Lyli Dunbar's Blog, page 32

How to Combat Marital Malaise

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“Why am I so exhausted tonight?” my husband asked as he collapsed on the hotel bed. We’d taken a few days off to celebrate his birthday and recover from a very busy month at work.

I yawned in response, “We cheated on the diet twice today. Remember?” For 4 months, we’d towed the line and eliminated sugar and bad carbohydrates. Our new-found dedication to healthy eating began on a rainy day in February when I drove my husband to the ER. A sore throat had morphed into a cold that quickly escalated into pneumonia. He’d felt a little off for days, but his immune system had gone on vacation. The doctor explained that his blood test had revealed off the chart high blood sugar. His whole body was polluted by an invisible infection.

I’ve learned not to ignore a tickle in my throat. It’s my body sounding an alarm. When I start to feel a little off, I no longer take it lightly. I take action.

I am starting to recognize the warning signs in my marriage as well. Some days, it seems like a marital malaise has invaded my home. I can’t pinpoint the poison, but the health and vitality of our relationship is in danger.

When I slow down to examine and address the root cause, it usually stems from one of these pesky tormentors….

I’m sharing “How to Combat Marital Malaise” at Start Marriage Right.  

To read the rest of this post, join me here.

The post How to Combat Marital Malaise appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.

How to Diffuse Love in Your Home

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When Bruce told me that he was not feeling well, I went into “fix-it” mode.

I  pulled out the vitamin C and Tylenol, and then I texted my closest friends and asked them to pray. Three of my friends suggested trying essential oils. My phone was dinging all day with suggestions of concoctions that would help Bruce ward of toxins.

I must slather frankincense with coconut oil on his chest.

I should consider rubbing eucalyptus with lavender on his feet.

I could mix a roller ball with something called Thieves blended with oregano and rosemary. This should be applied to the upper back and neck every hour on the hour.

My sweet friend was kind enough to put a special flu bomb recipe together for me and even poured oils into capsules for Bruce to swallow.

At the end of the day, Bruce ended up super congested anyway, but his chest smelled like a salad dressing for almost a week.

He did love the diffuser I bought though. I knew I had a convert when I called him from work, and he informed me that he had taken it with him into the garage.

We’ve decided that we love our diffuser. In fact, I now own four of them. (Okay, I may have gone a little overboard with the Essential oil research, but when I am stressed I apparently start buying things on Amazon as a coping strategy.)

Besides making the house smell fabulous, the point of diffusing the essential oils is to rid the house of toxins and evil elements in the air that will suck the life out of you. (At least that was my interpretation of it.)

Here’s the thing, toxins in the atmosphere can impact my well-being.

Over the last two weeks, I’ve become quite a chemist at creating essential oil formulas to help dispel the poisons.

This morning I was reading in Ephesians, and I learned that Paul had a few formulas of his own.

How to Diffuse Love in Your Home

Be humble: Don’t demand your way. Give preference to others.
Be gentle: Rather than bulldoze over your loved ones, let your words be seasoned with grace.
Be tolerant: Remember that no one is perfect. We are all sinners in need of God’s forgiveness. Be patient with the weaknesses of your fellow man.

Creating a toxic free environment doesn’t require complicated formulas.  Just apply love liberally.  

 

 

 

 

 

Something to think about…
I’m sharing “How to Diffuse Love in Your Home” with like-minded friends at Faith-Filled Friday.

 

Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.

Deep Within

Recently, Cheryl Smith invited me to look deep within.  Cheryl does a weekly interview on her blog where she provides a space for “iron to sharpen iron” as we examine our “Inner Views.”

I must admit that it took me quite a while to respond to several of these questions.  A little introspection is good for the soul.

