ADVENT Sundays

 With each passing year ‘Advent Sunday’ calendar dates may change, but the theme remains a reflection of prayer and worship to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

1st Sunday: Hope (Prophecy).                                                              2nd Sunday: Peace (Bethlehem).                                                                      3rd Sunday: Joy (Shepherds).                                                                4th Sunday: Love (Angels)            

Personally I’m thankful for the rich heritage of this beautiful tradition that reminds me of Gods love poured out for all humanity. I can still envision the candles being lit every year with the wreath and candles displayed , lit by my beautiful mama. It’s these moments that remind me of the very presence of God and how that should be our focus, because it surely can help with other things that need changing in our personal lives and in our world. This advent Sunday while you light a candle remember the Shepherds journey. Amas quoted in the scripture so long ago. 

(“And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them." (Luke 2:20)

O come, O come Emmanuel. 

Blessings for a beautiful day. 🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️

Penned letters

Penned letters are part of history, tradition and have an impact on the reader’s. Throughout history, the authors have often shifting public opinion and can influence world events. Reading the Bible is an essential part of life with God as the author using human authors to pen His love letter for all humanity to see. Writing or journaling allows us yo slow down a pace and reflect on lasting memories. It can be a prayer for someone, a word of hope or encouragement to the reader. 

When you read a letter, poem or story it enables you to hear that voice of another. In today’s society letters are penned in apps or text messages spoken, and the words often disappear or sound distorted if not carefully written. 

My personal goal in journaling has been a long desire to write a book that will encourage readers. 

Who knows maybe this next year will be the year to translate Lifezjournal blog to paper form and publish it. In the meantime I will continue to write and share words of hope, prayer and thoughts of peace. 

May you find time to sit, write and read today.

(2 Corinthians 3:2 You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone.)

 Blessings.

Journalz!

Journaling has been a lifelong passion of mine and it’s helped me keep my mind focused on things I’ve experienced. Writing is something that can help bring healing in the hardest times. It has helped me through the years, as it speaks volumes to the one with a ready pen. It can bring healing to another as it’s written and shared. The tongue represents the voice He has given us to illustrate His draftings in writing with a ready pen. Journaling gives one a place to unload your thoughts and celebrate the good staff and in the darkest stuff. Take time in your day to meditate on His promises, and grab a pen with a writing pad or notebook app on your phone; begin the journey of being a ready writer. You’re going to look back and see the most precious moments where the Lord gave you the tongue of a ready writer. Ultimately it’s healing for the heart, and in sharing with others they may be touched with words that bring comfort in their hour of need. 

Journey with your pen today, and get ready to write. Half the battle in journaling is determination to follow through with it. It can help you stay organized in your daily routine. May you find pleasure in writing this week. ✍️ 

(Psalm 45:1. My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.) Blessings...

Mama

Blessings of being a mom. 💞

Parenting is priceless, especially for the one who has only been a mom by way of Gods design and plan. Long ago I prayed for a child, knowing that Gods will for my life, was in fact His will. Trusting in His Hand and plan opened the door to be chosen as a mom, and I am so very grateful to mama. I’m thankful for the many precious souls in my life that are not by own, but birthed in my heart. ❤️ 

Long long ago the Lord reminded me of a verse, “Isaiah 54:2 - Enlarge the site of your tent [to make room for more children]; Stretch out the curtains of your dwellings, do not spare them; Lengthen your tent ropes And make your pegs (stakes) firm in the ground.” We took that literally in youth ministry as we had so many amazing young people in our lives. They had some of the most parents as well. We are thankful for every one of them! I’m thankful for the years of working in higher education and seeing the countless number of students cross my path. So many great memories and countless experiences. 

But it takes a walk of faith to be a parent and not by some formula that you have been given. Parenting is different from child to child, and it’s important to focus on the relationship. Sometimes we miss it big time, but then at times we get it right, and that’s a beautiful teaching moment. Being a mama is truly a joy and a privilege to walk by faith, and I know being teachable is imperative. I’m so thankful for the Lords guidance in all, surely He will see you through every step of the way. 

The Holy Spirit is my teacher, and may use others to teach me, but He will always be my true source of wisdom. The Lord can help us to protect and treasure their hearts. Seek Him in parenting for the wisdom to remain faithful and not formulated. 

Blessings.

Trust

Trust is defined having confidence, faith or hope in someone or something Hope is the feeling of an expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen in your life. When we have hope we see the outcome that makes life better; that is pure trust. Its expecting the unexpected. Its believing for something even when things don’t make sense,.Placing your Hope (trust) in the Lord takes courage and strength. Hope is resting on Gods promises, as they are always, yes and amen… Hope in Him today… 

Trust that He has a perfect plan for your life! 

God loves you… 

Hurdles

Life is filled with hurdles, yet hope can rise up when you are able to set your sights high. When life seems like a BIG hurdle, take a deep breath. Remind yourself of all that you've already overcome, and remember there is incredible potential that lies within you. With hope as your compass, take that first step forward, and just breathe. You may be surprised at just how far it can take you. The Lord is always there ready and waiting to see you through the journey. Taking time to bask in His presence is always worth the effort. Just yesterday I was telling someone to not give up, and just know things will work out. Hold onto hope! Their reply, was will it? You see, lately the world is so full of fear, hate and loss and we tend to forget about the fact that God is with us. John 3:17 states, "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. We live, move and have our being in Him. Taking a moment to pray and reflect on His goodness is the best thing we can do. Would you take a moment and call upon Him, He is there waiting. He loves you… blessings. 

Instruments 🎹

Instruments are used throughout Gods Word on many different occasions. There are cymbals, pipes, harps, tambourines, flutes, lyres, shofars and even bells were sewn on priestly robes. The shofar is a horn, traditionally made of either a ram or goat. It wasn’t used to play music but to sound a signal or alarm. Instrumental sounds are used to sing praise, dance for joy, prepare for battle, comfort those at funerals and other events throughout history. 

We are Gods living instruments, and we are to set the example of His peace. I’d say today, the world needs a whole lot more this kind of harmony. 

What instrument do you represent? 

In seeking to be an instrument of His peace I must surely put on love. 

Lord today, may I settle to worship You and seek to make peace, to be made ready as m the day is at hand. May we all seek Him in this hour and in this day. Let God arise and  His enemies be scattered. 🎼 🎵 🎶 

(‘Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise! Psalm 95:1-2)

Blessings.  ✍️ 9/14/24