Just another Magical Monday...

And it's not even over yet!  :) 
So far I have had a great Monday!  It actually started on Sunday night with my devotional, and I thought while reading it "I have to share this on my blog!"  So I am...  :) 

"Choose Life!

We will never enjoy life unless we make a quality decision to do so. Satan is an expert at stealing and our joy is one of his favorite targets. Nehemiah 8:10 tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. In John 10:10 we are told that "the thief" comes to kill, steal, and destroy, but that Jesus came that we might have and enjoy life. Satan is the thief, and one of the things he seeks to steal is our joy. If he can steal our joy from us, we will be weak; and when we are weak, the enemy takes advantage of us.

Weak believers are no threat to him and his work of destruction. In order to live as God intends for us to live, the first thing we must do is truly believe that it is God's will for us to experience continual joy. Then we must decide to enter into that joy. Experiencing enjoyment in our souls is vitally important to our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. Proverbs 17:22 says, "A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones." It is God's will for us to enjoy life! Now it is time to decide to enter into the full and abundant life that God wills for us.

Joy and enjoyment are available just as misery is available. Righteousness and peace are available and so are condemnation and turmoil. There are blessings and curses available, and that is why Deuteronomy 30:19 tells us to choose life and blessings."

Deuteronomy 30:19 

"I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:"

Oh, how the Lord knows what I need, when I need it.  I had to share this with my mom and sister at lunch.  It just really give you a whole new perspective on how Satan tries to effect your life.  This is just something else to add to my growing relationship with God.  Knowing that I am to be joyful in all things, and that the things around me that bring me down continuously are not just circumstances but situations that Satan is using to take my joy and make me weak. 

I will choose life, and life will be so much different.  So much more joyful!  So I hope that you take this "Case of the Mondays" and make them MAGICAL!  And remember, above all else, this is not where we belong... :)

Happy Easter Weekend...

Happy Easter Weekend!  I hope everyone had a blessed few days! 

I spent Easter with my mom, dad, and nephew in West Texas.  We left on Friday and got there in enough time catch some sun.  My parents LOVE fishing and always have.  I, on the other hand, like to lay out and read books.  :) 

We have been going to West Texas for almost 20 years.  It's so relaxing... well...when you aren't trying to entertain an 8 year old!  haha  This time CAL wanted people to help him build rapids, throw rocks, scare away snakes, and fish.  So we stayed busy trying to keep him entertained. 

Mom, Dad, and CAL caught some decent sized fish on our last day of fishing.   Here are their biggest catches...

On Sunday, we got up and laid out by the pool, then headed home.  On the way back we found this awesome flower place on the side of the road...

Turns out Courtney has always wanted to go to this place so we will have to make a trip sometime soon.  :)  We had a great weekend, and I got home in just enough time to watch Celebrity Apprentice with Baehr.  It was GOOD to be home! 

Without Him...I am NOTHING...

During my devotional I felt this overwhelming sense of peace, but in the days since it ended I have felt myself being pulled back into the lull of every day life.  I haven't changed the way I live...I still have my daily patterns, but I am back into the prayer at the end of the day instead of the continuous conversation.  I have noticed that my eyes are starting to focus back on what's ahead instead of  seeing the small things God is doing minute by minute or hour by hour.  The only way to describe it is going from walking hand and hand with Jesus to veering off at the fork in the road - you can still see Him, but you aren't as close as you want to be.


Life is so busy.  There are so many things that I want to do in this next year.  Personal accomplishments that I know I can complete, but I know that without making my relationship with God my number one priority none of that matters.  


I have never been a fan of 1 Corinthians 13 because I feel like it is overused, but writing this I keep thinking "Without Christ, I am but a resounding gong or clanging symbol" so that's what I will finish this post with, but when I read it I will replace love with Christ because without Him, I AM NOTHING. 

1 Corinthians 13

1 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Day 31...My last day of this devotional...

"Day 31: I am ready to walk in freedom in my life. I refuse to let bitterness keep me from an amazing future. Today I'm going to forgive those that have hurt me. I'm going to forgive myself so I can walk in victory. It's time to move forward because I have a God-given destiny to fulfill." 

Follow Up:  My 31 day devotional is over.  So many things have changed in me personally:  my prayers, my walk with God, my relationships, and my outlook.  It has been a life changing experience and I want to thank Elise for introducing this devotional.  God has placed people in my life for a reason, and I see that now more than ever.  I am excited to stay on this new journey and see where it takes me.  

Romans 6:4 

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

 

Day 30...One more day to go!

"Day 30: I am fully equipped for a life of true fulfillment. Everything I need for my destiny is within reach. I pray God will open my eyes to the opportunities, people and resources He's put in my life to further His plan. Even if what's available seems small and ordinary, in God's hands it can become extraordinary."

Follow Up:  So so true!  My athletes seemed to be connecting with me last night.  Amazing how just one day can make all the difference in the world.  Or maybe I am just opening my eyes to their small steps.  

