You Will Bloom Here Too.

The thought of change and facing the unknown can be scary. It can make us feel overwhelmed and trigger the nervous system when we are forced to relinquish control in an unfamiliar environment.

There is no life without problems, obstacles, challenges, uncertainties, and doubts. But we serve a God who surpasses the understanding of time and men; through God, all things are possible if we trust and believe in Him.

You’re doubting yourself because you’ve never been here before.
That’s okay. There are many places you had never been before
and you grew through them, even when you thought you couldn’t.
Gracefully, you will bloom here too. – unknown. 

Bloom quote

As you navigate your way in this season you will have numerous chances to quit. Discouragement and self-doubt plague everyone, but you can overcome them by tapping into your inner warrior.

Life consists of different seasons and they are not permanent. A season can sometimes feel like an eternity. Surrender all to God and find your Rest and Peace in Christ. Don’t struggle on your own using the same old strategies that got you here!

As for man, his days are like grass—he blooms like a flower of the field. Ps 103:15, CSB.

Even when life seems chaotic and confusing, it’s important to remember that God is still in charge and you’ve been here before in a different setting. In the past, you doubted yourself,  worried yourself sick, and cried your eyes out. These are familiar emotions, you’ve seen this movie before. And this time you can show up differently. Skip the emotional drama, there’s nothing there but exhaustion, numbness, anxiety attacks, and fatigue. 

You’ve been through the wringer and you survived, overcame, and thrived. You have experience, knowledge, depth, wisdom, insight and perspective. Don’t forget who you are. This season calls for stillness, clarity, daily practice, focus, courage, setting clear intentions, and tuning out external noises. 

You can’t but win! Go ahead and prosper; know yourself deeply, grow and discover new ideas, make new connections, increase in wisdom, succeed, and help others as you’ve been helped.

Journal Prompts.
Answer these questions:

♦ What am I supposed to learn in this season?
♦ What are some good habits to practice in this season?
♦ Who am I becoming in this season?
♦ What advice would you give to someone in your current situation?

Prayer

May you be still, surrender, and let go. May you find rest. May your faith not waiver. May your strength be renewed. May you grow and increase. May you laugh and dance again. May you finish strong. May you overcome and fully recover. May you bloom in every season. 

Even in this season, there are blessings and reasons to rejoice.
You are still here, learning and growing. You are enough.
God wastes nothing. You will bloom here too.

At first, they disagree with you.

At first, they disagree with you.
Next, they mock your ideas.
Later, they gradually come around.
Then, they copy you.
Finally, they are inspired by you. 

Stay true to your beliefs, committed to your daily practice, and focused on your chosen path.  

Your beliefs, ideas and chosen path will be challenged, even ridiculed by others. You must not be distracted or discouraged from being your authentic self and forging ahead. Your insight, knowledge, and wisdom are for you alone first. If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you will bear it alone.” Proverbs 9:12, NKJV.

Being ridiculed, laughed at, or mocked is part of the common human experience. It happens to everyone who dares. Don’t take things personally.

You are responsible for the knowledge you have. Stand in your truth, by your values, and pay attention to your instinct.

“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.”― Oscar Wilde

When they copy you and don’t even give you credit!?!? I know you feel that – it hurts! People copy things that are highly regarded. Take it like a Champ! Take it as a compliment. You did that, not them! Be flattered by them. God is preparing you for greatness. And if you can’t handle these petty thieves, how can God trust you with more?

Change is a given: Sooner or later, everyone changes and evolves. Whether others change or not. Whether people are inspired by you or not. Keep on practicing your gift, living out your values. Treasure what God has committed to you. Don’t be distracted by the Sanballat and Tobias of this world. 

Lean into the quite, gentle voice within. Be committed to your calling, vision, passion, and personal values. 

You got this!

Try Again Tomorrow.

If you are tired, it’s okay to take a break. You are not made of wood. The world will get by without you. Tomorrow is another day to try again.

Courage, dear friends for your journey. To get back up again and again.
To forge new beginnings and embrace lessons learned.

