The Perfect Recipe for Encouragement- Ps. 130

 -  Blogmas  Day  Nine  .  Happy  Paper Clip  .  Psalm  130  -

Hi Folks! How has your week been? We made it to the end! I have not much to report on today.  Today has been a fairly quiet day for me. Sometimes I like it like that, but other days like today, it can be a challenge. In full transparency, as evidenced in my journal entry from this morning, I have come to realize I'm still wrestling with feelings of loneliness. The feeling comes and goes, but ever since my recent breakup experience, it has been harder for me to shake it off. 

 We  demolish  arguments  and  every  pretension  that  sets  itself  up against  the  knowledge  of  God,  and  we  take  captive  every  thought  to make  it  obedient  to  Christ. 

- 2 Corinthians 10:5 

... But I diligently fight against it by continually reminding myself of truth and renewing my mind with scripture. I know that even if I am experiencing loneliness on a whole new level, the loneliness doesn't by any means define me. Jesus Does - And that truth brings me much comfort.
I definitely feel like I am in "a valley" in life right now, looking up, longing for the next mountain top. I'm not going to declare this valley a bad thing though. Besides the fact that I do feel like I am trekking upwards out of it, I take heart in this valley knowing God is using it to grow me. He and I both know, more often than not, I am quicker to call, rely on, and turn to him in the valleys than when I am on mountain tops, unfortunately to say... but THIS article says it well, AND I also know- furthermore to his glory, valleys don't last forever! Praise the Lord!

For  no  one  is  cast  off  by  the  Lord  forever.  Though  he  brings  grief,  he  will  show  compassion, so  great  is  his  unfailing  love.  For  he  does  not  willingly  bring  affliction or  grief  to  anyone. 

I  remember  my  affliction  and  my  wandering,  the   bitterness  and  the   gall.  I  well  remember  them,  and  my  soul   is  downcast  within  me.  Yet  this  I  call   to  mind  and  therefore  I   have  hope:  Because   of  the  Lord’s  great   love  we  are  not  consumed,   for   his   compassions  never   fail.  They  are  new  every  morning,   great  is  your  faithfulness. 

I  say  to  myself,  “The  Lord  is  my  portion;   therefore  I  will  wait  for  him.”  The   Lord  is  good  to  those  whose  hope  is   in  him,  to  the  one  who  seeks   him;  it  is   good   to  wait   quietly   for  the  salvation   of   the  Lord.

 Lamentations 3: 31-33, 19-25 

 

SO, anyway, is an apology necessary for my content not being the most "happy" today? After some quick thought, I've concluded: No, I don't think so. Though not those most "fluffy" of entries, I think it is stilled grounded in optimism. Life does not always dish out mountain tops, but there can still be faith and hope in the valleys to write about, and that is what I am setting out to do! I know as a "Blogmas" entry, this post insufficiently cultivates the "Christmas Cheer" that Blogmas posts typically do, but I'm just not for it today. I'm not sure I will be at all this year. I think the paper clip in the photo above has more Christmas cheer than I do at this point. But that is okay. I cherish the real "reason for the season" and meaning of Christmas deep deep deep in my heart... It has just been a little hard for me to jump on the commercialized Christmas bandwagon this year with the loss I experienced earlier, but that is okay. Can anyone relate?

NOW, for the meat of the blog post (as if the verses above were not enough 😆). I wanted to share with you this passage in scripture that has been absolutely rocking my world lately, Psalm 130. I first discovered this Psalm through the music artists, Shane and Shane, and their reference to it in one of their songs "I Will Wait For You" (featured in my blog post from Monday). Without fail, no matter how low I am feeling, whenever I take time to visit this passage in scripture, really read the text and "marinade" in, and pray through it, my soul renews. Continue reading below to read through it for yourself, discover its richness, and read my thoughts on it. I hope you find yourself just as refreshed by it as I!

Psalms 130

1 Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;

2 Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.

3 If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?

4 But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

5 I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.

6 I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.

7 Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.

