#11. I know someone who has a pessimistic outlook, complaining about
something new each week. She is bothered by what is missing, what she
feels she doesn't have, what constantly eludes her. And that attitude, I can tell, prohibits her from being truly happy.
We shouldn't focus on the negative, but instead thank God for the personalized blessings He has given us.
Keep your focus on Jesus Christ.
Find Peace in God's divine Timing.
Grow and mature to become a complete and whole individual - nothing missing and nothing broken.
On social media, I read this post, taken from: Heart of the Prophetic:
"The Holy Spirit is saying, "Stay focused on Me and only Me. Your
detractors will come whispering accusations. Look to Me. Your
adversaries will come trumpeting lies. Look to Me. Your friends will
come with words that cannot comfort you. Look to Me. Your family will
misunderstand you. Look to Me. Some will hate you for Christ's sake.
Look to Me. Father will vindicate you in due time. Look to Me in the
meantime."
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
#3. I once had this flower and what was highly unusual about this flower was that it died "looking up," as best as I can describe it. The petals did not drift down or wilt. The stem did not bend down in defeat. The entire flower stood up strong; its beauty remained in place. I watched it and I was inspired by it.
That's how I want to view life's difficulties… by looking up. Here are some verses that will motivate me to stand firm on my faith no matter what:
Psalm 42:11 : Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
Romans 15:13: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 33:22: May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.
1 Corinthians 15:58: Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.
Philippians 1:27: Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.
No matter what life throws at me, I want to remain… looking upward.
This will be the last weekly blog post for a while. Travis and I are taking a 21-day hiatus with the Lord. I will stop writing blog posts during that time and spend necessary time in intercession while seeking the Lord in greater ways. I will start back up next month. Blessings to you.
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
#10. I run outside, usually at night. I am constantly aware of my surroundings and making sure I keep safe. There was one time, I ran past a streetlamp, and I saw a dark figure coming near me. I was startled at first until I realized… it was only my shadow following me, running alongside me.
I immediately thought of the lyrics from the song by Baz Luhrmann:
Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)
🎵 "Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind.
The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself" 🎵
I am not in a competition with anyone else! I do not need to be jealous of where other people are in life. I do not need to compare what he has or what she does or where they are going. I run my own race.
I need to focus on my own personal quota, to beat my own personal record, to excel at my own personal goals that I set for myself. (Note: I am not following anyone's else's life plans but my own!). The race is long. The course is yours. And victory is gained one lap at a time.
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you.
#13. I hate doing yard work. I do not enjoy trimming the bushes. I do not like raking the leaves. And I especially do not like pulling weeds. Why do the weeds just continue to grow even though I pluck, pull, spray and use every effort to get rid of them? I walk out into my front yard and see the weeds growing and I think, "I thought I got rid of you?"
As this new year starts, let's do an inventory and check the “weeds” in our life that may have grown…. the negatives or habits that may need to be pulled and straightened out so that we can grow and mature without distraction or without hinderance.
Let us pull out the weed of complaining and negative talk: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” - Ephesians 4:29
Let us pull out the weed of idleness or prayerlessness: “In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” - Psalm 5:3
Let us pull out the weed of distraction (lack of focus): “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge.” - Proverbs 12:1
Let us seek God’s light in 2023 and keep pulling and yanking out those personal weeds so that this year can be the best one yet… full of richness and a bountiful harvest!
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
#16. I enjoy being the cheerleader, the one screaming and supporting others. And the man I am helping and supporting and praying for – he wins his victory and the band plays… and the balloons and confetti fall down…and I understand that I may not receive any personal recognition. And it's fine because I do understand that the personal victory for this man was truly a team effort!!
But I can imagine that must be how Jesus feels when He orchestrates everything so perfectly and so beautifully and as soon as the race is over and the victory is won - we don't even give a second thought to thank the reason for the win - the Designer and Orchestrator of our success.
Forgive me for not recognizing you, Jesus first and foremost for all you have done for me! You are the reason I have what I have and without you, I would have absolutely none of this! I praise you and thank you, Lord!! This victory is YOURS! Let's celebrate together!
This will be my last weekly blog post for a while. Travis and I are on a 21-day hiatus with the Lord, interceding for others and receiving His direction and guidance for our lives.