Trust and have faith in the One who designed you, prolonged your time,
and knows the end from the start. 

Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.” — Mary Anne Radmacher

Trust God
Second by second
Breath by breath
Minute by minute
Moment by moment
Hour by hour
Step by step
Day by day
Week by week
Month by month
Year by year
In every season
Word for word
Trial by trial
Decision by decision
Provision by provision
Prayer by prayer
Promises after promises
Time after time.

For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again, But the wicked shall fall by calamity. Proverbs 24:16, NKJV.

Be resilient dear friends. Slow and steady, in and out of season, day by day, one breath at a time. May you find moments of joy, peace, love, and courage on your journey.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13, NIV.

Don’t give up. You are still growing. Try again tomorrow!

We Don’t Often Meet People At Their Finest Moments In Life.

We don’t often meet people at their finest moments in life. We meet at the peaks and valleys of life, barely holding it together because no one has it figured out. Be soft and gentle. Be kind and understanding. We need one another.

In a moment of anger, hold your tongue. In a time of sadness, encourage someone. When you are blessed, rejoice and be a blessing to others.

Everyone you meet is either afraid of something, ashamed of something, or struggling with something. None of us, including me, has it all together. But together we can comfort and support each other.

Let’s normalize
– Staying out of people’s business and minding our own.
– Making our anger expensive, and extending grace to others.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:12-13, NIV.

The moment the enemy sees that you are becoming serious about being delivered from strongholds and being freed to pursue Jesus, he will turn up the heat of temptation. Be alert and stand against him; however, if you happen to fall at times in your journey toward freedom, do not quit. Stand up, seek forgiveness, and get back on the freedom trail. ―Beth Moore.

Have a good day and even if you can’t, don’t go messing up nobody else’s.      ―Tabitha Brown.

Letting go of the Cares and Worries of Life

As the year comes to an end, let go of the cares and worries of life. You are not meant to carry them around. Travel light and enjoy the season.

Do not panic or worry about anything. God is everywhere and He knows all things.

Instead of worrying, pray.
Instead of stressing, worship.
Instead of being depressed, praise God.
Instead of resisting, surrender.
Instead of giving up, have faith in God.
Instead of talking about your problems, count your blessings.
Instead of striving for more, be thankful for what you have.
Instead of entertaining doubts, hold on to God’s words.

Do Not Worry!

These are the words of Jesus. If worrying is the solution why would He say otherwise? 

Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Matthew 6:25, NKJV.

Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns: yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Matthew 6:26, NKJV.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.  Matthew 6:34, NKJV.

Inspirational Quotes

“When you are in troubled and worried and sick at heart
And your plans are upset and your world falls apart,
Remember God’s ready and waiting to share
The burden you find much too heavy to bear–
So with faith, “Let Go and Let GOD” lead your way
Into a brighter and less troubled day” — Helen Steiner Rice

“If you want to be happy, do not dwell in the past, do not worry about the future, focus on living fully in the present.”― Roy T. Bennett.

“Worrying is carrying tomorrow’s load with today’s strength- carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.” ― Corrie Ten Boom.

“Whatever is going to happen will happen, whether we worry or not.”― Ana Monnar.

“Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.” ― Eugene H. Peterson.

May your worries be light. May you grow in peace and wisdom and soar to greater heights.

Dear Early Riser, The World Needs You!

Dear Early Riser,
The World Needs You! Our lives are incomplete without you. And the world is more productive because of early risers like you. 

I got to lie in for two days in a roll due to the early risers in my life. They get our days off to a peaceful and pleasant start. They are human alarm clocks, helping the rest of us be on time! Can I get an amen!? 

The world needs more early risers. Our lives are incomplete without them. 

I am not a “natural” early riser. If I had my way, I wouldn’t get up before 10 am. We are all created differently and beautiful. We each bring various gifts and blessings – OWN IT. 

Thank God for early morning people. They are blessings galore. Long may they live. And more sleep for the rest of us who appreciate them. 

Show some love to the early risers in your life. You might get a cup of your favorite beverage!

Your Life Is Amazing As It Is.

