“Don’t wait for things to get easier, simpler, better. Life will always be complicated.  Learn to be happy right now.  Otherwise, you’ll run out of time.” ~Author Unknown Scripture: Blessed is the man who believes and trusts in and relies on the Lord and whose hope and confident expectation is the Lord.  For he will be like a tree planted by the waters, that spreads out its roots by the river; and will not fear the heat when it comes; but its leaves will be green and moist.  And it will not be anxious and concerned in a year of drought nor stop bearing fruit. ~Jeremiah 17:7-8 Perspective: For many…

“Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” ~Martin Luther King, Jr. Scripture: Now, faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. ~Hebrews 11:1 Perspective: The dictionary definition of faith is complete trust or confidence in someone or something. The scriptural definition of faith is the assurance that the things revealed and promised in the Word are true, even though unseen. Wikibooks calls faith, “the basic ingredient to begin a relationship with God.”  It is what connects us to the spiritual realm and makes God a tangible reality. Life’s trials may seem overwhelming and unfair, but they do…

“A mistake should be your teacher, not your attacker. A mistake is a lesson, not a loss.  It is a temporary, necessary detour, not a dead end.” ~Author Unknown Scripture: Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. ~Proverbs 28:13 Perspective: We all make mistakes, mess up, and sin; it is human nature since sin was first unleased by Adam and Eve’s disobedience to God.  Remorse and regret are what God uses to convict us, our personal warning lights, letting us know that we have messed up, so we can repent, make amends, learn from, and correct what we have done…

“I am only one, but still I am one.  I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.” ~Helen Keller Scripture: For, the one who wants to enjoy life and see good days, must keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.  He must turn away from wickedness and do what is right.  He must search for peace and pursue it eagerly. ~1 Peter 3:10-11 Perspective: As I write this week’s devotional, the world has been in a Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic for 2-1/2 months, much of it spent…

“If I have a belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning.” ~Mahatma Gandhi Scripture: So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them.  And God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, and conquer it; and rule over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and every living thing that moves upon the earth.” ~Genesis 1:27-28 Perspective: Psychologist Albert Bandura defined self-efficacy as “one’s belief in one’s ability…

“Small disciplines repeated with consistency every day lead to great achievements gained slowly over time.” ~John Maxwell Scripture: Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. ~1 Corinthians 15:58 Perspective: Consistency is defined as the quality of behaving or performing in a similar way, of happening in a similar way…repeatedly. Consistency is often referred to as the key to success.  It is said to far outweigh natural talent without such consistent effort and practice.  In our day to day life we crave consistency.  It makes us feel safe and secure to be…

“Great results don’t just happen, you have to be intentional.” ~Michael Hyatt Scripture: Therefore see that you walk carefully, not as the unwise, but as wise, making the very most of your time, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish and thoughtless, but understand and firmly grasp what the will of the Lord is. ~Ephesians 5:15-17 Perspective: Intentionality is defined as living and choosing deliberately and with purpose in both words and actions, so your life aligns with what you value.  It means you are actively engaged in your life. If you think about it, what doesn’t become better when you are intentional in your efforts, in…

Stop being afraid of what could go wrong, and start being excited of what could go right. ~Tony Robbins Scripture: Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous!  Do not be terrified or intimidated, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. ~Joshua 1:9 Perspective: Risk is defined as the intentional interaction with uncertainty. Risk is the courage to take a chance.  Without taking a chance or trying something you do not feel comfortable with initially, a goal cannot be reached; growth happens in our discomfort zone!  There are different ways we can take risks in life.  There are dangerous risks that involve being a daredevil…

Quote: “Though I am not always responsible for what happens to me, I am responsible for how I handle what happens to me.” ~Zig Ziglar Scripture: Don’t compare yourself with others.  Just look at your own work to see if you have done anything to be proud of.  You must each accept the responsibilities that are yours. ~Galatians 6:4-5 Perspective: Responsibility is defined as being accountable for your choices and actions; practicing self-control; finishing what you start; and doing your best at all you can humanly do. As an adult, I always considered myself responsible…except when I read its definition.  If I’m being honest, I am only sometimes accountable for…

Quote: “Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving, we get stronger and more resilient.” ~Dr. Steve Maraboli Scripture: We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated.  We often don’t know what to do, but we don’t give up.  We are persecuted, but God does not leave us.  We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed. ~2 Corinthians 4:8-9 Perspective: Resiliency is defined as the ability to recover quickly from or adapt to disruptive change or adversity without being overwhelmed or acting in dysfunctional or harmful ways; simply put, it is the ability to bounce back from difficulties. Life is full of difficulties, both small and big,…