Tag: devotional

Straight Paths – a devotional

Leave a comment

Straight Paths with Faith, a devotional

Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

I have a vivid memory from childhood of a time when we were in Puerto Rico, visiting some of our folks who lived in the mountains. Possibly the time we visited my paternal grandfather. In hindsight, I should remember the destination/visit, rather than the journey. Sadly, the journey is what stuck. The feeling of panic, as we drove through and up the mountain. A very steep mountain of winding dirt roads and no guardrails. One lane unpaved paths, with blind turns, that one would have to beep and honk before rounding.
How easily life’s traumatic events remain so vivid, while some of our most joyous moments become a distant forgotten memory.
We recently traveled to North Carolina and our stay happened to be — in the mountains. Our initial trek up (and eventually down) the mountain, instantly reduced me to that panicked child once again. The steep one lane roads and blind turns with no guardrails was an exact parallel. An overwhelming sense of anxiety and fear washed over me, my pounding heart almost audible.
I immediately began talking to God, please God keep us safe…Lord steer this car.
As I went through this ordeal, I thought to myself – Trust Him…Trust God…everything will be okay; and thought of the popular bible verse from Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Aside from the obvious – Trust in the Lord; I immediately thought of this scripture because of – straight paths. Although the verse may speak to life’s journey itself as our paths, I also thought of it metaphorically in that moment…since I was physically on winding roads.

So, we made it up the mountain safely; still shaken, I was grateful. As my husband puts the car in park, he immediately reminds me to trust the Lord, “God’s got us, He’s got this. There is nothing to worry about.” Later I tell my mother how I felt, and she of course reminds me of the same. Instinctively, I said to both, “I know – I know…I prayed.” The next day came, and I was still panicked, with the same anxiety.

In all your ways acknowledge Him…

That evening I prayed. I stopped, got on my knees, and really talked with God. I prayed that He remove that anxiety and fear from the pit of my stomach. To rid me of the nerves and stress.

The following day and all others thereafter, as we drove up and down – that sensation of anxiety was lifted. The feeling of dread – gone. No longer did I experience that sinking feeling.

-Matthew 21:22 “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

I surely thanked and praised God. He straightened the path for me.

Seek the Lord…pray to Him with faith and allow Him to straighten your paths in this life too.

Advertisement

Love endures…

Leave a comment

 “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” -1 Peter 4:8

They’re all grown now… 😦

As I mentioned last post, I’m always reminiscing… about the good and not so good. I absolutely enjoy looking at old photos as a past time. Pictures of family, from youth, our parents, grandparents, grandchildren, or our children. I’m fascinated by all the accounts throughout the generations. The stories extend, through marriage and blended families. We are constantly sharing stories, sometimes the same ones over and over. Although being a blended family, we’ve experienced estrangement.

I had written this back in October which is Domestic Violence Awareness month…

Already emotional, I began reflecting on feelings. Not only how I feel but always considering the feelings of others. I was moved at the time to write that in hopes of bringing awareness, but never posted it at the time. Still bothered…when I re-read it today, I am able to see my continued growth. Still recognizing daily, my husband’s internal discord, I pray for him and our children every day.

Estrangement is unnatural. Birthdays, Holidays, Everydays remain difficult. This topic often gets overlooked. Yet it is important to realize, that abuse takes many forms. Sometimes in a form that impacts a generational cycle. Most damaging is a complete separation as a result of parental alienation.

The devil uses many weapons to harden hearts and breakdown families. Weaponizing narcissism and pride. Causing confusion and fragmenting realities until subdued. Remember that deception is the devil’s specialty.

“Parental indulgence causes disorder in families and in society. It confirms in the young the desire to follow inclination, instead of submitting to the divine requirements. Thus, they grow up with a heart averse to doing God’s will, and they transmit their irreligious, insubordinate spirit to their children and children’s children.” -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 142.4 (Ellen G. White)

While respecting choices now that the children are adults, we always hope for connection with our children; and re-connection with all family members and children who are estranged from each other. You never turn off love.

