Smiles from God

What do you need to keep before Jehovah until He answers you? What need is most pressing for you? In Luke 11, Jesus told His disciples that His Father was very willing to give the Holy Spirit to everyone who asked persistently.

The Holy Spirit is the second best Gift that God has offered His followers. Jesus Christ, our Saviour is the first. Have you received the Holy Spirit? Are you seeking God for this precious blessing?

If we seek the Lord with our whole heart, we will receive the blessing for which we seek. God is able, willing and ready to bestow all His promises on us. Are you ready to receive them? May God continually bless and make you a blessing.

Have you ever needed God’s help, and prayed earnestly, but nothing changed? In Matthew 15:21-28, we read a story of faith, determination, humility and desperation. A Canaanite woman came to Jesus to request He heal her demon-possessed daughter. First Jesus ignored her. So, instead of leaving Him alone, she goes and troubles His disciples. They then go to Jesus and beseech Him to have compassion on the lady and relieve her suffering. So Jesus tells her, that He came to help the Jews. In other words, I didn’t come to help you because you are not an Israelite. 

Again, instead of walking away, she humbled herself and worshipped Him. Help me! Then Jesus said to her, I can’t give the food of the children to the dogs. Could you imagine the level of humiliation? But this lady saw the love and compassion in the eyes of Jesus. He understood that the words were not a sentence. They were not Jesus’ final decision regarding her request. She saw that the One who spoke to her was no ordinary person. She knew that deliverance was finally come and she wasn’t leaving until she received her desire.

Instead of retaliating, she agreed with Jesus and requested the droppings from the children. Jesus commends her faith and gives her what she sought. Has Jesus gone silent on you? Does it seem as though He’s denying your requests? Do you feel humiliated and abandoned by your Lord and Saviour? Know that He is right by your side waiting to perfect your faith so that you can be an example to others.

Don’t give up on you, the situation, loved one nor on Jesus. Keep pressing because one day, if you do not faint, He will say, “Great is your faith.” May God bless and keep you as you trust in Him.

The Desire of Ages Chapter 43 ~ https://egwwritings.org/read?panels=p130.1931&index=0

Do you ever struggle to do just enough? Eat just enough? Shop just enough? My struggle is being in the garden and getting out on time. Sometimes I get lost there and four hours after I began, the work seemed to have doubled. 

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 KJV says, “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 

Here are some practical ways that you can become more and more temperate in all aspects of life.

1. Seek God daily for strength, wisdom and His presence. “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.” Mark 1:35 KJV
2. Set a time limit. When it is reached, stop. “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:” Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV
3. Break tasks down into manageable chunks and generously give away to others what you don't need to do. “And Moses' father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good. Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone. Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God: and thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do. Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: and let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee. If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.” Exodus 18:17-23 KJV
4. Say no. Not every work of God is yours to do. Know what God has called you to do and remain in His will. In 1 Chronicles 28, David wanted to build a house for the Lord, BUT, God said no. Though it was a good work and a noble honour, he had to obey the voice of God and let go of the idea. 
5. Know what God expects of you. Diligently study His Word. Psalm 119:11
6. Take/do what is necessary. Especially when it comes to eating, drinking, shopping, collecting stuff.
7. Prayer-pause. Have an automatic pause - a built-in delay. Take a few moments to pray in your heart to God before you speak, make a decision or act. Ask for His help to make the right choice. “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Matthew 21:22 KJV
8. Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Believe that self-mastery/self-control is possible for you through Christ’s power working in you. Also, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James 1:5-8 KJV

May the Lord bless you as you endeavour to obey His voice and do His will everyday.

Are you getting enough sunlight? It can do wonders for the mind, body and spirit. Here are five of those benefits.

