GOD HAS FOUND A NEW WAY OF COMMUNICATING WITH ME

His love is too much!!! Like I told you guys, he recently helped me make a significant decision with the number “411.” So, it didn’t work out after trying really hard to have everything signed on 4/8. Guess the date we ended up having to do it on? 4/11!!! It didn’t stop there! I needed to write a check to activate everything, and I asked my assistant for our checkbook. What was the number on the next available check that she handed to me? 4117! I went for my run by my tree today, but I had to peepee (too much information!), and I rushed home. Getting to the door, I stopped the run, and guess the total time I stopped it? 4:11!!! This may sound crazy, but for me, these all too perfect alignments, give me the Godfidence to take on life superhuman style, KNOWING GOD HIMSELF IS BACKING ME UP WITH HIS LOVE!!! HEEHAW! His perfect love casts away all my fears!!!

Is that amazing or what? God asked me an important question today:

“… isn’t it perfectly clear to you now that My love arranged all this for you?”

I looked around at the beautiful surroundings where I get to live, and I just thanked God for everything He is doing for my family and me. Last night at dinner (no alcohol this time!), I just sucked up every moment enjoying this family God has blessed me with. Hubs and Julie came home from working so hard all day straight to preparing for us two different pots of the most delicious foods that went perfectly together. My biggest complaint about hubs is still that he feeds me too much as he kept piling more food on my plate! The way I see Julie and hubby so close makes me so happy! I proudly tell hubs that while he is at work, my work is raising our fantastic kids. “I MAKE PEOPLE,” I keep telling him! I’m super proud of my work! Emmie came home yesterday with another honor roll certificate! Joshie is an entirely new person these days regarding his grades, focusing, and giving his best that he inspires me to step up. Duro was celebrating a day of great sales working with Amazon!

I say all that to say, don’t’ miss out on a life with God. His plans for us are real good! This verse sums up perfectly my experience with God:

“Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly MORE than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us,” – Ephesians 3:20

Talking to Ember today, I told her how much I’m enjoying the exercise tights she bought me while she was here on spring break from her country club/university in New York. I told her that I would wear them and remind myself that I must be the strong, calm, wise, and fierce mom she needed. She met with the career services department this week about help preparing her resume so that she can begin her internships starting in the fall. I’m so proud of my work (our kids!), guys! But, the real credit goes to God. In every aspect of my life, HE STANDS STRONG WITH ME. His Holy Spirit guides me to make the utmost best decisions! I have my moments, but when I put everything in a God perspective, I say, God, anything to please You, let me learn!!! His ways are not our human ways!!! OBEY GOD AND LEAVE THE CONSEQUENCES WITH HIM. Say to Him you want a closer walk with Him, too. Then start making Him a priority! Seeking His will in everything you do! This is the way to the best life with Him!

NO MORE ALCOHOL FOR ME

Decided to have a little champagne with hubby last night, and today I’m not my strong self! NOTE TO SELF: NO MORE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES!!! I don’t need anything to slow me down! Last night, I told my brother, Kevin, “Watch me superman!” Meaning I’m living superhuman style, rising above the ordinary, frail, weak, and annoying human emotions, and stepping up to be the best version of myself, shining bright for God by doing His will, even when He asks difficult things of me like I read in this old post under my God tree today:

LIFE IS A WAR…BUT WE HAVE GOD

HERE’S THE DEAL: Life is full of challenges, trials, tribulations, stress, disappointments, frustrations, sadness, and sorrow. I open my life to tell you that I have my share of them all, but more importantly, I tell you about God showing up to help me get through ANYTHING that comes my way. Heehaw!!!

