Just Be...Celebrating the Victory

Just Be… Celebrating the VICTORY

This past week I set a goal to stop drinking Coke Zero. I’m excited to celebrate the Victory of meeting this goal. I am trying to get rid of things that my body doesn’t need and start with small steps in my weight loss journey.

You see, for me, I don’t always walk in Victory. Sometimes I forget to give GRACE to myself which leads to walking in Defeat. We should strive to walk in Victory and celebrate not just the big milestones but the small ones as well.

What is a Victory?

The dictionary defines it as:

·      The overcoming of an enemy or antagonist.

·      Achievement of mastery or success in a struggle or endeavor against odds or difficulties.

What does God’s Word say about Victory?

1 Corinthians 15: 57

But thanks be to God, who gives us the Victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

This reminds me to keep walking with the Lord, to dig into scripture, and to walk in Faith that I will have Victory.  I am intentionally looking for the Victories Christ has for me.

Apply:

This week I have added two new goals to my no Coke Zero:

*One is to get up earlier in the morning for my Quiet time (5:00 am)

* No fried food

This week I hope you will be looking for the VICTORY in your life!

I’m praying you will WALK in VICTORY and not Defeat!

My Word for the Year

Word for the Year

For the past 6 years, I have chosen a word that the Lord has given me to guide my focus for the year.  Previously, I’ve chosen Strive, Joy, Trust, Believe, Overflow, and others.  Going into this year, I had been praying for the Lord to reveal it to me.

While standing in the middle of Jerusalem, the Lord was speaking to my heart that this year I would have a phrase instead of just one word.  

“Here am I”

Here am I, Lord.  Use me, teach me, let me be obedient to what you have called me to do, and to not let FEAR keep me from being all that the Lord has called me to be.

This phrase kept flying through my head and then, when we were in the Friends of Zion museum, it showed up on the wall.   As we walked through the gift store I saw a ring (that I bought) that says “Here am I”.  Now, I have a daily reminder that God is at work in my life and I’m ready for him to use me like never before.

Don’t be afraid to choose a word or phrase of the year to help you grow in your walk with the Lord this year. 

Why do I choose a word of the year?

Every year I want to grow in my walk with the Lord.  This is a daily reminder for me to keep my focus sharp.  Each year I place the word in several places so I am reminded of it with the hustle and bustle of life.

Will you join me in telling the Lord “Here Am I”.

Just Be Ready

Just Be Ready

My prayer is that every “Just Be ….” writing will encourage your Walk with the Lord!

 

I know this post is a few days late since we have already started a new year, but I’ve been on a trip of a lifetime in Israel with Prestonwood Baptist Church.

A new year brings a fresh start to make and set new goals.  For me, this year, I’m ready for whatever God says or puts in my path.

I’m ready to fall more in love with Jesus and not let life get me distracted.  I’m ready to let go of things that I have no control of and to surrender to the Lord.

I’m ready to see with an expectant heart what God has planned for me.

When is the last time you have had an expectant heart? 

My prayer is that Ephesians 3:20-21 would come to life in all of our lives…

²⁰ Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

I’m ready to re-evaluate and give myself a report card on how I’m doing in specific areas of my life and make true lasting changes.

Just Be ready….

Now what??

1.    Choose to start your day with the Lord - Fresh new start of each day.

2.    Choose a reading plan

a.    You can find it in the back of your bible

b.    Try a chronological bible

c.    Look at the 1^st 5 app- Choose a plan (I just did the book of Jeremiah

3.    Journal your Prayers - so you can look back and read scriptures He has shown you and how He is, and has been, at work in your life.

4.    Praise God - Reflect on each day and write down ways you’ve seen God move in your life each day.  (I praise you for coffee with Kasie.  Or I praise you for walking with Christine.  Or I praise you for the beautiful sun rise.  Etc.)

5.    Change it Up - Add more worship music throughout your day.  Listen to podcasts (I highly recommend Wonder- Prestonwood Women’s Ministry).  Or read a book that will help you grow in your walk with the Lord.

Just Be READY for God to move in your life.

I’d love to hear how God is moving in your life.

Just Be There

Just Be There

My prayer is that every “Just Be ….” writing will encourage your Walk with the Lord! 

A few weeks ago my Mom mentioned I should write a “Just Be There” piece.  I’ve been thinking of this statement a lot lately. In fact, I woke up at 1:30 this morning thinking about this piece.

This year went by so quickly and in some ways it’s a blur.  The year started off with the huge loss of my Uncle Robert.  He taught me so many life lessons and one was just being there. 