Are you enjoying your life as it is right now? Or are you nitpicking while waiting for your ideal life to begin?

Happiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already have.

happinessChange Your Mindset.
Have you ever considered maybe your life is great as it is now? Could the way you are conditioned to think through foggy and faulty lenses affect how you view your life?

Many people are stuck on the life they think is a must-have, not knowing that might be the source of their unhappiness. Change your conditioning and the story you’ve been telling yourself.

Common Human Experiences.
These are things that apply to everyone on planet Earth.
We don’t get to pick or choose our human experiences. It’s an all-inclusive package.  

At the very top of all Human Experiences are Birth, Death, Belief, Failure, Sickness and Pain, Change, Fear, Joy, Happiness, Emotion, Problems, and Nature, to name a few.

Stop allowing things beyond your control to rob you of joy, happiness, peace of mind, health, love, and contentment in the present.

Are you enjoying your marriage?
Are you enjoying your single status?
Are you enjoying the season of parenthood?
Are you enjoying the in-between season?
Are you enjoying the uncertainty of life?
Are you enjoying the empty nest season?
Are you enjoying the winter season of life?
Are you enjoying life transitions?

There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God. Ecclesiastes 2:24, ESV. 

Stop making your life difficult.
Your life is amazing as it is.
Stop waiting for the stars to align.
Perfection is an illusion.

Change the way, tone, and words in which you describe your life. You become what you believe and speak. Change is an inside job.

Happiness is not a goal or destination; they are subtle shifts in consciousness, awareness, mindset, and beliefs.

“Happiness does not come from a job. It comes from knowing what you truly value and behaving in a way that’s consistent with those beliefs.” – Mike Rowe.

There are many ways to live a happy life. You can figure out which is best for you. The path to happiness is a personal and evolving journey. 

If you are not thankful and enjoying your life as it is now – You are doing life all wrong. 

Your life is a gift. Period. Enjoy Your Amazing Life.

Hindsight Is 2020

Hola Friends! 2020 tried us all on a global scale. We made it, and here we are together again. Some of us are bruised, shaken and stirred, humbled, thriving, in recovery, and still doing our best to show up fully. May we not take each day we are alive and healthy for granted.

In hindsight, everything had been preparing us for 2020 had we listened more to the still small voice within, slowed down, made the necessary adjustments, taken the path less traveled, danced to our own rhythm, become true to ourselves, honored God’s values, etc. The past challenges, upheaval, loss, rejections, misunderstanding, and closed doors, were all designed to awaken our consciousness for change and shift naturally without force. It’s never too late to apply lessons learned.

The way to your breakthrough is through the storms of life.

the way

The year 2020 forced many of us to prune our old ways, idols, and bad habits. To acknowledge our skewed viewpoints, privileges, biases, and ungodly ties.

Personally, I wouldn’t have survived 2020 had I not.

Surrender to God.

Learn to protect my peace and energy.

Simplify my life and return to basics.

Learn to live in the present moment: Take things daily.

Identified my community and became committed to doing life with them.

Live by my values.

Let go of Religion.

Major on doing my inner work.

Developed a deeper personal relationship with God. 

Established daily spiritual practices.

Learn to hold loosely to the things of this world.

Have faith in God’s word.

Know that comparison is the thief of joy. – “Theodore Roosevelt.”

Come to an understanding that Death is not to be feared.

God in His infinite mercy and love carries us through the storms of life. He never leaves or abandons us. He never gives us more than we can handle. And He doesn’t expect us to figure it out alone.

You crown the year with Your goodness, And Your paths drip with abundance: psalm 65:11, NKJV.

Happy New Year! I hope 2021 is up to a great start!

What hindsight nuggets did you glean from 2020?

Nothing Just Happens.

Nothing about your life is random or happenstance. You are wired the way you are to fulfill your calling and assignment.

Nothing Just Happens. There Is A Reason For Everything.

There is a reason you are attracted to certain people.

There is a reason you are passionate about something.

There is a reason you think the way you do.

There is a reason you gravitate towards a specific profession.

There is a reason you are wired the way you are.

