WELCOME TO WEEKLY AND MONTHLY THOUGHTS

Prayer  -  Dear God,

Thank you for your blessings; we praise your name and thank you for your ever presence!

 Proverbs 13:20 “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.”

Grant me the strength to embody Your love and kindness in all my interactions so that I may inspire others not through force but through the example of Your teachings.

Help me listen with an open heart and an open mind, understanding that every soul I encounter is walking their own path. Let me offer words of encouragement, acts of kindness, and moments of connection that uplift those around me and guide them toward the light of Your presence.

In Jesus' name, we pray,

For the Children --    A parent's role as an influencer in your child's life.   Click here

The Joyful Home --    The first day of SPRING!

Cleansing your home is a great way to cleanse your mind and body. As a result, you can feel more relaxed, calm, and centered in an environment free of clutter and energetic toxicity.

Click here for a "Spring Cleaning Checklist"

"She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness."

~ Proverbs 31:27

Kingdom Members --   Kingdom members - I have one very important question for you -- "How is your walk with Jesus?"

Over the next 2 weeks take some time and really answer that question from all perspectives.  Be honest - remember Jesus knows!  Jot down a few areas you feel you could improve and grab your Bible and check the scriptures that could help you - pray the scriptures you find!  Align your words with God's Word and watch what happens.

Love you and God Bless you  and your family!

Could Be Anything -  When was the last time you were given an assignment from Father God?  Did you do it?  After writing my blog on Jonah and some self examination I have become very convicted to follow through on an assignment I have danced around for more than 2 years. 

 Instead of stepping out in faith I have been waiting for Father God to tell me what to do next.  I have heard myself say in my spirit - I want the steps please, so I know what to do, how to do it, when to do it, etc.!!  As a consequence of that approach I have not moved from square one!  I have let fear of failure, fear of looking stupid, fear of not being good enough paralyze me into no action at all.  Have you ever been there?

Well It's time, in faith I step out and make a move!   More information coming in the next few weeks!!

Old Church Hymns -- Let's rekindle our connection with the "old" church hymns.  Many of today's churches rarely sing these, but they are powerful melodies that can resonate in the soul.

A selected hymn will be featured bi-weekly.  I will provide background information on its creation and purpose.  Let's bring back the "old" hymns and their message!

This week's hymn -"Take My Life and Let It Be" 

Prayer  -  Dear God,

Thank you for your blessings; we praise your name and thank you for your ever presence!

We pray  

Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”

Today I ask for your help in putting my complete hope and trust in you. I know that you are a God who cannot lie, so if you have said that something will happen, it will indeed happen. Please help me to never lose hope, knowing that you will come through and fulfill what you have promised on my behalf. Thank you for your unwavering love and support.

In Jesus' name, we pray,

For the Children --    Hope -- what is it and what do kids think about hope?  Click here

God Gives Me HOPE -  click here

The Joyful Home --    The first day of SPRING!

Cleansing your home is a great way to cleanse your mind and body. As a result, you can feel more relaxed, calm, and centered in an environment free of clutter and energetic toxicity.

Click here for a "Spring Cleaning Checklist"

"She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness."

~ Proverbs 31:27

Kingdom Members --   I have one very important question for you -- "How is your walk with Jesus?"

Over the next 2 weeks take some time and really answer that question from all perspectives.  Be honest - remember Jesus knows!  Jot down a few areas you feel you could improve and grab your Bible and check the scriptures that could help you - pray the scriptures you find!  Align your words with God's Word and watch what happens.

Love you and God Bless you  and your family!

Could Be Anything -   When was the last time you were given an assignment from Father God?  Did you do it?  After writing my blog on Jonah and some self examination I have become very convicted to follow through on an assignment I have danced around for more than 2 years. 

 Instead of stepping out in faith I have been waiting for Father God to tell me what to do next.  I have heard myself say in my spirit - I want the steps please, so I know what to do, how to do it, when to do it, etc.!!  As a consequence of that approach I have not moved from square one!  I have let fear of failure, fear of looking stupid, fear of not being good enough paralyze me into no action at all.  Have you ever been there?

