Faith 5 Powerful Women Warriors In The Bible To Inspire You 11:48 PM Women have always been warriors. And the Bible proves it. Long before "girl boss" was a thing, women in Jesus' time were shattering expectations and rewriting history. Need a woman inspiration, a worthy girl crush, or a fierce role model to help you win at life? Look no further. Here are five powerful women warriors in the Bible to inspire you:Woman Warrior #1: RuthRuth was a Moabite woman who, after the death of her husband, chose to remain with her mother-in-law, Naomi. She later married Boaz and became the great-grandmother of King David. What is most admirable about Ruth?Loyalty. Ruth's commitment to her mother-in-law, Naomi, made her an admirable and respectable woman. It eventually paid the way to prosperity and her destiny. After her husband died, Ruth could have returned to her own family, but instead, she chose to stay with Naomi, even though it meant leaving her homeland and facing an uncertain future.Faithfulness. Ruth's devotion to God and commitment to following His commandments are also noteworthy. She chose to leave her family, her culture, and her gods behind and embrace the faith of Naomi and the Israelites.Hard work. Ruth's diligence and hard work made her stand out. It caught Boaz's attention and piqued his interest. She worked tirelessly in the fields, gleaning the leftover grains after the harvest, to provide for herself and Naomi.Humility. Ruth's humility is evident in her interactions with Boaz, her future husband. She showed respect and deference to him, even though he was a wealthy landowner and she was a poor foreigner.Boldness. Ruth's courage is evident in her willingness to approach Boaz at night and ask him to redeem her family's land and marry her, even though it is an unconventional and risky move.Ruth's story is of faithfulness, loyalty, hard work, humility, and courage. Her unwavering commitment to God and her family inspires people of all ages and backgrounds. Ruth didn't intend to marry a wealthy man like Boaz after her husband died. But her excellent work ethic, pure intentions, and hard work brought her places that were impossible for women of her status during her time. Ruth inspires women, setting an example of what to do best while waiting for their Boaz to come. Ruth and Boaz's story sparks hope, showing a second shot at love is possible and still beautiful.Watch The Book of Ruth on Amazon Prime.WikimediaWoman Warrior #2: EstherEsther is a Jewish queen in the Old Testament of the Bible. The Book of Esther is read by Jews during the festival of Purim, which celebrates the Jewish people's survival in the face of persecution. Esther is considered a heroine in Jewish tradition, and her story is one of courage, wisdom, and faith in God.What makes Esther a remarkable woman?Courage. Esther's most admirable trait is her courage. She risked her life by approaching the Persian king without being summoned to plead for the lives of her people, the Jews, who were facing genocide.Wisdom. Esther demonstrated wisdom and shrewdness in her approach to the king. She did not reveal her true identity or purpose right away, but instead, she invited the king and Haman, the man who had plotted against the Jews, to a series of banquets. Through these banquets, she gained the king's favor and was able to plead her case.Faith. Esther's faith in God is also noteworthy. She called on her people to fast and pray for three days before she approached the king, and she asked them to continue to pray for her as she went before him.Compassion. Esther's heart for her people is evident in her willingness to risk her life to save them. She did not have to take action, as she was safe in the palace and not directly affected by the decree to kill the Jews, but she chose to act for the sake of her people.Leadership - Esther's leadership is evident in how she mobilized her people to fast and pray, took charge of the situation, and made the difficult decision to approach the king.Esther's willingness to sacrifice her life to save her people is truly admirable. Trembling in fear, she did what she had to do and set her people free, making her one of the many influential women warriors in the Bible that still inspires today. Esther is a beacon of hope for those often overcome with fear. She shows that it can be done. You just have to do it, afraid.Watch The Book of Esther on Amazon Prime.WikimediaWoman Warrior #3: Mother MaryWhen you think of powerful women in the Bible, you may not automatically count the mother of Christ, Mary. She was always on the sideline, supporting her Son in His ministry. She may be a gentle force, but she's still a force to be reckoned with. She played a significant role in his life and made history with her simple Yes to God's will. What are Mary's traits that make her a historical female?Faith. Mary's faith is her most admirable trait. She believed the angel's message that she would give birth to the Messiah, even though it seemed