“but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.” Psalm 1:2-3 NIV

Lord,

It was a hectic morning!  Help me breathe and relax a bit.

I made all-sorts of decisions…meal choices, grocery list, finance updates and so much more. I even readjusted my attitude a few times and somehow managed to face the unexpected.

Forgive me if I didn’t redirect my attention to your priceless treasures in your Word today. I do rush at times!

“Busyness” is the enemy’s tactic to distance myself from you. He is definitely crafty but I’m determined to have victory in Christ and flourish one day at a time.

Help me set time aside so I may pour out my heart, rest in you and be encouraged always. When I reflect on your teachings, it resets my mindset  and comforts me, and the Holy Spirit guides me throughout the day.

I want to stay close to you, Lord. Yes, I do!

Your Truth is my delight and brings joy to my heart.  

I love you, Father. I’m resting in your arms right now. I welcome your unfailing grace, and I’m embracing your never-ending love!

Let it be your will not mine.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Your beloved daughter Adriana

(make this prayer personal, replace the name with yours)

(Photo Credit: Alex Blajan)

Did you ever doubt God’s ability to transform your life?  I certainly did.

Be on alert. Our enemy is crafty and he uses people to plant seeds of doubt and steal our dreams.

In high school…

We had gathered outdoors in the patio for a short recess, and held an informal conversation about college application and scholarship opportunities with the school’s guidance counselor. Everyone was inspired about future possibilities and asked relevant questions. Staff acknowledged everyone’s concerns.  I was intrigued so I listened attentively. When our morning break ended, everyone rushed to their scheduled classes except me. I was unassured of the aptitudes needed to succeed in college so I solicited staff’s recommendations for a tentative career plan.

After a brief silence, she answered gently “I don’t see you in college…”

“Ugh? Did I hear correctly?” I silently asked myself, was downhearted then walked away in disbelief.

“Was I not good enough for college?” it repeatedly echoed in my mind.

Discouragement settled in my heart soon thereafter. I never inquired again about college admission, SAT prep courses or career choices. Unintentionally, the self-deprecating message ‘not good enough’ replayed in my mind intermittently for almost three decades.

I wrestled in learning the nuances of the English language when I relocated to the United States at a young age. Mom secured tutors for Algebra, Geometry and Statistics. She even enlisted me in a Reading Comprehension, after-school program in an attempt to boost SAT scores. I didn’t appreciate History or Science. I would easily be sidetracked or bored in classes or would lose interest on a subject matter (except the Arts). If you would have inquired about a career plan, I would have given you a list of character flaws instead. I sure hustled all the way until the last exam in graduate school. No subject matter or licensing board exam was effortless.

 “Academic life was ferocious!”

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” John 10:10 NIV

When we trust in God’s precepts, our minds are renewed and our souls are refreshed. Our God then rewrites the text of our lives leading us to unimaginable heights both in our personal and/or career dreams. (Psalm 18:24 MSG)

God is our strength when our flesh or hearts have failed. He never abandons us (Psalm 73:26).

I often prayed, “Lord, help me… I’m overwhelmed” He was my refuge and fortitude and He will always be.

God’s Grace is sufficient.

Dad loved me unconditionally, supported all of my career endeavors, and highlighted every strength, skill and ability he would notice. His enthusiasm and optimism played a key role in my career development. Because of Dad’s encouragement, I mastered academic challenges, and even earned ‘distinction’ at the end of graduate school. When I was undecided on my college major, Dad suggested piano performance. He envisioned his beloved daughter becoming an international, concert pianist. Nevertheless, the intensity of ‘performance’ anxiety in piano recitals and the demands of practice drills in preparation to Guild competitions were substantial.

“I sure miss daddy today!”

By breaking down challenging tasks into manageable action steps, developing effective study habits, and learning from past mistakes, I overcame hurdles in both my personal life and career development. God granted me the confidence to overcome insecurities, fear and doubt.

In Wilkes’ book titled “Jesus on Leadership”, he noted ‘God grants confidence to those who trust him. Divinely directed confidence is the certainty that God has created you, bought you through the death of His Son, and called you out to join in the worldwide mission of hope.’

I trusted Jesus to lead the way so I never lost hope and flourished in every leadership role I had. In Christ, my spirit was renewed every day, a steadfast character was built, and spiritual maturity evolved over the years.

