For he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9
Happy Monday. I missed you guys so much. We live in a rural area and the Internet has been out in our neighborhood since Friday. We still don’t have Internet service, but I came to work early this morning so I could post.
My good news is you CAN live without the Internet! It’s amazing how much time I had this weekend. This experience made me realize that digital devices suck up your time. I spent time reading, swimming, cleaning house and just resting. It was awesome! Yet, I must admit that I missed the Internet. I couldn’t work on my classes, post in my blog, couldn’t read your blogs, or keep in touch with others (well except by the old fashion landline telephone method). It’s really funny how dependent we are on the Internet. When I was a child the closest thing to a computer, anyone I knew had, was a calculator. No one had cellular telephones. In fact, my grandmother was on a party landline telephone. You could pick up her phone and hear the neighbor’s talking. It is amazing how far we have come. That brings me today’s great event – the eclipse. I was in middle school during the last eclipse. We made special devices in science class so we could view it. God is the best artist!
Are you dreading the drama this morning? Is your work world full of stress? Is Monday your least favorite day of the week? Is there someone you just don’t want to see? Are you afraid others will learn secrets from your past or worst yet, present? You are not alone. Many people get physically ill on Monday mornings. Stress has been linked to physical and mental illnesses, which can shorten your life. We all have skeletons in our closet, people who give us a hard time, and drama we have to contend with, at least a little on Monday. It’s okay. It doesn’t matter how bad things are, let God’s light shine through you. Others will see God’s work in you. As Jason Gray sings “the more broke you are, the more the light gets through!” Isn’t that great! Be happy and thankful. Shine for the Lord in all you do today.
This is my comfort in my affliction, that Your word has revived me and given me life. Psalm 119:50
It’s Forgiveness Thursday, and some of my friends are hurting today. I have some friends who have had a recent relationship break up. I also have some friends who have recently had to say farewell to a family member who has passed. It doesn’t get much tougher than saying goodbye when you don’t want to, or feeling rejection. It’s a time when people build up walls around them and hurt the people who love them the most. Of course, their intention is not to hurt, they are just trying to get through the tough times that they are experiencing. We all know it too. Have you ever tried to say the right thing, and struck out in a huge way? I certainly have.
These are also times when people who are hurting turn to substances like alcohol, tobacco and drugs for comfort. There is only one who can help in times like these, and that’s our Heavenly Father. First Corinthians 10:13 tells us that “there hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” Isn’t that awesome! He understands and is always there. You are his child. He wants your happiness. Your life is not over. A new chapter is just beginning.
So, if you are sad or suffering today, put your trust in the one who knows the most about healing hearts! God bless you.
He who started a good work in you will carry it to completion. Phil. 1:6
Guess what day it is? It’s a good day to use your gifts to change the world.
Have you ever wanted to do something, but felt held back by your current circumstances? Do you ever get frustrated because you are not physically able to do all that you want to do? Are your finances keeping you from making a difference in the world? Are relationship problems bogging you down and keeping you from doing what God has called you to do? Is your job too demanding to allow you to use your gifts to change the world? Psalm 46:10 reminds us to slow down, be still and know God is with us. When our faith is strong, it can move mountains (Matthew 17:20). If our faith can move mountains, surely it can help with our finances, relationships, jobs and health. But, what can we do if we are still struggling? If you feel like God is calling you to do his work but you are encountering roadblocks along the way, pray and faith it until you make it! When we let the presence of Christ rule in our hearts and fill our insides with beauty, we will not feel fear and anxiety, and his glory will shine through us. You will also find that “God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:19).
Join me today in using our gifts to make the world a better place! God bless you.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. Colossians 3:15
Happy Tuesday. It’s a great day to try something new.
Over the last couple of weeks, I have seen so much despair around me. I have heard stories about divorce, custody battles, breakups, sickness, suicide threats, financial stress, sick children, abused children, sick family members, job stress, mental illness and so much more. Have you ever fallen into one of these categories or do you know someone who has? Most of us have at one time or another had to deal with these types of stress. The good news is, you do the best you can and then you turn it over to Jesus. It’s that easy. You don’t have to spend more money or take a class. Sometimes the simplest answers are the most difficult to grasp. So today, turn everything over to our Lord and trust in his peace. If you know someone going through a tough time, please pray for them.
I will sing of Your strength, in the morning I will sing of Your love; for You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. Psalm 59:16
Happy Friday! How will you spread God’s love today?
I have several people in my life who have pain, suffering and struggles they are dealing with this morning. It sometimes seems like when it rains it pours. So, today as you spread God’s love, take time to just be there. Sometimes that means simply listening. Sometimes it is crying together or maybe a hug. Sometimes it means helping to search for answers and information. It always means lifting up your friends, loved ones and acquaintances in prayer.
