STRATEGY FOR EFFECTIVE LIVING

It begins with:
God's Wisdom- Respecting and appreciating who God is. Reverence and awe in recognizing the almighty God. Wisdom begins with fear and respect for the LORD.  Those who obey him are very wise. Praises will be sung to him forever. Psalms 111:10 ERV
and it requires:
Moral Application- Trusting in God and His word. Allowing His Word to speak to us personally and being willing to obey.  
Practical Application- Acting on God's direction in daily devotions.
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Proverbs 3:5 MSG
Doing this results in 
Effective Living - Experiencing what God does with our obedience. Always remember what is written in that book of law. Speak about that book and study it day and night. Then you can be sure to obey what is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything you do. Joshua 1:8

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AT ISSUE - IDENTITY

Exodus 1:15-21

The Message (MSG)

 ^15-16 The king of Egypt had a talk with the two Hebrew midwives; one was named Shiphrah and the other Puah. He said, "When you deliver the Hebrew women, look at the sex of the baby. If it's a boy, kill him; if it's a girl, let her live."


 ^17-18 But the midwives had far too much respect for God and didn't do what the king of Egypt ordered; they let the boy babies live. The king of Egypt called in the midwives. "Why didn't you obey my orders? You've let those babies live!"


 ¹⁹ The midwives answered Pharaoh, "The Hebrew women aren't like the Egyptian women; they're vigorous. Before the midwife can get there, they've already had the baby."
 ^20-21 God was pleased with the midwives. The people continued to increase in number—a very strong people. And because the midwives honored God, God gave them families of their own.

“Hi, my name is _____. I work as a _____.” Meeting anyone new requires this exchange of information. Our society tells us that our identities are wrapped up in our jobs. Essentially, we are what we do. There are two dangers in this thinking:


 1) At some point you’re going to fail at what you do—and then who are you?


 2) At some point who you truly are (God’s child) is going to conflict with what you do—and then what do you do? 


Because the midwives knew who they really were, they feared the Boss more than the king.
 In any job, remember who you are.

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I AM FREE OF THE PAST!!!

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The Future Belongs To You Boo!

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God is really dealing me with in the area of the tongue. I hope my postings are ministering to you as much as they are to me.

The loose tongue of the godless spreads destruction; the common sense of the godly preserves them. Proverbs 11:9 MSG

The mouth can be used two ways: As a tool or a weapon. It can be used to build or tear down relationships. If you think about it, every person you come in contact with will be a either a construction opportunity (a chance to build that person up) or a demolition site (a chance to tear that person down). Your words will make the difference. Will they be tools for construction or weapons of mass destruction?

We should be in daily practice of Ephesians 4:29 (Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God's favor) to those who hear it.)

As women we tend to let our emotions take over and we say and do things in the heat of the moment. And that’s never good. There is always residue left over and if the residue is not dealt with it will cause build up leading to more drama to deal with. It’s not an easy task and it is going to take lots of prayer and dedication but, we have to learn how to operate outside of our feelings and listen to the voice of God. 

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It's Just One of Those Days

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Failure Is Out Of The Question So......

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It's Already, Alright....

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Reversing the Financial Curse

By Dr. Tony Evans. 

Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 8:11-18  

Do you ever feel that, despite all the work you are putting into your life, job, family and other relationships, you aren't experiencing the productivity that you should?  You want God's blessings, yet you just don't seem able to get ahead.

God implores every believer to take the tithe challenge!  Faithfully giving a tenth of your earnings to the church shows God you are a good steward of what He has entrusted into your care, that you are grateful for everything He has provided and finally that you trust Him.

Too many people are living in a sea of debt.  God wants to reverse the financial curse in your life and bless you.  But you must plant a seed first before God can rain down His blessings on it. 

This is something that I have been asking God to deal with in my life. I am unemployed at the time but I'm believing God for a seed to plant first and then I know he will certainly bless it. 

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What Type of Tongue Do you have?

There are four types of tongues: Controlled, Caring, Conniving and Careless, after studying them I remember times in my life where I demonstrated each one of them one more than the other; but I thank God for his love and transforming power! Take a look at these and if you really examine your heart your will see which tongue you are exercising the most…. The first two should be copied, while the last two should be avoided.

1.    The Controlled Tongue: A woman with a controlled tongue thinks before she speaks. She knows when silence is best and she gives wise advice.

