I found this daily devotional website and I am going to try to look at it everyday to get inspiration from the word! I have fallen short when it comes to reading my bible everyday. I will start again today! Thank you Lord that you forgive me of my short comings!
"I am the LORD, and there is no other; besides Me there is no God...the One forming light and creating darkness, causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the LORD who does all these." - Isaiah 45:5-7 NASB
There are times when it can appear that darkness rules the earth...that there's no hope...and that God's people inevitably will be defeated. We can think our lives are dominated by enemies and that we're nothing but victims. We can feel outnumbered and doomed to failure. Discouraged, we can wonder if God ever will answer our prayers and solve our problems.
At times like these, we need to read these verses from Isaiah, where God states His absolute sovereignty. Regardless of how things appear, He's the Master of every situation. He is "the Lord, and there is no other!"
God declares that He reigns over every part of life--not only the light, but even the darkness; amid what appears to be good news or bad; when we face trials or when everything seems to be going smoothly. He has no rivals, and His power has no limits.
These truths are overwhelming. Life-changing! But do we really believe them? If we really believed them, we would never have any fears, for we could trust in God completely! We would know that the only thing to worry about is not obeying and trusting Him, not living in accordance with His will, and not being in harmony with Him.
Today, stop and think about these truths. Declare God to be the Master of your life. Do not allow any problem to make you discouraged.
Focus on the Lord. Worship Him. Seek His face. Commit the situations you face to Him, and trust in Him resolutely. It's His desire "that men may know from the rising to the setting of the sun that there is no one besides Me" (v. 6). He is the Lord!
Prayer
Father, You are sovereign. I commit these situations and people into Your hands: _______. I trust in You, and I'm believing You for turnarounds in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Extended Reading
Isaiah 45
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Exempt from What?
I have been a preschool teacher for over thirteen years. I was working in childcare when I made a mistake in my life (at age 19 mind you) and paid for it. I have paid for this mistake in more ways then one! On top of the natural consequences of this mistake; I now get reminded of it every time I apply for a job. I had never had a problem until about two years ago. I had gone on maternity leave from KB and had all intentions of returning. However, when I returned I was not being offered the hours I wanted to work. So I went else where looking for employment that would be flexible with me! I found a place that I thought would be great. It was close to home and they seemed to be willing to give me the hours I was looking for. Well because of my past, the owner, Mr.B, felt that I may need what is called an exemption. I had never need an exemption before, but he made it sound like it would be better to apply for one. So against my better judgement I did. In all hopes that by having this exemption Mr. B would hire me. Well come to find out he did not hire me because he did not want me to have an exemption. I guess some people when they file for an exemption get one and some don't and he was hoping I wouldn't. Yet, he made it sound like either way it would be okay. So needless to say I did not get that job. Ever since then it has been every hard for me to find a job. Which is very sad to me. I have my AA degree in Early Childhood Education that I busted my butt to get, I have over thirteen years of experience, and I come highly recommended with excellent references! This is so frustrating to me! I know that I have been forgiven of my past, but it forever haunts me. I know that I have favor for the job that I do have and I know that the Lord is going to open a door for me somewhere. It will all be in his perfect timing. I know these things. I also know that my family is struggling financially and although we are praying for financial breakthrough, I feel helpless! I feel that I wasted my time in school and I have wasted the last thirteen years. It is so frustrating. I am working on calling the Department of Justice to see what can be done about this exemption, until then I will continue to do what I love! Because I am exempt from the ways of this world and I will reap my rewards in Heaven!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
AMAZING!
READER WARNING: THIS POST WILL BE JUMPING ALL OVER THE PLACE AS SO MANY AMAZING THINGS HAVE HAPPENED READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
This year started off something like this: My husbands job was in transition and we were not even sure if he was going to keep his job. Things were going south with Alex's behavior and I was being faced with the reality that I was going to have to start working full time again. Needless to say we were at a loss for what was happening. Within a week everything just flipped! We learned that Lloyd would be working at a permanent site; which meant he did not lose his job, but his pay would be less(even with a 2% pay raise). We were just grateful he still had a job. Then my husband shared an awesome vision he received of me opening up my own daycare center. This is what he shared with me:
My little vision.
Hey sweetie here was my little vision about something in the future. I see you having your own preschool/Daycare.
