Hello,
Today I will begin a new feature of my blog, a podcast. I've been encouraged a few times to start this and decided to go for it. Here's my first one ever. As you can tell, I didn't have a script, so bear with me, but please be patient and listen to the end, I promise I share a story that is worth holding on to.
Episode 1
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Have a God Morning
It's a new season.
I no longer have only one daughter to write to and encourage, I have two, the second still growing in my belly, bouncing around, kicking me at this very moment. And besides these two, I have hundreds that the Lord has blessed us with through our ministry. It has been years since I've posted in here. But today, My good friend Elexa asked me to encourage someone, and I believe it is time to encourage my girls.
To My Dearest Daughters,
My encouragement today, is to have a God Morning!
Recently, the Lord has awakened me in the early mornings to spend time with him. Perhaps he's preparing my heart for my new child. Perhaps he's making my faith stronger so I may lead this amazing ministry or to be a strong wife for my husband. Or just because he loves me and wants to spend more time with me. hmm.
At first I wondered if it was making a difference in my daily life.... was I learning anything from my time with my Father? Was I being changed?
There's no hiding it, mornings have been hard for me since I had to be a mom who wakes up kids for school and then be ready to leave the house myself. Mornings for us have been lots of rushing, searching for lost items, yelling, skipping breakfasts, quick goodbyes and tardy slips.
Then came Spring cleaning 2015.
Once I had cleaned up every room and closet, everything in its place, everything changed. The lack of clutter in my home made less clutter in my mind and allowed me to focus on what was important. It also allowed for my "quiet chair" to be cleaned, strategically placed and equipped with everything I need to have a great quiet time with the Lord (this includes bible, journal, pen, water, nightstand). This used to be in my hallway, but that gave invitation for awakened children to disturb me, so now it's in my room behind closed doors, allowing for peace and quiet until I'm prepared to enter the real world.
I have been able to wake up early consistently EVERY DAY and only focus on the Lord, instead of thinking about the messes surrounding me. And it has made a huge difference in my days. In our entire family's days.
Yesterday Alanna, you came out into the kitchen after I had finished my quiet time with the Lord and was making breakfast. I greeted you gracefully and in response you said to me:
"I love how you start your mornings."
Alanna has seen me go from that ugly morning I described, to now, a calm and collected mom making breakfast for her family, eating all together at the table, planning and discussing our day, praying for one another and actually being on time for our day.
In fact, ever since I gave my FIRST moments of time to the Lord each day, he has blessed my time so much! I have been able to accomplish so much and look at the clock and be amazed that I'm running early instead of late! Wow! That in and of itself is such a miracle!
This is how I want to start my mornings for the rest of my life.
This is how I hope you start your mornings too.
Give your first moments of your day to the Lord. Make it part of who you are. Make it part of who you need to be, of what you need to do. If it doesn't come naturally, Ask the Lord to awaken you.
In Him we find peace. We find counsel. We find inspiration. We find joy.
So don't just have a good morning.
Have a God Morning.
Love you My Dearest Daughters
I no longer have only one daughter to write to and encourage, I have two, the second still growing in my belly, bouncing around, kicking me at this very moment. And besides these two, I have hundreds that the Lord has blessed us with through our ministry. It has been years since I've posted in here. But today, My good friend Elexa asked me to encourage someone, and I believe it is time to encourage my girls.
Psalm 90:14
With every sun’s rising, surprise us with Your love, satisfy us with Your kindness.
Then we will sing with joy and celebrate every day we are alive.
To My Dearest Daughters,
My encouragement today, is to have a God Morning!
Recently, the Lord has awakened me in the early mornings to spend time with him. Perhaps he's preparing my heart for my new child. Perhaps he's making my faith stronger so I may lead this amazing ministry or to be a strong wife for my husband. Or just because he loves me and wants to spend more time with me. hmm.
At first I wondered if it was making a difference in my daily life.... was I learning anything from my time with my Father? Was I being changed?