1. It boosts our immune system. Sunlight helps T cells to produce hydrogen peroxide which causes the cells to move. The faster they move the quicker they will get to the site of an infection in the body.
2. Improves mood. When sunlight enters the retina, messages along the neural pathway causes serotonin to be produced and released. Serotonin balances the mood, improves focus, alertness and cheerfulness.
3. Resets our circadian rhythm. This is the body’s clock that regulates sleep our sleep cycle. When our eyes absorb the sunlight in the morning, our brains stop producing melatonin signalling that it’s time to wake up. If you are travelling to a different time zone, stepping into the sun the first morning after you return will help to get your body to sync with the zone that you’re in.
4. Helps us sleep better. Being outside in the sun advances sleep timing which helps us to sleep longer. Exposure to sunlight also increases evening fatigue which contributes to earlier sleep. When the sun sets, our bodies begin to prepare for rest and two hours later, melatonin begins releasing so that we can sleep.
5. It helps with Vitamin D production. Vitamin D helps the body to regulate serum calcium and phosphorous which in turn support metabolic functions, neuromuscular transmission and bone mineralization. Excess Vitamin D is stored in the body. So if you store up during the summer, you will have some that your body can use during the winter days when there isn’t any sun.

Try to get twenty to thirty minutes of the morning sun just as you wake up. This will, among many other things, help to reset your internal clock and give you some much needed serotonin to begin the day. Enjoy the sun and celebrate this beautiful gift that God has given us.

Articles used for this episode: 

Benefits of Sunlight: A Bright Spot for Human Health - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2290997/

Effects of light on human circadian rhythms, sleep and mood - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6751071/ 

Previous episodes in this series:

Are You Drinking Water the Right Way? https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/KuIFeRnxS5b

Simple Options to Keep Physically Active https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/rN6cXRnxS5b 

Eight Simple Tips for Better Nutrition https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/ESlFASnxS5b 

Approximately 50%-80% of our body is made up of water. Are you drinking enough? Are you drinking the right kind of water? You may have heard that eight glasses of water is necessary for you to remain hydrated throughout the day. But, did you know that you could drink enough water and still be dehydrated? If the water isn’t entering our cells, means that our cells will be dehydrated.

There are many different kinds of water, spring, distilled, reverse osmosis, filtered, sparkling and so forth. Some people also classify sports drinks, coffee and sodas as having the same hydration benefits of water. But, did you know that drinking caffeinated drinks can increase dehydration? 

In this episode, I share what I have learned about the importance of drinking the right amount and type of water - the one with the right mineral balance. Since all of us are unique, I suggest you do some research around the topic to find out more about what water and minerals would suit your individual needs. 

Below are: 

  1. Some of the articles that I used for this episode.

1. Two videos that can help with your learning.  
2. A bottle that you can use 
3. Two videos that can help with further education

Happy learning, stay hydrated and may God bless you.

Water – A Vital Nutrient - https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/water-a-vital-nutrient

Health Promotion - Facts on fluids: How to stay hydrated - https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/corporate/news/regional-news/western-sentinel/2021/08/facts-on-fluids-how-to-stay-hydrated.html

Purified Water vs. Spring Water: Which Is Better? - https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/spring-water-vs-purified-water

The Role of Low Mineral Water Consumption in Reducing the Mineral Density of Bones and Teeth: A Narrative Review - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10732328/ 

Water Bottle - https://amzn.to/4qjGLSG 

Drinking Water is NOT The Best Way to Stay Hydrated - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAhvCuJNu3I&t=102s

Salt and Water - https://youtu.be/cBuK73K7t_0?si=bU2OiYr2VFdL2S3M 

Being physically fit is necessary for staying healthy and remaining disease free. Sometimes we find it hard to fit physical activity into our very busy schedules. Sometimes we are too busy or tired; exercising may be boring or too much work and so you just don’t do it.

What if you saw it as a valuable and doable part of your life as opposed to another task to complete. What if you looked at it as a part of your daily routine and used it as a way to come closer to God or your family? You can go for a walk, jog, run or hike. You can join a swim class or club. This is a great way to also improve your social life. 

Gardening and projects around the yard and home are also considered exercise. In fact they are called exercise with a purpose. This is a great option as all of them are, but this specifically helps you physically and resolves the necessary work around the yard and garden.

Whatever you choose, enjoy it and keep moving forward. God can help you to do and be your best. With His help, you can do anything.