Interview Questions:

Tell us about your childhood.  (Where were you born, where did you grow up, what were your childhood years like, etc.  Please feel free to share as much or as little as you would like and feel comfortable with.  J)
How old were you when you became a Christian?  What led you to take that step?  Is there a particular person who has most influenced you in your walk with Jesus?
We would love to hear your love story.  How did you and your husband meet?  Was it love at first sight?  When did you realize he was “the one” for you?
What are you most passionate about?  What fulfills you most?
Looking back over your life, what do you consider to be your darkest season?  How did your faith in God see you through those difficult days?
What is your greatest strength?  How does God use that trait to help others?
Do you consider yourself an introvert or extrovert?
What is the most exciting ministry you have had the privilege of becoming involved in?
Tell us about your blog, 3dlessons4life.  What prompted you to start blogging?  How did you decide upon the name of your blog?  How has blogging impacted and enriched your life?  Where do you find inspiration for blog posts?  Is there a particular place you like to go to write?
Is there a cause you care deeply about and would like to introduce us to?
At the end of your life, what do you most hope to leave behind?  What legacy do you most long to create as you walk this journey?
On your bucket list, what have you already experienced and accomplished?  What do you yet hope to do?
Who do you consider to be your biggest hero?  What person in your life would you most like to emulate?
How do you personally stay encouraged?  Are there specific Bible verses, songs, books, or other resources that you turn to in times of discouragement?
How can we pray for you now?

Want to know how I answered?

To get a peek inside “deep within” my life, join me here.

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The post Deep Within appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.

Carbonated Holiness

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Last Wednesday, Bruce told me he was coming down with a cold, and I threw myself a Pobrecita Pity Party.

For the last 7 days, I’ve succumbed to the worry monster. I’ve pleaded with God to heal my husband. I’ve helicoptered around him with essential oils, a steam inhaler, and 3 prescription meds.

Besides prayer and my team of praying friends, the one thing that has kept me afloat is that Bruce can still make me laugh, even when he is not trying to be funny.

On Saturday, I was up late burning the midnight oil while my congested husband snored beside me.  He’d slept fitfully all week due to the incessant coughing attacks, but we’d visited a Walk-in Clinic earlier that day and left with a prescription for a magical syrupy elixir that was supposed to bring him rest.

And rest he did.  Until he woke up at 2 AM and decided to go raid the kitchen.  I am used to his nocturnal foraging adventures, so I just stayed in bed with my laptop as he disappeared into the darkness.

About twenty minutes later, my semi-loopy husband barged into the room like a Navy Seal on a reconnaissance mission. He was in search and rescue mode in his sleep.

He surveyed the room with his beady, glossed over eyes trying to locate an important item.

“Are you looking for something, baby?”  I asked.  “Why don’t you come back to bed?”

He slurred a few nonsensical sentences before he uttered one word that made sense.  “Milk.”

“Are you looking for the milk, sweetheart?   It’s in the fridge.  Why don’t you just come back to bed?”

He slithered back into the black of night, and I sat in the bed laughing my head off.  Eventually, my cold-infested commando acknowledged defeat and came back to bed.

On Sunday morning, we crawled out of bed and headed to the kitchen for some cereal.  Unfortunately, the milk was no where to be found.  It had magically disappeared in the middle of the night.  We took turns guessing who could have absconded with it —  zombies?  evil elves? chachkies that came to life while we slept?  We spent two days giggling about it until we found the milk under the kitchen sink next to the Windex and Palmolive.

Laughter really is the world’s best medicine.  My friend Jennifer and Anita Renfroe reminded me today.  As I watched their chat on the importance of intentionally reaching for happiness, Anita mentioned an Anne Lamott quote that made my ears perk up:

Laughter is carbonated holiness.

I googled the quote as it was new to me and came across a Christianity Today article by Carolyn Arends where she further expounded: “Laughter is my favorite form of worship.”

Now, there is a spiritual discipline I’d never considered.

 

 

 

Something to think about…
I’m sharing “Carbonated Holiness” with like-minded friends at Faith-Filled Friday.

 

Thought-Provoking Thursday GIVEAWAY: 

I’m giving away a copy of Jennifer Dukes Lee’s book, The Happiness Dare!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Would you like to be happier?

No matter who you are or how you feel, chances are you would answer yes. And Jennifer Dukes Lee was no different. For years, she wrestled with a constant nagging sense that she wasn’t as happy as she could be. At the same time, she felt guilty for wanting something so “shallow.” After all, doesn’t God only care that we find joy in our circumstances? Or is it possible that God really does want us to be happy?