8 He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.

My Thoughts:
Psalm 130:1-2 Wow! the psalmist is in a really low place! CRYING out -longing to be heard! #relatable
Psalm 130:3-4 I LOVE these verses. They highlight our biggest problem, that we have offended a mighty, perfect, just, and holy God with our sin, and in light of remembering that, any present hardships, trials, and/or sufferings, become seemly small in comparison.
BUT THEN GOD GOES AND TAKES CARE of our biggest problem, forgiving us through Jesus! If this good and glorious God is big enough, and cares enough to take care of my biggest problem (my sin debt), it encourages me to know and believe He can then take care of, oversee, and handle any of my other problems. "Therefore he is feared" - Is a reminder to me to have a proper perspective on just how mighty and amazing the God is that I am praying/crying out to and that I better darn be doing so reverently. 
Psalm 130:5-6 A reminder to be putting my hope in the right thing, God and his Word! And Oh, how the psalmist EXPECTANTLY LONGS & HOPES & WAITS FOR GOD and for his salvation to be fully consummated. #iamforit
Psalm 130:7 With HIM is unfailing love, (I surmise, deep down inside, is all my being really wants and needs in this life) and redemption (His heart is for the restoration; one day all that's broken will be fixed) FULLY.
Psalm 130:8 HE DOES IT. He does the work.

Is this text NOT just the MOST BEAUTIFUL, HOPE-INDUCING, LIFE-GIVING text you've read all week? Tell me I'm wrong? 


😊Hope you enjoyed this post, Blessings! Thanks for stopping by, Let me know that you did!
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 ↓ For More Optimistic Reads ↓ 

• Overcoming Insomnia and Anxiety
• Forgetting Everything Except Christ
• Feeling-Down-And-Out
• 12 Bible Verses for the Persevering Ballerina

Puerto Rican Style Cassava Chili

-   Blogmas  Day 8  .  Cassava Chili  .  Yum!   -

Hi everyone! How goes it? This year's series of "Blogmas" posts might end up being the most boring, unfestive string of Blogmas posts in all of Blogmas history that anyone has ever seen. I just don't have too many holiday festivities going on this year. Oh well. I am simply happy that the challenge of writing every day for Blogmas is getting me back into blogging more. 😊
But Hey! Speaking of Christmas, last Christmas I was gifted a Puerto Rican cookbook from my dad and I absolutely love it! I have been meaning to tell you guys about it here on my blog for quite some time... maybe since last Christmas! Has it really been almost a year? Well, what better day to share with you about it than today!

"A Taste of Puerto Rico" by Yvonne Ortiz

I was given the opportunity to pick out whatever Puerto Rican cookbook I wanted! I landed on this one, not only because I liked the author's last name, but because she boasted of including a total of 200 recipes in her book, more than any other book I'd seen on the market! Low and behold upon acquiring the book I discovered not all of the recipes to be of value to me- things like dressings, seasoning combinations, or marinades, which out of convenience, I'd probably be more apt to buy than make, and then there is the whole chapter on seafood which I don't really eat, BUT there are a lot of other intriguing recipes in there too that I am interested to give a try! 
The book is also very interesting because the author shares a bit of the cultural background and history of Puerto Rico's culinary journey over the years, as well as personalizing the book with her own stories and experiences around each recipe she shares.
When the book first came in the mail and my dad gave it a lookover, the first thing he said was "there are no pictures!" But that didn't bug me. I figured if I had any questions I could always ask google! 

Today I thought it would be fun to share with you my experience working with cassava for the first time! Continue below for a sneak peak into this book's Cassava Chili Recipe!

 Cassava Chili 

Ingredients:

• 3-1/2 Pounds cassava, peeled and cubed
• salt water
• 2 tablespoons of annatto oil combined with 1 tablespoon of corn oil (I substituted the corn oil with vegetable oil)
• 1/4 cup of basic recaito
• 1 16-ounce can of whole tomatoes, drained, seeded, and chopped
• 1-1/4 cups of tomato puree
• 1 cup of tomato sauce
• 2-1/2 cups of white navy beans, cooked
• 1-1/2 teaspoons of chili powder
• 2 teaspoons of salt
• A pinch of ground nutmeg

This recipe serves about six.

Directions:

1. Boil the cubed cassava in the salt water for about 25 mins. then drain and set aside.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet and add recaito, tomatoes, tomato puree, and tomato sauce.
3. Cook mixture for about 5 mins over medium-low heat.
4. Add beans, cassava, and seasonings and cook for 10 more mins

Buen Porvecho!