impossible, and she accepted God's will for her life without hesitation.Humility. Mary's humility is evident in her response to the angel's message. Instead of boasting or seeking glory, she acknowledged her lowly position and praised God for choosing her. Obedience. Mary obeying God's plan for her life is also noteworthy. She willingly submitted to God's will, even though it meant enduring ridicule and persecution from her community.Altruism. Mary had her own needs and struggles as a young pregnant woman. But she walked miles and served her cousin Elizabeth when she found out she was also carrying a child, putting her needs over her convenience.Perseverance. Mary's determination through difficult times is admirable. From giving birth in a lowly manger to stepping back and letting her Son shine to witnessing his crucifixion and death, she remained faithful and steadfast in her belief that God's plan would be fulfilled.Love. Mary's love for her Son Jesus is evident in her actions throughout the Bible. She cared for, nurtured, and supported him throughout his life and ministry, even standing at the foot of the cross as he died.God has given us the free will to either love and serve Him or not. Mary could have refused the responsibility God asked of her, especially since she was only a 14-year-old virgin with a promising future, being engaged to a decent man. But her devotion to God and her Son Jesus Christ made her one of the most remarkable women in history and an inspiration to everyone.Watch Mary of Nazareth on Amazon Prime.Woman Warrior #3: Mary MagdaleneMary Magdalene is mentioned in all four Gospels and was present at the crucifixion. She's among the first to see the empty tomb and the resurrected Jesus. She is often called the "apostle to the apostles" because she was the first to announce the good news of the resurrection to the disciples. Over time, Mary Magdalene has become an important figure in the Christian tradition, and she is often depicted in art and literature as a symbol of devotion, love, and faith. What makes Mary Magdalene a notable figure in the Bible?Faith. Mary Magdalene was one of Jesus' most devoted followers, and she remained loyal to him even in the face of persecution and death. Courage. Mary Magdalene demonstrated courage by remaining faithful to Jesus, even when it was dangerous to do so. She was present at the crucifixion, a brutal and terrifying spectacle, yet she did not abandon Jesus. She also dared to visit the tomb despite the danger of being caught by the authorities.Love. Mary Magdalene's love for Jesus is evident in her actions throughout the Bible. She cared for him, supported him, and was one of his closest companions. Her love for Jesus was so great that she risked her own safety to be near and care for him.Witness. Mary Magdalene is also admired for being a witness to the resurrection of Jesus. She was the first to see the risen Christ and was crucial in spreading the news of his resurrection to others.Transformation. Mary Magdalene's story is also one of transformation. According to the Bible, seven demons possessed her before she met Jesus, but he healed and transformed her life. She went from being troubled and tormented to being a faithful and devoted follower of Jesus.Mary Magdalene is a role model for those who seek to follow Jesus with devotion and dedication. She proves it's never too late to change and be better. And that your past does not define your future.Watch Mary Magdalene on Amazon Prime.Woman Warrior #4: Bithiah Bithiah is referred to as "the daughter of Pharaoh" and is best known for rescuing the infant Moses from the Nile River. Despite being raised as an Egyptian prince, Moses grew up to become a leader of the Hebrew people and is considered one of the most influential figures in Jewish and Christian history. Bithiah's act of saving Moses is seen as an act of compassion, courage, and redemption, and she is admired for her role in shaping the destiny of one of the most outstanding leaders of all time.Other extraordinary values Bithiah showed:Compassion. Bithiah showed compassion when she rescued the infant Moses from the Nile River. She could have ignored his cries or even ordered his death, but instead, she chose to save him.Courage. Bithiah demonstrated courage by defying her father's orders to kill all Hebrew male babies. She risked her safety to save Moses and raise him as her own.Open-mindedness. Bithiah was open-minded enough to recognize the value of Moses' Hebrew heritage, even though he had been raised as an Egyptian. She encouraged him to explore his roots and learn about his people's history and traditions.Influence. Bithiah's impact on Moses was significant. She provided him with a privileged upbringing, education, and exposure to Egyptian culture, which would later enable him to be an effective leader of his people.Redemption. Bithiah's act of saving Moses can be seen as a symbol of redemption. She took a helpless baby who would have been destined