Hey You

Congratulations, YOU DID IT! You got through yesterday’s worries, you were BLESSED WITH ANOTHER DAY, and you’re strengthening yourself for tomorrow’s challenges.

Today’s Verse: “A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” – Proverbs 15:13 

Today’s post is short, simple, and hopefully meaningful. The reason I started this blog 5 years ago was in hopes that God would REACH YOU through the words He’s given me, ENCOURAGE YOU, and REMIND YOU that you are wonderfully made. YOU ARE MORE THAN ENOUGH.

So HAPPY THURSDAY. TREAT YOURSELF today, do something nice for yourself today. YOU DESERVE IT. Trouble can be circling you, worries can be knocking on your door, sadness may be trying to trickle in, but you know what? Too darn bad for them. TODAY IS YOUR DAY.

Today you begin your strength training to be able to endure future challenges. Your first exercise …SMILE DESPITE EVERYTHING GOING ON AROUND YOU. Now I don’t want a fake smile or any half hearted smiles. I want a huge, teeth showing, cheesy looking smile.

Did you do it? Did you smile? You did? HOORAY! It may seem so simple but you know what, it’s probably the hardest and the best place to FIND YOUR STRENGTH. You see when you smile you know that you can and will get through things.

Personally, I know how hard it can be to smile because sometimes we don’t feel the HAPPINESS to BRING THAT SMILE TO LIFE. But I have to do it anyway, I have to show the enemy. I have to show him that my God is bigger, stronger, and more powerful than any attack thrown against me. I reassure myself that in the end I WILL ALWAYS COME OUT VICTORIOUS. Sure I may have a bump here and a bruise there but you can bet that I’ll be showing them off because they’re reminders that GOD STRENGTHENED ME AND GOT ME THROUGH IT.

So that’s why today I think WE SHOULD ALL CELEBRATE. No matter what your emotions are telling you to worry about today, ignore it. Turn on your happiness, wear that smile, and treat yourself. STAY ENCOURAGED YOU WONDERFUL HUMAN BEING. Whatever you’re up against God will turn it around for your good. He is on your side, you’re in good hands, and those Hands and strengthening you. Spoiler alert, you will always be victorious when you put your trust in Him. THAT IS HIS PROMISE TO YOU.

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” – Genesis 50:20 

❤ THE BLESSED BRUNETTE 

UPROOTING THE ROOTS

Where have we planted ourselves? What type of soil have we dug our ROOTS into? Are we GROWING or are our roots WILTING?

Today’s Verse: “It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow.” – 1 Corinthians 3:7

The year is flying by and as each month passes a NEW SEASON grows closer. Just as plants need special tending to throughout the seasons to keep their roots strong and alive, is the same way we must TEND to OUR own ROOTS.

We find ourselves so excited at the beginning of the year, we’re coming out of winter and heading into spring. OUR SEEDS are ready to be planted and our roots are excited for the possible growth that’s coming. But what’s key is that when we’re planting our seed we have to FIND that GOOD SOIL to plant it in. In the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9) Jesus describes the four types of soil and how a seed grows in each.

1)The seed on the footpath (Matthew 13:3-4) 
-the birds came and ate the seed

2) The seed with no deep roots (Matthew 13:5-6)
-the seed sprouted, but since it was not deeply rooted it wilted in the sun and died

3) The seed among the thorns (Matthew 13:7)
-the seed was choked out by the growing thorns

4) The seed with good soil (Matthew 13:8-9) 
-being planted in fertile soil, the seed grew and produced a great harvest

Looking at these four examples it’s not hard to pick what soil we’d want to plant our seed in. But if we’re being honest with ourselves WHERE DID WE ACTUALLY PLANT OURSELVES? Did we fall on the footpath? Were we eaten up by the troubles of this world? Did we think that we found good soil but didn’t actually plant ourselves deep enough? Did we give up our happiness when trials came along? Have we fallen unknowingly into the thorns? Have we become so distracted and allowed our minds to become cluttered with our daily lives that we have wilted ourselves? Or have we actually found that good soil and have planted our roots deep?

