Morning!

Today as I was doing, as my friend says, “my domestic Goddess chores” I pulled out some of my ole tape cassettes. Yes! tape cassettes and yes still have my little stereo with cassette player. LOL  Anyway, I was playing a mixed sounds tape from back in the day and Erykah Badu songs began to play. Some of those verses really spoke not only to my soul but my spirit and of course brought so many memories of days gone by. Both the words of the songs and the memories reminded me of what a long way I have come in my journey of life. How many weeds popped up thru so many seasons and how many GOOD seeds were planted by people many would see as ” walkin’ on the dark side”. Funny thing as I walked down Memory Lane as I listened, I realized how many times those considered by many ” those people – the less fortunate of life” were the very ones I gained the most knowledge and felt the most love. The very ones that planted the best seeds in my heart & that are now & have over the years reaped a lovely harvest within my inner garden. (when I allowed them too)

Erykah’s words reminded me of how much the love of my life taught me over the years thru the pains we shared. I had come to him one messed up young girl, he and his Mom taught me The Way of Jesus Unconditional Love and then as I tried tell him right, he kept choosing to do wrong.  Even though I understood the game he was involved in I struggled when it came to why he couldn’t just get out, why when he realized he couldn’t or wasn’t going to change, he pushed me away and forced me to move on with our child. Back then all I could see and feel was the pain. I see now how much of what he & his family did, in that pushing me away, ultimately gave me the life I came to live. Honestly, gave my girls & I the lives we live and songs we’ve come to sing. His pushing me away wasn’t only to keep me out of the dark side but, was to put the pressure on me to develop, cultivate, and make those seeds of Love we shared Grow. I see now how his precious seeds planted within me have grown & still  blossom every year. More than I could have ever imagined.

Here are a few seeds that have brought me the good harvest of humbleness.

Never underestimate who and how God will use people in your life. Never get so Bougie & all that where you miss the angels unawares. As they do come in all shapes, forms, and cultures of life. Never think one neighborhood/culture is so much better than another; the human condition happens in all walks of life, just shows up in different packages. No not one of us is better than….on a different place on the road maybe, making some bad choices sometimes on what is planted in the garden but, with life/ stuff happens everywhere. Just remember it is our attitude or words that are planting seeds in the lives of others too and with Love all things are subject to Change and growth – to the good.

Shalom!

Yippie! Hallelujah! Spring is knocking at the door!  It’s time to choose the seeds to plan to plant, begin digging in to cultivate the ground, and even do some seed starters. So in this post I am sharing some of my seeds for both the inner garden and the outer.

Personally, I have chosen to plant nothing but good word seeds this season, within my heart & mind. I am making it a point to think before I speak, in some cases just plain Zip It, and in others be consciously aware to speak out of love, consideration, & respect to myself first then my neighbor. We say we are going to do this a lot but, pay attention to the seeds you plant with your words for a few days and let me know what was revealed. smile  We Must plant His Words of Love within our own garden 1st because what floweth from the mouth comes from the heart and as I say often, ” as a woman/man thinketh so is he/she“. So here are a few seeds I would like to share and of course it is your choice whether to plant them. smile

Remember: Loving yourself starts with liking yourself, which starts with respecting yourself, which starts with thinking of yourself in loving positive ways. How do you view yourself?  You do realize: If you aren’t good at loving yourself, you will have a difficult time loving anyone else.  (took me a few years to really grasp what that means) But, I got it now and I am a good work in progress.

I was born an original work of art & Originals are worth more than imitations. Suzy Kassem

I am a child of God, loved and full of His seeds of Love, overflowing, and full of Light & Joy. Renee’ Jones.

It isn’t what they call you, it’s what you answer to.. W.C. Fields

Now some suggestions of good seeds for the outer garden. Gotta love your body too.

Squashes:  Did you know they give you a health dose of Fiber? And we know what that means; you stay regular and have better digestion.

Endive: typically eaten in salads & if you drink Community Coffee with Chicory – the Chicory is the root of the Endive plant. It’s a bit bitter but, loaded with good nutrients. It is another one to aid in keeping regular, it lowers blood pressure due to the potassium in it, helps overcome anorexia, and prevent gallstone disease & it strengthens functions of the brain aiding in prevention of Alzhiemer disease…just to name a few things.