There's no hiding it, mornings have been hard for me since I had to be a mom who wakes up kids for school and then be ready to leave the house myself. Mornings for us have been lots of rushing, searching for lost items, yelling, skipping breakfasts, quick goodbyes and tardy slips.
Then came Spring cleaning 2015.
Once I had cleaned up every room and closet, everything in its place, everything changed. The lack of clutter in my home made less clutter in my mind and allowed me to focus on what was important. It also allowed for my "quiet chair" to be cleaned, strategically placed and equipped with everything I need to have a great quiet time with the Lord (this includes bible, journal, pen, water, nightstand). This used to be in my hallway, but that gave invitation for awakened children to disturb me, so now it's in my room behind closed doors, allowing for peace and quiet until I'm prepared to enter the real world.
I have been able to wake up early consistently EVERY DAY and only focus on the Lord, instead of thinking about the messes surrounding me. And it has made a huge difference in my days. In our entire family's days.
Yesterday Alanna, you came out into the kitchen after I had finished my quiet time with the Lord and was making breakfast. I greeted you gracefully and in response you said to me:
"I love how you start your mornings."
Alanna has seen me go from that ugly morning I described, to now, a calm and collected mom making breakfast for her family, eating all together at the table, planning and discussing our day, praying for one another and actually being on time for our day.
In fact, ever since I gave my FIRST moments of time to the Lord each day, he has blessed my time so much! I have been able to accomplish so much and look at the clock and be amazed that I'm running early instead of late! Wow! That in and of itself is such a miracle!
This is how I want to start my mornings for the rest of my life.
This is how I hope you start your mornings too.
Give your first moments of your day to the Lord. Make it part of who you are. Make it part of who you need to be, of what you need to do. If it doesn't come naturally, Ask the Lord to awaken you.
In Him we find peace. We find counsel. We find inspiration. We find joy.
So don't just have a good morning.
Have a God Morning.
Love you My Dearest Daughters
Monday, July 11, 2011
33: My prayer for You.
Father,
Please Lord, protect my dearest daughter, that she will know you are for her, all the days of her life.
That she will trust you, and that she will honor you, much more than I have honored you.
That she will truly put you first in her life that all worldly things will come in last to the way she loves you.
Let her love for you overflow into the hearts and minds of others around her.
Let her never pass by someone, without blessing them, and let her smile radiate your joy and peace.
Keep her always close to you Lord, that she may experience your love, all the days of her life, and that she will always appreciate it.
Let her rise, thinking of you, and go to sleep, singing your praise.
Let her days be filled with prayer and thanksgiving.
Help her Lord, to stay pure before you. Help her to resist temptation, and to hide your word in her heart.
Help her Lord to lead a life of grace and humility, that others are inspired by her kindness and love.
Bless her all the days of her life.
She is Yours.
She is yours Lord.
She is Yours.
Please Lord, protect my dearest daughter, that she will know you are for her, all the days of her life.
That she will trust you, and that she will honor you, much more than I have honored you.
That she will truly put you first in her life that all worldly things will come in last to the way she loves you.
Let her love for you overflow into the hearts and minds of others around her.
Let her never pass by someone, without blessing them, and let her smile radiate your joy and peace.
Keep her always close to you Lord, that she may experience your love, all the days of her life, and that she will always appreciate it.
Let her rise, thinking of you, and go to sleep, singing your praise.
Let her days be filled with prayer and thanksgiving.
Help her Lord, to stay pure before you. Help her to resist temptation, and to hide your word in her heart.
Help her Lord to lead a life of grace and humility, that others are inspired by her kindness and love.
Bless her all the days of her life.
She is Yours.
She is yours Lord.
She is Yours.
32: Are you proected?
Dearest Alanna,
I pray that you wear Honesty as a necklace around your neck, and purity as a belt around your waist - that you may be able to stand up when tests and trials come, and remain pure and honest.
That you would wear integrity as a head band around your head, that you will always do what is right, even when no one around you is looking or would ever know...
Because it is by the way you act in Secret, by the way you think, in your mind, where your thoughts are hidden, that God is truly blessed by us.
