Resting in Psalms 23 (part 1)

So Mom... Here's the thing!  I'm sorry I was ever in such a rush to grow up. You made adulting look a lot easier than it really is. This is officially a cry for help.   Love, me.

Every adult I know has had one of those moments/days/weeks where life became overwhelming.  This moment/day/week is usually followed by an epiphany that this is exactly what you wanted, what you asked for, what you thought would be the best thing ever!  We couldn't wait until adulthood.  Now, to be honest, I sometimes feel as if having a little extra money would resolve all of the complications of adulthood... and though a bit of cash would definitely make certain problems go away, it certainly won't fix every ought I have with this whole situation.  There's so much to do, I could also use a couple extra hours in a day.  And I certainly could use some extra sleep... so, how about a couple of extra hours in the night?  Adulthood is hard.

Responsibilities.  Bills.  Work.  It sounded much more fun as a 9th grade project in Mrs. Tyler's Business and Personal Finance class... I enjoyed balancing Jane Doe's checkbook... but, I can't ever seem to balance my own.

I think there's so much more to it... Someone somewhere tried to make us believe that we had to have it all together.  That we had to know how to master adulthood after a two week training period or something.  That high school, college, etc. would prepare us for the reality of life in the real world.

Nope.  The only thing that's going to prepare us for life is life.

Even the best life skills class is going to leave something out.  It's certainly no one's fault... It's just a part of life!  Every experience we have is purposeful. [  "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28)." ]  And though all experiences are purposeful, if you're like me, from time to time you get stuck between the problems in life and the purpose it will serve!

For example, I want to know how to budget (purpose), but I don't want to my monthly expenses to be so tight that I must be disciplined in my spending (problem).

For example,  I want to reach my fullest potential (purpose), but I don't want to be stretched outside of my comfort zone (problem).

Anyway, the Lord has led me to walk very slowly through a familiar passage of Scripture.  They contain principles that I've learned and am still learning...  I hope this helps someone!
 
1)    "The LORD is my shepherd..." - Psalm 23:1a

The LORD is my shepherd.  My boss is not my shepherd.  My friends are not my shepherds.  My significant other is not my shepherd.  My paycheck isn't my shepherd.  Even though the Lord places other things and people in place on earth to use as avenues to provide, we must forever remember that He is the source!  The LORD is my shepherd.

2)  "... I lack nothing."  -Psalm 23:1b 

'I shall not want' is the more commonly known version of the scripture.  I love the NIV translation of it because it breaks it down in such simple terms.  There's nothing that the Shepherd will leave us in need of.

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. “Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? “Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!” – Matthew 7:7-11  

Our Heavenly father loves us so much that he cares for us even more than our earthly father.  Just like the earthly father knows how to give good gifts to his children, how much more would the Father in heaven do???

“And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? “And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. “But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!”  - Matthew 6:27-30

The flowers are so beautiful.  And if God cares so much to clothe the grass with beauty though they'll be thrown away tomorrow, why should we expect less for ourselves?  There's nothing, Nothing, NOTHING that we need that the Lord is unable to provide.

3)  "He makes me lie down in green pastures..." - Psalm 23:2a

I have a hard time taking a break.  It's hard to slow down from life's busyness.  There is always something to do and always somewhere to be.  There is always opportunity to find something to keep me busy.  But, God has a tendency to slow me down when I start moving too fast.

Have you ever seen a toddler who recently learned how to walk?  They get so excited that hardly anything can stop them... Those legs get to moving and before you realize it, they're legs are moving faster than their body can balance and they end up falling over.  Sometimes God stops us before we fall.  Sometimes God allows us to fall and comforts us through the pain of it.

4) "He leads me beside quiet waters..."  - Psalm 23:2b

'Well, that doesn't sound exciting.  That doesn't sound fun and adventurous.  God, I thought you had more for my life.  God, I thought we were going on wonders and adventures... God, I thought you had more for me than quiet waters...'

Sometimes, that's how I think.  At times, my expectations of God's will for my life do not reflect His will, but my own.  God does indeed have marvelous plans for me, but why would He lead me to the White House if He cannot lead me to the waters?  Why would God give me a platform if I will not accept from Him the peace He has for me?  We cannot want the public excitement without the private impartation.

"But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you." -Matthew 6:6

"But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray."  -Luke 5:16

If anybody should be leading prayer and standing on the mountain top all day, every day, I'd say Jesus is the one.  However, if even He thought it was important to slip away and pray, how much more should I?

Don't run from those seasons of quiet and isolation.  Maybe the Lord wants to get you to a place where he can settle you, calm you and then refresh you...

5)  "He refreshes my soul." - Psalm 23:3a

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." -Matthew 11:29

Our souls are restored, strengthened and refreshed when we find rest in the sovereignty of the Savior.  No, we may have not all of the answers and life may not be perfect.  But, we know who does have the answers and we know who is perfect.  We may be constantly reaching and striving towards a goal, but if we do not continuously feed our spirits, we will only find ourselves exhausted as we pour and pour and pour out.

"Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." - Psalm 26:10

Yes, your goals are important.  But not more important than God.  Yes, your dream is big. But it isn't bigger than God.  Don't ever forget that God is God.  And He will be exalted in our lives above anything else by any means necessary.

I hope that this was a blessing to you.  It's been a while since I've written.  But, I've been thinking of you all.  Don't forget to follow me on Social Media.

Love you and praying that God would bless you always!

Ricki

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Happy Birthday to Me! 23! Golden year....

Just in case you missed it, today is my 23rd birthday.  That's right, I'm only 23 years old.  But, I've had a very intense month so far... I'd rather not go into much detail, but I've been getting tested in every area of my life.  Every heart string I have has been pulled.

Here are a few highlights, though!

1) Beach trip with my bestie!  I was about to hit the road by my lonesome and take a trip to the beach. But, best friends don't let best friends take beach trips alone... Okay, there are exceptions to the rule!  Look at that ocean.   Me and Brittany go wayy back to Hyatt Park Elementary School & Ridgewood Baptist Church.  That's my girl & She always comes through!  We had a blast!

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina - 8/20/2016

2)  Ulta freebie!  I had gone to the brow bar at Ulta a while back and ended up buying a brow pomade that I never even opened.  Meanwhile, I had been dreammming about the Dual Action Cleansing Brush system -->  here.  So I went to exchange it and ended up getting this free make up goodie bag.  Everybody likes free stuff!!!


3)  Gone Preachin!!!  Sunday morning I was blessed with the opportunity to preach at my brother's church.  He was on vacation while awaiting the arrival of his beautiful wife's beautiful baby girl.

4)  My Birthday - 8/23 !!!  All of my bosses wore pink because I deemed it Pink Day!!!  My brother bought a cake to my job.  Then they threw me a shindig that afternoon at work!!!  How cool... Evidence?  You know I got it!

5)  Pink Day became Pink Week for me!!! 

It was a great week!  I was shown so much love by God through people around me!  I hope you enjoyed looking at the results of it.  Happy Birthday to me!!! Let's make this year the best year!

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Nothing is wasted...

Last night I assembled this graphic.  The Lord told me that nothing in my life would be wasted. Specifically time.  We can't get time back... at least not in the natural. But, the Lord told me that the if I look for Him with my natural eye, I'll miss Him.  His restoration in the spirit realm will also have physical manifestations, but I have to put faith on it (spiritual) because it isn't yet visible (natural).

Today, family, I am SO struggling to align my emotions with my convictions.  It's crazy.  Literally the day after God spoke this into my heart, the enemy has rushed in to challenge it.

In this moment all I can do is pray!

"Lord, help me to believe what You've spoken.  Your words are good.  Your promises are good.  Not only are they good in nature, but they are good in intent.   They are good to be fulfilled.  You've never lied to me.  You've never made a promise that You couldn't fulfill.  I know You can restore.  Help my heart to know that You will restore.  Lord, help me to trust You.  God, help me to work through the growing pains of life and the growing pains of Christianity.  I understand that nothing takes you by surprise.  Help me.  Ease my heart.  Mend my wounded spirit.  God, draw me closer to You.  Restore what looks lost.  Return what feels stolen.  Renew my joy and hope.  Help me to refocus and re-align myself with you.  In this season, all I can do is pray.  In this season, it seems like that's all You want me to do anyway.  I hear You, Lord.  I will obey.  In Jesus' name. Amen!"

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God does NOT compete. Period!

Have you ever been in a relationship or a friendship with someone that you didn't spend enough time with? Or maybe you spent a significant amount of time in their physical space, but not in their mental space?  Have you ever been in a one sided relationship?   Maybe you do things together, but it feels forced or lacks genuineness?  I'm sure that's not ideally how you want it to be!

Just like you, God feels the same way!

You say you love God, but you don't spend time with Him.  You want to talk to Him and get things off of your chest... But you don't take the time to listen to Him when He speaks to you.  Neither do you open your Bible to read what He has already spoken to you.  Even when you do hear the Lord or read your Word, you don't even follow His instructions to you!

If you were in a relationship with someone like that, you'd lose patience very quickly.

HOW DO YOU THINK GOD FEELS?

God isn't going to fight for your attention!  God isn't going to MAKE you love Him!  God does not compete!!!

I recently switched to my cell phone carrier to Verizon.  The sales associate and I were talking and he admitted that Verizon is a bit pricier than other phone companies.  But, he was very unapologetic.  He said that because of the quality of Verizon's service, they were not fighting for customers, therefore, they were going to charge what they wanted.  Verizon knows Verizon's worth.

God isn't going devalue Himself by forcing Himself on you.  God is a gentleman.  He's not going to break open the doors of your heart and let Himself in... He'll come in if invited!  And even if you say you love Him, your actions must show it.  Love is what it does!  God knows God's worth.  He's not going to compete with other things and people in your life.

Some of us treat our pet, our friend, our significant other better than we treat God!

Shame on us!  God deserves to be our priority.  He shouldn't have to fight for our love or affection.  He shouldn't fight for the number one spot in our hearts.

