God Will Never Fail!

I know I'm not the only person that has ever faced disappointment.

Whether it was a relationship gone bad, a goal unmet or summer plans ruined, we all face disappointment.  For some, though, the wounds of disappointment go much deeper... to divorce, death of a close friend or loved one, house foreclosure, car repossession, rejection letters, unforeseen diagnoses, you name it.  We make plans and set goals for our lives but the reality is that things don't always happen the way we wanted or planned for them to.

When painful things happen in our lives, it is easy to wonder what went wrong? Where was God?  How could God let this happen?  And if we aren't careful, we'll make the false assumption that God has failed us.

Well, my dear friend, I felt led to remind or inform you that GOD WILL NEVER FAIL!!!

For 25 years Abraham waited for an glimmer of hope that he would be the father of many nations...

For 40 years Moses and the Israelites waited and wandered in the wilderness trying to get to the land that God promised them.  There were several times when they would have rather been in slavery where they WERE than to go through the wilderness to get to where God wanted them to go.  The attitude that they had because they felt failed by God was the very thing that prolonged His promise.

For 30 years, Jesus may have felt like God failed Him because He didn't start his ministry until He was 30 years old.  THEN for at least 3 days, He laid in a tomb until He rose from the dead.

So whether it's been 3 days or 40 years that you have wondered if God has failed or forgotten you... please know that God has done NEITHER!!!  God has not failed you. God has not forgotten you, He is simply putting all the pieces in place for His plan to unfold in your life.  So wait patiently.  Give God that disappointment and keep trusting, keep loving, keep believing!!! God will never fail!!!

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Passion Without Pursuit

What is passion without pursuit?

It is easier to have passion for something without pursuing it.  But passion without pursuit is just emotion.  Love is what it does!  I love a clean house... I love the smell of cleaning products and I love the way things look when everything is in it's proper place.  But, love is just an emotion if I don't actually get up and clean.  I love a made bed, but if I don't make the bed, that emotion towards it does me no good.

What is loving God if we don't pursue Him?  We can talk about God, post about God, quote the words of God or wear the Christian t-shirts, but how do we pursue him?  Have you ever been in a one sided friendship or relationship...  Like an acquaintance of yours is constantly telling people that she knows you, posting pictures y'all took together, telling everyone y'all are the closest of friends... but, you don't really know her like that so it just feels phony?  Or a guy is telling you that he's interested in you, wants to build with you and he's crazy about you... but, he never makes an effort to communicate or spend time with you so it just feels phony?

How often do we do that with God...?  OUCH!  I know I could spend more time with God and pursue Him more by reading my Bible and praying more!  Everybody's process is different... but, don't have passion without pursuit!  God gives us both and God deserves both.

God is always with you, acknowledge His presence -- "God, that bird is beautiful, I see your work." - The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. - Ps. 19:1

God is always in you, acknowledge His power -- "God, they're getting on my nerves, but I will not go off on them today." - My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. - 2 Cor. 12:9

Those are just a few ways we can pursue God in our every day lives... thanks for reading!

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Let's talk about prayer!

Lord, I hope that the person reading this gets excited about prayer and finds the strength, courage and desire to spend more time in prayer. In Jesus' name, AMEN!

Prayer is so important in the life of every believer.  When we pray, we talk to God and God talks to us!  Have you heard the saying 'Much prayer = much power and no prayer = no power'?  I have and I think it's true.  But, I know there are a lot of people who just don't know where to start.

I think of prayer as a conversation.  I talk to God in a very conversational way... he's my very best friend and I talk to him like he is!  Scripture gives us some information about the model prayer... Here's what Jesus said in Matthew 6:6-13

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. And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words.  So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. Pray, then, in this way:
‘Our Father who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
 ‘Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
 ‘Give us this day our daily bread.
 ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
 ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’

I love that.  That's always a great starting point... And sometimes when I don't know what to say to God, I just say the Lord's Prayer. But sometimes I want to go from there.  We can talk to God and pray about His promises for our lives, our love for Him, the things that concern us, His plans for us, or whatever else we want to.  Like I said earlier, He's my very best friend so I talk to Him about everything (traffic, money, marriage, work, friends, you name it!)

This week I found an AMAZING resource that I have been excited about telling the world about it. It's a book called Prayers! It is very generic. Not super fancy on the outside, but on the inside it is PACKED with different kinds of prayers.  I started looking through it as soon as I got it and I fell in love.  A few of the prayers that I have marked right now are 1) Prayer for Acknowledgment, Submission & Position, 2) Prayer for Your Divine Purpose, and 3) Prayer to Bind My Mind to the Will of God.

In this season, I'm praying about a lot and hoping for some things and I love having these prayers here to give me a guide or a starting point.  I also love this book because I keep a prayer journal... so, I'm all about writing prayers down.  There are several prayers throughout this book.

I know this could be a great help to so many people so I did some research on how I can spread the word about this Prayers book... it was put together by Christian Word Ministries and they aren't making anymore hardcopies of the book. HOWEVER, there are a few ways that you can get access to it:

1. You can can download a copy HERE.
2. You can download the Prayer ebook on your Kindle or Nook HERE; or
3. You can go to the Mobile Prayers website on your phone.

