By:
On:
In: Encouragement
With: 0 Comments

I feel like I have experienced a life’s worth of hard times in 2020. If another struggle/trial/obstacle is thrown my way, I might go crazy. When I focus on negativity, everything seems doomed. I hate to admit that my hopeless feelings lead me to excess food. Romans 5:3 is, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.” Holy Bible, New Living Translation Seeing the heavenly view changes my perspective. God is not finished with me and uses everything to make me more Christlike. Unlike food, the Lord comforts and helps me deal withRead More →

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

My muscles swell after working out, so my pants fit tighter. Other times, my body retains water. My mind tells me I have gained weight even though I know better. I listen to lies. I believe I have failed and feel like I will always be overweight. Psalm 42:5 is “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again – my Savior…” Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015 I get discouraged when I take my eyes off the Lord. I fall for lies and forget to seek Jesus. When I praise God,Read More →

By:
On:
In: Encouragement
With: 0 Comments

When I worry, my fear level jumps from mild to extreme. Deep down, I know the Lord will guide me through any crisis. If I take my eyes off Jesus, anxiety sets in. This worry quickly takes over, so I forget God is in control. Psalm 34:4 is, “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” Holy Bible, New International Version Only God takes away my fears. He helps me let go of situations I have no control over. Jesus shows me I don’t have to fix world problems. He gives me wisdom to navigate though my troubles.Read More →

By:
On:
In: Encouragement
With: 0 Comments

Many years ago, I learned the importance of forgiveness. When others hurt me or someone I love, I need to forgive. This releases me so my hurt can heal. If I don’t let go, bitterness and anger festers in my heart. When I get upset by others who disagree with me, I am unforgiving. Colossians 3:13 is, “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015 God wants me to tolerate others. To me, this is a heart issue of wanting people to agree with me.Read More →

By:
On:
In: Encouragement
With: 0 Comments

Fear has always been my downfall. My brain can examine any situation and create the worst possible ending. With today’s uncertainty, my anxiety will be out of control if my mind keeps thinking negative thoughts. My fears keep me from drawing closer to God and destroy my peace. 2 Timothy 1:7 is, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015 The Lord wants me to break free from fear. When I seek Jesus, I find strength to overcome my anxiety. He reveals truth so I can see faith onRead More →

By:
On:
In: Encouragement
With: 0 Comments

Stress eating used to be my downfall. I used food to soothe my anxieties, including the extra activities during May. This year, my school year ending stress is replaced by living in a world of COVID 19. With the Lord’s help, my eating has been better during these last two months. Psalm 63:1 is “You God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.” Holy Bible, New International Version, 2011 I have been seeking God instead of food. Without dieting, I am starting to seeRead More →

By:
On:
In: Encouragement
With: 0 Comments

When I find dramatic cliffhangers in a book, I skip to the end for a quick peek. I hate waiting for an ending, even in life. The “not knowing” when I can safely eat at a restaurant or get a pedicure is killing me. I am starting to find peace by letting go of my need to know. James 4:14-15 is, “How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog – it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, ‘If the Lord wants us to, we will live, and doRead More →

By:
On:
In: Encouragement
With: 0 Comments

I have good days and bad days dealing with the world’s latest struggle. Life was stressful and full of unknowns enough before this new virus. I have more time to draw close to God, but waste it seeking news and entertainment. My mind is cluttered so I don’t see God. Psalm 46:10 is, “He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth’” The Holy Bible, New International Version, 2011 God commands me to be still so I can find Him. When I pick up my Bible while thinking about problems,Read More →

By:
On:
In: Encouragement
With: 0 Comments

Being stuck at home to stay safe from COVID 19 is making me lazy. I no longer have to wake up early since I can work in my jammies. Most of those things I once rushed around for no longer exist. I am spending some of my excess time searching internet sites and watching TV. I am restless, bored, and need something to satisfy me. When I spend my energy seeking entertainment, my heart gets empty. A slower pace is not my biggest problem. I need to devote more time to draw closer to Jesus. Lamentations 3:22-23 is “The faithful love of the Lord neverRead More →

By:
On:
In: Encouragement
With: 0 Comments

This Holy Week is unlike any during my lifetime. I normally am ready to celebrate Easter. Usually, I draw closer to God by preparing spiritually. This year, church will be online and we will not see family. I did not buy candy for church egg hunts. I have been doing Easter devotions, but am more focused on things going on in the world. 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 Matthew talks seeking earthly needs in the verses leading to this one. Instead ofRead More →