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I had never cooked with cassava before so this was a whole new experience for me. I figured with it being a tomato-based chili, I wouldn't be able to screw it up too much! I did have to do a sufficient amount of research before attempting this recipe. After all, I thought yams, yuca/cassava, and sweet potatoes were all the same thing/interchangeable. BOY, was I wrong!
Cassava does go by several different names though: Yuca, Manioc, Mogo, among others.
If you are a first-time user of cassava I'd like to share the following youtube videos which really helped to give me a visual frame of reference (you know, since the book didn't have pictures!) and get me started with even the basics of how to peel and chop up the cassava. 

How to Cut and Cook Yuca/Cassava/Tapioca || Kerala Style Mashed Tapioca
Boiled Cassava ( Manioc ) | How to Cook Cassava Root | cook with mom
How to Make Chilli Mogo (Cassava) - A Quick and Easy Recipe!

Cooking cassava was a super fun experience for me. I have tried this recipe a couple times now and it really is an easy one to conquer after getting over the initial intimidation of using this foreign root vegetable. Just be careful not to overcook the cassava as it will then get super tough to chew. #personalexperience
The recipe above calls for some other ingredients that may be foreign to you if you are unfamiliar with Puerto Rican cooking, recaito and annatto oil. These can be bought premade at the market but the "Taste of Puerto Rico" cookbook explained how to make them from scratch so I went ahead and tried that out..

Making the Recaito from scratch; like a pepper, onion, cilantro paste, THIS is what MADE the chili taste so bom!

 I got these little seeds from the Puerto Rican mercado downtown. The seeds look like bacon bits and are what contribute to the oil's orange color! Very Pretty!

I am not much of a cook, but I thoroughly enjoyed learning new things and making this recipe from my "Taste of Puerto Rico" cookbook, my Christmas present from daddy! I can't wait to discover just how delicious all the other recipes in this cookbook are. Wish me luck and I hope all your cooking endeavors, especially this holiday season, are successful and delicious! 🧡

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 ↓ For More Optimistic Reads ↓ 

• Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
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Steve Harvey and His Rags-to-Riches Story

TESTIMONY TUESDAY!

“Return home and tell how much God has done for you.”

~ Luke 8:39

I introduce to you Testimony Tuesdays!!! A testimony by definition is: a formal written or spoken statement, a public recounting of a religious conversion or experience. The Bible commands us in numerous places to bring praise, glory, and honor to our God by proclaiming, declaring, and telling about His marvelous works to others. That is the purpose and heart behind this installment for my Tuesday posts. Each Tuesday (more or less), a testimony will be shared here involving the recounting of salvation, redemption, overcoming, and/or healing just to name a few; A story that brings glory to our God and in which we might be encouraged, spurred on, and challenged with at the same time.The stories shared will either be of my own personal experiences, excerpts from books, testimonies I find via youtube or other media sources, as well as YOURS! I would love to know and give you the opportunity to share here with us a testimony of your own, of whatever fashion involving the Lord doing a transforming work in your life. Just email me your testimony and I will see what I can do about posting it on a future Tuesday! You may choose to have your name be known or anonymous. I look forward to hearing from you!
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🙂 Like a Cinderella story- today I would like to share with you a "testimony" of Steve Harvey; not a salvation testimony mind you, but a story of him citing God as playing an instrumental role in his gaining of success in life and his career. I do not know much about Steve Harvey AT ALL, let alone where he stands with his faith and religious beliefs, but when this video clip popped up in my social media feed it immediately caught my attention, challenged, and inspired me. I do not know if he is intentionally testifying to the same God of the protestant Christian bible that I believe in, but I do know after hearing his story, I couldn't help but think, "Hey, that sounds just like my faithful God!" Give his story a listen and I hope you are as encouraged and spurred on by it as I was to trust God, persevere, and never give up!
Wikipedia cites: Full name being Broderick Stephen Harvey Sr., is an American television host, producer, actor, and comedian. He hosts The Steve Harvey Morning Show, Family Feud, Celebrity Family Feud, the Miss Universe competition, Family Feud Africa, and the arbitration-based court comedy Judge Steve Harvey... Harvey is a Christian and has attributed his success to his faith in God.

Blessings !

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 ↓ For More Optimistic Reads ↓ 

• A Testimony on the Topic Of Suffering
• The Testimony of Leslie Shivers
• The Heart of Life Is Good

Testimony Tuesday on the Topic of Suffering

TESTIMONY TUESDAY!

“Return home and tell how much God has done for you.”

