Day 24...Happy Leap Day!

"Day 24: I am believing for God to accelerate my life like never before.Those dreams and goals that seemed so far ahead are within reach. The victory I'm believing for will happen sooner than I ever imagined. God's not only making up for lost time, He is thrusting me further into the blessings He has for me."

Follow Up:  I am excited to see my goals and dreams come true.  There are times that I am just living life and not really focusing on the fact that the goals I have for myself are just sitting idly by.  I found this the other day and I think it's perfect for reminding me to re-energize and refocus....

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Happy Leap Day!  :)

Day 23...

"Day 23: I am waiting on God's promises with expectancy. At a set time they will come to pass, and nothing can stop them. I'm not worried about things happening on my time-table because I know God has everything lined up for me. The moment I pray, He establishes those promises, so I am going to press forward knowing the answer is on its way."

Follow Up:  I heard this song for the first time yesterday and thought it was perfect for today's follow up.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!  :)

Day 22...

"Day 22: I am trusting God with the desires of my heart. He knows what's the best for my life, and give Him complete control over all I am and all I have. Any worry, fear or frustration, I turn over to Him. I'm at peace knowing that He will get me to where he wants me to be, and I will never be disappointed."

Follow Up:  This is such a perfect devotional for me today!  I know I always say that, but it really is!  

Baehr and I are in a really good place right now.  Well, we are always in a really good place so that doesn't really describe where we are...GREAT is more like it.  Some great things are happening in our lives and the blessings continue to flow, but being in a great place for me leads to a lot of worry.  Worrying is one of my biggest obstacles...especially when things are really good.  I often think, "Things are so good right now, what's about to happen?"  It's a terrible thing, and I go thru phases where it gets really bad.  Right now is one of those times.  

I don't worry about menial things like clothes, or cars, or my hair.  I worry about losing loved ones.  It's terrible!  I need to learn to stop worrying and turn it over to God, to enjoy my life and the time I have instead of waiting for the moment when life isn't good and they are gone. 

Matthew 6:27

27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

So true....worrying will not add a minute to my life or to anyone else's life so I will enjoy my time here on earth and enjoy our GREAT life!  :)  I will be at peace knowing that He will get me where He wants me to be!

Day 20 and 21....

‎"Day 20: I am open to the plans God has for my life. Even when I don't understand why something happens the way it does, I know God's ways are better than mine. When God does things differently than I expect, I'm going to be willing to try it His way so that I can experience His best."

"Day 21: I am about to experience breakthroughs. The amazing things God has for me are coming my way. Out of His goodness, God is supplying all my needs. There are moments of favor He's already released into my future, and at just the right time, blessings will pour down from heaven in abundance."

Follow Ups:  I think Day 20 and 21 go hand in hand.  I don't understand some of the things that have happened in my life.  I attribute it to the devil trying to trip me up using people or things that are closest to me, but it could be (and probably is) God showing me that my plan is not always his plan.  I need to be reminded of this weekly.  His plan is better than my plan...

Proverbs 16:9  

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.

Day 19...Happy GO TEXAN Day! :)

"Day 19: I am filled with mountain-moving faith. I'm not afraid of how big or how impossible a difficult situation may look because, I know my God is bigger. Setbacks, strongholds and defeat have NO power over me. In faith I say to those mountains, 'Be removed because God has already given me the victory'."


Follow Up:  I am continuing to have faith in a bigger picture.  A bigger plan for my life.  I am excited to see what is on the other side of this mountain that is in front of me.  I will not be constrained to the people or actions of my past, but look forward to what is ahead of me and know that I can and have moved mountains.  

Day 18...

"Day 18: I am crowned with God's favor. His plans for me will take me further than I ever imagined. I believe God is going to prosper me, and I'm excited about the blessing He's sending my way. I accept the fullness that He has in store for me."

Follow Up: The Lord continues to bless us, our families, and our home.  We are blessed beyond belief and are so thankful for the things God is doing in our lives.  

Day 17...

