Little Footprints

JOURNAL Revisit the questions from Day 1 in light of the twenty-five- day journey you have just completed.  https://amomentwithkelly.blogspot.com/2024/05/part-i-joy-despite-your-circumstances.html 1. Regarding the circumstances of your life: • Where were you twenty-five days ago? Content, but uneducated as to where genuine joy comes from. I am so glad I went through this study - I learned so much about Paul, more than I ever did before and it has persuaded me to continue with my blogging.  I may not have full churches to write to, but I do want to share my story through Jesus' eyes. Paul found Joy in EVERY circumstance---even in death. I want that.    • Where are you today? I'm writing in my blog again!  It brings me joy, something I enjoyed doing so long ago, as it holds me accountable.  I am reading again - seriously, first book study I have finished AND have actively participated in each of the challenges - may be not to the extent I should have, but I w...

   Memory Verse: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. --Philippians 4:6-7 Oh my - I can't believe this is almost the last principle.  It's the end---or is it the beginning?  This was by far something I have struggled my entire life--letting people help me.  I like to help people, I enjoy helping people.  Whether it is at work, helping people get their job done or helping here at home, in the community, online, it brings me great happiness. On the other hand, I am not great at asking for help, I'd rather struggle. Until the last 4 or so years, I felt asking for help was a sign of weakness.  But someone offering help, is a sign of strength "on the askers" part.  I know...I know...strange right?? JOURNAL How can you put yourself in a place of...

  Memory Verse: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus --Philippians 4:6-7 JOURNAL Option 1: Give away something you own that you really like to someone who would enjoy it or could even use it more than you do. This will help you get a read on where you are with putting your joy in your stuff. Journal your thoughts after the transaction is complete.  Option 2: Lean into the wealth that is more than just stuff or money. After dinner, if the weather permits, pull some comfy chairs onto the front porch or driveway. Invite a few friends or neighbors over, and spend the evening with them. Bring out your beverage of choice and have extra available for whoever else stops by. If it is a bit chilly and you have a portable fire pit, fire it up, or bring out some blankets...

  Memory Verse: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus --Philippians 4:6-7 This is getting good - I mean, Wow!  I love the fact that we are to rehearse our blessings daily. (But how about that steak recipe!) -Filet Mignon, marinated with soy, water, lime juice, vinegar, dried garlic, citric acid, paprika, and lime oil. - Grilled to 120 degrees and let it rest to 125 degrees <<chef's kiss>> :-) We are to focus on what is: Noble: Majestic, full of dignity, awe-inspiring Right:   celebrated when people satisfy their obligations, including the obligation of giving God the glory for your success(es); marinate daily our minds on what is right. Pure : Celebrate the beauty of innocence; like a sacrificial love a mom has for a newborn child; the sheer beauty ...

   Memory Verse: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus --Philippians 4:6-7 I loved this during the sermon on Sunday, I learned Havening and how to pray "effectively". JOURNAL Give what troubles us to God by presenting your requests to him with thanksgiving. Start out by writing in your journal about your current requests.  After yesterday, you would think I would request reconciliation, but I need to move forward. Dwelling on the past will not help me. I have brought several requests to God in recent days, most about my momma and her back and hip issues. You may want to zero in on one issue, but try to keep the list to no more than three. Begin by praying Psalm 8. Read it to God as a personal letter from you. As you do, you will be reminded that God is bigger than y...

  Memory Verse: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus --Philippians 4:6-7 I took the day off yesterday (June 11, 2024) to spend time away from work - plans fell through with going to the pool with my sister and after eating Ramen with my son, we were both FULL.  I decided to catch up on some reading. I read this principle and I got kinda excited.  Ok, no.  I was REALLY excited. I have changed so much after the past few years--for the better.  I no longer identify myself with what I do, but whose I am.  I am a Christian, daughter of the King, sister to many Christians.  I can only pray that God is as happy with my life nowadays as I am content. I am not perfect, by no means---He's not finished with me yet. In reading the challenge for this princip...