for death and gave him a new life, setting him on a path to becoming one of the most outstanding leaders in history.Bithiah is an empowering figure in the Bible for her selfless act of rescuing and raising Moses, which profoundly impacted his life and the history of his people. Indeed a woman warrior when you see one.Watch Exodus: Gods and Kings on Amazon Prime.Woman Warrior #5: Hannah Hannah's most well-known story involves her fervent prayer for a child. She was unable to conceive, and this caused her great distress. One year, when she and her husband went to the tabernacle to make a sacrifice, Hannah prayed intensely to God for a child, promising to dedicate him to God's service if her prayer was answered. God heard her prayer, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Samuel, who would grow up to become a great prophet and leader of Israel. Things you'll admire about Hannah in the Bible:Faith. Hannah's faith in God is perhaps her most admirable trait. She prayed fervently for a child, and when her prayer was answered, she dedicated her Son Samuel to God's service.Perseverance. Hannah's persistence is also noteworthy. She endured years of barrenness and the ridicule of her husband's other wife, yet she did not lose faith in God or give up on her dream of having a child.Selflessness. Hannah's selflessness is evident in her decision to dedicate her Son Samuel to God's service. She recognized that he was a gift from God, and she was willing to give him up for the greater good.Humility. Hannah's modesty is also admirable. When she prayed for a child, she promised to dedicate him to God's service if her prayer was answered. When God responded to her prayer, she kept her promise and humbly offered Samuel to God.Gratitude. Finally, Hannah's appreciation is evident in her prayer of thanksgiving after Samuel's birth. She recognized that God had answered her prayer and blessed her with a child, and she was grateful for this blessing.Hannah's story is often seen as a model of faith and prayer. Her prayer for a child and her subsequent dedication of Samuel to God's service are seen as acts of great devotion and selflessness. Hannah is a role model for those who seek to live a life of faith and love for God. She's proof that the waiting may be challenging, patience may be bitter, but the fruits are sweet.Read Hannah: The Mother Who Prayed.WikimediaWomen Warriors in the BibleThe Bible contains our Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. And it is rich with awe-inspiring stories and exemplary women to learn from and admire - no matter your religion. Because these strong women in the Bible broke through the invisible ceiling that limits them otherwise. These female Bible heroes pushed through and made a name for themselves, leaving a dent with the quiet force they possess.Who's your favorite woman warrior in the Bible?This post contains affiliate links, so we'd get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost to you.
Faith Music: Mary, Did You Know? (Pentatonix) 8:39 AM Mary responded, "I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true." And then the angel left her. -Luke 1:38 I wish my faith is as strong and pure as that of that 14-year old girl. That teenager who gave up her plans for her life risked judgment for bearing a child out of wedlock and gave her 'yes' to the Lord without hesitations or reservations despite her fears. I'm more than double her age when she demonstrated total obedience, and I admit that I still have uncertainties when I hear the Lord speak in my heart. I doubt. I negotiate. I sometimes ignore His call because it's too inconvenient for me. Or too much for my proud self. But not Mary. That brave, faithful girl who grew up that one holy night. Mary, Did You Know?Mary, did you know That your baby boy will one day walk on water? Mary, did you know That your baby boy will save our sons and daughters? Did you know That your baby boy has come to make you new? And this child that you delivered Will soon deliver you Mary, did you know That your baby boy will give sight to a blind man? Mary, did you know That your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand? Did you know That your baby boy has walked where angels trod? And when you kiss your little baby You kissed the face of God Oh, Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know? The blind will see The deaf will hear And the dead will live again The lame will leap The dumb will speak The praises of the lamb Mary, did you know? That your baby boy is Lord of all creation? Mary did you know That your baby boy will one day rule the nations? Did you know That your baby boy is heaven's perfect lamb? And this sleeping child you're holding Is the great I Am Own a copy of this wonderful, inspiring, and heartwarming song for only $1.29 This post contains affiliate links so I'll get a commission if you purchase through my links at no additional cost to you. This helps me maintain my site. Thanks in advance!