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25 Ways to Pray for Your Child's Teacher

As we prepare for another school year, I think we need to keep in mind that our children spend more of their time with some of their teachers than they do with us. I know... It's hard sometimes, but it's okay! We're going to pray for our teachers to use their influence in the best way possible!!!

HERE ARE SOME WAYS FOR US TO PRAY FOR TEACHERS

1.      Pray for their motives.  That teaching isn’t just a job, but a calling to them.  That they aren’t just making ends meet, but they’re making a difference. 

2.      Pray for their minds.  That they’re ready and prepared for another year.  You prayed all year for the school year to start again just so that your kids would no longer get on your nerves... now they're the teachers' nerve problem.  I'm just saying. 

3.      Pray for their health.  Sick days can mess up a teaching schedule… Ain’t nobody got time for that.

4.      Pray for their strength.  We all get weak sometimes.  You get weak with your children, imagine having 15+ in a class.  Now imagine having 4-7 different sets of students each day.

5.      Pray for their emotions.  Not only because of day to day life, but let’s face it: kids can be cruel.  Pray, saints! Pray!

6.      Pray for the pressure to be relieved.  Standardized testing is the worst.  Not only for the students, but for the teachers as well.  They literally have to shape their teaching around it.

7.      Pray for their confidence.  No, the success of a teacher is not solely based on how many students pass this particular test. Not every student tests well.  

8.      Pray for them to have the ability to communicate well to their students.  No yelling.  No attitude.  No personal vendettas. No favoritism.  No proving points. No making examples. No confusion of expectations.  None of that.  Clarity.

9.      Pray for them to have the ability to communicate well to you, the parents. Calling home when necessary.  But, no unnecessary calls home.  Keeping you informed.  Keeping you up to date.  Clarity.  Peace.

10.  Pray for them to find joy in their job.  Not everyone teaches because they love to, or still love to.  Pray that daily their joy would be renewed.  It’s a stressful job, pray that their joy would balance out the stress.

11.  Pray for them to be fulfilled by the work they do.  Everyone wants to spend their days doing what fulfills them.  They’re changing lives for the better or the worse.  Pray that they will be fulfilled by their job.

12.  Pray that they would change lives for the better.  You never know the effect you will have on someone.  Pray for positivity. 

13.  Pray for their families.  If they’re having issues at home, unfortunately, they may take it out on your children. No one wants that.  Peace, in Jesus’ name.

14.  Pray for their colleagues.  Not everything that happens in a classroom is under the control of the teacher.  Administrators and principals require certain things as well… pray for unity in the faculty and staff.

15.  Pray for provision.  You never know how much money the teacher will spend to create an environment where learning can be maximized.  Money doesn’t grow on trees for you OR for them. 

16.  Pray for encouragement.  We all get weary sometimes.  We all need encouragement sometimes.

17.  Pray for their planning period.  Not every teacher gets to use their planning period every day. Some teachers have to use that time as a counselor for that student who got kicked out of the class down the hall.  Some teachers have to use that time to substitute for that teacher who had to leave early.  Pray for their time not to fly by.  Pray that it’ll strengthen them and be all they need each day.

18.  Pray for their knowledge.  That it would be increased.  As they grow, your kids will grow.

19.  Pray for their ability to relate.  No one likes a boring teacher.  No one wants to feel like they can’t relate to their teacher.  The students who like their teachers do better in their classes.

20.  Pray for renewal.  They aren’t necessarily the same person they were last year.  They don’t have to be if they don’t want to be.  Each year is a new year. 

21.  Pray for first time teachers. Don’t insult them.  Don’t scare them.  Pray for them.  They’re just as afraid to teach your child as you might be.  However, they’re probably going to work harder than those teachers that have been teaching for 25-30 years.

22.  Pray for their discernment.  Little Johnny may have to use the bathroom a lot… he may or may not have a bladder problem.  Pray for your teacher to learn the difference.

23.  Pray for their motivation.  How many times do YOU hit the snooze button in the morning?  Pray that they won’t even have the desire to.

24.  Pray for their protection. People are crazy these days. Believe it or not, teachers need protection from every from kids going off and throwing chairs to parents getting mad and paying a visit to the school house to try and take their job.

25.  Pray for their relationship with God.  At the end of the day, our teachers need to be rooted and grounded in God.  Your kids drive you to prayer… so imagine how much more prayer these teachers need!  Pray that our teachers would be drawn closer to God.  Pray that they will fall in love with Jesus and allow Him to shine so brightly through them.  Pray for the anointing of Jesus, who was also a teacher, to fall afresh on them!

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8/7/16 SUNDAY SCHOOL RECAP

Sooo... I have to tell y'all about Sunday School yesterday. First of all, I really struggle with CONSISTENCY.  I start things all the time, get obsessed with it and then I never finish it.  I start projects that I never complete.  I get excited about a diet, a work out routine, a game, and I go really hard at it for a while and then my excitement peters out...

I can start a race, but I struggle to finish it.

