Tough Bosses vs God’s Strength

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

Hello from the breathtaking Colorado Rocky Mountains! It might sound surprising, but I have a habit of praying around the clock! Still, I sometimes find expressing my thoughts in public prayers challenging.

What do I pray for throughout my day?  I lift my children, their fathers, my husband, my in-laws, family, friends, the world’s problems, and even those who may not have always been kind before God. I ask for His protection over my kids and wisdom to fill their hearts. My prayers truly reflect my personal journey and the lessons I’ve learned. 

Last week, I shared about a young woman facing challenges at work. She feels overwhelmed as if she’s the only one dealing with a tough boss. This situation weighs her down, making it hard for her to find peace and hear God amid the chaos. My heart goes out to her for many reasons. Let’s join in prayer together about tough bosses!

PRAYER

Father God, I am grateful for Your endless love surrounding me and Your wonderful creations. With a thankful heart, I pray for those experiencing feelings of defeat under the pressures of a boss.  I submit their struggles before Your Throne of Grace, placing my trust in Your ability to transform their challenges. I also kindly ask that You surround them with Your peace and grant them the strength to overcome any obstacles they encounter. May the Holy Spirit guide them during times of uncertainty, helping them find strength through prayer in their most arduous moments and making them victorious. Amen.

Day Two – Removing Clutter

Last night, I struggled to organize my donation and giveaway piles. My body was tired, but my spirit urged me to continue. While sorting my books, I discovered a small collection of poems by Helen Steiner Rice. Finding the tiny book of faithful gems prompted me to call a friend who used to own it. Our nearly hour-long conversation touched on my personality and the challenges facing dreamers. Yes, I am a dreamer.

I can generate brilliant and mediocre ideas, but I often struggle to realize my dreams. I’m not alone, and my shortcomings don’t always hold me back. When it’s time to act, God helps me fulfill His purpose, providing strength during challenging moments. As I write my truths, I know once again that I’m not alone; therefore, I encourage others facing similar struggles to join me in making positive changes to achieve an abundant lifestyle.

I have no prayers for today. Sorry. But! I’m sharing a poem of faith with the hope it’s inspirational. Have a great day living your best life! ~Annette

Climb ‘Til Your Dream Comes True

Often your tasks will be many,
And more than you think you can do.
Often the road will be rugged
And the hills insurmountable, too.

But always remember, the hills ahead
Are never as steep as they seem,
And with Faith in your heart start upward
And climb ‘Til you reach your dream.

For nothing in life that is worthy
Is never too hard to achieve
If you have the courage to try it
And you have the Faith to believe.

For Faith is a force that is greater
Than knowledge or power or skill
And many defeats turn to triumph
If you trust in God’s wisdom and will.

For Faith is a mover of mountains.
There’s nothing that God cannot do,
So start out today with Faith in your heart
And “Climb ‘Til Your Dream Comes True” !

– Helen Steiner Rice (1900 – 1981)

Day Twentytwo: Removing Clutter

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 

Native Getaways: Boyd Lake State Park

Boyd_Lake_121Native getaways are the best!  They are vacations taken within a person’s town, city, state, or country.  It’s where local people blend in with the tourist and become vacationers.  It’s where excitement over seeing something new and wonderful is displayed.  It’s when good and interesting conversations are born and sometimes lasting friendships are made.  It’s where people learn something new about their surroundings and appreciate things close to home. Native getaways are when people discover life outside of what they know! Have you ever had a native getaway?  If not, you must try it sometime.

— My Vacation Experience —

This week my family and I went camping at Boyd Lake State Park for five days. The campsite was $20 per night with a daily $8 vehicle pass fee.  However, it is more cost-effective to buy the $70 annual pass if you camp regularly at Colorado State Parks.  The cost seems a bit steep but it will save you money over the camping season; especially if you and or your family like to camp often at Colorado State Parks.

The day scheduled for camping started stressful.  And by the time we arrived at the campsite we discovered the trailer had major issues.  The toilet was leaking, the gray water valve was leaking, and the air conditioner wasn’t cooling off the trailer.

With all that was going on with the trailer my family and I could not attend the Greeley Stampede.  Major disappointment!  Major!  It would have been the first for us to attend the event.  But my hubby and I had to stay behind and try to fix some of our trailer problems.

