5 Specific Ways To Focus On Time In God's Word

As I set goals for the coming year, time in God's word is one of the areas I looked at. Some years, I've used a printed Bible reading plan where I check off the chapters as I read them. Last year, I subscribed to an online Bible reading plan. I also read the Proverb for the date and posted a verse from the Proverb each day. Aside from that, I didn't really have a specific plan or goal for the year. This year, I wanted to be more intentional, so I looked at specific ways I could focus more on my time in God's word.

Promises From Psalms; Psalm 12:6,7

The first words in this Psalm are, "Help, Lord." Once again David is calling out to God for help. The Psalm ends with verses 6 & 7 speaking of God's word.

4 Healthy Choices For a Quick Start to Weight Loss

Apparently, January 17th is Ditch New Year's Resolutions Day, and here we are a week past that date. How is everyone doing? I prefer to set goals, rather than make resolutions, but if I don't have some plans set in place to reach those goals, then they really are no more beneficial than a resolution, and I'm no more likely to succeed. 

A couple of weeks ago I wrote Maintaining Wellness; How do I Get Back On Track? One area I wanted to get back on track with is my weight. I've gained back a little of the weight I lost two years ago, and need to head off that upward trend! Today, I'm talking about some of the foods that help me do just that. I'm not a nutritionist; I'm just sharing some of my favourites.

Promises From Psalms; Psalm 9:9-10

Psalm 9 speaks again of praising the Lord and rejoicing. I've been more intentional about spending more time listening to songs of praise to God. When I praise God in song I draw nearer to Him and I'm more at peace. I've always known this, and yet I forget and go days without music being a part of my day.

Beyond Decluttering, Does It Ever End?

So, you've spent a few months, or maybe a year, decluttering your home.

You've dumped all your clothes on the bed and only kept what you love...folding them neatly Marie Kondo style, you've pared down your bookshelves to only your favourite authors, you've given away all your nicknacks, emptied the basement and garage...you've even tossed all of the expired medication! You can finally breathe a sigh of relief...it's done! Until you open a closet or cabinet and aaaarrgh it's overflowing again! Or the junk mail and flyers have once again piled up on the kitchen counter! Picnic plates in the winter? And what are those tools doing in here? Please tell me I'm not the only one who's had this problem!

Promises From Psalms; Psalm 5:11-12

Our second Promise From Psalms is found in Psalm 5:11-12.

 This Psalm is a prayer of David crying out to God for help and direction. In verses 11 and 12, the Psalmist speaks of those who put their trust in God.  Because He defends them they can rejoice and shout for joy; those that love His name can be joyful in him. God will bless the righteous and with favour will compass him with a shield. 

Maintaining Wellness; How Do I Get Back On Track?

I've been asking myself this question for the past few months...but even more so after the holidays!! Maybe you're asking the same questions, "How do I get back on track? How do I lose these ten pounds I seem to have gained over the holidays? What can I do to get more energy? How do I get a good night's sleep? How can I wake up energized and feeling refreshed?" 

If like me, you've been derailed in your journey to wellness, hopefully sharing what I'm doing will help you too. 

Promises From Psalms; Psalm 1:1-3

 Since my theme for January is Start Well, Persevere, Finish Well, what better way to start the year than to commit to meditating on 52 promises from God over the next 12 months?

Better Is the End Of a Thing; Start Well, Persevere, Finish Well

   Even though I don't make resolutions, there's something about the beginning of a new year that feels like a fresh new start...like opening a brand new notebook and seeing all those empty, pristine pages just waiting to be filled. I'm always excited to start writing in that notebook. 

My Verse For 2020 ~ Jeremiah 33:3

I wrote this over ten years ago...

 In Mark 9 we read the account of the man whose son had a dumb spirit. Even the disciples failed to help this man and his son. It occurred to me that if this man had been like many people, he would have used that as an excuse to turn away from Jesus, but no, he still sought out the Lord. As I reread the different accounts in the gospels, I couldn’t help but think what great faith that man had. Then I realized that this is also where Jesus spoke to his disciples about having faith that can move a mountain. I thought, “Lord, I want that faith that moves mountains!”

 I decided to look for other examples of that kind of faith. I read about the woman with the issue of blood. She had been to all the doctors and had spent all of her money trying to find someone who could heal her. Even after twelve years she still held out hope. When she heard about Jesus she knew that if she could just get close enough to touch but his clothes, she would be made whole. That is mountain moving faith! Lord, I believe; help thou my unbelief!

  As much as I believe God’s word to be true, there are still situations when I have to say, “Help thou mine unbelief.” Will I ever come to the point of believing that through faith I can move a mountain? Oh, how I want that faith!