Tag Archives: Motivation

Christian Living, Faith, Flawless, Gratitude, Praise, Prayer

Spread the Love Friday – Benefits of Coach or Mentor

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With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding.
‭‭Job‬ ‭12:13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Good Morning!  It’s spread the love Friday!  What will you do to make others feel special?  I always love Friday because we can wear jeans to work. Today, I added a pair of snazzy boots to the outfit.  It gives me a little giggle inside.

Have you ever needed someone you could talk to?  I mean someone you know you can trust and say whatever is bothering you, and not worry about hurting their feelings?  Have you ever had anyone you could talk to that did not judge you, or stab you in the back?  Isn’t it great to know that our sweet Lord fills the position at any moment in time.  Yet, sometimes we need to talk to a person who understands.  Someone that we don’t have to wonder about loyalty, hurting feelings, or anything else.

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Throughout my life I have had amazing counselors, leaders, mentors and coaches, and I have found that I do much better in every area of my life when I have them.  It’s like having a personal cheerleader to help me through my day.  Someone who cares about me and puts me first when they are speaking with me.  They also give me a gentle push in the right direction to keep me accountable.  The types of coaches I have had has varied from professional, to physical/emotional health to weight loss.  It may not be for everyone, but it works for me.

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This morning I hurried to prepare for work so that I would have an opportunity to speak to my Weight Watchers coach.  She is amazing. I had a bad day yesterday, but was still able to stay within my rollover points.  Her words to me after providing suggestions for the weekend were “you never really have a bad day, if you are doing your best.”  Wow!  I know it was a small thing to say, but I feel like there aren’t any temptations big enough to tempt me now.

God is our coach at all time, but I believe he understands when we need a little extra help.  That’s why we have ministers, counselors and various kinds of coaches in our lives.  My first stop in the help department is God.  Then, I pray Matthew 9:38 that the Lord of the harvest “will send forth labourers into his harvest” to guide me.

Hope you have a wonderful Friday!  Stay blessed!

Christian Living, Do what's right, Faith, Forgiveness, Goodness, Journey, Praise, Prayer

Tell Me Something Good Monday – Gifts

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I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that. 1 Corinthians 7:7

Happy Monday!  It’s a great time to share something good.  I want to share about my husbands Chicken Soup.  It was the most-perfect thing that I could have put in my mouth last night.  There’s something about comforting food and good company that really makes us feel good.  I had both, and managed to stay on track with weight watchers.  After three weeks, I have lost twelve pounds.  I know that doesn’t sound like much, but I feel good about losing 12 pounds during the holidays.  Plus, I haven’t felt too deprived.  I have been on the weight watchers program many times over the years, but the new Freestyle program is the best yet.  If you are searching for a program, maybe this will work for you too.  I will provide updates from time to time, so you can also share your experiences if you’d like.  It’s always good to have a weight loss and exercise buddy.

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Have you ever thought you weren’t special?  Have you felt like you have nothing to really offer the world?  Do you feel overshadowed and like you need to shine?  Everyone is special and loved by God.  Everyone!  Please know that each of us have special gifts.  We are not all alike.  Sometimes we may want to be like someone else, but that is really cheating ourselves and God.   Our gifts are equally special.  God calls us to use our gifts in different ways.  Regardless to what our gifts are or how we use them, we will be rewarded equally in heaven if we are using them as we are called.  If God calls you to be a greeter at church, don’t feel insignificant.  I know one particular greeter at our church that gives me reason to show up every week.  If you are not a minister, you should not feel that you don’t count.  If God calls you to be a minister, you should not look down on the ladies and men who cook and deliver food.  Each person’s job is important.  I appreciate all the roles.  What I think is most important is how you feel in your heart when you are doing God’s work.  Do you put on a smile and say “I’m doing my best for you today God”?  You should.  Every person has different gifts and each gift is unique.

As you go into the world today, use your gifts to make a difference.  God bless you.