I am already in love.  I love devotional style writings and books of prayer and I felt like getting my hands on this was just another push towards where God wants me to be.  I HAD to share it with you all.  

So here's what I need you to do... SHARE THIS POST!!! I want the whole world to have access to this book.  I'm not getting anything for writing this, I just want to share a blessing with you!!!  

Thanks for reading!  I love you all!!!

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Open Letter to My Single Self

Dear Single Self,

I remember thinking that a husband was going to make us happy and solve all of our problems... Don't get me wrong, Mr. Heard treats me like a Queen and brings me so much joy!!! But he can't make me happy. Happiness has always been my responsibility. Seeking my peace, my joy, my happiness has been a job independent of anyone else! And when I realized that I was the captain of my own fate, my mental health, my future, my state of mind and headed in the direction of healthier decision making, happier disposition and altogether wholeness THAT is when he came back into my life.

I had gotten to the point where being single wasn't all that bad, I just desired companionship. I had gotten to the point where friendships weren't necessary, I just appreciated community. I had gotten to the point where I could tell myself no, I just wanted someone worthy of my yes. THAT is when he came back into my life.

If you cannot say yes to yourself, work on yourself, forgive yourself, be patient with yourself, love yourself and choose yourself it does not matter who else does. Until you find peace with God and peace with yourself, you'll search for satisfaction and be utterly disappointed when it doesn't come in the form of a long term relationship, promise ring, engagement ring or wedding!

All that you need is within you.

This is a crazy season of my life. I feel like I'm living my fairy tale. I'm about to marry a handsome man of God that cooks like a master chef, prays like the pope, preaches like the bishop, kisses like a prince, teaches like the professor, and loves me like Christ loves the church. We both share a love for ministry, family and education. We are on the same page and headed in the same direction. We have relocated to Houston, Texas where he is a Senior Chaplain at one of the local hospitals and I am a Teacher in the children's ministry of the largest church in America. We're living the dream.

But, we didn't arrive to this season without seeking, sacrificing and surrendering..

1) The Seeking -- "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." - Matthew 6:33

When you put God first and make Him the priority, everything else works out. Ultimately when we seek other things and other people first, it's because we're trusting in our own plan, our own timing and our own ideas about our future. But when you put God first, trust him, serve him, and obey him, you'll begin to trust his plan, his timing, and his ideas about your future.

I began to just seek God and pursue his plans for my life. And this year has been a record year. I started seeking God and got ordained, became youth pastor at my home church, reconnected with, dated, got engaged to and will marry my dream man all in one calendar year... Starting with one prayer at a time, "God what do you want me to do? Where do you want me to go? How can I pursue you better? How can I spend more time with you?"

But when you start seeking God, you have to understand that he's going to be found by you. And when you seek him and find him, he's going to show you some things about yourself you don't want to see and you'll discover some things about people that you don't want to know... then you have to embrace the sacrificing.

2) The Sacrificing -- "Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us." - Hebrews 12:1

When you start seeking God, you realize what things you've been putting before him. When I really started seeking God harder, I realized that I idolized and idealized love and relationships too much. I had been seeking a man more than I was seeking God. I idolized success and material gain too much. I had to cut some people off, cut some subscriptions off, cut some thinking off. I had to walk away from anything that was going to get more glory than God: people, places or things. I had to lay aside every weight and every sin that was going to keep pulling me back and holding me down because I knew that God had something for me. I know that's hard to do. But, it takes one decision at a time. You make one better decision, one choice, one day at a time, one step at a time. Babies learn to walk by crawling. So crawl if you have to in the opposite direction of the thing(s) you know hold you back!!!

3) The Surrendering -- "Submit yourself to God, resist the devil and he will flee." - James 4:7I feel like this scripture is so cliche. But it's true. When you submit to God and surrender to his plan, and resist the devil, he really will flee. Stop answering that persons calls. Don't let them keep coming into your house messing up your peace. Stop engaging in the drama. Stop posting petty stuff online. If you resist the devil, he really will flee. Embrace all that God has for you and stop giving the devil room to get in on your relationships, your mindset, your hope, your faith.

So many times we open up doors for the devil to play us. Just resist him. Blocked numbers can't call you! Submit yourself to God, his plan for your life, his love for you and watch your life change.

You can be in a totally different place 6 months from now... The goal is healthiness, wholeness, happiness, peace, tranquility... all of those things are intangible, irreplaceable and priceless but you have to be willing to SEEK, SACRIFICE & SURRENDER!!!

Love,

Soon to be Married Self aka @RevMrsHeard

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Comparison Day

Some people call this Valentine’s Day!  Some people jokingly call it Single’s Awareness Day!  But, if we’re not careful it will become “Comparison Day” where we spend more time wishing for what we see than appreciating what is right before our eyes.  It is so easy to get caught up in comparing ourselves with other people… We compare our friends to other peoples’ friends.  We compare our car to others’ car.  We compare our house. Our relationship.  Our marriage.  Our job.  Our hair. Our clothes.  Our ________ (you fill in the blank).   You name it and we compare it! (Especially as women!!!)  We compare what we see… but we don’t compare the struggle to get what we see.  You don’t know what they had to go through (or still have to go through) to get and keep what they have! 

