November 7

Need a Hug?

Psalm 91: 14

"If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says GOD, "I'll give you the best care if you'll only get to know and trust me."

I love hugs! You can show someone a little bit of love by just putting your arms around them and giving them a little squeeze. It just makes you feel secure somehow.

One year we took our children to Sea World and they wanted to ride the Shamu Express. It was a small rollercoaster for children, but a rollercoaster still! My youngest was 3 years old and wanted to go on that the most. So I rode with her. This was their first rollercoaster to ride. Needless to say, I held on to her for dear life! They had us all strapped in secure, but that was not going to stop her momma from holding on still.

God says that if you hold on to me tight, then I will take care of you. We can fully trust in God to take care of us. He is stronger than us, bigger than us, and much much wiser than us! Let God hug you today!!!

November 6

Don't be afraid to give thanks

Psalm 92:1

What a beautiful thing, GOD, to give thanks, to sing an anthem to you, the High God.

Thanksgiving is approaching fast and I hope people are sharing with others what they are thankful for. The phrase in this scripture/psalm is referring to giving public acknowledgment or praising God verbally in a public setting. Don't be afraid to share with other what God has done in your life. We don't have to be obnoxious about it, but we should tell others what great things God does in our lives. Thanksgiving is a choice to focus on the positive and an attitude that is humble and loving. Have gratitude today. Share with at least one person why you are thankful. It could be contagious.

November 5

Good Morning

Psalm 5:3

Every morning I lay out the pieces of my life on your altar and watch for fire to descend.

Every morning when I wake up still snug in my bed, I pray over my day and thank the Lord for all that I have. I believe every day is going to be a great one. I tell my girls as we are rushing out the door and headed to school that today is going to be a great day.

Every single day is a great day because the Lord made it. So, you might as well rejoice over it and declare it to be so!

November 4

No naughty list

Psalm 32:1

Count yourself lucky - GOD holds nothing against you and you're holding nothing back from him.

Having a shameful secret is awful! You don't want anyone to know the terrible things you have done. But the reality is, we have all done things we are not proud of and God knows them all. We don't have to hide anything from God. He loves us anyway.

My youngest daughter, who is 4 years old, was explaining to me about Santa's naughty list after watching a Christmas cartoon. She seemed a little concerned about being on it. I assured her that she was not naughty and that Mommy does not have a list like that. She then quickly replied, "BUT, SANTA DOES!" 

Santa might have a list of who is bad and good, but just as I don't have a list on my children, God doesn't either. Jesus tore that list up! 

Have freedom today knowing that you are forgiven once you confess your sins to God and accept Jesus as your Lord.  

November 3

Working hard

Psalm 90:17

And let the loveliness of our Lord, our God, rest on us, confirming the work that we do.

Work is something that is very important in our lives. God wants us to work. When you need rest then rest. But don't be a lazy bum! When your house is a wreck, make time to get it back in order. When things at work are piled up then work hard to finish.

Be proud of your work. If you don't like your job, then search high and low for a better one. I love how our pastor used to say to men, "If you don't have a job, then your job is to find a job!" We are made to put our hands to something.

November 2

Be ready to hear

Proverbs 19: 20

Take good counsel and accept correction - that's the way to live wisely and well.

I love sitting and listening to stories from my Grandmother. I do not agree with everything she says all the time, but most of what she shares with me are like precious pearls of wisdom that speak to the innermost parts of my soul.

Sometimes sitting and listening to people who have plenty of life experience is so valuable. I learns so much from elders around me. They inspire me to live life to the fullest. I only hope one day to be as wise and gracious as many generations before me. Sometimes counsel and correction is found when you are not looking for it. 

November 1

Do as I do...

Deuteronomy 30: 19

I call Heaven and Earth to witness against you today: I place before you Life and Death, Blessing and Curse. Choose life so that you and your children will live.

We, as parents, determine the direction of our children's future. It sounds so simple to choose life, but yet not everyone does.

Be a good example to your children and don't spend your day complaining about things. Make a difference. Put in action things you want to make better. Raise children who love life and strive to make it a better place instead of being an expert on criticizing it.