Determined to get answers, Jennifer embarked on a quest to find out whether our happiness matters to God and, if so, how to pursue it in a way that pleases him.

In The Happiness Dare, you’ll learn what she discovered, including how to:

Understand the five happiness styles and maximize yours
Overcome the four biggest obstacles that stand in the way of your happiness
Find your happiness sweet spot―the place, relationship, or activity that gives you the greatest sense of well-being
Discover what you can do in just five minutes a day to be happier

Will you take the dare?

Join Jennifer in the pursuit of your truest, most satisfied, and most faith-filled self.  Head on over to Amazon to purchase The Happiness Dare.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jennifer Dukes Lee is an award-winning former news journalist, an (in)courage writer and a blogger athttp://www.JenniferDukesLee.com. Jennifer once took a dare to find out whether happiness matters to God and, if so, how to pursue it in a way that pleases Him. Out of that quest, was born:The Happiness Dare: Pursuing Your Heart’s Deepest, Holiest, and Most Vulnerable Desire.

 

 

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Thought-Provoking Thursday Linkup:

 

Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.

Be a Peacemaker

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“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1, NKJV).

I turned around to face the sink as my husband brushed by me into the garage. I wanted to discuss when we would sit down for dinner, but he was busy working on a project. His curt response cut me to the quick.

“Don’t worry about me. I’ll fend for myself this week,” he retorted as he disappeared back into his man cave.

The tears welled up in my heart as I thought about the load of groceries I’d just stuffed into the refrigerator. I’d spent several days menu planning, and now he was telling me he’d rather eat cereal alone.

My tears quickly turned to icy anger. We’d exchanged vows just four weeks earlier, and now I wondered if I’d made a mistake.

As I wrestled with my rollercoaster emotions, my oblivious groom stepped back inside to grab a piece of equipment. He saw me standing at the sink and nuzzled up in my ear.  I felt completely suffocated.  I wanted to throw the dirty dishes at him, but instead I responded by excusing myself to gain my composure.

Both my husband and I grew up in homes where the philosophy was “he who screams loudest wins.”  Neither of us wanted to have a marriage established on selfish animosity, so we began studying the Scriptures to help us learn how to resolve conflict in a healthy manner.

In Chapter 5 of Song of Solomon, we find the lover and his bride at odds. He comes to the door, and she initially responds with indifference, rather than affection. His response is all grace. He doesn’t batter down the door and demand his way. He doesn’t insult her or point fingers.

“A gentle answer makes anger disappear.” Matthew Henry expounds on this sage advice by stating: “A right cause will be better pleaded with meekness than with passion.”

The child of God is called to extend God’s grace to others. Rather than react in the flesh, we are to turn to prayer and ask God for His strength and wisdom to respond in the Spirit. Rather than attack, we should affirm one another.

Don’t push back, choose to be a peacemaker.

 

 

Let’s Talk:  If you are married, what advice would you offer to a friend facing conflict in her home?  

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“Be a Peacemaker” was originally published at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale’s Daily Devo and on You Version as part of the reading plan The Secret: How Do You See Love.

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I am sharing “Be a Peacemaker” and joining like-minded sisters at Give Me Grace, Spiritual Sundays, Faith-Filled Friday, Fresh Market Friday, Blessing Counters, Tell His Story, Coffee for Your Heart, Three-Word Wednesday, Intentional Tuesday, Purposeful Faith’s RaRaLinkup, Rich-Faith Rising, Testimony Tuesday, and Moments of Hope.

The post Be a Peacemaker appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.

How to Host a Pity Party

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I met my best friend at a Beth Moore Bible study in 1999. We were the only two Cuban chicks in the group. We both loved Jesus, chick flicks, and chocolate. Soon, we were spending hours on the phone trying to solve the world’s problems as we vented in Spanglish.

When you are true-blue friends, you tend to mimic each other’s vocabulary and finish each others sentences. Barby and I spoke the same fast-talk from day one, but there is one word that I’ve picked up from her.

