Monday Motivation: The Way of the Righteous (Psalm 1)

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photo credit: 33ways.wordpress.com

photo credit: 33ways.wordpress.com

Psalm 1 (NKJV)

The Way of the Righteous and the End of the Ungodly

1 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.

4 The ungodly are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish.

AMEN AND AMEN!  HAVE A BLESSED DAY EVERYONE!

THAT Child!

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I decided to make a quick stop before taking my daughter and 4-year-old nephew to the park today.  A quick stop to pick up my husband’s gift for Father’s Day.  In and out was the plan, but my darling daughter would hear none of it.  Today she was that child.

photo credit: o5.com

photo credit: o5.com

The child who was satisfied at nothing and whose blood curdling screams left ringing in my ears.  The child whose shrill outbursts echoed throughout the many corridors of the mall.  The child who was so loud that the woman who greeted me in the store said,

“Oh that was YOUR little girl we heard.”

Great.  She was that child today. I know that every baby, toddler, kid, has their day (or week, or month…LOL) but I couldn’t help but to feel the frustration seeping through my now tense body.

What is it that you want Alex?  Really?  You’re really gonna be like this right now?!!

I thought about leaving, but knew there wouldn’t be another opportunity to go to this place before Sunday.  I had a quick decision to make, and I chose to press on.  As calmly as I could, (through clenched teeth and bawled fists), I asked the saleswoman to hold on to the gift while I went into the hallway.  I needed to take several a few deep breaths because there was no need for this innocent employee to feel the wrath of the angry frazzled mama.

Boy oh boy.  As my 15th month old learns to ‘express’ her self more and more, I couldn’t help but to wonder what happened to my sweet innocent baby. Hahaha!  I knew she was in there somewhere, but it was time for her to make an appearance. :)   As I attempted to shake it off, I reminded myself that my little angel was teething (canines), and this round has been especially tough.  I reminded myself that the tears would eventually subside, and it was ok for mommy to have a little (or lengthy) time-out.  I also reminded myself that my nephew was being so patient and kind throughout the chaos, and for that I was grateful!! :D

So I pressed on, got what I came for, and eventually sleep won the ultimate victory.  Thank you Lord!
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In the end, the 10 minute errand turned into a 40 minute ordeal, but we were finally able to head to the park.  Once again all was right with the world…
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HOW DO YOU HANDLE PUBLIC MELTDOWNS?  WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOUR PRECIOUS ONE IS BEING ‘THAT’ CHILD?

Praise for the Lord’s Mercies (Psalm 103)

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A Psalm of David.

103 (NKJV) Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, 5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

6 The Lord executes righteousness And justice for all who are oppressed. 7 He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel. 8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. 9 He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities.

11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; 12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him. 14 For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.

15 As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. 16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, And its place remembers it no more.[a] 17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting On those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children, 18 To such as keep His covenant, And to those who remember His commandments to do them.

19 The Lord has established His throne in heaven, And His kingdom rules over all.

20 Bless the Lord, you His angels, Who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word. 21 Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, You ministers of His, who do His pleasure. 22 Bless the Lord, all His works, In all places of His dominion.

Bless the Lord, O my soul!

Monday Motivation: He’s Able!

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photo credit: cascadesbiblechurch.com

photo credit: cascadesbiblechurch.com

2 Corinthians 9:8-15 (NKJV)  

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.  9 As it is written:

“He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”

10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, 13 while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, 14 and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,  21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20 (NKJV)