The more talk, the less truth; the wise measure their words. Proverbs 10:19 (MSG)

2.    The Caring Tongue: A woman with a caring tongue speaks truthfully while seeking to encourage.

Just as lotions and fragrance give sensual delight, a sweet friendship refreshes the soul. Proverbs 27:9 (MSG)

3.    The Conniving Tongue: A woman with a conniving tongue is filled with wrong motives, gossip, slander and a desire to twist the truth.

Troublemakers start fights; gossips break up friendships Proverbs 16:28

4.    The Careless Tongue: A woman with a careless tongue is filled with lies, curses, quick-tempered words- which can lead to rebellion and destruction.

Fools have short fuses and explode all too quickly; the prudent quietly shrug off insults. Proverbs 12:16 (MSG)

You must pray daily for a controlled and caring tongue because our flesh is not saved. You can only have these through faith and the power of the Holy Spirit. Do not fool yourself because it’s not easy and many of us struggle with  controlling our mouths. We speak before we think, not realizing the repercussions of what we just said. We are careless with what we say, thinking we can apologize for it later; but you have to realize that the scars still remain. A few words of anger can destroy a relationship that took years to build.

What we say or do not say probably effects more people than any other action we take. Proper speech is not only saying the right words at the right time, but also controlling your desire to say what you shouldn’t. James says that no human can control the tongue. Even if you may not achieve perfect control of  your tongue, you can still learn enough control to reduce the damage of what your words can do. Satan uses the tongue to divide people against one another. Idle and hateful words are damaging because they spread quickly, and no one can stop the results once they are spoken. So the next time you speak ask yourself, Is what I want to say is true? Is it necessary? Is it Kind?

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Thank God For the Ability To Hear His Voice

This is a praise report! I'm so excited so excuse any typos etc.

Today I had a job interview and it was 50 miles from my house. I left my house 2 hours prior to give myself enough time to get there. I woke up this morning with praise in my spirit so I was praising God for his goodness. I wasn't asking him for anything I was just praising him and asking him for a more deeper relationship with him. A closer relationship with him and he began to minster to me. And I began to declare and remind myself of who I was in Christ. I begin to bind and loose somethings and to call those things that were not as though the were! Well of course the enemy did not like that so tried to interrupt my praise. I had a blow out on the freeway. I was so caught up in my praising that I did not realize that it had happen until the car started to ride funny. I said the devil is a lie! and At that point I started praying in the Holy Spirit for direction. I got over to the shoulder and drove my car 2 miles to the next exit. I pulled over in a rite aide parking lot. I was about 35-40 miles from home.. I did not have a dime to my name and my AAA is expired....I called someone for help but they did not answer the phone. So I begin to say Lord I need direction. I begin to pray in the Spirit again and he begin to speak to me. He told me to look across the street. There was a Chevy dealer. I said okay Lord I see it. He said go over there they are going to give you a tire. I said okay. I went to the dealer and asked for the service manger he would not come out and talk to me. The cashier asked what did I need. I told her exactly what the God had to me to say  to her and she said let me get someone to help you. Well the Warranty Manager came out and the  Lord to me to tell him my name and that I was on my way to a job interview and my tire popped on the freeway, I didn't have any money and I needed someone to look at my tire. He asked me where was my car and we walked over to the car. When we got to the car he said you need a tire I said yes I was led to come across the street and ask for help. He smiled said okay I'll take care of you we should have a used tire in the back lets go. Well because I listened to God and believed what he said. I got a new tire  Praise God! and when I called the company that I had the interview with they waited for me. I was 45 mins late but God showed favor they admire that I was persistent to get there. As I was driving there I was thanking and praising God again and he begin to minister to me. He said you asked me to put people in your path that will lead you to purpose and remove those who won't! The Service manger was not a believer and he would not have understood. Chuck knows and believes in me that's why he smile when you said that you were led. I begin to cry because I realized at that moment that nothing or no one not even the devil in hell can stop block or hinder me as long as I know who I am and Whose I am! I'm so Glad that I have a relationship with God and I hear his voice. Thank you Jesus!!!!

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God's Power

‎"And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." Matthew 21:22

If you believe, you will get anything you ask for in prayer! Some people do not realize the power of prayer so how can they understand God's Power. This is a powerful statement and most people reduce it to a new home, a new car and a bigger paycheck. Don't limit the promise of this passage to the selfish pools of perks and favors. The fruit God assures is FAR GREATER that earthly wealth, they are much greater than promotions and proposals. God wants you to soar! Your heavenly Father wants you to fly free of yesterday's guilt, today's fears and tomorrow's grave. These are mountains He has moved. And he is ready to move more mountains on your behalf if you just ask. So go ahead and Stretch your FAITH set it on something big and watch God flex his muscles.