The unexpected materialized twenty years later…

I poured freshly-made, Colombian coffee in a mug, grabbed the wireless, headphones out of the leather tote then rushed to the home office at sunrise, “Lord help me be alert, organized and articulate in today’s conference call”  I whispered to myself.

As I dialed the conference number, I meditated on His promise, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” Ephesians 3:20 (NIV). It had been five months since the initial meeting with the State Commissioner. I was astonished about the progress we had made so far in previous conference calls. I was also invigorated when the Commissioner’s genuine appreciation for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) was initially displayed.  ABA is a treatment modality for children and adolescents who are diagnosed with intellectual disability and/or pervasive developmental disorder.

Never in my wildest dreams, did I expect to be in a regional leadership role much less conversing with a State Commissioner at 8 a.m. on a monthly basis!

God’s vision is bountiful.

Even before we were ever conceived in our mother’s womb, our Creator fearfully and wonderfully equipped us for the future (Psalms 139:14). We are His masterpiece regardless of what others may think of us today. In Christ, the enemy is defeated. The Lord orchestrates all our circumstances to work together for our welfare. His plan always prevails regardless of our struggles, character deficiencies or self-doubt.

The Lord will do the same for you as long as your eyes are wide open to His truth, allow Him to capture your heart, and He will do immeasurably more than all you can ask or imagine.

Be ready to defeat the enemy along the way by claiming His Word upon enemy’s assault.

Abba Father, you are Holy, full of compassion and merciful.

An amazing God indeed!

We praise you for a new day filled with your grace, mercies, and filled with unlimited possibilities for our lives.

We come to you humbly with an open heart and embrace all of your precepts. We want to know you better, learn more about your character, and grow much closer to you.

Encourage us to read, reflect, and hide every Scripture in our hearts so we may always have wisdom and discernment when navigating thru confusion, turmoil or chaos, and conduct ourselves in a manner that is worthy of the Gospel.

You are our Abba Father who provides and protects us. You are our only Savior, Deliverer, Healer, and most importantly the wisest Counselor who guides us thru the narrow path while we are finishing the good work you started in us.

We are rejoicing today as we stand firm on your Word. We celebrate your presence as You walk with us and we are forever grateful for the Peace and Hope We find in you alone.

We praise you for your never-ending Grace, forgiveness and faithfulness. 

We continue to nourish our souls with your precepts, renew our minds and set us free from strongholds. We are grateful for being the ‘chosen ones’ who were once lost yet convicted  by the Holy Spirit, and turned away from our sins and idols so we may serve you today and always.  

Help us to love others who may be difficult, maintain peace everywhere we go, encourage the disheartened, help everyone in need, be patient, strengthen our hearts so we may be blameless and holy in your presence, stand firm on your Word, and hold fast to your teachings. 

We want to be children of the light and children of the day today and always.

Deliver us from evil and protect us wherever we go. 

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen

Kathy Bornarth is the founder of nacjw.com, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and a published author who loves to journal!

In Kathy’s book titled, “Write Changes: Stories of Transformation Through Journal Writing”, you will find short essays addressing the benefits of journaling by ten different women including herself. Her published book was easy to read, informative and encouraging; it was 54 pages long. I highly recommend it for those who are considering journaling for the first time. Even though I have journaled in the past, Kathy’s book reminded me of the importance of self-examination and offered me fresh perspectives on the art of journaling.

Are you considering journaling today?

Creative Bible journaling, prayer and gratitude journaling are three of my favorite styles. I love to be colorful, worship God and have fun coloring Scriptures too!

There are so many ways to journal. It all depends on your needs and focus.

I’m about to learn more about ‘verse mapping’; it will probably be an extension to bible and scripture journaling. Kristy Cambron offers Verse Mapping 101; her two new journals on the book of Luke and Acts will be released in May 2018.

I have found journaling to be quite therapeutic in nature. The exercise of writing down personal thoughts and emotions provides clarity, insight, and self-awareness over time. When I engage in creative bible, prayer and gratitude journaling, I deepen my relationship with the Lord.

Voila!

It’s an excellent way to interact with His Word at sunrise or at sunset if you’ve got a full-time job.

If consistency is an issue just know it takes approximately 28 days to establish a new habit.

