Jesus Will Light Your Path

Psalm 37:23 NLT, “The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.”

Last week I stopped by the leasing office at my apartment complex, and turned in my notice to vacate. When I informed the leasing consultant that I would be moving out of state, she asked me where I was going. When I told her Virginia, she immediately perked up and said that she knew a couple that had moved there recently. She said they are a really nice Christian couple, and that the wife is the sister of her pastor. Then after that, she begin to share their story with me.

She told me about Alex, the twenty-one year old son of this couple, who was killed in a motorcycle accident two years ago. He was thrown from his bike and died instantly due to head injuries. She showed me the last picture that Alex had taken with his family before his death.

Alex had always dreamed of living in Virginia. So when he lost his life, his parents and his younger sibling, packed their bags, said goodbye to Florida and moved to Virginia. His parents said that life was short and this was what Alex always wanted, so making the move to Virginia was their way of making his dream come true.

Photo By: Khanh Le

Hearing this story brought tears to my eyes, and the leasing consultant said retelling it gave her goose bumps. Not only had this family lost Alex, but Alex’s Dad was also a cancer survivor. Although their story is one of unimaginable loss, it’s also one of triumph, because I’m sure this family understands what it means to make everyday count. They know first hand how brief our days here on Earth can be. I thanked the leasing consultant for sharing this story with me. It was a vast reminder not to take life for granted.

After I left the leasing office, I couldn’t help but wonder what God has in mind for Alex’s family. I believe He will use their testimony to touch many souls. Hearing their story of faith and perseverance in the midst of tragedy brought me joy.

Jesus always has a way of shining light in the midst of darkness. We just have to be willing to open our eyes to see it, like Alex’s family did. We may not always understand all of God’s plans for our lives, but if we keep obeying Him, He will reveal truth to us. No matter how dark a situation may seem, we can trust Jesus to light our path.

Sunshine Blogger Award – 8

Thank you little sister Herry @ herrychiccounsels for nominating me for this Sunshine Blogger Award. Your blog is a reminder of God’s goodness and an encouragement to me and others. ❤️💕❤️

Check out HCCounsels and you will be truly inspired! 🤗

Here are Herry’s Questions for me:

1. Are you an owl or a lark? (stay up late or early riser)

I’m a lark

2. What do you do for fun?

I enjoy trying new restaurants. I also like occasionally riding bikes on the beach.

3. What are your spiritual gifts?

I believe the gift of encouragement is something I have.

4. Have you made Jesus the Lord of your life? If so, how did it happen?

Yes I did when I was 9 years old at a Wednesday night prayer meeting. I can still remember that night clearly.

5. Do you have a life verse? If so, what is it, and why?

My favorite bible verse has always been John 3:16. It’s also the first verse I memorized.

6. What is your favorite characteristic about yourself?

I’m a pretty calm person and I really like that.

7. What is one valuable lesson you have learned in life?

Don’t just follow the crowd because God has a unique plan for everyone.

8. When did you know you wanted to become a writer?

I’ve enjoyed writing for awhile. I first started doing it in 2008 for a couple of years then stopped. But I started this blog in 2017.

9. Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

I only recently found out about the ambivert, and I believe that’s what I am.

10. Do you dread or look forward to your birthday?

I’m always thankful to see another year so in that case I look forward to it.

11. Which do you prefer: city or country, fried or baked, sweet or salty, book or movie, drive or fly, cook or takeout?

City, baked, sweet, movie, fly, takeout

I nominate the following bloggers. Looking forward to hearing from you if you choose to participate. 🤗

http://gaillovesgod.blog

http://nodebtbutlove.com

https://www.uncompromisingfaith.ca

http://theexcellentwoman.blog

My questions to my nominees are below:

1. Are you an owl or a lark? (stay up late or early riser)

2. What do you do for fun?

3.What do you love most about knowing Jesus?

4. What is your favorite characteristic about yourself?

5. What is a place you would like to visit?

6. What is an important lesson you’ve learned in life?

7. What is a fear that you have learned to overcome?

8. What is your favorite food?

9. Do you have siblings? If so how many?

10. What topic do you feel is the least discussed but the one most needed to be discussed?

11. Why did you start your blog?

Gossip Betrays Trust

Proverbs 11:13 NIV, “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”

God knows all there is to know about us, but He doesn’t go around revealing everything to everyone. We can trust Him. Loyal, trustworthy people are a reflection of God’s love. People who can be trusted to keep information confidential, without giving in to the temptation to gossip and spread rumors are people of integrity.

Photo by: Kristina Flour

People of integrity understand that time spent gossiping about others is time that can be spent praying for them instead. They use wisdom when it comes to speaking about others because they know what and what not to say. They also know who and who not to say it to.