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
#9. I once worked in a theme park. And with my role, I had to wear a radio in my ear to hear for specific instructions or necessary information pertinent to our position. One of these radio codes that I intently listened out for was "101" and "102." If I heard a "We are 101", that meant I needed to seek shelter, a storm was coming. If I heard "We are now 102," that meant the storm had passed and I can return safely outside again.
I would advise you to heed the Lord's call. Listen for his divine instructions and follow his timing. God is always talking to you, you just need to be mindful of his voice. God is ever-present and all-knowing. If you hear something from God, do not ignore it. But hastily follow his plan. He will direct your steps and guide your path. You just need to trust Him!
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
2. I work as a Prayer Line Associate for the Billy Graham Ministries. In fact, if you are feeling stressed or anxious - please call :
# 888-388-2683 and someone will pray for you day or night.
When I take a call and talk to the stranger on the other end, I need to remind myself to slow down. I need to intently listen to the needs of the caller and pray as the Spirit leads. I have to be in the moment, attentive and present. The worst thing I can do is rush the conversation and hang up. I have to take a breath. Take a beat. And allow God to use that divine opportunity for his purpose.
In the same way, I need to slow down my life. I want to stay in the moment. I need to make it a habit to collect my thoughts, clear my mind and stay focused. Where I am is holy ground. This very second is a miracle. I do not want to take this opportunity for granted or rush from one task to the next. Instead, I need to take a breath. Take a beat. And allow the Spirit to lead me each and every day.
“Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” – Exodus 3:5
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
#26. It was the year 2020 and I wasn't working. Everything was shut down. And I spent my days outside. I rode my bike down a long trail. I ran around the neighborhood and took long walks out in the afternoon sun.
Silly me, I didn't put on sunscreen. And after a few months of this, my body and my face got all burned and red. No amount of lotion or moisturizer could help. Concerned, I sought professional advice, but the Dermatologist said the skin had to heal organically. I had to just let it heal on its own.
Fast forward, and now in 2023, I can (finally!) now say that my face is blemish-free and back to its normal color. I learned my lesson and I apply lotion every time I exercise outside. But this blog isn't about maintaining proper skincare (but seriously though, wear sunscreen!)
This message is about letting go.
Is there something in your life that has to heal on its own time? Is there something that is out of your control or answers that just need to manifest organically? No rushing. No instant results. No quick fixes. A steady, one foot in front of the other progression. Understand that some things just have to wait. Understand that promises will manifest on their own time. Do not rush the process. Do not get in your own way. Do not get ahead of God. Just let it happen naturally. And let it go… to heal.
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. i would love to pray for you.
#23. I remember riding the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride at Disney's Animal Kingdom. In fact, I've ridden that ride multiple times.
One time, it was very hot and the sun was out and none of the wild animals could be seen. They were either hiding or seeking shade.
Then another time, it was gently raining outside. And even though I didn't like being wet at a theme park, the lions and elephants and zebras loved it! They were all playing and enjoying the cool air. It was an unbelievable experience seeing the liveliness of the animals.
I believe that when it rains in my life, something also shifts in the spiritual.
Let me explain.
I have gone through trials and difficulties in my life and all of a sudden, people, resources and support seem to come out of nowhere! Connections I haven't talked to in years now want to bring about divine opportunities. Unexpected money arrives in the mailbox (yes, that does happens!). A calm peace suddenly waves over me. I may not like the rain, but there is a certain sense of wonderment happening even in the storm.
I want to remind you… In the good days, we can enjoy the victory. But even in the bad days, we can still enjoy the victory. Because God will send support and help and love and solutions… even in the rain.
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
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#24. Have you ever read a book and in the story, there are plot twists and unexpected surprises and you want to read ahead but you refrain because you are so caught up withy what might happen next?
I am a writer and I know each book I’ve written by heart. I know the endings to my stories. I know that even though there may be confusion, frustration and heartbreak in Chapter 7, there will be a happy ending and everything will work out by Chapter 10.
Only the Author knows the ending.
You have to trust the Author.
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. - Jeremiah 29:11
…looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; - Hebrews 12:2
Jesus Christ is called the Author and Finisher of our faith. He is writing our personal stories. Trust the Author. He has a good plan and path for you. And your best days - your best chapters - are just ahead!