Memory Verse: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus --Philippians 4:6-7 Sermon: JOURNAL: What causes you to worry? Is it money, the future, your job, relationships, your health, or something else? Maybe it is more than one thing. I used to worry big-time--so much, it almost gave me an ulcer.  I worried about work, I worried about making ends meet, I worried about what people thought of me.  It sucked.  It sucked the life right out of me. Now, I'm not saying that meeting Jesus took all of my worries away - as much as I'd like to think He did. I now come from an understanding of why worry about something I have absolutely not control over.  I can't control the way people feel about me, I can't change the way my boss feels about me.  When I feel worry come ab...

  Memory Verse: Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead --Philippians 3:13

  Memory Verse: Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead --Philippians 3:13 In this chapter, Paul focused on the future--I like how Pastor Randy talked about the "graphic word" straining.  How, as Christians, we need to focus solely on the goal: If we are going to advance in the knowledge of Jesus, it will take intense concentration and effort #keepmovingforward

  Memory Verse: Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead --Philippians 3:13 Reflecting on this chapter was exactly what I needed--when we focus on our past--"keep looking back", we slow progress.  We must focus on the end goal - to be like Christ.  Leave the past behind, girl.  Our past may make us who we are, but it doesn't define our future.  Move ON!  Press ON!  #justkeepswimming. JOURNAL From You, Happier by Dr. Daniel Amen Identify and circle which of these thirteen dragons has the greatest hold on you. Write out a single paragraph to explain your choices. Reflect on why this is an issue for you. Be super honest and specific. • Abandoned, Invisible, or Insignificant Dragon— feeling alone, unseen, or unimportant • Inferior or Flawed Dragon—feeling less than others • Anxious Dragon—feeling fearful and overwhelmed • Wounded Drago...

 I have worked with a coworker for about 10 years. We have had our ups and downs (I mean…I could go on annd on about our past) and I think I truly have a best friend in her.  I remember our past and how we never saw eye to eye. The more I get to know her, the more I realize how much we have in common. I see a lot of myself in her. She has been my rock for the past 5 to 6 years. I can’t tell you how much of a blessing she is in my life. I feel like I bug her almost daily with complaints over and over again yet she still here. Now it’s my turn to support her (PRAY) as she goes through this really tough journey on her own. I hope I can provide her the comfort she needs as she goes through this new season in her life.   It’s so surreal that this person has turned out to be my saving grace.  She truly is the reason I get up and go to work (I mean, the paycheck is the driving force, clearly, lol)…but I get to chat with her throughout the day. It’s my turn.  It’s my tu...

   Memory Verse: Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead --Philippians 3:13 JOURNAL The Aaronic blessings of Numbers 6:24–26 have been put to music by several artists. The first was written and performed by Christian artist Michael Card, entitled “Barocha.” The second was written by Cody Carnes and Kari Jobe, entitled “The Blessing.” For your challenge today, find these songs on whatever platform you use.  Listen to both songs and pick the style that best fits you. Then, sometime today, whether in the morning or on your lunch break or in the evening, schedule a time and place with no distractions and listen to the song from start to finish. You can do this alone or invite others into the experience. Before you start the song, take some deep breaths to release any tension you may have. Assume a posture that best puts you in a mood to receive. Whisper...

  Memory Verse: Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead --Philippians 3:13 This sermon was ahhh-mazing!  If you haven't seen it, it's a must-see! I was really intrigued to read about this principle: Stay Clear of Legalism, because...well, that is what has kinda kept me from going to church in the first place, I mean up until Westside Family Church found me (ok, I found them, but you know what I mean) :-) On page 121, Randy states that Legalism, on the other hand, produced guilt and competition.  Legalism keeps a scorecard, and the trophy goes to the best performer, the best religious athlete---reading the previous paragraph, Randy talks about Paul being the Theologian of Grace ("chara" / "charis")---I really wonder if this is where we get the word "charity" from? JOURNAL The Tetris Effect Evaluate your life against the seven traits...