Tomatoes:  Most all of us love tomatoes right and there are so many varieties! Did you know they are good for your skin, your gut, and more? Did you know it is technically a fruit? Why ? cause it is seed bearing and develops from the ovary of a flowering plant. They are a great source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, which supports immunity, vision, and skin health, and vitamin K, which is good for your bones, and like the endive it too has potassium, a key nutrient for heart function & maintaining healthy blood pressure.

These are just a few pretty darn easy to grow things in your garden, in a pot on the patio, or even indoors with the right lights. And what a fabulous salad they turn out to Be! Love, Love, Love them all & since they turn on the Love juices they are fertilizing your inner garden too!

Well, that’s it for me today, I am off to make a salad with all of the above!

Big Hugs and Much Love!

Recently I took a “workcation”, which taught me the value of taking an actual Vacation: an extended period of leisure and recreational period of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation, or travel; recess or holiday.   For years I have taken “workcations” and now that I am older I realize what a dis-service that is to Me and to my job. When we work long hours and don’t take a break to re-charge it Does take it’s toll. Taking a day before or after the weekend is Not a Vacation or a day in the middle of the week then work and take the weekend…nope not a vacation. Your body doesn’t have time to distress, relax, rest, and our stress level only continues to rise. Did you know stress creates a multitude of diseases as well as actual chronic diseases for real?

Here are just a few Proven end results of stress: Of all the toxins in the world, stress might be one of the most damaging. If left untreated, it can lead to chronic inflammation, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and obesity. Symptoms of stress can include chest pain, rapid heartbeat, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, muscle or joint pain, increased or decreased appetite and sex drive, and overwhelming feelings of anxiety, sadness, or irritability. Here are ten scary truths behind the effects of dealing with chronic stress.  Dang, sounds like a drug commercial list of side effects doesn’t it?

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, chronic stress impairs the ability to concentrate, which increases the risk of accidents. Stress also has negative consequences on learning and memory because it kills brain cells. According to one study, the hippocampus in people who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder shrinks by eight percent. The hippocampus is the area of the brain responsible for memory and learning. Another study indicated that stress disrupts glucose channeling to the brain, which cuts off the brain’s energy source.  It’s no wonder Alzheimer’s is on the rise especially in women since they are juggling family, home, & work.  Did you know, there are 74.6 million women in the civilian labor force.  Not to mention, the workload employers expect these days. Greed has driven that to unreasonable levels – we are back to days of Old testament: “Do not supply any more straw for making bricks. Make the people get it themselves!”  In other words: more work, no more pay or training & in fact less if we can offshore, & let them (ALL workers) figure out how to produce more for less themselves. Now don’t get me wrong.. there are always exceptions and maybe you are employed by a boss that still appreciates your hard work and dedication or at least a boss/mgr. who does. However unfortunately, that is becoming less and less also. It is sad.

Which brings me back to the NEED to take Your week or two Vacation! Unplug from it all and I do mean unplug! Turn off the phone, don’t lug your computer with you saying, “ I will be available if you need me“. Your vacation time is time you have worked hard for & well EARNED break !  It is a labor law you do Not have to be available and your position should be covered and not by you. In today’s world if you plan on any kind of decent health you Must take care of yourself and part of that is ENJOYING your vacation! Not stressing thru it about work, studies, housework, and so on. And if you are traveling on vacation you darn sure should be enjoying it- you are paying A lot of money to take that vacation. (yep even short vacations are not cheap these days – so for goodness sake unplug and get what you paid for)

Now go back to the top and read the definition of a Vacation. smile

Shalom!

Words spoken don’t float up into nothingness, like seeds blown by the winds they are carried from one garden of the heart to another.  Lately we have had some crazy strong winds blowing everything this way and that. I used to say, ” boy, I wish those would stop.”  I felt that way again the other night and then I heard the Holy Spirit say, ” yep that’s how I feel when your tongue is blowing every word but, my word every this way and that – please stop” OUCH! I know of course exactly what she was indicating. Immediately I confessed and asked forgiveness & began to seek verses on controlling my tongue and speaking in Love not frustration. Time has taught me all things have a good and bad within them, including me as I am definitely still a garden in progress of being restored. As far as the winds of nature, I learned the wind moves many seeds from one place to another.  Have you ever made a wish on a dandelion flower?  The air (wind) takes those seeds and carries them to different locations. Our words once spoken are carried by various forms too. Like Airwaves, gossip, or have you ever had your voice carry and someone you didn’t intend to hear your conversation did hear you? These are actually frequency wave vibrations but, not the less they are carried and can do good or bad.