Well It's time, in faith I step out and make a move!   More information coming in the next few weeks!!

Old Church Hymns -- "Let's rekindle our connection with the "old" church hymns.  Many of today's churches rarely sing these, but they are powerful melodies that can resonate in the soul.

A selected hymn will be featured bi-weekly.  I will provide background information on its creation and purpose.  Let's bring back the "old" hymns and their message!

This week's hymn -"Take My Life and Let It Be"

Prayer  -  Dear God,

Thank you for your endless love that surrounds us every day. Help us to remember your love in both good times and bad. Guide us to share your love with others through kindness and forgiveness. Let your love be a light in our lives and in the world.

In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Ephesians 3:17-19 (NIV): "And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."

For the Children --    Your children and their use of a cell phone

Please checkout the download linked here and in the "downloads" section.

A  contract appropriate for any age child or teenager who has a cell phone.  

FREE DOWNLOAD!

The Joyful Home --    

Remembering scripture can sometimes be a little challenging. But if we see it often and repeat it when we see it, it seems to help.  Do you have any examples of scripture displayed in your home anywhere?

With this month being February, I think it is appropriate for a printable to be on the topic of love - God's love!  Check in the printable section below.   

1 John 4:16 (New International Version):"So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and anyone who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in them."

Kingdom Members --   So are you a Kingdom member?

I want to share an article that is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham in response to answering the question of who are members of the Kingdom.

Believers in Jesus are members of God’s Kingdom

Could Be Anything -   I have a simple challenge for you!

For the next seven days, at the end of your day, write down one thing you are grateful for you experienced that day.  It can be big or small - it does not matter.  But keep a record. on a piece of paper or on your phone.

At the end of the week take a few moments and write what those things meant to you.  Reflect on what the situation would be without those things happening.  Ask yourself who was responsible for those moments.

Thank you, and thank Father God!

Old Church Hymns -- "Let's rekindle our connection with the "old" church hymns.  Many of today's churches rarely sing these, but they are powerful melodies that can resonate in the soul.

A selected hymn will be featured bi-weekly.  I will provide background information on its creation and purpose.  Let's bring back the "old" hymns and their message!

This week's hymn -"Leaning on the Everlasting Arms"

Prayer  -  Dear God,

In a season of waiting, I come before You with a heart that seeks Your guidance and patience. You are the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, and I trust in Your perfect timing. I surrender my impatience and anxious thoughts to You.

As I wait, grant me the strength to persevere with faith, discernment, patience, and grace to grow closer to You during this season. Teach me to rely on Your wisdom and not lean on my own understanding. 

Help me to remember that You have a plan for me, plans for good and not for harm, to give me a future and hope. May Your will be done in my life, and may Your glory shine through every step of this journey.

In Jesus name I pray.

For the Children --   Praising Our Kids . Continuing with suggestions on praising our kids - let's get a little less serious.  Sometimes, it's awesome to just be enthusiastic bout your child!  

Change it up - get away from the informative feedback and put a big smile on your face and have fun!   Change it up - get away from the informative feedback and put a big smile on your face and have fun!  GET EXCITED WITH THEM!

Wow! Fantastic! You are hot today! Awesome! Brillant! Cool! Excellent! Way to go! Yes! Super Star! Hurray for you! Magnificent! You're flying!  You're on fire!  

The Joyful Home --    

THE "LOVE" MONTH

“A hundred men may make an encampment, but it takes a woman to make a home.” — Chinese Proverb

With this month being February, I have posted an item in the store for you to take a look at.

The set includes the black frame and 4 magnetic canvases that can be switch out as you see fit.

Click here to go to the Etsy store.  thank you

1 Corinthians 16:14

Let all that you do be done in love.

Kingdom Members --   So are you a Kingdom member?

I want to share an article that is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham in response to answering the question of who are members of the Kingdom.

