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God’s plans are greater than my plans. I never know His step by step instructions but do my best to follow His lead. About a year ago, I had a plan to retire from teaching and find an office job. This did not happen as I ended up substitute teaching. At times, I wondered if I made the right decision. Sometimes it is hard to tell if I am following God’s plan or convincing myself what I want is God’s plan for me. Proverbs 16:9 is, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Holy Bible, English Standard Version, 2001Read More →

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It would be nice to enjoy a stress free week (or even a day). I am “done” with facing constant trials, problems, and issues. Every time a storm ends, another one arises. Deep down, I know Jesus tells us in John 16:33 that we will suffer in this life. This never-ending stressful cycle is tiring. James 1:2-3 is, Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. Holy Bible, English Standard Version, 2001 God uses all of my trials to mature me. I need to experience hard times to learnRead More →

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My eating is better, but the scale is not moving. I feel like I am working hard and have nothing to show for it. I search the internet for weight loss tips and want to try the latest quick fix. Sometimes, I want to “give up” and indulge in excess food. Luke 11:9-10 is, “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door willRead More →

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There are times I feel discouraged because I still need (and want) to work. I sometimes wonder why I worked in so many a different jobs. It doesn’t make sense that one person did everything I list on my resume. I feel nudged by the Lord to use my combined work knowledge to do freelance work. Psalm 37:23 is, “A person’s steps are established by the Lord, and he takes pleasure in his way.” Holy Bible, Christian Standard Version, 2017 Life is a journey that gets better when I follow the Lord. He has changed me and continues to prune my faults away. I believeRead More →

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I am going through a season of confusion. My path is unclear and I don’t know what to do next. I have tried to find a job outside of teaching. I feel like all the work I put into this new career search was wasted since I have nothing. I want to know how this will end before continuing this search. James 1:5 is, “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God – who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly – and it will be given to him. Holy Bible, Christian Standard Bible, 2017 I need God’s strength to walk through thisRead More →

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I retired from teaching but still need to work. My plan was to find work in accounting even though I last worked in this area 25 years ago. After a month of looking, I wonder if I should have kept teaching a little longer. I hate uncertainty and tend to predict the worst possible outcome. I try to listen for God’s voice, but am overwhelmed. Proverbs 3:5 is, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding;” Holy Bible, Christian Standard Bible, 2017 When I lean on Christ, He guides me and shows me the path to take.Read More →

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My goal or resolution for 2023 was to create regular posts for this blog. I got overwhelmed by trials and never found time to write regularly. I knew I needed Jesus, and had days (and sometimes weeks) where I depended on Him. Instead of trusting God, I wasted energy trying to fix things using my own power. Psalm 115:1 is, “Not to us, Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory because of your faithful love, because of your truth.” Holy Bible, Christian Standard Bible, 2017 My resolution for 2024 is to surrender everything to God. I like to hang onto parts ofRead More →

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Stress is one of my eating “triggers”. I reach for excess food to comfort my emotions. Excess food helps me temporarily forget my pain but does nothing to solve my problems. Instead of lasting relief, soon I feel guilty for eating too much. Matthew 11:28 is, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Holy Bible, Christian Standard Bible, 2017 The King of the universe invites me to come to Him for rest. I try to handle stress myself and fail. God provides me with lasting comfort and erases my guilt. He guides me to findRead More →

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I have walked with God for a while and think I have surrendered my life to Him. Even though I know the Lord works everything together for good, I hold on to some selfish desires. My fear is that God won’t work this situation out by giving me what I want. Job 22:21 is “Submit to God, and you will have peace; then things will go well for you.” Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015 Giving up control and submitting to God all the time is challenging. I need to give Him control of everything. Hanging on to my selfish desires keeps the Lord’s powerRead More →

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It is easier to continue living with bad habits than trying to develop better ones. Ever since COVID changed everything 3 years ago, I have not written regular posts. When I was forced to stay home, I spent time seeking news instead of reading God’s Word. Going back to work and facing Coronavirus stresses gave me more excuses. Three years later, I am not back in a routine of writing. Matthew 6:33 is, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Holy Bible, New International Version, 2011 When I seek the Lord, He guidesRead More →