Your heart & the hearts of your neighbors are God’s garden waiting for us to come and join Him in the creation and cultivation of those gardens placed within us. So, the next time you get ready to let your tongue wag, ask yourself : “what seeds am I planting & cultivating within my garden & the gardens of those having ears to hear?”

I’ll leave you with some verses to ponder:   In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation garden of your life. James 1:21

My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you. Galatians 4:19

Gal. 6: 7-8 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.   

Genesis 8: 22 “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.”

Hosea 8: 4-7 ” They made kings, but not through me. They set up princes, but without my knowledge. With their silver and gold they made idols for their own destruction.⁵ I have^[a] spurned your calf, O Samar′ia. My anger burns against them.
How long will it be till they are pure ⁶ in Israel?^{[b]A workman made it; it is not God.
The idol of Samar′ia shall be broken to pieces.[c] 7 For they sow the wind, &  they shall reap the whirlwind.”}

“The heart’s garden can grow compassion or fear, greed or giving, resentment or Love.       What are you sowing?

Read Luke Chapter 8 the parable of the seeds and when finished know: verse 11 makes it simple “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. “

Shalom!

This past year I have been praying about Balance. You see, I am 63 yrs. old and have worked at least 2 jobs the last 40 years which of course consume a lot of my time. Guess you could say I’ve been married to my job(s). In some part out of necessity and some part I enjoyed the jobs. I am a type A personality and love to keep busy, sometimes to my detriment & I over do it. And sometimes I know it was God’s way of keeping me grounded.  Don’t get me wrong, I do still enjoy my job however, God’s calling on my life is screaming at me, ” when will you focus some of that energy and time on what I am calling you to do?”  You’re not working 2nd jobs but, now you work Over time. How is that heeding my Call? ” With that my prayers became “should I semi retire? I am getting tired.”  Which in turn brought thoughts of, ” Are you actually tired or it is not fulfilled?”  This morning I heard the Holy Spirit clearly say, ” Don’t Quit your current job. It’s about your not fulfilling your calling for Me! I have provided your job so that you will be Well Able both financially and physically to walk in My Spirit of Balance and do Both.”  Then I turned on Jesse Duplantis and what was he talking about but, Faith and Focus on your Visions/Dreams God planted within you. Then he said, ” and just because your getting older you shouldn’t retire and become a sluggard.” Which led me to look up verses about being a sluggard and there in Proverbs, which is full of verses about “don’t quit”, were the ones that answered my prayers: Proverbs 6:6 Walk in the manner of the ant, O sluggard; observe its ways and be wise  Proverbs 6:8 it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food at harvest.  When I read that, I heard my wise Pa Boyd saying, ” Make hay while the sun shines girl ! ” Then right behind that my Mother saying, ” Don’t ever stop working your mind and body need it. If you do that’s when you start dying” Your body muscles need to stay active and remember your brain is a muscle it needs worked too. My Mom had Alzhiemers & my Dad dementia. They both retired early and didn’t do a lot to keep the mind active especially my Mom. That said: this site is intended for Alzheimers yet has great tips for taking care of body and mind no matter the age: https://www.rd.com/health/conditions/things-that-slow-down-alzheimers-disease/