I love reading my fav devotional, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, that has brought me so close to God. I hear direct messages from Him that I even keep a copy in our bathroom so that even when I peepee (too much information!), I open it to see what God has to say to me. No shame in my game! And He never fails to reveal His invisible Presence. I especially loved a recent one:

“YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED PERSONAL BENEFITS from thanking me for hard situations, but there is more—much more! Your sacrifice of thanksgiving has divine Power to weaken spiritual stronghold of evil. Moreover, your patient endurance of suffering can strengthen and encourage My people on earth.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5

“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” – 2 Corinthians 10:3-4

WE ARE NOT GOING BY THE ORDINARY RULES OF LIFE!!! Nothing is impossible for God, baby! It is crucial for us to not lean on our own understanding but trust God wholeheartedly. God can make ANYTHING happen in the spiritual realm on our behalf, even when we don’t see a way.

“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” – Exodus 14:14

It’s just for us to show up every day as our BEST selves for Him, following His lead by seeking His direction in the 1,000 decisions we make every day. Being tough, brave, courageous, persevering, and STRONG, yet at the same time, calm, patient, gentle, loyal, loving, and forgiving. I promise you, like Sarah Young wrote: “there is more—much more!” (Wink! Wink!) I wish I could tell you guys everything that God is doing for me, but trust me, He gives me more than I can ever ask or imagine from Him. That when He asks me to do difficult things, I simply say, ‘No problem, My Love, I GOT YOU!!!’ Superhero Nik, in the house, all for God’s glory!

GOD LOVES ME TOO MUCH!!!

That’s my testimony, baby! The way He shows up for me in every aspect of my life just blows me away! Like He has been talking to me through an Infiniti QX60 SUV, Sounds crazy, right? But it was a customer in the Bahamas who asked me to purchase one for her. We ended up being great friends, and she shared exactly what hubby and I are going through now of being separated, that she and her husband went through the same thing for three years. She explained it was challenging on their marriage, but they survived. So, whenever I see a QX60 I’m reminded that hubby and I will get through this rough patch, and specifically that THERE IS LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL.

On Saturday, there was an ad for the new QX60 on TV. I texted her saying, “Just saw a QX commercial. THERE’S LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL. This is hard.” The next day, the crazy lady came out in full force, but let me tell ya, God showed up to calm her down. I turned on my music, and like I always tell you, God talks to me through Apple Music. Of all the songs to randomly play, this one did:

“THERE’S A LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL (Wink! Wink!)
Keep your eyes on the road ahead
But if you’re feelin’ lost in the night
It’s okay to cry (Me at that very moment!)
Just as long as you hold your head

‘Cause we’re on our way to better
Better’s ahead, better’s ahead” – Better Days by Ant Clemons

Instantaneously, God melted away all the negative emotions I was feeling and filled me up with His love. Who am I that God would have these specific lyrics to show up amid me having that awful moment? Of all the songs to randomly play, He had this specific one to remind me that I must hold my head high because better days are ahead. (HUGE SMILE)

God used this entire song to speak to me! Like right before this I had decided to add this to the end of my post written hours before:

“Even when He asks us to tackle hard things! We can do all things by His strength! Wink! Wink! He calls me to be the movie character Lucy, the superhuman, not allowing human emotions and frailties to get the best of me but being CALM AND STRONG. Amen!”

The song then says:

“You feel weak, JUST BE STRONG (ooh)
_ Deep breath, STAY CALM”_

Told ya, God is pretty talkative! This song was His way of comforting me in that difficult moment. His love melts away all my stresses and anxieties! “The presence of God will calm your heart in any situation (Rick Warren).” The reason I mentioned Lucy was because outside a few minutes prior to writing the post, I found a cup belonging to one of my kid’s friends with the name “Lucy” on it. I felt this was a message from God Himself for me to be the strong superhero for my family right now. Nik, forget these silly emotions, I need you to be CALM, STRONG, AND WISE. There is light at the end of the tunnel! (Wink! Wink!)

Today, your girl has risen higher, feeling great and grateful! In everything, give thanks, guys! I’m using all the disappointments as fuel and motivation to be better, not bitter! Amen! May we all take on hard things for God by going the extra, extra, extra mile in love, learning to get good at covering the offenses of others! Future generations will thank us! OBEY GOD AND LEAVE THE CONSEQUENCES WITH HIM!!!

