In our fast-paced lives, even during the Summer, we often rush through tasks, leaving little room for spiritual reflection. However, as Christians, we are called to slow down and dwell in God's presence, as highlighted in Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God." This pause allows us to set aside distractions and find peace in His presence, mirroring the example set by Jesus, who frequently withdrew to pray and connect with the Father.
Taking time to linger in God's presence provides space for the Holy Spirit to guide us, offering several transformative benefits. Deepened relationships, renewed strength, and inner peace are among the rewards, as spending undistracted time with God enriches our spiritual lives. Isaiah 40:31 and Philippians 4:6-7 remind us of the strength and peace that come from waiting on the Lord and bringing everything to Him in prayer.
To foster this practice, start by creating a quiet space for worship and Bible reading, and make time to linger and listen after prayer. Recording your thoughts and insights through journaling can also track your spiritual growth. Prioritize this connection with God, beginning with small, manageable time frames, and gradually extending them as you grow more comfortable, allowing His presence to bring more intimacy, peace, and clarity to your life.
Read more...This heartfelt tribute to mothers captures the essence of motherhood, celebrating the often overlooked day-to-day realities that moms endure with grace and strength. It acknowledges the wide spectrum of maternal experiences—from the messy and exhausting moments of raising children to the poignant times of silent sacrifice and unwavering love. The post honors mothers for their resilience, for the countless ways they express their love and commitment, and for the profound impact they have on their children's lives.
The blog post serves as a reminder of the deep and abiding love that mothers have, one that perseveres through sleepless nights, endless worry, and the countless sacrifices made for the well-being of their children. It recognizes the unique challenges of motherhood, from dealing with the physical toll to navigating the emotional landscape of raising a child, all while balancing personal needs and aspirations. Furthermore, it encourages mothers to find their strength, peace, and joy in the unwavering love and support that surrounds them, highlighting the never-ending cycle of love and care that mothers exemplify.
In closing, the post extends a Happy Mother’s Day wish, affirming the incredible role mothers play and the indelible mark they leave on their children and the world. It underscores the notion that a mother's love and her profound influence transcend time, impacting generations to come. Moreover, it serves as a powerful declaration of support, reminding mothers everywhere that they possess the grace, strength, and love necessary to meet the demands of motherhood, each and every day.
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Don’t let the smile fool ya…It’s been a tough week. Anyone else have one of those days, you aren't sure if it's your hormones, an attitude, an emotion trapped, them, or you?!? I felt weighted all week, until today. I got dressed for church (without much color / joy to be honest) and as I grabbed my sweet new Church Note Journal, it made me smile. These sweet spring flowers glowed against my blah. It reminded me that God makes all things new, and Spring is just that reminder. You know that feeling when you see a new puppy?!? Like that! Instant joy.
There is a season for everything and we too, can spring forward!!!
I think sometimes we hibernate in the winter so comfortably that when the sun begins to shine, we feel a little nervous about the new energy we see sprouting and we’ve gotten really comfortable in our snuggle up winter clothes and fluffy blankets, it’s hard to get up and outside. We’ve also lost a little “muscle” in our winter.
His mercies are new every day!! They are not seasonal as the enemy would like you to think.
So, with a deep breath, I went back in to my closet and found something Springy to wear.
I literally felt the lyrics, It is well, with my soul. It is well.
My heart uttered, Lord, let this little Light of mine shine for You today. Bring me into Spring and show me what’s new today. Let Your Light in.
Time Springs forward and so can we.
The clock is gonna keep ticking and the seasons consistently rolling through, and yes, each season has its own kind of storms…and we know this. It’s just those transition days that are the hardest.
Something as silly and simple as wearing a brighter color or choosing a favorite accessory, is and easy transition choice, in the the process of choosing different, choosing to spring up, pick up, be up vs down. It’s not the clothes….its not the hype music…it’s not a double cup of caffeine….
It’s being clothed and covered in God’s hope and joy in every season.
It’s keeping in step with His seasons, understanding the uniqueness of each one and not only preparing for them, but walking with anticipation in to the newness of them.
So, if you’re still trying to transition out of a Winter Coat, here’s your challenge to go back in to your “closet” and find a Springy something to put on! (Col 3:12-17, Phil 4:8-9)
The sweet thing is, through you, you become someone else’s Spring encounter.
So, SMILE, SURRENDER and SPRING FORWARD SISTERS!!!!!
His mercies are NEW!!!! Grace upon Grace!!!
Lamentations 3:21-26
If you are looking for a journal to help you stay focused and put a little Spiring Step in your church going moments, take a look at this one and see if it makes you smile too!
If today's encouragement hugged your HEART today, let me know in the comments or meet me over
in my Facebook Sisterhood Community! Feel free to share this blog with a friend who needs a heart hug too!
This is how YOU get to hug my HEART back!
Heart Hugs and Blessings,
Michele
Just because it has been, doesn't mean it always will be.
