So many beautiful things happened this year. There were trials and pains but we’re still standing! God saw us through and He promised to never leave us nor forsake us. He promised all things would work for our good and that, my friends, is what I’m hanging on to.

I want to be able to focus on all the good things God has done for me. If I do that will I not learn to see and recognize Him in the ordinary everyday? In the moments that are special but maybe not glittery and flashy?

He, after all, is the Creator and giver of every good gift – not just the big obvious ones but also the little ones.

I have a choice. I can choose to be grateful for the many little things God blesses my life with or I can choose to put my focus on all the things I wish were different.

I admit I’m a little weak and wimpy in this area of my life, I need to work on this. Just like when we haven’t used a muscle for a while and it gets weak and flabby, this gratitude and looking for the good can be forgotten as we strengthen the complaining and the bitter sharpness of regret and disappointment. It takes a whole shifting of the mind.

Reflect

Reflection can open our eyes to see there really were blessings even though we may not be attentive in the moment. Ann Voskamp has made a practice of writing her gratitudes every single day no matter how simple they may seem. When we look for joys and blessings, we might be surprised how many we have that we’ve overlooked or maybe we even brushed off in times past because it came to us in such a simple way it passed by unnoticed.

Joys and Blessings are All Around Us if We Open Our Eyes

Let that not be my story in 2022. Help me, Lord to notice the many bountiful blessings you send my way. You came to this earth so simply. You are so vast and great but yet dwell in simplicity too. You are everything. All the big and all the little and everything in between.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above… James 1:17

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. Psalms 100:4

Noticing the good does not mean there won’t be bad things happen to us or that hurts will bypass us. It is no guarantee that life’s circumstances will be different but I think if we follow the Holy Bible and the wisdom it gives us we will feel differently.

 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. II Timothy 1:7

A Challenge

Write at least one thing a day that you are thankful for and then watch the accumulation of your blessings as the days, weeks and year go by. I wonder… if you are in a trying situation would it be even better to help you in overcoming if you were to think of positive things about that particular issue howbeit a crumb.

If you are one that does that already, I would love to hear from you and if you have seen it affect your attitude for the better.

God bless you each one in 2022!

May we be encouraged, uplifted and know that the Heavenly Father is right with us… always.

To refresh your memory, the 5 love languages are:

• Words of Affirmation
• Acts of Service
• Quality Time
• Gifts
• Physical Touch

I started wondering what did Bro. Branham have to say about each of these qualities and I went on a search to see what I could find. (if you have never heard of William Branham, you can learn more about this special man of God, by visiting The Message.com)

Here is only a few that I found. There were so many more examples that could have been used.

Words of Affirmation

Acts of Service

And now, brethren, this may seem a little funny. It’s not a very good place to say it, but I like to help her wash the dishes, ’cause I know it’s just hard on her to do it all the time. And I just get out there and wash the dishes for her. She don’t say very much, but I know she appreciates it. –W.M. Branham

Quality Time

In another place he refers to Adam and Eve walking through Paradise…

Could you imagine how beautiful that was that morning when Adam took Eve by the arm, went walking down through the garden? –W.M. Branham
 
Gifts

Sometimes I get away from home. I love my wife and I want to do something for her. And I’ll buy her a box of candy, or something another (You know?), that I just know that she wants me to do it. –W.M. Branham

Physical Touch

God gave man a wife, to comfort him, to touch him. And any man knows, that’s got a good wife, there’s something about a good wife that can. A man be upset in his business or his walks of life, and can come home; no matter, there’s no one, no doctor…

It is that way with me. When I come from overseas or somewhere, and I am so nervous and upset, and loss of sleep and hear the cry, and seeing the little hungry children on the street, and, oh, crying and going on, it just kills me. Then when I come home, if wife will sit down on the arm of the chair, put her arm around me, and say, “Oh, Bill, I understand it, you know.”