The building was about the size of the house or even your current employment based on perspective of the view from the building. The walls where a whitish or light color paint. The floors where all light hardwood. The building had a vast amount of natural light coming through the windows as there where windows down each side. There could have also been a skylight but not sure as the room was fairly bright with no lights on. There where 3 other people there with you and not sure if they where partners, or employees.
I gave instructions on how to get pricing to be competitive with other centers but low enough to entice enrollment.
Advice was go to various preschool/day care centers and get there pricing and make it to where you would be profitable but affordable. You would use Abby as you where asking around for the pricing as if you where going to put her into it but you would also state that you have friends with children that are at various ages and you where getting info for them so the information would be freely given more than if you went in with no kids and told them that you where opening a business and being competitive against them.
You only where going up to the Kindergarten age group. And you would charge an extra fee like $25 a week or discount pending on if the child was potty trained at a certain age.
Abby and Luke was not much older from what I could tell. But it was sunny outside and looked to be a beautiful spring/summer day.
On Friday Alex came home from school fairly upset that the kids had made fun of his project and feeling very down on himself. He did a community service project all geared around services that he did at church or related to church. Then on Saturday the 9th I went to a bible study. I shared with the ladies how Alex had been attacked by the kids at school. Then we went to Saturday night prayer at my church. During prayer five words kept coming to mind; renewing, anointing, refreshing, expectations, and faith. I also learned that my pastor had prayed for my two older boys and had a vision that they were both going to have the power of healing. Then after prayer I asked Della (attended the bible study earlier), if I could observe her teaching in 4's and 5's on Sunday. Before I spoke to her I had opened my bible to Psalms 17:13-19:24; did not have time to read it so bookmarked it. On the way home from prayer Alex was going on and on about how he did not have any friends. I was combating his negativity with lots of positive. Then a song came on about how the Lord is our strong tower and we need to run to him. I told Alex to take refuge in that song. Went to church on Sunday and decided to read Psalms(remember where I marked my bible on Saturday), in Psalms 18:10 it says, "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe." This was confirmation to me that I was doing the right things with Alex. Then while I was helping Della in the classroom, she told me she had something for me that fit in perfectly with what Alex was going through. She gave me part of the lesson she was teaching and it was all about not listening to what others say about you! More confirmation!It was amazing how God was using people around me, the radio, a preschool lesson, and most importantly his word to give me confirmation! Then Sunday afternoon the icing on the cake! I found my adopted brother! I have known about him since I was twelve, but never thought I would find him. Can you believe it was as simple as googling his name and finding him on Facebook! Facebook has brought lots of people together! AMAZING! I will have to write another post about that, but lastly I want to leave you with this link!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sngu-MK4-4k
This year started off something like this: My husbands job was in transition and we were not even sure if he was going to keep his job. Things were going south with Alex's behavior and I was being faced with the reality that I was going to have to start working full time again. Needless to say we were at a loss for what was happening. Within a week everything just flipped! We learned that Lloyd would be working at a permanent site; which meant he did not lose his job, but his pay would be less(even with a 2% pay raise). We were just grateful he still had a job. Then my husband shared an awesome vision he received of me opening up my own daycare center. This is what he shared with me:
My little vision.
Hey sweetie here was my little vision about something in the future. I see you having your own preschool/Daycare.
The building was about the size of the house or even your current employment based on perspective of the view from the building. The walls where a whitish or light color paint. The floors where all light hardwood. The building had a vast amount of natural light coming through the windows as there where windows down each side. There could have also been a skylight but not sure as the room was fairly bright with no lights on. There where 3 other people there with you and not sure if they where partners, or employees.
I gave instructions on how to get pricing to be competitive with other centers but low enough to entice enrollment.
Advice was go to various preschool/day care centers and get there pricing and make it to where you would be profitable but affordable. You would use Abby as you where asking around for the pricing as if you where going to put her into it but you would also state that you have friends with children that are at various ages and you where getting info for them so the information would be freely given more than if you went in with no kids and told them that you where opening a business and being competitive against them.
You only where going up to the Kindergarten age group. And you would charge an extra fee like $25 a week or discount pending on if the child was potty trained at a certain age.
Abby and Luke was not much older from what I could tell. But it was sunny outside and looked to be a beautiful spring/summer day.