Day 29...

"Day 29: I am enlarging my vision for the amazing things God has for my future. My hopes and dreams are in His hands. I'm entering into a season of abundance where God is restoring impossible situations and opening up new doors. God's favor is at work in my life right now to raise me higher than ever before."

Follow Up:    The coaching part of my life has always been easy.  A constant, no change job.  I love it.  I love my athletes.  I always have.  It's just something I know I am supposed to do.  This year however has been challenging, but I have to know that even in the most challenging years there are athletes there that need me to keep trying.  I will look for God to work in my life, open doors, and make the impossible possible.  I have 3 weeks left of track season.  Who knows what could happen!  :) 

Day 28...

‎"Day 28: I am letting God be in control each and every day. I'm not going to make a big deal out of things that are not a big deal. No matter how things look, I know God is still in control. When things don't go my way, I won't get uptight. It's not worth losing my peace over. Instead, I'll stay in peace, knowing that God is still on the throne."

Follow Up:  I love this chapter in Psalms that I just found.  It says everything I need, and everything I am feeling about this devotional.  My eyes are on you Lord, my eyes are on YOU!

Psalm 25
Psalm 25 Of David.

1 In you, LORD my God,
I put my trust.

2 I trust in you;
do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.
3 No one who hopes in you
will ever be put to shame,
but shame will come on those
who are treacherous without cause.

4 Show me your ways, LORD,
teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you, LORD, are good.

8 Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
9 He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.
10 All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful
toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.
11 For the sake of your name, LORD,
forgive my iniquity, though it is great.

12 Who, then, are those who fear the LORD?
He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.
13 They will spend their days in prosperity,
and their descendants will inherit the land.
14 The LORD confides in those who fear him;
he makes his covenant known to them.
15 My eyes are ever on the LORD,
for only he will release my feet from the snare.

16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.
17 Relieve the troubles of my heart
and free me from my anguish.
18 Look on my affliction and my distress
and take away all my sins.
19 See how numerous are my enemies
and how fiercely they hate me!

20 Guard my life and rescue me;
do not let me be put to shame,
for I take refuge in you.
21 May integrity and uprightness protect me,
because my hope, LORD, is in you.

22 Deliver Israel, O God,
from all their troubles!

Day 27...

‎"Day 27: I am going to make the best out of every day. I'm going to invest time and energy into building relationships with family and friends. God is placing great opportunities in my life; I'm going to pause and appreciate them. As I choose to enjoy the journey, my life will be much more rewarding and fulfilling."

Follow Up:  Doing this 31 day devotional has already made my journey more rewarding and fulfilling.  I definitely pray more and my relationships with the ones I love and that love me are stronger.  I have found peace, but am still working on letting little things bother me.  There is a bigger picture and I must trust that He is taking me there.  I love this new journey I am on, and I am so excited to see how the Lord works in me.

Day 26....Happy Texas Independance Day!

"Day 26: I am where God wants me to be at this very moment. Every experience is part of His divine plan. I am confident and thankful that He has a special purpose for my life. I'm going to be happy and enjoy this day. As I honor God in this season, I will begin to bloom right where He has planted me."

Follow up:  I woke up this morning feeling good and feeling like things were falling into place.   I am where I am supposed to be!  :)  One of the things I kept thinking this morning was, "You can't be everything to everyone. You just have to be you."  So today, I am just being me.  I don't need to be any more or any less than that.  I am happy, relieved, and carefree.  I am...excited that I am in a great place!  Onward and upward I go.  As myself and no one else. :)

Day 25...Happy Birthday Cousin Jana!

"Day 25: I am going to live happily and see today as a gift from God. I'm thankful for my relationships, my health and opportunities God's given me. When I think back on what he's done. I'm filled with hope and gratitude. I'm expecting great things for others around me as well, and I pray my joy and happiness will brighten someone else's day."

Follow Up:  I feel like I can just repeat this devotional and say, YES!  This is what it's about.  So I will....

I will live happily today because today IS a gift from God.  I am thankful for all of my relationships....that is an understatement.  I am thankful for my health and the opportunities God surrounds me with.  When I think back on what he has done....I AM FILLED WITH HOPE AND GRATITUDE!  I am expecting great things for others around me...I pray my joy and happiness will brighten someone else's day!  

Life is just really, really good.  I cannot say that enough.  The title of my blog is "The Baehr Life: Blessed Beyond Belief" and it describes our life exactly:  The Baehr Life....The Good Life, and yes, by the grace of God we are BLESSED BEYOND BELIEF!  

And on a side note... A very happy birthday to my cousin, Jana!  I pray this year brings you a fresh new start and more joy than you can ever imagine! 

Genesis 49:26

Your father’s blessings are greater
than the blessings of the ancient mountains,
than the bounty of the age-old hills.

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.