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.

Day Eleven – Removing Clutter

September 28, 2023

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV
Unsplash photo by Duncan Kidd

OMG! I don’t even know how to write what happened yesterday into a short paragraph. But! I’ll start and end today’s post with the making of breakfast sandwiches.

I’m always watching homesteaders on YouTube. And lately I’ve been watching Acer Homestead/Scratch Pantry. I noticed I’ve become a sideline commentator as I get older. Well, Ms. Becky pre-makes meals! I thought I would do the same. I loved her idea of making breakfast sandwiches with sausage, egg, cheese and croissants and freezing them for later. The thought of having breakfast made in nanoseconds as I’m on this journey of removing clutter sounded great until . . . I tried to make them!

The moment ended up with me extremely tired, yelling at my husband for wanting a simple cup of coffee as I felt defeated. Who knew making 12 breakfast sandwiches would cast a cloud of uncertainty. But! They did! And I really felt bad about screaming at my husband. He relies on me to do most everything since walking is painful for him. He needs a hip replacement and his surgery is scheduled at the end of October. He accepted my sincere apology as we found humor in my adventure.

LESSON LEARNED: Sometimes defeat plays a major part in accumulating clutter because after I made those sandwiches I had no energy to clean, to organize and decide the fate of unwanted items. So!  Let’s pray!

PRAYER:  Father God, thank you for another day to get things right.  Amen 

The Prayer’s of Black Women: Overcoming Infidelity

So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate. ~Matthew 19:6

Artist:  Henry Lee Battle
Artist: Henry Lee Battle

Whisper your heavenly love to the wounded soul oh Lord.  Heal broken hearts with your divine touch.

For again someone feels they have fallen short of your glory by not guarding their heart.  Lord replace their sorrow with joy.  Because in all sincerity they thought they were doing what you expected of them as spouses; and as a result of truly trusting their loved ones their hearts were broken by infidelity.

Their spouses silence, without complaint, lead them to believe all was well with the their lives as a couple and as a family.  But as infidelity deeds are and were being uncovered the illusion of perfect relationships and family units are being destroyed.

Lord, please help the victims of infidelity in this delicate moment; as you spiritually work on their companions moral values by cutting away relationship deceptions and replacing spiritual corruption with Fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Strengthen these victims Lord with your words, presence and unconditional love.  Give them the ability to forgive quickly.  As you sustain their marriage with the bonds of holy commitment.  So that both will continue nurturing a lasting matrimony.  Lord quiet inner turmoil of shame, anger, deception, hopelessness, selfishness, disappointment, lack of trust, and the feelings of loss by replacing each emotion with love and understanding.  Amen

Your Loving Daughter ~Annette