~ Luke 8:39

I introduce to you Testimony Tuesdays!!! A testimony by definition is: a formal written or spoken statement, a public recounting of a religious conversion or experience. The Bible commands us in numerous places to bring praise, glory, and honor to our God by proclaiming, declaring, and telling about His marvelous works to others. That is the purpose and heart behind this installment for my Tuesday posts. Each Tuesday (more or less), a testimony will be shared here involving the recounting of salvation, redemption, overcoming, and/or healing just to name a few; A story that brings glory to our God and in which we might be encouraged, spurred on, and challenged with at the same time.The stories that will be shared will either be of my own personal experiences, excerpts from books, testimonies I find via youtube or other media sources, as well as YOURS! I would love to know and give you the opportunity to share here with us a testimony of your own, of whatever fashion involving the Lord doing a transforming work in your life. Just email me your testimony and I will see what I can do about posting it on a future Tuesday! You may choose to have your name be known or anonymous. I look forward to hearing from you!
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If any of you are familiar with Paul's situation in 2 Corinthians 12, lately I've been feeling a lot like that; like I have a thorn in my side, or maybe picture a weighty burden slowing me down. Whatever it is, it's hampering my spirit. I guess if I am honest, I have circled back around to struggling with contentment again, like I do from time to time. My heart has been hurting and frustrated, maybe sometimes confused, longing and impatient. I feel like I have been throwing temper tantrums towards God in my prayers lately, expressing my dissatisfaction with where things are at in life for me right now. I could say it even feels like a form of suffering that I am experiencing, UNTIL I zoom out, stop focusing on myself, and stop having the woe-is-me attitude, but instead, count my blessings. But there is still something to be said about the very real emotions I am undergoing. I don't want to dismiss them entirely, but deal with them rightly.
In today's Testimony Tuesday we are going to consider the life of Joni Eareckson Tara. She is one that knows much of suffering and hearing her life story helps me to realize how all my troubles pail in comparison to what she and others like her have gone through. Watch below to hear her life-giving powerful testimony. She speaks with much authority and conviction. The Holy Spirit shining through her as she speaks is enough to convince me to take heart and have hope, aside from the fact that,if she can- I can too.





BONUS CONTENT: (I am absolutely obsessed right now with this timely reminder and the nuggets of truth nestled within the following 10 min. snippet from John Piper's website DesiringGod.com, read and written by Scott Hubbard) Better to Have a Burden Give it a listen! And may your heart be lightened.

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Thanks for stopping by! Have a happy and blessed Tuesday!

 ↓ For More Optimistic Reads ↓ 

• 12 Bible Verses for the Perseverant
• No Pain No Game
• The Trip That Changed My Life
• Feeling Down and Out

Weekend Whatevers | Fall's Around the Corner!

Hi everyone! School has started, the weather is getting cooler- sorta, and Starbucks is now officially serving their pumpkin spice lattes! I think I am allowed to get a little excited for fall now. It is sad to see summer go, but the new season brings some much-needed refreshment. I am striving to focus especially on embracing the peace, grace, and hope that God has for me this season. I've started a new 90-day devotional I am quickly falling in love with, and also started a new Instagram account to help distinguish the start of this new season and to serve sort of as milestones for it. Continue reading on to my "Weekend Whatevers" listed below for more details on these things and to discover what all else I have been up to!  This week's [WW] addition is a fun one including lots of good pictures!

Therefore,  since we have been justified through faith, we a have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,  through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.  And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.  Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame,  because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Romans 5:1-4

 

Just drove by this hot air balloon looking like it's about to land,
on my early morning commute and wanted to share!
#livinginlancaster

1. Thee amazing Connie, my boss at Cavod Performing Arts blessed each of us instructors with a copy of THIS beautifully designed 90-Day devotional by Cleere Cherry. Though I originally underestimated it- not really a fan of small, pithy, daily devotionals by unknown authors I've never heard of before, I am falling in love with this devotional, and feel like it is speaking straight to my soul! Connie if you're out there reading this, "Thank you"!

2. The devotional prompted me to look into Cleere Cherry. Who knew she was so cool!?

3. People! I am pulling out my paints! The Lord has been doing something in me, stirring up and reawakening my love for colors, crafts, and creating through the means of materials I haven't used in a long while; watercolor, paper crafts, calligraphy, and collaging! It still might be a while before I get back into the sewing...the burnout from that is very real, but I do hope to get back into it sooner than later. I have even pulled out some of my adult coloring books for the evenings my brain is at lower capacity. I'm just getting started so I hope you'll stick around for when I am able to start getting some photos up of some of the things I have been working on! For now, I wanted to share with you two Instagram accounts that I have really been inspired by and that have helped to facilitate my falling back in love with watercolor again! If you like watercolor too, check out mamathingcrafts, and madelinekerrii.

