Habits That Improve My Life

What daily habit do you do that improves your quality of life?

The habit the improve the quality of my life is reading God’s Word and praying everyday. I do this because it gives new outlook in my life.

The Bible provides universal themes on how to deal with, stress, worry, fear, love and hope. It helps me refocus my attention onto the important things in life.

I tend to make better choices when I focus on God instead of myself it helps me maintain a healthy life giving soul.

Praying not only allows me to have fellowship with God but my mind my soul, ad my heart are transformed. Focusing on God allows Him to guide through every day and helps live in ways to bring glory to Him.

How To Become A Good Leader

There are five qualities to becoming a good leader. They include,

  • Being A Decision Maker
  • Being A Good Communicator
  • Being Able To Set An Example
  • Being Able To Motivate Others
  • Call Attention To Success

If you’re considering, I’m addition in leader ship, whether employment or volunteer, he has a five qualities of a good leader. Anyone wishes to have long-term success need born leaders at the top of the organization. But what makes an affective leader? The qualities listed above are important characteristics that you need to lead any team.

Being A Decision Maker.

As in affective leader, you will have to make quality, tough decisions during your day. Be quick on your feet, with the ability to make decisions during stressful times this makes or breaks someone a good decision maker, who stands behind her actions without hesitation, makes a great leader. Having critical leadership qualities will earn your trust and respect of those who depend on you to lead them efficiently.

Being A Good Communicator

A good leader has to be able to set clear expectations, and provide effective communication. Great leaders, not only give directions, but they also use active listening and communicating with their team. Effective leaders get their opinion on valuable ideas that can improve every organization. Without clear communication skills, this environment can quickly become unproductive and disorganized.

Good leaders inspire their team with their words. They take a genuine interest in people they work with, and the work they do finding ways to inspire the workforce and get people excited to work is a great value, these leadership qualities, resultant employees who feel valued and appreciated, and are more productive.

Effective leaders have a higher expectations, and they follow through if they aren’t being met. You are keen to receive honest feedback, and constructive criticism, which can more likely improve their performance.

Being Able To Set An Example

A good leader shouldn’t expect their team to perform tasks that they wouldn’t do. The actions I am leaders set a lot of what the employees will do daily. it becomes difficult to enforce Akeem you come to work probably if the person in charge is late and shelves. Good leader, ship shapes a company’s values and goals. Without a person, setting the right example, having a positive team in the workplace could be challenging to attain. The best companies in the world how to leaders that people around in them can trust,.

Being confident without coming off as cocky. If you were back confidence in your leadership role employees will lose their faith. i’m sure you wouldn’t follow someone who seemed unsure, so you can’t expect others to follow you if you come across as insecure. Learning your job and passing along your knowledge and experience to others, will go a long way.

Talk to everyone. Good role models don’t spend all the time in their office, they talk to their employees at all levels of the company. Listen and learn from your team members and supervisors.

Be able to admit your mistakes. We all make mistakes and it’s important to own up to them if you make a mistake own it, and do what you can to make it right. Your own self awareness without will help you build rapport with others and gain respect from your superiors. Show others that you were able to step up to the flight and be accountable work on your own self development.

Being Able To Motivate Others

Picking up on positive vibes from others isn’t difficult to do. When you enter a room, people self-confidence is to magnetize to others. If you have a positive outlook and inspire others through your words, your actions it will spread throughout the company.

True leaders have a passion for expecting others around them to deliver the best results. On the other hand, they also have a knack for getting employees to perform better. It’s imperative to have the ability to interact with others to pinpoint precisely how we can achieve their organization goals.

Call Attention To Success

It’s critical for a good leader, so I rate the success of others. Individuals who are working or are you want to know if they are doing a good job. A successful leader that provides consistent positive reinforcement is beneficial for everyone. Get to know your employee strengths and weaknesses. Let others know that they are making a positive impact and play a critical role in the success of the entire team.

Strong leaders delegate effectively. Give your employees opportunity to show off their strength and develop their skills delegating and also builds trust between employees and promotes active self engagement.

Being able to have a growth mindset and allows employees to seek a better version of themselves goes a long way in them bettering themselves. The development of an effective leadership program grows good employees into great leaders.