Comparison so often leads us to discontentment and discouragement… especially when we look around at what other people have and we make THEIR LIVES THE STANDARD by which we choose to live!  But, the truth of the matter is that life is NOT one size fits all…. People in the world can measure what fits their life by looking at each other, but, in the body of Christ, we must fix our eyes on Jesus!  Jesus is the standard.  Jesus determines what fits our life and what fits our future!  When we are pressured to meet other’s expectations, we have to keep in mind that we are governed by a wholeeee nother set of standards.  Say to them, “one size fits y’all…” but not ALL!!!

Galatians 1:10 says, “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

No more comparison.  Happy Valentine’s Day!!! Xoxo.

RLB

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"The World is Ever Changing..."

I have fond memories of the song “Order My Steps.”  As a youth praise dancer, we used to dance to this song.  And I remember that the Mass Choir would sing it often… and Ms. Ojetta would flawlessly hit every note every time.  One of my favorite lines of this song came to mind today in my quiet time when I starting meditating on Hebrews 13:8 that says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”   My favorite line in that whole song is “The world is ever changing, but YOU are still the same!” 

Things are always changing.  Attitudes.  Gas prices.  Emotions.  Friendships.  Relationships.  Dress sizes.  Hair styles.

Always changing… and while those changes may not be that serious, sometimes change can be.  Change like a diagnosis.  A verdict.  A foreclosure.  A job loss.  Or the loss of a loved one…  These changes can be easy for some and traumatic for others.  But, I stand encouraged and hoping to encourage you that even as things around us change, Jesus Christ is the same and He will not change.  One song writer says, “There is no shadow of turning with thee.” 

If Jesus doesn’t change, then 

1) His love is unfailing – He will never get tired of loving you!  
2)  His faithfulness is unwavering – there’s nothing that would change God’s commitment to love and pursue His children!
3) His promises are unending – credit decisions expire, store sales will end, but God’s promises never do… if He said it, He’ll do it!  There’s no expiration date on God’s promises. J   

We can remain confident in God’s love, faithfulness and promises to keep us as we ride the waves of life.

Ricki

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Blessed Art Thou Among Women

Today, I was reading Luke 1 and I was encouraged by Mary’s encounter with the Angel.  She was in a very peculiar situation but the angel visited her and said,  “Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women”  (Luke 1:28).

I know it’s not Christmas season, but I think we can all be encouraged by this passage 365 days of the year...  God thought enough of Mary to send an angel to her with a message.  Despite the persecution she would face for being unwed and pregnant, despite what people would say about how God was using her, despite how she may have felt about it, three things were certain for her and are certain for us today:

                                1.  You are highly favored. 

                                2.  The Lord IS with you. 

                                3.  You are blessed among women.

Sometimes God’s blessings look funny to other people.  Sometimes God wants to use us to do things that we’d rather NOT do… But, there’s no place we’d really rather be than in His will for our lives. 

I challenge you today to let Him bless you today. And don’t worry about what anybody has to say about it. 

Forever yours in Christ,

Minister Ricki

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December’s Don’t-Do List

December’s Don’t-Do List

As we move into the holiday season AND transition into 2018, here are some things that you MUST NOT DO!!! Please govern yourselves accordingly... 

1)  Don’t compare your life to others...  This is the wonderful time of year where we find friends are getting booed up, engaged, making pregnancy announcements, going on exciting adventures, and buying or getting fancy gifts for the Holidays. Meanwhile, we’re still trying to figure out what’s the next step, who is the boo, whether or not this is the one, or why there is none… THAT’S FINE!  Don’t compare your life to others’ this holiday season.  What God has for you is yours so celebrate them while it’s their turn… because your time is coming in due season!  And comparison breeds contempt.  

2)  Don’t be discouraged about what didn’t happen in 2017…  It is okay to be disappointed. We make plans and set goals for the purpose of reaching them.  But, for whatever reason that doesn’t always happen.  And it is easy for that disappointment from a situation to turn into discouragement about where you are in life. But be encouraged, all things work together for the good of them that love Him and are the called according to His purpose.  It will all work out... even if it didn't work out how you planned.

3)  Don’t be angry about what did happen in 2017… We’ve all been there. And a lot of us are STILL there. While there are some things that we wanted to happen that didn’t, there are also things that did happen that we didn’t plan or want to!  But, we’re going to leave that anger, that hurt, that bitterness, that guilt, that frustration... allll that right in 2017 where it belongs.  That break up, that unwise purchase, that opportunity you passed up, that loss, that mistake, that accident, that bad decision.  Yep, we're leaving it.  Do not allow anger to become weight you care into the new year.

4)  Don’t dig yourself into debt trying to keep up with the Jones’s… Jesus Christ, (the savior of the world), and His birth is the reason for the Christmas season.  While it is nice to spend time with family and loved ones, our society has made it so that much of this season is commercialism. Don’t spend money you don’t have on people who are not even being celebrated on December 25^th.  I’m not saying don’t buy any gifts.  I’m not saying you shouldn’t receive gifts. But, don’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself and go into debt trying to impress anybody—family included.