There is a reason you feel certain things more in-depth than others.

There is a reason you are drawn to solve a particular problem.

There is a reason some behaviors trigger you.

There is a reason you have the personality you have.

There is a reason you have a proclivity towards a particular thing.

I can go on and on…

Everything is not black or white. There is a depth to all human experience.
There is a lesson behind the lesson and the meaning behind the meaning. 

Your inner work is your God-given assignment.

God created you with a purpose and a plan. It’s your job to unpack the deep and hidden meaning through a relationship with Christ. By spending alone and quiet time with God, He will lead you into all knowledge and understanding of things pertaining to you.

There is a purpose to everything God created, permitted, and allowed. 

You are not weird or crazy. You are wired the way you are to fulfill your calling and assignment. You are unique. Explore, Honor, and Celebrate these things that make you, you.

When you know whose you are and who you are, you will run the race of life differently.

Balance: Know Your Limits.

B is for Balance.

Know your limits.
Know when you’ve done all you can.
Know when it’s time to let go.
Letting go does not mean you care less.
Letting go means you’ve done your part.

The only part you are required to do is what within your limit.
Anything other than that done out of duty, frustration, or people-pleasing may leave you feeling resentful and unappreciated. Let all things be done in love.
1 Corinthians 16:14, NASB.

When dealing with others, know your limits. Know your heart motivations. Respect your boundaries and others. Be led by love. Do your part expecting nothing in return.

You are not required to set yourself on fire to keep other people warm.
— Unknown. 

The only part you are required to do is yours: that which is within your control.

Remember the words of Jesus to Martha.
But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. Luke 10:42, KJV. 

After doing all you know to do, within your power, from a good heart – stand. Stand, believing that God isn’t done with the situation. Draw a line, mark the date, praise God, and hand it over to Him and stand and see the salvation of the Lord!

 

My heart is broken. My spirit is weak. I am feeling discouraged.

I’ve always prided myself as an encourager. I usually stay away from anyone who will bring me down. Being an Empath, lately, I find myself struggling with my emotions. I wish I wasn’t feeling all these emotions. I wish we all live in a perfect world. But Feelings and Wishes solve nothing!

I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired. — Fannie Lou Hamer.

I’m writing to you as a Human Being who is deeply concerned for all. I’m not just concern for all the beautiful brown babies. I’m troubled for all of us. Who are we becoming when we turn our eyes away and close our hearts to the sad reality of our world?

There comes a time when silence is a betrayer. Martin Luther King, Jr.

I’ve always tried to live my life, for the most part, law-abiding. I’d be lying if I say I don’t go over the speed limit sometimes.  I even try not to speak publicly about my political views to make others comfortable. I would never dream of jogging or walking at night even though I live in a diverse city – God forbid, I can’t take that chance.

Positivity.
I believe in positivity and creating a peaceful environment. But lately, I’ve been triggered by the ongoing killing of Blacks. And I can no longer keep calm. I can honestly understand why someone would go postal from repressing their true feelings. 

Let all things be done decently and in order. 1 Corinthians 14;40, KJV.

I hope you would find a healthy way to express your views and lend your voice to a worthy cause. Let’s put aside our political beliefs and affiliations. We are first humans, children of God, created in His image. Bearing in mind that we are not all the feelings and crazy thoughts in our head. 

Self-Care
Being still, quiet time, meditation, listening to music, staying in the Word, limiting Social Media and News, and having healthy boundaries are few ways by which I tend to my soul.

Take care of yourself – You’re not made of wood. 

If you are feeling triggered by our world, the plight of others  – May God give you peace of mind, and may you grow strong in spirit. 

Might I add:
Do not add to the hatred out there. Do no harm to another person or property. Don’t take the laws into your hands.

I believe in Love. I believe in Freedom. I believe in Truth. I believe in Justice. I believe in Equality. I believe in Representation. I believe in God. And I still have faith in humanity to do the right thing.

Let’s continue to pray for Peace, Love, Tolerance, and Justice for all.

 

 

 

 

Forgiveness First, Then Healing.