If you are going through something today, or dealing with pain and suffering, you are not alone. Ask God to help you. Also, don’t feel embarrassed or ashamed to ask a friend, family member, or professional for help. You are important.
He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Psalm 107.9
Happy Thursday! It’s a great time to practice forgiveness.
Have you ever felt empty? Have you felt like no matter what you do, you can’t find happiness? Is being content something you can’t seem to wrap your mind around? Are you an overachiever, a workaholic, a perfectionist or something similar? Do you feel you have to fill every moment of the day with an activity? Do you dread quietness? I know how you feel. There is only one thing that can fill that hole, God. You can try everything you can think of, but I promise nothing will fill that hole but God. Start your day with God and put God first all day long, and he will fill the emptiness in your soul.
We can’t always see where the road leads, but God promises there is something better up ahead we just have to trust him. Psalm 56:3
Happy Wednesday! It’s a great day to Use Your Gifts to Change the World! So, what will you do?
Do you ever feel like you are unable to make positive change? Do you feel like the world is too big? Then, I have good news. The smallest of changes are viral in the scheme of changing the world. Whenever you do something as simple as smiling at someone having a bad day, the results are beneficial, and that’s not all. Positive changes grow exponentially. Yesterday, I actually heard a very nice lady, who collects items for children in need, say that she had so many people donate that she had to create a new list of items to prevent sending volunteer donors away. She was also taking overflow donations to other agencies. Isn’t that great! That’s how it should be. When we work together to help society, government doesn’t have to. As I’ve said so many times before, changing the world doesn’t have to involve donations or money. You can smile, give a friend a hug, tell the manager of a restaurant or store about an employee who is doing a good job, leave a note, and the list goes on and on. There is no limit to what YOU can do.
As you go out into the world today, start at home and radiate. Make a difference everywhere you go. God bless you.
It’s Try Something New Tuesday! A few weeks ago I began a new health journey through Noom Coach. This seems to be working for me. I just started week three and I’ve lost about 15 pounds. I’ve also been making healthier food choices and exercising more. Every day I try something new, which keeps the program fresh. I don’t just mean that I try new recipes or exercises, but I try new ways to conquer cravings and other temptations.
Life is similar. Sometimes we get in a rut of going through a day-to-day routine, which can wreak havoc on our relationships and our self-esteem. We can get so caught up in what we are focused on that we lose who we are and what we believe in. At the end of the day we don’t feel like we have enough time to enjoy life. We may not even think we are worthy of God’s love. Always remember that God thinks you are beautiful. You are his child and he loves you.
One way to prevent burnout and getting caught up in every day life routines is to look at your tasks differently. Noom Coach teaches to make a list of the “have to’s” and the “want to’s” in your life. Then mix match combinations on the list. I know this was intended for food and exercise, but why couldn’t you use it in general life. For example, if taking the kids to ball practice is on your “have to” list, and paying it forward is on your “want to” list, why not pick up other kids going to practice on the way and relieve another parent. If you have been wanting to read your Bible, but you can’t find time before or after work, take your lunch to work with you and find somewhere quiet to read. There are endless possibilities for work and home.
Remember, variety is the spice of life. I can’t wait to read what you plan to try. God bless you.
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. Matthew 21:22
Today, I am so excited and wish to thank Christi B. author of “Women Who Inspire” for spotlighting Hisperfecttiming! Christi spotlights inspirational women who make a positive impact. This is what she wrote on Friday.
Isn’t that great! Wow! I’m so blessed that Christi thought of Hisperfecttiming! I wish that I could take the credit, but God works through my life and work. I’m so thankful to Christi and all readers and followers! I pray you are all blessed as much as I am and more!
I saw a Facebook post this morning that caught my attention. It said “if you woke up this morning with all that you prayed for yesterday, where would you be.” Where would YOU be?
I’ve noticed that many people get caught up in the “how to” of prayer. I understand fully, because I’ve been there. I have been to prayer classes, where books have been passed out on what to pray for in various situations. I have read books trying to understand how to pray publicly and what to pray. I’ve listened closely and memorized prayers that I thought were especially nice, I’ve asked for feedback. While some of this was helpful, none was enough. I would pray freely in private, but publicly I would choke. My mind would go blank. Have you ever been there? I am still growing spiritually and I’m in no way an expert, but I have some ideas on the subject of prayer.
First, in order to pray effectively, you must have faith. Prayer is simply talking to God. I talk to God like I talk to you, my friends. How can you effectively pray, or talk to God, if you don’t believe? If you are praying and you don’t believe in God, to whom are you talking or trying to impress? God knows your heart. you must first trust and believe in him.
