Tag: God

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

Luke 12:48 – Conversations to Success

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

Greetings from the stunning, snow-covered Rocky Mountains! Though it’s chilly outside, my heart and home feel warm. I’ve been awake since 4 AM, enjoying a variety of shows and documentaries. While relaxing on the couch, I delved into documentaries about Hollywood icons as I studied their paths to fame.

From their stories, I gathered that each aspired to be skilled conversationalists who could express their needs, desires, and wants. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, you are the ultimate creator, unrivaled by anyone! Today, we enter your house filled with gratitude for our life. We approach you with a humble request: help us to speak boldly, yet always with love and respect for those we engage with. Please help us become our own best advocates as we journey through life. In doing so, we also demonstrate respect and love for ourselves. Amen. 

Removing Clutter!

Today as I began my day I found this post among my published writings. It was just what the doctor ordered for a Monday! The content got my heart pumping and my spirit moving! So! I’m reblogging it! Have a great day living your best life! ~Annette

What To Do With Extra Time

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 

Bouncing Back From Bad Choices

The Prompt That Sounds Like a Kenny Loggins Song

Every Friday I read the thoughts of several WordPress bloggers. Today, I read several that talked about rejoicing in the pain of self and or others.  My soul was saying “what the heck are you reading!”  After losing the ability to unread those blogs where the messages went horribly wrong, I came upon a blog post that gives hope.  It is an easy read that has a strong message God cares for us.  And the loss of hope is the reason why those other posts weren’t [in my opinion] great reads.  Yet, I was committed to find at least one post that held aspiration.  And!  I found it!  And!  I’m sharing it!  Enjoy! ~Annette

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