Just like that it all became so clear.  I do need to semi retire! However, that does Not mean go take my social security. (not yet anyway, smile) It means listen to the Holy Spirit, my Mother, and her Dad (my Pa Boyd) & just work my 40 hrs a week – period. For me that is like semi-retirement. It allows me time when the sun shines to get out there and do God’s will. And in winter some rest & time to focus on my relationship with Him and my writing. You see where I live now the days are Long April to October perfect time to work and cultivate the outer garden that it will produce in Fall and provide for winter. Then in winter the days are much shorter which drives you to warm and cozy bed for much needed rest & time to spend focused in His Word for the inner garden. Not that I won’t be in His Word in summer too but, I am sure you can see what I mean. Yes, I was Blessed in my youth to live where it Always Sunny. (San Diego) And know I see His Wisdom & how well He does know me. He placed me my super hyper self where I was well able to work 2 jobs, learn, grow, and still have time and energy to fit in fun with my girls, grandkids, and friends (Thank God my life was so full in this season..it was also my 40 yrs in the desert where  my choices good and bad took place) Then I went thru the change; not only physically but, mentally. I truly accepted Yeshua in my heart & the healing and transformation really began – ultimately leading me here, to a place with all seasons. A place to do His Will… a place where I can begin a community garden both without & within to share with my neighbors. A place where I can obtain Balance. Yep, I am sometimes slow to see but, Oh when I do….I Got It, I grab it, & move forward Praising, Thanking, and Knowing I am headed in the right direction.

Today, May you too see clearly to find the Balance both within & without.

Shalom!

I have been reading about Moses bringing the Israelites out of Egypt thru the desert. As I read it clearly jumps out at me how we too have times in the desert. And how God Will bring us thru and out of the desert into the promised land…if we but, listen and watch for guidance. Some of those times could be a literal natural disaster, an addiction to something or the illusion (a deceptive appearance or impression) that causes us to worship false idols. My first question is: what or who do you worship? 2nd: How do you worship? # 3: Have you not realized it is in the Spirit of Love in which we need to worship? #4: Do you not see the seeds it is in Love we find all we are seeking?

We all go thru times in the desert. It’s actually necessary. It is part of our time of seeking, immaturity, growth, and “becoming/rebirth” into our true nature. Like the Israelites, too often the heart becomes so lost and hardened it seems “right” to just stay a slave to a life of “status quo”- the current situation : the way things are now – content/accepting things as it is; not seeking any change.  Is this your life? You are not satisfied yet, you find yourself saying” it is what it is”  I say ” come out of the desert!”   Let your light, gifts, talents, and Blessings shine. Allow the Seeds of Love planted within you to grow and bear an abundant harvest, both for you & your neighbors.

Praise God Almighty my heart was watered & softened thru the Love of Yeshua & my neighbors that I have now been led to my promised land where we are cultivating those seeds He planted within me.  Yes, like nature we all have times when we go thru a disaster and it seems all is destroyed: Wrong- it is an illusion. It is only a Season. If we pay attention the desert can be restored & come back to life. If you have ever driven from Las Vegas to San Diego the Earth reveals this truth. Nature goes thru 2-3 years of drought & that stretch on Hwy 15 looks so barren you think it is done for. Then rain comes and you drive thru again and find yourself saying, ” oh the desert looks beautiful & where did all that vegetation come from? In God’s glorious design, His seeds were Deeply rooted, waiting for there Season to come forth and shine. My friend is always saying how he loves when you come down over the grade, just out of Barstow, & you see the landscape changing and turning green…the closer you get to the coast the greener and more lush it becomes. This is for 2 reasons: the natural moisture from the ocean being pushed across that section of desert (yes desert- California is a desert on the ocean) & because man’s heart desires to live in the lushness of the Earth’s beauty. That has led them to graft in plants, trees, etc & to water & fed them not only with fertilizer but, Love which produces lovely gardens on the desert’s ocean.Trust me left alone it would look just like the long stretch from State Line till you come over the grade and see what Love has to do with it. Just like that desert – the desert within us Must be watered & fertilized with Love.

By now you might have asked yourself “why does she post on this so much?” : Here’s why:  Galations 6 says it best: Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in the temptations of the world (in the desert), you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. (share the Spirit of Love) yet remember to watch yourselves (continue always in God’s Love) , or you also may be tempted. ² Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Love (Christ).

These words are the Love flowing from the garden of my heart that I pray daily brings gentle restoration to your heart. I proclaim these words because I Love ALL God’s creation. It is because His Spirit has pushed me for years to Read and Proclaim His Love that it may water any dry places in the heart of my neighbors (those reading this) just like others Love waters the dry places within the garden of my heart. It’s a ” Pay it Forward” that I am grateful the internet allows me to share in the hope the readers time in the desert will be watered and bring forth your abundant harvest to share…   Shalom.

