Tag: Inspiration

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.

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.

Jesus, Our Daily Bread

John 6:35, “Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

I hadn’t heard this song Breathe by Michael Smith in years, but I woke up this morning with it on my mind. Truly Jesus is the air that we breathe. As Christians, His Holy Presence living inside of us is everything. He is the bread of life. In Him we are filled completely. He is the One who can take away our emptiness and replace it with joy. His words give us life and hope.

Praying you have a very blessed day!

I hope you enjoy this song:

Breathe by Michael Smith

Prayer In The Waiting Room

Colossians 4:2 NLT, “Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.”

Yesterday I had to go visit the GYN for my annual exam. It’s a very busy place, so when I go, I always know that I’ll be waiting at least an hour before I see the doctor, but this time my wait ended up being an hour and a half. I waited one hour in the main waiting room, and thirty minutes in the exam room.

All the women I saw were anticipating the arrival of a little one. I thought to myself, at this point in my life, I wouldn’t want to change places with them. But I also remember when I was there like them, expecting my daughter, and how exciting it was as the time for her arrival drew closer. It’s hard to believe how fast the years have flown by.

I was happy when I thought my name was called, but I was a little preoccupied on my phone, so I verified with the medical assistant at the door that she did say, “Dawn”. I was glad she said yes when I asked her. When I got into the exam room, she gave me a pink gown to change into.

As I was sitting on the exam table waiting for the doctor to arrive, I noticed the gown was a little flawed in some places. All of a sudden, I begin to think about all the women who had worn that gown before me. I felt the Holy Spirit leading me to say a prayer for them.

I thanked God for all the wonderful blessings that He had bestowed upon them. I also realized that some of the women who had worn the gown had received a life changing diagnosis. Some had struggles with infertility. Maybe even some were victims of rape or some other type of abuse that had altered their lives. Buried in the hearts of the women who had worn that pink gown, were many joys, but also many pains.

In all the years I have been going to the GYN, I cannot recall ever being lead to pray for other women while waiting in the exam room, but I’m thankful I had the opportunity to do so. I’m thankful God used my prayers to help bring comfort and healing to women who I will never know personally.

My doctor, who is originally from the country of Jamaica, is a very intelligent and personable lady. I always enjoy talking with her. She has a way of helping you to get over the fact that you had a long wait. She’s really good at what she does, so I assume that’s why she has so many patients. I’m thankful I found her office, and had her as a GYN doctor while in Florida. God always leads us to the right places with the right people.

We can’t physically be everywhere or know everything, but through prayer, God uses us to make a difference. Our prayers can reach all the way to places we can’t go. And they can help change the lives of people we may never see.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJB, “Pray without ceasing.”

The One In You Is Greater

1 John 4:4 NIV, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”

The Holy Spirit who lives within us is greater than any opposition that tries to come against us. We can look to Him to give us the strength we need to overcome the obstacles that we must face. He will empower us to victoriously live for Jesus and follow the plan God has for us. He will give us eyes to see beyond the difficulties that attempt to hinder our progress for the Lord, so that we can stay focused on God’s greater purpose.

As you go throughout your day, remember that the Holy Spirit who lives inside of you is greater than the enemy who tries to steal your peace. God’s light always shines through the darkness, and He is with you every step of the way.