Faith Can Move Mountains

Day 62 is here and we have so much to learn from past devotionals and reflections that this should highlight what God truly wants for his children. Let's get ready to dig deeper........... Day 62~ Living within A Margin~ Our scripture reading comes from 1 Chronicles 23:25, " For David said, The Lord, the God of Israel has given peace and rest to his people." Many past devotionals have been hitting on this topic in so many different ways. It is important to start living within a margin in our daily lives. The definition of margin as a noun is to edge or border something like flower beds. Margin as a verb is providing with an edge or border. The definition changes in our actions. It takes discipline and self-control to learn how to be effective with our time so we won't be overwhelmed or frustrated. I'm either way too early or flying in at the last minute. Like skidding into my grave. My best friend Liz would always tell me to be some place 15 minutes ea

Welcome to day 61 as we continue with our devotional reading and reflection. We have traveled a long ways, so now we are making our way down this mountain but let's sit for a moment to look at our prayer life. Day 61 ~ Keeping a Prayer Journal~ Our scripture comes from Ephesians 6:18, " Pray in the Spirit always with all kinds of prayer and supplication. To that end be alert with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints." Many people struggle with developing a prayer life. Many feel you have to speak fluent languages and to be full of knowledge. We can easily get frustrated and confused. Satan loves to keep us from praying. I have heard that less is always better. I sometimes go over board because I want every single detail. While attending college, whenever I did presentations, I would make sure that every detail was made known. Some of my classmates would give me feedback that I didn't need to elaborate off of what I already had on my slides.

Welcome to day 60 with our daily devotional reading and reflection based on our discussion based on Joyce Meyer's book, " 100 Ways to Simplify Your Life." Today is a beautiful day. Like many of you, we have so much that needs to be done but have no clue where to begin. ~ Day 60 ~ Organize~ Our scripture reading comes from Proverbs 31:27, " She looks well to how things go in her household, and the bread of idleness ( gossip, discontent, and self-pity) she will not eat." Learning how to be more organized can make your life less complicated. I have moments when I throw everything into a corner and wait a few days to take care of it. During that process, other things pile up and then I feel overwhelmed. It is difficult for many people who suffer from certain illnesses or diseases that limits their ability to maintain. If I decide not to go to the gym one day, I end up missing a whole week. Then my goal of maintaining my weight gets off track and then I st

Welcome to day 59 as we continue with our devotional reading and reflection based off of Joyce Meyer's book, " 100 Ways to Simplify Your Life." Today's devotional is talking about buying some time. Many wonder how can we buy time when we are only given 24 hours a day. We are also have to be mindful that we aren't promised tomorrow either. Ronald Reagan said it best, " Surround yourself with the best people you can find, delegate authority, and don't interfere as long as the policy you've decided upon is being carried out." Let's go deeper with God...... Day 59 ~ Buy Some Time~ Our scripture reading comes from Ecclesiastes 3:1, " To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven." The last few years I have noticed how fast the time flies compared to when I was a child. It seemed like summer vacation lasted forever until school started again. I remember how much I wanted to be an adult

Welcome to day 58 as we continue our devotional reading and reflection according to our discussion through Joyce Meyer's, " 100 Ways to Simplify Your Life." It is amazing the accomplishment we have done so far. Every day there is something new to learn and to apply to our lives. Let's see what is in store for today. ~ Day 58 ~ Plan Ahead~ Our scripture reading comes from Proverbs 16:9, " A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure." So many times people feel overwhelmed with things in life is because they really don't plan ahead for anything and just go by what they think. Many said we shouldn't worry about tomorrow but this has nothing to do with that. We all have agendas that we have to face everyday. How do you accomplish your tasks? You plan ahead. If you want to go on vacation, you have to consider a few things before just going on vacation. I am facing a decision about going for my Master's

Welcome to day 57 as we continue through devotional reading and reflection as we are discussing Joyce Meyer's book, " 100 ways to Simplify Your Life." We have covered so much ground work as we have traveled this faith mountain journey. We are slowly making our way back down the mountain that we are going to pace ourselves because once we are finished with this journey, we have to live it. ~ Day 57~ Don't Let Work Pile Up~ Our scripture reading comes from Acts 20:35, " In everything I have pointed out to you [ by example] that, by working diligently in this manner, we ought to assist the weak, being mindful of the words of the Lord Jesus, how He Himself said, It is more blessed (makes one happier and more to be envied) to give than receive." I have to admit that this is a serious problem of mine. I have so many projects started and never really finished them. I also have so many books to read, instruments around, and old papers to clear out! This i

Welcome to day 56 as we continue to discuss our journey through Joyce Meyer's book, " 100 Ways to Simplify Your Life." We discussed in the previous devotion about we are so quick to accept anything that we receive through any form of information. We are on overload. When do you stop the merry- go- around cycle? Day 56~ Don't Answer Every Call~ Our scripture reading comes from 1 Corinthians 7:34, " And he is drawn in diverging directions [his interests are divided and he is distracted from his devotion to God]." We have this thing call cell phones. They are pretty much everyone number 1 item on them. I remembered when I first moved down here, I actually bought a cell phone and I barely used it caused it was worthless for those I could call back home. I did come handy for here though when I needed something. As things got better with technology we have smart phones that was invented to help replace laptops. Now it is more affordable to have a cell p