And just a few little pats from the wife mean so much… –W.M. Branham

And another quote…

Wouldn’t that be a queen for some little tired evangelist, coming in from the field, wore out, a sweet little wife, put her arms around him, say, ‘Darling, I know you’re tired.’”

You don’t know what that does to you. You do? There’s no one can take the touch of a real sweet wife. –W.M. Branham

And finally, a little more food for thought…

God heals by understanding. God heals by love. Just a little love goes a long way. Let somebody be all upset, and just show them you care for them. See? God heals by love. God heals by prayer. God heals by miracles. God heals by His Word. –W.M. Branham
  

We can make a choice to love our spouse regardless of what they do but we all still appreciate when any of these 5 ways are expressed to us. It makes life a little sweeter and our journey that much more pleasant.

A person who lives their life for theirself, lives a selfish life. We must live for others… –W.M. Branham

I certainly never expected to go through some of the trials that the Lord in his wisdom has allowed. They’ve been hard and oh, so difficult but He knows and cares all the times I have cried out in my bitterness and despair.

Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?
 Psalms 56:8

I have found great comfort knowing God’s promises are true and that:

“All things work together for the good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

How can I argue with God who created my breath and being? He knows all things. He knows just what I need. I am a soldier, a warrior in the army of God. God has created me for a purpose. I was made to shine His light. I must be a good soldier for Jesus Christ and not allow myself to get discouraged when everything isn’t rosy. Our Lord knows best.

I was listening to Ann Voskamp, a very inspirational lady who has seen and overcome some difficult things in her own life and she said something about love that really resonated with me.

Love is about being broken again and again and still giving.

Is that not what Christ did and does for us? No matter what our actions have been, God has chosen to love us with an unfailing love that never gives up on us but always holds us when we ourselves want to give up. When we don’t believe in ourselves, He does.

I am a product of His amazing love and grace.

I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.

I can keep going on because He believes in me. He says I can and He will sustain and give me the power to do what He has called me to.

I am an overcomer.

As Helen Keller said, “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow.”

It all started Saturday afternoon around 4pm. A fire began in Pine Flats, Arizona about 7 miles from our house. That evening we could see  some smoke.

On Monday it looked like this from the front of our house.

There was quite a bit of activity in the skies as helicopters and airplanes flew overhead to release water and slurry on the fire that was a few mountain ranges over.

We continued to watch the smoke and at times it seemed as if it was coming closer but because there are mountain ranges around us, it was hard to tell exactly how far away it was and the information on the web was not being updated consistently. It was on Tuesday that we began to really wonder if this fire would cause a problem for us because it seemed as if we could see the smoke furling up in the air just on the other side of the mountain.

Taken at 9:25am.

In the middle of all this we were preparing for a cross-country trip we take every year to a youth camp. Our kids had started to pack for that already which was a good thing.

Just that morning (Tuesday, June 27) I had signed up for Code Red Alerts on both mine and my husband’s phone. We received a phone call with a pre-recorded message for a pre-evacuation notice. The kids were told to finish packing so that things would be ready in case we did have to go. About an hour later we received another call saying we had a mandatory evacuation. At that point we really began to hustle.

About a half-hour after the mandatory evacuation phone call, the fire department and Sheriff came to tell us we were under a mandatory evacuation. Of course as property owners they cannot force you to leave but naturally they encourage it.

Taken about 10:40am.

The firemen walked around the perimeter of our house moving anything that was flammable and putting it into the center of our yard.

Clothes were packed as well as some precious belongings. What do you grab when you have only a short time? My kids got their special boxes in which I’ve put things that were special to them since they were young. I took special quilts, our wedding pictures and a few mementos. Our computers were taken on which I have thousands of pictures and my husband has his business records. Birth Certificates, passports, and SSN cards were grabbed.

But so many things had to be left behind.

Taken at 11:52am.

Around 1:00pm.

Taken at 2:02pm.

Taken at 2:20pm.

Taken at 2:24pm.