No matter where we might find ourselves today the good thing is that we have a Gardner that is ready to UPROOT US, REVIVE US, and PLANT US IN GOOD SOIL. This year isn’t over, some of the best seasons (at least in my opinion) are right around the corner. Now is the time to find that place where we can plant ourselves and prepare for the upcoming changes. Plants may be withered, or have barely survived the season, but there’s always a chance to BRING IT BACK TO LIFE. It just needs to be tended to.

So today I challenge you to really look at your roots. Where have we planted ourselves? Is it where we should be? If not, let’s find that good soil. Let’s find a place where our roots can GROW DEEP and strong. Let’s find a place where our seed can FLOURISH. And if we’re having trouble doing that all we have to do is SEEK OUR GARDNER.

God is always here, He’s always listening for our call. And He has green thumb so TRUST HIM WITH YOUR SEED. Let Him lead you to your good soil. Let Him help your roots take root. Do this and your seed will produce a harvest a hundred times more. THAT IS HIS PROMISE TO YOU. 

“Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” – Colossians 2:7 

❤ THE BLESSED BRUNETTE

Having A Dream

Today marks a momentous day in history. Today WE CELEBRATE a man, Martin Luther King Jr., and THE LEGACY HE LEFT this nation. He’s celebrated because he fulfilled his biggest dream, a dream that seemed impossible in other’s eyes, a dream that others worked hard to bring down, a A DREAM BROUGHT TO PASS WITH GOD’S HELP. Although today celebrates a inspiration for all of mankind, today should also give us the realization and inspiration that when we take limits off of God HE CAN MAKE what seems IMPOSSIBLE, POSSIBLE.

Today’s Quote: “We must accept finite dissapointment but never lost infinite hope.”           – Martin Luther King Jr.

Now we all have a DREAM a SECRET DESIRE in our hearts. We all have something that we speak loudly and share with others or we keep it to ourselves. But even if that secret desire is “hidden” we have to realize that GOD ALREADY KNOWS IT because He put it there.

So now you might be thinking, well if God knows my dream why hasn’t HE BROUGHT IT TO PASS? It’s okay if you’ve thought that, at one point I myself have shared that same thought. The way I see it is that if it hasn’t come to pass yet it’s for one of three reasons:

1) You’re Putting Limits on God    
When we don’t have full faith in our dreams, no matter how big, they won’t come to pass because we are putting a limit on God. Or when we think, “well I’m sure God is too busy with everything else, how can I bother Him with my dream?” It says in the Bible that nothing is too hard or big for God. Sometimes we forget how SUPERNATURAL our God is; we forget how ALL-POWERFUL He is! When you TAKE THE LIMITS OFF GOD, HE WILL AMAZE YOU WITH HIS PLANS FOR YOU. 

OR

2) Things are in Motion

When we finally believe in our God-given dream it will set a series of events into motion. At this very moment God is lining up the right people, the right opportunities that are going to get you to your dreams. HE IS ARRANGING THINGS IN YOUR FAVOR FOR YOUR FUTURE. So although your breakthrough might not have happened yet, don’t give up faith because SOON you will see a supernatural increase and EXPLOSIVE BLESSINGS! 

OR

3) He Has Something Else In Mind

You see our God is ALL KNOWING. Which means sometimes what we think we may want may not be in the best interest for us. If He sees that our desires would lead to our own destruction God isn’t going to send us down that path. Instead He’ll send us down a PATH THAT WILL PROSPER US. Another scenario is that we may be thinking too small in the sense that we’re dreaming too small. GOD SEES AND KNOWS OUR POTENTIAL, so if that’s the case He isn’t going to bring our dream to pass but instead God is bringing a BIGGER AND MORE IMPACTFUL DREAM COME TO PASS.

Now can there be another reason as to why dreams haven’t come to pass? Of course. These are just the three reasons that I have to put my faith in. I also have to REMEMBER JEREMIAH 29:11. So I have to take comfort in knowing that God promises all of us a prosperous future.