The earnest prayer from my heart for you today is that you’d make God the go-to Person for everything. For all your pain, disappointments, and deep-rooted wounds in prayer, for your healing, spiritual nourishment, and encouragement, the shoulder to cry on, your secret keeper, the one who removes your shame and dry your tears. Because the truth is, no one else can be all that for you. Those people you’re holding a grudge against because they didn’t return your calls, they weren’t there for you, and didn’t love you back – they are just as broken and messed up too. Wish them well and focus on healing your soul.

No husband or wife, mother or Father, money, or drugs can fill the hole in your heart. There is no shame or condemnation – you are his child, his baby, run to the Father. Forgive and release all the disappointment so that your healing can begin today.

Now is not the hour to be stuck in pettiness, languishing in self-pity, nursing wounds from decades ago, and allowing the enemy to have you lockdown in demonic stronghold and bondage. My sister, my brother – the battle is the Lord. Forgiveness first, then healing, Healing in your spirit, soul, and body. 

#Rest. #Recharge. #Heal. 

Come aside this season. Recharge by limiting access to those who easily trigger you.  You are not the Holy Spirit, and even Jesus frequently withdrew from people to rest. People are not the problem. People are people. The lack of continuous fellowship and intimacy with God exposes us to attacks from the enemy. God wastes nothing. When He is through healing your wounds, He will use them to bless you and others.

Let the next time you are angry, and having a pity party reminds you of running to God. Let your tears flow, scream, and cry out to God. He hears and loves you. Release the pain, hurt, shame, and regrets. Forgive the betrayal and injustice. Come out from the prison of lies, denial, and deceit. You are set free by the blood of Jesus.

The enemy tried, but he is nothing but a liar. Father God loves you, Jesus died for you, and you are free indeed!

Be blessed.

No Season Lasts Forever.

Don’t be distracted by Coronavirus; it’s not here to stay. It’s temporary.

Sickness, unemployment, anxiety, depression, fear, chronic pain, panic attacks, poverty is not your portion and has to go.

Your part is to fight with the word of God, prayer, in silence, fasting, praise, and worship.

Whatever battle you are facing is not between flesh and blood. The battle belongs to God.

You cannot win a fight against an invisible enemy by yourself. God is fighting for you.

No matter what life throws at you: be watchful and prayerful. If you have Jesus – you will make it. Stand in agreement with what God says about you.

Pray: ask, seek and knock. And God will give you a word, instructions, revelations, and strategies.

Exodus 14:13 – “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again”.

No season lasts forever. Be watchful and prayerful. Amen! Praise the Living God! Hallelujah to the Most High God.

Teachers Are Humans Too

As a mother of three children (one Middle-schooler and two in Elementary), we are stuck at home together with the treat of Coronavirus around.

Our lives, our world as we know it has come to an abrupt stop. This season especially harder for working parents, single parents, those working in the medical professions, first responders, essential services, ministries, elderly, special needs, those with medical conditions, and so much more, but you get the gist.

I’ve had a lot of updates from my local school district. While I appreciate their concern for our children’s education – the children are having a blast! Who doesn’t enjoy time off school? Duh!

The pressure on teachers to engage with parents and students via online learning is driving me up the wall.

Teachers are humans too. They are parents, husbands, and wives, sisters, brothers, uncles and aunties, grandparents. They are in this too. They are affected just like the rest of us. Teachers have their own children to care for at home. They have responsibility for their elderly parents, family members, and friends. They are volunteers, pillars of our communities. Teachers are human beings too.

Can we ease off and give teachers a break!

Parents, parent your children. That includes teaching and caring for their overall well-being in this season. It can’t be that hard spending time with the children you brought into the world, which you profess to love. Okay!

My thoughts and prayers are with you all, parents, teachers, pastors, and those in leadership alike.

We are in this together and will get through this by keeping a cool head and supporting one another.

Stay blessed. May God heal our nation.

You Will Get Through This.

You Will Get Through This.
As weak as you feel.
Unsure as you are.
Broken as you are.
As painful as it is.
As scary as it seems.
Even in this utter chaos.
Divine alignments are in formation.