And when God is truly blessed with us, he can truly BLESS us.
Being honest, pure, and holding your integrity high, while in your youth, will ensure a fabulous lifetime of blessing from the Lord- and being like that all our life, I'm sure will ensure a fabulous eternity.
Psalm 25:21
May integrity and honor protect me, for I put my hope in you.
I pray that you wear Honesty as a necklace around your neck, and purity as a belt around your waist - that you may be able to stand up when tests and trials come, and remain pure and honest.
That you would wear integrity as a head band around your head, that you will always do what is right, even when no one around you is looking or would ever know...
Because it is by the way you act in Secret, by the way you think, in your mind, where your thoughts are hidden, that God is truly blessed by us.
And when God is truly blessed with us, he can truly BLESS us.
Being honest, pure, and holding your integrity high, while in your youth, will ensure a fabulous lifetime of blessing from the Lord- and being like that all our life, I'm sure will ensure a fabulous eternity.
Psalm 25:21
May integrity and honor protect me, for I put my hope in you.
31: Compensation
Alanna,
I realize it might be difficult for you to keep yourself pure, it was hard for me too. But I believe I am belssed by the Lord now, because I did choose the pure life, as the Psalm from David says:
Psalm 18:20
The Lord rewarded me for doing right. He compensated me because of my innocence. For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not turned from my God to follow evil. For all His laws are constantly before me; I have never abandoned his principles. I am blameless before God; I have kept myself from sin. The Lord rewarded me for doing right, because of the innocence of my hands in his sight.
I love how it says the Lord will "compensate" us.
So many times, I had the opportunity to do something that was wrong and impure, but I did not, I held myself back, and now, he has compensated me.
All those times I could have gone with someone, mainly, I'm reffering to those "nasty", noughty, or impure things I could have down with a boy - God gave me a husband, in my youth, who has physcially blessed me so much more than any of those boys ever could have.
Many times, I simply sacrificed a good friend, because I knew that God did not see (nor myself0 Our relationship going anywhere healthy, and all those times I forfeited a boyfriend, and especially when I forfeited the idea of having a boyfriend, and told God HE was enough for me.
That is when God compensated me and blessed me with more than I could have imagined.
Psalm: 25:4
Show me the path where I should walk oh Lord; point out the right road for me to follow. lead me by your truth and teach me, for your are the God who saves me.
All day long I put my hope in you.
When you're doubtful if you're doing to right thing, or the wrong thing - chances are you're doing what's wrong if you feel doubtful of yourself)
Then go to God, he'll give you the right direction to go.
Because you trust in him with all you are and do not lean to the left or the right.
I realize it might be difficult for you to keep yourself pure, it was hard for me too. But I believe I am belssed by the Lord now, because I did choose the pure life, as the Psalm from David says:
Psalm 18:20
The Lord rewarded me for doing right. He compensated me because of my innocence. For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not turned from my God to follow evil. For all His laws are constantly before me; I have never abandoned his principles. I am blameless before God; I have kept myself from sin. The Lord rewarded me for doing right, because of the innocence of my hands in his sight.
I love how it says the Lord will "compensate" us.
So many times, I had the opportunity to do something that was wrong and impure, but I did not, I held myself back, and now, he has compensated me.
All those times I could have gone with someone, mainly, I'm reffering to those "nasty", noughty, or impure things I could have down with a boy - God gave me a husband, in my youth, who has physcially blessed me so much more than any of those boys ever could have.
Many times, I simply sacrificed a good friend, because I knew that God did not see (nor myself0 Our relationship going anywhere healthy, and all those times I forfeited a boyfriend, and especially when I forfeited the idea of having a boyfriend, and told God HE was enough for me.
That is when God compensated me and blessed me with more than I could have imagined.
Psalm: 25:4
Show me the path where I should walk oh Lord; point out the right road for me to follow. lead me by your truth and teach me, for your are the God who saves me.
All day long I put my hope in you.
When you're doubtful if you're doing to right thing, or the wrong thing - chances are you're doing what's wrong if you feel doubtful of yourself)
Then go to God, he'll give you the right direction to go.