Hello, Hello… sorry I missed a week. Actually working on another book in which the core of it is based in this verse: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28.

In my studies & research, God revealed this verse isn’t only speaking to things regarding we humans but, ALL things work together according to His purpose. All things in His Creation… Moon, Stars, Sun, Air, Water, Earth, Mankind, and so on.  Of course, All Things have potential to work to the bad too but that as in All things is once again              “All about Choices” . Mankind’s Choices, as he was given Authority on Earth as it is in Heaven. One thing that proves this is Climate change. Our Choices affecting the Heaven’s. ( the Universe)

Whether mankind wants to admit it or not; everything is One. We all need to open our eyes and See how our Choices are creating an unstable future & how when we choose to change our selfish Choices, we can restore life’s balance. Whether you want to call it Evolution or Creation the Facts come out the same. Abuse of our Home (Earth) is an abuse of ourselves and our neighbors. Let’s start with some simple facts: 1st Mankind was created from Earth and Spirit. And scientifically it is proven man and plant life are much the same in their composition. Both must have many of same nutrients to survive…Water, Light, fertilization, cultivation and more. That said, let’s begin our restoration of life on Earth with a simple change right in your own backyard. How? By Creating a garden and growing your own Fresh Vegetables or Plant a tree or two- they create oxygen. https://www.reference.com/science/plants-produce-oxygen-22c984322d709a58  Know this: Gen.1:30 “And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.”  And for those of a scientific mind…they agree: https://www.towergarden.com/blog.read.html/en/2016/4/grow-your-own-food.html

No backyard:  get creative & utilize your patio, windows indoors, or hydroponic growing indoors. Living in New York the winters of course hinder my outdoor growing but, thanks to my organic grower daughter she researched and sent me all sorts of great ideas for indoor growing in the winter.  Like this on How to get started growing indoors: https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-grow-vegetables-indoors-1403183 Or like she said, : Mom, just type in ways to grow veggies indoors and lots of You Tube videos come up with all sorts of ways. You can utilize glass mason jars and hang them in front of the windows, put up a bookshelf with grow lights, there are special boxes w/lights, and yes hydroponics where you don’t even need dirt!  My nephew grows beautiful veggies in water just using plastic tubs & the water filters like you put in a fish tank. Yep, my daughter & my boss say, Just Google It!  smile   Don’t do it alone! Get your kids face out of the computer/TV and have fun creating gardens with them: https://www.no-dig-vegetablegarden.com/childrens-gardening-educational-benefits.html   No kids but, you like the idea of having a growing partner don’t be afraid ask your mate or a friend. Start a small garden club in your neighborhood. And regardless whether alone or with partners: Share your harvest with your neighbors. Ya know things like this are truly what Jesus (Yeshua) meant when it was said “Love God, love your neighbor as yourself “  God meant for us to share life and love … not just go to “a” church on Sunday or give some money to some group so you go on about your way not even knowing who your neighbors are.

You will be amazed at what you can learn (together) about the earth and yourself as you share ideas & watch your garden(s) grow. Did you know gardening is a great stress reducer? Depending on the type of gardening can be a good workout too! https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/get-fit-by-gardening#1  And check out the benefits of being one with the Earth for pain: https://www.earthing.com/what-is-earthing/  My Dad had deteriorating arthritis and swore working outdoors 6-8 hrs a day after he retired, helped his health. He was always out in the yard until his late 80’s.  My Mom’s Dad too (my PaBoyd) firmly believed in growing & eating Fresh. He had a nice big veggie/fruit stand for years. Clearly it runs in our family. Praise God! It is my love of gardening & God my new book is titled ” Seeds & Weeds the how to’s of cultivating your inner & outer gardens.”  My feelings about this are best said by this  87 yr.old  gentleman: “When I stand in my garden I can feel the seeds under the earth, everything growing, and I have a connection to all of life.”

On that note:  I end today’s post praying you Choose to join me in the restoration of Earth as it is in Heaven.. 1st step is Restoration of the Garden – both within & without.. smile

Shalom!