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The difference between working hard and workaholism

Too many confuse the two and neglect their families, the Lord's day rest, and the quality of life because they live for their employers and their jobs. So many families and churches are hurting because of the workaholism in the culture. 

We do tend to glamorize workaholism in our culture when in fact it is much like any other negative addiction.

Psychologists tell us that the incessant work-related activity is usually a mask for anxiety, low self-esteem, and relationship problems.  It's easy to justify "work" rather than have to deal with those issues.  Typically poor health shows up as well, but again, we never criticize someone for having migraines, backache, or a heart attack.  More likely they just get more of our sympathy for all the work they are doing.

We look down on drug, alcohol, pornography or gambling addictions - but workaholism is called the "respectable addiction."  Someone struggling with this is consumed with the idea that they are "the only one that can do the job right."

Hard workers have some balance in their lives.  They are making deposits of success in physical, family, spiritual, and social areas of their lives.  They can be writing a proposal and thinking about being on the beach.  Workaholics sit on the beach and think about working.

Here are a few steps to avoid workaholism:

• Set limits on the hours you devote to your job. (40-50 hrs max)
• Dedicate time to develop your personal relationships.
• Confront your fears of anxiety, low self-esteem, and relationship problems.
• Define your worth without referencing what you "do."   Who are you?
• Engage in vigorous physical activity for 30 minutes at least 4 or 5 times a week.

When we are physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally well balanced, our work performance will improve.  Workaholism will decrease your value in any organization.  And you will be robbing success from other areas in your life.

If you you "don't have time" for success in important areas of your life - then you may be a workaholic.

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Can you imagine the ecstatic feeling you would have if your mate volunteered the question, "How can I become a better mate?" The honor you would feel would be overwhelming. So how about asking the question yourself?

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How Can Something So Little Be So Dangerous... The Tongue

James 3:8

Amplified Bible (AMP)

But the human tongue can be tamed by no man. It is a restless (undisciplined, irreconcilable) evil, full of deadly poison.

But the tongue can no man tame
Either his own, or others; not his own, for the man that has the greatest guard upon himself, his words and actions; yet, what through pride or passion, or one lust or another in his heart, at one time or another, bolts out vain, idle, angry, and sinful words: and he that does not may be set down for a perfect man indeed: nor can he tame or restrain the tongues of others from detraction, calumnies, backbitings, and whisperings; who say, their lips are their own, and who is Lord over us? no man can, by his own power and strength, tame or subdue his tongue, or restrain it from evils it is habituated to, be it lying, cursing, swearing, or what else: God, by his Spirit, power, and grace, can, and often does, change the note of the curser, swearer, liar, and blasphemer; but no man can do this, though he can tame beasts, birds, serpents, and fishes; which shows the tongue to be worse than anything to be found in the whole compass of nature:

[it is an] unruly evil:
an evil it is, for it is a world of iniquity; and an unruly one, being more so than the horse and mule, which are without understanding, who are kept in and governed, and turned any way by the bit and bridle: but though in nature the tongue is fenced by a double fence of the lips and teeth, this is not sufficient to restrain it; it breaks all bounds, and is not to be kept in by nature, art, or argument: nothing but the grace of God can in any measure govern it, or lay an embargo on it:

full of deadly poison,
which, privately, secretly, and gradually, destroys the characters, credit, and reputation of men; and is of fatal consequence in families, neighborhoods, churches, and states.

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Today has been a chill day! Perfect weather for a nice hard and long run. The sky is gray and the climate is cool. I love this type of weather it makes me want to cuddle under my covers all day. But one thing about go getters being lazy is not in our DNA. I'm so thank for all that God has done, Is doing and will do. I just love me so God!

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Prep Time:
15 Min

Cook Time:
45 Min

Ready In:
1 Hr

Ingredients

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 1 (18 ounce) bottle honey barbecue sauce
• 1 pound sliced bacon

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Wash chicken and pat dry, then place in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Smother chicken with 1/2 of the barbecue sauce, then layer bacon slices cross-ways on top. Pour remaining 1/2 of barbecue sauce over all.
3. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 45 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. Serve one chicken breast per person with just the crispy, top pieces of bacon.