Imagine if Martin Luther King Jr. didn’t wholeheartedly believe in his dream, if he thought the extent of his dream was too big and put a limit on God. See that’s what is so INSPIRATIONAL ABOUT MLK JR. HE BELIEVED.

So take comfort today and everyday after and remember this statement, “LORD, I BELIEVE”. When you are truly able to say and mean it, you better secure your spiritual seat belt because you will be accelerated into your God-given dream! All it takes is FAITH, TRUST, and God’s SUPERNATURAL FAVOR! THAT IS HIS PROMISE TO YOU.  

“If you’ll take the limits off Me I’ll amaze you with My goodness. I’ll not only meet your needs, I’ll take it one step further. I’ll give you the desires of your heart.” -2 Corinthians 9: 8-9

❤ THE BLESSED BRUNETTE 

 

Staying Still

My encouragement today is simple, it’s just a word; STILLNESS. There’s a PEACE in stillness. In these times being still is a RARE GIFT. And when we find a stillness in our life we almost feel “too still”, we feel as though we need to do something. Well today I want us all to BE STILL, and ENJOY IT.

Today’s Verse: “He stilled the storm to a whisper, the waves of the sea were hushed.” – Psalms 107:29 

So okay I know my last few posts have been about taking this year by storm; making 2016 your year. But I don’t want any of us to forget to enjoy the MOMENTS IN BETWEEN, I don’t want us to forget to take time to BREATHE and enjoy the breath.

I know personally sometimes stillness can make me anxious. It becomes worrisome in the sense that if I take the time to truly ENJOY it that LIFE will pass me by. But I’m learning to see that it’s the complete opposite. God’s already promised that only we can accomplish the dreams He’s set in our hearts, and yes He wants us to accomplish them but He also wants us to ENJOY THE WAY THERE.

Now I’m not saying to go veg out while watching your favorite TV show (although I’m not going to lie Netflix is very tempting 24/7) but I’m saying go FIND A SPACE where you can go to “BREATHE“, find a place to enjoy the STILLNESS. Maybe your place is sitting at the coffee shop people watching, or FINDING YOUR FAVORITE SPOT in your house to daydream, or maybe it’s sitting outside listening to the birds singing, or maybe it’s sitting in your home office listening to the Pride and Prejudice album (guilty, that’s exactly what I’m doing at the moment).

Wherever your place is FIND IT and whatever brings you closer to stillness DO IT. And once you’re there, breathe, and enjoy it. Enjoy where you are in your life. Enjoy the memories of where you’ve come from to get where you are. Enjoy the memories of people you’ve made connections with. Enjoy knowing that this isn’t the end. Enjoy knowing that God is still bringing you to better. ENJOY BEING STILL.

Life won’t always show stillness but make the time to find it. Be still in knowing that no matter where you are in life, no matter the situation, and no matter how hectic it may seem STILLNESS WILL ALWAYS BE THERE all you have to do is seek it out. SEEK OUT the stillness GOD promises and TAKE COMFORT IN IT because there is peace in stillness. THAT IS HIS PROMISE TO YOU.

“Be still, and know that I am God!” – Psalms 46:10 

❤ THE BLESSED BRUNETTE 

Distracted, Not Derailed

DISTRACTED: having the ATTENTION DIVERTED. DERAILED: to cause to fail or become DEFLECTED FROM A PURPOSE. We find distractions in our everyday life. Some innocent that we overcome and some meant to hold our attention in effort to derail us.

Today’s Verse: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your way submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 

Do you remember the dreams you held so deeply in your heart when you were little? In our younger years ANYTHING SEEMED POSSIBLE. Whatever we said that we wanted to be when we grew up was going to happen; no ifs, ands, or buts about it. So WHAT CHANGED?

Okay sure maybe some of our DREAMS at that age were a little “far fetched”, but why shouldn’t dreams be a little far fetched. Why shouldn’t our dreams make us FULL OF WONDER of where they can take us? Why have some of us put our dreams aside to COLLECT DUST? Want to know why? Because the enemy has CLOUDED OUR VISION WITH DISTRACTIONS.

