Move On, Try Again

““Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬

What in your life do you need to try to do better at or start again? Stupid conversations that ended up with misunderstandings and pain? Maybe letting go of assumptions. Trusting God with outcomes and not attempting to do things yourself, never a good idea. 

Is there someone in your life you are on shaky ground with and it is time for forgiveness,  healing, and moving forward? A new outlook or vision perhaps. Regaining trust which is super difficult at times. 

Talk to God and share your deepest needs of your heart. Ask forgiveness if you hurt someone with careless words or too much control. Ask God to bring healing and allow new memories to be made. 

PRAYER: Lord thank you for family and friends. Thank you even for strangers we encounter in our day to day life. Direct my steps to stay on your path and not stumble into the darkness of trying to be in charge. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

I Saw A Hummingbird

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13)

What brings you joy? As odd as it may sound the simple fluttering of a tiny hummingbird eating from its’ feeder brightens my day. God made these little creatures for a reason and perhaps it was to bring joy. 

A beautiful blue sky, cool breeze, the calmness of a quiet morning. Intentionally having love in your heart. Letting go of hurt and pain from the past. Seeking things above. 

Not worrying about other’s opinion of you. Believing God can get you through whatever it is you are facing. Standing strong when you feel defeated. 

PRAYER: It is a good day Lord, and I song your praises. Each and every minute us a gift from you. Help me put away cares and rejoice. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Be Kind,Rewind

“Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God;
For I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.” Psalm 42:11

For those of you born in 1989 or before my title is familiar. Those were the days running off to Blockbuster video on Fridays to get the families selection of VHS videos to watch on the weekend. A sticker on the video read ‘Be Kind, Rewind’ meaning it was on a reel or spool that had to be rewound so next person could see it from the start. 

Some times you have to be kind to yourself by rewinding the ‘tape’ playing in your head and start each day fresh and new. What good is it to mull and sulk over things you have no control over?

Do yourself and others close to you a favor. Relax. Breathe in. Learn to forgive. Pray. Be still. Relax your brain. Don’t worry. Rewind the past and start fresh. 

PRAYER: Lord help me to look up and look beyond concerns I don’t need to bear. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

You Liar!

The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy. Proverbs 12:22 NIV Bible Gateway

How many times has someone asked you how are you or how is your morning going and truthfully it has been pretty raunchy so far and you are on the verge of tears yet your response is "ok". Why do we do this? It happened to me recently and I thought to myself what if I had unloaded my 'issues' on this person?

So let's say you have not had that good of a morning but you want to not lie so what do you do? Maybe just be honest and say you are working through some things and thanks for asking. You could even ask the person to say a prayer for you. 

Most problems stem from bad communication with others because of being impulsive or misunderstood. My problems occur most of the time due to unthought out texting. Anyone else identify? So what do you do? Once again you run to God and cry out for help. Cry out asking him to help you be still. Cry out asking Him to help you not text or butt into other's lives. Cry out and ask the Lord to help you wait for Him. 

PRAYER: My heart aches when I make someone else upset and truly meant no harm. My heart aches when I am misunderstood. Help me Lord to rest in the shadow of your wings. Give me self control. Help any fractured relationships be mended and forgiven. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Grief Is Real

 



The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.Psalm 34:18

It is beyond my comprehension what it would be like to experience a miscarriage or stillborn birth yet many women have. The grief goes beyond the birth mother but to the father, grandparents, and siblings. To me it is unimaginable. 

What do you say to bring comfort? Why would God not let this little one come into the world? Those are answers I am unqualified to know the answer to. 

Simply talk to God. Let Him hear your heart. Don’t be afraid to cry as tears are cleansing for your soul. Your grief may not be an unborn baby but could be another family member or friend. Don’t be afraid to cry out to God. 

PRAYERS: Lord I do not understand the whys but somehow I still know your plan and ways are above my understanding. Help me know what to do to comfort those who grieve. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Jealousy...Ouch!!

 

For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 1 John 2:16

Feeling left out, jilted as you compare yourself to another, on and on it can go in a vicious cycle. Jealousy is not a fruit of the spirit. Nearly everyone has felt the sting of a jealous spirit at one time or another.

Jealousy is pretty common and unfortunately is something you need to work on removing and be delivered from. There is no way you can be a mind reader and know what others are thinking or feeling. 

Perhaps your jealousy has ruined a relationship with a friend or even a family member. It is insecurity, fear, even anger or resentment. If you are aware of this weak area in your life work on achieving the fruits of the spirit in your life (see Galatians 5:22)and yanking out the weeds of jealously. God can help you. Lean on him. 

PRAYER: Where can I go from your presence Lord? The answer is nowhere because you care for me and your heart aches when I mess up. Help me be still. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

A Sunbeam, A Sunbeam

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

There was a child’s song I am not sure is sung anymore simply called ‘A Sunbeam’ saying that you’ll be a sunbeam for Him. 

Do you ever wake up in a funk and simply don’t feel like a shining sunbeam for Christ? Many things could be swirling in your head. What is necessary is to learn to let things go and refocus on ‘things above’.

Being a sunbeam would equate to being loving and kind to those you encounter daily even if they do not reciprocate. Asking God to strengthen you to do his work no matter how you are feeling or being treated. Now go shine for Jesus. 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for the ability to shine even when I may feel downcast. Give me strength no matter how I feel to light the world around me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.