Nutritional Information 

Amount Per Serving  Calories: 522 | Total Fat: 18.8g | Cholesterol: 108mg

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Broken For A Purpose

What does it mean to be broken? The dictionary says it means to be reduced to fragments and the bible says it means to be violated by transgression.  Anyway you look at it broken does not necessarily represent a good thing. Something that has been broken has been distorted from its original state and must be repaired or restored back to normal. Let’s be honest most of the time when something is broken we want to get rid of it. What if God had the same mentality? What if God threw us away when life situations leave us broken? Believe me I know what it is to be broken. I know what it is to be all alone. I know how it feels to think that no one cares about you. I know how it feels to be in such a dark place where you feel that God is so far away that he can’t hear you. My sister sometimes you may find yourself in a corner and it looks as if all hope is gone. You feel all alone in the mist of your situation. You’re broken and ashamed… Well don’t be because God is waiting for you to call on him, he is waiting to use you just where you are.  All you have to do is cry out like the psalmist did in psalm 51:17

 My sacrifice [the sacrifice acceptable] to God is a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart [broken down with sorrow for sin and humbly and thoroughly penitent], such, O God, You will not despise. Psalm 51:17 AMP.

The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit
That is humbled under a sense of sin; has true repentance for it; is smitten, wounded, and broken with it, by the word of God in the hand of the Spirit, which is a hammer to break the rock in pieces; and that not merely in a legal, but in an evangelical way; grieving for sin as committed against a God of love; broken and melted down under a sense of it, in a view of pardoning grace; and mourning for it, while beholding a pierced and wounded Savior : the sacrifices of such a broken heart and contrite spirit are the sacrifices God desires, approves, accepts of, and delights in;

a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise;
but regard, and receive with pleasure; (He will regard the plea of the destitute and will not despise their prayer. Psalms 102:17 ); the Lord binds up and heals such broken hearts and spirits, (He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [curing their pains and their sorrows]. Psalms 147:3 ) ( Isaiah 61:1 ) ; he is nigh to such persons, looks upon them, has respect unto them, and comes and dwells among them, (The Lord is close to those who are of a broken heart and saves such as are crushed with sorrow for sin and are humbly and thoroughly penitent. Psalms 34:18 ) (For all these things My hand has made, and so all these things have come into being [by and for Me], says the Lord. But this is the man to whom I will look and have regard: he who is humble and of a broken or wounded spirit, and who trembles at My word and reveres My commands. Isaiah 66:2 ) (For thus says the high and lofty One--He Who inhabits eternity, Whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, but with him also who is of a thoroughly penitent and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the thoroughly penitent [bruised with sorrow for sin]. Isaiah 57:15 ).

Never let your situation or circumstances dictate to you if you are worthy of God’s Love. The devil is a Liar! I promise you that when you call on God when you’re broken it  tugs on his heart the most, because God wants a broken spirit and contrite heart. You can never please God by outward actions no matter how good they are if your inward heart and attitude is not right. God is please with humility. We all sin and come short of his glory but we if you fall down my sister you have to get up and keep going; keeping your eyes fixed on God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit!  Let the Holy Trinity be your guide. If you are asking how do I know… I know because I gave God my broken heart and my life has never been the same. Praise God! 

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Guacamole Recipe

Prep Time:
10 Min

Ready In:
10 Min

Ingredients

• 3 avocados - peeled, pitted, and mashed
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 roma (plum) tomatoes, diced
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 pinch ground cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, mash together the avocados, lime juice, and salt. Mix in onion, cilantro, tomatoes, and garlic. Stir in cayenne pepper. Refrigerate 1 hour for best flavor, or serve immediately.

Nutritional Information 

Amount Per Serving  Calories: 262 | Total Fat: 22.2g | Cholesterol: 0mg

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Pork Medallions Recipe

Prep Time:
10 Min

Cook Time:
20 Min

Ready In:
30 Min

Ingredients

• 1 pork tenderloin
• 1 tablespoon olive or canola oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons butter or margarine
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1/4 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
• 1/4 teaspoon dried savory
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• Minced fresh parsley

Directions

1. Slice tenderloin into 1/2-in-thick medallions. In a skillet, brown pork in oil for about 2 minutes on each side. Remove from skillet and set aside. In same skillet melt butter. Add the onion, mushrooms and garlic; saute for 1 minute. Stir in flour until blended. Gradually stir in the broth, rosemary, savory, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1 minute or until thickened.
2. Lay pork medallions over mixture. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until meat juices run clear. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Footnotes

• Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals 206 calories, 15 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 83 mg cholesterol, 631 mg sodium, 6 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 25 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.

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