You see the enemy will do whatever he can to make sure that we don’t pursue our God given dream. Like I’ve said in previous posts, if God put a dream, a desire in your heart ONLY YOU CAN ACCOMPLISH IT. Once the enemy sees that dream in you takes root he will place distractions in your path and he WON’T STOP UNTIL HE DERAILS YOU.

But here’s the good news GOD IS THE CONDUCTOR of our train. As long as we keep our focus on Him, even through all the distractions, THE ENEMY CAN NEVER DERAIL US. And even if we find ourselves derailed guess what, there is nothing our God cannot do. He will pick us up lovingly and set us back on our path. So now that we know this promise IT’S TIME TO REMEMBER OUR DREAMS. To close our eyes from the distractions, focus our heart wholeheartedly on God, and He will reveal our dreams.

Maybe you might be thinking well I’ve been distracted for so long or it’s too late I’ve already been derailed once, MY TIME FOR DREAMING IS OVER. That’s A LIE that the enemy is feeding us. SO ENOUGH. Don’t accept those lies. You will never be too old, too young, too worn out, too derailed, or too unable to accomplish the dreams God has placed in you.

One of my favorite stories in the Bible is about Abraham and Sarah. Although their story beings long before Genesis 16, this is where I see Sarah (at that time Sarai) become derailed. In short Sarah wanted to bear Abraham (at that time Abram) children, that was her dream but so far she had not been able to. Being DISTRACTED BY HER OWN AGE, Sarah gave Abraham her slave Hagar so that he would able to have children through her.

See DISTRACTIONS SO LITTLE as age can CAUSE US TO DERAIL from our path that God had planned for us. But we find in Genesis 18, that God visited Abraham once again and told him that his Sarah would bear a child. At this time both Abraham and Sarah were both very old and Sarah past her childbearing age. But like God told Sarah, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:14) 

You see our GOD CAN OVERCOME ANY DISTRACTION AND ANY DERAILMENT and He will have us attain our dreams, all we need to do is have faith in Him the way He has faith in us. So today take time to clear your mind of distractions, refocus all your attention on God, rediscover your dreams, and go hand in hand with God to attain them because He is waiting for you. THAT IS HIS PROMISE TO YOU.

“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this impossible, but with God all things are possible.'” – Matthew 19:26 

❤ THE BLESSED BRUNETTE 

 

Don’t Endure. Risk.

Who do you think of when you hear the word “RISK TAKER“? Do you think of a mountain climber, a base jumper, the dare devils of the world? When I hear the word I THINK OF YOU AND ME. I think of the potential we have to be the biggest risk takers in the world!

Today’s Verse: “But don’t just listen to God’s Word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” – James 1:22

Do you consider yourself a risk taker? Or are you more of a person who would rather take the safe route? What does it even mean to take a risk? To me it means that we’ve made the DECISION OF NOT STAYING STAGNATE in our current situation. It means that WE’RE READY to take the first step towards the yearning in our hearts.

Sometimes I’ve found that I myself will talk myself out of taking the first step. I’ll convince myself that I’m too ordinary or that I’m not equipped or capable to do what God has moved within me to do. The BIBLE IS FULL OF ORDINARY PEOPLE; people rich and poor, people born into royalty and people born as commoners, people who tired to make the right decisions and people who found themselves making a very bad decision.

But you know what GOD CHOSE THOSE PEOPLE because inside of them all, no matter what their situation, they all made the decision to TAKE A RISK AND GO.

Remember MOSES? The man God used to go up against the king of Egypt in order to free God’s people. Did you know Moses had a STUTTERING PROBLEM? He had a problem with “public speaking” but despite it all when God called him Moses took the risk and took that first step.

What about David, the great KING DAVID? He lusted after a woman who was not his wife and in turn MURDERED her husband so that he could be with her. Yet God loved David because David’s heart was after God’s own heart and was ready for whatever risk needed to be taken.

