An Inside Job

Worry is one of the greatest thief of Joy. So is comparison but that's a whole different story. However, when your Joy has been stolen, you can get it back. You can get back your piece of peace. These are the conditions upon which you can have your Joy back: Right praying (Philippians 4:6-7), right thinking (Philippians 4:8), right living (Philippians 4:9).

Alright Baby, let's do some word study; in the Greek "worry" can be translated as "anxious" and it means to be pulled in different directions. Lawd have mercy. How many things on a daily basis get us pulled in different directions. Wooo, Honey. That sounds like a bunch of chaos to me. Our hope is pulling us one way and our fears are pulling us in another direction.

Now, the Old English form of "worry" can be translated "to strangle". Lawd help me. Strangle? Suffocate? Choke? No air? Sounds like a slow death to me.
Child, don't worry yourself sick. Headaches? Um, um, um. I can tell you about some migraines.

Now listen here, this is the modern day definition of "worry"; "to torment oneself with disturbing thoughts". My, my, my. Who is doing the tormenting? Yes you. Worry is an inside job.

This is another definition; " to seize, especially by the throat, with the teeth and shake or mangle, as one animal does another" I ain't gotta say no more. Well, yes I do. Why would you worry yourself?

Take custody of your mind. LET God's peace in. Turn them worries into prayers. We will have trials and tribulations. The key to making it through has already been given to us. We just gotta use it. Work the word.

scripture reference: Philippians 4:6-9 (The Bible Exposition Commentary: New testament)
The MSG Bible uses worry and fret.

Eeny Meeny Miney Mo!

Be "choicey" about who you're hanging around with.

What Time Is It Honey?

Now don't get me wrong Suga'. Ain't nothing wrong with time for yourself. But I'mma tell ya somthin', it should be just that. Time by yourself. You and Jesus. Even Jesus had to come away. He did so to fast and pray. This time alone prepared and strengthened Him for his purpose. So our "me time" should do the same. Recharge, refuel. reinvigorate, re motivate, refresh and fill us up so we can pour out to our families again. We should come away from "me time" feeling better equipped to run the race that's set before us.

Um hum. You say, What about "girl time" and time away by MYSELF? Yeah, what about it? Please choose friends wisely. It's good to have good friends. Spend time with women that will positively support and encourage you. That will have your back and pray with you. However, I ask, doyou return home refreshed and ready to jump into Wife and Momma mode? Hmm... or do you walk in the door and get mad and wanna fuss because the floor is full of toys? Do you wanna ask your husband what's wrong with his hands because he wants to know what you gonna cook for dinner? Do you wanna scream 'cause the kids got a million and one questions before you can get in the door good? No, I got it. You just wanna turn back around for a little more "me-time"! If this is what's happening after your "me time", then you just wasted your time. Time is a precious commodity. Make wise use of it.

Me, Me, Me!

Me time. What is a "me time"?
That sounds like something akin to selfishness! Calling it "me time" can be misleading. It can set you up for undue frustration.

As long as "me time" is always on your mind (when is it gonna be "my time") you will never enjoy the present moments you have with your husband and babies. You'll always be trying to sneak a little "me time". You'll start to think that being a wife and mother is some type of oppression you need solace from. Humph! The devil is a liar and so is a "me time"!

There is refuge in being a wife. You CAN be rejuvenated by the company of your children.

Your "me time" is right in front of you, baby. Enjoy motherhood. Delight in being a wife. Be wife and mommy wholeheartedly as to the Lord.

Steal away with Jesus. That's "me time" Suga'.



Scripture reference: Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men...

What You Studyin' 'Bout?

Aw, don't worry about "that"! Turn those worries into prayers.
Set your mind on things worthy of praise and thanksgiving. Even if it ain't but one thing, hold on to it honey, and praise Him with all your heart. Shake ya'self loose.
Choose to be joyful!

Scripture Reference: Philippians 4:4-8

It's Not About Being Happy

Make a decision to not be content with only being happy.
Happiness is being satisfied only when things are going "good". What about when things are not going so good?

Seek God's inner peace. Let his peace control you and transform you.
Allow it to help you keep the peace within despite of what's going on without.
Like any other good thing in life, inner peace takes a conscious effort.
Bring it. Keep it. Make it...peace.



Scripture Reference: Col. 3:15

It's Just that Simple

Don't be so simple as to let envy and jealousy eat you up from the inside out.
Let Love and Wisdom nourish your soul, child.



Scripture reference: Job 5:2 The Message Bible