That was the comment my sister, Juanita, shared after watching my last YouTube video where I shared how God showed up for my son, Emmie. He was distraught over some harsh criticism that came his way yesterday, feeling EXTREMELY humiliated and hurt. I even had to beg him to eat with us! I tried telling him my line that if someone says 10,000 words against him, he should see where he can improve and ignore the rest. I told him how my daughter, Ember, said I have a reputation for being lazy and procrastinating and that I’ve improved. I’m grateful to her for her honesty!
Fast forward a few hours, God had something to say to him about this humiliating situation when we had an appointment with Him, and of all 366 posts in my book, Emmie picked this one to read:
_“Late one night, boarding a flight and walking towards my assigned seat, I started thinking about a situation and how embarrassed I was over it. I can never show my face again, I thought to myself (I can be so dramatic!). Just before sitting down, my hubby hands me my cell phone, which he had kept for the previous few hours and said that I should power it off. Can’t you do that? I wanted to ask, but instead, I took it from him and turned it off myself. Then I got a feeling to turn it back on and read a little from my meditation book, Jesus Calling. I opened right up to November 14’s devotional: “Those who look to him (God) are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. – Psalm 34:5” _
Thanks, God, for the perfectly tailored reminder at the perfect time. Head up, Nik, nobody’s perfect! God, our Heavenly Father, knows the worst of us but loves us unconditionally. His grace (complete and total forgiveness and acceptance) is freely given to us in every moment. We simply have to accept it, keeping our eyes fixed on Him. Nothing can separate us from His love! We are all on a path of growth and unfoldment so, therefore, we can hold our heads high knowing we all have our failures, struggles, shameful moments, weaknesses, and wounds. Whenever I’m not the person I strive to be, I’m learning to immediately accept God’s grace, pick myself up, dust myself off, and keep going, committed to doing better next time.”
I said to Emmie, “This is a message from God to you! See how much He loves you to have you read this of all the posts in my book! He doesn’t want you to let the opinion of anyone else make you feel embarrassed about yourself. We’re to look to God for His unconditional love and approval. Did this person remove one strand of hair from your head by making those remarks? If you can improve, improve, but never let anyone’s opinion of you make you feel down about yourself. We all have areas of weaknesses we can work on! Nobody’s perfect!”
Later on, I told him and Siah how their nerdy mom sent Tom Brady a message of how he has inspired me to change the way I eat, the way I exercise, and my entire mindset of being my best self in the world by taking care of myself as an athlete. I asked Emmie who inspires him and he replied, “You… because you inspire me to be close to God.” I told them that the best life is close to God, where we suck up His love, support, wisdom, and approval, rolling bravely and courageously with Him on the daily! Amen!
WEROLWITHGOD.COM
“EVERY DAY IS MOTHER’S DAY FOR ME!”
That was me to my superb daughter, Julie, a few minutes ago! She responded, “You say that about every holiday! Every day is Christmas. Every day is Valentine’s Day.” I told her that’s why I call it the sweet life with God, where I’m learning to suck up every moment and enjoy my life with Him. Like yesterday, she called, and I asked her where she was. She said, “Oh, I’m just out enjoying nature.” And honestly, I was just the happiest mom ever because my daughter is at a great place in her life, getting closer to God and maturing so beautifully! “You’re flourishing (“developing rapidly and successfully; thriving”), I said to her. She is my go-to person for peace and calmness. I still can’t get over her words recently:
“She said something like, “IT’S JUST ABOUT LIVING LIFE KNOWING YOU HAVE GOD’S PRESENCE CONTINUALLY WITH YOU PROTECTING YOU, GUIDING YOU, AND HELPING YOU. THAT YOU’RE NEVER ALONE.”
And that was my advice to my other fabulous daughter, Ember, when she asked for some advice yesterday. I pointed her to God. “He has the best plans for our lives, sweetie, and He knows the best choices you should make. Ask Him what He would have you to do here!” I told her how the Holy Spirit (God’s voice within us) directed me to marry her dad after only 5 months of knowing him, and that was almost 20 years ago. That same voice continues to guide us through good times and bad times no matter the troubles that come our way. Even through our darkest days, God lovingly and faithfully directs us to the other side, where we come through with even more love, respect, and commitment to each other.