When the flames came over the ridge to the east of our house, my husband said I had to go. If the fire came too fast and crossed our road I would not be able to leave. I left the house with a Suburban full and pulling a trailer with some of our belongings. Serenity was behind me with the other 2 kids (Justus & Audrey).  Justus was riding in the back of the truck with 2 pigs and a dog and wearing a floppy brimmed hat. The wind was catching the rim of the hat and lifting it and you could see his head looking out just over the top of the truck.  My hair was one of those hair-do’s that really should have been, “Don’t let anyone see me like this,” days but here we were passing forest service officials, fire crews and police officers as they waited at the bottom of our road. I’m sure we looked qui te a sight. I’m sure we looked like hicks emerging from the hills.

It was a strange moment in time for me driving out not knowing if we would be coming back to our home or not. Russell and my son Wesley stayed behind and worked at creating more defensive space and doing anything else they thought would help keep the fire from our place.

Taken at 2:40pm after I reached the highway.

Update #2 June 27 @ 7:03pm

They’re slurry bombing the perimeter of our house and yard.

Update #3 June @ 9:45pm

The winds have died down but the fire has now crossed the road where we used to turn to get to our house and is about 1000 yards from the house.

Update #4 June 28 @ 12:15am

Update #5 June 28 @ 3:45am

3:45am Just talked to Russell who is still at the house with Wesley. The wind has changed and is now starting to sweep across the valley in front of our home and moving fast. They are wetting down the buildings and then they are leaving. (They are leaving out a back way on a quad.) He said the flames are about 60′ tall and that it will be a miracle if everything is not burnt to the ground.

Update # 6 June 28 @ 6:13am

Thank the Lord, Russell and Wesley are safely out.

Us girls are sitting on a high point 5 miles away watching our beloved valley being engulfed by smoke.

A terrible picture but all that smoke is caused by our valley. Our house is just over that small hill on the bottom left. We also have seen glimpses of flames.

Update #7 June 28 @ 10:10am

Praise the Lord! Our home is still standing as well as the cabin!!! We have a friend that is on a mountain top and who sent us a pic. (he may be working the fire, I’m not sure)

Update #8 June 28 @ 8:51pm

I’m not sure exactly how it will be done but Russell was interviewed by Fox 10 news and we heard it will be played at 9 and 10 pm tonight if any of you are interested in watching.

(Here was the interview.) Goodwin Fire at the Wallace Ranch

Update #9 June 28 @ 9:32pm

Russell was able to talk the Sheriff into letting him drive back to our property. He was wanting to ascertain whether there was damage to our electrical system (we’re completely off-grid) as well as to see if the well electronics had survived the fire. Both are still working, thank the Lord.

I have no photos to share tonight but the description Russell paints of the land is pretty desolate.

When you cross the creek at the bottom of the road all of the cottonwoods are gone or mostly charred and then after that most of the terrain is rocks and ashes without a stick remaining.

Update #10 June 29 @ 10:59am

We were all able to get to our house a little while ago. I felt weak seeing all the devastation in our area but then once I saw our home and the amazing evidence of God’s miraculous intervention, I couldn’t stop crying. Absolutely incredible what God did for all of us. Our family and for you as well – so we all could be witnesses that He still is the master of everything – even the elements, that He’s never changed and that He is mindful of our every situation.

We can’t express our thanks enough to the body of Christ for your love, concern and prayers. Every comment was read and they all meant so much – “He’s the 4th man in the fire,” “May angels encamp around your property,” “May He fan the flames away,” “He can part the fire like He did the Red Sea”. Oh my, we are so blessed to be in this big family of God!

Here is a video that my son put together using clips that Wesley took the night he stayed behind at the ranch.

Wallace Ranch Fire, Grapevine Canyon & Valley (Goodwin Fire)

Next post I will share some of the devastation caused by the fire and some photos showing what it all looked like before the fire.

It’s been such an incredible experience knowing and seeing God’s mighty hand at work. I feel humbled that our Lord would do this great thing for us. It was also so amazing and precious to see fellow believers from all over coming together in unity believing for God to do a mighty miracle.