"Day 17: I am going to keep my joy no matter how difficult things appear. Instead of getting discouraged, I will speak victory over any obstacle that comes my way. I will not lose my passion for the dreams God has placed in my heart. I'm confident that on other side of this challenge is a new level of my destiny."

Follow Up:  I so needed this yesterday.  I really don't have any difficult things going on in my life right now besides my own thoughts.  I need to learn to not let myself be my own obstacle.  I saw a post on Facebook yesterday that said "Life is Simple Silly".  I will share it here. I think it is perfect for me right now:

So why am I worried?  Why do I worry?  It must be a genetic thing because my mother is definitely a worrier.  :)  On another note, I have to go back to earlier in the week and trust in the Lord, and just enjoy life.  There will be more difficult times so enjoy the good, and just remind myself that LIFE IS SIMPLE SILLY!  :)

Day 16...

"Day 16: I am going to stay in faith in times of adversity, because I know God has a purpose for everything. What was meant for my harm, God is turning around to use to my advantage. He is going to bring me out better off than I was before. My heart rejoices over the amazing plans he has for my future."

There is a purpose for everything.  There are times when you look at your life and the people in it and say, "Lord, why are these people here?  Are they supposed to be? Am I supposed to be here?"  I think sometimes the answer comes much later than the question, but in the end it all works out.  It used to irritate me that people would say "It's going to all work out."  I mean...how do you know that?  Now, further down the road, I see that it will all work out.  Sometimes not exactly as we want, but it works out.  I will stay in the faith always, and know that with everything there is a reason.

Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
   but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.

Day 15...HAPPY PREZ DAY!

"Day 15: I am living every day like it's a gift from God. His plans for me are good and not evil. I'm not going to drag through this day defeated, complaining or focused on the negative. Instead I will meditate on the good things God has done in my life, thanking Him for all that he's given me."

Follow Up:  I definitely needed this today.  I did drag thru the day a little defeated and just plain worn out, but I ended the day on a great note....sitting in the doctor's office with my sister for 2 hours.  There is nothing better than family time.  I love being able to just sit and spend time with my mom and sister.  Honestly, it's kind of my addiction.  :)  

I know I will have rough days, but I always need to remember that God is good, and I am truly blessed by Him.  More than really I should be.  

Ephesians 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

Day 14...

"Day 14: I am putting my trust in God's faithfulness. In every situation I face, He has me in the palm of his hand. God has never let me down. His love NEVER fails. Instead of getting discouraged by what I don't see, I'm going to look to God and trust His timing. At the right time, his promises will come to pass in my life."

FOLLOW UP:  Sometimes I look around and think, "Lord, was that the answer?"  "Wait, was THIS your answer?"  Reading this passage made me think....stop looking for the answer.  It will come.  Be patient.  He will show it to you when it's time and you will have no doubt about the answer.  

Patience has never been my strong suit.  I want answers and I want them now.  In my old age (haha) I am learning that rushing and not being patient hardly ever brings me the results I want.  So I need to take this Day 14 to heart.  He will answer in His own time.  Not mine.  

Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

MadGab Mardi Gras...

We had our second family/friends dinner tonight.  It was a MadGab Mardi Gras party, and was another great night of family, friends, and FOOD!  :)  We had a whole different group than party #1 (Pictionary - Lasagna Party), and even had family from Austin come!  Here are a few of the newbies:

Baehr's sisters Missy and Stacey with Baehr

Sweet Trace trying to show us how he can crawl

Aunt Cara and Uncle Mark (all the way from Austin)

For dinner we had jambalaya, crab dip, black eyed pea dip, corn casserole, salad, deviled eggs, veggies and for dessert we had king cake, bread pudding, dark chocolate cake, pecan praline's, and confetti cake.   Everything was so GOOD so we have decided to start a website where we can share all of our recipes.  I will share that link when we get it set up.


After dinner we pulled out the MadGab.  There were two teams.  Team 1 was Courtney, Mrs. Williams, Mom, Mrs. Cynde, Baehr, and Jake.  