I can start a diet, but I struggle to continue.

Well, this month in Sunday School at my church, Dr. Edmonds (one of the ministers at our church) is teaching on The Spirit of Consistency, Discipline, Faith and Love!  And The Lord is absolutely whipping me because those are areas that I struggle in.  *rolls eyes at the Lord*

The Lord is consistent.  Numbers 23:19 speaks to God's consistency:  “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son ofman, that He should repent; Has He said, and will Henot do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?"

Ideally, if anyone has a right to change, it would be God.  But He doesn't change.  He remains the same.  He remains consistent.

Dr. Edmonds encouraged us on yesterday morning to be:
1) consistent in our conduct (1 John 2:1-6),
2) consistent in our thoughts (Philippians 4:7-13),
3) consistent in our prayer (Psalm 145:17-19),
4) consistent in our meditation (Psalm 19:14), and
5) consistent in our anointing (1 John 2:27).

I may have missed a few things... but this is what I didn't miss.  It really hit me.  So,  I just thought I would pass it along.

If you're like me, and you struggle especially with consistency, the Lord is speaking to you just as loud as He was speaking to me.  I need to be consistent.  You need to be consistent.  In every area of our lives.

Join me in making a change to become consistent!  Also, join us next week at Rhema for Prayer at 10:00am, Sunday School at 10:30am and Worship service at 11:30am.  Or on Tuesday nights for Prayer at 7:00pm and Bible Study at 7:30pm!!!

Shout out to Dr. Vernetta Edmonds for being led by the Lord to beat me up & show me where I need to line up!

Lord, help us today to be consistent.  We can be tempted to change with the world, fads, trends... but, help us to model after Your consistency!!!  

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Hold to God's Unchanging Hand

"Time is filled with swift transitions."   There's an old hymn that begins with that line... The song speaks of the constant transitions of the world AND the remaining consistency of God.  We constantly move from here to there.  People change.  Situations change.  Circumstances change.  Desires change.  Dreams change.  Jobs change.  Relationships change.

And when we base our joy on the situations around us, we will find our joy, too constantly changing.
 The first verse of the song rings like this, "Time is filled with swift transition, naught of earth unmoved can stand, build your hopes on things eternal, hold to God's unchanging hand."


Because time is constantly moving and with it comes various changes, the song writer reminds us that if something is at some point all things are going to pass away... So we must build our hope on things eternal and hold to God's unchanging hand.

Here are some scriptures that help me to remain steadfast in the consistent love of Christ regardless of the situation:

1. God's faithfulness remains.  "God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?"  - Numbers 23:19
2. God's will always be true to Himself.  "If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself."  - 2 Timothy 2:13
3. God will keep His covenant.  "Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments;" - Deuteronomy 7:9  
4. When all else fails, we have the Word of God.  "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away."  -Matthew 24:35
5. God's word is forever.   "Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven." - Psalm 119:89
6. God's word will not return to Him void.  "So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it."  - Isaiah 55:11
7. God's word will stand forever. "The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever." - Isaiah 40:8

Jesus loves you!

So do I,

Ricki

Lord, help us to only hold to Your unchanging hand.  When life around us is filled with transitions and changes, help us to find hope and faith in the never changing and never failing word of God.  Help us to build our hopes on You.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

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Live Forgiven

Photo used with permission of Alfreda Funnye Photography
(more info below)

I was watching a television show with my boyfriend this past weekend.  One of the characters on the show was preparing to get married and the day before her wedding, she agreed to meet with the man who had been serving years of prison time for murdering her family... Wow!  That's heavy, right?  I know. She basically told him that he didn't deserve forgiveness for the things that he had done... I was watching that show and in my head and heart I said,

"Wow!  I'm glad that she's not God and I'm glad that God is not like her!"

I've not been in the situation that she was in.  I've been hurt before, but not to that degree.  I've hurt someone before, though not to that magnitude.  I wouldn't dare walk around as if I've never hurt anyone else.  More importantly, I won't act as if I've never hurt God.

When Jesus was hanging on the cross, a perfect and sinless man, He hung between two thieves.  One mocked Him while the other confessed faith in Him.  He had been beaten and tormented. And the soldiers who had His blood on their hands were not the least bit phased or concerned about what they were doing.  Though His flesh was weak and He was near death, Jesus made a powerful statement:  "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."  WOW!

If Jesus, who was perfect and sinless can forgive the men who beat Him, mocked Him, made a spectacle of Him, ultimately killing him.  If Jesus can ask His heavenly father for forgiveness on their behalf, how much more should we forgive others that have hurt us?  How much more should we forgive ourselves?

Peter once asked Jesus, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven." (Matt. 18:21-22) Jesus said that we should forgive someone 70 x 7... but of course no one is going to sit and count how many times they forgive someone.  But that's the point... Jesus says you keep on forgiving.