To God be the glory for the great things He has done.

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I can’t help it. I feel very passionate about the home and the importance of it. If you’re a homemaker I’m sure you also realize how important the home life is. There is nothing that can compare with the influence and shaping that our homes can have on our children.

Home Life is Vital to Our Children

Home is so important but yet it’s so easy to lose sight of how necessary, how vital home is when we get tired and worn down from the multiple duties we mom’s have to accomplish each day.

Home is more than just a place for our children to lay their heads at night as they go to sleep, more than just a place to stop over to shower and change clothes as they run from one activity to another or from one friend’s house to another’s. Home is so much more.

Home is where we disciple our children – where we teach them the ways of the Lord, where we share our values, learn together, work together. Home is a place where our children’s souls can be fed in this too busy life we find ourselves caught in. A place where they can find rest from the hurts and pains they may experience from others as they grow into young adulthood and then later into adults.

It’s not easy but it’s so worth it

Having a homelife that nourishes is not easy. Life wants to grab us up and whirl around as if we were on a merry-go-round. We have to stop and consider what it is we want for our family.

Do we want this hurry, hurry, hurry pace?

Do we want our kids to have their own life hidden in their bedroom doing their own thing?

Do we want our children more connected to social media than they are to their family?

Do we want others values to have more sway over our children than we do?

If our answer is no to any of these questions than we have to take responsibility for the turning around of our homes. We must fight for the home life that we desire. Anything worth having comes with a price. It may not be easy but it’s worth it, my friend.

Being a homemaker is more than just keeping a clean home.

Don’t lose sight of what being a homemaker is all about. It is so much more than keeping a clean home, although that is an integral part of it. It’s all about nurturing souls for the Kingdom and at the right time releasing those arrows. But how can we nurture if our children are not around? How can we share values in the everyday walk of life if our children are not with us?

And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. –Deut. 11:19

Although I’m a huge proponent of homeschooling – even if there are Christian school options, or you have a very small school, etc. – I realize that maybe you have children in a school setting. If so, you have even less time than those of us that homeschool to make the moments being at home count, so you will have to choose wisely how you spend those hours.

Ways to Nurture the Home Life

Here are some ways we have tried to nurture the home life.

• eating meals together (so very important)
• evening time read-aloud
• devotions (most usually done at breakfast time)
• family fun night together but this has been harder to implement
• very few extracurricular activities outside the home
• family trips
• traditions (holidays, etc.)
• construction projects (my husband likes doing projects with the boys now that they’re older)

Maybe you are familiar with this poem written by Robert Frost called “The Road Not Taken”? When you read it this time around, think of the two roads as one being the picture of home life that is so common today – a road that takes parents down a path where they spend minimal time with their children and maybe even have the attitude that they’re a bother and that kids going their own way is perfectly normal.

The other road is less popular. It is the one less traveled but it is the one where we spend time with our children, mentoring, nourishing, encouraging them and even having fun. It takes something out of us momma’s because sometimes we just want to lay it all aside and have some time to ourselves. But remember anything worth having is worth fighting for and your children are always worth it.

The Road Not Taken  by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

What are some things you do to nurture the family life? I would be delighted to read them. Let’s encourage one another!

The cabin (VRBO) will be their abode and our second guests!

Welcome to the cabin – a cozy 1 bedroom retreat in the country.

My husband built the barn doors and installed them. There are two barn doors. Both openings into the bedroom can be closed off with the sliding doors.

The kitchen sink, counter and bottom cabinets still need to be built and installed. (I think that will be next week.)

It’s such a nice comfortable place! (Click on this link to see more interior pictures.)

We’re having an Arizona wedding reception for them tomorrow so plenty of preparation has been happening. I was so grateful for the help of some of my church family this week.  What a blessing they were to come out to the ranch and assist in whatever I needed.

There are times when you’re just so blessed by the kindness of others and this was one of those times. They took their day and gave it to me and you know what? I think they thought it was fun. haha Isn’t that the sweetest?