Being a trustworthy, gossip-free person is a true sign of maturity in Christ. He will strengthen us to stay away from pointless, destructive conversations about others. Love seeks to build people up and not tear them down.

James 1:26 NLT, “If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.”

Don’t Withhold Good

Proverbs 3:27, “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.”

Yesterday morning I was reading Proverbs chapter 3. Verse 27 kept jumping out at me. I kept thinking to myself that if everyone lived by this, the world would be a much better place. It’s pretty easy to withhold good from others because we live in an age that reinforces, ”looking out for number 1” all of the time. Of course we need balance and it is important to take care of ourselves. But what would happen if everyone made an attempt to regularly think of the needs of others, and help them whenever possible?

The closer we get to Jesus, the more compassionate and loving we become toward others. He helps us to look beyond the surface and see the true need. He helps us to let go of the fear of lack, and give when it is in our power to do so.

There is so much more to giving than just money, a simple compliment can make someone smile. There is one greeter at church who always gives hugs. Many Sunday mornings I was thankful for her hug. Handshakes are good, but hugs are awesome! Even in my own life, I’m asking God to help me not to withhold good from others. No matter how small the deed may seem, if we’re lead to give, we must obey God and give.

We serve a God who gives of Himself freely everyday. As His representatives, we have the privilege of doing the same. Learning to let God be our standard instead of the world, will open up a whole new sea of opportunities to give of ourselves that we never even knew existed.

Kindness Comes From Our LORD JESUS CHRIST

Thanks Mrs. Holliman @ God’s Love for this beautiful post! Kindness comes from our Lord. We should be kind to others, and He gives us the ability to do so. Galatians 5:22-23 NIV, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

#MySaturdayShare

Mrs.Holliman's avatarGOD'S LOVE

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Kindness is better than life. Without out some type of kindness this world would be worse than what it is now. That’s why we have the LORD around us to keep the kindness going. The LORD has that kindness that never end and warms your heart up to follow the LORD’S footsteps. You will never get nowhere in life by being mean or talking about people. We have to help one another like the LORD helped us. That’s what the LORD would want us all to do. 

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People have to understand that we are out here to do the LORD’S work. Showing kindness is a step on bring people to the LORD and making sure that people are okay. We are out here doing what the LORD has been doing for years and it’s our turn. It’s a lot of people that are going through a lot of things in…

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VOGUE PARODY: 73 Questions with Dawn

Vogue’s 73 Questions is a video series on YouTube whereby Vogue asks celebrities 73 questions under 10 minute. Bloggers and Vloggers have also started their own version of this method, which is a way of getting to know fellow bloggers better.

A big thank you to my little sister Bukola of BukolaOrry.com for tagging me. Her blog covers a variety of interesting topics such as lifestyle, motherhood, and haircare.

Be sure to visit her inspiring blog at:

Bukola Orry

Let’s dive right into the questions.

1. What’s your usual Starbucks order?

I do not go to Starbucks. ☕️

2. What does your work station look like?

It’s not too bad, but I have some papers laying around. It could be neater. 😊

3. Favourite food?

🍕 Pizza

4. What do you think of open relationships?

That’s a concept someone came up with to avoid true commitment. I don’t agree with it. 😥

5. What is your favourite video game?

Well I have not played video games since I was little. Back then it was Pac-Man. 😂

6. Guilty pleasure treat?

Candy and popcorn 🍿 🍭

7. Your favourite movie?

Private Benjamin 😊

8. Favourite author?

Joyce Meyer 📚

9. Favourite book?

The Bible. 📖

10. Twitter or Instagram?

I don’t have an Instagram. Twitter I have but don’t really use it. I just share blog post to it. 😊

11. Desktop or laptop?

Desktop 🖥

12. Best advice you’ve ever received?

Be confident, and remember you’re just as important as the next person. (My mom says this.) 👏🏿👏🏿

13. What project are you working on right now?

The biggest thing on my plate right now is preparing for my relocation. 📦

14. Favourite colour?

Green 💚

15. Did you get good grades in school?

Yes I did in most subjects. 📚

16. Dream job?

One where I can work and travel occasionally. 🧳

17. Play any sports?

No I don’t, but I like watching baseball ⚾️

18. Do you have a degree?

Yes. Bachelors in Accounting with a minor in Business Management. 📜

19. Nationality?

American 🇺🇸

20. What is your favourite kind of blog post?

The ones that are inspiring, especially when they encourage me in my faith. 🙏🏿

22. Describe yourself in three words?

Serene, Selfless, and Dedicated (per my daughter) 🍃

23. If you were a rapper what would your stage name be?

I’m not sure and I’m not creative enough to come up with one lol. 🤔

24. Who was the last person you DM?

A friend of mine. 👩🏾

25: What’s on top of your wishlist right now?

