By:
On:
In: Encouragement
With: 0 Comments

My December has been stuffed full of parties and Christmas events. I was busy shopping, baking, and cleaning to prepare for all the celebrations. It is easy for me to get caught up in the holiday bustle and forget the reason for the season. Luke 2:11 is, “Today, a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the City of David” Holy Bible, Holman Christian Standard Bible, 2009 Jesus was born for me! He came to save me from sin and to guide me in this life. This is the reason to celebrate! When I think of everything Jesus has blessed meRead More →

By:
On:
In: Encouragement
With: 0 Comments

If worrying was an Olympic event, I would have several medals. I know worry does nothing to help me. When things are peaceful, I find something to worry about. The root of my anxiety is that I want my way. I need to be in control and don’t trust the Lord. Matthew 6:27 is, “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015 When I trust in God, I can face anything. The mighty creator who can part waters, also cares for me. I can turn it around by changing my “worry list” into a prayer list.Read More →

By:
On:
In: Encouragement
With: 0 Comments

The Lord is very good to me and provides me with more than enough. On Thanksgiving, I like to think of everything I am thankful for. Throughout this past year, I have noticed multiple“little blessings”. These little gifts like a situation resolution or a hassle free drive brighten my day. When I thank Jesus for these gifts, He fills my heart with joy. Psalm 92:4 is, “You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done.” Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015 I like the words “You thrill me, Lord,” in this translation. HisRead More →

By:
On:
In: Encouragement
With: 0 Comments

I am tired all the time. It might be old age. It also might be from sometimes eating unhealthy food. I stay busy and sometimes keep going when I am exhausted. Worrying and overthinking also wear me out. Matthew 11:28 is, “Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’” Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015 I used to think this Biblical rest meant taking a nap or chilling in front of the TV. My “rest” had also become excessive scrolling while watching TV. This makes me more tired! I went backRead More →

By:
On:
In: Encouragement
With: 0 Comments

Jesus is the path to freedom. I have tried doing life my way and no longer enjoy the results. This “freedom” causes trouble because I cannot stop eating after I mess up. My eating has been better so I don’t want to overeat today just because it is the 4th of July. Galatians 5:1 is, “Christ has liberated us to be free. Stand firm then and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Holy Bible, Holman Christian Standard Bible, 2009 When I submit my “daily bread” or food I eat throughout a day to Jesus, my mind is free from excessive food noise. IRead More →

By:
On:
In: Encouragement
With: 1 Comment

I was sick a few weeks ago and needed to rest. I used my limited energy to scroll social media and binge on my favorite shows. Once I got in a habit of unlimited screen time, it was hard to stop. Scrolling too much distracts me from doing things I need to get done. Ever since I retired from my day job, I struggle with the temptation to be lazy. Isaiah 26:3 is, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015 I need Jesus the same way I needRead More →

By:
On:
In: Encouragement
With: 0 Comments

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 →

By:
On:
In: Encouragement
With: 0 Comments

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 →

By:
On:
In: Encouragement
With: 0 Comments

Psalm 37:4 has always been one of my favorite verses. Often, I skipped ahead to the part that says, “He (God) will give you your heart’s desires.” Even though God grants some selfish requests, He wants more from me. As I have drawn closer to the Lord, He showed me the true meaning of this verse. Psalm 37:3-4 is, “Trust in the Lord and do what is good; dwell in the land and live securely. Take delight in the Lord and He will give you your heart’s desires. Holy Bible, Holman Christian Bible, 2009 Instead of granting selfish wishes, the God of the universe desiresRead More →

By:
On:
In: Healthy eating
With: 0 Comments

My eating was better, but the scale stayed the same. I blamed my aging hormones and thought I would never lose weight. I was eating too much and stubbornly did not want to admit it. I fell back into old habits like using food to soothe my feelings. I thought my food intake was fine, but I ate more food than my body needed. Proverbs 3:7-8 is, “Don’t be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. This will be healing for your body and strengthening for your bones. Holy Bible, Christian Standard Bible, 2017 The Lord gently showed meRead More →