Being a great leader can impact a group of people positively, but they should always try to improve themselves consistently. You can’t expect the best to be accomplished without trying to be the best yourself.

Retrain Your Brain: Change Negative Thoughts

Does the lens through through which you view the world lay the groundwork for an optimistic or pessimistic attitude? Thinking patterns can be habitual, but with a little awareness and some time you can learn to replace negative thoughts with more positive thoughts.

This is how I changed the thought patterns and changed my life.

The nature vs nurture separation has been debated for 100s of years, but many believe they are intertwined. In other words, we are influenced by our genetic makeup as well as our environment surroundings.

But there is good news. We do have a say over which thoughts we pay attention to. It may not feel like it, because of our habitual patterns. But with some awareness and some time it’s possible to replace our negative thoughts with more positive ones.

As you can imagine negative thinking patterns can create unnecessary stress and anxiety which can lead to way to a dreary outlook on life.

Many have cognitive distortions in our thinking such as:

  • All-or-Nothing Thinking

Thinking in terms of black or white, or in extremes. We either act in a way that we label as perfect or as a failure “I can’t believe I ate so much. I’ve completely failed my diet.“

  • Overgeneralization

Inaccurately concluding that one unpleasant experience will lead to a negative future filled with more of them. “I really thought I had that job. Now I’ll never get a good job.”

  • Magnification

Exaggerating negative details of an event or overemphasizing your own imperfections and fears, making things into a much bigger deal than they actually are. “I fumbled over my words in front of all those people. They must think I’m a complete idiot.”

  • Emotional Reasoning

Believing that how you feel accurately represents the truth of your reality. “I feel so anxious and stressed out lately, which means my problems are worse than I think.”

  • Should Statements

Using should statements to motivate behavior when they ultimately leave you feeling frustrated. “I should work out after eating all that food.” “I should start eating healthier.”

There are two common thinking patterns we generally have. They are:

  • Negative Rumination

Continuously focusing on negative outcomes, leading to feelings of feeling stuck, anxious, or depressed.

  • Overthinking

Trying to think of a plan for every possible outcome, essentially attempting to control that which is out of our control, and effort to avoid pain or failure.

So, how do you get you out of these negative thinking patterns and replace them with more positive thoughts? Here are a few strategies.

1. Practice Mindfulness

In order to have more positive thinking patterns, we must first become more aware of our current ways of thinking. By practicing mindfulness, we can acknowledge and identify thinking patterns that have become habitual. And decide whether or not to engage them. Mindfulness creates distance between yourself and your thoughts, which allows you to view yourself as separate from them.

If we incorporate mindfulness into our day, sitting for a few minutes and gradually increase it with practice we will be able to redirect our focus.

2. Address Your Inner Critic

Our inner critic loves, convincing us, that they simply aren’t true, often making us feel pretty lousy about ourselves. Think of this voice was a separate part of you. Challenge the lies it tries to feed you. Ask yourself; Is that really true? Where is the evidence to back that up?

Another way is to thank your inner voice for its input but then tell it No. Then choose not to engage in those negative thoughts.

3. Know Your Triggers

Certain people, situation, or circumstances may set into motion more negative thoughts. So it’s important to be aware of them. Encounters with certain people or making certain decisions may cause you to become overly critical of yourself or to question your self-worth. When you become aware of your triggers, you can prepare yourself and feel more in control of your thoughts instead of falling back into old negative thinking patterns.

4. Write It Out

You all know I’m a big fan of writing every thing down, especially your feelings. Putting feelings down on paper is a great way to unload your thoughts but to learn more about them. (you can alway throw the paper away after). Often we aren’t aware of how negative our thoughts are. Negative thinking patterns become more negative over time without us even noticing. But, by writing them down, we can more easily identify the areas that require our attention. We can interrogate them once they are written on paper to see if they are accurate or have any bearing. If they are not, let them go or replace them with more positive thinking.

5. Recite Positive Affirmations

Reciting positive affirmations is a great way to pull yourself out under the negative thoughts and into the present moment. You can do this y just thinking of them or saying them out loud to yourself. These can be recites when you feel negativity creeping in or throughout the day I order to get into the habit of focusing on them.