Believers in Jesus are members of God’s Kingdom

Could Be Anything -   would love to share something that speaks for itself!   A Little Jesus

(this is a video on Facebook)

Old Church Hymns -- "Let's rekindle our connection with the "old" church hymns.  Many of today's churches rarely sing these, but they are powerful melodies that can resonate in the soul.

A selected hymn will be featured bi-weekly.  I will provide background information on its creation and purpose.  Let's bring back the "old" hymns and their message!

This week's hymn -"Leaning on the Everlasting Arms"

Prayer  - Dear God, I come before you with a heart filled with gratitude for the gift of faith that you have bestowed upon me. As I enter the world, I pray for the courage and wisdom to share my faith with others. May your Holy Spirit guide my words and actions, helping me to be a vessel of your love and grace.

Grant me the ability to communicate the joy and hope of knowing you. Remove any fear or hesitation that may hinder me from sharing the good news of your love.

Lord, open the hearts of those I encounter, that they may receive your message with receptivity. May my words and deeds reflect your love, drawing others closer to you.

Thank you, Lord, for the privilege of witnessing your grace. May my life be a testament to your transformative power, and may others come to know you through my testimony. 

In Jesus' name, Amen

For the Children --  Praising Our Kids - The highest quality praise for your children is letting them know the positive qualities they demonstrate. Below are some suggestions on how to complete the sentence -- " What you did was . . "  These statements can help them feel good about themselves and acknowledge the qualities they are demonstrating.

Ex. What you did was ________.

Thoughtful, brave, kind, generous, creative, witty, responsible, mature, considerate, honest, unselfish, encouraging, helpful, resourceful, well-organized, neat, imaginative, supportive, reasonable, cooperative

The Joyful Home --   Do you pray for your home?  

We should always pray for the blessing of our house and family to live in peace, love, and faith.

Jesus instructed His disciples to bless the houses of those they entered, "When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’" (Luke 10:5)  Pray for His protection, blessings, and presence.

Father God, I thank you for this home. I pray that you will come and protect this home against the enemy's attack. I pray against any evil that tries to enter this home, and the strength to overcome temptations. Fill this home with your presence Lord. Help me honor You through learning to take care of the home I have and showing love to the people who enter through my door. 

Give me wisdom and discernment for the influences I allow in my home. Fill my family and our home with the power of the Holy Spirit.

In Jesus name I pray.  Amen . But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15)

Kingdom Members -- When you pray and talk with God, what questions do you ask?  Great sermon by Pastor Troy Brewer - pastor of Opendoor Church in Burleson, Texas. He shared the questions he asked God regularly.  

• Father God, Is there something you wish I knew that I don’t know? I am asking.
• What do I not know that you wish I knew? 
• Is there something I am focused on that you wish I were not distracted by?
• Am I focused on something that keeps me from seeing what you want me to see?
• Is there something I can do that I don’t know I can do? 
• What can I do that I haven’t thought I could?
• God, is there something amazing I can walk in that I have no clue that this could ever be me? 
• God, is there a promise or something amazing in the future that will give me the courage to get through what I’m going through? 
• God what makes you happy in this situation?
• What do you wish I would do? 
• What mindset should I have and the heartset that would make you happy?

Could Be Anything - Question for you!  Are you a hearer or a doer?

James 22-24  (NIV) "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do."

Check out my recent blog for more on Doers and Hearers.

Old Church Hymns -- "Let's rekindle our connection with the "old" church hymns.  Many of today's churches rarely sing these, but they are powerful melodies that can resonate in the soul.

A selected hymn will be featured bi-weekly.  I will provide background information on its creation and purpose.  Let's bring back the "old" hymns and their message!

Prayer --  Father God  -  I seek a closer relationship with You. Help me understand Your teachings and live by Your guidance. Open my heart to recognize Your presence in daily life.

Forgive my mistakes and guide me on the path of righteousness. Teach me to show kindness, serve others, and trust in Your plan.

May my faith grow stronger each day, and may my life reflect Your love and grace.

Thank You for Your constant presence and love. In Jesus name, 

Amen.

For the Children --  Praising Our Kids - Celebrate a child’s effort! 

Recognize and acknowledge their hard work and determination regardless of the outcome. 

