August 19 God’s Stronger…

Affirmation: I am blessed, joyful and abundant.

(Today is Douglas’s birthday…I am definitely blessed, joyful and abundant.)

~~~~

Ponder, Personalize, Practice: Read through these two verses several times as you ponder the message for you. Focus on the 1st sentence. Talk to God and listen to his voice.

“The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.”‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭58‬:‭11-12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

~~~~

Reading for Today

Walk in Grace. Live in Love by Bob Goff

                               AUGUST 19 

GOD’S FAR STRONGER THAN WHATEVER IS HOLDING YOU BACK. 

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. MARK 4:39 

Few things bring me as much joy as being out on the water. Since we live right by the bay, time on the water is one of my go-to activities, and it almost always delivers. But occasionally it backfires. Occasionally I’ll get out on the water, sailing in anticipation of a time for a little restoration, and a storm will show up unannounced and knock me around instead. 

Every time storms show up when I’m out on a boat, I think about the time Jesus’ friends were hit with a similar surprise. I imagine them frantically paddling and pulling on ropes, desperate to get to the shore safely. With no luck after all their efforts, they realized Jesus was fast asleep, and they thought maybe He’d have an answer. They shook Jesus out of a deep sleep, and the first words out of His mouth were, “Don’t be afraid.” He stood up and told the storm to be quiet, and it was quiet. 

We’re all a little like the disciples, doing our best to make it through life. But storms happen, and before we know it, we’re thrown into a bout with depression or financial pressures or sudden unemployment. The peaceful life we’re striving for gets thrown off course. We wonder if God’s asleep. 

Those are the times it’s most important to remember God is far stronger than whatever’s holding you back. Jesus wasn’t thrown off by thunderstorms then, and He’s not caught off guard by the storms in our lives now. It might look to us like Jesus is asleep in the back of the boat, but He’s actually fixing the rudder. 

What storms are you facing right now?

~~~~~~~

Wholehearted Guidepost from Brené Brown

Cultivate Resilience. Let Go of Numbing and Powerlessness.

Numbing and powerlessness come is many forms…mindless scrolling on FB, Instagram, playing games, watching TV or overeating, drinking, smoking drugs. Consider what numbing tools you use. Be honest with yourself and set a new habit that will power your resilience. For example, do one small thing to move toward resilience. Make a list of steps you want or need to take. Do just one. Then celebrate! Set a time to take your next step…then celebrate! Keep going!~~~~

Mastering the 7 Decisions from Andy Andrews

5. TODAY I WILL CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY.

Happiness is a choice. I am enthusiastic about each day. I am alert to its possibilities.

I will become the master of my emotions.

I will greet each day with laughter. I know that enthusiasm is the fuel that moves the world.