On the other hand, I was engaged to someone else, and I ended doing the hardest thing ever – leaving him – because I felt doubtful and not at peace when I thought about our future together. He was such a great guy to me, and that’s what made the breakup so hard, but he just wasn’t the person I felt I was meant to spend the rest of my life with. I’ve now learned from God that doubt means don’t! And that enthusiasm I felt about my husband was God’s way of saying, ‘Yes, Nik! He is the one I planned out for you!’
So, in every decision, I want us to go to God because He truly knows what’s best. He sees what we don’t see, including the future. I’m telling you, the Holy Spirit is our best friend! So grateful that He joined in with my brother, Kevin, to tell me to be patient. I’m so grateful! Get to know God’s voice by getting Him involved in every circumstance, every relationship, and every decision! We don’t go wrong with God! Don’t forget your alone times with Him reading or listening to anything spiritual that you feel connects you to Him.
Happy Mother’s Day to the World’s Best Mom, my mother, Mabel! Next to God, she has wisely guided my life on a beautiful path with her advice and strong influence. I’m forever grateful, Mama!
To tell you about this remarkable friendship I’ve developed with God. That we all have UNLIMITED access to the Creator of the entire universe at every moment! His guidance has led my life on a gorgeous path where He EXCEEDS my expectations. I call it the sweet life with God!
So, every morning, I wake up to have an appointment with Him reading from our family’s website, werollwithgod.com. This morning I read about a conversation with a friend where I used the word SYNERGY. Minutes later, I go to have an appointment with God, and astonishingly, this very word “SYNERGY” shows up in my meditation book. And because I’ve gotten to know God so well, I knew this was all orchestrated by Him to give His girl here a tiny glimmer of His invisible Presence that is ALWAYS with us.
I’ve known this friend for over ten years now, and it’s a relationship that we’ve developed through spending time together. Not one moment has been wasted because her influence on my decisions has been extraordinary. She’s been this shining example of a person who has most importantly pointed me closer to God (The best kind of friends to have, by the way!). I’ve gotten to know her personality. I know her likes and her dislikes. And the same thing with God. I’ve developed a strong relationship with Him through having devoted alone times with Him and seeking Him continually throughout the day. I’ve learned His personality as well. But most vitally, I’ve learned His voice and HIS INFLUENCE on every decision I make is beyond human comprehension. You just have to experience it for yourself!
Incredibly, on a moment-by-moment basis, I can pick up on what He is saying to me. “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me,” is the Bible verse I run with. I’ve beautifully learned His voice, and I’VE WISELY LEARNED TO FOLLOW HIM! And I want everyone here with me, following THE BEST LEADER EVER: GOD.
Like yesterday, I was talking to one of my kids, and I importantly asked them, “What is God advising you to do?” I said how I’ve learned to listen to Him in my spirit, and feelings of doubt usually mean “don’t” from Him. If I think of going in a particular direction and I don’t feel peaceful about it, I know that’s God’s way of again saying, “Don’t do that!’ However, when I hash out doing something in my spirit with Him, and I feel peaceful, happy, and enthusiastic, then I know that’s His way of saying, “Yes, Nik, this is the way to go.” No peaceful feelings, no move! I stay put! Got all that?
In fact, I’m in a conversation with God all day. I constantly pray for His direction, clarity, and help to sort out any situation I’m facing. I continually receive His answers that are always coming to me through His whispers, nudges, cues, and thoughts that magically pop to mind as to what He would have us to do. This sheep KNOWS God’s voice!
He’s my Shepherd in this crazy world! My phone’s screensaver says, “Let me (God) be the meaning of your composure.” It’s my reminder that I can be calm, at peace, and joyful regardless of what is going on around me because God stands STRONG with me. He’s with you, too! Start making Him a priority and seeking Him first thing every morning, asking, “What do You have to say to me at this moment?” and continually throughout the day asking, “God, what would You have me to do here!’ I promise you, a life lived close to God is the best life! Don’t miss out! Our Shepherd always knows best, and He has great plans for our lives! Say this prayer with me, “God, I want a closer walk with You!’