You will get through this:
Just as you are.
One day at a time.
Anchor your hope
On the One who never fails.

It Is Well. God Is In Control

Hi Everyone,

Just checking in.

How are things in your homes, cities, and countries?

I pray it is well with your families, neighbors, health, children, and your mind.

We are not moved by what is going on in the world. Our Heavenly Father rules the world. We know whose we are. Don’t forget who you are.

If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. Proverbs 24:10, ESV.

Come aside, get still before God, and be at peace.
Exchange every fear, weaknesses, lies, fact, and data
for  His Strength, Confidence, Peace, and Faith in Christ Jesus.

It is well with you. It is well with your soul.
It is well with your city and country.
Your children and family are blessed
You are blessed going out and coming in.
You are covered by the blood of the Lamb.
Put on the whole armor of GOD and STAND!

 

It is well.
God is in control.
We have nothing to fear.
We are the salt of the earth.
We are the light to the world.
We are bearers of Good news
We are the Hands and Feet of Christ.

Go and be the salt, light, hands, and feet and bearers of good news to everyone
you come across, which is our acts of service to the world.

Be mindful of who you are and continue to abide in Christ Jesus and His Word, and nothing shall be impossible for you. Amen!

May the Lord heal our land and nation. Amen!

May You See Yourself As God Sees You.

How you see yourself determines how you treat yourself and others. Do you have a healthy, loving view of yourself? Are you comfortable in your skin? 

Looking good, titles, money, material things, and other people’s perception of you means nothing if you are not comfortable in your skin. 

From Genesis to Revelation, God made his intentions clear regarding his children – You are Mine, You are loved, and You were worth dying for. And even if all else fails, His Word stands forever.

You made it this far with all your baggage, imperfection, weaknesses, shame, guilt, and flaws. Isn’t it time you start loving all of you? To keep finding faults with yourself is to question God’s creative ability and tarnish his masterpiece.

“May I have the courage today To live the life that I would love, To postpone my dream no longer But do at last what I came here for And waste my heart on fear no more.” ― John O’Donohue.

“Never underestimate the power you have to take your life in a new direction.” ― Germany Kent

None of our lives are perfect, but even in this season, there is cause to rejoice, love, peace, joy, laughter, good friends, and family. If you search within your heart, there is more reason to be thankful.

Until you make peace with who you are, you will not be content with where you are and what you have. 

May you see yourself as God sees you, through the eyes of love, through the eyes of the beholder, through the eye of Christ. 

God has a purpose for your life. Find your identity and self-worth in Christ.

Prayer: Father, forgive me for taking so long to realize You’re the only ONE I’ve always needed.

You Have Been Assigned This Life Because You Were Chosen

Many of us are surrounded by enablers, sympathizers, and mourners. Enough of those. Get with some seasoned lifers, people who have been through tough seasons, who can pray you through, who can encourage, uplift your spirit, and point you to purpose and destiny.

It’s time to call time-out on pity parties, resentments, or regrets. Wipe your tears, delete some contacts, shake the dust off your sandals, and recommit yourself to walking with God in your generation. Be transformed from the inside out, not conformed to the world, or going back to the old habits and lifestyle.

Arise in your mind and spirit. Remember whose you are! Awake from slumber and dead works. Live. Rule. Reign with Christ. Take your rightful position so that your children and family will have a fighting chance.

You have been assigned this life because you were chosen. You can, and you will succeed. The Kingdom of God resides within you. Declare the word of God over your life and situation. A fresh start, new beginning, and breakthroughs are yours for the taking. God is on your side. Rise up! Sons and daughters of God. Arise and do your work. Arise and get to work in fulfilling destiny!

Get into the word and stand in agreement with God for 2020. Iron sharpens iron. Let’s encourage and support one another.

God’s Word is living and powerful. It is sharper than a sword that cuts both ways. It cuts straight into where the soul and spirit meet, and it divides them. It cuts into the joints and bones. It tells what the heart is thinking about and what it wants to do. Hebrews 4:12, NLV.