My friend has the gift of mercy, so almost on a weekly basis, she will call me or text me with  a prayer request for a wounded dog or hurting friend.  She will spend several minutes empathizing with the pain of the suffering, and at some point, she will say one key word in Spanish.

Pobrecita. 

Example:  Please pray for my neighbor who broke her arm when she was painting the roof and fell off the ladder. Pobrecita, I feel so bad for her.

Pobrecita literally means “poor little thing.” When Barby says it, it’s a term of endearment and deep understanding.

Pobrecita is quite similar to the Southern girl’s “Bless her heart.” And, because I speak Spanglish and had a close friend from Macon, Georgia in college, sometimes I will use these two phrases in conjunction for double the emphasis.

Pobrecita.  Pray for her. Bless her heart.

The problem is that unlike Barby, I do not always have the gift of mercy. Sometimes, I think I have the spiritual gift of complaining (Yes, I know that this is not actually a fruit of the Spirit. I am working on that.)

So, like to think: “Pobrecita Me!”

This morning, my husband informed me that he was coming down with a cold, and I immediately morphed from peaceful wife to psychotic nagger.

My immediate thought: “Nooooo! Not again.” I know he only has the sniffles, but I let the worry monster gobble me up, and I immediately became imprisoned by despair. Instead of choosing to rest in Christ,  I drove off to work with a wagging finger pointed at my husband.

I spent the entire day thinking about what I could do to make Bruce feel better — because I don’t want to see my husband struggling to just breathe again.

Pobrecita Me!

My Pobrecita Persona can really rob me of my joy if I let it sit in the driver’s seat of my heart.

Pobrecita Me loves to throw a good pity party.

How to Host a Pity Party

Worry, Whine, and Wallow: Rehearse your problems, rather than God’s promises. Count your burdens, not your blessings.
Fly Solo: Don’t ask anyone to pray for you. Stay away from church. Spend the weekend in bed under the covers.
Nurse a  Grudge: Refuse to forgive. Stay offended forever.
Indulge Yourself: Don’t think about helping others or serving. Rather than extending your hand, eat a pint of ice cream while you sit on the couch.

Next time you want to host a pity party, roll up your shirt sleeves and  get to work instead.  Clean out your heart and cultivate 4 things:

Gratitude: We are called to “give thanks in all circumstances” (I Thessalonians 5:18).  Planting seeds of thankfulness transforms our perspective.  
Fellowship: Life is a team sport. On our own, we are prey for destruction. Hebrews 10 challenges us to “press in” during times of opposition: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Forgiveness: Discord is a tool of the enemy to keep us bound in bitterness. Don’t fall for that trap. Paul encourages us to rise above offense: “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony” (Colossians 3:12-14).
Surrender: Life isn’t about “me.”Philippians 2:3-4 provides our marching orders: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

 You are not a Pobrecita. You are a Prevailing Champion with God in your corner.

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Something to think about…
I’m sharing “How to Throw a Pity Party” with like-minded friends at Faith-Filled Friday.

 

Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.

Stay On Mission

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“ Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?” – II Corinthians 6:14 (NKJV)

 

My friend met the man of her dreams. She e-mailed us to let us know she was leaving town and getting married.

Happy for her, I smiled and continued reading. She described his killer smile, his sense of humor, his hard work at a thriving business, and his love for family. I was about three paragraphs into the e-mail when I read a sentence that made my heart sink.

“He doesn’t know Christ yet, but he is interested in spiritual things. I think that will come soon. He’s so close.”

I didn’t have a working phone number to reach her, so I prayed for God to give me the words to craft a gentle, grace-filled written response. I told her that I loved her and wanted her to be happy, but as her friend and sister in Christ, I wanted to ask her some questions that might prevent her from making a choice that would lead to a heartbreaking crash in her future.

The Apostle Paul challenged the believers in Corinth to not yoke themselves to an unbeliever. In marriage, couples must partner together to carry the heavy weights of this broken world. It’s impossible to work together as one when your spouse is pulling in a completely different direction. Rather than plowing the ground and harvesting abundance as a team, you end up standing apart on a barren, empty field of broken dreams.