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
#7. I want to encourage you today to keep the Long Game in mind. Sometimes we can get so caught up over the Short Game, especially for people like me who are involved in Ministry work. Trust me, there are always people who need prayer. I sometimes feel bombarded by the needs of others. But the Long Game - keeping the bigger picture in perspective - will teach me that I need a break every now and then. I can turn my phone off. I can understand the importance of rest.
Don't be too stressed about the here and now. Take a step back and see
this moment from the lens of eternity.
I want to share a passage from my upcoming Inspirational Fiction book tentatively called, "The Tune to the Top":
---------------------------------------
“There’s a short game and a long game,” Jonathan explains.
“Oh? I thought there was just one racing game…” I look confused.
“Let me explain it to you.” He is serious in his tone. “If you go too
fast too quickly, you’ll crash and burn. But, if you take it easy and pace yourself…” The screen is loading so Jonathan continues. “You’ll end up winning. Keep the long game in mind. It’s like life you see.”
The screen appears with the countdown timer.
“It’s not about taking the lead. It’s about winning.”
“Isn’t that the same thing?” I ask.
“No,” Jonathan states as the checkered flag is down and all the cars
speed together but not without his commentary to me. “Don’t hold down
the gas pedal. That’s right. Release around the turns. Good. It’s okay
if I pass you. That doesn’t mean you speed up. If you stay in your
lane and if you play your own game and remember that you are not in a
competition with anyone else is when you will see…that’s it!”
My virtual car whizzes past just as his virtual corvette dives right into
the water."
----------------------------------------------------------
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
#5. Has this ever happened to you?
I was driving to Panera and I completely forgot which area of the
plaza it was on. But it was like, even though my mind forgot, my
subconscious kicked in. My hands started driving, turning, pulling
into the parking lot all from memory. My heart knew what my mind forgot.
I feel like that is a good imagery in trusting the Lord. I may
forget the route. I may not remember what step to take or I may feel
insecure about what I am doing… but no matter what, I know that God loves me, that God is with me and that God is going to
help me.
If you are having a moment of confusion, let me help bring some clarity to your spirit:
He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. (Psalm 112:7, ESV)
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will act. (Psalm 37:5, ESV)
For the word of the LORD is right and true; He is faithful in all He does. (Psalm 33:4, NIV)
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
Not Over Yet. May 26
It was WrestleMania 39 and the Main Event for Night 2 was Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns. Cody was considered the underdog in this match against the reigning champion and unbeatable Roman. My money was on Cody. Along with his fans, I wanted the American Nightmare to win. But come shock and horror, Roman wins by… cheating.
And that was that.
I was disappointed. Confused and bewildered.
At the press conference after the show, the media asked Triple H (Chief Content Officer of WWE) why the outcome for the Main Event occurred the way it did. I will never forget his response: “Because the story isn't over yet.”
There is more for these two characters and we need to stay tuned.
Likewise, there is more for your life. There is still more to come. Tune in to what will happen tomorrow, next week, next year. You think it's over now, but far from it. You think it’s the ending but no, it's just the beginning. Don't sit in disappointment or embrace uncertainty but instead ride the wave of expectation. The story isn't over yet!
If you need prayer, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
#18. One of my guilty pleasure reality shows is America's Next Top Model. And in season 22, there is a contestant named Nyle DiMarco. What is unique about Nyle is that he is legally deaf and unable to hear sound cues, instructions and needs an interpreter to confirm important facts. Spoiler alert, Nyle wins America's Next Top Model in that season.
I watched Season 22 again knowing Nyle was the winner. And I noticed, some weeks he wins challenges and gains recognition with his photo shoots and other weeks, he struggles to keep up and lands in the bottom of the pack. But I know watching the show, that even if he's failing or succeeding, his efforts win him the ultimate reward.
I feel like that sometimes. Some weeks I am a God-fearing warrior ready to take on any challenge head on. And other weeks, I am scared and timid and insecure, depending on what I am up against. But I can see God watching my “episode” from Heaven and applauding my efforts and offering support, knowing full well that whether I'm up or down, I still win in the end.
