Can I skip Day 2?

Can I skip day 2?  Yes... already!  haha

The title is "Sewing Seeds of Peace".  Does this tell it all?  I talked to Jesus about this, and told him this was going to have to be a work in progress.  He wants me to love everyone... EVERYONE!  The author even compares this process to when church members from that South Carolina church forgave the kid who killed their friends and family.  All I can say about that is... I'm not there yet.  Not even close, but I am going to work on it.

Here is the verse that will need to be written in my bathroom or on my phone...

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.  And be thankful."  Colossians 3:13-15

5 Minutes of Peace

WOW!  The last time I wrote was 2013!  It's a been a while... way too long probably, but oh well!  I'm back...

When I started this blog it was kind of an extension of our crawfish boil, but then turned into a way for me to talk through my devotionals.  My mom got me a new devotional for Christmas, and as I read the introduction I thought... I need to get back on my blog.  A way for me to really dive into my thoughts, but I also thought of several people in my life who would benefit from this book as well (or just this page).  So here we are.  WELCOME!  :)

This was my favorite part of last night's read (and marked by my mom for me)...

The author prefaced this by sharing the story of Jesus walking on water and Peter's faith as he walked on the water toward Jesus.  (Matthew 14)

"We are guaranteed moments in this life when the winds of adversity rise, when our boat seems way too small for so vast an ocean, and when we can't bail water fast enough to stay afloat.  We gaze into the fearsome storm that rages all around us and realize we can't navigate it on our own.  In such moments, what can save the child of God?  What will bring her peace?  Peace comes when we remember whom to call and where to look.  Is a storm raging in your life today?  Don't look down.  Instead, keep your eyes on Jesus." (5 Minutes with Jesus, Peace for Today by Sheila Walsh)

I don't think it is a coincidence that my last post on this blog was titled "LOOK UP!".   It says: 

"Look up...because in times like these, your very life may depend on it.  Some time ago, the Lord showed me that a spirit of weariness is trying to work its way into our lives these days through all the pressure and bad news that surround us. It's working to get our eyes off the Word of God by bombarding us with negative forces. It's trying to get us to look down at defeat instead of up at Jesus."

2016 has not been my most favorite year.  Have I (we) had trials this year... ABSOLUTELY!  Have they been fun... no... they are not and have not been fun at all.  I get tired (weary) of dealing with the same stuff over and over and over again with no avail, but I must remind myself that there are better days ahead.  This too shall pass.  For a while, my eyes, my thoughts, and my soul have been wandering.  I can feel it... others can see it.  But I am ready to get back to where I need to be.  I am immensely blessed, and I want to be able to say... It is well with my soul.  So I will end this post here...    

"My eyes are toward you, O God, my Lord; 

in you I see refuge; leave me not defenseless!

Psalm 142:8

Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1-2

Good Morning.... LOOK UP!

Here is the regular morning devotional.  I don't know that I have to share my thoughts on this one... I think we can all relate!

Look Up!

by Kenneth Copeland

Look up...because in times like these, your very life may depend on it.

Some time ago, the Lord showed me that a spirit of weariness is trying to work its way into our lives these days through all the pressure and bad news that surround us. It's working to get our eyes off the Word of God by bombarding us with negative forces. It's trying to get us to look down at defeat instead of up at Jesus.

If you let that happen, your spirit man will begin to lose his dominion. And the Word tells us what the result of that is. It says you will "be wearied and faint in your minds."

Jesus put it this way in Mark 4. He said that when the cares of this world enter into your heart and mind, they'll choke the Word and cause it to become unfruitful. And since your faith is the product of the Word, that means your faith will wither. Once that happens, you're headed for disaster.

What can you do to stop this chain reaction of weariness?

Look up! Get your eyes back on Jesus. I remember on the field of athletic competition that when an opponent allowed himself to drop his head, he was no longer dangerous. He could be very easily defeated. So keep your head up. Keep considering Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith. Consider Him instead of the cares of this world. Consider what God says in His Word. Be moved by the thoughts of God. Let His thoughts become your thoughts.

Look up! Get your eyes off the circumstances around you and onto your heavenly source. Don't be afraid you're going to lose everything. God is your source, not the world. He can take care of you regardless of what happens around you.

If you've gotten weary lately, begin to lift your eyes. Raise your head up instead of looking down. God is up. Jesus is up. The devil is down―under your feet. Look up!