We could not fix the toilet because the RV parts store was closed, but we went to a localFamily Travel Trailer Wal-Mart and purchased a small storage tub.  We placed the tub under the leak and called the situation good!  The air conditioner started working better on its own!  Thank!  God!

And by the time things started turning around I was in tears!  I was so disappointed!  Each year we use our Jayco trailer I am in tears of regret.  Another story I will share somewhere down the road is how to buy a recreational vehicle.

But to make our situation worse I left the battery chargers for all of our cameras sitting on the kitchen counter.  After discovering I had left the batteries I had a poor attitude!  And as I saw things then:  to make matters worse I even forgot to pack SD cards.  Laughter!

Let’s just say I wasn’t ready for the trip as much as I would have loved to have been.  But the most important thing is we got a chance to have a mini-vacation within the state we live.  Colorado!

While staying at Boyd Lake we took advantage of sightseeing some of the neighboring tourist attractions.  We went to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, and shopped at one of Colorado Cherry Company country stores.

Well by the end of our vacation I was okay with what all had gone wrong.

Inspirational Fridays: Trouble Getting Going?

Family Travel TrailerI just got back from a five-day camping trip.  My family and I decided to join a friend and her family at a local state park.  I knew preparing for the mini-vacation would be a chore; since, I have been emotionally and physically tired for years.  But a vacation of some sort was a high priority.  So, when my friend told me that she and her family was going camping at Boyd Lake State Park, I reserved a camping spot for my family and me to join her and her family.

My friend was too excited to have us come with.  She had made plans for us as a group to do this and that.  She had made her trailer as the command central.  She had even planned several of our meals (without consulting me).  Her efforts were those of a true friend but her services were not totally needed.  As you can see, my dearest and sweetest friend took it upon herself to make plans for everyone without consulting with anybody.  And had the women of both families checked with each other about the trip perhaps hurt feelings could have been avoided.

My friend had failed to see I wanted some me time.  I wanted to escape the demands of my demanding life.  I wanted to sit and or lay in the comforts of cleanliness.  I wanted to enjoy my trailer that has been for years a BIG source of disappointment in some mental capacity.  But, nevertheless [sigh], the trailer belongs to me and mine and we love it despite of all the headaches it has given us.  And we are always overjoyed to use it when it is not in the shop for months at a time because it was poorly made.

However, with all that was going on mentally, I had very little time to freely think about the direction of my life until now.

I got the below YouTube video from a fellow blogger and I thought I would share the powerful message with you:

The Prayer’s of Black Women: The Story of Jonah by Mary Margaret

November 11, 2021

3 But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD.

Jonah 1:3

This is Throwback Thursday! So! I’m reposting one of my favorite posts. I first shared this video on June 15, 2014, at 6:45 am. It appears 7 years later I will be reposting this wonderful video around the same time.

So much has happened within those seven years of living life. I’ve lost my mom. I’ve become a great grandmother! I’m told my oldest grandson’s girlfriend is having twins. My children are doing great, making wonderful lives for themselves. Two wonderful women have been added to my family, along with a host of new friends and family members. And all of that good stuff can’t compare to my spiritual growth. I’m over the moon concerning my spiritual journey. It has been tough and often I’ve felt like throwing in the towel but . . . OMG! My life is on fire because of my spiritual awakening! And this repost can’t be more appropriate when it comes to sharing what I learned from my latest lesson.

LESSON LEARNED: God loves everyone, including our enemies and people that come across as unlovable. He expects us to show those that are lost or have lost their way compassion. Our actions will light the path for His love and mercy to become healing ointments. Bottom line! God wants all of us to be saved despite our differences. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Lord, my recent private prayer request was that you cover my enemies with your blood. I wanted the blood of Jesus to open their understanding. Allowing them to see they were their greatest obstacle when it came to not getting money bequeath to them. But how can they see when everyone spiritually in their life is superficial. Show me how to pray for them. There is nothing worse than being lost in the maze of life. Amen   

PARAGRAPH FROM 2014

I have been in church for nearly 53 years.   And I have never heard the story of Jonah with so much feeling.  Mary Margaret is full of passion for telling this great story.  Her passion causes her to be very (and I do mean very) animated.  Enjoy this cute little girl telling the story of Jonah.