Even Saul’s son JONATHAN. When most of his father’s army fled and very few were left to face Philistine army Jonathan still took the risk to CONFRONT THE ARMY WITH ONLY HIMSELF and his armor bearer. But even in that bleak situation God used Jonathan to take the first step because Jonathan was willing. And yes, the Philistine army was defeated.

These are just a few of the IMPERFECT PEOPLE GOD USED TO DO HIS WILL. And the one thing they all shared was that they were all willing to take the risk to take the first step to ACCOMPLISH THE DREAM set in their hearts by God. So next time we feel this tugging on our heart don’t fight against it, give in. GOD IS WANTING TO USE YOU. He already sees how you will overcome and the awesome things you’ll be able to accomplish if you just take the risk.

So don’t doubt yourself, don’t concentrate on how bad your current situation might be. GOD WILL STILL MOVE. Don’t be afraid, don’t endure anymore. MOVE. FIGHT. RISK. If you make that decision God will go with you. THAT IS HIS PROMISE TO YOU.

“What do you mean, ‘If I can‘?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” – Mark 9:23 

❤ THE BLESSED BRUNETTE 

2016: The Year of Strength

It’s 2016!!! Can you believe how blessed we are to be LIVING in a NEW YEAR. 2015 is gone and past. I’m sure at some point last year we all felt that we didn’t know how we would make it through, but guess what WE MADE IT.

Today’s Verse: “…He turned the intended curse into a blessing because the Lord your God loves you.” – Deuteronomy 23:5 

With a new year COMES NEW promises, new dreams, new resolutions, a new memories waiting to be made. For me personally, 2016 comes with new STRENGTH. Although 2015 had it’s blessings and adventures it also had it’s share of trials.

I know we’ve all heard the variation of the saying, “you can never move forward if you keep looking back,” in our lives. But if I learned anything it was that you can never move forward if we don’t ACCEPT OUR PAST. Sure things in the past aren’t always going to be something we want to remember but the truth is that “that something” was apart of our lives. It BROKE US, it MOLDED US, and it PREPARED US.

So why look back right? Why harbor feelings of the bad things from the past? Well why not? Why not look back at that bad situation right in the face? Why not have a stare down? Scared you’ll be defeated by the hurt it brought? Here’s the trick, DON’T BE SCARED because YOU WON.

You won the battle of every bad thing that tried to defeat you. Want to know how I know? Because YOU’RE ALIVE TODAY! You survived it. Sure you may have a few battle wounds; emotionally and physically but in the end those wounds turn to scars. And I see SCARS AS A REMINDER to ourselves of the new strength we have, the strength we have in not being defeated.

The BAD IS INEVITABLE. There’s no way around it. But the good news is that our GOD HAS ALREADY DEFEATED THE BAD. So no matter how many bad things happened to us in the past we will never be defeated if we put our TRUST IN GOD’S HANDS.

So today, January 1, 2016. Take ONE MORE LOOK BACK. Remember the bad things, remember the pain, remember the battle scars, and remember that you WEREN’T DEFEATED. Bring this new CONFIDENCE OF STRENGTH into 2016. Know that no matter what year it is our God is never changing, He remains the same, and HE REMAINS BY YOU ALWAYS.

Take this new year by storm. Release your fears and accept your strength. Forget your failures and live out your dreams. And always remember you’ll NEVER BE DEFEATED when you WALK WITH GOD because He has already defeated anything that comes up against you. THAT IS HIS PROMISE TO YOU.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17

❤ THE BLESSED BRUNETTE 

Today’s Promise: Feel the Love

I’m keeping it short and sweet today and maybe a bit mushy …… you are SO LOVED!

Today’s Verse: ” ‘…I have loved you, my people with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to Myself.’ ” – Jeremiah 31:3 

Have you ever just taken time to THINK about how much you are loved? You’re loved by family, friends, co-workers, sometimes by people from afar. All of this LOVE ADDS UP to something so great, but with all the love added up from the people here on earth will never add up to how much GOD LOVES YOU.