Deuteronomy 28:13: the Lord will make you the head and not the tail, and you will always be on top and never at the bottom.
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
#17. Back in High School, I ran track and field. I sprinted in the 4X4 and the 400meter dash. Running competitively was exhilarating! I heard the applause from the sidelines. I experienced the cheers and the excitement from the crowds which energized me out on that track. Even if I was exhausted from my efforts, hearing the screams would make me run harder and sprint faster.
Fast forward years later. I am older now. I am still running, though not competitively like I was. I am running miles around my neighborhood. Metaphorically, I am running to advance my career. I am running to progress forward in life. I am running to beat my PR (personal record). But the difference is now, there is no applause. No one is off on the sidelines cheering me on. When I feel drained, I don't always get that sudden boost from the crowds to keep going.
I am going to have to keep going even when there is no applause.
I want to encourage you that even when the stands are empty. Even when the prayers are not answered. Even when you are tired to the point of quitting - don't stop. Learn to lift yourself up. Encourage yourself. Be your own fan. Be your own cheerleader. Because, who knows? You may pass the outside curve and experience a wave of supporters who have been watching you the entire time, inspired by you, learning from you and applauding your progress.
Never give up. Keep running.
If you need prayer, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
#20. Working with media files and deadlines with quick turnarounds, I need to be patient when a show doesn't process quick enough or when I sent through a file but it's not appearing on the server. And my co-workers encourage me. "It might be the file size. It might be the system being slow. Don't overreact. Just give it some time."
In the same way, we need to trust God even when we don't see things moving “quick enough” or manifesting as we expect.
I was reading through the "Enjoying Everyday Life" Magazine and Joyce Meyer has this to say about trusting God:
"The Bible says that God is always working behind the scenes to help us - even when He is silent (see Romans 8:28; John 5:17). God always has a proper time for things. When He is ready, He will speak, and until He does, it is our job to keep listening and waiting with expectancy.
Instead of getting confused or frustrated while trying to reason and question things in life, why not simply trust God to work with us on a "need to know" basis?
When we trust God, we have to get comfortable with not knowing everything - not knowing how God is going to accomplish what needs to be done or when He will do it."
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
#12. So, my husband got invited for a special Event at the Grand Opening of
a restaurant. Because he was part of the Media Team, we could order
food for free. And we received a personalized Swag Bag that consisted
of a thermos, a soda cozy and cookies. We sat at a table next to another Media personnel and we were all excited to try the food. I noticed though that the table next to us had an even more intricate Swag Bag, much better than ours, with a t-shirt and other cool accessories. And I started to get jealous until God reminded me of several verses:
1 Corinthians 13:4: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
Philippians 2:3: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
Psalms 37:3: Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
I was reminded right then to be content with my personalized victory!
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
#14 It looked dreadful outside, like it might rain. So, I grabbed my umbrella and went out for my walk around the neighborhood. As the clouds became visibly darker, I wasn't afraid. I was all ready and prepared. Sure enough, as the raindrops began to fall, I saw other people walking dogs and getting drenched or people riding bikes getting soaked. But I was still walking, still continuing on, not missing a beat, because I planned ahead and had all the right equipment needed to face the situation at hand.
I would advise you to be prepared. You are ready to face the day! What will affect others will not faze you. You have the covering of the Almighty with you, keeping you dry. Stay poised. Stay relaxed. You have everything you need. You’ve got this!
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” - Proverbs 31:25 NLT
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
#4. Travis and I are "back" from our 21-day hiatus with the Lord. We had the privilege of praying for the needs of God's people from all over, requests coming in from the United States and other countries. That time with the Lord was truly a time of unparalleled blessings and favor!
I thought about something this week and I wanted to share it with all of you today.
I have never been in physical labor with a baby, but I can testify, I have been in what feels to be physical- emotional- mental labor with a dream, with a promise, with a vision that needs to be manifested into reality.
I know what it's like to suffer severe anxiety where I cope with irregular breathing because all I want is to see – and experience - is that dream being birthed. Waiting is hard. And I have to stay believing, trusting, relying on God during the wait… during those labor pains. And I have to push – to forcefully and aggressively stay purposeful – stay active- stay faithful until the very end.
