Lifestyle

Thy Will by Hillary Scott

I love the word to the song The Will by Hillary Scott! One of my favorite lines is “It’s hard to count it all joy distracted by the noise

Too often I let the noise of what is happening around me take away my joy.

Thy Will by Hillary Scott | lookingjoligood.blog

Thy Will by Hillary Scott

I’m so confused
I know I heard you loud and clear
So I’ll follow through
Somehow I ended up here

I don’t wanna think
I may never understand
That my broken heart is a part of your plan
When I try to pray
All I got is hurt
And these four words
Thy will be done
Thy will be done
Thy will be done

I know you’re good
But this don’t feel good right now
And I know you think
Of things I could never think about

It’s hard to count it all joy
Distracted by the noise
Just trying to make sense of all your promises
Sometimes I gotta stop
Remember that you’re God
And I am not

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Lifestyle

Lies, Misinformation, and Perception

I recently read a quote “When truth is blurred by lies and misinformation, perception becomes reality and all is lost.

I’ve been thinking about this for a little while. It’s absolutely true that what we perceive to be true is what becomes our personal reality. Whether or not it is true, due to the perception of the situation, it becomes real in our minds.

The Bible clearly states in Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Philippians 4:8.

Philippians 4:8 | lookingjoligood.blog

I constantly have to redirect my thoughts and prayers to the things that are true, honest, just, lovely, and pure. It’s all too easy to let my thoughts get the better of me. When I return to the things that are true my perception will line up with reality.

I don’t want all to be lost, I want to base my thoughts on the correct things!

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BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS · Lifestyle

Birds On A Wire

I absolutely adore Karen Stubbs and her Birds on a Wire Ministry. She is so real and genuine! If you are looking for a great devotional I recommend her book Moments With God for Mom’s, it’s one of my favorites.

Moments With God for Mom's | lookingjoligood.blog

Moments With God for Mom’s

“Whether you are a first-time mom of a newborn or a seasoned mom of a teenager, Karen Stubbs knows that you need encouragement and a little time out. This year-long devotional will meet you where you are and accompany you through the rewarding, challenging and God-ordained journey of motherhood.”

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Lifestyle

Joy is a Choice

If I’ve learned anything in these last several months it’s that joy and contentment are a choice.

Today I will choose to have contentment and be joyful!

Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.
Psalms 30:11‭-‬12

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16‭-‬18

Joy is a choice! | lookingjoligood.blog

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Romans 15:13

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Philippians 4:11

At my LOWEST God is my HOPE.
At my DARKEST God is my LIGHT.
At my WEAKEST God is my STRENGTH.
At my SADDEST God is my COMFORT.

Today I choose JOY!

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Lifestyle

When Measuring Up Leaves Me Falling Behind

I have recently finished reading (for the second time) a book called Why Her? 6 Truths We Need to Hear When Measuring Up Leaves Us Falling Behind by Nicki Koziarz.  This book has really opened my eyes and made me think about comparison in a different light. From the lives of two sisters/wives from the Bible, Rachel and Leah, Nicki brings up a lot of great points about the pitfalls of comparison .

Why Her? 6 Truths We Need to Hear When Measuring Up Leaves Us Falling Behind by Nicki Koziarz | lookingjoligood.blog

Here is a little overview of the contents of the book:

“If success is defined in the eye of the beholder,
who are you letting behold your success?

Nicki Koziarz is confronting the comparison question: Why her? 

Through two striving sisters in the Bible, Nicki uncovered six truths’ we need to hear when trying to measure up leaves you falling behind.

These six truths will help you:

·      Stop staring at her success and find satisfaction in yours.

·      Find contentment with your life without being complacent in who you are becoming.

·      Gain godly wisdom to answer the Why Her silent question of your soul.

Someone will always be ahead. But that doesn’t mean you’re behind. Because Truth, like always, will set us free. And free women don’t have to measure up to anybody. Not even her.”

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Here is an exerpt from Truth three: You Don’t Always Have to be Okay:

Yes, it’s okay not to always be okay. But it’s not okay to NEVER be okay. That’s not what God wants for us. He needs us to know he’s a good God who has good things for our lives. In fact, He wants us to be more than just okay. His word is filled with so much power and authority, with so many examples and clear statements of His goodness. It is good to say, “God is good”, but it is better to know God’s goodness.

When we’re in a position of not feeling okay, there’s a time to climb out from under the bed covers. I know it’s where we feel like staying sometimes, but if we want the breakdown to lead to the Breakthrough, we need to get up and actually go through it.”
~Nicki Koziarz

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
Hebrews 10:23

Hebrews 10:23 | lookingjoligood.blog

 

If you are like me, and for that fact most women, you have probably found yourself at one time or another stuck in the trap that comparison sets.  I highly recommend you read this book by Nicki Koziarz.

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Lifestyle

The Very Best Snapshots of Life

Why is it that we compare our very worst to the very best of the snapshots of life that others post? 🤔 I don’t know about you, but I’ve been guilty of doing it! 