We are so so loved. It’s impossible to try and imagine the love God has for you, you can try but you’ll NEVER BE ABLE TO MEASURE it. Last week at a bible study we were discussing how God created each and every one of us. And although I’ve known all my life, it just occurred to me during the study how much LOVE WAS PUT INTO OUR CREATION.

Think about it, there’s what more than 7 billion people living on this earth and yet there are NO TWO PEOPLE ALIKE! We are all different. We were all wired differently. We all have exclusive physical traits, emotional reasons, and different passions we were given. Now let it sink in how GOD TOOK HIS TIME on every single person, creating uniquely them, never duplicating. That’s a lot of time and LOVE.

He’s our artist and we His paintings. He made sure that His strokes were different then the painting before. Painting not doing it for you? Well HE IS THE POTTER and WE ARE THE CLAY. He has sculpted more than 7 billion jars and none of them are alike. In that same way He has created us with a specific destiny in mind.

He has given us a passion, a dream that drives us, and He loves us so much that He’s equipped us with everything we need to see that dream out. Now in my next blog I want to dive deeper into dreams and being equipped for them but today I just want us to REFLECT ON LOVE.

Now sometimes we see that love and at times we don’t. But just like we don’t see the wind doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. So ACCEPT HIS LOVE because He’s accepted ours. He’s accepted our imperfect, sometimes selfish, and even doubting love because He loves us deeply. So DON’T DOUBT IT, don’t seek it for selfish reasons, but seek God’s love because you love Him.

Now I’m not sure if I’ve made my point clear, or if I even have a point (well I do). I just want you going away from today’s blog knowing that you are loved by the God who created love and who created a heaven SO THAT LOVE CAN CONTINUE FOREVER.

So take some quite time and SEEK GOD. Ask Him to surround you with His love. To hold you in His arms. And ask that we learn to love like He loves us. Do it, IT’S TIME TO LOVE! You won’t regret it. THAT IS HIS PROMISE TO YOU.

“I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me.” – Proverbs 8:17

❤ THE BLESSED BRUNETTE 

Today’s Promise: You’re a Light

Ever wish you had a LIGHT during a really bad storm? I’m from Texas and lately with all of these terrible storms my lantern was my CONSTANT COMPANION. Imagine how my lantern felt, constantly being used and during the darkest and scariest of storms but still knowing despite how it felt it still needed to SHINE BRIGHT. I’ll get back to how this ties into everything in a bit.

Today’s Verse: “No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp in placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.” – Matthew 5:15 

Lately I’ve noticed how dark everyday lives can be. There are storms happening all over, (not just physical) EMOTIONAL STORMS that we all find ourselves facing. I admit I have had my little “April Showers”, we all experience these at some point. The littlest of things can cause them; we’re running late, our lunch was cold, or someone cut us off on the highway. We start seeing, what we think, are these dark dense clouds surrounding us when really we’re just experiencing a little emotional shower.

But there are days when we will have to ride out some of the DARKEST OF STORMS. I have had such a HEAVY HEART these last few days, unfortunately there have been some very tragic things that have happened to people I know. I myself have experienced these storms. We try to put on a brave face when underneath that forced smile WE’RE FALLING APART. The clouds roll in, the lighting begins to flash, the pattering of the rain joins, and then the thunder that shakes us. Our hearts our beating, our emotions are jumping not knowing what to feel, and most importantly we long for the dawn. We find ourselves LONGING FOR THE LIGHT that shines after the storm passes.

Here’s how my lantern ties into all of this. When we go through these life storms we need comfort and peace to shine down on us. Now I don’t know about you but I pray that there was someone who was your lantern who COMFORTED YOU THROUGH THE STORM. Someone who knew you didn’t have the strength so they took on the responsibility of SHINING FOR YOU. Someone who shined until the dawn rose.

There are other forces in this world, forces who long to fill our lives with storms. These forces are making sure that we give up on the HOPE OF LIGHT. To live clouded by darkness and weakened by it. Their life mission is to blow out the light that shines in each of us, and unfortunately they succeed in people’s lives.