Faith 7 Benefits Of Fear And 7 Easy Ways To Conquer It 4:10 AM 7 Benefits And 7 Easy Ways To Conquer Fear What is fear?Fear is an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain or a threat. (Oxford Languages)Why is fear so important? A little dose of fear could be healthy and helpful. Imagine if you're not afraid of falling down a cliff. You wouldn't be careful. You'll end up hurting yourself and others with you. Though fear is considered a negative emotion, good things come with it. Fear alerts us of potential danger. It makes us more cautious. It gives us a chance to protect ourselves from peril.Fear only becomes harmful or unhealthy when you let it rule your life and paralyze you from moving forward.How can you use fear to your advantage?Use fear as motivation instead of a deterrent. We all have fears. But we can use it for our benefit. Here are 7 benefits of fear and 7 easy ways to conquer it.7 Benefits Of Fear And 7 Easy Ways To Conquer ItWhat's your deepest fear?When I was still single, I feared the what-ifs of the future.I wasn't afraid of growing old alone. Because I enjoy my own company. I have made small investments to secure my future.Today, I'm happily married. And sometimes I wonder what I was so afraid of back then.My fears are different now. It changes as we grow, although some things remain.I'm still afraid of these things:What if I'm not enough?What if I can't do it and fail my client or my own business?What if something terrible happened to my loved ones? I know it's inevitable, but I still fear losing them.I fear not having enough time to do the things I want.I fear that this p and em ic will continue for a long time, and our economy will plummet further.The fear of uncertainty.As humans, fear is embedded in our DNA. It is a primitive human emotion. Fear is essential for survival. Giphy7 Benefits of FearFear can make you wise. It encourages critical thinking.Fear helps you focus or keeps you on your toes.Fear can give you the feeling of anticipation, which could be exhilarating.Fear makes you attentive. When you fear for your health, you become more conscious about your lifestyle. You consider what you put in and on your body.Fear makes you cautious. When you fear for your and others' safety, you become attentive.Fear drives you to change. Fear can push you to be bold. Ironic, right? But it's only when we are fearful we can be brave. It's only when we are afraid we can make bold moves.If I wasn't afraid when I was single, I wouldn't have been careful in choosing my future partner. Instead, I would have just settled for anyone.When you fear losing something precious, you take care of it, hold it tighter, and even fight for it.Giphy7 Easy Ways to Conquer fearIdentify what's making you afraid.Confront the feeling. Understand why you are afraid of something.Embrace fear.Laugh.Plan.Pray.Do it afraid. (Joyce Meyer) 1. Identify what's making you afraid.What is making you afraid?Fear of commitment? Fear of speaking in front of people?Fear of the unknown?Fear of the "result"?They say fear is just an illusion. It's an acronym for False Evidence Appearing Real. Identify the fear. Is it real? Or are you just overthinking it?2. Confront the feeling.Why are you afraid of ___? Only when you've identified your fear can you confront and understand why you feel that way.Some people give up on dating and marriage because they've been hurt too many times in the past. Fear usually involves a focus on the past.3. Embrace fear.We're all afraid of something. Some are irrational, and some are rational reactions to a real threat.How do you embrace fear?Use fear, and don't let it use you.Embracing fear means using it as a tool. A small amount of fear is a good thing. Use it as a guide or instruction. 4. Laugh at it.Seriously, humor is the best remedy.Have you seen Harry Potter, where they had to fight a boggart?A boggart is a shapeshifter that usually lurks in dark spaces. It has no definite form, taking the shape of what is most feared by the person who encounters it. (Wikibooks)This means it plays with the person's weakness. The spell to defeat the boggart is Riddikulus. It will then turn from your menacing fear into something, well...ridiculous. But what finishes it off? Laughter.GiphyIn real life, you can tell your fear that it's ridiculous and then laugh at it.Learn to laugh at yourself.5. Plan.Before the emotion gets the better of you, take a walk. Or shower. Shower thoughts are the best, yes?Play some feel-good movies.Try to recall all the hard times you went through and how you miraculously managed to still be alive and well.And then plan your next move.Are you afraid of confronting your boss or colleague about an issue at work that's been bothering you? That's good because you don't just walk right up to them. There may be consequences.So take some time to plan what you need to do next.Learn from your past experiences or from other people.6. Pray.Go back to the fact that the phrase "Fear not" has been mentioned 365 times in the Bible.It's like God knows that we will always be afraid of something. So, he reminds us to not fear every day of every year (365 days in one year).Fear not. God is still in control.You have 24/7 access to the Lord of all. Pray.And remember, "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear." (1 John 4:18)7. Do it afraid.When you fear not being heard or being oppressed, speak. Even when your voice is shaking.Your fear will always be there, rearing its ugly head unless you learn to conquer it.You don't have to wait for fear to disappear (it may never happen) before you act. Have you stopped and considered that maybe you're only afraid of how powerful, brilliant, and fabulous you can be.If it's holding you back from becoming the best version of yourself, do it now, even when you're trembling with fear.Your turnWhat is your greatest fear?How is it beneficial to you? How do you conquer it?Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frighten us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? …And as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.-Marianne WilliamsonThis post may contain affiliate links. It means I get a commission if you purchase through my links at no additional cost. This helps me maintain my site.