I WAS BACK CRYING THOSE HAPPY TEARS

I wasn’t supposed to be at work yesterday, but when I had a customer telling me the day before, he wanted to buy my Audi Q5, and he would be at our office at exactly noon, I asked my nephew, Duro, to just help me drop it off, and we’ll come right back home. Well, God had other plans! I did one thing after the other to make the place nice and ready for potential sales and asked Duro to help with our family hustle. Before we knew it, it was noon, and although that customer didn’t show up, my husband did, and he asked for us to stay. I explained to him that I was still in my exercise clothes and probably smelled, but he insisted for me and Duro to stay. With one glance at God, I knew what He would have me to do: ‘Nik, stay.’

It turned out to be such a beautiful day, having hubs around with us and our kids joining in to help out. At one point, I asked our manager to print out a report for my husband to see, and amazingly, the total at the end began with my famous “311.” I was blown away by God’s love and personal attention to my life. This “311” has been God’s marching orders to me to stay on the highest road with Him, be still, and allow Him to fight my battles. So for this report to total precisely with this “311” was all God showing me that He is personally involved with our business. No coincidence! I told our manager that I would take that report home and stick it somewhere as inspiration to remind myself that God is helping us run that business. Hubby has been missing in action tackling other family affairs, and this manager and I had to rise to the occasion, and I’m proud of our results. We still have a long way to go, but we now do not doubt that God is STANDING STRONG WITH US. Amen!

I drove home overwhelmed with happy tears thanking God for His guidance. To have my family there all united and working together, I thanked God for keeping my life on this positive track. It hasn’t been easy, but I love this message from my beautiful friend, Hendria:

“There is a silver lining to every situation. Don’t worry about it being hard because everything hard in life comes with a greater appreciation. If it was easy you wouldn’t appreciate it. Be steadfast. Be still.”

And speaking of being steadfast, I feel God wants me to share this value with you today, which showed up under my God tree through an old post:

“Like after speaking with her (my sister) today, I had to have a tough meeting with my daughters. I explained that life is not just about always asking, ‘What’s in this for me?’ But, ‘What can I do to help you?’ Relationships are a two-way street. You give, and you get! Having humility and asking, ‘How may I serve you?’ with a helpful, grateful, and kind attitude and always giving your best is the way to go. Not just asking other people to do for you! It ain’t that kind of party! “If you’re a street cleaner, be the best street cleaner!” God loves the humble!!!

The conversation with the boys on the way to school was the best, though! We read about faithfulness (something we seem to have forgotten about in the world today!):

“This fruit of the Spirit is the word for standing fast, steadfastness, devoted, tried, constant, reliable, unwavering, trustworthy, dependable, resolute, honest, punctual, and steady… The faithful person is dependable in all kind of life circumstances.” – Robert Strand

Your girl here definitely needed that reminder under the tree when the crazy lady wanted to make an appearance. I was reminded that God calls me to be faithful and steadfast, all for His glory, no matter what anyone else is doing. Super tough, but for this God who exceeds my expectations, I say, ‘Anything for You. After I showed Joshie, my eleven-year-old son, the report that we printed for my husband, he sweetly asked, “Can I have this to post on my bedroom wall as inspiration?” He is so enthusiastic about our family business! HEEHAW!! And like my customer Mike said to me a few months ago, “LOOK WHAT HAPPENED BECAUSE YOU WERE OBEDIENT TO GOD. YOU’RE WINNING, NIK.” May we all win with Him! Amen!

“Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.” – Proverbs 3:6

Even when He asks us to tackle hard things! We can do all things by His strength! Wink! Wink! He calls me to be the movie character Lucy, the superhuman, not allowing human emotions and frailties to get the best of me but being calm and strong. Amen!

WEROLLWITHGOD.COM

THERE IS NOTHING MORE IMPORTANT THAN LEARNING THE VOICE OF GOD

And that’s my crucial assignment from Him! To learn as much as I can about having a closer walk with Him so I can share all this essential knowledge with you! God is our Greatest Friend, but if you are not hearing His voice, you’re missing out on the best guidance to keep your life on the best path.