Now here’s a promise, WE ARE A LIGHT. We are shining 24/7 whether we realize it or not. Even in our darkest of storms, although it may be dim, our light still shines. But with this promise I want to present a challenge. BE A LIGHT FOR SOMEONE ELSE. Because of those evil forces people all around us are needing someone, they’re needing you. I know, we ourselves aren’t always shining our brightest but sometimes no matter how dim it’s still enough light to SHINE FOR OTHERS.

I’ve always felt that one of our main purposes on this Earth is to serve others by shining God’s light that lives in us onto them. To shine so brightly that it IGNITES THEIR OWN SPARK. I want to Lord Willing look back on my life and see that despite how dim I felt I was still able to shine for others. That God shined through me, letting them know that there is more in this world than darkness. There is more than sadness, depression, fear, and weakness. That HOPE SHINES BRIGHTLY THROUGH HIM!

“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” – John 8:12 

So like I try to remind myself everyday, shine God’s light no matter how you’re feeling because sometimes WE’RE THE ONLY LIGHT PEOPLE COME INTO CONTACT WITH. Shine His light for others and in return your light will shine brighter. THAT IS HIS PROMISE TO YOU!

“You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.”                 – Matthew 5:14 

❤ THE BLESSED BRUNETTE 

Today’s Promise: Pause and Take a Breath

Ever have a day where from the moment you wake up YOU’RE RUNNING? From the second you OPEN YOUR EYES you have a million and one things running through your mind. Welcome to my Monday morning.

Today’s Verse: “Let me hear of Your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting You. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to You.” – Psalm 143:8

Before you read the rest of this promise me you’ll TAKE A MINUTE to close your eyes. Take deep breaths, CLEAR YOUR MIND from all the worries and chaos around you, and TELL GOD GOOD MORNING. Thank Him for bringing you into a NEW DAY.

I think this is such a important thing to remember especially since it’s a Monday morning. We live in a fast paced world that it’s EASY TO GET SWEPT UP and lose all control of taking the day step by step. Instead we often RUN AND RUSH through our day without stopping to take a breath.

We forget that we’re in a daily war with an enemy who’s wide awake and ready for us. And it’s the enemy’s goal, his reason for living, to make sure that we don’t WAKE UP IN THE LIGHT. He wants us to wake up day after day finding no hope and not having that morning of peace, and not GIVING OUR DAY TO GOD.

You see the one thing that he can’t overcome is God. He’s terrified of God, he trembles and flees at the mention of God’s name. So do you see why the enemy doesn’t want us to wake up in God’s peace. If we clothe ourselves in God’s armor first thing in the morning he can’t touch us. OUR SPIRIT CAN’T BE MOVED. There’s a key verse in the Bible that reminds us that we can’t be crushed because we have our God.

“We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair.” – 2 Corinthians 4:8 

Do you understand now? Do you see why it’s important to start off your day in His name? Believe it or not but by taking those extra minutes each morning it can DRASTICALLY CHANGE YOUR DAY. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by every bad thing you’ll begin feeling rested, refreshed, and ready to TAKE ON THE DAY.

That’s not too much to ask for right? A few extra minutes. God isn’t asking us to set aside the whole morning for Him. He knows that we have a busy day ahead of us. In fact He’s excited for us to start our day and SEE ALL THE BLESSINGS HE HAS IN STORE FOR US. 

I know it’s hard to get up some mornings, we crave extra minutes in our cozy bed, we close our eyes for “5 more minutes” but instead of just closing them for sleep close them for reflection. Use those 5 minutes to WAKE UP IN HIS LOVE, thank Him for blessing you with a brand new day, ask Him to cover you with peace and patience throughout the day, and lastly smile because it’ll be another morning that THE ENEMY WON’T DEFEAT YOU. So turn your thoughts to Him in the morning and He will turn to you because this is the day He made! THAT IS HIS PROMISE TO YOU!

“This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24 

❤ THE BLESSED BRUNETTE