‘Therapeutic writing’ was popular in 1960’s. In mid 1980’s, Dr. James Pennebaker researched the impact of ‘expressive writing’ on trauma, and Kathleen Adams (1999) published an article titled, ” Writing as Therapy” and acknowledged the therapeutic benefits of writing in the healing process.

Newman added space for journaling after each devotional. Yes! it was an excellent way to navigate thru grief and loss. I’m still in the process of healing.

If you are in need of a journal, try the ‘sheic’ journals at sheicjournals.com. The colors are bright and perfect for any season. The size of the journal is convenient for a purse or tote, and it’s comfortable to carry all day long.

I just love the color of my new journal!

Throughout our lifetime, we will experience overwhelming circumstances even deep suffering that will bring us closer to God and strengthen the core of our souls and Faith.

In the book of Ecclesiastes 7: 14, Solomon reminded us how God created both adversity and prosperity in our lives. So, praise Him everyday regardless of our suffering or current state of mind. Today is a gift from God.

I view these harsh circumstances or adversity as life-altering “Gethsemane moments”.

Yes!

Adversity can be emotionally, intellectually and physically taxing. Uncertainties are stressful indeed.  These life experiences may be filled with agony, sorrow, grief, and/or despair.

In the book of Matthew 26, Jesus modeled a prayerful life. Jesus poured his soul to our Abba Father on a regular basis and maintained an intimate relationship. In His sorrow, He prayed not once but continually. He knew he was betrayed by Judas and was about to be apprehended by the enemy so he prayed with humility and surrendered heart for God’s will to be fulfilled.

He was a faithful servant!

“He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” Matthew‬ ‭26:42‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Have you ever experienced “Gethsemane”, life-altering moments? Have you recently been diagnosed with a terminal health condition? Have you recently lost employment and don’t know how to pay the mortgage? Are you hopeless and even contemplating ending it all?

In moments of anguish and sorrow, life is overwhelmingly painful, vulnerable and unpredictable!

If you would have asked me what I would have done in previous ‘Gethsemane’ circumstances, You would have heard me say, “I’m done with it… I’m ready to quit… give me an easier task to accomplish instead…”

In these controversial or conflicting moments, we might not be able to discern what’s best or act wisely. We might act like ‘fools’ at times if we get isolated and not seek God’s wisdom.

We can either face these challenging circumstances humbly, prayerfully and ’in’ community or ‘escape’ from it all with an intent to soothe the intensity of our distress and even isolate ourselves.

By the way, Satan would enjoy us being isolated and helpless.

Jesus is reminding us today to seek the Lord for wisdom, strength and discernment with a humble and surrendered heart before we proceed with our next steps.

God’s Grace is sufficient when we are weak.

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭12:9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Lisa Bevere in her book titled, “Girls with Swords”, reminded us to ‘allow adversity to be a crucible in your life that tempers your strength’.

“Isn’t that the truth?!”

Every time I persevere thru life-altering Gethsemane moments, I develop effective strategies, establish new systems for both career and personal routine, build character and most importantly I witness God’s faithfulness, wisdom, unconditional  love and mercies thru it all.

Life gives us an opportunity to edify God in our good times as wells as in our Gethsemane moments, and share how much we adore Him in the midst of our deepest suffering…

A servant leader serves humbly, empowers others to take the lead and genuinely cares for the well-being of others. In servanthood leadership, there is no power differentiation just an opportunity to influence someone’s life and help the world be a better place.

Apostle Paul was a servant leader in mid-30s AD to mid-50s AD while he shared the gospel of Christ to the Jewish and Romans of his times and immediately forgave his executioner.

The movie, “Paul, the apostle of Christ”, was released at the end of March 2018. In the midst of trials, suffering and murder, Paul loved, and extended grace unconditionally.

As soon as I finished watching the movie and dried up my tears, I asked myself “do I forgive and extend grace to evil-spirited people in my network as well as Paul did for his persecutors?  Would I have Paul’s inner strength and spiritual maturity to persevere thru suffering, and even endure imprisonment?”

In Christ, anything is possible.

Paul focused on an eternal journey instead of instant, temporary outcomes.

Paul was just like a sheep among wolves; he recognized his vulnerabilities, shared his wisdom and intentionally, innocently and lovingly served others well. Paul was clear about the intentions of his headsman yet he loved like Christ on Earth.

