Ms.TL King is a sweet friend of mine and I’m excited to share with you her new book. She offers empowering motivation and encouragement to pursue new beginnings no matter what season of life you find yourself.

In her own words “Rise and Reclaim” is a “Blending authenticity with a touch of humor, T.L. King shares openly about the highs and lows of life, encouraging women—especially those in midlife—to find the courage to embrace self-worth and pursue new beginnings. Through her work, she empowers women to build financial independence and confidence, believing that everyone deserves a life they can feel proud of.”

I am past those years considered “mid-life” but am finding much of her encouraging words and life changing suggestions positive and uplifting. I trust we could all use a bit of rising from the ashes in which we find ourselves and reclaiming the most excellent life our amazing creator has planned and purposed for us. See the link below to purchase your copy of this reflective read!

Used by permission: Rise and Reclaim 31 Days to Rediscovering You by T.L. King

https://a.co/d/4AyhWVb

Promote Peace and Joy in your Home

Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy. Proverbs 12:20

A harsh word stirs up anger but a gentle answer turns away wrath. Proverbs 15:1

It is so easy to fall into the trap of following our emotions when hurt or angry. We must ask God for His Holy Spirit to provide the strength it will require to obey His word to offer that gentle answer. He will honor his promise but even if he should harden the heart of the one with whom you struggle, like he did pharaoh toward Moses, you must not allow your heart to be hardened. Only you can control you!

A few weeks ago, in preparation of my approaching hip replacement, I had purchased a few items I thought might assist in my mobility. I didn’t open the Amazon packages right away as I knew I had plenty of time until the surgery and for allotted returns should I decide they wouldn’t work as I imagined. But, as usual, life got away from me and the other day, I told my husband that one or two of the items might not work but I had missed the deadline for returns by one day. He might have been justified in stating anger and frustration to my neglectful spending and scheduling, but instead he calmed my concerns with a sweet, gentle response of “We might find a use for them at some point.”  How different that conversation might have sounded had he allowed frustration to ensue. He made me feel loved and cared for and peace reigned in our home.

The next time a friend or loved one does or says something that might put your relationship into a tailspin, consider how you might respond that could turn away wrath, promote joy and peace, but most of all honor God!

The Lord is filling me to overflowing reminding me of things He has taught me over the years and He’s motivating me to press on in the race He has given me.  I just found this reminder in reading through my journaling. God is so good to bring this to my mind and heart. It was written some time ago.

***

What are three things for which you are grateful? Let’s agree that our salvation in Christ, and our families are a given. NOW, list three other things: #1 our home, I am thankful for a warm or cool, comfortable, and safe place to be throughout my day. When I get in bed at night, I thank the Lord for my comfortable, cozy bed!  (Until I’ve been in it too long then it stops being cozy!) 😁 #2 the enjoyable hobbies of writing, website design and my aquarium. I do find these relaxing and challenging at the same time. It’s the first time I have ever had this come to mind, but #3 – I’m thankful for the minutia of finding my place in the church. Again, it is challenging and sometimes sad as I often feel unsettled in my sense of belonging, but then maybe having a heart that hasn’t quit trying is something for which to be so very thankful. I pray I never become apathetic and lethargic in my walk and fellowship with other believers. I’m finding my purpose in THE church not just A church. (I’d like to go on record that since writing this particular journal item I have found an amazing body of believers and I do believe I’m home, at least on this side of heaven!)

***

I’m sooooo thankful that I have this passion for journaling my thoughts. God is so good to remind me of things He’s put on my heart as I have prayed prayers throughout my walk with Him but then quickly forgotten what I asked for and moved on to the next thing. But God doesn’t forget my prayers. He brings me back to them to reignite that sweet desire.

I’m not sure why I’m sharing all this with you. I guess it’s to say that God is dealing with me, and I’m making changes in my life, schedule, and commitments so I can focus on what God laid on my heart so many years ago.

But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

What career would you realistically pursue if you wanted the most money?
What career would you realistically pursue if you wanted the biggest impact?
What career would you realistically pursue if you wanted to have the most fun?
What career offers the best mix?  *James Clear’s newsletter,

I recently asked my supervisor to be allowed to work from home only because of my current, life season, mobility issues make it painfully difficult getting to and from work. The answer to working remotely has been “no” both times I’ve asked, explaining that my job description requires my presence as the office receptionist. For the past few months, I have contemplated retirement and in preparation of that possibility, I have begun to search the internet for a new, remote part-time job. Nothing I saw sounded as fun or the least bit as impactful as what I currently do!

As I read these questions from *James Clear’s newsletter, my mind reeled with the reality that the very job I am doing makes an amazing impact. Working alongside some of the best administrators and educators, we collectively strive to help a population of students achieve their career goals! It’s not just a time absorbing, paycheck providing, 9-5 job. (The most money question isn’t really relevant to me, so I don’t speak to that question.) AND, when challenged with the question about my job being “fun” I have to admit my job skill set and capabilities allows me to answer with a resounding, “Yes”! I love technology and software programs that keep organization, communication, and record-keeping flowing. I “get” to do this all day long with a laptop, and not one, but two large monitors in office digs that are just beautiful. Oh, and along with all this wonderful technology I have access to an amazing group of IT troubleshooting experts by just dialing HELP!

So, challenged with these questions of pursuing a fun and impactful career I took time to pause and reflect. I’ve concluded that no pursuit is required.  I am already in the “best mix” and as far as the mobility issues, I purchased a scooter and, with a little extra effort of loading and unloading, I’m zooming to, around, and from work!

* Used by permission

“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”  Philippians 1:20-21 NIV

Lately, I have been asked to continually pray for healing for loved ones. I know they ask so that they can have more time with their loved one and not have to experience life without them. My faith and love for God’s will in the matter demands I pray specifically for just that…God’s will. I never want to hurt my friends by not praying for their specific requests for healing. However, we must not ignore the very strong possibility that God is calling His child home. We must recognize our responsibility to include prayer for peace and comfort in preparation for departing this world and facing our creator God.

I wrote a story a few years ago called, “The Elephant in the Room” that speaks on the subject of finding peace and comfort in being prepared for death. I guess my heart continues to lead in that direction of offering prayers of peace and comfort about dying.

Recently, our church (along with thousands of others) prayed for healing for a young lady, with three children under the age of 19, but God said, “I have a different plan!” My son in law, Sam, and I sat discussing God’s decision after her home going was totally baffling. It seemed that God ignored so many people’s prayers for healing. I said, “I’d really like to have a conversation with God about His reasons for not healing our sister in the Lord”. Sam shared how he had prayed for healing for his dad years ago and God didn’t heal him either. Along with our grief for these loved ones we were confused, and questioned our faith and the God we so dearly love.

Then a word in due time came the very next Sunday when our Pastor, Sammy Foster, spoke on this very subject. You would think we had asked him to address our questions, but it was very obvious; we were not the only ones feeling this way.

If you have lost a precious loved one or are currently walking that imminent path questioning God about your unanswered prayers, Pastor Sammy so graciously addresses this topic in this message when “When God Feels Absent”… https://youtu.be/c-GsONl0eM8

As I stated earlier, I always include God’s will in my healing prayers. Pastor Sammy reminds us in such a powerful way that:

“You don’t have to understand the plan to trust God’s purpose.”

“Do not reduce the size of God in your minds eye!” and

“We gotta go with Jesus!”

Photo by Kathy Falke