Christian Living, Faith, Family, Forgiveness, Make a difference, Praise, Prayer

Spread the Love Friday – You’ve Got Something to Say

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When you are cast down and humbled, you will speak with confidence, And the humble person He will lift up and save.
‭‭JOB‬ ‭22:29‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Happy Friday!  It’s great to have a holiday, but sometimes it means doing the same amount of work in less time.  For me this week has been a roller coaster running out-of-control.  Have you ever felt that way?  Tuesday and Wednesday I worked thirteen hours.  Tuesday and Thursday mornings were earlier than usual, because I took my grandson to school.  So, my stress level was high this week.  That is usually how it is when I’m tired.  By yesterday morning, I was exhausted.  One of our dogs was continuously barking and Landon didn’t want to go to school.  When I finally put him in the car, he was almost in tears.  So, all the way to the school I used my gloves as hand puppets while I was driving.  Crisis averted!  He went in laughing.  Whew!  At the end of the day, my daughter sent me the sweetest video (see below).  So, all the stress was worth it.  Life is like that sometimes.  It seems to be spinning out of control, but God is still there with us.  In the end, the trip is worth it.

Do you ever feel like you are just going through the motions of life?  Do you feel like you are just jumping from one “I have to do” to another?  Do you ever wonder if you’d be missed, if you didn’t show up?  I was listening and singing along to a Matthew West song on the way to work this morning, and I made a mental note to use the song in today’s post.  Sometimes my mental notes get misfiled, but this time I actually remembered.  The video below with the same song says it all.  As the lyrics state “your life is a gift” and every day is a new opportunity.  “The lights are shining on you today.”  What will you do?  Get up today and make a difference!  The smallest of efforts can bring about huge change.  Remember if you are having a low and humbling day, you will be lifted up later.  The rewards will be amazing!

I hope your Friday is fabulous! I encourage you to make a difference in the world today.  God bless you.

Caring, Christian Living, Faith, Family, God, happiness, Praise, Prayer

Remember Our Military

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Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭6:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Good morning!  Christmas is almost here. I’m busy cleaning house and preparing for Christmas Day celebrations.  I have one child and grandchild asleep in our Family Room and one child traveling in this morning.  My brother and sister who live in central Florida are traveling tomorrow.  I ask that you pray with me this morning for all the people traveling during the holidays.

Yesterday, a member of my blogging family, GP Cox
http://www.pacificparatrooper.com sent me the image below.

I’m a follower and a reader of his blog.  I especially enjoy the history aspect.  However, this image touched my heart.  I would dare to guess that every person who reads this blog has either a family member and/or a friend who serves or has served in the armed forces.  I have many people in my ancestry who have served.  I have retired uncles, and my father-in-law is also retired from the military.  I have cousins who have and are currently serving.  BFF23559-7BE3-4CCA-BDD7-E422EDCE6380 My son-in-law serves in the National Guard, and my nephew recently began serving in the army.  My supervisor at work is a retired Marine.  I have had several retired military people who have worked under my supervision.  Some of my closest friends have served in the military.  Stop for a minute and just think of all the people you know who have served, or are currently serving.  Maybe you are one them.

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Sometimes we take for granted what this means for us.  Sometimes we don’t stop to think about what these men and women are going through or have gone through, when we should.  I don’t know about you, but I’ve become desensitized by commercials that play repeatedly.  Some soldiers are away from home and family this Christmas.  Some parents have left their children behind to serve.  Some parents have said goodbye to their children, who decided to serve when they were barely old enough to leave home.  Some have already served and have memories of loved ones who were killed during service.  Some we see every day.

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Today, I ask you to stop for a few minutes and remember the men and women of the armed forces.  USO have Facebook pages that provide information on where to send gifts, letters and texts.  You don’t have to spend a lot of money to let someone know they are loved.  Then, visit my friend’s blog and tell him how much you appreciate him.  I’m so thankful to have come to know him through his posts.  What a blessing!  8D037CF4-9170-42C7-93FE-4979E1C51319You don’t have to wait until Memorial Day or Veteran’s Day.  You can show you care all year.  Trust me when I say that you will receive blessings beyond your imagination!  If you are reading this and you are in the military, I appreciate all you are doing!