Articles referenced in this episode:

Gardening and yard work: Exercise with a purpose https://www.health.harvard.edu/exercise-and-fitness/gardening-and-yard-work-exercise-with-a-purpose

The Top 10 Benefits of Regular Exercise https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-benefits-of-exercise#skin-health

Why You Should Try Rebounding and How to Get Started https://www.healthline.com/health/exercise-fitness/rebounding

Trampoline, 40"/48" Adult Fitness Trampoline with Durable Bungees, Stable & Quiet Exercise Rebounder ~ https://amzn.to/4fWJqOP

As busy moms, we have a lot of people and systems depending on us. Often times when we are ill, these people and systems are impacted. There are simple steps that we can take to improve our nutrition. Implementing even one of these tips can make a big difference in your life. So, here they are:

1. Ask God to help you. Often times we have plans but can’t quite figure out how to implement and sustain those aspirations. Luke 11:9-12 tells us that God will give if we ask, reveal if we seek and open doors when we knock.
2. Know what your body needs to be healthy. Because our bodies continue to change as we age and have children, they need different nutrients, vitamins and minerals during these stages. Do some research to find out what you as an individual need and plan to include it in your diet.
3. Separate sweet fruits from savoury fruits and vegetables. Sweet foods digest at a quicker rate. When we combine our salad during dinner or lunch with a serving of fruits such as mangoes, pineapples, etc, those foods are digested leaving the others to ferment because they aren’t broken down properly. Having fruits during breakfast and vegetables during dinner or lunch can help.
4. Eat meals five hours apart. Our stomachs take four hours to digest the food we eat. It is advised that we give them a one hour rest period. This is why a five our gap between meals is suggested.
5. Eat by 6 p.m. or four hours before bed. This allows enough time for your food to digest and allow your stomach to rest while you sleep.
6. Separate eating and drinking. Drinking while eating stops the secretion of digestive juices and dilutes the hydrochloric acid in the stop. Both are important for proper digestion.
7. Eliminate refined sugar and caffeine. Sugar can cause inflammation which leads to disease and caffeine stimulates the nervous system, increases blood pressure and hear rate. Using healthy alternatives for both substances would foster better health.
8. If it’s bad, leave it in the store. Sometimes we want to test our will power by bringing unhealthy foods home. It’s easier not to eat what you don’t have than struggle not to eat the food that seems to be calling your name.

I know that you can become healthier by making the right choices. It’s not always easy, BUT if I can do it with God’s help, so can you. Let me know in the comments which tip you plan on implementing. 

Did you know that forgiveness benefits the one who forgives more than the one who receives forgiveness? Studies have shown that one’s physical, mental and emotional health improve after letting go of hurts endured. Unforgiveness also impacts our relationship with God. Mark 11:25 tells us that we need to forgive in order to receive God’s forgiveness. 

Though forgiving someone doesn’t mean that the pain automatically disappears, it is still necessary for our wellbeing. The pain may remain for sometime, but, praise God, when we choose to forgive, we let go of bitterness, anger, resentment and feelings of revenge. All of the foregoing are poisonous emotions that prevent us from experiencing the fullness of life that God wants for us. It slowly kills us and worsens us in every aspect of life.

What would happen if you decided to forgive everyone for any wrong you endure? How would your life be different? What if you could start anew and be the person God wants you to be? What would that life look like? Why wait any longer to find out? Let go of all that’s holding you back and start living with joy, peace and Jesus. Forgiveness is possible through Christ. Ask Him to help you.

With God, ALL things are possible. You may be experiencing a tough time right now. Maybe it’s been this way for a long time now. You are tired and weighed down by all that’s going on. Jesus is right by your side. By faith, can you see Him? Do you hear Him asking, “Do you want to be made whole?” What is your answer? 

Change doesn’t always come in the way or form that we hope or expect. I pray that God would give you discernment to recognize His voice and presence. May you receive the faith to believe that God is able and willing to help you. Above all, may you have a humble and obedient heart to do whatever He says.

Be encouraged. God sees, He knows and above all, He cares. May God bless you.

There are many times in life when we face situations that seem hopeless. In such situations, you may feel like giving up because all that you see is impossibility. But, in these situations God is calling you to trust Him, know and believe that He can do anything.

He cares deeply for you and has a plan for your life. In the Valley of Dry Bones of Ezekiel 37, things seemed hopeless, because the bones were very dry. Your situation may appear the same way. BUT, the Word of GOD changed the situation of Ezekiel 37.

The bones received sinew, flesh and skin. Then the Word of GOD caused life to enter them and they lived again, an "exceedingly great army." Ezekiel 37:10

The same Word of GOD can change your situation if you allow. Seek God's presence and direction and He will do new and mighty things in your life. Your story isn't over, so don't give up. GOD is still writing it🙏🏾