On Friday Alex came home from school fairly upset that the kids had made fun of his project and feeling very down on himself. He did a community service project all geared around services that he did at church or related to church. Then on Saturday the 9th I went to a bible study. I shared with the ladies how Alex had been attacked by the kids at school. Then we went to Saturday night prayer at my church. During prayer five words kept coming to mind; renewing, anointing, refreshing, expectations, and faith. I also learned that my pastor had prayed for my two older boys and had a vision that they were both going to have the power of healing. Then after prayer I asked Della (attended the bible study earlier), if I could observe her teaching in 4's and 5's on Sunday. Before I spoke to her I had opened my bible to Psalms 17:13-19:24; did not have time to read it so bookmarked it. On the way home from prayer Alex was going on and on about how he did not have any friends. I was combating his negativity with lots of positive. Then a song came on about how the Lord is our strong tower and we need to run to him. I told Alex to take refuge in that song. Went to church on Sunday and decided to read Psalms(remember where I marked my bible on Saturday), in Psalms 18:10 it says, "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe." This was confirmation to me that I was doing the right things with Alex. Then while I was helping Della in the classroom, she told me she had something for me that fit in perfectly with what Alex was going through. She gave me part of the lesson she was teaching and it was all about not listening to what others say about you! More confirmation!It was amazing how God was using people around me, the radio, a preschool lesson, and most importantly his word to give me confirmation! Then Sunday afternoon the icing on the cake! I found my adopted brother! I have known about him since I was twelve, but never thought I would find him. Can you believe it was as simple as googling his name and finding him on Facebook! Facebook has brought lots of people together! AMAZING! I will have to write another post about that, but lastly I want to leave you with this link!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sngu-MK4-4k
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
This One Thing
As the New Year approaches, what are you focused on? Have you made your list of New Year Resolutions? Did you know that 40 to 45% of American adult make one or more resolutions each year. Among the top new years resolutions are resolutions about weight loss, exercise, and stopping to smoke. Also popular are resolutions dealing with better money management / debt reduction. The following shows how many of these resolutions are maintained as time goes on:
- past the first week: 75%
- past 2 weeks: 71%
- after one month: 64%
- after 6 months: 46%
Now what would you say if I told you there is a way to achieve all your goals by just focusing on One Thing? I am just going to brush the surface of a message I heard, but if you feel lead to hear the whole message you can go to http://www.impactchurch.info/ and listen to the podcast from Sunday December 27th, 2009!
The bible gives us several referances to this One Thing. Lets start with Philipians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." ...
This is the core to what I am about to share. Now if you go back just one chapter to Philipians 3:10-14 you will find more! Referring back to achieving all your goals... Phil 3:13-14..."forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus."
Are you seeing where I am going with this?
Now there is priority which has to take place when you are trying to achieve a goal, so lets talk about that for a minute. Matt. 6:33, "Strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all things will be given to you as well."
JESUS HAS TO BE THE CENTERPIECE OF YOUR LIFE!
This is the One Thing that should be our focus for the New Year! So go shred, tear up or burn that list of New Year Resolutions that you have been writing, start reading your bible instead and keep your eye on the prize! I know I am!
- past the first week: 75%
- past 2 weeks: 71%
- after one month: 64%
- after 6 months: 46%
Now what would you say if I told you there is a way to achieve all your goals by just focusing on One Thing? I am just going to brush the surface of a message I heard, but if you feel lead to hear the whole message you can go to http://www.impactchurch.info/ and listen to the podcast from Sunday December 27th, 2009!
The bible gives us several referances to this One Thing. Lets start with Philipians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." ...
This is the core to what I am about to share. Now if you go back just one chapter to Philipians 3:10-14 you will find more! Referring back to achieving all your goals... Phil 3:13-14..."forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus."
Are you seeing where I am going with this?
Now there is priority which has to take place when you are trying to achieve a goal, so lets talk about that for a minute. Matt. 6:33, "Strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all things will be given to you as well."
JESUS HAS TO BE THE CENTERPIECE OF YOUR LIFE!