Like I can’t get over how He helped me make a significant decision recently. I felt those feelings of peace in my spirit from Him before making a phone call to a rep who would be assisting me. I first remembered that I needed to call to make an appointment with a doctor’s office. It went to the doctor’s answering service, and I had to press some numbers to leave a message. I ended up pushing “411” in that specific order. Right after hanging up, I went back to calling that rep, and his number unbelievably ended in “411.” I was blown away by God! For me to reach that doctor first and have to enter “411” to leave a message and then make that major decision and call that rep with his number ending in 411 was God’s way of giving me His OK to move forward confidently, knowing He was with me. I did, and so far everything has worked out better than I expected!

Another time I called to follow up with this rep, I asked him, “What’s the 411?’ having some fun with it. But yesterday, having to text him, we ended up chatting by text, and I was blown away when I noticed that my last message to him said OK, and it was unbelievably 4:11 pm! I sent him a picture, and we both felt God’s intimate Presence. I said God is on board with us! And that’s the voice of God I want you guys to learn! No way these were all coincidences!!! They were all orchestrated by God! Having His approval as I step out on a major limb with Him gives me the courage and confidence to live boldly with him as my Partner and Guide.

Then, last night, God blew me away again! I needed Ember’s assistance yesterday, and I ended up doing a video call with her telling her how pretty and happy she looks at her university in New York. I called her later, telling her that I’m so proud of our family. These past few years have been rough on her mom, but God stood with me and helped us get to this point where we are with her and her siblings, all making me and my husband so proud. After posting my blog to Tumblr, I randomly selected an old post to read for an appointment with Him, and look what incredibly showed up from two months ago:

“That’s the greatest news ever! That we don’t have to handle our lives alone. God is there! I’m amazed as I think back on the last dark two years of my life. God has been standing strong with me, even at my bottommost. I looked at my elder daughter, Ember, this week on a video call at her country club university in New York, looking so beautiful and happy, and I was like, ‘Wow, God, You made this happen for us!’ Even when my husband adamantly said, “Ember is not going to New York!!!’ we kept our eyes on the prize, looking to God for His strategy to get her there, staying on the high road with Him, and suddenly hubby gave his blessings for her to go. Nothing is impossible for God!”

Of all my posts, for this to show up after my exact conversations two times that day with Ember was all God saying, ‘Nik, I’m always with you!’ And He’s with you too! Just pray this prayer with me, ‘God, I want a closer walk with You!’ Then start pausing and seeking Him in every decision as He gives you the courage to take on big and complex things for Him too! Feelings of doubt, uneasiness, and stress mean He is saying, ‘Hold up, don’t do that!’ Whereas, feelings of peace, enthusiasm. and excitement are His way of saying that we’re headed in the right direction. So, pay attention to those feelings!!! Wink! Wink!

I’M FEELING SO CLOSE TO GOD

HEEHAW!!!! Like early this morning, I called my daughter, Ember, in New York, but she didn’t answer. I needed her help with something very urgent. When she called me back, I was sitting here in front of my computer trying to calm down over everything going on today. “You sound stressed out, mother,” she sweetly said. I gave her a quick update, and then she updated me that she had decided to take her covid booster shot later on that afternoon. Right after she said that, God immediately drew my attention to the picture in front of me. I asked Ember to do a video call so she could see it, too. It was a pic of me, her, and Julie from last year August with a caption saying: I GOT MY COVID-19 VACCINE. (Wink! Wink!)

For Ember to return my call at that exact moment with her mom having that difficult time seated directly in front of that photo was all orchestrated perfectly by God to reveal His invisible Presence with my family and me. It was too perfect to be some ordinary coincidence! And just like that, He melted away all my fears, anxieties, and stresses of the moment, reminding me that He is intimately involved in every moment of my life as if saying, ‘Nik, RELAX, I’m familiar with all your ways, and I am always with you!!!’