5)  Don’t take unapproved baggage into 2018… if you have ever been on a plane, you know for a fact that while you can take luggage to your destination, there are weight restrictions that apply!  You can usually check one bag in, but it can’t be over a certain weight AND extra check bags will probably cost you. You can usually take one carryon bag and one personal item on the flight and those, too, have size and weight restrictions.  Imagine a flight where passengers were given was no limit to what they could bring… that plane would probably to weighed down and not able to leave the tarmac.  If you remember nothing else, remember this: just because you think you need it, if God has said leave it, LEAVE IT‼!  The restrictions are for your protection.  The more baggage you take into this next season, the more you will be weighed down, slowing down your take off—DELAYING your destiny!  And honey, ain’t nobody got time to be delayed from reaching their purpose‼!  Especially not due to overloaded baggage.

Happy December!

PS: It's been a while since I've posted. Bear with me.  I still love ya!

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Why are you praying?

There are situations in our lives that arise and we find ourselves at the end of our rope.

Then we decide to pray.

A little backwards, but a lot of times, that's exactly how it happens.  We don't pray until we get tired.  We don't pray until we feel overwhelmed.  We don't pray until we can't figure it out on our own.

My cat ran away.  I was upset because 5 days went by and I had not heard from her.  An acquaintance of mine found a kitten that looks similar to my cat and bought her for me.  But, my roommate and I had not lost faith that our cat (KiKi) was going to come home.  So, we sat down the night we brought the kitten (BeBe) home and prayed over her.  (Yes, I prayed over my kitten!)  And we also prayed for the Lord to keep KiKi safe until she returned home.

An hour later KiKi is downstairs meow-ing for us to let her back in.  We were so excited.  I was a little surprised.  At the fact that she came home?  At the fact that it happened soon after we prayed? At the fact that once again God answered my prayers?  All of the above.  

Then the Lord asked me these questions, so I feel led to ask each of you:

WHY ARE YOU PRAYING?

ARE YOU PRAYING OUT OF OBLIGATION OR EXPECTATION?

Ouch!  Are you praying because you know that you should probably pray about it? Or are you praying because you know beyond any doubt that God can fix this situation?

Are you praying because you know that's what Christians should do? Or are you praying because your faith is bigger than your fear of the situation?

Are you praying because it's the last option?  Or are you praying because you know for sure that it is the best option?

Why.  Are.  You.  Praying?

James 4:2-3 tells us, "You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives."

So what are your motives?  Are you just checking something off of your list?  Are you praying just to be able to say that you prayed about it?  

Don't come to God praying simply because you feel obligated to.  Yes, commitment is a good thing.  And many times, it is our commitment and obligation to please God that keeps us from giving in to our flesh and our desires... That is discipline.

However, when you kneel down to pray, ask yourself this:  Why am I praying?  Is it because you feel like you have to? Or is it because you trust and believe God is able? Is it because you have faith in Him, even faith the size of a mustard seed?  Are you praying because you trust God to answer your prayers?  Are you praying out of expectation or is it just obligation?

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Do you trust me?

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." - Hebrews 11:1

What promise has God made you?

Maybe He promised you that He would save your children.

Maybe He promised you that He would send your spouse.

Maybe He promised to provide in the midst of your financial hardships.

When God makes us a promise it seems as if something happens to make it seem impossible.  A financial setback that puts you in an even deeper hole.  A broken relationship with that person you just knew you were going to marry.  A call from the jailhouse saying that your child was just arrested...

Again I ask, "What promise has God made you?"

This week, the Lord promised me that this would be the last week I'd have to worry about my upcoming mission's trip... I believed Him. But, it was a foggy kind of belief.  I was then told my our mission's leader that I needed $600 more than I thought. Within 48 hours, I raised a significant amount of that!!!

It has been an emotional roller coaster.  A faith roller coaster.

It's in these moments that we remember those promises people made and failed to keep.

We remember all the people we thought we needed to make it happen.

We remember the plans that fell through...

And after we stress and worry and fuss and cry... That's usually when we remember God!

God didn't need you to make it happen.  He just wanted to use you to make it happen.  God didn't need you to choose the people that were going to bless you.  He just wanted you to receive His blessings from who ever and whenever He allowed it!!! God didn't need you to make plans.  He just wanted you to follow His plans!!!

Faith is assurance of what you don't see... Don't be discouraged if you don't see it!  Just step back and watch God do what you can't even imagine!!!  He is able.

God bless.

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I have a thing about colors...

I remember when I was growing up and my clothes were pretty... basic.  I never really had my own style.  Well, my style was whatever mom could afford or fit me from hand-me-downs.  I usually didn't think much of it.  I was just grateful for clothes to wear... I remember having one pair of jeans that I'd wear all week long and pray that none of my classmates noticed.  There were some times that I would need or want to wear a certain thing and wouldn't have it.  For example, my friends would say, "Lets all wear red tomorrow." But, I didn't have a red shirt.  Or, they'd say, "We're all wearing our boots tomorrow."  But, I didn't always have a pair of boots to wear.

