiences with renovating my mom’s home and dealing with the snaky ex, I’m quickly reminded that some things perceivably hard and or bad gotta work a certain way to bring God’s plan to the forefront for our lives. Let’s pray!
PRAYER
Father God, thank you for your strength and always let it be front and center on our journey. Amen
October 10, 2023
They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.
Titus 1:16 ESV
Why was I crying about the missed opportunity when it came to working with my friend? Well, I’ve done DIY projects forever. Twenty years ago I remodeled my first home I’d purchase for $43,500 and later sold it for $175,000. I made a nice profit of $131,500! As a result, I was able to pay off several student loans, pay several creditors off, move my children and myself to a better neighborhood and pay cash for a new car to boot! So, after years of remodeling my current home, I felt I could increase the estate’s finances by renovating my mom’s home after she had died. The task was easier said than done! Remodeling my own home on my own time and dime is one thing but when I entered into the construction arena with little to no knowledge, I became easy prey! Therefore, I found myself doing jobs that were harder than what I’ve ever done because of the outrageous bids I got. I became extremely tired and physically sick from it all. So, I cried because I knew my friend had the resources to help me. I didn’t know how to contact her. My ex rents her basement apartment and knew I was struggling. Yet, he never said a word to either she nor I to lighten my load. What a snake! It has always been about him! Never about the kids and surely never about the woman that gave him two wonderful gifts he claims he loves. And tomorrow always comes with him saying “I’m a nice guy.” What a freakin snake! Sigh. Let’s pray!
PRAYER
Father God, protect your children by covering them with the blood of Jesus. Amen.
October 9, 2023
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from they presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Psalm 51:10-12
Yes, I’m still working on removing clutter as I write about the effects deceitful people have on others. As a matter of fact, I’m trying to get rid of tons of stuff from my hallway closet. I’ve been working on it off and on for the last day or so. This morning I plan on finishing the project. But, today’s post continues about the phone call between my friend and I.
As I reflect on how I felt after hearing my friend was a realtor, I must write about how I sat crying after learning of a missed opportunity. She doesn’t know about my tearful moment and I never plan on telling her. For crying over spilt-milk has never helped anyone but the person that cries. However, what I’ve learned is, sometimes people don’t want you to have peace no matter how good you’ve been to them. Let’s pray!
PRAYER
Father God, create in me a clean heart and renew the right spirit. Amen
October 8, 2023
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
Tomorrow, I will write why my friend means so much to me. But, today I will continue on with telling the story of why my ex is still a snake. Sigh. Well, any-who-how, when my friend and I did connect we talked for hours! Hours! We caught up on everything and everybody we knew and didn’t know. As we covered our life journey my heart sank to the bottom of my already disappointed stomach once she said, “Oh, yeah, I’m an engineer and a realtor.” I remembered she was an engineer and a property investor but I must have forgotten she was a realtor. Shame on me! Because I allowed time to rob me of so many good memories. Yet, I’m glad I never forgot she’s a successful engineer that continues to reach back into her community to inspire young and old. She is truly amazing! And from the sounds of things her successes intimidate men. Her open desire to have a faithful husband and grandchild clearly shows no matter how successful you become, the heart always want to belong and connect with family. Let’s pray!
PRAYER
Our hearts are burdened for our friends who are hurting right now. We ask that you would be their comforter, that you would cover them with your infinite grace and mercy, surrounding them in peace during this dark season. We pray for fresh grace, for renewed strength, for your goodness and mercy over their lives today.
We thank you that you alone are our refuge and strong tower. We thank you that no matter what we face, you are still on the throne, you are still in control, and nothing can ever stand against you. Thank you that you hold the victory in this world, and you have promised in your Word that you will be with us through any hardship we may face.
We know that only in you do we have the hope to face dark and uncertain times, for our future is held secure through the gift of Christ. We ask for you to extend your hope and compassion to our loved ones right now. In these days when they’re struggling, or seem to have lost their way at times, would you please remind them that you are still here. With them. Close. That you are bigger than this storm they’re facing, and you promise to hold them secure.
Thank you God that you are with us always, that your presence is mighty, and you hear our prayers on behalf of those we love. We ask that you would show yourself strong on their behalf. Remind them that nothing is too difficult for you, and you are leading them through this difficult time, covering them in your care. We know and believe beyond any doubt, that your power and love will never fail.
You are always trustworthy. You are all-powerful. You are fully able. You are Lord over every situation no matter how difficult it may seem. You are our healer and will never waste the pain we carry today. You promise to use all things for good in some way, because you are a God of miracles and nothing is too difficult for you.
