Hope this work.
Find the Courage to Move Forward
I love this verse. The amplified version explains the do not be afraid command as, [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.] John 14:27 AMP
It’s true that we will face situations and people that make us feel afraid. But we choose our actions. We can either run from our fear, or refuse to be intimidated. We can choose to move forward despite being afraid.
Prayer of Alignment
Make me now Thy chosen chalice,
Giving drink that makes men whole.
How do you approach big weekends in the church? Much time and planning is given towards the external work and preparation…but how do you prepare your heart for an important service or a meaningful event? I have found the most important preparatory work I do is a work of alignment.
While doing the work of God it is possible for your heart and mind to slide out of alignment. It is essential that in busy seasons you tend to your heart and ensure you are fighting to stay aligned with Him.
There is an excerpt from a poem that I once heard which has become for me a prayer of alignment. Every time we (theChurch) prepare for something big such as Easter, I mentally recite this prayer again and again. As you prepare to…
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GODS ASSURANCE
Encouragement for those who are down or are suffering from depression. Find assurance in knowing God is with you. Find comfort in His sure promises that He will never leave you nor forsake you.
PRAYER: Papa allow us to see the assurance that You provide in letting us know You are near.
VERSE OF THE DAY: 1 John 5:14
There are times when you are unsure if God is in control or if He is even near. He has this way of comforting us and giving us the assurance that we need to know that He is right here with us. God will never leave you nor forsake you. You mean so much to Him and He desires for you to live and lead a successful life. Allow God the opportunity to assure your heart and mind with His love and His peace. Allow the Holy Spirit to be your Comforter when in doubt. Allow His assurance to bring you confidence in all that you do. God cares for you and if you ask Him he will grant your heart and mind peace on…
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PM – All In
The Valentine’s weekend has come and gone. I hope everyone had a great time. We had dinner reservations, but…
Okay, well I was half-dressed, with gma already on baby duty, when a frail little voice cried, “mommy, where you going?” Joslyn had the misfortune of getting sick with the stomach bug the night of her birthday and spent the entire day Friday in bed watching movies while running fevers every few hours. So although I tried to explain that this was mommy and daddy’s first date night in a very long time, and we’d be quick…two hours tops. Fat tears rolled down her face as she said, “I don’t want you to go.” Poor Jostle. Instead of breaking my sick baby’s heart, mommy and daddy spent time at home and ordered in. In life, you have to be adaptable to plan changes. It’s less stressful that way. Besides, being needed in such a way reminds me how blessed I am to have these people in my life. Joslyn is doing much better now
On another note, I’ve officially purchased my domain name! I’ve written blogs for the last two years, and recently I kept having this nagging feeling like I was still trying it out. Multiple opportunities sprung up wanting me to make it official, or to further invest in what I’m doing here and I kept holding back. I sensed God asking me, ‘Are you in or out? Because if you’re in this you’ve got to be all in.‘ All right, Lord. I got you.
As of tomorrow, you’ll find me at AStoicLife.com. I will also roll out a new Facebook page to go along with the site. Please do me a favor and like it when you see it on your dash. Thank you all for the support. Now I must commit to my next level. I’m all in! See you tomorrow at AStoicLife.com!!
Ode to My Valentine
Love lifted me.
I understand the words now.
In a life of very little kindness
I sought love.
Only finding it when I’d quit looking.
And even ceased to value it.
There it was
In you.
Buoyant in love
I brave stormy seas.
Together we can make it.
No fear of sinking.
Since love lifted me.
Bible Insight – Confused?
A darkness of the mind or when the mind is unclear about a decision or its state best describe being in a state of confusion. I’ve spent most of my life being confused. I was confused about my identity, my purpose, and path in life. I’d listened to my parents and other authorities, trying to fit one mold or another and finding that people couldn’t clear my confusion about life. They were confused themselves. How could the blind lead the blind?
In believing in Jesus, I found who I was created to be. Then he clued me in on what my purpose was in life, which is to glorify his name with my gifts and talents. Now he lights the path before me that I may never walk in darkness again. Identity, purpose, path.
God made it clear many times in the bible. There is an answer to the many unanswered questions, for the unmet need within each of us, and a clear path for each of us. We no longer need to be confused. Or beating ourselves up over not having our lives figured out. Jesus is the answer. Jesus is the way the truth, and the life. As the verse above says, if we trust in Him. To trust in something means you believe in it. Believe in Jesus and choose to live in the light, and he’ll bring clarity to your mind and every area of your life.
Got Milk?
This past week was rough. Our newborn wasn’t sleeping much, therefore, I wasn’t sleeping much. But it was more than that. He was cranky, gassy, kept spitting up, and developed a new rash. It got worse…I soon saw blood in his poop. What?!
Bring in the pediatrician, who informs me that my son may have a cow’s milk allergy. This was news, being that he is exclusively breastfed. But then I thought about it, I’d recently ramped up my milk intake thinking it beneficial for the baby. Turns out not only was I hurting my-lactose intolerant-self, I was also hurting my baby. My son was gaining weight, but my diet was hurting his stomach. The doctor told me to completely cut out dairy…and she meant everything (even things made with milk). That meant no pancakes, biscuits and a lot of other things I really liked. Continue reading
PM – The Month of Love
As a part of this year’s focus, I took a cue from the author, Brendan Burchard, to also set goals of self-development. I figured, since it will be emphasized everywhere, this month’s focus is Love. Yes, love. Many people only think about love as being when you’re in a relationship – being in love. And for those who are not in a relationship this month becomes a reminder of their singleness. They either take a stance of being depressed about Valentine’s Day, or a defensive stance, which leads them to boycott or reject all associated with the holiday. Instead of focusing on the one day and one person, let love be an expression of being alive and do things to spread love every day to everyone.
For me, Valentine’s Day wasn’t very important. I couldn’t stand all of the fuss! The stores were covered in red and pink, promoting greeting cards, teddy bears, and chocolates, for what? Okay, well I did like the chocolate. I’ve had to shed my disdain for the holiday being married. My husband always plans for the day more so than our anniversary, I didn’t get it. And after having a couple Valentine’s Days of shopping last minute for his gift only after realizing he’d purchased flowers or some other large purchase (the convenience of having joint accounts), I’d learned to make this holiday a priority since it was for him. I’d be callous to disregard the things he cares about. Showing him the opposite of what I feel for him. Continue reading
Bible Insight – Peace
A promise I hold on to…
It reminds me not to let myself get overwhelmed. There are so many things to worry about if we choose to, whether bills, or sickness, or family troubles. But moments of peace and happiness are fleeting. We must pursue peace. We must set our minds to be happy. Trouble is always around. But if you search for the good in life, you will find it. Even in the little things. Cast your cares on the Lord in prayer and let yourself enjoy the life He’s given you and the abundant peace and security He’s promised. And the (Lord’s) peace that surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ.
Stace The Stoic 