Learning Through the Word
It has taken a lot for me to learn new things, some with resistance and some things much easier almost like a light bulb moment. The light bulb moments came when I began to truly with all of my heart seek the Lord and that includes reading His word. This used to be such a chore, I would drag my bible out and almost randomly try to figure out where to read a Psalms, a Proverb, and something from the New Testament. I would read but with no understanding and no retention. Then I was listening to Kenneth Haggin, and he was referring to Ephesians 1:17-23 also Ephesians 3:14-21 I had read this before with honestly no meaning. When pastor Haggin was talking about owning it and changing the words from you example Ephesians 1:18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, the eyes of My understanding being enlightened; that I may know what is the hope of His calling….
When I found verses that are for me (and you) and I change the words to make it personal it almost feels like the words have so much more meaning. The bible was written for us today. We are so blessed we have the bible to read, can you imagine how hard it was thousands of years ago when they did not have the bible to just open up and time they needed encouragement, direction, even lessons. Now days we can even read the bible on our phones and other devices. In truth the bible can even be read to us wherever we are.
When it came to reading the Old Testament wow that one was a task and a half until I was listening to Andrew Wommack talking about the Old Testament and how many struggle to read this because many (including myself) felt that since we no longer live under the old covenant it really was not that important. Andrew Wommack said that he pictures what he is reading. I started doing that using my imagination for what they were going through, the scene, what they were wearing, how others were perceiving the scene. When you look at the Old Testament through new eyes it really opens up your mind. The words of the Old Testament are lessons for us even today, endurance, courage, strength, trusting in God. Trusting that no matter what He loves us and is always wanting what is best for you and for me.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
So read your bible pray for wisdom and understanding ask the Holy Spirit to reveal insight to you about who you are and your calling. God wants you to be who He made you to be not what you think you should be. His plans for you are greater than what you could even imagine.
We are all on a Journey
We are all on a wonderful journey.
"We are all on a journey — uniquely crafted by God, yet deeply connected through faith. As women walking through seasons of joy, struggle, growth, and healing, we don’t travel alone. The Holy Spirit gently leads us, one step at a time, one day at a time, offering peace, direction, and comfort. Whether you’re beginning again or pressing on, this space is for you — a place to pause, reflect, and be reminded that you are seen, loved, and guided by a faithful God."
About me and my Why
My why.
Hello, my name is Maria and I as so glad you are here. Here is a little bit about me, I am 51 (currently while creating and writing this) I am a mom of two adult boys, I am a sister to a grown brother, I am an aunt and a grandmother I have one sister-in-law currently one daughter in-law. But the most important is I am a daughter of the King. I believe in Jesus Christ and that He died on the cross not only for me but you too,
Eight years ago, I lost both my mom and my grandmother with in about four months apart. I was lost. Pretty much for my life I held on to my Christian identity to theirs. They were both very strong in the Lord, so I did not have my own identity. After they passed, I was trying to fill their shoes, trying to keep the traditions they had established, trying to be a mother to my brother who is 20 years younger than me. Trying to mirror them (which really is not a bad thing) but that is not who God called me to be. I have been searching for my identity, who am I? What is my purpose? What special gifts did the Lord instill in me?
Well this has been a journey both ups and downs as I have been finding who I am through the Holy Spirit and through the word. The Lord put it on my heart to share and to help others find their identity. In order to find our identity we must really dive into the bible the word of God. I used to read here and there, reading because I had to follow a reading plan (I am all for that too) but for me it was hard it really felt like a chore. Once I started to pray for revelation and inspiration and listening to teachings that were truly biblically based, they were not full of what I call fluff. Don’t get me wrong there is nothing wrong with fluff, but I needed the truth no matter how it made me feel. And sometimes we have to grin and bear it, we have to make ourselves be open to what God wants us to hear.
So, as I am not a technical person so learning how to put a website together and learning all of the other aspects it has been a journey. I am still learning not only about various platforms and technology bear with me, and we can all get to where God wants us to be. I want to use this platform to inspire, encourage, and to show you how much you are loved. You are not alone and you don’t have to walk the path alone. Remember no matter what Jesus is with you, He always has been. I look forward to getting to know you.
It is a new day.
Each day is a new day, a new begining.
Each day is a new beginning. I have mornings that I struggle to even get up. My mind says things like “you deserve to stay in bed, there is no real reason to get up, in reality who would notice if you just stayed in bed?” Don’t get me wrong there is nothing wrong with taking a break or getting some extra rest. But the question is who is telling you to stay in bed and not do anything? Is it you telling yourself because you do not feel like you are worth it or is it the enemy trying to stop you from your God given calling?