All these burdens we carry for our friend today, we lay at your feet, Lord. We give them to you, and we thank you that you hear our prayers and are at work on their behalf even now. Thank you that you fight for us, even when we can’t see all that you’re doing, even when we can’t fully understand your ways. We know that nothing can ever separate us from your great love and care, and our loved ones are safe in your hands. ~Debbie McDaniel
October 7, 2023
Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbor deceit. Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts.
Proverbs 26:23-25
Well! After having being smacked in the face with a bone chilling reality check concerning my ex is still a snake! He forwarded my phone number to my friend his landlord. I missed her call. She missed my call. And on Wednesday night she and I finally connected. She was just as surprised as me that he kept silent about knowing either of us on some type of strange level. Boy! Oh! Boy! What a freakin snake! His silence closed doors of opportunities for she and I. And, sadly, those doors were closed by someone that tell us often he’s our friend. With a friend like him, people don’t need enemies. Let’s pray!
PRAYER
Father God, give us wisdom to discern friends vs enemies. Amen
October 6, 2023
For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.
Matthew 9:21 KJV
My oldest celebrated his 44th birthday on October 1st. He spent it with a friend that’s a year older, shares the same birthday and is now fighting for his life. As my son told me about his wonderful day my heart went out to both men. My son shared how poorly his friend looked but his friend was happy to see another day. Oddly enough my son’s story took me back to when I had to sit with my mom during her sessions of infusion. For the moment the name of the department escapes me but not the images of those that were fighting to live. Oncology! Is the name of the department! Well, as I document my journey of clearing clutter from my home and occasionally sorting through mental clutter, I’m going to pray for the sick and shut in.
PRAYER
Lord, you’re the author of all life. Someone was medically diagnosed with terrifying news and you know who they are. You also know their fears go beyond the moment they received disappointing news despite them putting on a face of being strong. Place your loving arms around them and comfort their tormented souls. Showing them you’re there for the long run. Amen
SONG: The Anointing
October 6, 2023
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:21 NIV
As I was clearing mental clutter a couple of days ago I called my children’s dad to see if he could get in touch with a friend of mine from junior high. Only for him to finally come clean that he lives in her basement apartment. Apparently he’s lived with her for years! And, unknowingly, I’ve been to her house several times to pick him up for whatever! And the little creep never said he was renting from her! OMG! What a snake! And, sadly, it seems lately I’ve been dealing with many humans that have snake like behaviors! Can a girl get a break! Yet! The funny thing about this . . . I’m not the only person feeling as if I’ve been dealing with snakes lately! Oh! Well! A snake is always a snake! Let’s pray!
PRAYER
Father God, speak your peace to my soul amidst evil doers. Amen
October 4, 2023
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 ESV
Every year I enjoy watching the classic movie “Holiday Affair.” It’s about a young boy who secretly wants a train, a single mom’s desire to raise her child, a professional man that wants to get married and a man who’s a store clerk that wants to live his best life on the coast building boats. Well, any-who-how, the most memorable line in the movie was and is “Anything can change a life, even a toy train.” Let’s pray!
PRAYER
Father God, give the individuals that have strong desires to change the will to change. Amen
October 2, 2023
For his eyes are on the ways of a man, and he sees all his steps.
Job 34:21 ESV
It’s bad when you find what you need when clearing clutter! The other day I found an outdoor grill still in the box tucked away on a shelf. I gave thanks to the Universe for missing out on buying a rickety grill that was new and had rusty grates. The missed opportunity saved me $50! WooHoo! And, for now, the primary use for the grill is to burn paperwork! As I’m scanning, uploading documents to disks. My current paper shredder can’t handle the load, therefore, I’m going back to the days of old! I won’t be using a metal discarded oil can but a charcoal burning grill will do the same job! So! Let us thank God for unanswered prayers!
PRAYER
Father God, thank you for seeing all and knowing all to meet all our needs. Amen
October 1, 2023
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Hebrews 13:16 NESV
As I tried to give a gift to someone that needed what I’m going to unload, I quickly learned not everyone wants help, including me.
I arrived at a beautiful home that had tattered window treatment. I have at least 5 faux window blinds that I’ll never use. In a nutshell, they do not fit my windows. So! I immediately offered them to the person I was visiting with no strings attached! I guess I’ve always been a “no strings attached” giver. Why? Usually, when I’m given something “FREE” the whatever comes with a hidden tag and a price that is always too high for me to pay. As a result, I have spent days, weeks, months and sometimes years paying for something that isn’t worth its prior owner’s ‘free’ cost. Therefore, I usually don’t take gifts from others and made a vow to always give ‘with no strings attached.’ Let’s pray!
PRAYER
Father God, heal the wounds of those that were hurt from receiving gifts that had hidden costs. Amen
Black Women Have It Going On 