I was perfectly content with what I had until I was somehow reminded of what I didn't have.

Today, I took a look at the last few selfies I posted and found myself so overwhelmingly grateful for the ability to actually have my own style.  I have a thing about animal print and colors... I love colors.  I even have my closet color coordinated because I own such a wide variety of colorful clothes.  But, for a season of my life, my closet was filled with clothes that we're fancy or colorful or cute.  Then the Lord sent an angel to me who took me shopping clothes for me all throughout high school... whatever I needed and wanted, she made sure I had.  It was nothing short of a miracle.

Until I became of age and was working enough to be able to start getting things for myself, the Lord really provided!  And would you believe that He is still providing today?  There are still people now who see something, think of me, and buy it...

And I always remember the days that I didn't have nice things...  I am so grateful.

No matter where you find yourself in this, just thank God for where you're headed. Better days are coming.  How you start doesn't have to be how you finish.  The same God that provided for me then will definitely keep providing for me!

Scriptures to meditate on:

"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin..." -Zechariah 4:10

"Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him..." -Matthew 6:8

"He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus..." Philippians 1:6

Prayer:

"Lord, thank you for where I started and the ability to look back and see just far how you have brought me.  Thank you for your faithfulness.  And for loving me enough to provide for me even when I didn't know to ask!  When I look at where I want to be and realize that I'm not there yet, don't allow me to be in despair.  Remind me that you're still faithful and you're not finished with me.  In Jesus name, Amen."

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It Is What It Is!

There are situations that you just have to accept.  People that you just have to accept.  Circumstances that you just have to accept.

Can't change it. Can't fix it.  Can't manipulate it.  Can't erase it.

Sometimes you have to say: IT IS WHAT IT IS!

Paul says it another way... In Philippians 4:11-13, he says, "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Contentment isn't necessarily a natural response, especially to uncomfortable situations... Contentment is learned behavior.  Like Paul, we must LEARN how to be content regardless of how high or low things may be.

We should always be content because God will cause all things to work together for our good.

Now, I warn you... There is a difference between CONTENTMENT and SETTLING.  When you are outside of the will of God, don't get comfortable!  You may find yourself settling in less that (God's) favorable situations.  But, when you know that are exactly where God wants you to be, pray for God to give you His peace.  He will do it.  And when troubles come, you can say "IT IS WHAT IT IS!"

Scriptures to meditate on:

"All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." -Romans 8:28

"For I know the plans that I have for you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." -Jeremiah 29:11

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:7

Prayer:

"God, thank you for your peace that surpasses understanding.  Thank you for loving me in spite of me.  Thank you for having plans for me.  Even when there are situations that alarm me, you are very trustworthy.  I know that I can depend on you.  Help me to rest in your arms.  Help me to learn the art of contentment. In Jesus name, Amen."

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It's your SPRING!

     In Columbia, South Carolina last week was filled with significant amounts of rain and thunderstorms.  There were two days last week where many public schools canceled all afternoon activities and dismissed school early.  For some, including myself, it seemed to be a bit an overreaction to a stormy forecast.  There were tornado watches and warnings in effect, but that's what tornado drills are for in school, right?  For others, it seemed to be the perfect response to avoid a potentially dangerous situation.

     I had to pick my new cat up from the vet's office after my lunch break and when I was dropping her back off at home, I began to understand why many districts chose to send children home and some jobs sent their employees home...  The wind was terrible.  There was rain and hail falling from the sky in buckets.  I was praying to God that I would make it back to work safely.  But, I saw just how bad the storm was.

     On my way back to the office, my bosses were trying to reach me to tell me to stay at home, but I was closer to work than I was to home.  I made it safely and watched the storm pass from the comfort of my office building...

     Since the beginning of April, it just seems like we've gotten significantly more rain.  Then I remembered that popular phase "April showers bring May flowers! and the Lord laid some things in my spirit that I wanted to share.

1) Seasons change! Rain and storms occur when hot air and cold air come together.  Spring is the season between winter and summer.  Rain is normal in this particular season because of the change that is taking place in the atmosphere.  Maybe you're experiencing some storms in your life. But, it's okay.  It has a purpose.  God is changing things from bad to better.  From alright to awesome.  From so-so to supernatural!!!  The storm in your finances.  The storm in your marriage.  The storm of depression.  The storm of insecurity.  The storm of unsuccessful.  The storm of disappointment.  The storm of bad health.  The storm of confusion.  The storm will so bee over.  The sun is going to come out and things are going to be alright and the storms you're facing are proof that the atmosphere is changing.  Proverbs 30:5 says, "For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning."

2)  Your flowers need watering!  Marvin Sapp has a song called Place of Worship that I absolutely love.  Here are some of the lyrics:  "Go find your place of worship. Look into your pain and find your praise.  Every low place in your life prepared you for your high place and every tear you cried was water for the garden of your victory..."  The storms are coming because the rain that falls are providing nourishment for the flowers of success, flowers of faith, trees of prosperity, and grasslands of peace in your life.  Those tears you've been crying have been to provide water for the garden of your victory.