Marriage is more than a relationship. Marriage is a covenant of two hearts surrendered to Christ. In Song of Solomon 4, we see the intimacy of the lover and his bride. They are one in body, in heart, and in spirit. He calls her his sister and his spouse because their communion is completely pure.

Marriage is a picture of our relationship with Christ, and settling for anything less will never lead to full intimacy.

If you are single, heed the advice of Solomon and “do not stir up or awaken love until the appropriate time (Song of Solomon 2:7, HCSB). Missionary dating is never a wise choice. Our mission is to stay focused on Christ. He will open the door to marriage when the time is perfect and pleasing to Him.

 

Let’s Talk:  If you are married, how did God help you stay on mission during your single season?  I’d love to hear your love story!

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“Stay on Mission” was originally published at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale’s Daily Devo and on You Version as part of the reading plan The Secret: How Do You See Love.

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I am sharing “Stay on Mission” and joining like-minded sisters at Give Me Grace, Spiritual Sundays, Faith-Filled Friday, Fresh Market Friday, Blessing Counters, Tell His Story, Coffee for Your Heart, Three-Word Wednesday, Intentional Tuesday, Purposeful Faith’s RaRaLinkup, Rich-Faith Rising, Testimony Tuesday, and Moments of Hope.

 

The post Stay On Mission appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.

Surrendering the Reins

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I remember the day vividly.

I was sitting in an uncomfortable hospital chair playing nurse to a very irritable patient residing in the bed to my right.

In order to survive the day, I’d packed a bag full of weapons — my Walkman CD with a Chris Tomlin album, my Bible, a journal, and a pen. The patient sporadically awakened from slumber about every forty minutes to howl orders. I’d lift my Bible off my lap, place it on the cold terrazzo floor, and scuttle over to try to settle down and soothe the wild thing who was uncontrollably huffing and puffing.

Honestly, I didn’t want to be there. It was summer, and I was on vacation. I should have been at the beach with a nice glass of iced tea and a chick lit novel. I resented losing freedom to play nursemaid to a tyrant.

But, I knew my duty. And, I am a dutiful girl.

I picked up the plastic pitcher and poured cold water into a cup. I positioned the straw perfectly with the top bent slightly and lifted the cup to the pursed lips of the patient.

I silently waited while my tough cookie slurped. When he was done, I retrieved the cup, returned it to the table, and plopped right back down in my corner chair.

I was bending over to pick up my Bible when I heard the words that shattered my heart into a million pieces.

“You really love me.  Don’t you?”  It was like a question and a confirmation all at once. The Holy Spirit pricked my heart with each syllable.

Of course, I love you. But then I realized I was always too busy pointing a finger when I should have extended an open hand.

I heard the voice of the Lord clearly that morning: Your job is to love. My job is to do the changing.

I wiped the tears from my eyes as I placed the Bible back in my lap. Rather than just reading it, now I would live it.

Almost twenty years have passed since that day. I can’t say that my loved one has gotten any less prickly, but God has certainly done a work in me.

I laid down my right to control the relationship to the Lord, and rather than experiencing more pain, I’ve discovered an overwhelming peace.

All I had to do was stop bucking and trust that God would show me the way.

Surrender the reins to God to discover the road to freedom.

 

Something to think about…
I’m sharing “Surrender the Reins” with like-minded friends at Faith-Filled Friday.

 

Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.

Godliness is Sexy

 

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“The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so he set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen instead of Vashti” (Esther 2:17, NKJV).

Once upon a time, I thought tall, dark, and handsome would sweep me off my feet in a sleek car dressed like a GQ model, and we’d live happily ever after.

I bought into the world’s version of romance and ended up heartbroken. I should have known I’d end up alone in a puddle of tears when my dad’s response to meeting my boyfriend was, “He’s not a bad guy, but he’ll never marry you.”

Just two weeks later, I sulked at home with a pint of ice cream and one spoon. Thankfully, a friend rescued me with an invitation to a single’s Bible study.