I know what you're thinking, it's too much.  'I can't forgive that person.  And I certainly cannot forgive them again.'  'You don't know what they did to me!'  'You don't understand how they hurt me.' I don't know, you're right.  But God knows.  He said in His word "For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions." (Matt. 6:14-15)   When people say that forgiveness is for  you, that's the truth in more ways than one.  You not only free your mind from that torment, but you free your spirit, too.  If you can't forgive others, God will not forgive you!  OUCH!  I know. That's tough, but it's in the Book.

Not only should you consider the fact that you want to be forgiven, but please remember that God forgave you.  The ONLY perfect man was Jesus.  We have all sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God.  In order for you to be here today, you had to have been forgiven.  The grace of God kept you.  Scripture says, "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." (Eph. 4:31-32)  There's nothing you've done to earn forgiveness.  But, only because of Christ's work on the cross has God forgiven you.

It's not too late.

You're not too far gone.

God isn't mad at you.

God still loves you!

God wants to forgive you... He's waiting for you to ask!

It's time for us to live forgiven!

Lord, help me to be free today from the pain of my past and present situations.  Let me not be like the girl from the tv show who thought someone else didn't deserve forgiveness.  Thank you for forgiving me anyway.  If there's anything I've done to hurt someone, myself or hurt you, please forgive me.  Cleanse me from all unrighteousness... Help me to live free.  Help me to live... forgiven. In Jesus' name, Amen.  

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Here are the details on the graphic used for this post.  All photo credit goes to Alfreda Funnye of Alfreda Funnye Photography, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  The text was added by me.  Check out more of her work by clicking here!

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Still Satisfied

Photographer: Christine Benz
Model:  Mylea Hardy
(more information below)

We live in a society where not many people stay content for very long.  Everyone is always trying to move and shake and get on to whatever is bigger and better.  No one stays still for too long.  WE (myself included) often get to that 'next level' we so desired to be at and then soon grow restless there like we grew restless in the place we just left.  There are many factors that contribute to this.  Philippians 4:11-12, Paul talks about how he's been in various situations and circumstances, but through all of it, he's learned how to be content. "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need."

Feelings of inadequacy can create restlessness and dissatisfaction.  When there's some area of your life that causes you to feel like you don't measure up or that you're not where you should be or who you should be, you begin to constantly compare yourself to other people.  You assume that they're lives are perfect based on their social media accounts, their pictures, or the stories they tell.  (As if everyone shares the not so perfect stuff first.)  You get so caught up in someone else's life that you forget how you longed for this place.  You forget how you prayed for this job.  You forget how you prayed for this relationship.  You forget how you prayed for this car...  That's where we have to draw the line.

Constantly comparing your life to someone else's will only cause you to forget what you have been blessed with.

2 Corinthians 3:5 tells us that "our adequacy is from God!"  So, you'll always be inadequate without the Lord.  He gives us everything that we need in every season of our lives.

Feelings of anxiety can create restlessness and dissatisfaction.  Anxiety can creep into many areas of your life.  Life is filled with issues, bills, transitions, emergencies, you name it.  Even the most steady of believers may deal with anxiety from time to time.  It starts by entertaining a thought that worries you.  Then you rehearse various possible outcomes in your mind.  Then the enemy causes you to doubt promises that God has for you.  And before you know it, you're focused more on your anxieties than the one who has instructed you not to be anxious.

When we focus more on our anxieties than on God, we make our problems bigger than we make God.  God is bigger. God is bigger.  God is bigger.

Philippians 4:6 tells us, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."  Give it to God.  He can do more with it than you can anyway!

Feelings of loneliness can create restlessness and dissatisfaction.   Have you ever felt like a relationship was going to solve all of your problems?  If I had a friend to hang out with, I wouldn't be so lonely.  If I had a boyfriend, I wouldn't feel so alone.  If my relationship with family members wasn't so bad, I'd be happy.  WRONG!  I don't mean to negate the significance of relationships.  I believe God made us relational and there are things we need from other people that we can't get on our own.  However, when we idolize those relationships and desire a connection with people more than we desire a connection with God, we are in error.  God desires to have our hearts.  God desires to have true fellowship and companionship with Him.  Our relationship with God should be the only relationship that controls our contentment... We should be resting in Him. I'm truly in love with my boyfriend.  I know that the Lord has us together for a purpose.  But I have had to come to the point that regardless of my relationship status, I'm still satisfied.  Whether I have a boyfriend or not.  Whether I have a lot of friends or not.  Whether I'm surrounded by people or not.  Whether I'm PMSing or not (uhh, well, I'm still working on that!).

Putting your contentment in the hand of anyone but God is dangerous business.  No one knows your heart like Him, so no one should hold your heart but Him.

James 4:8 says, "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."  Draw near to GOD. I know there are people you want to know, but in the grand scheme of things, it's better to have a relationship with God and no relationship with anyone else than having a relationship with anyone else & no relationship with God.  

Lord, help me to be satisfied no matter what state I'm in.  Help me to find my contentment in You.  Help me to rest in You.  Help me to know that it is because of You that I am where I am. Help me to trust this season and not get overwhelmed with comparing my current state to someone else's.  

Love you all!