By praising in this manner you help them develop a mindset that effort is the most vital component in completing a task. 

Ex. Keep trying even though it is really hard. 

You are being so brave. 

You are catching on. 

Nothing can stop you now! 

I can see your determination. 

You are working so carefully.

The Joyful Home --   A new year - a new opportunity!  Let's simplify our home!  

The first move would be to take sometime to declutter! What is clutter? To crowd together in disorder; to fill or cover with things in disorder; to throw into disorder; to disarrange.

Checkout this month's printable for a "Declutter Checklist". Take one room at a time, be honest with yourself on what to keep.

Feel Refreshed

ENJOY!!

Kingdom Members -- .If . . . You believe the Wisdom of God has the ability to completely transform your life.

​You want to create 10x…50x…even 100x more Kingdom impact with your time, talent, and resources.

You want to confidently enter 2024 - energized, focused and on fire for God.

Checkout "The 31 Day Wisdom Challenge". it is totally free!!  A study of the book of Proverbs.  A chapter a day!

Could Be Anything --  Isaiah 43:18-19 "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."

The new year is optimal for reflection on the past year. How was your walk with God? Do you need to make anything right with anybody? Do you need to forgive someone? Is there a prompt from God you have been putting off "to later?"

Old Church Hymns -- "Let's rekindle our connection with the "old" church hymns.  Many of today's churches rarely sing these, but they are powerful melodies that can resonate in the soul.

A selected hymn will be featured bi-weekly.  I will provide background information on its creation and purpose.  Let's bring back the "old" hymns and their message!

Prayer -- How do you start your day?   Your eyes open and you realize God has given you another day!!  Before your feet hit the floor take a moment and pray Romans 12:1-2 this way:

By the mercies of God, I present my body as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto You Father God in Your reasonable service.  I will not conform to this world but be transformed by the renewing of my mind.  Give me discerment to know what is good and acceptable in Your perfect will.  Amen

Try this for a week and see how your days go!!  God bless you in your daily walk with Father God!

For the Children -- How do your children receive gifts?  Do they express their gratitude? 

If so how? 

Here are some links to help in teaching gratitude:

Teach your child to be Grateful

How to teach Gratitude

Being truly Thankful

The Joyful Home --  Are you feeling any pressure to create that perfect atmosphere in your home for Christmas?

Here is a website that can help with some ideas:

Embrace the Merry Christmas Vibe: How to Create a Joyful Atmosphere  .  ENJOY!!

Kingdom Members -- .Question for you --  Have you ever experienced God's peace?   I sincerely hope you have, if only for a moment in time!  For me, there are no words that are adequate to describe what it is!  My prayer for you is that in the near future you have the occasion to experience God's peace!!

Philippians 4:7 - .And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Could Be anything -- "While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease."  Genesis 8:22

What season is your favorite?  When you hear the word "season," the 4 seasons of weather some to mind.  But I think we can apply the definition of season to many other situations.  Can you think of some?  

Old Church Hymns -- "Let's rekindle our connection with the "old" church hymns.  Many of today's churches rarely sing these, but they are powerful melodies that can resonate in the soul.

A selected hymn will be featured bi-weekly.  I will provide background information on its creation and purpose.  Let's bring back the "old" hymns and their message!

Prayer -- Father God, I humbly ask for your shield of protection to encompass my family. Please lead and watch over them, granting them the faith to rely on you every day. Accompany them in their daily endeavors, safeguarding their journeys and ensuring their safe arrivals and departures. May your protective embrace be with them both now and for all time.   (Psalm 121:8), Amen.     Please remember to still pray for Israel and wisdom for all leaders of our country.

For the Children -- Check it out!  A fantastic poster for your home! to print and post! 

Encouragement for every family member especially your children! click here

The Joyful Home --  Are you still working on a vision for your "Joyful Home?"  Let's visit a "homemaker" and her journey  in writing a joyful home vision!   thisabidinglife.com 

Kingdom Members -- .Question for you --  Have you ever experienced God's peace?   I sincerely hope you have, if only for a moment in time!  For me, there are no words that are adequate to describe what it is!  My prayer for you is that in the near future you have the occasion to experience God's peace!!