Shalom!  In a recent discussion with friends the subject rose of what appears to be an increase of our society of people failing into the trap of allowing themselves to live on a Free Ride. Of course there are excuses that come with that. Can’t find a job, don’t want to start at the bottom, I get more from social services that I would get paid at the job, & the list goes on. The 30 yr. old, “I’ll just move home with my parents” Please DO NOT twist my words said in this post. I am Not saying there is not a time-a season, that it may be necessary to need a helping hand. We ALL have at some point needed a hand in some way. Back in 1973 I had to utilize the support of Social Services to assist me after kicking a heroin habit & leaving an abusive relationship. And I am oh so thankful for the shelter and social service programs that were there for me and my unborn child. They restored Hope, provided a temporary roof over my head, & some guidance on how to start a healthier life.  When used as a stepping stone, these programs can be the kick off to a bright future where you can grow and become an independent thriving role model in your family, community, church, and more. They Can become a “tool” in the creation of becoming all God intended you to BE. Breaking Free from the chains of “whatever bondage” you are trapped in. Nor am I saying that there are not situations in life that require someone to be on disability. I totally support Non Profit and Social Service programs when utilized appropriately as in God’s Plan. In Acts Paul says, “In every way I have shown you that by working hard like this we must help those in need and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive” However, the plan was not intended to be a ” Free Ride” for a lifetime to those who are able to help themselves. When given a seed, we are called to plant, cultivate, & water it so it can bear harvest and provide more in life.  This truth is sad: Government assistance is a trap. Taking a free ride off at someone else’s expense is a Trap. It requires that you remain at a low income level to continue receiving a hand. The hand should be accepted as an encouragement to push you further into become All that is within you. As we DO ALL have seeds of greatness! They are in different levels and have different purposes but, NO Not One is better than the other. We need Customer service jobs, janitors, teachers, Doctors, inventors, and so on.. Each ” Serves” an important purpose and should never be viewed “better than” another. Just think if the trash collector never came, your office was not cleaned at night while you are home asleep. Don’t live dependent on the Gov’t. It is no different than dictatorship rule – without me you have nothing, you are nothing. This is Not true, we all need one another and Do have a purpose on Earth. Living off these programs for extended periods of time steal your purpose, gifts, and talents. Too often forgotten as Hope, Faith, and Belief in who you were Created to Be falls by the wayside. Your mind overcome by shadows of darkness and a life of strife becomes numb and blind, unable to see when God is opening doors to lead you OUT of slavery.  While I understand the feelings of discouragement and struggle believe me. It is Not the time to sit down and quit and park it. Again there is NOTHING wrong with allowing programs/friends/the church community to lend a hand to Lift you up but, Immediately begin seeking what is within those programs to assist you in getting a higher education, to help in getting a job, to cultivate the seeds that Are there and will bring you an abundant harvest of your Needs and many wants too. Pinch Those pennies and don’t use what’s been given on “unnecessary things of the world” (designer clothes at full prices, cigarettes, drugs, I phones, etc)  Rise UP and Utilize what you have for your Needs and to seek your Dreams & heart’s desires. Go to the Library and use the computer if you don’t have one. While seeking a job, take advantage of the time to give back and volunteer in your community. These positions “can and do” open doors to employment. Begin your own community project like Community watch, Walking group that picks up trash in the neighborhood at the same time. Google how many started projects with next to nothing that grew and provided for them too! Keep your home and surrounding area clean and maybe buy a bucket of paint instead of a pack of cigarettes…Paint is so fresh and renewing. It will give your home and you a Lift. Always,  Keep Steppin’ toward the Promises of God.  Don’t become part of the “status quo” – a part of “those people” beat down and in bondage to the poverty mentality whether financially or emotionally Seek the TRUTH, walk in Love not only toward others but, toward Yourself! Reaching for the Best within and bringing it to it’s abundant harvest brings Joy, Peace, and Fulfillment. Being a slave to poverty only bears a harvest of further depression, anger, drug/alcohol abuse, abuse of children and teaching the children of our future a “no hope” mentality too. The Devil is a LIAR! Don’t allow yourself or your household to plant seeds of a Poverty mentality. This is an attitude. It’s a way of thinking that perpetuates poverty within, because the focus is on what one doesn’t have rather than what one does have. Thoughts and comments such as “I can’t afford this…” and “I’ll never have my heart’s desires…I Can’t do….” turns into a self-fulfilling prophecy.  You CAN, it takes work and sacrifice but, anything worth having does. It is in that hard work and sacrifice you grow Strong, you feel accomplishment, & it drives you to SUCCESS.