3)  The sun will shine!  I am so glad that trouble don't last always.  April showers won't last forever.  I'm not saying that there won't be any summer storms.  Because every season of life has it's own set of storms... But I am saying that overall we can expect the severest April showers to bring us beautiful May flowers.  It will be over soon.  It will be alright.  Those stormy days won't last forever.  And you'll look back and say that it was truly worth it!

God bless you!

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Natural Hair Products are OVER PRICED & OVERRATED!

Yes, I said it:  "Natural Hair Products are SO OVERRATED!"

The Natural Hair Industry is a multi-million dollar industry that is founded on the basis that products black women have been using on our hair for years and years and years are suddenly bad for us…  My mother wasn’t using Shea Moisture to grow hair down her back, she was using Pantene Pro-V.  IJS.  I’m all for more natural products, but not if it costs me an arm and a leg when it’s really not all that serious!   And if it ain't broke, don't fix it... well, unless you can make it look broken and make million dollars off of it!  

Natural Hair product junkies are often plagued with the constant search for the ‘most natural,’ and ‘most healthy’ products to use on their hair as certain things have been deemed to be bad for your hair.  I’m writing this blog post NOT AS A COSMETOLOGIST--because I am not-- but as a girl who has gone natural for the 3^rd time… but, this time, I am not wasting excessive amounts of my hard earned cash on unnecessary hair products because someone thought it was healthier!  According to Mintel, by the year 2020, women will be spending $1.4 billion on hair products, a very large portion of that number being natural hair products targeted at black women. 

Here are a few things that I think every natural sista should keep in mind:

1)  Too much of anything is bad… Moderation is key.  If you apply too much of anything to your hair, the results may not be as they were intended.  Any product.  Any formula. Any excessive use of a thing can bring more harm than good.  For example, if I apply gel to my hair every day for a week, I’ll have a caked up head of gel.  The gel will weigh down my curls and there may be product residue built up. But, it's not the gels fault... it's my fault.   I could have just wet my hair a little bit and reactivated the gel that was already on my hair OR washed my hair to prevent product build up.

2)  Know what mixes well… Like I said, too much of anything is bad.  But so is a bad combination of things.  I know  a lot of people prefer sulfate-free shampoos… but, I don’t have a problem with sulfates.  Sulfates strip your hair... but that's not a problem in moderation.  It gives you a fresh, clean slate for the products that you are going to apply.  I strip my hair clean, so that I can build it back up from the inside out.  If you never ever use a sulfate, then you could risk clogging the follicles of your hair due to product build up and that could stunt your hair’s growth.  A lot of people blame sulfates in shampoos for their lack of moisture when they just failed to moisturized their hair.  Know what mixes well.

Picture source:  Google Images 

3)  Just because a product is pricey, that doesn’t mean it’s the right product for you…  In one of the Natural Hair groups I was in on Facebook, someone posted a picture of her cabinet filled with at least $500 worth of natural hair products (maybe more).  Do you know what I can do with $500? HONEY‼!  Its. Not. Worth. It.  All those products for what?  

4)  What works for you, works for you.  You don’t need a commercial or an article to tell you whether or not something works for your hair.   It’s not about what you use, it’s about how you use it!   Yes, healthy hair is important, but no one has PERFECT hair.

5)  The time you spend reading ingredients on the Natural Hair aisle can be spent elsewhere.

6)  The money you spend on the Natural Hair aisle can also be spent elsewhere.

7)  Again, I’m no professional.  But, these are my thoughts on what works for my naturalness.

Thanks for reading!

Here are a few great articles that explain why sulfates, parabens, and silicones aren’t that bad:

Silicones: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly:  https://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/kinky-hair-type-4a/silicones-good-bad-the-ugly/

Should You Avoid Parabens? Get the Natural Hair Facts.: http://www.curlynikki.com/2015/03/should-you-avoid-parabens-get-natural.html

Ask The Experts: When is it Okay to Use Sulfates on Your Curls?: http://www.essence.com/2015/12/01/ask-experts-when-it-okay-use-sulfates-your-curls

Don't forget to connect me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & Youtube.  :) God bless you!

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Success in Psalm 1

Have you ever seen a bicyclist pedaling down the interstate?

Have you seen a Lexus trying to drive down the sidewalk? Or use the bike lane?

Have you tried to drive a truck/bus with just a Class D driver's license?

There are all these circles I wanted to so badly to be in... There are some people I so desperately wanted to know. And many rooms I stood outside of dying to be let in. For a long time I was driven by the world's standards of progress and success (get a fine man, get a good job, live in a big house with a white picket fence, etc.).  As I was being driven by these standards of success, I found myself facing moments of depression when I realized I wasn't going to marry that fine man I had, my job wasn't going to complete me, a big house was no where in the budget, and most apartments don't come with white picket fences.

The lens that I had been using to view success had become tinted by the world... 
But this is what the Word says in Psalm 1:

1How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! 2But his delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law he meditates day and night. 3He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.  4The wicked are not so, But they are like chaff which the wind drives away. 5Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. 6For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked will perish.