Welcome to day 55 as we continue to travel through our discussion on Joyce Meyer's book, " 100 Ways to Simplify Your Life." We are slowly turning the peak of this mountain. There is so much on this journey to learn but these are so important. Remember when everyone started getting emails and how fast we ran when these words came across......." You've Got Mail......." Day 55~ You've Got Mail Mentality~ Our scripture reading comes from Proverbs 4:15," Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way." I remember when my cousin gave me their old computer when I lived in New York. I had it all set up to do the dial up Internet. I was tickled pink when these words came across, " You've got mail," and would run to check my emails only to discover it was JUNK MAIL! Today it is even worse with technology we have smart phones, laptops, tablets, and smart notebooks. We can check everything at our finger tips. I have

Welcome to day 54 with our devotional and reflection as we continue our discussion through Joyce Meyers book, " 100 ways to Simplify Your Life." We are learning each new day how we can simplify our life. Majority of the time is first changing ourselves. We are the issue! Let's get deeper! Day 54~ Don't Overestimate Yourself~ Our scripture reading comes from Proverbs 29:23, " A man's pride will bring him low, but he who is of a humble spirit will obtain honor."  We have issues with understanding that it is OKAY TO BELIEVE IN YOURSELF! There is this thing called pride that easily likes to sneak in. PRIDE is defined to be the feeling satisfaction in one's achievement. We seek that acceptance from others in our gifts and talents. We want their approval. We seek attention. HUMBLE is defined to be showing submissive demeanor of our own importance. This is a slippery slope for many. We see it all the time through movie stars, singers and even tho

Welcome to day 53 devotional and reflection as we continue our discussion through Joyce Meyer's book, " 100 ways to Simplify Your Life." We are going to discuss peace and try to expand the knowledge of what we already know but make it 3D affect! Let's start............ Day 53~ Be Easy to Get Along With~ Our scripture reading comes from 2 Corinthians 13:11, " Be of the same [agreeable] mind one with another; live in peace , and [then] the God of love [Who is the Source of affection, goodwill, love, and benevolence toward men] and the Author and promoter of peace will be with you." This is a heavy verse but I am going to highlight the connection of this verse to magnify the importance of it: LIVE IN PEACE.  This is something I am learning how to strive for more peace in my life. I have to consider with dealing with people, I have to keep my attitude in line. That alone is the key behind living in peace. I have to admit, I have issues with OCD and I

Welcome to day 52 as we continue our devotional and reflection based on our discussion of Joyce Meyer's book, " 100 Ways to Simplify your Life." We all have faced different situations that we have lost the meaning behind what true perfectionism vs. excellence. Many of us truly do not understand the difference. Day 52~ Perfectionism vs. Excellence~ Our scripture reading comes from Philippians 2:5, " Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:]." This issue has always been difficult for me to grasp. Understanding the difference between perfectionism vs. Excellence. Many times I have been guilty of putting unrealistic expectations on myself and others at times. With unrealistic expectations we are allowing Satan the chance to steal our peace and joy. Perfectionism is defined as a refusal to accept any standard short of perfection. Many religions have a philosophy that the

Welcome to day 51 with our devotional and reflection reading as we continue our discussion through Joyce Meyer's book, "100 ways to simplify your life." This a stopping point in our journey as we took a deep breathe just to reflect on God and His majesty. Our life................ Day 51~ Don't be Complicated~ Our scripture reading comes from Psalm 116:6, " The Lord preserves the simple: I was brought low, and He helped and saved me." This is one of those moments where God is looking at you square in the face. DON'T MAKE IT MORE COMPLICATED THAN YOU NEED TO! That's it you guys! Breathe! It's simple. Yes I am they one who over thinks about everything. Every detail. I am worst at making decisions when I am clothes shopping. I am looking for something particular. I have been known to buy a style shirt in different colors. Take them home decide which ones I truly like and then return them. I know most of you just whispered, " At least yo

Welcome to day 50 in our spiritual journey up our mountain of faith as we continue our discussion on Joyce Meyer's book, " 100 ways to simplify your life." As you remember as I started this blog page, i talked about climbing a physical mountain. As you joined with me each day, I was taking you on a spiritual journey up a mountain. I love how God unfolds His story. Let's find out. Day 50~ Control Your Thoughts~ Our scripture reading comes from Zephaniah 2:1, " Collect your thoughts, yes, unbend yourselves." If you have ever had the privilege to climb a physical mountain, than you can relate to seeing the true beauty from the top and the process you had to endure to reach it. We had to prepare physically for our hiking trip with water, nourishment, proper footwear, and guidance. No different than climbing a spiritual mountain. Our water throughout this process was understanding who Jesus is. He is our LIVING WATER. With our relationship with God, He

