Sunday, February 22, 2015

"Lessons My Mama Taught Me"

Reflections4Life February 22, 2015

"Lessons My Mama Taught Me"



I am doing things a little different this Sunday. I pray that this week is filled with much joy and happiness for you. May you treasure the gift of love and take advantage of the presence of your parents. Because you never know when there will be no tomorrow.

I can only write today's #Reflections4Life because of what my mother has taught me. I cried for a very long time this morning. How can I write or even think of anything when my heart is so heavy? When, it hurts so bad I can't catch my breath? Then I remember what my Mama taught me. The lessons I have learned and gleaned from her. She was a very wise woman. I am still processing the fact that she is gone. It's still not real.

I chose this pic, taken nine years ago. It was one of my Mama's favorite, primarily because she took it!

I was sitting on the foot of her bed. She said she had some beautiful children. I wasn't feeling so beautiful at the time.

That day, she poured her love and into me as only a Mama could. She reminded me of true beauty, the beauty of the heart and its value. She told me how proud she was of me and the things I had accomplished and was venturing into. She reminded me of the importance of loving myself and having an intimate and solid relationship with God. That, our time with the Creator should always come first and from the heart, and not as a last resort. She taught me the importance of saying no. Not to allow people to monopolize and take advantage of my huge heart.

My mother taught me that when you walk with God, and have an intimate relationship, it eradicates negativity in your life, it strengthens you for the road ahead, it prepares you for the many ups and downs and the unexpected. It allows you to see through different eyes. 
What she taught me also, is that life goes on. And should she leave this earth before Christ's return, to know and remember: to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. That she has the better deal out of the two of us.  And that, I may grieve and mourn but life goes on. To do what I do, and do it well, because she will be watching from her new view from the heavens above.

How can I not move forward and be comforted with these kind of lessons?



Sunday, February 15, 2015

"Faith over Fear"

Reflections4Life February 15, 2015

“Faith over Fear.”

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”  2 Timothy 1:7

Scripture Contemplation: Hebrews 11; 2 Timothy 1; 1 Peter 5; Matthew 8; 9; 1 Corinthians 2; James 1; 5…

There are so many things that we experience in our lifetime. Our life journey is filled with the good, the bad, the ugly, the unexpected, the awesome, and the heartbreak. Our experiences can either cause us to lose faith and fear life. Or, they can make us stronger; increasing our faith and kicking fear in the rear. Either way...we will be changed in some way by our life's experiences.

I pray today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Throughout the trials and tests of life, remember to let God lead you and to guard your heart. Knowing that God knows what to do and just what you need, and He has already done it. You just have to continue to believe and continue to choose faith over fear.

Honestly Speaking, I was not sure if I was going to write today’s Reflections. Then I thought about it: We already have the victory. The devil has been defeated. So, I am not going to wallow in my emotions or feelings. But instead, stand on my post, complete my assignment, and continue to believe God; taking Him at His word, claim the victory and kick fear in the rear by choosing to stand in my faith!

Sometimes things occur in life suddenly. It takes us for a loop. Many of us are knocked down, and sometimes do not get back up because we are afraid of what may occur next. It’s life. Things happen. But, when God has made a promise to you, you have to remind God and yourself of those promises. NO MATTER WHAT THE SITUATION LOOKS LIKE. God cannot lie. And as long as you continue to walk in faith, believe the word of God and do not heed to that spirit of fear, you will have the victory and see the promises manifest.

Of course, the journey is not easy. And the battle is not light. However,  through it all, God has us covered. We just have to speak His word, stand on His word, believe His word, and not accept any negative reports. Whose report will you believe? I will believe the report of the Lord.

And remember: It’s not about your strength, but about God’s Spirit.  “…not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit saith the Lord.” Zechariah 4:6

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that you are strengthened by the love and power of God in your lives today. Choose today and commit in your heart to choose faith over fear. Do not allow the situations you encounter in your life's journey to strip you of faith and condition your heart to fear. Life is not easy. And we will encounter some very difficult times. But it is our ability to choose faith over fear that will see us through. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2015. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.