Then if you choose to just stay in bed or even on the couch when your day is gone then you feel guilty because you did not accomplish anything and sometimes it can be such a deep rut you don’t even get dressed. Then the guilt becomes so overwhelming that you beat yourself up and you tell yourself I will do better tomorrow. Then tomorrow comes and well the cycle has begun. We need to find ways to get off the hamster wheel. For each of us it is different.
Mine started with baby steps and I have been learning how NOT to beat myself up. I am not perfect, and I am continually learning about my true self, the women God called me to be. I want you to find who God created you to be.
Lets look at some ideas that I started doing when I was first struggling. I would get up and grab a cup of coffee and sit outside. For you that maybe tea or coffee or what ever you morning beverage may be and get up and sit outside (weather permitting and location). Just breath in the morning air. If you can not sit outside maybe sit in front of a window and just take in the morning. I know some people have children but make time for you. Maybe get up 15 minutes before the kids or your spouse, just so you can have a few minutes alone with Jesus. Jesus so wants those moments to encourage you in your spirit. If you can take time to read your bible, it is alive and will refresh you because He speaks to you through His word. If a scripture jumps out meditate on in pray “Lord what are you showing me help me to understand?” The Holy Spirt the helper wants to help you guide you comfort you. So what will you start doing?
Where did the time go?
It all begins with an idea.
So many times, we get caught up in our own lives that we are dull to our surroundings. We can easily look to social media and just keep scrolling or television shows, perhaps binge watch a series. There is nothing wrong with social media or even television. But there becomes an issue when it is the main focus of our day. Here are a few examples that have happened to me personally and that I still continually have to work on.
I get off work and I am tired, I get ready for bed, crawl in bed and I pull up my phone. I tell myself I am just going to relax and unwind so I start scrolling (a little bit of scrolling won’t hurt right?) I have the best intentions to just scroll a little bit. Next thing I know it has been over an hour. Wow where did the time go? So now I hurry and put my phone down and try to get to sleep. Or I will just play a game or two that will help me unwind right? But I have to pass that level or beat my high score. I know I am not the only one who has done that or is doing that. It is truly a struggle to put the phone or device down.
Don’t beat yourself up you are not alone. So when I actually make a conscience decision to not allow my phone to rule my life I make changes. Keep in mind I truly have to have a plan and stick to it, and there are times it is difficult and even hard, it is like an addiction and the withdrawals can be brutal. So lets try and come up with some simple strategies that can help. Remember these are baby steps and if you flub up as I even do forgive yourself and try again.
Sometimes I will put a book I am reading I am reading. There are benefits to reading an actual book, yes a physical book in your hand. It gives your eyes a break from the screen, and from what they call blue light. At the end of this I will post two separate articles one on blue light and the benefits of an actual hard copy book I encourage you to do some of your own research, don’t just take my word on it. Another thing I have found to be helpful is to put my phone in another room for charging overnight. Sometimes I do not do this if there is inclement weather, so I can receive alerts or I know there is something concerning friends and family where I need to be able to answer the phone. You could also put your phone across the room if you use it for an alarm or are still worried about missing emergency phone calls. Don’t forget you can turn off notifications from things like emails (the emails can wait till the next day) and other notifications so you do not here that constant tone.
I know the focus has primarily been on the phone but we can also get in a similar trap with the television. There is always that new movie that everyone is talking about or that series. I am sure we can all name at least one. This is from my personal experience and what I have been going through. As my walk with the Lord becomes stronger and stronger there used to be shows that I would watch religiously I had to watch it if I missed any episodes I would have to binge them to get caught up. Well, what has happened is that those shows I have no desire to make time in my day for them I have other priorities. My first priority is my time with Jesus, my family, my business, and friends. I also realized that the shows I was consuming contradicted what God was teaching me. There were scenes or story lines that did not align with God’s teaching they started to convict me. So I just stopped watching them. I like to watch more documentaries and older shows now. That is just me I am not saying you have to do what I do but, pray and seek God if there is something that is not good, healthy, and edifying He will let you know.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
Is what I am spending my time on edifying me, bringing me joy, happiness, and encouraging me?
When I spend time on a devise am I neglecting something else? Time with God, my family, my business, my self-care?
When I neglect something else to be on the device, how does that make me feel?
What are my emotions after spending so much time in a device?
What areas in my life do I need to focus on and put my device down?
What is my first step to taking control of my life?
I pray this helps you and encourages you to take one step in becoming a better you.
How blue light affects your eyes, sleep, and health | Cultivating Health | UC Davis Health