Ricki 

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Here are the details on the graphic used for this post.  The picture was taken by Christine Benz of Christine Benz Photo.  The model is Miss Mylea Hardy. The text was added by me.  Check out more work from both of them at http://christinebenzphoto.com

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My Quiet Time Routine

(My KJV Journaling bible with my
personalized Bible Tabs & handmade
Book Ribbon) 

"How do you read your Bible?" 

"What do you do in your personal time with the Lord?"

"When do you have quiet time?" 

"How do you know where to start?"

These are ALL great questions!

Since a lot of people have asked me about my quiet time routine, I decided to dedicate this blog post to answering questions in that area.

First and foremost, I'd like to remind you of a few things:   Everyone is different. What works for one person may not work for another.  So feel free to develop your own routine and do what is comfortable for you!  My 'routine' changes when my life changes (Gasp!).  That's right.  When I was in college, my routine may have included quiet time at different times of the day depending on the amount of free time I had.  When I changed jobs, when my hours at work were cut, when I am babysitting, all of these things are taken into consideration.  Keeping your spirit in shape requires consistency just like with your physical body.

Here are the Details:

1. TIMING IS EVERYTHING! I PREFER having quiet time in the morning.  Not as soon as I wake up (when I'm still groggy & delirious).  But, once I've freshened up and fixed a cup of coffee.  In a perfect world, I'd wake up two hours before I need to leave the house every morning.  One hour to be spent on getting dressed, fixing my hair/make-up. The other hour spent on Jesus... in a perfect world!    Pick a time that works for you.  If I can't have my quiet time in the morning, I'll have it on my lunch break (my least favorite option) or late at night once the world has gone to sleep.
   
   In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up,
   left the house, and went away to a secluded place,
   and was praying there. - Mark 1:35
2. LOCATION IS KEY!  I love having my quiet time at home in my bedroom in this orange antique chair I got from my grandmother when I moved into my first apartment a few years ago.  Before then, I'd have quiet time on the couch in my dorm room.  If I was at my mom's house, I'd have quiet time in the living room on the couch.  I usually don't have quiet time on my bed... my mind is conditioned to use the bed for sleeping, so if I'm on my bed, I'll get sleepy and fall asleep on Jesus and we can't have that!  However, if I'm breaking my routine for whatever reason, anywhere quiet and scenic is good for me.  If I'm at work, I'll go in an empty work room.  If I'm on a trip, I'll go to where I can get a quiet view of a beautiful lobby or courtyard.
   
   But you, when you pray, go into your inner room,
   close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret,
   and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. - Matt. 6:6
3. WHAT DO YOU HEAR?  I love to play worship music in my quiet time.  It helps me to drown out everything on my mind and everything around me.  I usually play it in my headphones so that I'm not distracted by any sounds around me (phone ringing, people coming in and out, etc).  I have to listen to music to tune my ear and my heart to God's mouth.  After all, quiet time isn't about what I say, it's about what God has to say to me.
   
   David and all Israel were celebrating before
    God with all their might, even with songs and
   with lyres, harps, tambourines, cymbals
   and with trumpets. -1 Chronicles 13:8
4. READ! READ! READ!  Now, I absolutely love my Bible.  My Boyfriend recently bought me the Bible I've always wanted.  It is a KJV Journaling Bible that I spent hours trying to choose in LifeWay.  Where do you start?  It doesn't matter where you start.  It matters more that you start. Sometimes I'll just ask the Lord where to go & open my Bible.  Other times, I read more on a passage that was preached or taught recently at my church.  If there's a scripture or sermon that's in my spirit, I'll start there.  You can always start on a reading plan or just start from the beginning.  
   And ye shall seek me, and find me, 

   when ye shall search for me with all your heart. - Jeremiah 29:13
5. PRAYER!  Who do you know that will spend time with you without talk to you?  Praise the Lord.  Get into His presence.  I use the ACTS method:  Adoration.  Confession. Thanksgiving. Supplication.  That's typically how a normal conversation goes, right?  You don't ever ask for something without first greeting a person, getting personal with them, thanking them.  Why would you do anything other than that for God.  Sometimes I pray out loud.  Sometimes I write in my prayer journal.  Sometimes I just pray in my heavenly language.
   

   If my people, which are called by my name,
    shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face,
   and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven,
   and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. - 2 Chron. 7:10
6. LISTEN!  Don't make your quiet time all about talking to God.  Be still before the Lord and listen to Him.  He desires to speak to you, give you guidance and instruction, and share His heart with you.    

Be still, and know that I am God:

 I will be exalted among the heathen,

 I will be exalted in the earth. - Ps. 46:10

I pray that you enjoyed reading about my quiet time.  But, more importantly, I hope you feel led to start a routine.  Evaluate your schedule, figure out what does and doesn't work for you and move accordingly.  As you draw night unto God, He will definitely draw nigh unto you!  Have fun!  Happy Studying!!!

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Who told you that you had to be perfect?