And knowing He is intimately involved in every moment gives me the courage to boldly take on my life. Your girl has lots going on, but I know I handle none of it alone. God is with me every step of the way! Today, I’m home with my son, Emmie, who has felt sick for the past few days. My future lawyer son had grilled me intensely at dinner this week when I told them to do everything pleasing to God. I explained to them that this mindset of pleasing God in every moment had led my life on a beautiful path. That God’s favor, love, blessings, help, support, and goodness follow me wherever I go because I try to make pleasing Him my ultimate goal. I said look at us here altogether, happy and healthy; it’s a huge blessing from God. I then ask God what I can do for Him for all He does for me.

We had a little fun, family argument about it. Someone thought making decisions that pleased themselves was the way to a great life, but I explained that my decision to live a life pleasing to God has been the best. After Emmie drilled me about it so intensely, he got sick. I used this to explain to him that good health is also a blessing from God. Emmie is hardly sick, and I was reminded of the doctor’s office telling us that we weren’t there for the last five years. They initially accused me of being a terrible mom, but I explained how great of a mom I am – my kids hardly get sick! But ultimately pointing to God for blessing me with healthy kids and the wisdom to take care of them. Right after explaining that to Emmie, look what showed up in my appointment with God:

“I CREATED YOU TO GLORIFY ME. Make this precept your focal point as you find your way through this day…When you need to make decisions, consider what would glorify me and bring me pleasure. This can help you choose wisely and stay more aware of My Presence…ask me to guide your mind as you think things out. I know everything about you and your situation. The better you know Me, the more effectively I can guide your choices; so endeavor to enhance your knowledge of Me. My word is a lamp to your feet and a light for your path.” – Jesus Always by Sarah Young

I just asked Emmie what will he ask God now before he makes decisions, and he wisely responded, “God, does this please You?’ HEEHAW!!!

“WHAT GRADE WOULD YOU GIVE ME AS YOUR WIFE?”

That’s me to my husband waking up to our 20th wedding anniversary! He surprisingly replied, “100%.” “As much as he criticizes me, I expected a 30%! LOL! I gave him a 99.9%. I think God agrees with me because as I type this, He just took my attention to a shirt with a tag still attached to it with a cost of $9.99 (Wink! Wink!). God is pretty talkative! This shirt was a gift from my son, Emmie, filled with roses to remind me of all the beauty in my life and that I must focus on the roses and not the thorns (the negatives!). As I got to my God tree today, I smiled with God and said, ‘We did it! 20 years!!!’ I tell everyone my joke that it is my husband who has brought me closer to God. When he upsets me, I go running to God, ‘God, what is this?!? Help me!!!’

And God has made me realize that I have the best husband. Julie was out with him the other day, and she came back saying, “Daddy works hard for us.” God is constantly reminding me of this verse:

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8

So, I just have to keep reminding myself of all the beautiful attributes of my hubs that I love, and when the less than fantastic show their ugly faces, I just have to wipe them off against all his good! God is forever reminding me, ‘Ain’t nothing perfect, girl!

God tells me that it’s me who has to change when I go running to Him. After hubby went all crazy with His criticisms the other day, there were many lessons for me to learn to improve myself. Like under the tree today, God had this to say to me after hubby’s brutal feedback:

“I AM PLEASED WITH YOU, MY CHILD…You don’t have to perform well in order to receive My love (Wink! Wink!).

And that’s where my focus should be, looking to God for His love, acceptance, and approval. I proudly told my hubs and kids that God sees everything I do, and He loves me! I’m God’s girl, baby! I can still look to hubs for ways I can improve, but not being blown to and fro based on his mood of the moment. This morning I got 100%, but you can ask him now, which could be 40%. Humans are fickle! I had to learn that my love and security rest in God. That’s the foundation for every decision I make. I can walk with my head high every day, knowing His love for me is unfailing and unconditional. God’s love and loyalty make me want to return that love and dedication to Him by being the best wife, mom, and person possible, all for His glory! I love this message from an old post:

“God is love, and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” – 1 John 4:16

Which is sometimes the hardest part, let me tell ya. That’s when the real badness comes out when we can let go of the hurts, disappointments, distresses, failures, mistakes, and pain and be heroic, staying on the high road, loving, forgiving, non-judgmental, gentle, faithful, and humble people God asks us to be. Not conforming to the world or what anyone else expects of us but simply keeping our lives intertwined with God, constantly asking Him, “What would You have me to do here?” OBEY GOD AND LEAVE THE CONSEQUENCES WITH HIM!!!

