Tag: Motivational

Navigating Family Trees: Mistakes and Communication

“I am bound to them though I cannot look into their eyes or hear their voices. I honor their history. I cherish their lives. I will tell their story. I will remember them for I am the result of the very love, struggle, sacrifice and journey of thousands.” Author Unknown

Good day from the beautiful lands of Colorado! Well! I never seem to post blogs I’ve written. Let’s see if this one will make the light of day.

A few days ago, I reached out to a second cousin on a genealogy website with what I thought was a simple question—just to find out which of her parents was connected to us. She responded that she couldn’t help because she doesn’t have access to my family tree. I wasn’t asking for much; I just wanted to know that one simple thing. That’s all I needed!

I told her I would grant her access to the tree I created for her and her family. I then clarified that I make a separate tree for each DNA match. I do this until I figure out how the person is related to me. This process helps me avoid errors.

Every tree will have errors, especially in the early stages of researching family history. And! I made several mistakes during my early research. Nothing frustrates me more than discovering such inaccuracies, only to have to pause my current research project. It is necessary to correct these errors, as leaving them unaddressed only deepens frustration and confusion.

My decision to deny access to my main genealogy tree instantly halted communication. I have since removed the pending invitation. This interaction reinforced a critical life lesson: Be selective about granting access to private spaces and data. People must be more intentional about setting these boundaries.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we ask that you watch over us on our journey to discover our family’s past. 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

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 

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.