I use the biblical ones like these:

Or you can use these:

6. Change Your Surroundings

Sometimes our thoughts and seems so loud, but the best thing we can do is change our physical surroundings. Take a walk in nature, talk to a friend. The point is to engage in something other that the negative cycle so you can come back to the negative pattern when you’re mind is clearer.

Choose an activity or a location that you will find enjoyable and you know we’ll leave you feeling better. If you need company, be sure to surround yourself with people who will encourage your positive thinking, but stay away from people who trigger you.

Negative thinking patterns, particularly when they become habitual, can be hard to break. Patterns that have been in place for years. Won’t be undone overnight so it’s essential to be compassionate and patient with yourself as you work through them.

Internet Search

What was the last thing you searched for online? Why were you looking for it?

I searched for freezer meal recipes. So, I could put some together and them ready on busy days. I could just put them in the slow cooker and have dinner done when my husband gets home from work.

They are also great if you want to help out a friend that’s had surgery or is sick by supplying a meal for them. Especially with winter coming there a great go to meal.

The Armor Of God

There is no denying that the judgement of God is coming to all the earth. Some people believe His judgement is already starting. While this my be true it will just continue to get worse until the end of days.

There’s a old Chinese Proverb that reads “It’s better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war.” I believe it’s always better to be prepared for what’s coming.

Jesus defeated every enemy when He died on the cross and conquered the grave three days later. It is from confidence in His victory that we can put on the full armor of God and stand firm in our daily battles.

God has called His people to become an army for Him. The Armor of God is our uniform He calls us to wear. We can learn about this Armor in Ephesians 6:10-18,

“Finally, be strong in the Lord in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feel fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God. And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

Here are some practical ways to us the Armor of God, piece by piece, that I have learned to use them.

The Belt Of Truth

A soldier is only ready for battle when they are girded with their belt. A Roman soldier’s belt was made of metal and thick leather and was a carrying in place for sword. It had a protective piece that hung down in the front. His belt held all the other pieces of his armor together. To be fitted with his belt, meant he was ready to face action.

Truth is the belt that holds the believer’s armor as well. Ultimate truth can be found in God’s Word and in the person of Jesus (John 14:6). We must know this truth in order to protect ourselves against our flesh, the world, and the father of lies (Satan). Truth grounds us and reminds us of our identity in Christ.

How to use the Belt of Truth:

Start your day In God’s Word. How we start our day is vital to winning the daily battles that we will inevitably face. Before anyone else wakes up, set aside at least 10 minutes to begin your day in God’s Word. It important that we are able to immerse ourselves in scripture without distraction.

End Your day in the Word.

Find a quiet place before you lay down, dedicate 20 minutes to studying the Word.

Memorize Scripture based on what you are struggling with.

The Bible is a guide book for life, which was written by the Creator. No matter what your struggling with, there is a scripture to point you in the right direction. You can do a google search for “Bible verses on. to find a verse that speaks directly to your heart. Then memorize it and speak it aloud whenever Satan attacks you.

The Breastplate Of Righteousness

A Roman soldier was always equipped with a breastplate. This piece of armor protected his vital organs in the midst of the battle – when he wasn’t quick enough to put up his shield. The breastplate was for the quick unexpected advances of the enemy.

As believers, we have no righteousness apart from that which has been given to us by Christ. Our breastplate is His righteousness. His righteousness will never fail. Though we have no righteousness of our own, we Have His power, when we choose to do right. Living a right life, being rooted in God’s Word is powerful protected with our heart, killing our flesh, and defeating the enemy.

How to use the Breastplate of Righteousness

Identity righteous activities in your life that strengthen you.

This may be as simple as having an occasional conversation with someone less fortunate as you and getting to know their name.

Identity unrighteousness activates in your life that weaken you.

For each of us, this is going to be unique. I found that I was constantly watching movies that didn’t line up with my values. I’m a sucker for a good horror film. But by intentionally exposing myself to immoral behavior, I was allowing Satan to weaken my walls that Christ had put around me.

Sandals With The Gospel Of Peace

Romans soldier’s feet were fitted with sandals called caligae. These sandals were made to help protect the soldier’s feet during their long marches into battle. They had extremely thick soles and were wrapped perfectly around their ankles in a way that protected them against blistering. Caligae also had spikes on the bottom to help them stand firm as they traveled. This helped them have a firm foundation.

