Boasting in myself or in anything of this world, I will not do, but boasting in the Lord, that’s where it’s at, friends! These messages of hope and encouragement; although realistic and true are sometimes a little heavy, so my spirit is leading me to lighten it up a little!

Too blessed to be stressed… Too grateful to be hateful…. I love these quotes of pure gratitude and thankfulness, a reminder that no matter what our circumstances are, as God’s children, everything lies within His hands.

The scriptures are numerous, as we seek out those for enlightenment. Psalm 84:11 says, “For the Lord is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing will he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”

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Living a Blameless Life

What does it entail to live a “blameless” life, where we can be assured to receive our blessings and favor from God? We find the answer in the Bible, do our very best to live according to God’s standards, even in difficulty, trust in the sacrifice of Christ for forgiveness and righteousness (1 John 1:9).

Friends, my life is so full of mistakes, but it is balanced with many conversations with the Lord, where I ask Him for forgiveness and most importantly, ask Him to keep me away from all things that will overshadow His direction. In all my ways, I want to honor Him, but I am human, and I fall short EVERY SINGLE DAY. Thank you, Jesus, He still loves me through it all!

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Gratitude and Contentment

Today, I look around and see beauty in trees, in nature, in quietness. I don’t have millions of dollars in the bank, or a mansion to live in, but the beauty in what I do have—a beautiful home that feels cozy and warm, a cool pool to jump into when it is blistering hot outside and I’ve taken a run—those are the things I am not only grateful for, but content with (Philippians 4:11-13).

I used to pray for those initial “things” I mentioned—millions of dollars, mansion to raise my family in, the fancy car to drive, etc. But in my meditation with the Lord, He guides me. He speaks to my soul through the Holy Spirit and allows me to understand His ways, regarding a lot of things to include my desires.

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Trusting God’s Timing

As Christians, we must trust in His ability to give us what will keep us within His reach. I have learned that personally, because I have such a tendency to be impatient, to become patient, I wait, and I wait and sometimes I still must wait. If I were to receive everything I ask for in “my” desired timing, I would never learn the true importance of patience, which is one of the principles of Godly character (Galatians 5:22-23).

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A Season of Singleness

I mentioned in an earlier blog post how I hated being single. What I wish I would have had the spiritual maturity to know during that time is that the only way for me to grow with Christ was to have no relational distractions—not have zero friendships, but relationships that would consume me intimately.

How did I ever come to an understanding of this concept? I finally gave in and listened for a change. I accepted the fact that I could be single for the rest of my life and still be happy. When I did that, my sole focus was on growing in my relationship with Christ.

I will never forget in my spirit hearing the Lord say, “There will be temptations, fight them.” I was extremely blessed to experience this time with God before the busyness which was to come. I look back and miss the days I had the ability to attend two or three bible studies a week and spend that one-on-one time in a quiet place with the King of Kings.

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Living with Purpose

I don’t regret what I have today, don’t get me wrong. And I know that those days were written in the Book of Life for me, if for no other reason, but for me to be able to testify to you as I am doing today. I am living out my purpose with hope in mind to touch lives like yours, friends.

I am learning and living my life, growing, of course in age, but in spiritual maturity, knowing there are not enough lifetimes for me to understand everything there is to know about our God. We can only do what is humanly possible, friends. Don’t stress the small stuff.

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Rest in His Grace

Perfection – NEVER but considering the Lord in everyday decisions and being the best, I can be – ALWAYS! This, His word says, is enough for Him. Realizing there is not a thing in this lifetime I can do to “earn” His love and acceptance is complete mental comfort and peace (Ephesians 2:8-9).

I promise you, the more you get to know Jesus intimately, you WANT to do His will, which is what I believe in my heart makes Him happy and pleased. I pray for this message to fill your heart with a desire to know Jesus on a personal level, remembering He gets you. He doesn’t want you to be confused, or anxious.

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Getting to Know Him

Getting to know God is not about checking boxes or memorizing every verse overnight—it’s about relationship. Just like any deep friendship, it takes time, intentionality, and honesty. When we carve out quiet moments to sit with Him in prayer, read His Word, or simply reflect on His goodness, we begin to recognize His voice more clearly in our everyday lives. Sometimes that recognition comes in the form of peace when we should feel anxious, wisdom when we don’t have the answers, or conviction that lovingly corrects us when we’re headed in the wrong direction. The more we walk with Him, the more we begin to see His fingerprints on everything—our blessings, our trials, and even the small, ordinary moments that make up our days.

He’s totally fine with you delving into the New Testament of His word and slowly gaining an understanding where with time, you are led to head back to the Old Testament books of His word to check those out (yes, I’m writing that from experience 😊).

Even reading this blog and referencing the verses in your own precious Bible – those are intimate experiences with Him, bringing you closer and embracing your faith!

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The Power of Your Story

What would I have if I didn’t have my testimony to share? Yes, a lot of memories to hold onto, but for me, I choose to be open and divulge the good, the bad and the ugly for the benefit of others to learn from.

Your story might be very different than mine; more private, more intimate. Please know, that is ok. When it comes to you, it’s all about you, and what makes you, you! Doesn’t that thought bring you relief and joy and happiness? It sure should, because my God, our God, doesn’t make any mistakes! Amen and Amen!

As always, thank you precious friends for your faithfulness and please remember to share, text, email – to anyone you feel would benefit from these words of testament to God’s Goodness, His love, and His faithfulness.

Enjoy the additional encouragement in song. Click the link to hear the song pertaining to this week’s message of hope: Goodness of God by CeCe Winans