Faith New 6:25 AM For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. -Isaiah 43:19NewOur lives pre C OVID-19 is out. We will NEVER go back to that kind of life. It's time to let go. Of the old system, habits and practices we used to know. New normal has come.It's scary to face the unfamiliar and the uncertain. I know. I've been anxious since the p andemic started. But verses like this is giving me hope:God is doing something new and He has already begun.This may have taken place during the time of Isaiah, but He is an unchanging God. And oh, how apt it is for today's situation.He is that same God who is right now giving us this same promise.What a wonderful thought, isn't it? Uplifting!From the Feast service I saw today, Bro Arun talks about remembering God's greatness in our past as we speak good things for our future. Especially when we're in a crisis.Allow me to share God's greatness in my life:I had a hard time during college. I was struggling with the lessons, the adjustment, the hostility, the financial constraints. Thankfully, God helped me graduate. I was the first in our family to do so.When I was worried sick that my valuables would be stolen from my luggage during one trip, God kept them safe.When I needed a new phone but couldn't afford a new one, I won a blogging contest for a new smartphone.When I got sick, God restored my health.When I had only like $10 left in my wallet, God provided for me everything I needed.God brought me to the right people and circumstances. He steered me away from the wrong crowd.God orchestrated my meeting with my one true love. He gave me someone far better than what I asked for.I thank God for my job that allows me to stay home and work comfortably and more effectively. (I'm an introvert and this set up works best for me).When it's been raining for two weeks straight but He made it sunny on the day of my trip. Oh, it was a beautiful sunshiny day! When my clients terminated their contracts, I never ran out of blog sponsors and writing clients. Every day I'd get an email inquiring about how to collaborate with me. God provides abundantly!I'm surrounded with people who are generous with their time, talent and treasure.GfycatI could go on and on. From the most trivial to the life-and-death events, God has remained faithful to me.I think about how I was feeling before these things happened.I was scared, worried, frustrated, impatient, doubtful.Lo and behold! God turned things around and showed me that I am highly favored. Even though I would once in a while feel anxious during this p andemic, I know God is doing something behind the scene.He's preparing us for another breakthrough.We see a dead end but He's paving a pathway.We see drought and desert and wasteland, but He's creating rivers.And one day you and I will exclaim, "Lo and behold! God's made something new."Your turnRemember the times God turned a situation around for you. What did you learn from it?List down the things you are thankful for.
Faith Insomnia 6:52 AM Another night spent battling for sleep. I can't remember the last time I've had insomnia. Even during the stressful wedding planning stage, I was still able to sleep. Lack of sleep is bad for the body. Our health gets affected negatively. Immune system lowers. Every system seems to malfunction. Like an overworked machine, it crashes.InsomniaWhat to do when you can't sleep? Does counting sheep still work? Or counting 1 to 100? That one used to work for me. When I was about ten.Being an adult (ugh), I'm going to need more than that. I'm tired but my mind won't shut down.GiphyI don't like being idle because "An idle mind is the devil's workshop."It's when I'm sleepless that the devil whispers lies in my ears. Reminding me of my awful experiences. Plants worries in my head. Sometimes I stay and wait for sleep to come. When it's impossible to happen, I get up and start working again. Or blogging.I'm only human. And an over-thinker and worrier too. When crisis like this happens, I'm at my worst.I've said this before and I'll say it again:I won't be here without God's grace. My helpline, my refuge, my strength. Here I am running back to the word for comfort to help me deal with my insomnia.Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. -Philippians 4:6I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. -John 14:27When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. -Psalm 94:19This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. -Joshua 1:9Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? - Luke 12:22-26Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, "Don't be afraid; just believe." - Mark 5:36Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. -Proverbs 3:5Here's a beautiful Psalm 23 song to calm the anxious mind.The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.-Psalm 23Your turnWhat bible verse do you read to calm your mind?How are you holding up during this time?