The freedom to travel more. ✈️

26. Sorting house?

I don’t understand this question.

27. How many tattoos do you have?

I have two. 😊

28. What are you most grateful for this year?

My daughter successfully graduating from college. 👩🏽‍🎓

29. What’s the best thing that’s happened to you this month?

Turning in my notice at work. It’s a step of faith towards the next thing God has for me. 🙌🏿

30. What’s the best thing that’s happened to you today?

Got off work early. ⏰

31. What’s the best thing ever?

Knowing Jesus ✝️

32. Favourite season?

Spring 🌸

33. Favourite holiday?

Christmas 🎄

34. What fictional character do you relate to most?

🤔

35. Do you like surprises?

It depends on what it is.

36. What’s the biggest surprise you’ve ever had?

Finding out I was having my daughter. 👶🏽

37. Which surprise made you cry?

None that I can remember. 🤔

38. What’s the best surprise you’ve given somebody else?

A surprise birthday party🎂

39. Do you like muffins?

Yes, I do. 🧁

40. Do you cook often?

Not lately. I’ve been enjoying my daughter’s cooking since she’s been home. 👩‍🍳

41. What’s your favourite dessert?

Sweet Potato Pie 🥧

42. Is there a dessert you don’t like?

Not that I can think of right now. 🤔

43. Cake or pie?

My favorite dessert is a pie, but I actually eat more cake. 🍰

44. What’s your least favourite food?

I don’t like raw tomatoes. But they are good to me when they are cooked or seasoned like in pico de gallo. 🍅

45. What’s your favourite condiment?

Hot Sauce 🔥

46. It’s 4 am on a random Saturday. What are you eating?

Nothing. I’m most likely asleep. 💤

47. If you could teach a college class what would it be called?

Thinking of Others 101. I think this is much needed in today’s society. ❤️

48. Best animated film?

Something with Scooby-Doo 😊

49. What has a guy done or said to impress you?

I think it’s nice when I’m out in the store and you come across men who still hold the door open. 🚪

50. The best thing to do on a first date?

Probably something with an atmosphere that will allow you to talk. 😊

51. The worst thing to do on a first date?

Reveal too much personal information. 🤫

53. Best comic book character?

Charlie Brown 😊

54. Name three things which can always be found in your purse.

Hand sanitizer, wallet, and headphones 😊

55. Favourite drink?

Pepsi 🥤

56. If you could play a historical character in a movie who would it be?

The widow who was with Elijah in 1 Kings 17. Her faith was inspiring. ✝️

57. Kittens or puppies?

Puppies 🐶

58. Favourite sushi roll?

I like the vegetable rolls. 🍣

59. What lipstick do you use?

I usually wear lip gloss. 💄

60. What foundation do you use?

Artistry and Tarte 😊

61. Blow-dry or air dry?

Air Dry. 😊

62. Who is your fashion icon?

None. 😊

63. Favourite Disney Character?

I don’t have one.😊

64. What are you doing tomorrow?

Not sure 😊

65. Movie you laughed the hardest through?

Chevy Chase Movies are funny.😂

66. Movie that made you cry?

Too many to name.😊

67. If you could sing a duet with anybody, who would you choose?

Shirley Caesar 🎤

68. If your life was a song what would the title be?

🤔

69. What’s your favourite animal?

Dogs. 🐕

70. Favourite illustrator?

Shel Silverstein 😊

71. The person you want to have coffee with?

Joyce Meyer 😊

72. What country would you like to visit?

Italy 🇮🇹

73. Best way to decompress?

Watch a good movie. 🎥

**Anyone who wishes to participate in this tag, please feel free to do so!! 🌺

He Guards And Protects

Proverbs 2:8 NLT, “He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him.”

This verse used to be the theme verse for a singles ministry I attended in the past. I also had it on the dashboard in my car for awhile. The verse reminded me daily that the Lord is guarding my paths and protecting me. Even as I drive down the road, navigating my way through the busy traffic, He is watching over me. It’s a comfort to be kept by our Savior.

It’s easy to become fearful with all the things that are happening around us. Even within our own families at times, there are tragedies and other unfortunate things that we must endure. But keeping our eyes on the Lord, helps us to remain anchored. No matter how rough things may get, we can trust Him to take good care of us.

Staying faithful to the Lord is no easy task. But deciding to stay on the narrow path and be faithful to Him, will lead us to good things. We may not understand every turn we take or every hill we must climb, but God will be with us every step of the way. Even through difficulties, His love will sustain us.

Whatever path you are traveling, God has His wall of protection all around you, so keep on following as the Holy Spirit leads you. God always has a plan, and His plans are good.