Daily Devotions For Busy Moms

~ In the time it takes you to understand a 14-year-old, he turns 15. ~ Robert Brault ~ Teenagers complain there's nothing to do, then stay out all night doing it. ~ Bob Phillips ~ Human beings are the only creatures on earth that allow their children to come back home. ~ Bill Cosby ~ To an adolescent, there is nothing in the world more embarrassing than a parent. ~ Dave Barry

Peace, Be Still TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39, NKJV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria What do you do when the storms of life seem to be raging against you? One time Jesus was with His disciples in a boat out on the water when they encountered a great storm. The disciples were very afraid but Jesus, on the other hand, was fast asleep. When the disciples woke Him up to see if He could help them, Jesus got up and simply spoke to the storm, “Peace! Be still.” And the seas were calm again. When difficult times come, you don’t have to be overwhelmed by the waves of worry or fear. Just as Jesus stood up and spoke to the storm, you have power in your words, too. As a believer, the Bible tells us that the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in you. That means God’s miracle-working power is on the inside of you. He’s given...

Happy Friday ! May your weekend be blessed, stress free and fun.  You were created to have a blessed and full life. John 10:10 (English Standard Version)  10  The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. Cross references: John 10:10 : [Jer. 23:1; Ezek. 34:3]

When you have children yourself, you begin to understand what you owe your parents. -Japanese Proverb There is no friendship, no love, like that of the parent for the child. -Henry Ward Beecher

Believe and Receive TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24, NIV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria Has God spoken things to your heart that haven’t come to pass yet? Anytime you step out to believe God, the enemy will try to distract and discourage you in order to get you off course. But when you receive that promise by faith, when you hold it in your heart, when you picture it in your mind and declare it with your words, you begin to feel more confident. You feel empowered and settled in your heart. You begin to have joy and peace because you know God is working behind the scenes on your behalf. I encourage you today, grab hold of the promises of God and don’t let go! Can you see it in your mind’s eye? Can you see yourself healed? Can you see yourself paying off that last debt? Can you see yourself at your ideal weight? Can you see yourself sharing t...

SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH YOUR CHILD    As a new school year begins, consider these activities that you and your child can do together to ensure a positive, engaging year at school. Get organized.  As the new school year approaches, take time to get organized with your children before they head back to school.  Make a shopping list of school supplies needed.  Create a schedule together that includes homework, snack and play times along with bedtime.   Get physical.    Obesity in children is a serious issue with health and social consequences that often continue into adulthood.  There are many activities to do with your children that are fun and will keep them active.  For example, take a bike ride together or play tag in the park or in the backyard.   Chase lightning bugs or play catch. Listen.    A few minutes of genuine, thoughtful listening can go a long way in helping your chil...

Proverbs 31 verse 10-31(amp) 10  A capable, intelligent, and [ b ] virtuous woman—who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls. 11  The heart of her husband trusts in her confidently and relies on and believes in her securely, so that he has no lack of [honest] gain or need of [dishonest] spoil. 12  She comforts, encourages, and does him only good as long as there is life within her. 13  She seeks out wool and flax and works with willing hands [to develop it]. 14  She is like the merchant ships loaded with foodstuffs; she brings her household’s food from a far [country]. 15  She rises while it is yet night and gets [spiritual] food for her household and assigns her maids their tasks. 16  She considers a [new] field before she buys or accepts it [expanding prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties]; with her savings [of time a...

As parents we can get so busy that we sometimes forget to honor God at the start of each day.  Taking 10-15 minutes for prayer each morning  gives us a fresh start. Prayer is essential for everyday living.  We all need spiritual preparation to begin our day/journey.  1 Kings 8:28 Amplified Bible (AMP) 28  Yet graciously consider the prayer and supplication of Your servant, O Lord my God, to hearken to the [loud] cry and prayer which he prays before You today,

by Nannette Stephens via Joel Osteen ministries ................ Nothing can separate us from the love of God (Roman 8: 39) Raising a child by yourself can sometimes send your emotions on a roller-coaster ride.  The struggles of parenting alone can sometimes leave you doubting God’s love for you. As I raised my son without help, there were daily struggles that made me question if I did something to cause the problems and discomfort that I faced. Many times as we wrestle with the everyday circumstances of life, we give in to the notion that we are unworthy of love.  Through these challenges, which are out of our control, realize that we are loved compassionately by our Heavenly Father.  Do not allow Satan to convince you that God has disowned you or that you are undeserving of His love because you are parenting alone.  Understand that God’s love for each one of us is unconditional.  He has promised us that He will never leave us or forsake us....

      Take time to enjoy life. You must pamper yourself at least once a month. Taking time for yourself is the best gift you can give your family and yourself.  I learned the true meaning of "me time", when I am my best self my children reap the benefits. You only get one life - so live it !  “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” ― Mae West

2 Timothy 1:7 Amplified Bible (AMP) 7  For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. Fear is fake evidence appearing real, so walk not in fear, walk in the love of God. No matter the challenge you face all things are possible. 