Please note, a personalized dream can take longer than 9 months - maybe even years - to manifest, and the labor pains are very real - that sensation that it is close, that something is happening, that I need to fight the good fight of faith to attain the promise... I have to stick with it and keep working at it and keep investing in it even though I am tired, and my energy is spent - the celebrated and victorious Promise is well worth any pain and any price!
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
#19. I use a fluoride mouthwash and the instructions are to swish the liquid substance around in my mouth for exactly one minute as to build up the tooth enamel. Whenever I watch the clock for the entire 60 seconds, the time is just so slow and it's painful to keep count. But I have found out that if I walk around the room, and move around, almost distracting myself, that the time goes by quicker because I refocused my attention on something else.
White we wait on something to come to pass in our lives… while we wait on the manifested Promises of God… while we wait on our prayers to be answered…
Let us go about doing something while we wait. Let's divert our attention on something else- anything else! Let's pray and let go. Enjoy the little things. Be gracious. Exercise and take care of ourselves physically. Meditate on the Word of God and take care of ourselves mentally. Have fun and laugh and take care of ourselves emotionally.
Let's not stare at our watch and demand things to move on our own personal timelines - tap our toes and get impatient with God. Keep moving, keep progressing, keep advancing even while we wait!
If you need prayer with anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
#8 There is no denying it, we live in an unsteady time. Job security isn’t always a sure thing. The price of gas increases. Rent prices change. And my emotions can alter to and fro like the wind. I can wake up in a good mood and then get caught in rush hour traffic and suddenly my countenance changes. Things are topsy-turvy in this complicated world and there are so many factors I cannot control. Fortunately for me and for you too, we can find stability and our security in Jesus Christ. He is the rock and stronghold of our faith and He can help get us through these trying times.
Psalm 18:2: The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Isaiah 26:4: Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.
Psalm 62:2: He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. i would love to pray for you.
#25. I knew the ending of the movie. In fact, I knew that the ending of that particular movie was a good one. A perfect one. And that's why I recommended we watch it.
But my friend who was watching the movie for the first time was stressed out by the story. He didn't know how one thing connected to the other... but I did. He didn't know why one character had to go through this and that... but I did. I knew it all made sense.
And that's what made the ending so beautiful!!
As my friend was enduring some of the scenes on the screen, I turned and whispered, "It gets better. I promise."
The scene going on right now in your life may be a stressful one. And you're unsure of what is going on. And I am here to tell you that it gets better, I promise. Keep holding on. The ending is worth it. In fact, you are going to love the ending! Everything happens for a reason. The pieces come together nicely and it will all work out. You'll see! Just wait. Wait for it. The best is yet to come!
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
#27. I want to share a personal Journal entry of mine, dated back in 2017.
“I have learned to keep going. Even if no one is supporting me. Even if I am on my own - to keep completing the task God gave me to do.
Refrain from looking around at those laughing at me or not supporting me. Just stay focused and diligent no matter what.
God needs me for a time such as this.
It's not about book sales. It's not about large lines. It's about people connecting to a Savior!
It will be disappointing. I will not get the attention I think I deserve. Don't let that stop me. I am doing this because God told me to. The results are up to him.
If it helps, many have stood where I am standing now and felt what I am feeling. Welcome to "putting yourself out there." Welcome to being an Author. Welcome to serving and following God. The work is great and at times, the reward may seem small - but I don't fully realize the investment I am making into God's kingdom. Be assured of that!
I do this because God said to do it. Period.
I don't know who my book is touching and reaching. Don't give up now!”
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
#15. I sent an email to my Supervisor who works in a different state. The question remained unanswered from the email I sent out. Finally, hours later, I write a follow-up email since the response was needed for a timely issue. The Supervisor's comment was that he never saw my previous email, implying that he's too covered in emails to notice mine.
I think this is a good description of life.
I don't ever want to ever allow life to smother me so much where I cannot hear from Jesus. I don't ever want too many voices around me where I cannot recognize the voice of my Creator. I don't ever want to be pushed and pulled in several directions that I no longer have an idea of God's will, God’s path, God’s plan.