Believers have to have a firm foundation in the Gospel. As believers we have peace in knowing we are secure in what Jesus has done for us.

How to use the Gospel of Peace

Remind yourself of the Hope you have in Jesus. Because of His sacrifice and your belief in Him, you will not perish but have eternal life. Do not wait until the hardship to remind yourself of this. Build your foundation on a daily reminder of this Hope, and you will be able to get through anything.

Share your testimony with others

The easiest and most effective way to share the Gospel with others is to tell your story of how Jesus has changed your life.

Live by example

The way you walk through life will be seen by many. When you carry yourself with the fruit of the spirit, people will stop and notice.

The Shield Of Faith

The Roman soldier’s shield was a complex piece of armor. The shield was called a scutum, and it was the soldier’s primary defensive weapon. It was made of impenetrable wood, leather, canvas and metal and it coupe doused with water to extinguish the fiery arrows of the enemy.

Faith is the shield of the believer. Trusting in God’s power and protection is imperative in remaining steadfast. When the battle rages, we must remember that God works all things for good. He is always true to His promises.

How to use the Shield of Faith

Take time to remember the promises of God.

When fiery darts try to impact your heart, extinguish them with reminders of God’s goodness over your circumstances.

Here are some promises:

  • He will never forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6).
  • He will meet all your needs (Philippians 4:19).
  • Call on Him and He will answer (Psalm 3:5-6

A soldier’s shield was the strongest when linked with one another.

Band together with other believers in the fight of faith. The best way to band together is through the closeness of a small group. This is actually how the church began in the first century and this is where the strongest bonds are made today. Finding a small group of believers and starting having a prayer meeting on a week is also very beneficial.

Recount God’s past victories in your life,

In the movie The War Room, Miss Clara had a framed plaque on her wall will all of her answered prayers. Make a list of all the ways God has come through for you in the past. Whenever your faith waivers, recite this list and remember in detail how God made a way.

The Helmet of Salvation

The soldier’s head is one of his most vulnerable areas. Without his helmet, one blow to the head would prove fatal. His helmet covered his entire head, facial area, and between the eyes. His armor would prove useless if he wasn’t equipped with his helmet.

The believer’s helmet of salvation is the most crucial piece of armor for the Christian. Without the indwelling Holy Spirit that enters a believer at the moment of salvation, all the other armor is useless. Salvation empowers believers to fight. It protects us in our weaknesses. Without salvation, there is no victory.

How to use the Helmet of Salvation.

Stand on the conviction of your salvation.

When you know without a doubt that you are going to heaven because of what Jesus did on the cross, not even death can defeat you. We will all face extremely dark times. In these times, our salvation will light the way and carry us home.

The Sword of the Spirit

All other pieces of the soldier’s arsenal are defensive weapons, but not his sword. The sword, a gladius, was a deadly weapon. In the hands of a skilled warrior, he could pierce through even the strongest armor.

Our word is the Word of God, both the written and the incarnate Word. Every other piece of armor protects us against attacks. With God’s Word, we are able to fight and defeat all enemies. Jesus used scripture to defeat Satan when He was tempted in the desert. And we must do the same to defeat

How to use the Sword of the Spirit

Arm yourself

Be intentional about reading scripture. Find time to dedicate to readying and studying the Word of God when you are free from distractions.

When attacked fight back with the Word of God.

When Satan attacked Jesus in the desert he told him, “No.. for it is written …” We should use Jesus’s example when Satan tries to come after us

When you feel beaten down, immerse yourself in the Bible.

Even those with great faith are going to have days when they feel like they are barely hanging on. On these days, ten minutes of your time in the Word of God isn’t enough.

Prayer

In prayer, we show our reliance upon God to act and move. Our entire armor is rooted in God’s strength. Without His presence, we are powerless in the fight. We must fight on our key. The One who has won the war is with us in the battles. We will see victory when we fight in His power.

How to use Prayer

Pray when your eyes open every morning. Before you do anything else, go straight into prayer. I start everyday asking God for wisdom to make good decisions, and the discipline to stay true to His word, and the vision to hear His voice for direction.