I wish you peace, joy, and a courageous New Year. May you possess all your possessions and inheritance. May your desire to live for God and fulfill your destiny and purpose supersede your need for approval, validation, belonging, and conformity. 

Thankful For Happy Sounds.

There are good and happy sounds. It’s the week of Thanksgiving here in America. My school district gave our county the whole week off! What! Says all the parents. So you can imagine the level of noise in my home.

We’ve had a couple of play-dates over, more kids more noises. I love the joyful sounds of happy children. They are the good kind of noise, the more, the merrier, although I’ve had to ask them to tone it down at times.

Children’s excited sound, loud laughter, all talking at once, playing hide and seek, brief tantrums and moments of a heated exchange,  running around up and down the stairs, raiding the pantry are all happy sounds. Happy sounds are proof of healthy and happy children.


In the fast-changing seasons of life, all one can do is be present.

I’m learning to see the beauty in chaos and crop out good memory from loud and happy sounds. Live in the moment, make memories, and enjoy imperfection.

We can always clean up the mess after the fun is over. We can restore calm after chaos, but we cannot build memories from emptiness. Let the people in your life be, enjoy your gift and blessings. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14, NIV. 

Perspective:
In the past, when one of our children was sick, I’d have given anything to have them LOL, run up the stairs, and even taunt their siblings. A loud, strong-willed, energetic child is a healthy and happy child.

Perhaps if we can lay aside our expectations and standards, the child in us might come out to play and make some happy sounds too.

In the spirit of thanksgiving: 

I am thankful for happy sounds, restless feet, belly laughs, a raided pantry, silly tantrums, and sibling rivalry, and, most of all, for a healthy, happy family.

None of our lives are perfect, but even in this season, there is love, peace, joy, laughter, good friends, and family. If you search within your heart, there is more reason to be thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving!

What Are You Full Of?

Whatever you are full of will eventually overflow to everyone around you. You cannot give what you don’t have. You will ultimately confess, attract, and produce what you’re full of. 

If you store the word of God in your heart, that’s what will come out, not profane words. Let God’s word change you from the inside out.

Your life is a reflection of what you believe. The way you see the world is as a result of what you are full of. No two people see the world the same way. We are living in a world within worlds, a kingdom within kingdoms. Every man’s world is a mirror of his mind.

As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart. Proverbs 27:19 (NIV)

What Are You Known For? 

Are you full of yourself, rubbing people the wrong way with your words, sarcasm, or you are known for peace, encouragement, and unifying people?

We all know that one person we would never call on our worst day because their words are not edifying.

A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. Luke 6:45

Change me from the inside out.

What Are You Feeding On?

You are full of whatever you feed on the most. If you feed on love, you will be full of love. If you feed on hate, anger, and fear, that’s what you will reproduce. You’ve heard the saying “Garbage in, garbage out. It’s not rocket science. Whatever goes in will come out one day through our actions, words, and how we treat others. 

It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.” Proverbs 27:19, ESV.

Who Are You Surrounded By?

The people you are surrounded by are indicators of what you might be full of since no one can truly see themselves as they are.

“Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. Act 6:3.

In my own life, I have found this statement to be true. “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” – Jim Rohn.

Be Filled With The Spirit of Christ.

Are you full of Christ and the Holy Spirit? You may be a Christain, attending Church but do not a personal relationship with Christ. 

I’ve found that going directly to Christ has made the most significant impact on my spiritual walk. And doing life with few people who are in for the long-haul, committed to Christ, have walked the talk,  time tested, being through the fire and the school of hard knocks. 

The more I practice discerning God’s voice and waiting on Him to speak. Fruitless, vain, and worthless things that once captured my interest are no longer enticing or satisfying. Layers of judgment have peeled away and replaced with compassion, forgiveness, and truth.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. Galatian 5:22, ESV

Being full of Christ produces godly character and good fruit, such as wisdom, love, and
fostering a peaceful environment. 

A positive, lasting, and permanent change starts from within, on the inside, intentionally, not by chance. If you don’t like what you see, how you feel, what you hear, the feedback you get — Change it.