Baehr, Trace, and Jake (Missy's husband)

Mom and Mrs. Cynde

Courtney and Mrs. Williams

Team 2 was me, Aunt Cara, Mrs. Baehr, Grace Jason, and Uncle Mark  

Jason, Grace, Mrs. Baehr, Aunt Cara, and me

Uncle Mark, Jason, and Grace gone Mardi Gras :)

Team 2 went 2 - 0! YEYAH!  GO TEAM!  After MadGab we decided to pull out the pictionary again.  You can't go wrong with Piction (as we call it) so it was a must have.  The teams were:

Team 1:  Mom and Mrs. Williams

Team 2:  Mrs. Cynde and Courtney

Team 3:  Me and Grace

At one point, Grace and I thought we weren't going to get off block #1 ... haha

Team 4:  Aunt Cara and Jason

The winners were Team 5:  Baehr and Uncle Mark

And here is our whole MadGab Mardi Gras crew...picture thanks to Dad!  :)

Mrs. Cynde, Chloe, Stacey, Camryn, Mom, Me and Grace (in back), Courtney and Jason (in front), Aunt Cara,
Mrs. Williams, Missy, Jake, Trace, Mr. Baehr, Mrs. Baehr, and Baehr (missing Dad and Uncle Mark)

It was another great night!  We had a lot of laughs, hugs, and desserts!  You can't ask for more than that.  We are blessed beyond belief!

Day 13...

‎"Day 13: I am destined for God's goodness and favor. I know this is God's plan for my life. My worth is not determined by my past. It's not what others say or think that matters, but what God thinks that matters. I am who God says I am. I am restored, redeemed, blessed, and more than a conqueror."


Follow Up:


I am going to start doing my follow ups in my original posts to keep that massive number of blogs down.  :)  


This devotional is perfect for me at this point in my life.  I am so many things going through my head, and I need to remind myself that as long as I am doing the very best I can and living the very best life I can that it doesn't matter what people say about me.  I struggle with certain situations where I feel like I am under a microscope, and I need to let that go.  Understand that as long as I am ok with what I am doing, and I can make my family proud then it doesn't matter what others think.  God sees my heart and that's what I need to focus on.  Pleasing Him.  


1 Peter 3:13-14
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened."

Day 12...

‎"Day 12: I am grateful because all good things in my life have come from God. I give God the glory for every blessing, opportunity and outpouring of favor He has given me. He works all things for my good. I humble myself today and commit all I have into God's hands. Thank you, God, for taking me further than I ever dreamed of."


Do I need to do a follow up for this?  I probably do, but it won't take me all day to think about it.  :)


I am thankful beyond all words.  My life, my family's life, my world is blessed ... beyond blessed.  But I know there is more to come my way.  


I won't ever forget watching my Aunt stand beside my Uncle's casket...through her tears she repeated, "I trust in you, Lord.  I trust in YOU!"  Today I want to humble myself and commit everything to God.  I will start today by giving all things to Him.  Not to worry or fret about things that do not matter.  My life is His life.  My walk is His walk.  


I will tell myself every morning, "I trust in you, Lord.  I TRUST IN YOU!"  And it will be done.

Psalm 56:10 - 13

In God, whose word I praise, 

in the LORD, whose word I praise— 

 in God I trust and am not afraid. 

What can man do to me?

 I am under vows to you, my God; 

I will present my thank offerings to you. 

For you have delivered me from death 

and my feet from stumbling, 

that I may walk before God 

in the light of life.

Day 11 Follow Up...

So my Day 11 follow up post has sat empty for about 16 hours now...

"Being loving and merciful toward others" kept working through my head.  I looked up merciful or mercy and the definition was "being compassionate to your enemies".  While I was fretting about this, I thought, "Maybe I should look up the meaning of compassion" before I stress out about being friends with my enemies.  Good thing I did because it made my worries disappear.  For those who don't know, compassion means:

sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it   

God doesn't want us to be best friends with our enemies, but he does want us to have compassion on them.  He doesn't expect you to keep negative people in your life, but he does expect you to not kick them when they are down.  I can do this... 


While yes, there are people I don't like being around, I don't wish them harm, nor do I pray for bad things to happen to them.  Sometimes, I even say "Hi!" to them.  In fact, I did it this morning.  :)  All I know is that I have to stay on the positive road, the good road, the happy road, and keeping the negative out allows me to have mercy.