“Don’t lose your grip on Love and Loyalty. Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart. Earn a reputation for living well in God’s eyes and the eyes of the people. 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.” – Proverbs 3:3-6

Love you, my boo, no regrets! I’m sticking with you and God!!!

“GRATEFUL I HAD ALL THE PATIENCE”

That was my God wink driving to work today through the song Dangerous by Meek Mill. It first showed up under my God tree reading an old post, and when I heard it play through that song, I knew right away that this was a message from God to us all today. This pic of my husband and Julie spending the day together yesterday, and I immediately sent it to my brother, Kevin, thanking him for teaching me this valuable lesson of patience. I even sent him pics of what my meditation book wrote about patience:

“LOVE IS PATIENT. In the apostle Paul’s long list of characteristics of Christian love, the very first one is “patience.” This is the ability to endure adversity calmly-not becoming upset when waiting a long time or dealing with difficult people or problems… I want My followers to lace their love for one another with plenty of patience. This virtue is the fourth trait listed in the fruit of the Spirit. Therefore, My Spirt can equip you to succeed in this challenging endeavor. Remember that I love you with perfect, unfailing love. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you care for others with my bountiful, patient love.”

I had to reload our restrooms at work with my favorite‘ Soft and Strong’ tissue. This is where God wants us, constantly recalibrating on what attribute is needed at every moment:

Like being away from my husband and taking charge of our business here, your girl is learning to be strong, brave, courageous, bold, unflinching, tough, determined, and fearless.

Then sometimes God wants me soft:

“But the Spirit produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. There is no law that says these things are wrong.” – Galatians 5:22-23

So all day, we have to keep asking God where He wants us by listening to Him in our spirit and having appointments with Him. I promise you guys that the best life is close to God, listening to His nudges and cues on a moment-by-moment basis and what He would have us do. This pic is proof! My husband had such a great time hanging with Julie yesterday that he asked if she was available again today. I’m grateful I had all the patience, Kevin!!! Forever thanking you for being my guard rails and keeping my life on the right path. (HUGE SMILE)

“WHERE DID YOU FIND THAT PICTURE?”

That was me to my messenger from God/brother, Kevin (that’s him in the pic today!) while out for my morning run. I had called him yesterday morning to help me wrap my mind around some stupid stuff I feel God has asked me to handle. He was busy, but he later sent me this post:

“Learning how to be calm when you’re disrespected is a superpower.” – Unknown author

That was no doubt a God wink!!! The way Chris Rock kept calm when Will Smith slapped him at the Oscars is exactly where God is calling your girl to be right now, on the highest road possible, being His superheroic wife, mother, and person, all for His glory. He is doing so much for my family and me that I say, ‘Anything to please You, let me learn!’

Like this morning, I had given Joshie a tied mask to take to school, but he left it at home and begged me to come inside with him to tie another one. For this kind and sweet son, I said, “No problem!” I dropped them off, and then I went back around to park and walked inside to tie another mask for him. Can you believe that all lined me up perfectly to be at the traffic light again next to the 211 bus I wrote about recently:

“I asked her (Julie) because of how the number 211 has been showing up for us since she saw it at her dream university in New York. I take a picture and send it to her whenever I see it. Even that morning, I stopped at a traffic light directly next to a school bus with this 211, and I sent it to Julie. She got accepted to this university, but we’re waiting for their scholarship offer. We’re thinking this 211 always showing up is a sign from God saying this is the university He wants Julie to attend! May God’s will be done! Amen!”