From the time I can remember, my Uncle Robert and Aunt Nan did not miss any events of mine.  In fact, when they lived out of town, often they would drive to Lufkin on a work night just to see my performance.  I could always count on them being there.

Another thing I’ve learned is that it’s not always about being at the events, but just picking up the phone and calling/texting  friends or family. This doesn’t just make a difference in your life but their life as well. 

Another Just Be There…..

As I was thinking about this Christmas season I was reminded that Jesus is ALWAYS there for us.  He wants us to come to Him and talk to Him just like we run to our friends.

There is nothing that Jesus can’t handle.  He’s got it all.  He loves us unconditionally and, no matter what, is always there for us.

Verses to Chew On:

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Just Be a Blessing

Just Be a Blessing

My prayer is that every “Just Be ” writing will encourage your Walk with the Lord! 

One vivid memory of my Mom has made a huge impact in my life.  Mom would take me with her to deliver poinsettias to different families.   My Mom’s desire was to make them feel special.  She wanted them to know she loved and cared about them. This gift might be for a friend who had blessed her, for someone who had lost a loved one, or simply someone who needed a little encouragement.

This is now a tradition I have started.  At the end of November, I start praying and asking the Lord to show me who to give the poinsettias to.  I love to see the smile it brings as I deliver them.  Sometimes, I just leave them on their doorstep as a surprise.  

For me, it’s not just being a blessing at Christmas, but throughout the year.  I look for ways to encourage and love on the people that have been put in my path.

I’ve learned that it’s important to take time and ask the Lord who I can love on today. It may be a stranger that I can bless.  

Being a blessing doesn’t always involve a gift.  Sometimes, it can be as simple as a visit in the hospital, a kind word to a tired clerk, or a card in the mail.  Blessings take many forms.

During this Christmas season, let us all “Just Be a Blessing”.

Just Be Catching the Winks

Just Be Catching the Winks

This week I would like to share one of the first pieces I ever wrote.  My prayer is that every  “Just Be” writing will encourage your Walk with the Lord!

(from 2009)

How many times in a day do you STOP and look at the winks God gives us each day?

Just recently, as I was going through the illness and the death of my grandfather, a very wise woman, said to me, “As you go into this weekend look at the winks Jesus gives you.” 

Well, since this conversation I have really started looking for these winks.  God is looking down on us. He is not only pleased with his children when we are obedient, but He also wants us to know how precious we are by sending  these little winks along the way. 

Sometimes, I need a physical touch from God, and seeing His winks are so sweet that it brings a smile to my face. 

One precious wink I received in the midst of my grief was getting to share with my Uncle Robert the ESV Bible.  Upon seeing this Bible in my car, he started looking through it and it sparked the most unique conversation, allowing me to share with him what Christ is teaching me in the midst of our family storm.

Guess what?  The winks that I get may not be the same ones you receive.  As I have started looking at the winks we are given, I catch myself wanting to share with others these special winks. 

Likewise, when God gives you a wink in the midst of your day, share it with your friends!  You never know the lives you can impact by sharing a little wink with them. 

You are Giving God praise back by telling him you caught the wink.

Food for thought: the word wink is only written 1 time in the Bible.(Ps 35:19-NIV)

Verse for the Day: A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.  Proverbs 15:13

This week, I hope you will “JUST BE” Catching the Winks that the Lord sends!

Just Be on the Lookout!

Just Be on the Lookout

In recent weeks, the Lord has placed different “Just be” statements on my heart.

I love Christmas and all of the traditions. I love going on adventures, looking at Christmas lights, going to Christmas events and, of course, the baking of candies from different family members recipes.

I do realize not everyone is excited about Christmas.  Think about the people in your life that are going through their 1^st Christmas without a loved one, or the adults who are away from their kids due to a divorce. I’ve decided this Christmas season I’m going to be on the lookout to bring a smile to those who are hurting.

What can you do to bring a smile and remind people of Jesus this Christmas season?

1. Don’t miss spending time with the Lord preparing for this Christmas season.

2. December is one of the busiest months of the year filled with hustle and bustle.  Pray that you would be on the lookout for ways to bless people you come in contact with.

3. Take time to talk to the checkout clerk.

4. Invite your friend to a Christmas service with you.

5. Be on the lookout for someone you could bless this Christmas season.

6. Send someone a card.

Scriptures to hold onto:

Gal. 5:13 b “But through love serve one another.”

Psalm 100:2 “Serve the Lord with gladness.”

I’d love to hear from you this week on how you are “Just Being” on the lookout.