Lord, help me today to be grateful for all that I have and not let comparison steal my joy!

Stop Comparing Yourself! | lookingjoligood.blog

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Lifestyle

Feeling Overwhelmed?

I wanted to share something with you that I read in my devotions the other morning….

“When you feel overwhelmed, ask yourself, “Am I sacrificing my sanity or family to make this happen?”

Pray about how God wants you to spend your time. What is best for you? Your marriage? Your family? Creating healthy boundaries removes control’s talons and anchors them in freeing permission. Along with God’s prompting, only you are in charge of your calendar. Fill yourself with Him first before pouring yourself out.”

Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:28‭-‬30

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Lifestyle

The Blessing of the Storm

The other day was a hot humid summer day. As I was out in my yard in the evening, I noticed the flowers in my garden were all wilting from the heat.

That night as it started to rain, I listened to the thunder and watched the lightning, it made me think… Sometimes the storm turns out to really be a blessing. It cooled off the air and brought the rain my flower beds needed.

Sometimes in life, it takes storms to bring special blessings too. When everything goes the way we’d like, we often forget how much we need Jesus. But when we go through difficult times, we learn more about Him and about how much He loves and cares for us. No matter how fierce the storm seems, He loves and cares for us more than you can even imagine.

I don’t like the “storms” in my life. I don’t like to be unhappy or uncomfortable or disappointed. During those times, I need to learn to stop questioning why God sends storms into my life, and just trust Him to be with me and see me through them. (Proverbs 3:5-7)

Having faith in Jesus and trusting Him will give us the strength to brave any storm that comes our way. Then just like my flower beds, after the storm has passed, we’ll be refreshed.

Heavenly Father, help me to search for you in the storm.  Guide me with your strength. May I search for the blessings among the pain.

james 1:2-3 | lookingjoligood.blog

James 1:2-3

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

Psalms 46:1‭-‬3 | lookingjoligood.blog

Psalms 46:1‭-‬3

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

Proverbs 3:5‭-‬7 | lookingjoligood.blog

Proverbs 3:5‭-‬7

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord , and depart from evil.

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Lifestyle

“What About The Things You Can’t Change?” A Devotional by Anna Light

I really enjoyed this devotional by Anna Light entitled “What about the things you can’t change?” It spoke to my heart and I wanted to share it with all of you!

Psalms 37:4 Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Psalms 37:4 | lookingjoligood.blog
“We can’t change another person’s heart. We can’t change the past. We might not be able to change or control our circumstances. But do you believe, in His divine understanding, that God has placed you in this life with your issues, relationships, and station, for a specific reason? Could He be using those things that are out of our control, to teach us absolute trust in His perfect plan for our lives? God doesn’t waste anything. He doesn’t waste a hardened heart, tough circumstances, or things outside our control. What might He be showing you through the things in your life that you don’t like, but cannot change?”
Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.

9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

“Another question to ask ourselves: are we enduring the things we can’t change or embracing them?
There’s a big difference between enduring and embracing and the difference is in our attitude. Enduring means we do just enough to get by while embracing elevates us from survival to thriving, even in the midst of our hardship.
When we choose to embrace instead of enduring, nothing might change in our circumstances, but the change will be in our heart. He can use those unmoving circumstances to soften our heart, which might not have changed otherwise.
Psalm 37:4 can help us understand this idea a little better. “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Growing up I always thought that meant if I did all the right things I would get what I wanted… only later did I learn the true meaning of the word “delight.” The Hebrew word translated “delight” literally means to be delicate. It carries the idea of being pliable and soft. So when God says to delight ourselves in Him, He’s saying, “Let Me mold and shape your desires. As you delight in Me, your desires will become My desires. What I want will be what you want.”
Is He asking you to dive into what He’s given you so that through the things that cannot be changed become the things that change you?
Mark 11:24 | lookingjoligood.blog

Mark 11:23-24 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Lord, there are some things in my life that I do not like, but I have no power to change. Show me what it is I can do to change my attitude and mindset. I want a heart of flesh, molded and shaped by your loving hands. Help me trust You even when I don’t understand what I’m going through. I place this difficult, unchanging situation in Your hands and ask that Your will be done.”
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Lifestyle · Love and Life

Happy Mother’s Day, 2018!

 

I have been blessed with two wonderful, sweet, loving, healthy children.  I have also been blessed with a wonderful, loving, and healthy mother!

Mother's day Proverbs 31:28 | lookingjoligood.blog

I never knew just how much I was loved by my mom until I became a mother myself!  Being a mother is the best and most important job in the world.  It is also the hardest and most rewarding thing I have ever done.

I appreciate all that my mom has done for me throughout my life.  Happy Mother’s Day, I love you, Mom!

Proverbs 31:28 | lookingjoligood.blog

Happy Mother’s day to all you moms and if you are not a mom make sure you call your mother to tell her that you love and appreciate her!

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