Archives for January 2015
The Choices That We Make
Over the course of our life times we are faced with choices.
Our life experiences shape the way that we view the world and in a way, they predetermine the choices that we make…unless something or someone intervenes to help reshape the way that we view the world.
In this manner, our relationships become as important, if not more important than the experiences that we’ve had.
Last night, I sat and had a conversation with my husband about a few things. I realized, once again, that it is important to get wise counsel before making a choice, if I’m not sure what to do. (And in many cases, even when I’m sure what to do)
You see, just because we view the world in a specific way doesn’t mean that it’s the way that the world should be viewed. Just because we want to handle a situation a certain way, doesn’t mean that we should…
Sometimes…most of the times…no, all of the times…it is important for us to thoroughly consider the choices that we make. How will our choices affect other people? How will they affect us?
We have to take our time to make the proper, correct, right choice…the one that represents us…
I am thankful for my husband. I am thankful for his wisdom. I am thankful for our unity.
It is my hope that I would always be able to consider the various options before me and the effects of each choice that I make, wisely.
Have you ever realized that your choices should be thoroughly considered and in considering them, you changed your mind? If so, what or who made you see this? What would the outcome have been like if you made the other choice? Please share…
January 2015: Book of the Month
This month the Christian Moms Read book club will be reading “The Five Love Languages of Children” by Gary Chapman.
Reading this book will help us understand and focus on the way that our children love and how to love them in a way that is beneficial to them.
I don’t know about you, but I am interested in seeing if this book can offer me some understanding that I don’t already possess in regards to my children. I have four of them and they are all different. I’m sure that they all have various love languages as well.
What are your thoughts on this book? Are you looking forward to reading it?
Leave a comment below to tell me what you think…also join in the discussion on the Goodreads group
Currently Reading: Unbreak My Heart
As you know my reading goal for the year is to read 50 books. That equals out to a minimum of 1 book per week. I’m currently reading 2.
The one that seems to have more of my attention at the moment is “Unbreak My Heart” by Toni Braxton.
As I read it, I find that I have a lot to say. If only I could have a conversation with Toni Braxton…I’ll save that for my review.
Below you will find my progress and a bit more information about the book.
Happy Wednesday!
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Encouraging Myself Monday: Taking Time To Focus And Reflect
Sometimes life gets challenging. Obstacles arise and we find ourselves in the midst of being shaken. Not knowing what to do or how to react, we can easily put ourselves in the wrong predicament, if we are not careful. This is why it is so important to have a time of prayer, reflection, and contemplation in our lives.
The above example doesn’t mean that we have something horrible or devastating happening in our lives. Instead it is just a normal occurrence to have life challenges that cause us to act, or in some cases react.
Well, I don’t know about you, but I wish I knew what to say and do all of the time, but I don’t. Since I am aware of this, I don’t try to figure things out all on my own.
There used to be a time when I didn’t have a friend to call on in a time of need. In those situations, I learned to journal about my situation. I would pray that God would give me wisdom. I would read my Bible and once I believed I had an answer, I would act. Those days were hard, and I must admit, there are still times when I am unable to ask anyone , but God for help.
I’m glad that God is always there
He says that he will give us wisdom if we just ask for it.(James 1:5) When we feel lonely, He tells us to draw close to Him and He will draw near to us. (James 4:8)
I thank God for those times when He shows Himself strong in my life.
I am also very thankful for the friendships that I have now. I am able to call on a few women to pray and offer sound counsel. The Bible says that there is safety in counsel (Proverbs 24:6), but I never realized how safe it could feel until I had it.
Now when I have those challenging moments, I don’t abandon what I have always known. I still take time out to focus on what is happening in my life and around me. I journal about the issues and cares that are upon my heart. I pray and ask God for His infinite wisdom. I look for Him to move in my life. I also call for a praying, God-fearing, wise woman to assist me.
This morning I took the time to do this and some how, now that I’m done…the sun is shining a little brighter. My smile is a little bigger and my load is a little lighter.
What do you do when you are faced with life’s challenges? Do you journal or do you reflect on life in another way? Do you pray about the situation and wait on God to answer you and give you direction? Do you have a friend to call on or are you in that stage of life that I described earlier, where it’s just you and God?
I’d love to hear from you today…
This is just me, hoping that I am encouraging you as I am encouraging myself…
On My Heart
This morning I’m sitting here, thinking. I have something on my heart.
Normally I’d be thinking about my family, my day, my plans, my desires…but not today.
This morning I am thinking about the less fortunate. The poor…
There are poor people in this country. They live at a level that is below the normal American standard of living. This morning my heart goes out to them.
There are also poor people that live in other countries that not only live below a certain standard of living, but they are dying. Their children are dying. They search the trash and find no food. Not only that…they do not have basic human rights. There is no chance for them to get out of poverty…and there is no one in their country to help them because of a dictatorship.
They don’t have freedom of speech. Not even those that are considered the elite of the country. What they see, hear, and do is controlled by the government…
This is sad…
So this morning, I pray for all of the less fortunate. I pray for the abused. I pray for those that don’t even know what they are lacking because they are kept from knowing what they could have.
This morning I pray that we as Americans would not take our freedoms for granted. I pray that God would help us see how blessed we are. We are blessed to have food, water, shelter, books, television, music…choices.
If you understand what I’m saying, join me in this prayer.
Father God, we come to you humbly asking you first to forgive us if we have been ungrateful for the blessings that you have given us. Help us to see how blessed we are in this country and not to take it for granted. Help us to utilize the voices and freedoms that you have given us for your glory and your purpose, to help others. Father, help us to see with your eyes and hear with your ears, the needs of others. If we can help, let us help. If there is nothing that we can do, let us pray. Help those in need God. Help the mother that cannot feed her child or herself. Help that father that has no way of providing for his family. Help the broken and the wounded. Help the forgotten…we pray that the brainwashing would cease. We pray that all people would have basic human rights like freedom of speech. Lord do what only you can do. Go where only you can go. Save souls and lives. Show them that you are God.
In Jesus’ mighty name we pray…Amen
Cherish what you have been blessed with and I hope you have a great day…