Pray impulsively throughout the day. Sometimes we can get caught up in saying the same prayer over and over again this can be religious and God doesn’t want us to be religious. You can break through the repetition by impulsively praying throughout the day. Praying for people you encounter. Pray for the wonders and beauty of God’s creation.

Have a conversation with God before you go to sleep. There is something very powerful about speaking to the King of Kings. God is omnipresent and available to talk to Him about whatever is on your mind.

Although the war has been won, the daily batt must be fought. Thankfully, we know with every fight we face, that we have the armor and weapons to he,o us defeat the enemy.

Television

What TV shows did you watch as a kid?

I never watched television as a child. The television was for my parents only. I remember my mother watching television. But I usually was in my bed room, trying to stay away from her.

My go to was music that’s how I escaped reality of the hell I was living in. I do remember wanting to watch “The Ten Commandments” every Easter.

During the rest of the year I found other things to usually outside. I remember walking around my small town, and talking to anyone that would talk to me.

A Broken World

It’s often through the quality of our listening and not the wisdom of our words that we are able to effect the most profound in the people around us. When we listen, we offer attention and the opportunities for wholeness.

Loss, grief, disappointment, fear, alienation, hatred, and insecurity that bring the spirit of discrimination and violence that tear painfully and tragically at the very fabric of society. Not one of us escape the wrenching blows that are part of human life.

In today’s world, humanity cried out in its distress, and it’s diseased comfort for answers and exclamations of hope.

In the United States, we are experiencing one of the most unsettling seasons in at least this generation. And this season isn’t over yet. Actually wait to see what comes from our political leaders. There is still much unsettling and uncertainty.

An hour and take Noley, listening to people, and being fully present with them, we know that brokenness and division, resentment and anxiety, distrust and disillusionment run deep through many hearts.

We indeed live in a broken world. But we still believe in healing. There still exists a culture in which healing can be sown, and redemption can be found and broken pieces can be fused back together again.

In this especially unsettled season, our fervent hope, along with heart felt prayer is in all of us.

While everyone of us Carrie’s with us burdens of shame, guilt, regret, worry, and unrealized dreams. We need to stand together for we have more in common with one another than what separates us from one another.

We used to respect each others differences now we can’t see past them.

This is not the world I grew up in

“United We Stand Divided We Fall.”

Don’t Let People Have Power Over You

Any time you allow someone to have a negative influence over the way you think, feel, or behave, you give them power over you. You let yourself become the victim.

Sometimes it’s subtle. Maybe you change the way to act around certain people because you want to please them, and it doesn’t impact your life to much.

Perhaps it’s a major change, you allow a loved one’s harsh criticism to take a serious toll on your wellbeing.

Either way, it comes down to giving away your personal power and it drains your mental strength that you need to be the best version of you.

So, what do you do to stop giving your power away. Here’s something’s I have done.

  • Establish Some Healthy Boundaries

We’ve all met that person who wastes your time venting about how much they hate their job, or that friend who always asks to borrow money. Whether their taking your time or your money you have a realize if you allow it, it will continue.

You have to learn to say “no.” This was a difficult one for me, because I thought that by saying “no” people would not like me. When people violate your boundaries, follow through with the consequences.

  • Take Responsibility Foe Your Actions

Don’t blame anyone else for making you feel guilty or making you feel bad about yourself. Take full responsibility for how you feel.

If someone is affecting your emotions in a unhelpful manner, take positive action. Either change the situation or change how you respond to the situation. Learn to walk away or change your environment. If you can not do either of those things take a few deep breaths, and practice using some positive self-talk and continue to engage in a difficult conversation. I found that walking away, has worked for me. It’s a definite message that many understand. Even if it’s going to another room.

  • Let Other People Be Responsible For Their Emotions

Don’t take responsibility for another person’s emotions. You can’t make everyone happy. While it’s important to be conscious of how your actions affect others, it’s not up to you to mange how other people feel.

  • Acknowledge Your Choices

When you find yourself thinking you have to do something, change your language. You don’t have to go grocery shopping. And you done have to take the dog to the veterinarian. These are choices.

Even going to work and paying your bills are choices. Of course, there are consequences if you don’t do these things, but acknowledging you have some sayin the matter empowers you to take responsibility for your own life.