Were the lyrics from Justin Bieber’s song ‘Take It Out on Me,’ that I totally took as a message from God recently after I spent a day upset. The very next day in my appointment with God, these lyrics sweetly showed up from Him:
“Sometimes I don’t mind you havin’ the worst day…
Let your frustrations out right here…
I’m your psychiatrist, let’s talk about it…
I see the weight weighin’ on your shoulders
It’s so heavy
Let me be the meaning of your composure”_
And honestly, I didn’t want to tell you guys I had another awful day, but when I thought about how God sweetly shows up for me in my “weak” moments, I can BOAST of my weaknesses, baby! MY GOD IS WITH ME!
When I sat down to talk to Him about all the things weighing your girl here down, this verse showed up in THREE separate places:
“When you go through deep waters,
I will be with you.” – Isaiah 43:2
I smiled with God, instantly reminded that as I do my best in the physical realm, He is fighting on my behalf in the spiritual realm. Wink! Wink!
Then it was a WhatsApp message that my husband forced me to read that got me all sad AGAIN. It was directly talking about the thorn in my side, and it even referred to it as a “thorn in the side!” I said to God, “NOT FUNNY!” This is an issue that I’ve begged God to take away from me, but yesterday God was my therapist, and we talked about this thorn. Between my meditation books, our family’s website, werollwithgod.com, and Tumblr.com, here’s what He had to say:
Firstly, He said that I should thank Him for any persistent problems in my life. I should go as far as being friends with them! Remembering that He can fit everything into a pattern for good. To be honest, this problem has been a friend because it has taken me closer to God than anything else. I go running to Him for His guidance, and He is always there for me, just like He was yesterday, to give me His perspective, and crucially reminding me that He is with me through all the struggles and challenges that come my way! That’s faith!
Then, God asked me to share the lessons that I’ve been learning from dealing with this issue with you guys, and there have been LOTS! Like this one from the WhatsApp message:
“My Personal Opinion
Value your ‘imperfect’ marriage (Like God tells me, ain’t nothing perfect, girl!)… Don’t compare your partner to celebrities who project a perfect marriage or relationship… Every marriage has a secret tiny ‘demon’ and many angels…. Focus on the angelic aspect and continue to pray against the tiny demon… The tiny demon is usually what Paul described as a Thorn in the flesh… It is usually hidden, tiny but present. But if you focus on the angels in the relationship, you will only use divorce to fool governments and systems.”
That’s exactly what I do in all my relationships, I focus on the angelic qualities of others and myself, and not the demons that are present in us all. Prayer and Patience go hand in hand!
Thanks, My Therapist (God)! You have led my life on a very beautiful path that I can even BOAST of my weaknesses!!!
WEROLLWITHGOD.COM
GOD PICKS US UP WHEN WE FALL
Like the other day, your girl here was in a meeting feeling EXTREMELY overwhelmed, stressed, and anxious about an upcoming deadline I’ve been working towards. IN THIS LIFE YOU WILL HAVE TROUBLE! Thank God, in the middle of the meeting, the people I was with needed to take a phone call, and I immediately took that opportunity to quickly have an appointment with Him. Told y’all, no shame in my game, when I need God, I go running to Him!
Whatever minutes it was past the hour was the page number our family’s website I went rushing to, and God had this sweetly to say to me in the post at the very top of that page:
“Wherever you are, there I am.” – He and I
Wow! Those few words instantaneously melted away all my anxieties as I was reminded that I’m not going through life alone, GOD IS ALWAYS WITH ME. He is my GREATEST FRIEND. Point. Blank. Period.
Right before that meeting, though, I had called both of my daughters in the US before they began their classes for the day, and I was so thrilled that they both were having their appointments with God. Woohoo! “Your momma needs some faith right now, please share with me what you’re reading,” I asked both of them. Ember’s was about making decisions that were pleasing to God. After my meeting, I thought to go and reread it because I felt like I had decided something that wasn’t pleasing to God. But I go there, and found a direct message from God to me after that stressful meeting:
“Follow the Leader
Many of us try to be in charge. We want to make our own decisions…But there’s a better way. When we trust in the Lord, He gets to be in charge. And he always makes the best choices. The apostle Paul was at peace because he knew God was directing his life. Even when he was locked in a Roman prison, he could write, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Philippians 4:12b). What’s the “secret” he learned? He depended on God’s strength. That’s called trust.