This is what the LORD Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.' Zechariah 7:8-10 .... I can do this!

 

Day 10 Follow Up...

Losing my grandmother in 2002 was one of the hardest things I have ever had to experience.  She was such a huge part of my life, and her death still has a daily impact on me.  Needless to say, that was definitely a time when I was lacking faith.  My walk with God was an angry one, a sad one, and a lonely one.  I didn't understand why He would take her away from me.  I mean, what did I ever do?  I could have listed a few other people he could have taken instead of her, and honestly if He would have asked me who to take I would have given him the list without being asked twice (haha).  But through the storm came a relationship with God.  He took me "further than I ever thought possible."  I am thankful now for what he taught me through those years, and is still teaching me as I struggle with her loss.  I wish that this song had been around back then because I really could have used it:

Day 11...

"I am going to live a life of excellence and integrity. I realize the seeds I sow will affect future generations, which is why I'm putting a stop to every negative thing in my family line. By faith I believe God is breaking every curse, and I will do what I can to honor Him by serving, loving and being merciful to others."

Day 10...

"Day 10: I am made to flourish in dry seasons. As I live a life that honors God and obey His word, His blessings will overtake me. God brings me from lack to abundance, and takes me further than I ever thought possible. His favor is more than enough for me."

Day 9 Follow Up....I'm Back in the Game

After taking a few days to myself and really having some personal devotional time I am back in the blogging game!  :)  


It was so interesting to see everyone's posts on Facebook about Valentine's Day.  From "I hate Valentine's Day" to "Look at my beautiful flowers..." to "What Valentine's Day means to me..."  I loved them all.  Mainly because I have been in all of those places at some point in my life, and because Baehr and I don't celebrate Valentine's Day I can just sit back and take it all in with no pressure. 



My Day 9 Devotional says "His blessings are like dynamite, exploding at just the right time, propelling me to a whole new level".  We are all in different places in our lives, but regardless if we are down and out or receiving the greatest gifts, God is willing and waiting to move us into a "new level" in our lives.  I always say, "Life can't get much better than this", but it can!  That's what amazes me.  The best days on earth...Valentine's Day or your birthday or Christmas....are nothing compared to our days in Heaven.  I mean, Granny and Uncle Chris are there...what more could I ask for?  Those are the greatest gifts, and those will be the greatest "days", we just have to be willing to allow God to work in our lives, and I am ready and willing! So I'm back in the game and ready to go!  :)  Here comes Day 10....

Day 9 ... Happy Valentine's Day!

"Day 9: I am blessed with the unlimited, immeasurable surpassing greatness of God's favor. He is my provider, and His supply never runs dry. When it doesn't look like there's a way, God can make a way. His blessings are like dynamite, exploding at just the right time, propelling me to a whole new level."

Day 8...

"Day 8: I am content knowing Gods promises are for me. Even in the waiting, I know He is working on my behalf. In those moments when my faith feels small, it is God who gives me signs of His favor to confirm what He's promised and to encourage my belief. He is the lifter of my head."

This is so crazy because I just heard a the song Lifting by Christy Nockels and I love it!  :)

Thank you Lord for continuously working in my life!  Even in the small ways...

This devotional is life changing people.  :)  LIFE CHANGING!

Day 7...

‎"Day 7: I am filled with seeds of greatness. God is connecting me with people of faith who will inspire me, challenge me and help me to grow. If there are unhealthy relationships in my life, I refuse to let them pull me down anymore. I am moving forward with those who see my potential, those I believe in too."

Day 6....

‎"Day 6: I am going to be the best me I can possibly be. God has given me unique gifts, talents, strengths that are designed to help me be the person He has called me to be. I am comfortable with who God made me, and I know there is nothing I lack when it comes to fulfilling my God-given destiny."

Day 5...

‎"Day 5: I am full of faith for what God can do today. I accept His goodness in my life. God's favor and blessings are exceedingly, abundantly, above and beyond all I could ask or imagine. He is faithful to meet my needs, and to help me meet the needs of others. I release my faith and receive a new wave of His goodness."