  • Live According To Your Values

Identify what’s most important to you. You will care less about going along with the crowd, and you’ll be less concerned about other people’s opinions when you are clear on your values. Identify what most important to you, and live accordingly. Whether that means you value your free time, or working long hours, enjoying you hobbies, or practicing your faith, spend your time and energy on the things that are important to you. When you are confident in your priorities, other people’s judgments will matter less.

  • Forgive, And Move Forward

Holding on to a grudge diminishes your life, not anyone else’s. Don’t waste your precious time and energy rehashing past hurts and trying to punish someone else.

Recognize, that forgiveness isn’t always saying what someone did was okay. It doesn’t mean you have to associate with them. Forgiveness can involve letting go of anger that keeps you stuck so you can focus on more worthwhile things. Life it short don’t spend it in the past.

  • Stop Trying To Prove People Wrong

You might feel empowered for a little while when you say, “I’ll show them!” But trying to prove people wrong actually is giving them power over you.

Trying to show someone that you’re better than they give you credit for is about them, not you. Work on goals that matter to you. If you surprise people along the way, consider that a bonus rather than your main objective.

  • Don’t Let Your Self-Worth Depend On Other People’s Opinions

If you need approval or affirmation from others that you’re good enough, the people will always have power over you. Don’t make your self-worth dependent on anyone else.

Do things that make you feel like a good person and your self-worth will be built on a steadier, more independent foundation.

  • Don’t Waste Time Complaining

The more time you spend complaining about people, the more space you allow them to occupy in your life. So before you dive into a 20-minute monologue about how much you dislike someone, or how annoying someone is, think about the fact that you’ll be devoting more time and energy to them. Choose to use your time and energy on more positive, worthwhile, things.

  • Stop Thinking About Unhelpful Interactions With Others

Rehashing conversations and imagining dreadful interactions allows people to take up more of your brain power. While you certainly want to learn from your mistakes and plan for the future, don’t ruminate on the hurtful things someone has already said or the rude comments they might make in the future,

When you notice these scripts playing out in your head, change your thought process (we are allowed to change our thoughts). Whether this means you need to change some physical activity or it means talking ti someone about a completely different subject, refuse to focus on people who drag you down.

These are some things I’ve done to completely turn my life for the better. I hope they will help you as well.

My Favorite Time Of Day

What’s your favorite time of day?

My favorite time of the day is between 12 – and 5 AM. I love the peace and quiet during these hours. I do my best thinking and reading during these hours. I find that I heard God’s voice more clearly during these hours. It’s when I have the best energy.

There is just nothing better that getting a hot cup of coffee and studying God’s Word in absolute peace.

There is some research some positive characteristics of being a night owl:

  • Creativity
  • Mental and physical stamina
  • Flexibility
  • Intelligence
  • Burst of energy
  • Better reasoning skills
  • Time and commitment to self-development
  • Th Ability to stay focused for longer periods of time

My mind doesn’t shut off on some nights. Thoughts just cycle and then recycle. Some people think that your mind not shut off think it’s stress, which leads to cortisol and cortisol helps you to stay alert. Some day it’s genetics why come are night owls or early birds.

I honestly don’t know that my moods tend to change but I definitely am more awake I don’t have to invest in an alarm clock because I seem to have a built into my situation, I sleep best between 5: AM to 9 AM

The silence is a rare thing around my household. To have peace during the early early hours is a rate gift to read, pray, and listen.

Favorite Recipe

What’s your favorite recipe?

Pork Chili

2 lbs Pork Roast or Loin

1/2 Yellow Onion (chopped fine)

4 Cloves Garlic (minced)

5-6 Fire Roasted Hatch Chilies (cut in pieces)

1 Bottle Green Salsa

4 oz Green Chilies (canned)

1 Tomatillo

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp Oregano

Olive oil (enough to grease the crock pot)

2-4 tbsp Flour

You can sear the pork in a pan to brown but I don’t.

Grease your crock pot

1 Cup of Water or Beef Broth

Add all ingredients and mix it well. cook or 4-6 hours. Until the pork is tender. Take some of the juice out of the crock pot. Mix it well with flour.

Serve with Mexican rice and refried beans. Jalapeños optional.