I’d never attended a service geared specifically to singles, and the experience was eye opening. The pastor opened up the Bible and shared how its principles applied to every area of my life – including who I dated. I soon learned to love God’s Word and decided to surrender my desire for a husband to God while I invested in developing strong friendships with other women and using my gifts to serve at church.

Two years later, one of single’s group leaders teared up as he shared how he’d befriended two men who’d lost their homes and were living on the street. I was impressed by his tenderhearted concern for the hurting victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Today, that guy with the big heart is my husband. We served together during an outreach that Christmas and forged a friendship that blossomed into love. I wanted to marry a gorgeous guy, but God wanted me to partner with a godly man.

As we put on the corrective lenses of God’s Word, we begin to understand what is truly attractive. Physical appearance will fade, but a beautiful character strengthens as couples face the hardships of life together.

We don’t marry just a body, but a whole person comprised of body, soul, and spirit. Esther stood apart from the harem because her greatest beauty emanated from a submissive heart. Likewise, in Song of Solomon, the bride was enamored not only with her lover’s looks, but also by the fragrance of his inner life. She declared that his name was like anointing oil poured out (Song of Solomon 1:3, ESV).

As we grow in wisdom, we learn that godliness is actually pretty sexy.

Let’s Talk: How has growing in wisdom helped re-define your definition of attractiveness?  I’d love to hear your love story!

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“Godliness is Sexy” was originally published at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale’s Daily Devo.

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I am sharing “Godliness is Sexy” and joining like-minded sisters at Give Me Grace, Spiritual Sundays, Faith-Filled Friday, Fresh Market Friday, Blessing Counters, Tell His Story, Coffee for Your Heart, Three-Word Wednesday, Intentional Tuesday, Purposeful Faith’s RaRaLinkup, Rich-Faith Rising, Testimony Tuesday, and Moments of Hope.

 

 

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The post Godliness is Sexy appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.

A Birthday State of Mind

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In March, my best friend hosted a mini-Quince party for her oldest. Turning 15 is huge in Cuban culture — with dance parties and big white dresses. Samantha’s style is more laid back and artistic, so she opted for a smaller party with friends where they painted on canvas. I visited a few days later, and she showed me a mug that she’d presented as a party gift to each friend for joining her birthday celebration.

On the side of the white ceramic mug, I read the words “Live Each Day Like it’s Your Birthday.” I snapped a picture of the mug and immediately said, “I see a blog post here.”

On Sunday, my friends Lolita and Carolyn took me out to lunch to start this year’s birthday festivities. We ordered an ice cream cake dessert with 3 spoons.

I took several days off from work this week to enjoy the sunshine and sand at the beach with my husband, and there are several surprises in boxes waiting for me at home.

On Friday, I’m having dinner out with my bestie, and on Saturday we will meet my parents for stroganoff at my favorite restaurant.

I may be celebrating all month.  “Ain’t nobody gonna to steal my joy” right now.

What if I were to live each day with a birthday attitude? I could wake up each day and put on a party hat that spreads cheer in this broken world.

How to Live with a Birthday State of Mind

Remember you are special: You have gifts and strengths that bring joy to this world. Let your little light shine and love with reckless abandon. You are here to proclaim His praises (I Peter 2:9).
Anticipate a celebration: Focus on the glory to come. On your birthday there is cake and presents, but as a child of God, we look forward with expectation to sitting at His banqueting table (II Peter 3:13).
Spend time with your loves: On special days, we spend time enjoying our people, but we must remember that every day is a gift. Don’t let busy rob you from the blessing of intimate fellowship today. Be fully present with your people (Hebrews 10:23-25).
Reflect on how far you’ve come: Birthdays are mile markers in life. It’s good to sit down and reflect on how we’ve grown in wisdom and overcome mountains with God in our corner. But, we don’t have to wait for our birthday to “remember” God’s handiwork. Spend some time today looking back at your week and noting how God has whispered to your heart. Jot a few things down in a journal or notebook for safe keeping (Psalm 105:1-5).

Make each day a celebration of God’s goodness and grace. 

 

Something to think about…
I’m sharing “A Birthday State of Mind” with like-minded friends at Faith-Filled Friday.

 

Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.