Sunday, February 08, 2015

"All About The Love"

Reflections4Life February 8th, 2015
“All About the Love”
“If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” 1 Corinthians 13:1
Scripture Contemplation: John 3; 1 Corinthians 13; 2 Corinthians 2; Galatians 5; James 2…

I've heard many say that love hurts. That, they do not believe in love. Or, that they will never give their all to someone just to be hurt. And if someone hurts them, they will never forget.
Love does not hurt, Beloveds. Hurt people hurt people. People who have been disappointed in relationships and have built up walls hurt not only others, but themselves as well. How can you receive and believe in true, sincere, unconditional love if you do not allow yourself to be vulnerable when it comes to love? With the Father, is all about the love. God Love.
I pray today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Let love in. Let the cleansing, healing, powerful love that is God come into your hearts and reside. Do not close yourself off because of the past. Be renewed as you let go of what was, and receive what God has for you this day.
It is not easy to let go of the past and its hurts. Some of us are haunted and carry baggage from past relationships that have left us scarred and broken. God can heal those scars and relieve you of that baggage if you would allow Him access to your heart.
There is something mighty powerful, healing and soothing about the love of God. It cleanses our hearts and gives us a new lease on life and matters of the heart. However, we must be willing to give our hearts completely. Surrender all of the heartache and disappointments; laying them at His feet. And do what is most difficult for many: let go. Yes. Let go and let God. Let the love of God wash over you and cleanse your heart and heartache.
It's all about the love. The cleansing and powerful love of God that can bring healing to our wounded hearts and soul.
Beloveds, do not let your past or people from your past that have hurt and disappointed you rob you of the love that waits for you today. Do not forgo your happiness and a life of love because you cannot forget, forgive or let go. Move on! Release the past. Forgive. Forget who they were and remember who you are: a chosen vessel worthy of unconditional and powerful love.
My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that you are strengthened by the love and power of God in your lives today. Allow the love of God to bring healing and renewed strength to your heart and soul. Let the blood of Jesus heal and bind the wounds that have left you feeling bereft. Open your heart to the Father, and let Him guard it for you. You are blessed and loved wholly and completely. Now go…be a blessing!

©2015. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Sunday, February 01, 2015

"You Still Win"

Reflections4Life February 1, 2015
“You Still Win!”
“He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” Revelation 3:21
Scripture Contemplation: John 10; 16; Romans 12; 1 John 2; 5; Revelation 2…

I hope this Sunday finds you full of hope and determination. That, no matter what you face, what happens throughout the course of a day, week or year, that you will see yourself as victorious. Because the truth of the matter is, you still win. You made it to a brand new day. You are alive and can start again. So, you are the winner, no matter what.
I pray today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Allow Holy Spirit to rest in you. To remind you, that you are a winner. Let the comforter have Hos place in your heart and lead you to a place of rest each and every day.

We go through things in this life; things we cannot explain. There is no rhyme or reason to some of the obstacles we face. Or, the disappointments and disasters. Yet, here we are, in a brand new day. Triumphant because the enemy did not win in taking us out yesterday.

It's no secret that enemy wants to destroy us. He desires to kill, steal, and destroy. And not just physically. No. He desires to kill our spirit, our dreams, and our hope. He wants to destroy our faith in God and in humanity. However, God has already declared us the winner. We just have to remember this fact when we are hit with unexpected and difficult and heart-wrenching situations.

The last thing I want to do today is write because I am in so much pain. I had an accident yesterday. The whole right side of my body is bruised from the shoulder down. I can barely move. I am stiff and my wrists are aching. I had plans this week. Long, laid plans. And my heart is aching right now. I am hurting emotionally, as well as physically. But you know what? I still win. Because I am alive. Though I may be in pain, and two years of waiting for something was taken away in an instant; I will thank God in spite of. Because the enemy did not win. I did. Even with the excruciating pain...I still win. I am alive. And I will heal. And God will restore.

So, no matter what you're facing. No matter how much the enemy tries to intimidate you; remember that as long as you have breath in your body, YOU STILL WIN. God has declared us the winner. We just have to hold on to that and not let go. Be strong. Be brave. Be committed. Be confident in God, and in the knowledge and wisdom that God cannot lie. Trust Him.
My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that you are strengthened by the love and power of God in your lives today. Remember: Jesus came that we might have life more abundantly. That, we would have the assurance of life eternally. Regardless to what you face, or are currently facing—know in your heart and mind that you have already won. God said so. And that’s enough for me. You are Blessed. Now go…and Be a Blessing!

©2015. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.