This World Is Not Our Home

We Are Just Passing Through

So often people fall into the confines of this world’s values and strive through earthly goals. We endeavor to reach the top of our careers; we budget money and invest a chunk of our funds for our retirement; we even collect valuable possessions to feel the status of success. We even believe that these accomplishments are the things we need to fulfill our lives. And believe they are worth the struggle and the endurance. But when you think about it, really think about it this thinking is wrong.

This world is not our home, it’s a temporary place, we’re just passing through. One of my favorite songs is by Carry Underwood, “Temporary Home.”

The pressures to meet the material goals of this world have caused many ti struggle to achieve them in order to “feel successful,’ but this is not a prerequisite set by God.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroyed and thieves break in the steal…” -Matthew 6:19

Our accomplishments are nothing that we’ve earned or collected here on earth, and our purpose in life should not be focused on getting the . Our eyes, our hearts, and our values should all be on Jesus and what He has done for us, and our goal and our focus should be on Him.

I’m not saying we can’t have nice things, God wants us to be happy on this earth. But when we have to have “the next greatest thing” because someone else has it. There is a problem.

The rewards that we look forward to should not be earthy, they will be given to us by Jesus when we get to heaven and they will last forever.

Many scriptures are taken out of context and some deliberately. To claim a prosperous life on earth, some are preachers. Here are a few:

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4

Many look to earthly riches because we think that this is what God wants for us. Many of us believe that it’s our right to own the wealth on earth, so it’s what they live for.

Another scripture that’s taken out of context is Revelation 5:10,

“And God made us kings and priests to our God, and we will reign on earth.” – Revelation 5:10

We think that we are entitled to all thatGod has, because we are His children. We take the concept of faith and abuse it as a tool to try to employ God to make us wealthy.

God wants us to be happy, He doesn’t want us to live in poverty. God wants us to a fulfilling life on earth. But, He also wants us to put Him first, and obey Him. He says in 3 John 1-2 that it is will for us to prosper and be in health.

The Bible does not change or compromise its truth. We are the ones who change it to suit our own selfish and unrighteous desires. When our heart lives for Jesus and our goal is to serve Him, He provides thing’s for us. We don’t need to scheme to get them or to make them our quest.

Jesus says in John 14:2, “In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. That’s a wonderful promise. Jesus is in heaven and He’s made homes for each of us there so we can live through eternity with Him.

This world, one the other hand, is coming to it’s end and has become a target for destruction. We don’t need to look to far to see that. It’s falling apart; the crime, poverty, and natural disasters are growing astronomically, and diseases and starvation are becoming nightmares around the world. Things are getting worse every single day. And rightly so because Jesus tells us that we are living in the last days of earths existence.

The earth is not going to get better, it will continue to go downhill until it becomes so corrupt that God will destroy it.

I don’t think it’s a surprise that the earth’s inner core rotation has been slowing significantly it’s spin since 2009.

We can enjoy the good things that is world has to offer, but we cannot be attached to them, they cannot be our reason for living. Because when we are attached and when we live to collect possessions, they become like gods to us.

“You shall have no other gods before me.“ -Deuteronomy 5:7

All the things are ours because He loves us and we should loveHim. We are not part of this world and we should depend upon the things of this world to survive -we should depend on Him for everything. We have nice things but they shouldn’t be our reason for living or our reason to want to stay here.

Our hearts are free to enjoy them or to give them away, or to share. But they are all part of God’s blessing. God promises to supply all of our needs He says in Matters 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you.” When we put Him first He blesses us.

This works is not our home. It’s a battleground where Satan in trying to steal, kill, and destroy anyone and everyone so he can keep them from knowing God.

Heaven is our home, heaven should be our goal, because heaven is where Jesus wants us to be – with Him.

What Gets Me Excited

Tell us about the last thing you got excited about.

I know many people don’t like church settings. But, it’s the complete opposite for me.

I walk into my church every Sunday and my heart is completely filled with joy. Most of my family has passed on. So, church is my family.

Church is a place where I can get filled with the Holy Spirit, and bring my guard down because I know I can pretty much trust everyone. There’s something to be said about having that welled up feeling of the Holy Spirit inside you. That’s what excites me. Being close to God, and worshiping him.