God bless you.

Blessings, Celebrating, Christian Living, Faith, Family, Forgiveness, happiness, Journey

Tell Me Something Good Monday – Make Their Day!

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For I was a hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25:35‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Happy Monday!  Was it a busy weekend for you?  It was for me too.  We had our Sunday School party.  I was blessed beyond measure with approximately 40-50 people there.  For a small church, that is amazing.  I keep asking God to bless my Sunday School class, and he never lets me down.  There was fun to be had by all.  We played several games.  Afterwards, my husband and I enjoyed a nap at home.

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This morning my heart is with those who are sick or receiving convalescent care.  If you are depressed, go visit someone who is shut-in.  It will open your eyes to how wonderful life really is.  Take them a gift.  The gift of time is truly the best gift you can give them.  Bring them a holiday treat.  Open your heart to caring for others.

Join me today in spending time with a shut-in.  I can’t wait to hear your stories.  God bless you!

Blessings, Celebrating, Christian Living, Emotional anguish, Faith, Family, Family pets, Praise, Prayer

Forgiveness Thursday – Parables and Dominic

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Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.  Luke 15:3-32

Good Morning.

Have you ever lost a pet, or worse, a child?  Years ago, I had the cutest black Shih Tzu.  I loved him.  We opened the door on the Fourth of July to let him relieve himself, when suddenly the local fireworks show started.  In seconds he was gone and we never saw him again.  Whenever my youngest child was in Middle School, she decided to go home with a friend without telling me.  I was so relieved and angry when I found her.

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Something similar happened last night.  I’ve had quite a few long days lately, and yesterday was no different.  I left for work before 7 am.  At lunch I went to Bible Study.   I worked late and at 6 pm went to handbell practice for our Christmas Eve midnight service.  It was when I was driving home that I received a call from my husband.  He’d forgotten that I had practice after work, but wait there was more.  He said our 8 1/2 month old kitten, Dominic was missing.  I prayed with a friend on the way home.  I wasn’t shaken yet, because I know cats can hide sometimes.

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When I arrived home, I began calling him shaking his cat treats.  He always comes running when I do that, but this time no Dominic.  I looked in all his inside hiding places.  My husband had been putting up Christmas decorations, and he’d been in the attic.  So, we searched the attic.  Then, I walked around the yard looking up in the trees and calling him.  At this point I noticed my husband’s parents were also searching.  He’s never been outside, so I left my husband and my two dogs and set off walking the neighborhood with a flashlight calling him.  At this point I was cold and felt helpless.  I prayed for his safety with tears flowing.  I returned home and looked some more.  It was after 9 pm.  I was tired, hadn’t started studying yet, and our kitten was gone.  My friend and her children joined the search.  My husband felt terrible at this point, because Dominic went missing while I was away and he was home.  We both sat down in dispair.  Then, my husband saw his fluffy tail around the corner.  As it turns out, Dominic was under the recliner.  He always runs with his tail up.  When we found him, he was slinking through the house.  We don’t know what happened, but he seems good this morning.  Thanks be to God!

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This morning I am reminded of the Parable of the Lost Sheep.  I left everyone in search of my kitten.  When I found Dominic, I notified everyone, rejoicing.  Can you imagine how happy our Heavenly Father is when someone who has lost their way finally decides to turn their life around?  If you are lost this morning, turn to God.  He’s waiting.

God bless you.

Christian Living, Faith, Family, happiness, Praise, Prayer, Thankful

Use Your Gifts to Change the World Wednesday – Bible Study

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Your mistakes do not define you.  Psalm 37:24

Good morning!  It’s a good day for all camels.