Second, as I stated above, prayer is talking to God. No matter where you are, or what you are doing, you can talk to God. It can be silently. No one has to know your private conversations. I pray throughout the day. I can’t imagine going an entire day without prayer. I’ve recently decided that instead of speaking privately to others, I would just begin and end with God. I’ve also found it especially helpful to pray for people who are hurtful. Ask God to bless them. This sounds a little strange, but I promise it works every time. I sometimes pray that the right people will be brought into a loved one’s or friend’s life, who will bring that person closer to God and help them to make good decisions. We just can’t be all things to all people.
Third, when you pray publicly, just talk to God and don’t worry about impressing others. That’s easier said than done when you are put on the spot, right? Take the focus off of you, and put the focus on God and helping others. Sometimes a brief pause to gather your thoughts will help, too. You should pray about something related to why you are with whoever you are with and what you are doing. For example, are you at a mealtime meeting? Pray about making good decisions and your thankfulness for the food.
I once saw a handy guide to prayer. The guide used the word — BLESS.
B- Body
L- Labor
E- Emotional
S- Social
S- Spiritual
The way this works is, you think of at least one thing in each category to pray about. If you know in advance that you will be leading prayer, you can write it down. If not, you will probably be able to come up with something quickly. I also jot down names of people who are sick, so that I can include them in my prayers.
Fourth, I always thank God first. I try not to just continuously ask for something. I am truly blessed and thankful. I pray regularly before each meal, in the mornings before work, and at night before I go to sleep. From time to time I suffer from insomnia and talk to God until I doze off. However, regular prayer does not keep me from talking to God throughout the day. My husband reminds me every day to enjoy my present. He means the present moment. Living in the present is something to be thankful for, as well.
Fifth, I have heard that God loves to hear his word. I think this originates from Jesus using God’s words when dealing with the devil. So, I read and meditate on my Bible, and try to do the same. It’s a great way to glorify God. As Third Day sings “the grass will wither and flowers will fall, but the word of our God will last forever.” I also pray before bible study, my classes, my blogs, and church, because I want to have an understanding of God’s word and be able to reflect it in my life.
Sixth, don’t forget to repent. Admit to and ask God for forgiveness of all the mistakes you made throughout each day, and then forgive others. I usually ask for forgiveness after I thank God for my blessings, but you decide what works for you. I also send up prayers as soon as I realize I’ve done something wrong, because by the end of the day I may forget. I’ve decided that forgetfulness that comes with age is also a blessing sometimes.
Seventh, ask God to help you with temptations. Trust me when I say, I have many. I pray for help with temptations all day long. Isn’t it great to know that we don’t have to fight the devil alone! God is always by my side.
Finally, the more you pray, the more comfortable you will be with praying. Similarly, the more you pray publicly, the more comfortable you will be with leading public prayer. There all types of tips, books and ideas to follow on how to pray, but I encourage you to keep it simple. God loves you and knows where your heart is.
A righteous man who walks in his integrity – how blessed are his sons after him. Proverbs 20:7
It’s Forgiveness Thursday. Of course, we can and should take time every day to forgive ourselves and others as Christ has forgiven us. The title is just a reminder to stop and get right with God. When we refuse to forgive others, we only hurt ourselves. So let the pain sail away today, and turn to God for help.
When I think back to when my children were growing up, I often regret not being there for them and providing them more. It was always my dream to be a stay home mother like my mom, which is not always possible in today’s world. So, I worked.
My daughter has told me that I came home from work and took my bad day out on them. I hate the way that sounds, but it is probably true. I have asked God and my children to forgive me. What happened to me and might have happened or may be happening to you is I was working long hours, going to graduate school, taking care of the house and trying to be a mom. Being a mom included taking the children to dance, band, or whatever else they had going on, ensuring homework was done, feeding the children and making sure they had showers and clean clothes, and also making sure they went to church. That is quite a bit to juggle. My husband helped but he was working two jobs and was exhausted. So, like many people, we did the best we could. Then, time slipped up on us and our children left home.
Is there ever enough time? Sometimes I think God keeps us busy, so we won’t dwell on the passing time, because one day we have to let our children leave and find their way. I tried like crazy to slow down the clock, but our children still grew up. So, what I’m trying to say is, if you feel like your best wasn’t enough when you were raising your children, quit torturing yourself because most people feel the same way. We all do the best we can. The good news is you may be given another opportunity to make a difference with your grandchildren.
If you are a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle or just someone who influences a child, teach them Bible verses, prayers, and Bible stories. Take them to church and church functions. Answer their questions and lead by example. The mind of a child is quick and absorbs everything around. If you want to make a difference in the world, start here. Guess what? Your marriage and family will be blessed along the way.
Today, as you forgive yourself and others, be a positive Christian influence on the children in your life. God bless you.