I have an Uncle (not really my uncle but we call him that) who is always doing things for others and he even organizes groups of men  to go help others in need (with their roof, etc). He calls it “washing feet”.  That thought comes from Jesus washing his disciples feet in the Scriptures, and His telling us to wash one another’s feet.  Not only are we to wash each others feet in deed but in our daily actions by serving others.

And that’s what these lovely ladies did for me.

God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). I know this is referring to money but I think it can apply to this, too.

And I realize, as I serve His people, I’m serving God. –William Branham

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. –Matthew 25:40

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What do you consider a well-lived life?

Many of us will have different answers with, I trust, being a borned again, surrendered Christian serving the Lord Jesus with all our heart at the top of the list. For with God we are capable of doing all that He calls us to. And without Him at the end of life what else will really matter?

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Mark 8:36

But what else as a mom, wife, homemaker do you consider to be at the top of your list of important things?

• What do you want your family life to look like?
• What values do you want to have instilled in your children by the time they’ve grown?
• If you are home educating, how can you best educate your child?
• What are some personal development goals you might have?
• What do you want your marriage to look like?

Are your day to day activities in alignment with that list?

So many times I can get distracted with good things. Things that aren’t inherently wrong but maybe aren’t the best use of my time. As someone who has many interests, I can easily get on a tangent learning about something new. One thing leads to another to another to another.

You want a real life example? I was sitting here typing this when I accidentally hit a button that brought up another browser and then another accidental hit of a button brought up the news. Normally I don’t read the news…. but this article on the discovery of a 700 year old Knights Templar cave drew me in. If you read the article it’s an absolutely fascinating discovery, wouldn’t you agree? If we only knew what discoveries lay all around us still waiting to be found, we’d all probably become avid explorers.

Wait a minute. Weren’t we discussing something else?

Oh yes, we were discussing how we I can become sidetracked so easily.

You Need to Have a Vision

We need to have a vision as moms, wives, homemakers. We should have an ideal of what we want for our home and family. If we don’t, we may find ourselves working or instilling values that really aren’t our highest priority or best values.

What are ideals?

Sometimes people get confused between the two words ideas and ideals. Ideas are something you get when considering a situation, job or task. Ideals are the thoughts you have for what is the most perfect or suitable for any given situation.

Picture how you want your family life to look. Those are your ideals on what would make the ultimate home.

How Can You Make It Happen?

If you aren’t intentional in how you run your household and family life, life has its own way of taking over. It’s hard enough to make the important things happen in your life but if you have no intentionality to it, it’s almost impossible.

For example, a family supper where everyone is gathered around the table will not happen unless you (mom) make it happen. It will take the effort on your part of planning ahead and establishing this important habit and tradition of eating together.

Once you have thought about what you want your home to look like, think about what you can do to make that happen in your home. What disciplines need to be established, what activities need to be started or stopped?

Everything you do in a day will drive you closer or further from your goals.

In this age of fast-paced living I think it’s important to have these ideals always before you. You have to continually ask yourself if what you are doing each day is bringing you closer to your ideals or will it hinder?

Make each day count because the years will go by faster than you ever imagined.

Everything you do today will determine the direction you are going tomorrow. So be sure the course you’re on is heading the way that you want to go.

I still get off course – all the time and sometimes quite badly. And with the busyness of life, I’m finding some of the things I did with my older children harder than ever to do with my younger ones.

But today is not the end of the story for any of us. Tomorrow is a new day and a new beginning. We don’t have to stay off-track. We can renew our vision and continue on with fresh energy.

Is this something you think about at all or am I alone in this?

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Recently, my 21 year old son, Wesley purchased his very first fixer upper.

What a Really Bad Fixer Upper Can Look Like

The pictures I am going to show you are horrible, disgusting and totally uninspiring to those who might think they want to get into the rental market. I am not over exaggerating the case but this is probably just about the worst fixer upper we have ever bought.