Yes, I believe history, in general, repeats itself. If things don't change, things won't change.
As a Christ Follower, I also believe some things in history will not repeat itself because there is no lack of newness of life in God's Kingdom realm. In the timeline economy of God, time is relative...some things will repeat themselves, but for many things they will not.
Let me explain.
Have you ever caught yourself saying something like, "Well, it happened once, I am sure it will happen again," "It's in my family," "I will never change," "this always happens," "it happened to her, I am sure it will happen to me too."
Here are some of the assumptions I have made over the years in my own personal life...
- My Grandma had cancer, I probably will too.
- I miscarried once, I probably will this time too.
- My friend's husband struggled, I am sure mine will too.
- Doors never opened, I guess now they never will.
- I don't have an inner circle of Sister Friends, I guess I never will.
- I wasn't successful in that, I won't be successful in this either.
- It's in the family, I guess it always will be.
- I lost that time, I will surely lose this time.
- They have it so its not meant for me.
- It didn't work last time, it won't work this time.
BUT GOD...
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Psalm 139:23
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3
I am the LORD, your Holy One, Israel’s Creator, your King.” This is what the LORD says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:16-19
Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? Matthew 16:8-9
We believe scarcely. I can't help but wonder how many of us are suffering with a scarcity mindset when it comes to newness of life in Christ. He is our renewing, healing, redemption. In Christ, chains are broken, curses lifted, He makes a way when there seems to be no way, blessing abound in His Name.
His power dwells within us and in Him, we are new creations, each one of us fearfully and wonderfully made, hemmed in before our breath took it's first gasp on earth. He seeks after what is lost that they may be found. He parts waters, purifies, protects, conquers, removes, satisfies...He is the God of mercy and healing.
He is doing a new thing, always.
In Him, we armor up in faith, believing, trusting, seeking, refining, pruning, maturing, sanctifying, fighting...surrendering.
"I remember when," is a great recall both in the Word and by word of testimony from your own life, but also through others. This is why it's so important we share our testimonies as evidence! I love the lyrics, "Who am I to deny what the Lord can do." As Christ Followers we are charged with renewing our minds and fixing our eyes on Jesus, not on the earthly things our flesh dwells amongst, rather the eternal....the redemption and circumcision of Christ's Love.
History will not always repeat itself and what was will not always be when we look Heavenward.
Blind will see.
Death will live.
Lost will be found.
Mercy will renew.
Dead will rise.
Old will be new.
Jesus came to set captives free and in Him, our hope strengthens, by faith that He is Over All.
So whatever it is in your life that was, "it WAS."
Let God be your "IS."
Does this mean nothing bad will ever happen or repeat itself? No. I love what Paul says, he has learned how to be content in the plans of God, in turbulent waters and beside still waters alike. In the fire and in the den, He is with us.
We can choose to live, not in our flesh that WAS, but our spirit that IS, in the abundance of surrender that says, "I believe God can do anything." Will our faith set us free from the bondage of "cants?" Yes. We choose to live in the blessing and provision of God, according to HIS perfect will for our lives.
It won't always look like what we thought it would and He certainly is not a Magic Genie to grant our wishes, but He is Lord and Creator over all who is head over all things and in Him all things are redeemed and held together. Everything sifts through His hands, meant for our good and His glory alone.
Grace Upon Grace....we are NOT as we were!!! Glory to God!
His Word, Who Was and Is, will always be, forever and ever. THIS is our history, NOW!
Through the unknown, through what was, through the deep waters, Go Change History by Faith Sister! His heart is for you!!!
Your Heart Sister, Michele
In the next blog, let's talk about the power of our words since Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
If today's encouragement hugged your HEART today, let me know in the comments or meet me over
in my Facebook Sisterhood Community! Feel free to share this blog with a friend who needs a heart hug too!
This is how YOU get to hug my HEART back!
Heart Hugs and Blessings,
Michele
Embrace your true self with grace and authenticity! This encourages us to break free from the pressures of a "filtered world" that urges us to seek approval and fit in, often at the expense of our genuine selves. It's a reminder that living authentically means discovering and valuing who we are, even amidst the awkward, fun journey of self-discovery. This pursuit, inspired by grace, enables us to love God and others fearlessly, embracing our uniqueness and imperfections.
Life is not about holding time but living fully in each moment. We're urged to seize every opportunity to be our authentic selves, unburdened by others' expectations, and rooted in faith. Letting go of fears and insecurities by accepting ourselves as we are - perfectly imperfect - opens the door to a life of hope, joy, and peace. It's an invitation to live and love boldly, grounded in the identity uniquely crafted for each of us.
Remember, it's okay to make mistakes; they are stepping stones in our journey of growth nurtured by grace. Central to this message is the call to fix our eyes on God, who guides us to our true purpose and identity. Encouragement is extended to everyone to start their authentic journey by embracing love and acceptance, recognizing that we are fearfully and wonderfully made to make a unique impact in the world.
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