Tag: faith

Finding Joy in Every New Day: A Personal Journey

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

It’s almost two in the morning, and I realize I must have fallen asleep early again. The house is peacefully quiet, and I want to do everything I can to not wake my family. So, I’ll settle at my desktop and write a little about why each new day fills me with joy.

When I was in my twenties, my mom essentially sent me into exile. She had no idea how her reckless decision, based on a lie, would impact me and my kids. My mom was aware that the world was a harsh and unforgiving place to navigate with a family. And she knew it’s even tougher without a support system. Yet, she still sent her child and grandchildren into it unprepared and unprotected. I remember crying a lot during this time.

Money was tight, and I had no clear career path, feeling like hope was out of reach. Without family support to guide me, I struggled to find my purpose. I was going through a string of relationships, searching for love, but often felt taken advantage of. That’s when God’s hand moved, and I was led into therapy.

Throughout my journey, I saw multiple therapists. One therapist stands out for telling me, “I don’t get why you’re so comfortable staying stuck.” In hindsight, it was heartbreaking—he didn’t realize that being mentally stuck felt like my sanctuary. It wasn’t until a decade later that his comment sunk in. And it was then that I began to make strides in changing how I moved throughout my life and the lives of others.

I made plenty of mistakes, but God’s grace was always there for me, each and every day. From the challenging life I struggled through, I learned about grace. I started sharing this lesson with my children. Grace became the reason why my children and I understood what family truly means. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

God, thank you for every day to make a difference in our lives and the lives of others. Amen

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

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

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

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

Praying Luke 12:48

But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:48 NIV

This weekend was exhausting! I encountered family conflict while trying to help a loved one achieve a more positive outcome. Unfortunately, I often ignore signs that my help isn’t needed because I see the unmet need or needs. And this weekend wasn’t different when it comes to how I spring into action when a loved one is having a hard time.  After my feelings were hurt once again, I began to question why I help those who don’t want my help, even though they need it!  Because it’s not like I don’t have tasks to start and finish in my own life. Yet!  Out of gratitude for the blessings I’ve received from God and others, I’ve tried to help people without regard for the harm I may sustain, and, without fail, I always end up emotionally drained.  Between you and me, I know that God doesn’t want His children to be unperceptive to how our actions impact our lives.  He says, “After you have done all that you can do, stand therefore and know that I am God.”  Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Lord, I’m here again in a public space, offering a heartfelt prayer. This past weekend provided me and many others a valuable opportunity to reflect on our actions. Today, I lift up prayers for those who share my spirit, striving to assist those with unmet needs, especially when the person in need may feel that everything is fine. Often, those who oppose our help express their concerns quite vocally and might even convey their frustrations in a hurtful manner. Their sometimes kind yet bitter words can truly sting! So today, Lord, I pray that we hear from you. Please help me and others navigate these feelings and grant us your divine guidance to know when to offer assistance, share your truth, or simply stand in awe, acknowledging that you are indeed God. Amen.

Where the Spirit Is

“SEEK MY FACE, and you will find not only My Presence but also My Peace. To receive My Peace, you must change your grasping, controlling stance to one of openness and trust. The only thing you can grasp without damaging your soul is My hand. Ask My Spirit within you to order your day and control your thoughts, for the mind controlled by the Spirit is Life and Peace.

You can have as much of Me and My Peace as you want through thousands of correct choices each day. The most persistent choice you face is whether to trust Me or to worry. You will never run out of things to worry about, but you can choose to trust Me no matter what. I am an ever-present help in trouble. Trust Me, though the earth give way and the mountains full into the heart of the sea.” Romans 8:6 Psalm 46:1-2 taken from Jesus is Calling

Over the past two to three weeks, I have experienced significant stress, particularly due to the extensive media coverage and private conversations regarding President Trump’s actions. Usually, once our new president is sworn in, I go about my life and let things unfold as they may. However, the private conversations about his actions and their potential impact on Black America have been exhausting. Those discussions have greatly affected me because many in the Black community have turned away from God. Instead of seeking divine guidance, they look for the loudest and most self-serving voices to represent us when we, as a community, should first seek God’s presence and then address the issues at hand.  Sigh.  Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. I ask for Your spirit to surround the United States and its people. I implore that peace be granted to all, regardless of our leadership. I pray that when our President makes decisions, his actions reflect Your will. Amen.

Day Forty Two – Removing Clutter

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,”

Ephesians 3:20

Yesterday, I did something unexpected and amazing! I took down the once white faux plantation blinds in the kitchen window. Sadly they had turned several shades of brown, ranging from near white to a dark dirty scary splotchy browns.  And adding to their unsightly appearance was the heavy gray dust that probably was hosting a party for germs of all sorts. Honestly, I’d seen the condition of the blinds a month or so ago from the outside and made a mental note to clean them. Yet, cleaning those blinds didn’t seem as important to me as nursing my depression, disappointments, anger, and etc. But, yesterday, as I stood at the kitchen window listening to Priscilla Shirer, I felt the spirit of the living God move within me.  It was clear it didn’t matter what choir I did as long as I did something to show I was still in the game of life.  So, I got the small ladder we use to climb in bed.  Took it to the sink cabinet.  Climb up.  Unlatched the brackets holding up the blinds.  Took the blinds down.  I filled one side of the sink with one third of water and added a large amount of Clorox to a few drops of Dawn.  The process of washing the blinds was not easy because my mind is filled with everything.  Yet, I managed to clean the blinds and was blessed with a feeling of accomplishment at the end.  A feeling I’ve been longing to experience but couldn’t because of my mindset of feeling overwhelmed.  Let’s pray!

PRAYER:

Father God, most times we are blind to the meaning of our emotions.  Please remove the scales off our spiritual eyes that prohibit us from seeing spiritually and let us see why we do what we do.  Afterwards, give us your peace, your understanding and your strength to make necessary changes that will help us grow in you.  Amen 

Day Forty – Removing Clutter

13 If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13

Let’s pray!

Today, Lord, I’m praying a worldwide Valentine’s prayer of love.  I ask the following of you because all people deserve to live a fulfilling life.  I pray for people in power that think and act and like children.  Their immaturity has a negative impact on those they lead and the world.  I pray that you will show them the level of their thinking in such a way that it gives them the desire and ability to change. Amen