Today I sat in silence at a local coffee shop and waited for God to give me the words to write that will encourage someone else. I’ve struggled most of my life with coming up with content so close together it takes me a while to think things through. The only thing that comes to mind is my reading this week Matthew 8. Jesus healed the sick, drove out demons, caused the water to be calm in the midst of a storm and gained disciples. He reminded his disciples of the cost associated with following him. The cost Jesus was clearly already aware of for himself because He’s Jesus but the disciples did not know quite yet. Matthew 8:20 says “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but Son of Man has no place to lay his head. “Jesus in all his glory did not have a physical home or place to sleep, nothing really of his own. The cost to following could be family, friends, wealth, community, the things we enjoy etc. The list goes on and on varying from individuals.

The cost also includes learning to do things differently, you can’t expect to keep doing the same thing, it will only yield the same result. If you want something to change its going to start with you first. On another note, I’ve personally struggled with changing the environment of my home for years. Just wanting and desiring it to be a place of joy and peace. I’ve prayed, worshiped, fasted and the results seem to not come fast enough. I can only see the changes when I look back. I’ve notice that whatever growth happens within me as an individual, wife and mother my family responds to it. Both good and bad, I’m far from where I want to be today but trust that everything will work out in His timing. Keep striving for what’s right. I just want to encourage parents this new year that God never gives up on us. He is here walking out parenting with you. I can’t go back and undo some of my years of parenting, but I can trust God to know that He will work everything out for the good of those that love him. [Romans 8:28]

This week I’ve experience something that has not happen in a while my prayers were answered immediately. I prayed for each of my children, specifically in the areas that I was struggling with and God heard me and answered my prayer. Instead of rebellion I was greeted with compromise and now I see the importance of praying for each child specifically in that way everyday. They have emotions and are going through things we may not understand right now. Our Father in heaven is Omniscient, all knowing. Trust that God will continue to guide them through the struggles of life.

In conclusion, the cost of following Jesus might cost us our living situation, family, close friends, free time as a parent etc. Especially for parents trying to lead their children to Christ unaware of how to because it was not taught and unaware of what it looks like. God will give you all the vision you need to see what changes need to happen. Don’t attempt to do it all on your own you might burn out, ask the Holy Spirit to lead you and fill you every morning. Give you guidance on what to do and the perfect time to do it everyday. May you have ears to hear and eyes to see during your walk with Him. I’m walking with you right now. It’s not easy changing for the sake of others but I believe it’s possible. To disciple children is expensive and cost a lot but I believe that every child is worth it. The next generation needs you; your sons and daughters need you. The cost might be great but its worth it. If you’re not praying for your family who is praying for them?  How can I pray for you? Please feel free to email me at effortministry@gmail.com.

Until next time be encouraged.

You are loved.

Writing is a passion that I believe God has given me. Sometimes I feel like I’m not qualified and make dumb mistakes all the time. He reminds me that it’s not about me and what I think there is purpose in this. Even though, I feel like I have nothing to say it’s not about me and I shouldn’t  focus on my feelings. Just because I don’t feel like doing something doesn’t mean I shouldn’t do it or vice versa. If God has called us to something in life but distraction and self doubt is in the way. Don’t give up and keep pressing forward because sometimes we can’t see the bigger picture. 

This week has been interesting for me I’ve realized that I am not super woman. Yes I know it’s sad I’m not a superhero. I couldn’t continue to keep doing everything for everyone and not prioritizing what’s really important and what I believe God wants me to do. So I stepped away for a little while and learned. I have been a Christian for a few years and knows that Jesus died for my sins to save me. But I have a confession that I realized this Easter. I never really understood why he was resurrected I always though it was to fulfill scripture. But that’s just a part I realized that Jesus died and was resurrected to display that He was truly the Son of God. He is the resurrection and the life. He has the power to bring life where there is death. He is the light to dark places. His power is living on the inside of ever person that has accepted Him as Lord and Savior. He can bring light to any situation, circumstance or sickness. Don’t give up there is hope. Have a blessed week!!!

I challenged myself to withdraw from social media for 30 days last month. At first it was really hard, I literally had to log out of the accounts and unplug. I still found myself in boredom going to the apps on my iPhone and realizing I was logged out. My brain subconsciously was attempting to access this apps because I created a habit. I didn’t realize that I was using extra time and focusing my energy on what everyone else was doing. Instead I chose to used that time to read the word more, do extra things with my kids, focus at work, have lunch dates with others and complete my tasks on time. I felt like I had more time to get stuff done. But never realized how distracted I was when I was on social media. Sometimes I would complain about not having enough time to get what I need done. But was it truly that I didn’t have enough time or was I not using my time wisely. My take away from the 30 day challenge was don’t let distractions like social media, take you away from the purpose God has given you. If you don’t know what that purpose is seek Him he has the answers. One of my favorite verses reminds me and encourage to keep walking regardless of the circumstances.  