God spoke to my heart and reminded me, "Girl, you have your own circle. Your own lane. Your own room. Your own zone.  I AM GOD.  I DEFINE YOUR SUCCESS."

1)  You are successful when your delight is in the WORD.
Verse 2 tells us that a man is blessed when his delight is in law of the Lord and and when he meditates on it day and night... Is it a struggle to read your Bible?  Do you find it hard to spend time with the Lord?  Or is it a delight to you?  The Lord wants us to to take delight in His word because He has already spoken a word for every situation in your life.  That's why he not only wants us to read it, but meditate on it day and night!

2)  You are successful when GOD plants you.
Other people may have plans for your life.  They may have assignments, visions, dreams for you.  However, verse 3 tells us that when we are consumed by God's word, He plants us.  He doesn't place us like other people have a tendency to.  But, He plants us.  He plants us in places where He knows we can grow and be nourished (beside streams of water).  He plants us in places where we can be fruitful.  If you aren't growing, if you aren't being nourished, if you aren't being fruitful, You should do an evaluation of your location.  Are you where GOD has planted you or where you placed myself?  Are you doing what GOD assigned for you or are you just keeping yourself busy?  Are you not being fruitful because you aren't in the right place or is this just not the right timing?

3)  You are successful when you trust God's SEASONS.
Don't rush the process, trust the process.  A flower doesn't bloom the day after the seed is planted.  A baby isn't born the day after it's conception.  Verse 3 informs us that the Lord not only plants us in places where we can be fruitful, but He times things perfectly.  Though we may be in a hurry, God understands that everything happens in its correct timing.   If you have a hard time understanding the importance of timing, talk to the mother of a pre-mature baby.  A baby born at 6 months runs the risks of having significantly more health challenges than a baby born at 7, 8, or 9 months.  Why is that?  Because timing is so important.  No matter how ready a woman may be in her 2nd trimester or beginning her 3rd, she understands the importance of delivering at full term.  Verse 3 tells us that the tree God plants will bring forth fruit IN ITS SEASON.

I said all that to say that your success isn't about what you want, it's about what God wants for your life.  The truth is God's success will far surpass what you have planned for yourself.  There are some rooms you're too big to fit in and forcing your way in will only minimize who you are.  The people who don't understand you maybe weren't meant for you in the first place or in this season.  Then there are other rooms you don't need to be in because it is not your season and you are not ready.  Everything has it's time and it's season...  a good thing at a bad time has the same toxins as a bad thing.  But when God does it, He does in such a way that everything we do will prosper (verse 3).

When God opens the door, walk in it. But, in the mean time, don't worry yourself about what you're missing.  God's timing is impeccable.  And if the door closes, praise God until the next one opens!  Don't worry yourself about the details. Don't get lost in wondering why it had to be that way or why things didn't turn out the way you expected.

Here are some additional scriptures to encourage you as you pursue God's success for your life:

• "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." - Phil. 4:13
• "Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart." - Psalm 37:4

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God is STILL Good!!!

Happy New Year!  I'm late, but Happy New Year to you!!!

YOU MADE IT!  That's right... Regardless of how challenging 2016 may have been, you have officially made it to 2017.  I don't know about you, but I am excited about that.  2016 was filled with highs and lows for a lot of people, including me, so don't feel like you're alone.  But that year has passed and we've begun anew.

I've always loved New Years!  My church has a Watch Night Service every year that begins at 10pm and is filled with testimonies, songs, praying and preaching.  It's like a grand finale for the passing year and a grand opening for the new year.  As we embrace the transition from one calendar year into another, I feel the excitement to embrace newness.

I just wanted to encourage you not to associate God's character with any circumstance going on in your life.  We are often so quick to say that God is good when things are going well.  And then we question God's goodness when things aren't going so well in our lives.  God is good all the time.

He is good even when your bank account looks empty.

He is good even when your test results don't come back as well as you wanted.

He is good even when you're having car trouble.

He is good even when your children are misbehaving.

He is good even when your friends turn their back on you.

He is good even when you lose your car.

He is good even when you lose your house.

He is good even when you lose your job.

How do I know that?  Well, here are a few things I have found comfort in from God's Word:

1)  God knows what you need.  “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. "So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him." - Matthew 6:7-8

Have you ever found yourself in a conversation where someone is going on and on and on about something?  Then before you know you you've missed a very important detail because you zoned out.  I'm not saying God zones out on us... but, I am saying that God knows what we need before we ask.  Our prayer can show our faith, but it doesn't inform God of anything he doesn't already know.

When you pray, pray in faith.  Don't pray in fear that He doesn't hear or doesn't know.

2)  God will provide.  "And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19

We may lose things in life. Friends, money, jobs, homes, etc.  But, at the end of the day, we have to trust that God will supply what we need and it won't be late.  I repeat, it won't be late, because God's timing is always perfect.  Sometimes the Lord allows us to lose the things that we think we need to show us that what we really need is Him.  I remember one week my vehicle was down and I was so frustrated because I didn't have the money I needed to fix my car.  What I thought I needed was my car, but what I really needed was to be humbled so I could embrace the help of others.  I lost a friend and the Lord really wanted to show me that He is my friend.