I sent the pic to her again today, knowing this bus lining up again so perfectly with me was a special God wink to remind us that His Presence is always with us! Julie got the scholarship offer of $29,000 per year, and we do not doubt that this is the university where God wants her.

God’s love is too much!!! That’s why I called Kevin yesterday asking for help in being the person I knew God was calling me to be. I was honestly crying before calling him feeling so hurt. But after he sent me that pic, I jumped out of bed today like I was on a personal superhero mission from God. I was under the God tree dancing today, and look what showed up:

“You teach me patience,” the song also says! And that’s the HARD lesson. To focus on the good of others and allow God to work on the other parts that we’re not so thrilled about. God is patient with us, so we must be patient with others. SUPER TOUGH, but with God’s strength, WE CAN DO ALL THINGS! Let’s do it all for the glory of God, superhero style (Wink! Wink!)!

Not all superheroes wear capes! May we all be God’s superheroes shining bright for Him in this dark world, overcoming evil with good! Amen!

WEROLLWITHGOD.COM

“THANKS FOR BEING SUCH A BEAUTIFUL GUINEA PIG!”

That’s me to my daughter, Ember, recently. She is our first child, and I always tell her that God knew why He sent her to us first. She has set an extremely high bar for the other kids to follow with her excellent example. She confessed that this has put a lot of pressure on her to be that leader for them, but I’m forever telling her how grateful I am for her positive and fierce influence.

That’s why it’s my pleasure to strive to be God’s guinea pig, too. I feel He is teaching me some difficult lessons to then turn around and teach you guys how to tackle life from the all-important God factor. Like I’m enjoying hubby here with us in the US (most of the time!), but sometimes his harsh criticisms get the best of me. And that’s where my relationship with God comes in. I have this bracelet that Joshie gave me, and I wear it to constantly remind myself that in every moment, I’m looking to God for His love and approval, not hubby’s. God’s acceptance is steady and unconditional; hubby’s can go or down up based on his moods, emotions, stress level, and limited human perspective.

This past Saturday, my nephew and his wife popped in to pick up something, and my husband went overboard with the praise for my nephew’s wife but completely threw me under the bus finding so many faults with me. I joked with my nephew that his wife should never come back to our house again. But honestly, it was a reminder that I have to keep my focus on God. That He sees, loves, and approves of me. After 20 years of dealing with my husband’s critiques, this poem from Mother Teresa has been my essential guide in making the best decisions:

“Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.”

That means I will still show up as the most loving, loyal, patient, forgiving, and faithful wife, mother, and person possible because, in the final analysis, everything is between God and me, not between me and anyone else. Don’t look for or expect human praise! “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

But if I’m sincerely honest with you guys, my husband has been a gift to our family despite the harsh criticisms. We watched Kevin Hart’s show on Netflix together late last night. And seeing Kevin work so hard inspired me. I was reminded of how blessed I am to have such a great hubby who doesn’t play around with his role as husband and father, either. I sent a clip to hubs of Kevin saying this:

“I didn’t have this family when I was coming up; now I got one. Look what I did. Look what I built. These people depend on me. I provide for these people. This makes me happy.”

That’s my hubs! God has been opening my eyes to the gift he is to us despite our little dark times we may go through. Kevin helped me to figure out another place where I get it seriously wrong:

“We’re in a time right now where people expect perfection. Perfection doesn’t exist.”

I love the wedding vows Kevin’s wife, Eniko, said to him:

“I unconditionally acknowledge and accept all your faults and strengths, as you do mine.”

As God’s official guinea pig, my prayer is that you guys see hubs and I go through our ups and downs but that we never give up on each other. We unconditionally acknowledge and accept each other’s faults and strengths. It gets hard sometimes, but that’s where my bracelet from Joshie comes sweetly in again. God is my strength, help, wisdom, and support when I am weak. I can talk to Him anytime and get His Almighty perspective no matter the challenge that comes my way. Like today in a moment running to Him, He advised me to be grateful. God, I am!!! (HUGE SMILE)