This morning I’ve been thinking about Bible journaling.  For a long time I kept my Bible in a box in pristine condition, except for when I was using it of course.  It was beautiful and I was taking care of it.  I know that sounds a little crazy.  One day I saw someone making notes in their Bible.  I thought, wow, that’s a way I can leave notes for my family when I’m gone.  So, I started highlighting and making notes throughout my Bible.  This turned out to be a great idea, because sometimes I’d forget what I’d learned before.  So, it served two functions for me.

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Last year I noticed people creating Bible journals.  These are so cool.  They drew pictures and made notes in a notebook around the scriptures that they had studied.  I liked it so much that I bought a journal and some colored pencils and began to make my own.  I love this idea, but I have to tell the truth.  After two days, I put it down.  I just couldn’t find enough time to keep up the beautiful art.  My art wasn’t so beautiful either.  I even received two journal books last year for Christmas, where you can color the artwork that is provided.  It is so relaxing to color the photos, but I didn’t keep it up.  I do like to make notes as I study, but I have now started using several online apps, where I can make notes on my tablet.  Last year I also noticed people drawing beautiful pictures in their Bibles.  There are even journaling Bibles – So beautiful!  I bought one for a friend .  I would love to have one.

There are also many different ways you can read and study the Bible.  Some people like to meditate on a verse, memorize it and make notes.  Some people will read the Bible from front to back, which I find a little challenging.  Some people study a chapter at a time.  Others study topics or characters in the Bible.  There are devotional books and Bible study guides.  I have about 20 apps, each of which does something different.  Most apps allow highlighting and provide notes.  Many also provide study plans.  Some even provide video guides.

 

Some people study an hour a day.  Some study a few minutes throughout the day.  Some people don’t set a time limit.

I tell you all this, because I want you to understand that there are many fun and relaxing ways to study and enjoy the Bible.  It matters less about how you are doing it, as  it does that you are just studying your Bible regularly.  As my blogging sister told me yesterday, the more she reads and studies, the more God’s word flows from her mouth.  Isn’t that wonderful!

As you use your gifts to make a difference today, begin or continue studying God’s word.  God bless you.

 

Christian Living, Forgiveness, Gratitude, Make a difference, Praise, Prayer

Try Something New Tuesday – Giving and Learning Tuesday

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and there they continued to preach the good news.
‭‭ACTS‬ ‭14:7‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Good morning from chilly Florida.  It’s a beautiful and glorious day here.  It’s Try Something New Tuesday, but I also discovered that it is Giving Tuesday.  Apparently the Tuesday after Cyber Monday is Giving Tuesday on the YouVersion Bible App.  This is one of the apps I enjoy using.  If you haven’t tried it, I encourage you to try something new and try the YouVersion Bible App.  Please know that I do not receive any compensation for sharing this information.

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I enjoy reading National Geographic and Biblical Archeology.  This morning I had a notice pop up on my cell phone about an upcoming special on National Geographic about the Tomb of Christ.  The special will air on the National Geographic Explorer channel on December 3rd at 9/8 central.

Have you ever been at a loss for words when someone is asking you questions that could make a difference in a faith decision?  Have you ever known a phrase that was in the Bible but didn’t know where?  When I was a child, I memorized Bible verses in Sunday School.  The ones I learned as a child have stuck with me through time.  Then, I went through a very long period of time that I didn’t bother to memorize verses because I didn’t like it when people would quote Bible verses out of context.  I still feel that way, but now I realize it is important to not only study, but know the Bible.  I realize that there are people who can quote the entire Bible, but aren’t Christians or the type Christian that Jesus would want us to be.  However, I also realize that when Jesus was being tempted by Satan, he used God’s words.

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So, it is also important for us to use God’s words in prayer, and to know which words to use in which prayer.  So, today I’m going to try something new.  Every Tuesday I will start challenging you and myself to learn one verse a week.  Just think if you accept the challenge, in a year you will know 52 verses.  Isn’t that great!  Many of the verses you probably will already know, it will just be a refresher.  I will be starting a group in the ScriptureTyper App.  If possible I will call it Hisperfecttiming.  I will provide more information on this later.

