"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

...His mercy endureth for ever. Psalm 136:1

It's Sunday evening and I couldn't be happier. I have been facing a personal trial for the past couple of months. In the last two weeks I was at my worst, my lowest point. During church services this morning, I realized why things haven't been getting better. I realized why I was continuing to struggle even though I was trying so hard. I could finally hear what God has been trying to tell me.

I was trying so hard, but trying it by myself and without God. God has a wonderful way of getting my attention and drawing me closer to Him. I know that it is through trials that I grow and mature but this one was different. My trial was to remind me of something I already knew. I need to be close to God. It isn't enough to believe in Him and love Him. It isn't enough to go to church everytime the doors are open. It isn't enough to pray everynight. It isn't enough to serve in my church. It isn't enough to witness to others. I have to be close to Him. To be close to Him I need to read and study my bible daily. I need to talk to God through prayer. My heart needs to be soft so that I can hear Him talking to me. My mind needs to be open so I can learn what He is trying to teach me.

I am rejoicing and singing praises this evening because I am back where I should be. What have I learned? Even I who knows the way, can still get lost along the path of life.

If you are feeling frustated and disappointed, ask yourself this question. "How is my relationship with my Father?" Be honest when you get ready to answer it. It's difficult I know. But God already knows the answer, He just wants you to know the answer too.

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Psalm 136:1.

I love this verse because it reminds me of God's love. Even though I was drifting apart from Him, He remained loving and forgiving and welcomed me with open arms.

Happy New Year and God Bless!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

I want to wish all of my friends a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. It's been a year full of blessings.

As Christmas draws near I find myself being reminded of why we celebrate it.

For God So Loved The World That He Sent His Only Begotten Son.... John 3:16a

The love that God had for us before we were born is almost difficult to understand. As I sit here tonight and complain about the day that I had, the lack of money in my checking account and the weather outside, I am reminded of God's Love. I should be singing praises to Him, not complaining.

A new friend of mine emailed a song to me tonight. It is absolutely beautiful. The story she shared with me as to why this is a special song to her is so encouraging. The song is "Gratitude" by Nichole Nordeman. As I listened to the song, I read the lyrics and I wanted to cry.

Tonight I pray that God forgives me for my lack of gratitude but I also praise Him for His gentle reminder and unconditional love He has for me and you.

I inserted the lyrics below. You can search the song on Itunes.com to download it.

God Bless,

Monica


Gratitude by Nichole Nordeman


Send some rain, would You send some rain?
'Cause the earth is dry and needs to drink again
And the sun is high and we are sinking in the shade
Would You send a cloud, thunder long and loud?
Let the sky grow black and send some mercy down
Surely You can see that we are thirsty and afraid
But maybe not, not today
Maybe You'll provide in other ways
And if that's the case ...

We'll give thanks to You with gratitude
For lessons learned in how to thirst for You
How to bless the very sun that warms our face
If You never send us rain

Daily bread, give us daily bread
Bless our bodies, keep our children fed
Fill our cups, then fill them up again tonight
Wrap us up and warm us through
Tucked away beneath our sturdy roofs
Let us slumber safe from danger's view this time
Or maybe not, not today
Maybe You'll provide in other ways
And if that's the case ...

We'll give thanks to You with gratitude
A lesson learned to hunger after You
That a starry sky offers a better view
If no roof is overhead
And if we never taste that bread

Oh, the differences that often are between
Everything we want and what we really need

So grant us peace, Jesus, grant us peace
Move our hearts to hear a single beat
Between alibis and enemies tonight
Or maybe not, not today
Peace might be another world away
And if that's the case ...

We'll give thanks to You with gratitude
For lessons learned in how to trust in You
That we are blessd beyond what we could ever dream
In abundance or in need
And if You never grant us peace ...

But, Jesus, would You please ...

Titus 2:4-5, "teach women to love their family"??

Paul is instructing the women who have been Christians for a while to mentor and to teach the women who are new Christians. The bibles tells us to be teachers of good things. We should teach women to love their husbands, to love their children. Sound kind of silly? Teaching a woman to love their family? Love isn't a feeling, it's an action, a choice that we make. Yes we feel love for our family but how do we show the love? As wives and mothers, we are the heart of our homes. If we aren't acting as the heart, then where is the love?

For me, this was a difficult concept at first. I love my family but I didn't really take the time to show it. I go to work every day. I come home and cook dinner, clean the kitchen, help with homework, straighten the living room, make sure my daughter has her bath, spend 45 minutes completing her bedtime routine and so and so on (not to mention the activities outside the home).

But when I examined my attitude while completing these everyday things, I wasn't very happy with myself. I was cold and set in a routine. I had my eyes on the target but my heart wasn't in it. In fact, it makes me sad to think of this. I still find myself "in routine". I was too busy worrying about getting things done that I didn't realize I wasn't showing love.

I began to slow down. In order for me to slow down, I needed to prioritize and schedule things so I had time to slow down. For instance, I scheduled my daughter's bath time and set a bed time for her. Many women have been doing this forever, why was this such a new concept for me? Not sure, but if you know, please share. :) I stopped watching television so much in the evenings. I record the shows I want to watch on the DVR and watch them after the kids are in bed. I quit things that didn't fit in with my top 3 priorities, God-Husband-Kids.

After I made some changes in my "routine" I tried to smile more too. I also took the time to play and talk with the kids not just tell them what to do. I took the time to ask my husband how his day was and even kiss him hello and tell him I love him! Making the changes (and these are just a few), changed me too. I am happier and the joy that I receive is not something I can put into words. It's an amazing feeling.

BUT...I have been working on this for almost a year now. I backslide a lot. Sometimes I get into the TV mode and I always regret it at the end of the night when my house is messy or I didn't do something I should have done. Sometimes I find myself being cold and focused on things that need to be done. This is why I am so JOYFUL that the Lord loves me anyway and so does my family. They know what I strive for and they support me when I fail. The Lord knows my heart and he speaks to me when I'm down.

I will never be without mistakes and I will always be a sinner as long as I'm in this world. But I will ALWAYS need the Lord and He will ALWAYS be there for me (and you). I tell myself when I fall short, "keep trying Monica because the day you give up, then you have truly failed and Satan has won".