Faith How to Prosper 11:35 PM My body clock has gone haywire since this lockdown life started. This Sunday, I woke up who knows when. Thank God for recordings. I got to watch today's Feast Bellevue service and was blessed by God's word. Core message: prosper.ProsperBuild houses and settle down. Plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters.Take wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Multiply there; do not decrease. Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper. -Jeremiah 29:5-7This is a part of the letter of the prophet Jeremiah to the surviving elders exiled to Babylon. They were in a crisis.I like how Bro Arun broke this down.How to Prosper During a Crisis1. Build houses and settle down.I don't think we'll ever go back to the normal we used to know. That normal didn't work. It's what brought us here.This crisis unfortunately is taking longer than expected. To build houses and settle down means we stay. We adjust and adapt to the new normal.If we keep whining and forcing everything to be back to what it used to be, there will be consequences.We have to change our perspective. This is where we are now. What to do with what we have and where we are? That should be our focus.Or else, we'll go insane.Sadly, this c oronavirus is causing a spike in suicide rates. Please know you're not alone.I started this blog to not feel alone myself and to reach out to those who need someone to walk to. Someone to share their life journey with.Message me if you need someone to listen to you.Gfycat2. Plant gardens and eat their produce.Literally, we need to grow our food. I wish I have a garden where I can harvest potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, lemons, onions, garlic, tomatoes, herbs. Someday I will.Figuratively, we need to grow during this crisis.I admit I paused for a while. When the lockdown started, it took me some time to wrap my head around what's going on. I got stuck.I had so many questions.I was in denial and disbelief. I was in shock with the whole nation.But when I got a grip of myself, I started hustling again.Remember that famous line of Robert H. Schuller? Tough times never last. Tough people do.I can't watch myself staying stuck after falling. One day I decided enough is enough. I stood up again, dusted myself off and moved forward.Oh, it was hard. I literally dragged myself out of bed every morning.Anxiety still rears its ugly head once in a while. But I don't succumb to it anymore.I choose to plant seeds. Now, I'm harvesting little by little. Reddit3. Take wives and have sons and daughters.I know children are blessings. They're gifts from God. My sister gave birth just before the lockdown happened and our family's excited and glad to welcome her cute bundle of joy.I also know this crisis is not a good time to have a baby. There's a time for everything.So, when I read this passage, I got worried and confused.Have children during the crisis when there's shortage of essentials and there's a global economic crash?But as Bro Arun explained it, this crisis should be a time to strengthen our relationship with each other especially with our family. Or those we're stuck with during the q uarantine.This time is about discipleship. We should make disciples. We should propagate the Good News.Those disciples will make disciples who will make disciples in return.Phew!Giphy4. Multiply. Do not decrease. Prosper. Most of all pray. Pray for the city. For when it prospers, you prosper.I love that verse. 👆Most of us complain about what's happening and how the people in authority respond to it. I've been guilty of that. Especially when I see injustice.When I hear people cry dura lex sed lex when it's for the poor or powerless but seeks to extend compassion for those who are in position, that's too preposterous to stay quiet.Despite that, I keep praying for my country and for the world. For I believe that when the leaders fail, we all fail. How they think, what they decide are out of my control. But...I know Who's in control of everything and we have an open line communication through prayers.GiphyI love that God's plans for His people, even in the midst of crisis, is not to harm but to prosper.His promise is a life of abundance and not a life of insufficiency. How marvelous He is!Your turnHow's your Sunday?How do you think can you prosper during this crisis?
Faith Sleepless 9:17 AM Sleepless I am literally sleepless today. I took pain medicine yesterday for my headache and the caffeine in it is too strong. Despite me taking only half the dose. So here I am, feeling hangover from a drinking session I never went to. Still standing (or sitting down). Still hustling. The bad thing about not getting sleep is that our bodies are not functioning as it should. Previously, I wrote about having a life balance. Anything in excess is not good. And here I am totally sleepless. I can feel the effects of overworking my brains: dizziness nausea shortness of breath stomach upset uneven skin tone irritability Tenor My husband could attest to the last one. 🤣 If I will have to be honest, it's not just the caffeine that kept me awake. (I've already learned my lesson and only takes half the dose since that time I had palpitations.) But worry has once again conquered me. And no matter what tips you follow for getting a good night sleep, if your mind is filled with fear and anxiety, it's useless. I worry about what will come about after this p andemic. I worry about how the government leaders with selfish intentions would respond to this crisis. I worry about my career. I worry about a lot of things. Worry steals from today. As for me, it stole my rest. It stole my peace. It stole what would have been a more productive day for me. It stole more time I could have spent with my husband. Pinterest Instead of doing these things, I spent it trying to think straight. Trying to not lose my temper to my husband who's also in desperate need of sleep. Two cranky people who are also hungry trying to get by the day is not a good combination. I'm glad my husband is quick to apologize and even quicker to forgive. I spent today trying to function despite feeling lethargic and out of it. Antidote for sleepless night Searching on the web about sleeping, here's a verse I've found: In peace I will lie down and sleep for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe. -Psalm 4:8 I feel bad for falling into this weakness again. When I worry and fear, I know I am insulting God. There are many times God commanded us to not worry in the Bible. But in my weakness, I allowed the enemy to make my mind a playground for his lies again. Lord, grant me the grace to believe and obey you. Calm my worries. Allow me to rest at your feet. May I sleep in Your presence tonight.Amen. Your turn What makes you sleepless?What are your tips for a good night rest?