4. I have been reading books like crazy lately! I think it is my newest outlet! This new hobby is what led me to create my latest Instagram account Dailylilreads, in hopes of documenting my journey reading literature, the Word of God, and hopefully also creating a bit of a community around it. Would you please check out the account and maybe even give it a follow if it is your thing? I'm really excited about it!


5. 

Okay, so speaking of crafting. It has been a long time since I have taken my hand to ceramic painting. I wouldn't say it was ever my favorite thing to do. I used to be a part of a ceramic painting club through 4H when I was young, but I'm not really sure why. Perhaps I enjoyed it more when I was younger, but at this point, I've definitely mostly grown out of the love for it - I suppose because I have simply found my crafting niche elsewhere, but recently I made a visit to The Pottery Works in downtown Lancaster with some friends, and even though it is not my forte, I totally enjoyed the experience. Give it a go if you are in downtown Lancaster! You don't have to be a Picasso in order to still have a good time! "The Pottery Works" is way better than the one found in Park City Mall. It is worth the trip and there is a parking garage conveniently placed right across the street from it so finding parking may even be easier than finding a lot at the mall on a busy day!

6. I have been living a "hop, skip, and a jump away" from Lancaster City for 3 years now and am ashamed to say that I still really haven't given it a decent exploration session, but lately I have been really getting out; seeing the sights and doing the things! Maybe this is the year I become better acquainted with our city. This past Friday was my grandma's birthday and to treat her we took her to "El Rincón Ponceño", a wonderful Puerto Rican restaurant on the corner of Queen and Walnut! The food was pretty good. Not sure it could live up to my grandma's own cooking but it was pretty close. What impressed me most were the charming personalities of the cooks who also doubled as waitresses and the friendly and efficient customer service they offered. They put a smile on my grandma's face so we tipped them well and were happy enough!




7. Sickman's Mill might be my new favorite summer spot. Too bad I discovered just how fun tubing there is on their last week of offering it until next summer. Oh well. If it is a long winter at least I will have tubing to look forward to! Thanks to my friend Marisa for convincing me to go!

8. I have been SO into Classical music lately! I always seem to get in this mood as it just seems right with the ushering in of Fall. I just feel like classical music goes so well with the transition from this particular season to the next. All the sounds of the instruments and musical notes just seem to mimic and correspond so well to the sight of the beautiful autumn leaves falling, graceful birds migrating, and soft flecks of sunshine gleaming through the tree branches. I find appreciation for most all composers, but some of my favorites are Mozart, Chopin, Vivaldi, and the contemporary, Max Richter. 

9. In a previous "Weekend Whatever" post, I mentioned about trying a new hair product, Loreal Ever Pure Bond Strengthening shampoo and conditioner for my curly hair. Now I am going to give you an update and share my experience and opinion on it. My friend who recommended it to me swore by it, claiming a noticeable difference of it taming her frizzys and strengthening her hair follicles (even though it is recommended for color-treated hair which none of ours are)! 
On the onset of using it on my hair, I first noticed the smell. Not a bad smell, but generally just very fragrant, but an interesting scent, like none other I can compare it to! Nither the shampoo or conditioner generated much sudsiness when lathered in, which I did not like, and actually kind of thought it left my hair feeling tangled and dry under water, neither was I a fan of what my curly hair looked like once it was dry. I mean, it wasn't any worse than it normally is, but for the price of the shampoo and conditioner I would have expected better results, also especially with how much my friend was talking it up. 
BUT, I will say, on my follow up wash, days later, my hair folicles surprisingly did feel much more silky, less tangled, and stronger, under water. I was so surprised. Not sure what to think of that. I really should give this product a second chance. BUT let me just wrap this up by sharing a product that I MYSELF recommend, and personally testify without a doubt, it to be a wonder-working, sure-to-please product you'll love. I know my curly hair does! Given to me by another friend (Thanks again Marisa 😄), THIS Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Hair Masque has successfully been able to nourish my hair wonderfully, giving shape and definition to my every curl! I feel my previously abused and damaged hair has rediscovered and embraced it's natural curl pattern again all thanks to this magical hair masque! It's been making me feel so happy and beautiful! Give it a try and let me know what you think! I've seen it in Walmart and Target. 
 10. I finally can say I've been to Philadelphia. I still experienced only the tip of the iceberg and really need to make a trip back there to experience the rest, but my friend and I decided to take a spontaneous trip to visit one of her favorite spots, Chinatown. I got to experience Dim Sum (like Chinese brunch!), and we also visited the Drexel University Campus. It was a good time!