This is the One Thing that should be our focus for the New Year! So go shred, tear up or burn that list of New Year Resolutions that you have been writing, start reading your bible instead and keep your eye on the prize! I know I am!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Bah Humbug
I am trying not to feel this way, but I do. I am in a rut and cannot seem to pull myself out. There are no signs of Christmas at our house. While everyone else talks of decorating, baking, putting up the tree, shopping, etc., there is none of that happening here! We are struggling financially and even though I know that is not what Christmas is all about; the shopping for gifts I mean. It is still depressing to know that I cannot even afford to go to the dollar store right now. It is depressing to know that I scheduled an appointment to get family pictures done and I might have to cancel because in all reality we cannot afford it. Christmas has just become another day on the calendar and that well is depressing. I think of it as work; putting up the tree is work, decorating is work, putting up the stockings is work. I usually put out our Christmas Cards, but I have not because well it is depressing. It reminds me of the fact that I cannot afford the stamps to send out any of my own. Nathan and Alex do not believe in Santa anymore and Abigail and Luke are too young to care, so that is depressing. I honestly don't even know if I want to teach Abigail and Luke to believe in Santa. I am trying to get in touch with the true meaning of Christmas, but that is not even helping. I think it is because I have always believed Christmas is about giving and well we cannot afford to give and that is depressing. My mom and dad are doing this www.christmasjars.com for Christmas next year and when I heard about it I thought, "I am a needy family right now!" I honestly felt like they should have been offering us some kind of help and not asking us if we wanted to help. That is depressing because I know there are families worse off then us, but we still have needs. Yes, we have a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs and food in our stomachs (barely), but our bills are piling up, the food we have is from a food closet, and well he clothes are the same clothes we have had for years and years. It would be nice to be able to go grocery shopping, buy a new outfit for the kids, pay rent on time, etc. I am not trying to sound ungrateful or greedy, because I am neither of those, I am just well depressed and not feeling the Christmas spirit this year. So Bah Humbug!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
What are you Thankful for?
What are you Thankful for? If I had a penny for how many times I have heard this question in just the last day I would be rich. What are you thankful for, well where do I start. I am thankful for the wonderful family that I have. I am thankful for my mom, who I still think is superwomen. I am thankful for my dad for supporting us all. I am thankful for my wonderful husband who has gone above and beyond what I ever imagined. I am thankful for my awesome children, who have come a long way. I am prouder of them then anything I have ever been proud of. I am thankful for a roof over my family;s head, food in our tummies, and the jobs that my husband and I have. Although we have struggled and contine to struggle, we have each other and for that I am so thankful. I am thankful for my church family and all that they have done for my family. You all cannot believe how much you mean to us!! I am thankful that I am walking with God by my side. I would never have made it where I am without him. I am thankful for good friends and co workers. I am thankful for all the men and women who are putting their lives on the line to give us the freedom that we have. I am thankful for our health and healthcare. I am thankful for answered prayers. I am thankful for all the little things. I am sure there are many other things that I am thankful for and I am forgeting them. What are you thankful for?
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Leeps and Bounds
As this year comes to an end, I have been reflecting on my marriage, my kids, and just life! I don't get a lot of time to do this normally, but some recent health issues gave me a chance to slow down. On November 3 I had what is called a Leep Procedure to remove abnormal cells that were found on my cervix and in my vaginal canal. Sorry for TMI, but that is what it is! This was due to the HPV virus and found during a routine pap smear. The pap smear came back abnormal and my OBGYN did further test to find the abnormal cells. It is not Cancer, but what she called, "Precursors". The Leep procedure is an outpatient procedure, so I was home the same day. I was on strict bed rest for the rest of the day, and light duty after that. This gave me lots of time to reflect on things!
During my time of reflection, I decided to make some changes; good changes. I am spending more time with my kids, my husband and most importantly my Bible. I realized that all those things are getting dusty because I leave them on the shelf for too long before I pick them up and pay attention to them. Life is too short to take these important items for granted. It is time for me to step up and for me to put my actions where my mouth is. This is going to be hard for me because I have a lot of bad habits I need to break, but I will do it for my family.
Alex is doing better in school now and I need to step up to encourage him. I need to be a good role model and show him that hard work pays off. Nathan is growing up and becoming a man, so I need to work hard to lead him in the right direction. My husband is a hard worker and provider for our family and I need to show him that we appreciate him. So with that being said, I am off to go care for the baby, read my bible and get some housework done!
During my time of reflection, I decided to make some changes; good changes. I am spending more time with my kids, my husband and most importantly my Bible. I realized that all those things are getting dusty because I leave them on the shelf for too long before I pick them up and pay attention to them. Life is too short to take these important items for granted. It is time for me to step up and for me to put my actions where my mouth is. This is going to be hard for me because I have a lot of bad habits I need to break, but I will do it for my family.
Alex is doing better in school now and I need to step up to encourage him. I need to be a good role model and show him that hard work pays off. Nathan is growing up and becoming a man, so I need to work hard to lead him in the right direction. My husband is a hard worker and provider for our family and I need to show him that we appreciate him. So with that being said, I am off to go care for the baby, read my bible and get some housework done!
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