So, today the verse is “so that He fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: ‘HE HIMSELF TOOK OUR INFIRMITIES [upon Himself] AND CARRIED AWAY OUR DISEASES.’”  ‭‭MATTHEW‬ ‭8:17‬ ‭AMP‬‬

I challenge you to take on the Bible verse challenge and also be kind to people today.  I think many people are extra stressed this time of year.  Let someone go ahead of you in line.  Pay it forward in the fast food drive through.  Say something kind to everyone you meet regardless of what they say to you.  God bless you.

Blessings, Challenge, Christian, Faith, Family, Forgiveness, God, happiness, Thankful, Uncategorized

Use Your Gifts to Change the World Wednesday – Embrace the Adventure

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The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭22:3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Happy Wednesday!  It’s a great time to use your gifts to change the world!

Have you ever had a challenging day?  I mean one of those days when people search you out to pick a fight.  I have enjoyed a string of those days lately.  It’s quite frustrating to know that you are minding your own business and folks are letting loose on you.  Wow!  I know God must be teaching us lessons or using us to teach others lessons during these trying moments, but I sometimes lose my temper.  Growing emotionally and spiritually is tough sometimes!  As I study my Bible, I realize that I’m not alone.  The people in the Bible were constantly having trouble with others.  So, I have concluded that life is an adventure.  Everyone goes through trying times.  It’s the attitude you take with you that makes the difference.  You can wake up and say “I’m going to climb this mountain and enjoy the scenery”, or you can say “oh no, I’ ve got another mountain to climb.”  You have to climb it anyway. Why not enjoy the trip!  With the right attitude you can enjoy the trip and influence those around you in a positive way.  That’s what changing the world is all about.

I challenge you to change the world by facing mountains with a positive outlook and a smile.  God bless you.

 

 

Blessings, Challenge, Christian, Faith, Family, Forgiveness, God, happiness, Thankful, Uncategorized

Try Something New Tuesday – Lift Others Up

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WE WHO are strong [in our convictions and of robust faith] ought to bear with the failings and the frailties and the tender scruples of the weak; [we ought to help carry the doubts and qualms of others] and not to please ourselves.    Romans 15:1

Happy Tuesday!  It’s a glorious day in  northwest Florida.  There is crisp fall chill in the air, but the sun is shining bright.  Every Tuesday we try something new.  Today, I encourage you to help someone.  There are people around us all day long who need help.  The smallest gestures can make the biggest difference.  So throughout the day, look for someone you can help and follow through.

Are you a gossip?  Do you find it hard to keep your mouth shut?  Have you ever felt the effects of gossip?  Did you know that gossip is a sin?  Yes,  gossip is a sin.  How could we believe otherwise, when we know Jesus taught that the second most important commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 19:19).  That means love others as much as you love yourself.  Treat others how you would like to be treated, and zip your lip.  Leviticus 19:16 tells us that we “shall not go up and down as a dispenser of gossip and scandal among” . . . [our] “people, nor shall” . . . [we secure ourself by false testimony or by silence and] “endanger the life” of our neighbors.  The phrase “dispenser of gossip” makes me laugh a little, but it’s true.  We have all done it, at least once, and we have all experienced it.  Gossiping is very hurtful.  I don’t know why it’s so hard to tame the tongue.  Often, I think no harm is intended.  We are just talking to each other and trying to sort things out.  Yesterday, I heard a story about someone at work that made me want to warn and protect the others around me.  Fortunately, before I said anything, I stopped.  The ones I wanted to protect heard the same information.  There was no need for me to say more.

Gossip occurs in families too.  It is much easier to promote yourself in the eyes of a loved one, if you are making someone else look bad.  Don’t stoop to these levels out of jealousy or any other motive.  You are a child of God who is loved.  The smallest talk can cause the most pain and disfunction in families.  When you stand before God, do you want to see how you hurt people or how you lifted them up with your words?

Join me in lifting others up with words of love and helping the needy.  God bless you.