It was harkening for me to realize as a first time mother, that the tiny creature before me relied solely on me to keep it alive. I was what decided when and how he was held, fed, bathed, changed, and comforted. My body produced the liquid that filled his belly and sustained him. I poured […]
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalms 23:4 KJV https://bible-strong.app
Psalms 23 A Psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Feeling a little under the weather so I’m going to repost a couple of my earliest articles instead of writing new ones today.
The Importance of not losing yourself as a mother is crucial to raising well equipped children. As a mother it is easy to over extend yourself. Someone is always needing something and something is always needing done. However, as mothers we need to prioritize ourselves from time to time. Knowing this, I still have a […]
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16 KJV https://bible-strong.app
James 5 1 Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.
2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.
3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.
4 Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.
5 Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.
6 Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.
7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.
10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.
11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.
18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
I wanted to try a different kind of poetry despite my fondness of rhyming. I performed a Google search and it showed me every kind of poem known to man. Determined to succeed I picked one that felt good. Surely it can’t be that hard, right? By the second paragraph I was still looking for the staff. My hands searched for a beat while my brain pushed on. Like a cadence to a song it didn’t take long to start humming along. “No stop that, not this time.” I say to the chime. This poem isn’t supposed to rhyme. I start once more and try again. The words drip slowly from my pen. Beautiful perfect words fill the page. They almost take my breath away. Then for a second my focus slips and my words begin to dip. Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom; Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom. The rhythm is back like an elephant stomping its feet. The beat comes alive, increasing the drive.
Oh wait, that’s right I am trying a new style to strengthen my skills and have a broader range of poems, words and prose. Who knows I might actually like it If I would give it a chance. But no matter how hard I try, I still fight the rhythm inside. I move to my own melody. It lives inside of me inside the gate keeps of reality. I can try to break free But the rhythm holds the key to my sanity. Within the degree of melody, I can be free. Oops I did it again. Maybe next time.
What tattoo do you want and where would you put it?
I wanted to write this yesterday and didn’t have time so I will today. What tattoo do you want and where would you put it? I do not want any tattoos, however many years ago I was singing a different tune. Picture a 15 year old little girl sitting down on her older brother’s couch as he placed the pattern on her shoulder blade. I had chosen a butterfly colored in with a rebel flag. My brother explained the process and how it would permanent and would hurt a little. I assured him I was confident in my choices and would be just fine. The buzz of the gun scared me but I put on a brave face, determined not to cry, not even a little. How bad could it hurt, right? It’s just a needle. Just before the ink touched my skin, my mom walked through the door putting a halt to the would be tattoo.
Unfortunately, my brother died a few years later in a car accident. I often think back to those days and wonder if I should have tried again. Then I would have his essence permanently etched into my skin. A tiny memento to view anytime I wanted. Instead I am left with a bittersweet memory of what could have been.
I no longer want a tattoo as the childish whim has now passed. But, I often think back to that day and wonder if I would have had any regrets today if my mother hadn’t stopped the show. I did end up marrying a man named Rebel, so the color of the butterfly would have been ironic to say the least. Would I still like it today? Would I have chosen to cover it up by now or cherish my brother’s art work? Would I look at it with joy or distaste? I guess I will never know. Instead I have an almost tattoo sketched into my mind of yesterday’s time. A memory I will always hold dear.
What do I wish I could do more every day. I wish I could spend more time with my family. My babies are growing so fast and working full time takes a lot of time away from them. I wish I had more time to cherish the moments and didn’t have to leave everyday. Children are only little for a little while. I also wish I had more time to study the Bible and learn the word of God.
But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Hebrews 13:16 KJV https://bible-strong.app
Hebrews 13 1 Let brotherly love continue.
2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
10 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.
11 For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.
12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
18 Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.
19 But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.
20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
22 And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.
23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.
24 Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.
The Bible often mentions prayer. It tells us how and when to pray. The most basic definition of prayer is “talking to God.” Prayer is not meditation or passive reflection, it is a direct address to God. It is the communication of the human soul with the Lord who created the soul. Prayer is the primary way for the believer in Jesus Christ to communicate their emotions and desires with God and to fellowship with God. Prayer is described in the Bible as seeking God’s favor (Exodus 32:11), pouring out one’s soul to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:15), crying out to heaven (2 Chronicles 32:20), drawing near to God (Psalm 73:28, KJV), and kneeling before the Father (Ephesians 3:14).
Following are my favorite verses that mention praying in the Bible: Luke 11:9 – And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you
Jeremiah 33:3 – Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not
Matthew 26:41 – Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Mark 11:24 – Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
At one point in my life I didn’t know the correct way to pray. After studying the Bible and searching for the answer, I soon learned the answer was simple. I tell my children often to talk to God as if He is their best friend. Tell Him your plans, your hopes and dreams. Confined in Him your worries and fears. Pour your heart out to Jesus, leaving nothing unsaid. If there comes a time when you can’t find the words, lend hi Himm your heart and mind and He will understand. Nowhere else in the world can you find anyone who loves and cares for you like God. His name is The Comforter, after all. I want my children to trust and rely and God no matter what. A prayer can be said at any moment and in complete silence,. unbeknownst to even someone sitting right next to you. The power of prayer is endless and our greatest tool. I want my children to call in the name of the Lord in time of need and in times of plenty. But most of all I want them to know when momma can’t be there, God always is. It doesn’t matter where in the world they are, or what the current sticky situation may be. It doesn’t matter the time of day or what sin may be at bay. Call on the Lord God Almighty and He will bring you through it. I was not taught to pray when I was a child, but I will pass the knowledge to my children. In fact, one of my most treasured moments happened recently. I was allowing my five year old to lead the prayer at dinner. I was attempting to avoid repetition of the Lord’s prayer and encouraged her to say what she wished. Her prayer went “ Father thank you for making us rich with Your blessings. Thank you for my food God. And I want you to know that we love you with all of our hearts, no matter what. And Lord thank you for choosing to let me be born into this family. Amen.” I sat there in wonderment and tear stained eyes by the time she lifted her head. How innocent and adoring of her. How precious and thoughtful. I hope my children never forget the power of prayer and how wonderfully precious a gift it is.
In conclusion, teach your children the importance of prayer. For the moments that we can’t be there, teach them to call on the name of God. As the great words of God states, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).
If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. John 13:14 KJV https://bible-strong.app
John 13 1 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him;
3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;
4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.
12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.
15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
18 I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.
19 Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he.
20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
21 When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
22 Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.
23 Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.
24 Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.
25 He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?
26 Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.
27 And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.
28 Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him.
29 For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.
30 He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.
31 Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.
32 If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.
33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
36 Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.
37 Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.
38 Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.