Sometimes your children can make a really good point.

When I asked Wesley, “Why? Why did you buy this one?”, his reply was “That’s all I can afford, Mom.”

He was speaking truth.

One weekend Wesley was able to get a work crew of friends and family to come and help him get the roof fixed, walls that were falling down built up again and some windows enlarged and replaced.

Warning! Prepare yourself for the following pictures.

The beginning of the morning the roof looked like this.

But with the work crew things moved along quite nicely.

And now things have greatly improved on the outside after a few weekends of work. Where once the trailer had a few different colors of paint going on, it is now 1 solid color…

…and a new roof. No more roof leaks!

A Unsightly Mess Awaited on the Inside of the Fixer Upper

I have no idea how the inside (besides the water damage to the ceiling) became so awful… but the rest? That’s a question we will never know the answer to.

When Wesley first viewed the mobile home it had this to offer.

In this picture you can see there is a big window on the right. That window replaced the bay window that was broken and sagging that you saw in the very first picture at the top of this post.

The Kitchen

I didn’t do much walking around. I just didn’t have the courage.

Construction skills is such valuable knowledge. Mom’s, if it’s at all possible, let your kids learn some of these skills while they’re still at home. Find a mentor and even have your kids volunteer if need be. The things they learn will always be useful. Even small woodworking projects would be a help in developing construction skills and thought processes.

It fell mine and Serenity’s lot to prepare and deliver a lunch to the work crew. So we had a little fun with it and turned it into a cute little tailgate party.

Grilled ham and cheese croissants, chips, grapes, a Clementine and a few apple slices was the fare.

This little monkey Oh, that’s my nephew!

Working on his birthday! But it paid off because he was made his favorite pie – coconut cream.

The crew.

(and I spy that little monkey again!)

Follow along and see how this place gets its makeover.

Don’t worry. I won’t leave you hanging. As progress is made, I’ll keep you updated on this little beauty.

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Today is a relaxing day for me as I decided not to go skiing. It’s been two years since I’ve went (last year I had vertigo and couldn’t make it) and my leg muscles were letting me know it. It’s such a fun sport though.

Here is the large group that went this year (missing some). We kind of dominated the mountain.

One of the things that makes us stand out so much is all us girls wearing skirts. Invariably we have people ask “What’s with the skirts?”

Yesterday, I was sitting in our car, talking to another lady who is on our trip and and someone drove up to ask us if we were Mennonite.

“No. We’re just Christians who believe the prophet Bro. William Branham.”

I thought that rather brave of her to say since most people are going to look at you askance if you say that you believe in a prophet. She agreed but then she said something that I thought very interesting. Her response was, “Yes, it feels strange to say that to people but we live in such a late hour and know that the Lord Jesus is going to return so very soon that maybe people need to hear the truth boldly.”

What a good thought!

Driving back to our lodging we were discussing this in the car and my son made an interesting observation saying that sometimes you don’t have enough time with someone for them to observe your life or to be salty and that maybe all they’ll be able to know of your Christian life is what you share in just a few minutes time.

Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech… II Corinthians 3:12

Is He still Jesus? Is He raised from the dead? Has He raised? If He hasn’t, then forget it. If He has, let’s get our enthusiasm started. Let’s get filled with His Spirit, get to praying and start a meeting. Do something.  –William Branham

What a privilege to be a part of what God is doing in this last day. I believe that God has spoken to us today through a totally dedicated, devout man of God who was called to be a prophet whose name was William Branham.

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. –Jeremiah 1:5

Prophets are not so strange as most people think. Prophets are mentioned all throughout the Bible and have a very special place in God’s plan.

Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. Amos 3:7

If you would like to know more about William Branham – the miracles that happened in his ministry and what he preached, here are two websites you might enjoy visiting.

A Living God

Voice of God Recordings

And never forget that Jesus loves you and has a special plan for your life.