Many times, we sit with our feelings, thinking of the missed time and experiences.
In our attempts to stay positive, we reflect on how time has blessed them all, each in different ways –marriage, children, college opportunities, careers, engagement. Although having a complete separation from some of our children, we have a deep appreciation for the glimpses of happiness and growth that God has allowed us to see over the years.

Do you take a step back and reflect on God’s will?… It is not animosity or resentment. God’s desire for us is love and grace.

“So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” -1 John 4:16 (ESV)

Know that there is power in love…

Live in truth with knowledge of faith.
Open and soften your heart to seek favor in Christ.
Visualize letting go of resentment.
Essentials, remember that God gave us all the essentials.

He calls me Juice…

Leave a comment

Healthy Juice Cleanse – Carrot, Orange, Ginger, Radish, Lemon

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Print

Healthy Juice Cleanse – (Serves 2) ~ Vegan, Raw, Gluten-Free
Credit: veganrescue.com

Ingredients:
5-6 Medium/Large Carrots, topped
1 Radish, topped
2 Navel Oranges, peeled
½ inch piece of Fresh Ginger, peeled
¼ Grated Frozen Lemon

Directions:
-Grate the frozen lemon with the zester side of grater. I place into the bottom of the cup. Juice all the other ingredients, stir together and enjoy!

While I have plans to revive Vegan Rescue with new recipes, I’m excited to be working on some new projects. I’m working on adding some devotionals, if not on a sister site, I will incorporate here.

Love and Truth

As I was ironing my husband’s clothes I was in deep thought. Naturally I began thinking about him. To be in love and blessed. I couldn’t ask for a better husband. Thank you, God. God has been with us and has blessed us since the beginning. It is because of His true love that I can share this devotional. 

Let all that you do be done in love. (1 Corinthians 16:14 ESV)

Everybody who knows us personally has been a witness to our love for one another. We share a deep, penetrating love. It will be 13 years since my surrender to love… see, I fell hard in love with Seth from the beginning –the very moment we began dating. A powerful love that continues to intensify. I generally enjoy reminiscing. Often reflecting on my journey. There is nothing like being reminded of why and how you fell in love. I live in this feeling, falling further in love each day. There is growth in pain, so I often think about the life scars from our past that we also carry. But to maintain love and relationships, you must live in truth. Living my life in truth and honesty, balanced with love and loyalty…best traits I could have received from my parents. Qualities carried with me in life as a mother, wife, and friend.

For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit… (1 Peter 3:10 ESV)

“Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.” (Proverbs 12:19 ESV)

This love, this true love we share in our marriage will endure forever, because it lives in truth. God has shown us good days through His grace because He aligned our walk. Our truth revealed to us, that those scars from our past were created by liars. The narcissistic kind whose life now reflects their own fabricated lies. We realize that those real lies were toxic and damaged the most innocent relationships. Yet through it, your love remains boundless and endures. I wish I could repair those damaged parts of your heart. Who wouldn’t rather live in love and truth?

Cherish relationships.
Live in truth. Be honest.
Allow love to elevate and transcend.
Always appreciate what you have. Appreciate life. Experience life. Be grateful.


To Seth-
My husband, I’m grateful to be your wife. I know your heart. I know your truth. I know only good things can be said about such a loving and compassionate man. God has blessed us to never bicker or hate. No arguments, screams or fights –not ever. Your love and passion penetrate my inner core. You have always been kind, honorable and chivalrous. You are a true gentleman, which is so refreshing. You are generous in every way possible…especially the ravaging ways. Thank you for always making me feel loved and wanted. Thank you for just being you. I appreciate you. I know you are happy with me by the way you make me laugh and smile. You are always loving and devoted. I love you, always. I respect and honor you.

As light does not fellowship with darkness, let us continue in our walk with Christ. May we emanate love in light as an example for others.

                        -Your devoted wife, Juice

Live your life in Love. Align your walk with Christ.