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬
The Lord has restored some of my passions and visions of things I loved doing as a kid. But stopped because life got in the way. He mended my broken heart and gave me life I never knew existed. I hope this encourages someone today. Be blessed!!!

The other day I keep getting into little arguments and battle struggles with my daughter. She wanted her way which was against the rules so it was not ok. I struggle with thinking the best especially when my children are not listening. In this moment, I prayed that the Lord would help me when communicating with her. Before this began, I picked up a home discussion bible study lesson and was planning on sharing it with the family, so I read it. I believe the Lord revealed the answer to my prayer while reading this lesson. He helped me realize that my issue with my daughter had nothing to do with her. The issue was me, my heart and my thoughts. What was in my heart, what were the thoughts I had. I thought I was doing want any mother would do. I paused and stopped looking at all the thing that needed to be corrected. I decided to focus on the good behavior and things she did really well, while still enforcing the rules. And thats when peace came, I was not allowing what she said, or did get on the inside. The scripture that helped change my heart. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭NIV. I’m sure that’s why God wants us to think right about everyone because it may affect the way we communicate with them and not even realize it, the thinks we say and do comes from the inside out. What’s in your heart today, may the Lord create in you a clean heart. I hope this word blesses you as much as it has blessed me. Have a Merry Christmas!!! A Savior was born and gave us the gift of salvation and grace. The best gift ever!!!! If you don’t know Him invite Him into your heart today. 
Romans 10:9 

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”

I was involved in a small accident the other day. Was fine at first and then when I got home I was an emotional reck, crying and feeling like I should not have a license because driving should not be this difficult. I was beating myself up and was at the point where I wanted someone else to pick me up because I didn’t want to drive myself to work. While crying I had a thought and the thought was you can’t let the enemy win. I paused and thought huh? I believe that thought was not my own but of the Holy Spirit that lives in each and every believer. I rebuked the enemy got my stuff and left. Got to work as if nothing happened I was full peace as oppose to where I was a few minutes ago. I say all this to say, God is always with us. The enemy tried to come in and rob me of my joy. I’m so grateful for the reminder. Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand Isaiah 41:10. I have to remind myself that God has already won. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. Be encouraged!!! 

The Lord is so much bigger than us and our problems. God cares and wants to help solve them. A few months ago, I was reading Isaiah and this verse blew my mind. “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.” Isaiah‬ ‭49:16‬ ‭NIV. An entire country was engraved in your hand. How big is your hand? I was in literally in aww about big He must be. A few days ago, I read this “Who is like the Lord our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?”Psalm‬ ‭113:5-6‬ ‭NIV‬‬. How big must the Lord be if he needs to stoop down to see heaven and earth. That’s how big He is. He made the earth and designed all the small details. God is bigger than any issue you maybe facing. Give your problems and issues to Him. He will make a way out of no way. Jesus died so we may have a relationship with God. May the countdown to Jesus’ birthday begin 2 weeks left!! Have a great week!!! 

I had the pleasure of dating my husband this week…we saw Hacksaw Ridge which is an inspirational movie. I would recommend anyone to see it. I absolutely loved Dobson Doss faith. He entered the battlefield without a rifle in order to help injured soldiers as a medic. He saved so many lives doing this…he was faithful to the promise he made to God, he never pick up a rifle again after almost shooting his dad. I left the movie theater encouraged that if you stay true to what you believe the Lord will see you through it. He was beat, laughed at, hated on and almost sent to jail for keeping his word to God but he keep pushing forward. I’m not staying that it will be perfect, there will be trials and tribulations but he will always be with you. For nothing is impossible for God and he will see you through any situation, stay faithful. Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him (James 1:12) God bless, have an awesome week!!! Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer Romans 12:12

While reading an old journal, I came across a New Year’s journal entry from 2011. Let’s just say I felt like 2011 was going to be the year to change my life and I asked the Lord to guide me. Mind you I was not baptized but did accept the Lord into my heart. I wanted change. Who would have know that the Lord already picked out my husband. I wrote this journal entry on January 2nd and my now husband starting working at my job a few weeks later. A divine appointment. I say this to say that some people right now maybe where I was…so broken, hurting and just wanting love. I already had someone that loved me Jesus but didn’t really know that. I asked the Lord to get me out of my situation and He was working it out all along. I look back today and praise Him for his goodness and grace. He set it up and work it all out for my good. A relationship had to die during this process but I gained a new one a husband. Don’t give up your time is coming and when He shows up don’t forget and praise Him. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.””‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭31:8‬ ‭NIV