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:31

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It’s quite shocking to think how quickly 2016 went by, but here we are – January 3, 2017. What will we do with this year? How will we make it count? Are we making the most important thing the most important thing? Is this the year we can finally lay aside all our grudges and differences and just choose to be happy? Instead of focusing on what others are doing wrong, could we change our viewpoint and look for the good in each other?

Life is too short to dwell in the mollygrubs. It’s easy for us ladies to let our emotions rule us and especially as we get older I think we feel it more. I know my nerves can’t handle as much as they used to. Sometimes my kids look at me like I’ve sprouted 2 more heads. I think I kind of scare them – not exactly what I envisioned when I dreamed of being a mother!

As Christians there is no need for us to be down nor do we have to let our emotions control us… not when we can go to the joy-giver and be filled with all the wonderful things He promises to His children. That was something I was learning in 2016 and I am so thankful that my heavenly Father never gives up on me but is always alongside, giving me encouragement and the strength to keep going. I know He’s working in my life and will complete the work in me.

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ… Phillipians 1:6

If anybody is emotional, it’s me. And to be honest, I’m quite tired of it. (Did I just hear my husband say, “Hallelujah?”) haha

Maybe what I’m writing will resonate with some of you other ladies. Maybe you can give me words of advice and encouragement because I’m open to it. But I want to share with you a few things that has helped me. They are simple things that we all know to do most likely, but maybe reading it one more time will cause something to click for you if you feel the same as I do.

Always make time for the Lord

Start your day off right by making time for the Lord. I am reminded of what Martin Luther said when I think I’m too busy.

“If I fail to spend two hours in prayer each morning, the devil gets the victory through the day. I have so much business I cannot get on without spending three hours daily in prayer.” –Martin Luther

Fill yourself up each day with the Word.

I love listening to music and podcasts but I try to make a practice of listening to a sermon by Bro. Wlliam Branham before I listen to anything else. What a difference this makes! God’s Word is a living Word and is always applicable, always inspiring, always comes at the right time and is always needed. You never outgrow your need to hear from Him.

My next point is maybe minor but it is something I have found important in my own life. God works with each person individually and these things may not speak to you like they have me but here they are.

The only person you need to worry about is yourself.

Wait! Don’t stop reading. What I mean about only focusing on yourself is that so many times we think that if only someone would act this way or do this or that, everything would be fine and we would be the perfect person. We tend to think our problems come from other people. But passing the buck never works. It doesn’t benefit anyone and people don’t change because you badger them or do the blame game. It does the reverse and drives people from you and creates more tension.

And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Matthew 7:3-5

Instead try to focus on yourself and how your actions and reactions could be more Godly. If you ever get in a mood about your husband anyone – just go read I Corinthians 13 and you will have nothing else to say.

Change begins with us and when we are walking in the Spirit and prayed up, then we can (without trying) affect those around us.

And the things that you think on, the things that you do, the actions, the things you talk about, creates an atmosphere.   –William Branham

Now, we all have to face these facts that there is people that you just love to be around, and there’s people that’s fine people, and you love them, but yet, there’s something about the person that you just can’t hardly stay around them. Now, we want to talk of facts. Now, the reason that is, is because of the atmosphere that the individual himself or herself creates. –William Branham

Never be discouraged with where you are in this journey. As long as the Lord is working in your life that is exciting! And the more that you surrender to Him, the more He can change you and it’s only upward from there. The storms of life will come and you may get in a blow-down for awhile but don’t be disheartened, God is there just waiting for you to call upon Him in your distress. Don’t ever question His plan but find rest and contentment in knowing He knows best.

Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?

Sometimes we can get into such a state that we don’t even know where to start or where we should go or what we should do. So let me simplify it. If you are in a fog and full of distress just ask the Lord with a heart full of sincerity to help you.

 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. –John 14:1

In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears. –Psalms 18:6

And He will hear…

He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me. –Psalms 18:19

It’s a promise.

For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. –II Corinthians 1:20

May you be encouraged.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. –II Timothy 1:7

With God’s help and a full trust in Him you can make 2017 your best year ever!