Philippians 4:7 - .And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Could Be anything -- "While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease."  Genesis 8:22

What season is your favorite?  When you hear the word "season," the 4 seasons of weather some to mind.  But I think we can apply the definition of season to many other situations.  Can you think of some?  

Old Church Hymns -- "Let's rekindle our connection with the "old" church hymns.  Many of today's churches rarely sing these, but they are powerful melodies that can resonate in the soul.

A selected hymn will be featured bi-weekly.  I will provide background information on its creation and purpose.  Let's bring back the "old" hymns and their message!

This week's hymn -"O Come All Ye Faithful"  click here

Prayer -- Father God, I humbly ask for your shield of protection to encompass my family. Please lead and watch over them, granting them the faith to rely on you every day. Accompany them in their daily endeavors, safeguarding their journeys and ensuring their safe arrivals and departures. May your protective embrace be with them both now and for all time.   (Psalm 121:8), Amen.     Please remember to still pray for Israel and wisdom for all leaders of our country.

For the Children -- Check it out!  A fantastic poster for your home! to print and post! 

Encouragement for every family member especially your children! click here

The Joyful Home --  Are you still working on a vision for your "Joyful Home?"  Let's visit a "homemaker" and her journey  in writing a joyful home vision!   thisabidinglife.com 

Kingdom Members -- .Question for you --  Have you ever experienced God's peace?   I sincerely hope you have, if only for a moment in time!  For me, there are no words that are adequate to describe what it is!  My prayer for you is that in the near future you have the occasion to experience God's peace!!

Philippians 4:7 - .And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Could Be anything -- "While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease."  Genesis 8:22

What season is your favorite?  When you hear the word "season," the 4 seasons of weather some to mind.  But I think we can apply the definition of season to many other situations.  Can you think of some?  

Old Church Hymns -- "Let's rekindle our connection with the "old" church hymns.  Many of today's churches rarely sing these, but they are powerful melodies that can resonate in the soul.

A selected hymn will be featured bi-weekly.  I will provide background information on its creation and purpose.  Let's bring back the "old" hymns and their message!

Prayer -- Father God, we pray for Israel and its people.  Send comfort to those who lost family and friends in the latest conflict.  Give the leaders wisdom in answering the assaults on their land and people.  Amen.  Here is a link to an older article about ways to pray for Israel I believe is still relevant today.  Pray for Israel 

For the Children -- A fantastic poster for your home! to print and post! 

Encouragement for every family member especially your children! click here

The Joyful Home -- Are you still working on a vision for your "Joyful Home?"  Let's visit a "homemaker" and her journey  in writing a joyful home vision!   thisabidinglife.com 

Kingdom Members -- Question for you --  Have you ever experienced God's peace?   I sincerely hope you have, if only for a moment in time!  For me, there are no words that are adequate to describe what it is!  My prayer for you is that in the near future you have the occasion to experience God's peace!!

Philippians 4:7 - .And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Prayer -- Father God, I pray 1 Peter 1:8-9 

Though I have not seen You, I love You; and even though I do not see You now, I believe in You and am filled with inexpressible and glorious joy.   Amen

For the Children -- Joy is a gift for everyone, no matter your age!  So, is it something we must teach our children about, or does it naturally happen for them?  Be a partner in their discovery of joy - check this website for some helpful ideas on teaching your children about joy - click here.

The Joyful Home -- How is it going writing out your vision for a joyful home? First, start by making a list of words that would describe your home. Remember do not make edits, just get your thoughts, dreams and ideas out of your head and on to paper.  Psalm  20:4  "May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed."

Kingdom Members -- Most of us do not like to look within ourselves - but a spiritual inventory is a framework by which you can recognize both bad and good qualities that make us who we are.  Download a "Spiritual Inventory" to use as a compass on your spiritual journey.  Psalm 139:23  "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts"

Could Be anything -- "And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this."  Ester 4:14