Paul had to learn to trust God. It didn’t come naturally to him. Once he did, he was content and peaceful. You too can learn to trust the Lord and allow him to guide you. The safest place to be is following God wherever he wants to take you.
Prayer: Lord, I want the amazing peace Paul had. Even when it is not easy to trust and depend on you alone, I know you are truly in control and will take care of me.” – A Purpose Driven Life Devotional For Kids by Rick Warren
And how did I know this was a direct message from God to me? Well, Ember is on a streak with Him reading this book, and when I went to reread the one she had earlier shared with me, our Nook electronic book reader took me where Ember had last left off. Earlier that day, I asked God what was the caption He wanted me to share on my blog’s picture, and I felt so strongly that He wanted me to caption it with one verse, Proverbs 3:6. And of all verses in the entire Bible, this was the very one that Rick Warren quoted at the beginning of this post I just shared with you:
“In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:6
And once again everything lined up too perfectly to be some ordinary coincidence, it was God reminding me that He is familiar with all our ways, that He is in control of everything and everyone, and most crucially, we can trust Him. Just how the Apostle Paul LEARNED to trust and depend on God, we can, too! Wink! Wink!
WEROLLWITHGOD.COM
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HEALTH MATTERS
DAY 126 OF 365 DAYS OF DISCIPLINE!
This is awful! I’m gaining weight! Staying home all day with so much food around, got me running there for comfort when I’m stressed out. But when I fall off the wagon, I’ve learned to get right back on! Need to go back to my intermittent fasting from noon to five and to cut back on the amount of food I enjoy every evening for dinner. Let’s keep being our best selves, all for the glory of God!
“LET FOOD BE THY MEDICINE AND MEDICINE THY FOOD”
“DON’T TRY TO SLOW ME DOWN!”
That’s me to the crazy lady in my head who tries to get me thinking the wrong things!!! But, my winning strategy is to run to God in these INSANE moments and ask Him, “What is your perspective on this situation?” No shame, I run to my meditation books or to our family’s website, werollwithgod.com, asking God for His help with whatever is bothering or upsetting your girl here.
Yesterday that meant me going to the first page of our website. I can’t get over God, but He addressed specifically what I was struggling with: I was letting a small thing turn into a huge thing in my head! Here’s what I read:
“I love how His (God’s) ways are not the world’s ways; they’re so much better! Once I put His perspective on everything, I’m good, but boy oh boy, without Him, I’m INSANE. Like I was teaching my daughter, Ember, something crucial about relationships. She was a little bit hurt and disappointed by her dad, and I said, “I want you to overwhelm him with love and appreciation. He has gone way beyond what any other father would have done for you! You can’t look at a small thing and get upset. Look at the big picture!”
As I spoke to her, I was talking to myself! God has changed my thinking from looking at my husband’s faults and failings to one of, ‘Wow! I’m so blessed to have this awesome man as my husband.””
LET ME TELL YA, THE GOD PERSPECTIVE CHANGES EVERYTHING! The crazy lady went away, and I was back FOCUSED ON THE BIG PICTURE, being the wife who is grateful for this husband who goes the extra mile for our family! God, thank You for the reality check!
God has truly been the beautiful guard rails of my life! He keeps me on the best path. That’s why it is such an honor to share with you guys the beautiful lessons that He is teaching me AND TO REMIND YOU THAT A LIFE LIVED CLOSE TO GOD IS THE BEST ONE. I still have my challenges and dilemmas just like everyone else, but when I put a God perspective that He is not only with me in every moment, He is ahead of me fighting battles on my behalf, tweaking situations so that they are not too much for me to bear, helping me with His wisdom and guidance and even sending people I need to assist me. (HUGE SMILE)
Don’t miss out! Start seeking Him in every move you make, asking what he would have you to do! Don’t forget to have your alone times with Him where you learn His crucial voice and the person He is calling you to be in the world!