Ocean-Harbor, Amazing Dim Sum Restuarant- 1023 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Thanks for following along with my adventure!I hope you had a fantastic Labor Day Weekend!Until next time,Blessings in Christ!

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Thanks for stopping by! Comment and say Hi!

 ↓ For More Optimistic Reads ↓ 

• Weekend Whatever- Colorado Style
• Weekend Whatever- Quarantine Edition
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Being Called to Selflessness and Serving

It has been for a couple months now that I have been fixated on the following scripture:

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:37-39

This time it has been particularly the second part of the scripture that has been standing out to me recently. It amazes me how God can so powerfully use scripture to reach out to our hearts, challenge, and bring conviction! But more on that scripture in just a moment... 

It sure is interesting to me how God can also work, more than that, He even chooses to work through mere mortals to get his work done too sometimes. Lately, I have been reflecting on the beauty of relationships and how deep relationships and trusted friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, can serve as vessels in which the Lord may choose to work; Christ-like examples that can spur others on in the faith, can be good sources of accountability, and who can also play the role of being like a mirror or sounding board, that through good edifying conversation and providing their listening ear, can allow for others to verbally process aloud their thoughts and ideas to them. 

This can at least be said about a select handful of special individuals who have really shown their support and love to me as of late, them being the Lord's chosen vessel and me being the impotent companion in need of their listening ear, accountability, and of the being spurred on by them, my Spirit-filled friends. Things happen and clarity always seems to come to me when I have someone to "vent" to, for a lack of a better word. It is a blessing to have them near even if it is without them even saying a word, but just having their comforting presence! But then, not even just that! Sometimes, these friends of mine even go the extra mile pouring back into me by returning my venting with wisdom!

I guess my point is, it is a MARVELOUS thing! My friends inspire me to want to be like that to them and to everyone I meet! And with that, back to the scripture above!

 I feel like God has really been calling me to love, serve, and better prioritize the people around me in this season! It is easy for me to get selfish and fall into the complacent position of only wanting to receive and not give, and then, sometimes on the off chance I DO make an effort to give of myself, whether I'm giving comfort, wisdom, resources, service etc,  I often find myself doing it for the wrong reason (self-righteousnessly, for recognition, reward, or compensation), or with the wrong attitude (begrudgingly etc.)  #FAIL

Yes, to be more like Jesus is the goal, but I must say, it has been cool to see his serving nature modeled in the friends around me lately, in the power of the Holy Spirit. #GOALS

Image Source

I've been reminded that everyone is going through something. I want to slow down in life and make sure to take time and look for opportunities where I can reach out and be a blessing to others in need like my friends have done for me; and not to give them the credit, or myself when I am able to follow through, but that God would get the glory! It has been pretty neat how the past couple of days during my bible reading time going through the New Testament chapters of Corinthians, God has been reiterating to me this theme of selflessness and serving! I keep coming across certain verses that leap off the page and into my heart, calling me to better serve and love people! I have seen it exhibited, read about it, and have been a recipient of the love, kindness, and generosity of others, now I am ready to meet the challenge myself of better operating in this manner.

 In closing, I just wanted to share with you the couple of scriptures in the Corinthians that have powerfully impacted and reshaped my attitude on the topic of serving, and hope you can be blessed by them!

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" 

1 Corinthians 10:31

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love." 

1 Corinthians 16:13,14

"This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else."

2 Corinthians 9:12,13

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PS. Did you know I have other blog articles featured on another website? XRythems.co.ukCheck out my blog post linked below for another article featuring the same theme of selfless living, and serving.

