"In every thing give thanks..." 1 Thes 5:18

This week I praise God for you, my readers and supporters. You encourage me so much just by reading my blog. Those of you that leave comments, send me emails or comment in person are so encouraging. It inspires me to continue writing each week. I pray for God to lead me as I prepare for my next post. He is faithful each week.

I would like to hear from you this week. What do you praise God for today? The bible tells us "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thes 5:18

When I am praising God, I can't hear the devil whisper in my ear the lies he likes to tell me. You know the ones..."you're a failure", "you're not a good person", "you're not a good mom", "you won't have enough money this month", etc, etc, etc!!! It's truly never ending.

I dedicate this post to each of us that choose to praise God and give thanks in every thing!

God Bless

Monica

"My Grace Is Sufficient For Thee" II Cor 12:9a

God can use anyone and anything according to His will and purpose.

Last night our church children's program, Light Brigade, held the annual talent show. The kids that participate are ages 3 to 8th grade (not sure what age that is). I was feeling pretty down and overwhelmed with all that our family is experiencing (the unknown with my husband's work). I know in my heart that God will take care of us but the "what if's" get to me sometimes. I didn't really feel like being around anyone but I had to be there. My daughter is in the Glimmers I class (3, 4 & 5 yrs) and I teach the Glimmers II (k, 1st & 2nd grades) class. So, I put a smile on my face and went.

As I watched the kids perform their talents for God, their friends and family, I couldn't help but smile not only on the outside but the inside too. How amazing is it that God uses little kids to lift me up? They know nothing about what I'm going through but they encourage me with their innocence and love for God.

Life is going to be overwhelming at times and I know that but sometimes my flesh gets tired and I don't feel like fighting anymore. When I get that way, God knows and uses somebody and/or something to lift my spirits and show me that He hasn't forgotten me.

When I got home it was pretty late and I chose to relax by reading (this is normal for me). I am currently reading "In The Grip Of Grace" by Max Lucado. The chapter was based on II Corinthians 12 and titled "Sufficient Grace". Max writes about what Paul was experiencing and his prayers to God. Paul had a thorn in the flesh, but doesn't tell us what the thorn is exactly. He said Satan put it there to buffet (torment) him. He asked God three times to remove it and God said no. But God did say "My strength is made perfect in weakness" II Corinthians 12:9b. When we are weak, we allow God's strength and power to help us and with God we can do anything. He allows different situations so that we might draw near to Him.

II Corinthians 12 happens to be one of my favorite chapters in the bible. I didn't just "happen" to read that chapter last night. God knew I would need a gentle push and reminder that "His grace is sufficient for me" (see II Corinthians 12:9a).

Today I am feeling much better as I am reminded of God's Mercy,Grace and Love.

God Bless and Thank You For Your Prayers.

Monica

Consider The Lilies (Luke12:27-28)

My husband is a freelance graphic artist. He currently works for a company as a subcontractor and is paid monthly per a contract agreement. He found out last week the company may not be able to keep him as a subcontractor. They want to keep him and pay him as long as they can. There is no guarantee that he will receive a check next month. His job is unstable.

I praise God for my Christian friends who have been supporting me and praying for me. I received a card in the mail from a friend who wanted me to know she is praying. I have received emails with scripture and encouraging words. God is so amazing. I love the way He puts people in my life at just the right time.

I have a relatively new friend at work. I invited her to our church ladies' meeting last week. In the midst of everything going on at home I completely forgot about it. She came in my office and reminded me of it by letting me know how excited she was about it. I got excited again just through our conversation. We went and had so much fun. Our friendship reached a new level that night. God knew we needed each other. Her grandmother passed away two days later and we spoke on the phone a few times encouraging each other.

The message at church Sunday was amazing too. Pastor preached about trials and the way in which we walk through them. He reminded us that people are walking behind us and seeing our footsteps. We can choose to go through trials with or without God. We can choose to give or not to give God the glory as we overcome them. It made me think that my husband needs me to be strong right now. I CAN be strong because I have the Lord. I choose to walk upright through this trial and trust in the Lord. He knew this was going to happen and He has a plan for our family. God will provide for all of our needs.

A verse keeps showing up through email and my bible study.

Luke 12:27-28

Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more [will he clothe] you, O ye of little faith? (KJV)

I ask you to please pray for my husband and our family.

God Bless.
Monica

Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness...Psalm 143:8

My absolute favorite Psalm is Psalm 143. It is a wonderful 12 verses. I read it over and over, especially when I feel overwhelmed with life or sad or just not myself.

For this post I want to direct you to Psalm 143:8...."Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee."

I like to think of this verse before I go to bed at night so I can try to remember it when I wake up in the morning. It seems like I wake up with the best of intentions. Today, I am going to have a great day. I'm not going to let the world get me down. I'm going to be kind to others and smile at every person I see. Well I do pretty good right up until I get out of bed! If the morning is hectic because the kids won't wake up or my daughter is whiny and cries over every little thing, it seems like my whole day is ruined. Why is that? I believe it's Satan. He knows that when I get stressed it's difficult for me to put God in front and follow Him. A hectic morning is a great way to get me off my intended path.

After I heard God's lesson for me through my trial last week, I created a new morning routine. I had to call on my mother for help because I'm not a morning person. She calls and wakes me up at 5 a.m. I read my bible and pray for 20 minutes. Then I work out to a Leslie Sansone walking video for 30 minutes and do 50 or more ab crunches. Then by 6:00 I get myself ready for work. It takes me about 20 or 30 minutes to get ready since I shower at night. I don't need a shower after my workout because I only do the 2 mile walk. By 6:30 I'm completely ready for my day and I can attempt to wake up the kids. If my daughter is a little whiny, that's okay. I can sit with her on the couch and sing to her or get her attention to the Disney channel. I also have time to tell my teenage son about 50 times to get up and get in the shower. By the time my daughter is awake and dressed her mood is much better and she watches t.v. while she eats breakfast. This allows me to make our lunches and get my stuff ready to go.

All of this to say, where's Satan in all of this? Well he's knocking but I can't hear him. I have the word of God in my heart fresh from my morning reading. I have gotten up early enough to avoid being late and stressing over the little things that come along the way.

If you are having a stressful time in your day that seems to ruin the rest of the day, stop for a minute and think how you might reorganize and fit God in for a few minutes. It's been such a blessing for me.

Plus, I'm exercising. I always thought the people that say you have more energy when you exercise sounded so crazy. But I can honestly say it's true. Even though I'm getting up at 5 a.m. I feel great!

I encourage you to read Psalm 143. In the beginning the Psalmist is sad and desperate but towards the middle he begins to reach for God and his tone changes to positive and strong. I love it!

God Bless

Monica