Am I the only person that has ever suffered from the disease of needing to be perfect?  I need my hair to stay perfect.  My nails must be perfect.  My grades must be perfect.  Perfect job.  Perfect man.  Perfect friends. Yep... everything 'on fleek' ( aka perfect).  Well, has it's pros and cons... It helps you to work hard and get things done with excellence.  But, it also creates unnecessary stress and anguish when that day comes, and it will come, when you realize that no matter how hard you try  and no matter what you do, you can't be perfect.

We are growing to be more and more like the perfect one, but He knows that without Him we can't.  At the end of the day, Jesus' goal wasn't just to be perfect, but to be righteous.  Often times my problem is that I'm trying to be perfect, not righteous.  I want to be perfect so that I look good... wrong motive.  WRONG MOTIVE!

"Whatever you do, do it with your whole heart, as for the Lord rather than for men," - Colossians 

3:23

When your motives change, your entire life will change.  Take the pressure off yourself.  No one told you that you had to be perfect.

Love you much,

Ricki B.

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Obedience is Better: #nofear

Life is full of choices that we must make and opportunities that we will be offered.  For some that sounds exciting and for others, stressful.  Maybe you have always made the right choices and never had second thoughts. OR maybe you and I are alike in that sometimes having too many options feels overwhelming and can bring on a fear of making the wrong decisions and fear of the unknown.  

I believe that very thing (fear) is what often keeps us from being obedient to what God has instructed us to do.  Of course fear isn't the only thing...  But, that's what I'm going to focus on today. :-p

There's greatness on the other side of your fear.  Every person who was ever great had to first face their fears...

Oprah had to face her fear of rejection before auditioning for a movie role.  Michael Jordan had to face his fear of failure before become a basketball star.  Soldiers must face their fear of dying before committing to serve on the battle field.  DO NOT LET FEAR STOP YOU OR SLOW YOU DOWN!

There are three types of fear:  (1) protecting,  (2) paralyzing, and, (3) reverencing.  

This first kind of fear can protect you from doing things that you feel could be dangerous or harmful.  This feeling may keep someone from getting on roller coasters because they don't want to fall.  This feeling may keep parents from allowing their child to go a certain place.  Or it may keep a single woman on the defense against anyone who tries to change her routine.  This feeling may keep a man from opening up to the woman who wants to know him in a deeper way. This feeling may keep a toddler from walking for fear of falling.  

But, that fear can easily become paralyzing if unmanaged or unreasonable.  If you never allow your children out of your sight, you may stunt their growth.  If you as a single woman never open your mind or heart, who will be able to capture it?  Sir, if you never open up to that woman how can you ever become her knight in shining armor?  If a toddler remains afraid of falling, then he'll be crawling into adulthood.   Imagine a world full of adults that never learned how to walk, crawling everywhere, asking others to pick them up when they're tired of crawling.  Nonsense.

A reverential fear, though, is what we should all have.  I love and respect my spiritual father.  He's been like a dad to me since I started high school in 2007.  I want to make him proud in every aspect of my life.  I take his advice, no matter how harsh, to heart.  Growing up, I avoided a lot of situations (not all) because I knew my daddy would not approve.  That's the type of fear we should have with our Heavenly Father.  A reverential fear of God moves you to listen when He speaks.  It causes you to seek His face and seek His counsel and advice.  It makes you consider His opinion before decision making.  Lastly, it leads you to seek His validation.  And if you have that, there's nothing more you need to move forward in your life. 

Delayed obedience--for whatever reason--is still disobedience.  

Scripture says quite a few things about fear:  

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."   -2 Timothy 1:7 

"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."   -Romans 8:15

Obedience to God is better than bondage to fear.  Imagine all that God has in store for you if you would just move when He says move.  You'll never get to Step B without completing Step A.  If you are afraid, please know that God hasn't given you that fear.  So let's cast it back to the pits of hell!  Write that book.  Start that business.  Go on that trip.  Start that ministry.  Do what God has given instructions for you to do!  The enemy wants you to stay where you are.  The devil is constantly trying to destroy you, your future, and your destiny... Don't let him!  Everything you want is on the other side of your fear. But, more importantly, everything God wants for you is on the other side of that fear!  

I overcame my fear of failure and rejection by stepping out on faith... Over the past week, I've done a couple cool things:     (1) I have continued writing my first book which I haven't worked on in a couple months.  That book is entitled "The Consignment Christian" which is specifically geared to encourage the heart of young women everywhere who struggle in the areas of faith and identity. And (2) I started my YouTube Channel!  So check it out!    If I can overcome MY fears, you can overcome yours!  Keep me in your prayers.

Lord, help us today to not be controlled by fear when it is time to do what you've called us to do.  Let us be fully convinced that the time is now to do that thing.  Thank you for power, love, and a sound mind.  Thank you for making us your own.  Because we have your approval and validation we can run full speed into all you've called us to.  In Jesus name, Amen.

________________________________________________________________________________

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Testing in Progress...

Greetings Friends!  Welcome back to my blog... This is my second post this week.  I told you that Part two was coming behind Class is in Session.  If you read that blog, you've read some tools of how to survive life class.  