The man told how he was the first one in his family to ever own a home, and the first one to ever graduate from college. Their future was bright. Everything was going well. But when Hurricane Katrina hit, it just took the wind out of their sails. Since they didn't have a car at the time, another couple from Lakewood would pick them up every Sunday and bring them to church. They would hear about how God created us to be victors and not victims, and how God will pay us back double for our trouble. Every week, this couple began to shake off self-pity and got a fresh, new vision for life. Recently, they brought pictures of the new house where they just moved. He told about the new job he now has making better money. In New Orleans, they had an older home that needed remodeling. They were happy with it. They were grateful. But here, God blessed them with a brand new house. Before, they had hand-me-down furniture, but God blessed them with brand new furniture. Before, t...

" Your children need your presence more than your presents." Jesse Jackson " There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread." Mother Teresa

Live your best life .  People come in our lives for a reason, season or lifetime. We must learn to let go when the season is over.  Move forward and don't look back! Why look back when your future looks so bright. Be Blessed

Fifteen years ago today I gave birth to a beautiful young lady. Today as I reflect on her birth I give honor to God for blessing me with such a beautiful daughter."Children are a blessing, a gift from above." When they are young we hold them in our arms, once they become teenagers and young adults we hold them in our hearts!  Happy Birthday Baby!!!!

LIVE .LOVE.LAUGH.

Mothers of teenagers know why animals eat their young. - Unknown My mother’s menu consisted of two choices: Take it or leave it. – Buddy Hackett The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts; therefore guard accordingly. Marcus Aurelius

Be blessed, encouraged and inspired ! As we begin a new week remeber to let nothing/ no one disturb your peace -  Bold as a Lion TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1, NKJV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria As a believer in Jesus Christ, you are called to live a bold, confident and overcoming life. You don’t have to live under a burden of fear. You don’t have to live with anxiety. Because of Jesus, fear, worry and uncertainty are beneath you. When you rise up in faith knowing that God is with you and for you, all doubt and fear has to leave your life. Notice that today’s scripture says that the righteous are as bold as a lion. Righteousness is God’s way of doing things. When you do things His way, when you are submitted to His plan for your life, He promises success. It may not always be the way we had in mind, but ultimately, His plan is to prosper you, not to harm you, t...

God has an appointed time to fulfill the visions, dreams, and desires in your heart. Just because it has taken a long time or because you've tried and failed, doesn't mean it's not going to happen. Don't give up on those dreams! Don't be complacent about pursuing what God has placed in your heart. Our God is a faithful God. No matter how long it' takes,  God has an appointed time to fulfill the visions, dreams, and desires in your heart. Just because it has taken a long time or because you've tried and failed, doesn't mean it's not going to happen. Don't give up on those dreams! Don't be complacent about pursuing what God has placed in your heart. Our God is a faithful God. No matter how long it's been, no matter how impossible things looks, if you'll stay in faith, your appointed time is coming. Remember, every dream that's in your heart, every promise that has taken root, God put it in there. And not only that, but He has e...

Living in Contentment TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “...I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11, NIV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria In life, it’s easy to get so focused on our dreams and goals, the things we want, that it consumes us. We can get to the point where we’re not happy, and we’re not going to be happy until it happens. But I’ve found that if we have to have something in order to be happy, our lives are out of balance. When our goals and dreams start to frustrate us, and we lose our peace and we’re not enjoying life, that’s a sure sign that we’re holding on too tightly. What’s the solution? You’ve got to release it. Freedom comes when you say, “God, I’m turning it all over to You. You know my desires, and You know what’s best for me. I’m choosing to trust You and Your timing.” When we learn to be content whatever the circumstances, the power of the enemy is broken. It takes away his ability to frustrate us. Not on...

Happy 4th of July - today we  celebrate the freedom and independence of our country,  remember we must celebrate ourselves as well. do not let the stress of the holiday get you down Psalm 62:1-2 My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. and here's a little humor for the day :  "Rais ing a teenager is like nailing Jell-O to the wall." ~Unknown

Oven-Fried Fish with Not-So-Mushy Spring Peas Baking fish with breadcrumb coating is as tasty as fried without the calories. Peas with fresh herbs are a pleasing side. by Rachael Ray | on 05/29/12 My daughters love this !!!!   Ingredients 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs 6 tablespoons butter, 4 tablespoons melted A couple tablespoons chopped fresh thyme A couple tablespoons finely chopped chives 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning or Szeged fish rub (about a palmful) 1 tablespoon onion powder (about a palmful) 1 tablespoon garlic powder (about a palmful) 1 lemon or lime, zested 1 1/2 - 2 pounds cod from the thickest part of the fillet--cut into 8 rectangles, rinsed and dried Salt and pepper 2 extra-large egg whites 1 cup packed flat-leaf parsley 1/2 cup packed fresh mint leaves 3 cups fresh or thawed frozen organic peas, gently dried on a towel 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) 2 large shallots, finely chopped 2 cups chicken stock Mal...

As we start off a new week,  life can be a bit demanding - remember to let nothing disturb your pea ce -   1 Peter 3:3-4 “Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty that depends on fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.”  True beauty shines from the inside out