Because you trust in him with all you are and do not lean to the left or the right.
30: Worship : Music
Music can be used to worship God. Exodus 15:1
Music is useful to focus our attention on God. Psalm 81:1-2
We should make music for the glory of God. Col 3:16
I love you Lord, for you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior. My savior my God is my Rock in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold.
Sound Familiar?
You are my shelter in the Storm,
Delieverer, comforter, my shield and defense.
You are my fortress my mighty King,
You're the creator of everything.
My salvation you are my rock
You lift my head when my hope is gone.
When I am weak, you make me strong.
Hmm...
Well, I've written and recorded this song twice, but can't seem to remember it.
I encourage you to continue to write your own songs unto the Lord, because you are ALREADY so good at it, and if you continue, you're gonna really make a great album one day soon!
Music is useful to focus our attention on God. Psalm 81:1-2
We should make music for the glory of God. Col 3:16
I love you Lord, for you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior. My savior my God is my Rock in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold.
Sound Familiar?
You are my shelter in the Storm,
Delieverer, comforter, my shield and defense.
You are my fortress my mighty King,
You're the creator of everything.
My salvation you are my rock
You lift my head when my hope is gone.
When I am weak, you make me strong.
Hmm...
Well, I've written and recorded this song twice, but can't seem to remember it.
I encourage you to continue to write your own songs unto the Lord, because you are ALREADY so good at it, and if you continue, you're gonna really make a great album one day soon!
29: Smile
My Dearest Princess,
Thank you for making me a better person.
You are always encouraging me to smile- "Smile your LAUGHING smile mommy!" you say whenever you hear good music, whether it's at home, at the store, at church or in an elevator! "Let's Go!" mommy, you also say, constantly keeping me on my toes to try new things, go new places, explore and have fun.
You truly have the joy of the Lord within you and you make it shine for us all to see.
Today was a very long, hectic day, (traveling to Hawaii with you and your Brother Dec 2010) - yet I can honestly say that unless I was catching come zzz's on the plane, I was Smiling!!
And it wasn't just on the outside, or a "show" but I was smiling on the inside as well!
Because of your constant encouragement to turn ordinary into extraordinary or dull into exciting, I have learned to sincerely have an amazing day, to do things I wouldn't have done, try new things, meet new people! Thank you!
Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice!
Smile! Don't stop.
Smile while you talk
Smile while you walk
Smile while you listen.
Be the Smile of God.
A man threw himself off the golden gate bridge in San Fransisco. He killed himself Alanna. Reporters looked through his house and found a journal that he had written in on the day he killed himself. The journal entry for that day he had written, " I'm walking to the golden gate bridge to kill myself, if ONE person smiles at me along the way, I won't do it."
Thank you for making me a better person.
You are always encouraging me to smile- "Smile your LAUGHING smile mommy!" you say whenever you hear good music, whether it's at home, at the store, at church or in an elevator! "Let's Go!" mommy, you also say, constantly keeping me on my toes to try new things, go new places, explore and have fun.
You truly have the joy of the Lord within you and you make it shine for us all to see.
Today was a very long, hectic day, (traveling to Hawaii with you and your Brother Dec 2010) - yet I can honestly say that unless I was catching come zzz's on the plane, I was Smiling!!
And it wasn't just on the outside, or a "show" but I was smiling on the inside as well!
Because of your constant encouragement to turn ordinary into extraordinary or dull into exciting, I have learned to sincerely have an amazing day, to do things I wouldn't have done, try new things, meet new people! Thank you!
Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice!
Smile! Don't stop.
Smile while you talk
Smile while you walk
Smile while you listen.
Be the Smile of God.
A man threw himself off the golden gate bridge in San Fransisco. He killed himself Alanna. Reporters looked through his house and found a journal that he had written in on the day he killed himself. The journal entry for that day he had written, " I'm walking to the golden gate bridge to kill myself, if ONE person smiles at me along the way, I won't do it."
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)