Better Than It Appears

Have you ever had an eye floater? It's like having spots in your vision. When you try to look at that floater directly, it seems to get further away from your view.

Life can be like that too. You can see that new job, loving relationship or rewarding opportunity in the corner of your eye, but when you turn your head to get a better look, it goes out of focus.

Romans 15:13 says, May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope.

Keep reaching for that goal, that dream no matter what it may look like. Stay positive and stay strong. Because your vision may be better than it appears.

A New Name

There are two well-known brothers in my community whose last name is Wise. And that name fits them perfectly. One is a Pastor of a large church; the other is a talented Musician and College Professor. Their children and grandchildren are just as gifted. That Wise name really represents who they are. That made me think: What does my name say about me?

Genesis 17:5 says, God told him, I am changing your name. It is no longer Abram (Exalted Father) but Abraham (Father of Nations) for that is what you will be. I have declared it.

Maybe you don't need a new car or a new wardrobe to define who you are. Maybe you need a New Name!

 

Act Like a Child

Take turns; don’t hit others; sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. That’s what I tell my Preschoolers in class every day.  Maybe we need to remind adults too, because in today’s climate, it looks like children have better manners than the grown-ups. We see too many adults behaving badly. Aretha Franklin shouldn’t be the only person talking about R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

Matthew 7:12 says, So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

The bottom line: Treat others the way you want them to treat you. Instead of telling an unruly adult to act their age, maybe we should tell them instead to act like a child.

Stay in Touch

 Since the Pandemic began, it’s been a challenge being separated from family and friends. But technology can keep us connected during this weird abnormal time.  See your loved ones online by hosting a virtual gathering.

Here’s a few tips:

1.       Make a Plan: Select the theme of your event

2.       Send Invitations:  Hosting 20 people or less makes the event more intimate

3.       Make an Agenda: This lets your guests know what to expect

4.       Keep the event fun and flowing: Everyone can’t speak at once & one person can’t dominate.  Remember: You control the mute button!

5.       Afterwards, learn what worked and what didn’t: Plan for a future gathering!

Enjoy new ways to stay in touch.

A New Foundation

When I was a little girl, as my family celebrated New Year's Eve, I remember my parents saying, "Time really flies!" As a child, it felt as if the time from the first day of school in September to Christmas took forever! Now that I'm older, I understand what my parents meant. The years are quickly passing. That's why it's crucial to plan and build the foundation for your life every year.

2 Timothy 2:19 (a) says, God's firm foundation stands.

Make sure your new year has a:

1. Fitness Foundation:  Set realistic goals and find the best way to make healthy choices. Go to the gym or get a fitness app on your cell phone and workout at home.

2. Financial Foundation: Be a good steward of your money. Speak to a financial planner for professional help.

3. Future Foundation: You're never too young or too old to plan for your future. What are your hopes and dreams? Share your desires with a family member or a trusted friend to keep our vision on track.

For more inspiring messages like this one, get my latest Christian Devotional: Mommy Matters: Why every little prayer makes a BIG difference! Available for purchase on Amazon.

Looking at Labels

 During any crisis, especially one like the current coronavirus pandemic, there will be a special group of people who are listed as Essential; people who provide services that we can't live without. Many of us would agree the list would include: Doctors, Nurses, Police. But our Essentials are also Grocery Store Workers, Mail Carriers, Bus Drivers. The latter group may not make as much money as our health care staff or law enforcement, however that doesn't make them less important. It shouldn't take someone's job title for us to appreciate how they contribute to the world.

1 Corinthians 12:14 says, For the body does not consist of one member but of many.

What would you do if you couldn't get your medication from the Pharmacist, receive important correspondence from the post office or get your pizza delivered on Friday night? In God's Eyes, we are all equally important, no matter our labels.

You Can Do This!

I recently spoke at a program where the audience was primarily first time Moms. Most of them had children who hadn't celebrated their first birthdays. It took me back to when my daughters were young. It was a time when I felt so overwhelmed; wondering if I would survive being a Mom. But now, after living through my daughter's teenage years, I've had moments when I wished they were babies again!

No matter what stage of motherhood you may be experiencing today, every Mom needs support and encouragement; especially through those difficult days.

Zephaniah 3:17 says, The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exalt over you with loud singing.

Although it can be a struggle for new Moms to get into their flow, please don't lose your faith. When you need it, ask for help. You can do this!