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭10:16‬ ‭

When persecuted by prideful, wicked or arrogant human beings, he was prayerful and didn’t overreact. If others hated him, he served  lovingly and compassionately one opportunity at a time and influenced others to think about what was noble, trustworthy and admirable.

As soon as the movie ended and I walked away from the leather-recliner seat at Malco, I asked myself, “How could I ever love my persecutors well? I don’t think I will ever be able to… help me love well”

By His Grace, my life has been transformed in the past decade.  All I know is to pray over my weaknesses. Prayer is powerful and God answers our prayers in His perfect time.

”Lord, hear my distress. It’s tough to deal with prideful or arrogant people who have all the answers or those who have slandered me in the past or are capable to do so in the future. Please, give me a heart to  serve them, the humility to forgive, an ability to trust them again and hope for reconciliation. If I ever act prideful, hateful or vindictive, convict me immediately so I can repent and change my motives right away, in Jesus name I pray, Amen”

Daily challenges unfold throughout the day unexpectedly, and that’s a fact of life.

We can either fight, flee or be paralyzed when faced with Satan’s attacks. I typically either fight or abandon my post! Yet God wants us to trust Him and learn from these unmanageable times. Cunnington encouraged her readers to search or discover life lessons or even hidden treasures during these times. Otherwise, we will be exhausted or burned out by the intensity of our challenge or even defeated by Satan’s lies or attacks.

From past experiences, I’ve learned more about the detrimental impact of fear and anticipatory anxiety. Every time I give myself the opportunity to explore or discover or grow in the midst of a challenge, I typically find at least one effective strategy to implement in the future and have yet to be burned out.

Praise the Lord!

In the book of James 1: 2-4,  James reminded all of us, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”
‭‭ God didn’t promise us a trouble-free life yet He will be there in the mix of it all; the ugly, the bad and the worst!

His Word is not only comforting but will strengthen our inner beings, nourish our souls, renew our minds and encourages us to take the next step in love and hope.

Cunnington noted, ‘success is a filter through which we see life… we live this way by actively and intelligently living in a way that pleases God.’

We have to stand firm on His Truth and declare His promises over our lives so Satan will flee and leave us alone. When our minds are renewed with His Truth, we are empowered to overcome the enemy’s lies in all circumstances. Satan’s intentions to kill and destroy God’s plans will be forever restrained or chained when we declare God’s promises over our lives.

Cunnington noted, “the devil comes to shake you but God comes to steady you.” It’s comforting to know He is our Refuge and Rock indeed.

Satan’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy god’s plan for our future. God’s plan is to give us a rich and satisfying life.” (‭‭John‬ ‭10:10‬)

Let us stand on His promises one day at a time and fight the best  ‘fight  of faith’ ever…

I’m all ‘in’, a sister in Christ, who is ready for the battlefield of the mind one day at a time.

The power went out, winds picked up in speed, debris flew across the windshield, and rain poured heavily. I was then forced to lock up the car doors and search for shelter when the tornado sirens alerted everyone to take refuge.

”Where do I go now?!” I desperately asked myself.

As I ran across the street and was about to knock  at the third house, the storm door suddenly opened up. There was “Ralph” sitting in his leather, burgundy  recliner with an oxygen tank.

He was afraid of the stranger and so was I.

”May I come in?” I desperately asked.

He reluctantly & fearfully answered, ‘Yes’.

God provided both refuge and protection in the midst of a tornado, EF1.

Ralph benefited from a portable, oxygen tank and I benefited from shelter. We both rescued one another on a Friday late afternoon.

An instant friendship evolved among two strangers!

God orchestrates our daily encounters and demonstrates His gifts of Provision and Protection everyday. His faithfulness is undeniably noticeable in all of our circumstances.

In the Old Testament, God established a covenant marked by a rainbow; it was a sign of His undeniable presence to all Israelites.

On that Friday late afternoon, God reminded me of His unconditional and unfailing love as I drove on the highway. There it was… a colorful rainbow in the East reminding me of His eternal promises.

“When the rainbow is in the clouds and I look at it, I will [solemnly] remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth”
‭‭GENESIS‬ ‭9:16‬ ‭AMP‬‬