Faith Balance 6:31 PM Anything in excess is not good. For example, too little or too much sleep can be harmful to your health. Balance is key. Balance I always try to keep an optimistic disposition. But the older I get, I realized it's better to also be a little pessimistic. The sweet spot between optimism and pessimism is where we should be. I've learned that those who did not survive the holocaust were mostly the optimists in the group.Because when what they expected did not happen, it hit them really hard. They lost their hope. And I've shared this quote by Hal Lindsay before but I'll share it again: Man can live about forty days without food, about three days without water, about eight minutes without air...but only for one second without hope. From experience, I know optimism has an ugly down side. Indeed when you keep your hopes up, it hurts terribly when what you hoped for did not come to pass. The higher the expectation, the bigger the disappointment. So, I like to keep a balance between being optimistic and pessimistic. We need to be realistic. We need to keep our balance. Dream big but also keep your feet planted firmly on the ground. Hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Love others but also give yourself the right amount of self-love. Work hard but rest well. Keep yourself in check. I believe keeping a balance between positive thinking and negative thinking is better for our mental health. That way when things don't go our way, we don't get too beaten down. When things turn out better than we expected, we celebrate. I love the verse about the balance of everything in life. There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven A time to give birth and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted. A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance. A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing. A time to search and a time to give up as lost; A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; A time to be silent and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate; A time for war and a time for peace. -Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 I hope we learn to find this healthy balance in our lives. Your turn Are you an optimistic or pessimistic person? What do you do when things don't go as expected?
Faith Waiting 10:32 AM If there's a level in the waiting game, I'd say I'm at Expert by now. I've waited for God's answers to my prayers for a long time. He's tested my patience, increased my faith and pruned me during that long waiting period. And now I find myself waiting again. Waiting I think we are always waiting for something at certain times. We wait for our water to boil so we can enjoy our tea or cereal. We wait for our flights. (Oh, traveling! I forgot how that feels. 😅) We wait for a client's reply if a project is a go or a no. We wait for a movie to premier after watching several trailers online. We wait for our food delivery to arrive and hope it comes before we turn into a hangry (hungry + angry) monster. We wait for this p andemic to be finally over. I don't know about you but sometimes I feel sick and tired of hearing about the news. Bad news after bad news after bad news. Every. Single. Day.2020 is really kicking all our asses. What have you been waiting for lately? Joyful are those who listen to me, watching for me daily at my gates, waiting for me outside my home! -Proverbs 8:34 The waiting period is not exactly a joyful phase. Especially when you're not sure if the answer you've been waiting for is what you're going to receive. Aristotle said: Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet. When I was discerning if marriage was for me, I stayed single for a long time. I kissed dating goodbye. That's a title of a book I haven't read it. I heard it's good.[Click here if you want to order I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris.] I enjoyed every me-time I have. Oh, I had ample back then. Yes, I was happy. But there were long, lonely, cold nights too. Gfycat When I was waiting for my life after graduation to start, I was reviewing for the board exam. There were a lot of terms and formulas to memorize. I have no idea how I passed it. I'd say only by God's grace. 🤣 But the waiting period between after the exam until it was announced was filled with tension. It wasn't particularly joyful. This q uarantine period is fine. Because I'm working from home for years now, quarantine is not new to me. All these things going on around the world though are getting to me as the days go by. It's different knowing you're staying home because you want to and staying home because you're forced to. We humans love our freedom, don't we? Pinterest So this l ockdown has somehow messed up my mental health. There was a time when I had to disconnect from the world. As much as I wanted to be in the know of what's happening, I needed to step back.I had to take refuge in God's presence like never before. I had to desperately search for things to keep my mind off the crisis. I felt like a fish out of water hopelessly trying to breathe. Thankfully, distancing from the news and social media helped. See the simple therapies I found on my previous entries. Day 20: Unproductive Day 16: Lover Day 14: Self-growth Day 9: Hustle Day 7: Simple Life Day 6: Friends and Chosen Day 5: Disconnect Day 2: Gratitude List The whole world is waiting with bated breath for when we can all finally step out of the house, hug each other again and enjoy our freedom. When will that be? I don't know. It's not easy waiting alone. But knowing we're in this together makes it a little better. Your turn How long do you think this quarantine will last? What do you do while waiting for something? May contain affiliate link.