KNOW THIS TRUTH & Light: for as he/she Thinks Within themselves, so he/she IS.

God’s Word warns us in Proverbs 16: 27-29  Idle hands are the devil’s workshop; idle lips are his mouthpiece.^[ An evil man sows strife; gossip separates the best of friends. Wickedness loves company & leads others into sin.

No matter what binds you, that is holding you down, whatever is creating Poverty mentality within and without “Break Free !” Rise UP and Seek the Promises of God – then GO for it! Trusting, Believing and Receiving you Will bear a Good Harvest.

Greetings everyone! I don’t know about you but, I am a planner. Mind you I use a pencil so I can erase cause in our planning we must allow for flexibility and change. Why? Because God often reveals a better plan & sometimes there are unforeseen circumstances. Either of these may lead you to erase and replace. This is not a bad thing unless, your erasing is due to your own indecisiveness. Which is why I Pray seeking wisdom and guidance before my planning.  As it says in James 1:6-8 ” But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”  The short version of this is       ” Seek your purpose, create a plan, and move forward”  Constant doubting and just following the crowd, You become lost and set yourself up for a life on shaking ground.

That said, let’s talk about planning in 2019!! I am old school and I still love using a Franklin Planner. You see I work on computers all day long so by the time I get to my personal organizing and planning I do Not want to sit or look at the screen any longer.  But, of course you can utilize all the various planners online like this free one: https://dayviewer.com/#!

So let’s get started with some tips you may want to Pray about and make your Plan.

Do you workout or are you planning to?  If so, Log your workouts! It is proven a fitness regimens is more effective and enjoyable when you keep track of your progress.

Organize your bills and create a plan to pay down/off any bills with interest. As you are prepping for taxes Review your spending over the past year. Are there areas you could work on managing better?  and be honest. Like how often are you eating out? It is cheaper and healthier to eat at home. Log what you spend each day or put your receipts in an envelope for each month then review your spending habits at the end. This is a great way to improve and break some bad habits. Like smoking/alcohol–add that cost up for the year & then check out what good things that could have provided.

What are you eating? Track that for 30 days then make healthier eating plans for you and your family. Everyone will feel better, it’s less expensive, and immune systems are improved so less illness in the home. So many foods are full of benefits like Basil- check this out! : https://www.naturalfoodseries.com/12-health-benefits-basil/

Last but by no means least: Do you have a Spiritual Fitness Plan for 2019? We all need a lift or encouraging word(s) during our days. Seek God’s Word daily, talk to Yeshua (Jesus) and you will find your day flowing smoother. I can testify He is a great listener & His Word is just Full of Daily living guidance if you seek Him from the heart not from a place of religion. Like the Dalai Lama said, ” There is no need for temple or church, for mosque or synagogue, no need for complicated philosophy, doctrine, or dogma. Our own heart, our mind, is the temple. The doctrine is Compassion. ( Love )  Do not misunderstand, this is not to say going to a physical church, synagogue, etc is wrong or bad. However, those are but, gathering places to share the love of God, learn together, etc but, they are Not the point or the way. The Spirit of Love is The Way and that my friends was breathed within each and everyone of us and it is through our choices of sharing that love the attributes of it grow and create our lives.

On that note: Do you have any plans of giving? I am not referring to money (which is fine if you can) But, I am referring to giving from the heart. That can be something you made, a smile, a hug, taking a dinner plate to a neighbor in need, shoveling snow for the elderly neighbor who lives alone or just breaking bread and having tea together, and the list goes on.  With that I leave you with one of my fav verses on giving: Luke 6:38: Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. God has revealed to me: This giving is referring to the amount of Love you give determines what you get back. As it is through Love all things manifest both spiritual and material things.

Be creative & have fun with your planning. put stars on successes, hearts for endearing moments that arise from your plan, flowers when your garden grows, your favorite verses for encouragement, and include your family. My oldest and family created a big vision board and ya know most every year they have met their goals!

Take care and have a Blessed Day!  Renee’