Welcome to day 49 in our devotional and reflection as we continue our discussion with Joyce Meyer's book, " 100 ways to simplify your life." So many times we are so consumed in what people think or our assumption of what one thinks of us. This is a trap that Satan likes to use daily. Day 49 ~ Let Go~ Our scripture reading comes from Ephesians 6:13, " Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." This scripture within itself is very powerful. We do not realize the damage we are doing to ourselves when we put pressure on ourselves to prove to others that we aren't what they think we are. We get caught up in trying to either please people or we strive for perfection easily either through work, home, church, or school. We want out do and above. This is a cycle that keeps Satan in control of you like a hamster in a wheel. You will start to b

Welcome to day 48 devotional and reflection as we continue our discussion through Joyce Meyer's book, " 100 ways to simplify your life." We are facing a lot of issues with separation in many different forms throughout this world. The media likes to create atmosphere for many of us to get on a ban wagon. As Christians we need to make a better example of what God truly wants for his people by displaying what it means to have a broad circle of inclusion. Day 48 ~ Broad Circle of Inclusion~ Our scripture reading is from 1 Peter, 4:8, " Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [ forgives and disregards the offenses of others]." With working with children for over 20 years I have been taught to include every student in the class. No matter color, gender, handicap, or nationality. They were considered my class. I had some crazy classes I will be honest but those classes taught me a lesson. We have

Welcome to day 47 devotional and reflection reading as we continue our discussion with our journey through Joyce Meyer's book," 100 ways to simplify your life." Today has gone by past and this particular one was strong to fully understand how to fully handle how to trust God to change other people. Day 47 ~ Trusting God  to Change People~ Our scripture reading comes from Psalm 34:8, " O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good! Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him." This is really a heart issue that not only regards to others but ourselves. Our relationships fail when we try to change other people to act and think like we do. This causes anxiety among your family, friends, and yourself. This is a difficult one to discuss without stepping on anyone's toes but it's time to tare back that old rug we keep sweeping things under. It is difficult dealing with a negative person all the time. You k

Welcome to day 46 with our devotional and reflection as we continue our journey through Joyce Meyer's book, " 100 ways to simplify your life." Day 46~ Trust God~ Our scripture reading comes from 1 Corinthians 15:10, " But by the grace ( the unmerited favor and blessing) of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not [found to be] for nothing (fruitless and without effect). In fact, I worked harder than all of them [the apostles], though it was not really I, but the grace (the unmerited favor and blessing) of God which was with me." It is so difficult at times to fully trust God with everything that comes around. How often do we try to change the circumstances? We just make them more complicated! God is in control of all things and I have learned that it is a waste of time to try to fix it or control it. I was looking forward to this weekend because my classmates and I were planning on getting pictures done for graduation. We were planning on j

Welcome to day 45 in our devotional and reflection as we continue our discussion through  Joyce Meyer's book , " 100 ways to simplify your life." We are halfway there to the top of this mountain journey! I am excited to share with your that view spiritually in a few days! Isn't God good?  Day 45 ~ Don't Fret over Evildoers~ Our scripture reading comes from Psalm 37:1, " Fret not yourself because of evildoers, neither be envious against those who work unrighteousness (that which is not upright or in right standing with God.)" We have to realize we live in evil times. With events that have played out across this world within the last 10 years has been made clear to me. Paul warned Timothy this in 2 Timothy 3 :1 - 5, " But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud,abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slande

Welcome to day 44 with our devotional and reflection with our discussion from Joyce Meyer's book, " 100 ways to simplify your life." God is good! He is worthy to be praised! What more can I say! Day 44~ Pray about Everything~ Our scripture reading comes from Ephesians 6:18, " Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people)." So you want a simpler life? How often are you talking to God? This is important just like every relationship we have. If we say he is First, then why aren't we communicating with him about everything. I have found out the hard way of not praying to God first before doing something. It caused a lot of grief for me but God did turn it around for me. I learned through that lesson not to based decisions based on feelings and opinion

Welcome to day 43 with our devotional and reflection as we continue our discussion through Joyce Meyer's book, " 100 ways to simplify your life." This is getting closer to the halfway mark in our discussions. I hope that everyone has been blessed through either one of these devotionals. I know I have personally learned a few new things myself as I am writing! God is Good! Day 43~ Count the Cost~ Our scripture reading comes from James 5: 12, " But above all [things], my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath; but let your yes be [a simple] yes, and your no be [a simple] no, so that you may not sin and fall under condemnation." This is one of my favorite verses. Matter fact , it is one that I have written down on note cards, journals and highlighted in my bibles. This is where a lot of us get stuck doing things because we feel obligated because someone in our family feels that it is important. Other times we just do so

Welcome to day 42 in our devotional and reflection through our discussion with Joyce Meyer's book, "100 ways to simplify your life." I am so grateful to be able to share with you the goodness about my God. There is so much more to know of him that many of us are barely scrapping the surface. Day 42 ~ Being Thankful~ Our scripture reading comes from Psalm 7:17, " I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High." Today God gave me a double whammy with this one as an important reminder. Being thankful in all circumstances does ease things in your life. Whenever we get caught up in a situation, are we finding ourselves to complain first or being thankful to God? I am asking this because we have seen what negative feelings of a situation can do verses a positive! God's word tells us in so many ways to be thankful instead of finding fault. If we glance at Philippians 2:14, " D