Faith Possible 8:31 AM Is it possible that this crisis will end soon? Is there something good that will come out of this p andemic? Will we ever survive this challenge? Is everything going to be okay? Possible If you're an over-thinker like me, you may have also suffered from anxiety attack during this quarantine. So many questions. I continue to believe that no matter how difficult the situation we are in right now, we will survive. We will even thrive. Not with our own strength, but with the help of God. Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” -Matthew 19:26 All things are possible. The good kind of possible. Because our God is good. When I feel like we're trapped in this situation and fear starts rearing its ugly head, I think about the times God made what's impossible for men possible. It's impossible for women of old age to conceive a baby. But God made it possible. He blessed Sarah and Abraham with a son. Elizabeth was at least 60 years old when she gave birth to John the Baptist. It's impossible to divide water. But God parted the Red Sea and made it possible for His people to escape their enemy. It's impossible to walk on water or to turn water into wine. But Jesus did so. God is unchanging. He is just as merciful, powerful and infinite now as He was before. For that, I will always be grateful. Grateful for my husband's love and service health and safety of loved ones the ability to work despite the crisis more opportunities coming my way nature healing; lesser pollution, animals are more free little luxuries like being able to watch shows and movies online Citron tea---oh, how comforting the taste! my blog which has always been my favorite therapy healing songs Speaking of songs and all things being possible with God, here's an old song I like. Maybe not too old but it's been a while since I've heard it. All Things are Possible Hillsong Worship Almighty God my Redeemer My hiding place, my safe refuge No other name like Jesus No power can stand against You My feet are planted on this rock And I will not be shaken My hope it comes from You alone My Lord and my salvation Your praise is always on my lips Your word is living in my heart And I will praise You with a new song My soul will bless You Lord You fill my life with greater joy Yes I delight myself in You And I will praise You with a new song My soul will bless You Lord When I am weak, You make me strong When I'm poor, I know I'm rich For in the power of Your name All things are possible Feels good to be reminded that we worship an awesome God with whom all things are possible. Your turn What uplifting song is on your playlist? List down 3 old songs that you still love to listen to.
Faith Fixate 4:45 AM Fixate And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.-Philippians 4:8-9 If you can fixate on one thought, what would it be? If your life is a movie and you have to keep playing one clip from it over and over, which would you choose? I bet you'll pick something nice, happy, wonderful. When you finally graduated or passed an exam that will change your career. When you finally got over a heartbreak When you found your true love. When you climbed that summit you've always wanted to conquer. When your baby was born. When you got your first puppy. Imgur We are automatically drawn to what makes us feel good. Nobody wakes up every morning wanting to sabotage their day. "How do I ruin my life today?" That's a disturbing thought, isn't it? "Every day may not be good but there's always something good in every day." I know, sometimes it's hard to find the good especially when you feel like your life is going down the drain. I've had those days. I frequently get those since this crisis started. We all have our own way to cope with our own issues. We all have our own demons to wrestle with. When bad memories resurface, when the devil whispers lies in my ears, when I feel lost and hopeless, I go back to that verse from Philippians. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. What is true is that this too shall pass. God is still in control and He's the same God yesterday, today and forever. What is honorable is not using this p andemic as an opportunity to take advantage of people who are desperate. It's thinking about ways to help. What is right is giving yourself a break. Letting yourself rest if you have to. Distant yourself from toxic people and news. Keep your mind and body healthy. We Heart It What is pure are dogs and babies. Watching dog and baby videos reminds me how beautiful innocence is. It reminds what genuine love looks like. What is lovely is the planet we live in. Nature that's not abused and defiled is incomparable in its beauty. I look at the places I visited before and those I would love to go to someday. Lovely thoughts are those with my wonderful husband, family and friends. Lovely also are the news about people showing what humanity really means especially in the time of c oronavirus. What is admirable are the people who continue to give and serve without political gain. Those who continue to fight bravely for what is just. Those who are not afraid to speak up and get ridiculed just to call out the abusive people in power. What is admirable is knowing that we are on day___ of our quarantine yet here we are. (It's longer than 25 days I know but I started when enhanced q uarantine was announced in our city). Those who are scarred and still beautiful. Those are admirable. The noise outside is too loud. Sometimes the voices of doubt and fear in my head are deafening too. But I fight and choose to fixate to only what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. What is excellent and worthy of praise? God's steadfast love. His mercy that's new every morning. The good work He has began in me. His purpose behind all these which we are yet to know and understand. I want to fixate on these things. Your turn What are you currently preoccupied with? What scene in your life do you love to keep playing in your head?