• Going the Extra Mile

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Weekend Whatevers

My First "Weekend Whatevers" post this year! Wahoo!
Well y'all, we just completed our first week of 2021. Without taking into consideration all the crazy news headlines from the past week, I'd say it's been a pretty good first week of the year for me, by God's grace. I'm just doing what I can to keep my chin up, be kind, live justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with my God (Micah 6:8) I read this cool quote this week: 

Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change. ~ BobKerrey

 

Having experienced that unexpected kind smile from that person I made eye contact with crossing the street the other day, that unexpected hug from a sister at church, or even a kind unexpected compliment coming from that sweet cashier in the grocery store, I believe this quote to be true. Unexpected assaults of kindness can totally demolish any negative thoughts I have or bitterness floating around in my mind, can lift my soul when it's weary, and can even redirect and transform my attitude and way of thinking for a day. Knowing how random acts of kindness affect me, I want to do my best to pass on the kindness to others! I know I can't change the world this way, but if can positively impact the sphere of people the Lord has placed me amongst, then why not! Ya with me? Maybe you can help me to brainstorm different unexpected ways we can bless and treat kindly those people all around us. Share your thoughts in the comments below. 

Just me and G unwinding after a long but successful first week...

1. I'll begin my Weekend Whatevers today by sharing with you about the new daily devotional I've started for this year:  Experiencing God Day by Day Devotional by Henry T. Blackaby & Richard Blackaby. I absolutely am loving it! I have an in-the-palm-of-your-hand sized copy. I appreciate how even though the concepts are shared in a short and concise manner, they still pack very convicting and profound punches of edification. It is an easy read. I actually look forward to reading it in the mornings because I know I will be able to fit it in. I have just discovered there is also an Experiencing God Bible Study by the same people I will definitely have to look into next.
2. The Five Silent Years of Corrie ten Boom is the book I've started reading for 2021. So far so good. We'll see how long it takes me to finish!
3. I also have to mention how in love I am with my NEW John McArthur Study Bible gifted to me by my Grandpa, one last gift before he went to be with Jesus. Y'all this bible is amazing. Just taking in how many cross refreences he sites, that alone, has led me to saving faith all over again, HA, and without yet even reading them.
4. I stumbled upon this really cool blog, Soveryblessed.com and wanted to share this post with you about the 6 super foods that would be a great idea to keep in your kitchen. I found this article really helpful and interesting not because I am looking to lose weight or anything but just because the foods discussed in this article are simply really healthy and nutritious, and would make great staples to anyone diet. It's a new year! Who ISN'T making strides to improve their health around this time? 
5. Let's talk movies! Has anyone else seen the movie "Soul" by Disney? I thought it was pretty good. I appreciated it paying homage to musicians and artist, but I don't feel the need to own this one. If you have see Disney's Insideout, it kind of reminded me of that movie, butin my opinion better. I was not a fan of the "Great Before" concept.
6. I also recently got the chance to watch the movie "I Believe" for the first time. My cousin spoke SO highly of it! I LOVE me a good Christian movie, but this one did not do much for me. It was somewhat predictable, and though I hate to compare true stories, I think "I Can Only Imagine" was so much better, in storyline but also production. 
7. If any of you love shopping at Bath & Body Works like I do, NOW is the time to shop. Twice a year they hey hold their Huge Semi-Annual Sales, January and June I believe, and they are the sales I hold out all year for! 50% off sale items - ya gotta check it out! I always make sure to stock up on their wall flower fragrance refills!
8. Let me tell you about these High-Rise Ankle Length Faux Leather Jogger Pull-On Pants I recently bought for myself, and my grandma for Christmas (yeah, my G-ma is that cool) from Target, I am OBSESSED. I am definitely glad I read the reviews because they definitely do run extremely large, don't fit exactly right in the hips, and oddly, make a bit of noise when you walk, okay maybe kinda loud, BUT they are sooo cute if worn well, and for the price that even other faux leather pants go for, they are definitely a steal! ! ! ! I am in love and wish I could wear them everyday.
9. Right now I am really into "Five Iron Frenzy" and their songs "Every New Day" and "On Distant Shores". I know they are SO dated, but it can't be denied that they're really unique, fun, and deep artists!
10. On an entirely different note, I think it was my mom who introduced me to this really neat online learning platform called Alison where you can enroll in taking FREE courses offering numbers of different relevant and valuable subjects. I mean, it is not like getting a collage degree but if you are interested in exploring a certain topic, developing your current skills in a given area, or want to dip your toes into learning a new trade, this website might be a great place to start. Check it out! I think I might be interested in looking into some of their business, marketing, or computer science courses.


______________________________________________ That's a wrap friends! Thanks for stopping by! 

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