Day 4 Follow Up...

The sentence that pops out is "I put my trust in Him because his grace is more than enough".  Your grace is more than enough, Lord.  More than enough.  


This has been a rough week, but I know that I can get through it.  Thankful it is Friday and that His grace is more than enough.   

Philippians 4:13 "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

Day 4...

"Day 4: I am an overcomer. In every season I will say, 'Nothing is impossible'. There is no obstacle too difficult to overcome, no goal too high to reach. God has equipped me with everything I need to accomplish what I could never do on my own. I put my trust in Him because His grace is more than enough."

Day 3 Follow Up....

Boy, did I need this today!  


Like always I read this devotional several times throughout the day, but its meaning came to me on the way home.  My eyes were immediately opened to being "honest ... about my doubts, questions or the things I don't understand", and my prayers are were revamped.  I didn't have a Dear God, Thank you, Amen prayer today, but an actual conversation.  LIFE CHANGING!


I am so excited to see the changes in my life in just 3 days!  I wonder where I will be on day 31?! :)

Day 3...

"Day 3: I am not alone. Even in times of hurt or disappointment God is with me. No matter how I feel, He will never leave me wondering, confused or discouraged. As I am honest with him about my doubts, questions or the things I don't understand, God will not only show up, He will restore my faith."

Day 2 Follow Up....

It's really funny how these devotionals change meaning several times throughout the day and even my morning the day after.  I started this blog with something deep and meaningful, and then I just wrote this last sentence.

I caught an athlete listening to me from across the gym this morning... "Keep your eyes open".  Thank you Lord.  I understand.  :)

I think says it all.

Day 2...

"Day 2: I am created to make a difference. At just the right time, I am confident God will direct my steps and give me opportunities to be a blessing to others, to meet a need or to lift someone's spirit. I will keep mg eyes open for ways to be a light to those around me."

Day 1 Follow Up...

I reread this devotional several times today trying to figure out how to apply it to my life. I am currently at a place in my life where I am content, thankful, and complete. I have no wants or needs. I am fulfilled and truly, my cup runneth over. It's a very good yet confusing place to be. I pray but don't know what to pray for ... I am thankful, but I feel like I am supposed to be praying for more. As I write this I am coming to realize what this devotional means to be. Last Sunday I caught Joel Osteen on TV teaching about the "C" prayer. Why we need to pray the
"A" prayer, and not just settle for average.  These are the words I remember:

"John 10:10 tells us that Jesus came to give us life—not just any life, but abundant life—complete, whole and thriving in every way. With Him, you can have more love, more power, more joy, greater peace, better relationships, deeper insight and so much more!"

So my prayer for myself this year will be to not settle on what I think "being fulfilled" is, but to pray for abundance in life, love, and my relationship with God. 

Day 1...

"Day 1: I am going to receive the new opportunities God has for me. I know there are dreams He will bring to pass in my life. I choose not to settle, but to pursue my God-given goals, knowing it's never too late to accomplish everything God has placed in my heart."

"I Am" Inspired...

One of my former students, Elise, has started a 31 day devotional challenge by Joel Osteen called "I Am...".  She has been posting it on her facebook, and I have been following along as a reader. When I first read it I was intrigued, but figured she wouldn't post all the days of this so I didn't bother being a participant.  


Today I saw her post for Day 5 and saw that she has posted all the other days as well so I decided I am going to start participating.  


Details:  I will post the thought or devotional for the day in the morning, and then post my thoughts every night.  I hope you will join me on this journey and that we will grow as Christians and as believers. 


I will finish today with Joel Osteen's "I Am" saying that he starts every service with and then start Day 1 of the devotional tomorrow.


"This is my Bible. I am what it says I am, I have what it says I have, I can do what it says I can do. Today, I will be taught the Word of God. I boldly confess; My mind is alert, My heart is receptive, I will never be the same. I am about to receive the incorruptible, indestructible, ever-living seed of the Word of God. I will never be the same, never, never, never, I will never be the same, in Jesus’ name. Amen."