When you suffer a loss, ask God to open your eyes to what He wants you to gain and/or other ways He has already provided instead.

3)  God will put the pieces of your life together. "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

That's right.  It may seem hard to believe, but even when the pieces of your life are scattered all around you, God will cause all things to work together for your good!  There's nothing that God cannot use in your life.  There's no tragedy or triumph that cannot be used for your good and for God's glory.  When Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers in the book of Genesis, he nor them had any idea that later what they meant for evil God would use for good.  Glory to God!  No matter what is going on, God can and will get the glory out of it.  Don't try to make sense of it.  Let God handle it in His own timing.

When things fall apart, trust that God will put it all together.

"Lord, help us to rest in your goodness.  Help us to be anchored and held together by your goodness alone.  Help us to not associate your goodness with our circumstances, so that our thoughts and convictions about you will never be fickle or childlike.  Help us to be strong in you. In Jesus Name. Amen."

I hope that this encouraged you somehow.  If you have any prayer requests, feel free to send them to rlavletteb93@gmail.com or comment them below.

Find me on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter. Take a moment to say Hi!  God bless you.

Ricki

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Fishbowl Faith

I recently moved into a new apartment.  I'm super excited about it because it's closer to my job, close to my mom's job, close to the law school, I've got it nice and cozy and although everything isn't exactly unpacked, I know that I already love my new home.  As I was in the process of moving, I knew that I wanted to buy a fish.  I have had a few goldfish in my life, but I wanted something a little different.  Something 'easy' but beautiful.  At the pet store my heart was set on this betta fish.  It is burgundy, blue, and black.  It's very responsive and when his tail spreads, it is a beautiful site.

I spent almost an hour looking at about 25 different betta fish, but this one was the one I wanted.  I had already bought the rocks the day before and I wanted to buy him a new bowl to go in at home. I knew where I would put the bowl and how I wanted it to look. So, last night after I got the bowl all set up and put him on my night table, I just watched him embrace his new environment.  And the Lord spoke to me so clearly...

1) I thought about this fish long before I found it, like God thought about us long before we were created.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations." - Jeremiah 1:5

I know a few people who were born after years and years of their parents trying to conceive.  I also know friends who were a complete surprise to their parents.  I know some people have been referred to as accidents.  But, you were not an accident to God.  He was very intentional when He made you, he knew you before your mother knew your father, he formed you before you mother knew she had conceived.  You were consecrated, separated, set apart, and given an assignment by God.  Time is not a factor to God.  So whether you were early, late, or unexpected to MAN, rest assured that God did everything in His perfect timing.

2) I chose this fish, like God chose us.

"You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you." - John 15:16

Jesus tells the disciples then and us now that we didn't choose Him, but He chose us.  That may seem insignificant to you, but I know what it's like to NOT get chosen.  I've been the last one picked for the team.  I've been the rebound.  I've been the last choice.  I've been the one that nobody really wanted.  I know that feeling of rejection and loneliness.  I also know that what people say is not important because our Father in heaven chose me and appointed me for a specific assignment and purpose.

3)  I purchased this fish, like Jesus purchased us.

"And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation." -Revelation 5:9

My fish was not very costly.  But, I was.  Can you believe that Jesus purchased us for God?  He was perfect.  He knew no sin.  He loved us so much that He laid down his life so that we could live in Him and live for Him.  He was the perfect sacrifice.  Only He was able to bridge the gap made by sin between us and God.  Jesus' blood bought men from every tribe and nation.  We take pride in the things that we work hard to obtain just like Jesus takes pride in having us as His own.

4) I prepared a place for this fish, like Jesus has a place prepared for us.

"If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also." - John 14:3

Jesus came to earth for the sole purpose of dying on the cross for our sins and being raised from the dead so that He could return to Heaven.  He said in His word that He was going to prepare a place for us AND He's coming back to get us one day to take us to that place.  If you feel misplaced, that's why.  If you're constantly searching for home, that's why.  Earth is not your home.  This world and the things of this world will temporarily satisfy an eternal longing for heaven.

5) It is my pleasure to watch this fish thrive, like it is God's pleasure to watch us thrive.

Do you have children?  Have you ever sat and watched your child sleep?  or play?  or laugh?  Doesn't it just do something to you to see them happy and healthy and whole?   When you labor over the preparation of a meal, don't you love it when someone compliments it, enjoys it and appreciates it?  If an earthly parent does, how much more do you think our heavenly parent does?

When we find ourselves in God, get joy from His word, find rest in Him, love on Him and embrace His love, God is pleased.  He takes pleasure when His children are successful and joyful.  No, that doesn't mean life will be easy, but its a reminder that God truly does want what is best for us.

This may sound silly, but it's what I'll forever call FISHBOWL FAITH!!!

God, thank you for using a simple fish to blow my mind.  You love me so much that you planned for me, you chose me, you purchased me, you prepared a place for me and you take pleasure in my wellbeing.  Thank you for loving me.  Help me to always thrive in the spaces you have created for me to be a part of: every job, every school, every church.  Let my life be a pleasure to you.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

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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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