God, I pray that you will remove cluster and excess from our lives. I pray for more simplistic days with even more simplistic decisions. I pray God that you will keep us solid and steady and on the right course. And I pray God that when you talk to us, we will hear you first, foremost and respond right away. Thank you, God for helping us to put time with you as a priority. I never want to be so bogged down that I miss you and I miss what you are doing. In the name of Jesus Christ!
If you need prayer for anything, let me know! I would love to pray for you!
#6. Do you notice how certain movies have a specific look and feel?
Like, I can tell when I'm watching a Tim Burton movie. He seems to add an element of animation and surprise with a hint of darkness. Or the Twilight Saga with the off-white filter and overly-dramatic tone. Or even the Harry Potter Series with the gold colors, the textures, the vibrancy of the story. Or how about a Hallmark Channel Christmas movie which can bring such a spectacular holiday setting. What movie do you think of... one where the scenes visually stand out among other movies?
I like studying the paint colors, the brush strokes as I appreciate movies as a work of art.
I would question you. What colors are on the canvas of your life? What brush strokes are you using to represent yourself to the world? Are you like me and you use bright, stunning, yellow tints and positive affirmations? Or do you keep things calmer, more baby blue… or do you paint with a dark green, a more down to earth, realistic tone?
Whatever brush stroke you use, I hope you are authentically… you. I hope you use colors to paint your masterpiece in life with radiance, tones, textures that reflect your passion and highlight your persona. Because something brilliantly unique is often remembered and of course, highly praised.
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray over you!
#21. I was watching the movie, Free Guy and noticed in the beginning scene how content and joyful the main character, Guy (played by Ryan Reynolds) seems. He has one goldfish, one outfit to choose from in his closet drinking the same black coffee everyday but he is just in love with his life. There is violence all around him, murders and gun shots, but he is as happy as can be. He doesn't let the outside chaos affect his inside joy.
Here is the beginning scene of Free Guy:
------------------------------
GUY: My name is Guy, and I live in paradise.
GUY: Good morning, Goldie.
I’ve lived here in Free City my whole life. I’ve got a best friend, I’ve got a goldfish, and I work at the bank. What more could a guy want?
NEWS ANCHOR: (ON TV) Sunday should be warm and sunny with just a scattering of drive-bys. Great day for the beach, but not Hitman’s Beach, which will be mined and sprayed with high-caliber fire from a renegade gunship stolen by…
GUY: And every morning, I start my day with the most delicious coffee in the whole, wide, whole world.
-----------------------------------
Guy has this inner joy, inner peace and is excited over the good things and remains happy over the small things.
I don't ever want to allow the negativity of the world to change me. I want to stay in a bubble of excitement filled with exuberant energy. I can have that with God's peace and God's covering. It's a choice and I choose to be happy.
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
1. I won't lie. Writing the first draft to any book is extremely difficult. Trying to fill those empty pages with words is daunting, especially when I don't really know what to write. It's a lot of pressure to come up with a story.
But I'll fill you in on a little secret. I won't worry about filling the entire page with creative content. I'll just write one scene. And suddenly, I have an idea for a second scene. And then a third. It will all start to come together. Details will form. Story lines and character development will just start to make sense.
I don't need to understand the whole story. Just take it one scene at a time.
Likewise, you don't need to have all the answers. You don't need to understand the timeline of your life right now. You don't have to have it all figured out. Don’t stress navigating the next route. You don't need to understand the whole story. Just take it one day at a time.
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
#22. Travis and I were out feeding the Muscovy ducks by a pond. I'm sure these super smart birds saw the bread in our hands and flew right to where we were, and I loved the attention from these winged animals. Though we were giving out free food, I would love to believe that the ducks responded so enthusiastically because they recognized us from previous visits.
I wonder if that's ever how God feels.
I wonder if he ever walks up to the local feeding ground of his people. I wonder if he loves it when his people run and sprint, hurried in a crazed frenzy to see him. I know he is holding free gifts and blessings in his hand, but I'm sure God would love to believe that his people flocked before him because they recognized him from previous visits and just want to spend time with him.
God is excited to see you.
1 Chronicles 16:11 : Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!
James 4:8: Come near to God and he will come near to you.
Let's remember to get excited about God and not necessarily the gifts God wants to give. Appreciate the saving grace, the beautiful face, of the Savior.
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!