Not only does God teach us throughout life, but, He also tests us on what we have learned.  Quiz.  Pop Quiz.  Unit Exam.  Final Test.... Do those words sound appealing to you?  Maybe.  Maybe NOT!!!  Tests aren't the most fun things, but they're always purposeful.  No matter what season of life you're in, no matter what test you may be facing, keep a few things in mind before you get discouraged:

1)  The TEACHER is never surprised by a pop quiz.  I’m not going to panic if God’s not panicking.  This may be a surprise to me, but never to Him.  God knew before this test was coming.  I can have peace and trust that He loves me enough to get me through this!

**Hebrews 4:12 tells us that “there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.”

2)  The TEACHER has specifically customized your test to assess what's in you.  How sweet is it to know that God has predestined according to His purpose to work things after His will for our lives.  There’s always continuity in what God does even if we don’t see or understand it.

**Ephesians 1:11 says, “also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will.”

3)  The TEACHER never gives a test that He hasn't previously prepared you for.  The Lord gave the Israelites a series of test after test after test after test.  But, it was all intentionally for His glory.  Each test was preparing them for the next and the next and the next.  Don’t be like the Israelites, though, who had to keep learning some of the same lessons over and over.

**Deuteronomy 8:2, “and you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.”

4)  The TEACHER made the test, so He has the answer key.  You can rest assured that God has all the answers and He loves us so much so that He will give us what we need and He’ll give good gifts to those who ask Him.  No, that doesn’t mean we get everything we want, but we can be sure that it means when we need our Heavenly Father, He is there‼

**Mathew 7:11 says, “if you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.”

5)  Use your memory bank.  So often we forget the things that God has done for us in the past.  We get caught up in our present storm that we forget the storms that God has brought us through.  Don’t fall so deep in the pit of this situation that you can no longer look around and see what God has done for you and for others.

**Hebrews 10:32 & 35 say, "But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, ... do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward."

6)  If you fail the test, the TEACHER will make you retake it.  There’s nothing like going through absolute hell and then having to go back through the same hell you just went through all because you didn’t learn your lesson the first time.  The Israelite people didn’t trust God to get them out of Egypt.  Then when they got out of Egypt, they didn’t trust God to provide food when they were hungry.  Once they were fed, they didn’t trust God to get them into the Promised Land… God kept testing them.  Don’t be like them‼!

7)  The test is open Book.  :-)  Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”

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Class is in Session...

Whether you're aware of it or not, there just may be a test coming your way.  Unfortunately, we don't get to choose when or how tests come!  However, I believe there are some important things we can do to be prepared at all times.

1)  Pay attention in class... Nothing happens for no reason!  Everything God does is strategic.  If you pay attention now, you will be equipped with all you need for the test.  Don’t be caught off guard or distracted, as you learn along the way, keep in mind that it is for you to be tested.

**1 Peter 4:12, Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;

2)  Get to know the Teacher Before you Need the Teacher…  God loves you and wants to know you.  Get to know Him.  Ask Him for help if you need it.  But, don't just wait until the struggles come to seek God... build a relationship with Him even before you're in a tough spot.  No one likes to be used.  So don’t use God as your ‘get out of jail free card.’

**1 Chronicles 16:11 tells us, "Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually."

3) Study. Study. Study…  Daily. Consistently.  Don't wait until the night before a test to cram all the information in because you need your sleep.  Or worse, don't get thrown off by a pop quiz.  Studying consistently will ensure that you are ready at all times for whatever may come your way.  Study the Word of God.  It’s the ammunition you need to fight off the enemy.

**Psalm 119:11 says, " Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.."

4)  Memorize those main ideas.   As God is teaching you, know that it’s not in vain.  So, when you’re going through things you don’t understand, instead of whining and complaining, make sure you remember what God is trying to teach you.

**Romans 8:28 tells us, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." 

5)  Eat well.  Even Jesus knew how important it was to eat well… Not just naturally, but spiritually.  What you put in is what comes out.  So feed your spirit with things of the spirit.  Feed your spirit with the Word, testimonies of the saints, inspiration books and television. 

**In Matthew 4:4, Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'”

6)  Get plenty of rest... Rest in God, that is.  Honor the Sabbath.  Dedicate your Saturdays to the Lord if you can.  Get your work done in the week so that you can rest on that day if at all possible.  If God can build the world in 6 days and rest on the 7^th, we can follow his pattern.  But, even outside of that, practice resting in God.  Don’t rest in your finances, friends or family, but rest in God.  He’s a sure foundation. 

**Ps. 62:5 says, "Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him."

7)  Get rid of the waste... Naturally, it's helpful to go to the restroom before you enter an exam room.  The most annoying thing is to get in the groove of test taking just to have to stop what you’re doing to release what has built up in you.  Spiritually, we get weighed down with things we should have gotten rid of a long time ago.  Get rid of waste on a consistent basis, don't let it build up inside of you. 

**Psalm 51:2 says, "Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity And cleanse me from my sin."


STAY TUNED FOR PART 2... "Testing in Progress"

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