God's Compliments

***SPIRIUTUAL SUNDAY ON MONDAY***

"God compliments us by putting us in difficult situations."

Wow! And to think you thought it was all about you. God trusted you enough to go through this situation. But there is GLORY on the other side. Trust and believe that this is solely a compliment!

Giving My ALL to HIM

Time for Spiritual Sundays...

Another transparent moment:

My pastor challenged me (and others) to be consistent in my worship/devotional time with the Lord. Do I read the Bible and pray? Yes, of course I do.  Am I consistent with talking to Jesus and reading my Bible on a daily basis without distractions? I can honestly say that I am not. Things are not always what they seem. Yes, I’m a Christian, and I "act" like one. People know that I’m one. But how is my relationship with Christ?  It needs to GROW!!! I swear this motherhood thing is HARD.  If I’m consistent with working out, something else seems to lack in my life whether it be spiritually or mentally.  I’m truly trying to find a balance in my life to be spiritually, physically, and mentally balanced. 

Today, Pastor Chris said something soooo profound today, and it went a little something like this (in my own words)…

“If you are experiencing just a little bit of depression, it’s not depression. You’re in bondage because you haven’t been open to the healing/restoration that accompanies giving your worries to God through prayer.”  That thing got me this morning because I know that because of our situation over the past few years, I have not totally been trusting God. Yup...me!!!  Leslie is not the person you may think she is, and I've finally acknowledged that it's time to up the game! I was convicted beyond measure.  It’s been a whirlwind...like being mad at God because He didn't do things the way I just knew they were supposed to be done.  But God has repeatedly been asking me to put my trust in Him. Commit to Him. Love on Him. In reality, I know what to do and how to do it, but I’ve been scared to release my all to Him. (Yes, I’m being extremely transparent here.)  But I'm ready. This year is really about healing for me. And in order for me to truly heal, I know I need God.

Starting tomorrow, I will be spending time in the MORNING with Jesus. I will follow this “challenge” until Easter Sunday to see how my relationship with the Lord strengthens. I look forward to reporting to you How He changes my life and my perspective of prayer.  I encourage you to do the same.  It doesn’t have to be long…just remain consistent in your time with the Lord.  I must say it’s going to be hard for me to wake up earlier to do this (especially to read and pray), BUT if I’ve been able to wake up to exercise, I can certainly give this time to Jesus.

Keep me lifted.

I love you all!

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My Marvelous Monday Morning...

***Introducing Marvelous Mind Mondays***

This morning, I was awakened out of my sleep by a sudden, loud knocking on the door!  At least I thought it was knocking…was I dreaming? 

It’s so interesting that I shared yesterday that starting today, I would start my 28 days of trusting God fully.  Then this happens.  My anxiety started to kick in.  My heart was racing. I even went and grabbed Ava out of her bed so she could sleep next to me.  I prayed. I called Roland, so I could share my story with him. I prayed some more. Finally, I was able to rest for a few more minutes before waking up for work.  I contemplated staying home so I could “rest”, but I refused to allow the devil to have any type of credit. I prayed asking God to keep my mind. I was going to work!  I was going to walk fearless! I prayed some more as I was waiting on the train! I was going to give him complete control! 

Whether or not that truly was a knocking at the door that early in the morning, I will never know. But what I do know is that God is regulating my mind as we speak. 

So many people think it's so taboo to talk about the mind (i.e. counseling, therapy, depression, anxiety, etc.), but it's really not. The thoughts that go through our minds sometimes has a direct influence on people's life and their actions.  Don't allow the negative thoughts of your mind to control your day or your life.  Ephesians 4:23 talks about renewing your mind.  Every Monday, we will focus on feeding your mind happy thoughts so you may achieve your destiny. There are great plans for your life, and positive thoughts will help you get there.  (But know that I will also keep this very real, as mental health is a very serious matter.)

Have a Marvelous Monday!!!

Photo Credit: http://www.gofireyourself.com/5-ways-stop-dreading-mondays/

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