Daily Devotions For Busy Moms

Right Companions TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24, NIV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria Your destiny is too big to accomplish on your own. That’s why it’s so important to be connected to the right people. We have to understand that God has already arranged for certain people to speak faith into you. He has already placed people in your path that will inspire you, challenge you, and help you accomplish your dreams. The reason some people never reach their highest potential is because they never get away from the wrong people. Recognize today that not everyone can go where God is taking you. You’ve got to connect with people who understand your destiny and can call forth your seeds of greatness. You don’t have time to spend on people...

Before Creation TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world...” (Ephesians 1:4, NIV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria Did you know that God chose you before the foundations of the earth? Before the worlds were ever formed, He knew you. And, He didn’t create you to be average. He didn’t create you to barely get by. No, He created you to excel! Not only has He chosen you, but He has equipped you with everything you need to live and thrive in this life. He has deposited seeds of greatness inside every person. But in order to tap into those seeds of greatness, you have to believe this and act on it. Too many people today are going around with low self-esteem, feeling inferior like they don’t have what it takes. But that is living a lie. And as long as we have a poor self-image, we’re not going to experience Go...

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breasts with Tomato and Basil and Potatoes with Peppers and Onions Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray Total Time: 27 min Prep 15 min Cook 12 min Yield: 4 servings   Ingredients 1 1/2 to 2 pounds fingerling potatoes or red skin baby potatoes 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and cut into thin strips 1 Italian mild green pepper, cubanelle, seeded and thinly sliced 1 medium yellow skinned onion, thinly sliced 4 large cloves garlic, cracked away from skin 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1/4 cup tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided Coarse salt and pepper 2 cups shredded Parmesan, available in tubs near deli -- make sure to get shredded cheese, not grated 4 (6 to 8-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts 4 plum Roma tomatoes or small, vine ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped 15 to 20 leaves fresh basil, pile leaves, roll then thinly slice -- chiffonade Directions Preheat oven to...

This is one of my favorite poems by Tupac and Nikki Giovanni - I truly feel like a rose that grew from concrete - Life is good / God is sooo Good - I hope you enjoy this poem as much as I do ............ [Tupac Shakur] You try to plant something in the concrete, y'know what I mean? If it GROW, and the rose petal got all kind of scratches and marks, you not gon' say, "****, look at all the scratches and marks on the rose that grew from concrete" You gon' be like, "**** A rose grew from the concrete?! Same thing with me, y'knah what I mean? I grew out of all of this Instead of saying, , he did this; he did this, “just be like, He grew out of that? He came out of that? “That’s what they should say, y'know what I mean? All the trouble to survive and make good out of the dirty, nasty you know what I mean unbelievable lifestyle they gave me I’m just trying to make something .. [Nikki Giovanni] When no one even cared the rose it grew...

Don’t Get Snared TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “You are snared by the words of your mouth...” (Proverbs 6:2, NKJV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria During the 1990’s, Jose Lima was the star pitcher for the Houston Astros. One season, he won 20 games and was considered one of the best pitchers in the league. When the Astros moved from the Astrodome to their new ballpark downtown, the fence in left field was much closer than the fence in the Astrodome. It favored the hitters and made it more difficult on the pitchers. The first time Jose Lima went to the new ballpark, he stood on the mound, looked at the fence, and the first words out of his mouth were, “I’ll never be able to pitch in here. The fence is way too close.” Sure enough, he went from being...

Live Love Laugh    

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Proverbs 18:21, NIV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria   Every word you speak matters. Something you say may seem insignificant to you, but to someone else those words can be life changing. When you use your words to lift someone’s spirit and speak words of vision and life over them, you are depositing seeds that will last throughout eternity. It's especially important to speak vision into our children. As a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher or friend, the children in your life need to hear on a regular basis that they can do something great with their lives. As parents, our words carry incredible weight. That’s why you should never put a child down. Don’t ever say, “You’re slow, clumsy or dumb. Why can’t you make good grades like your sister? Why can’t you hit the baseball like your cousin?” Those words are seeds. They can take root and affect that child many years later. Too ma...

  People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that Person... When someone is in your life for a REASON , it is usually to meet a need You have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with Guidance and support, To aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, This person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an End. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire Fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on Some people come into your life for a SEASON , because your turn has Come to share, grow or learn. They brin...

Push People Up TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “Two are better than one...if either of them falls down, one can help the other up...” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10, NIV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria We all need somebody to believe in us more than we believe in ourselves. We all need people who will push us up, so to speak. After all, there are enough people trying to push us down in life. There are enough people telling us what we can’t become and how we don’t have what it takes. I know in my own life, I wouldn’t be half of who I am if it were not for Victoria. She has spoken so much faith into me. She has called out the potential on the inside. I believe we all have the responsibility to do this for others. Let’s push people up. Let’s look with our eyes of faith and see their potential and tell them what they can become. If you will be that person for somebody else, God will make sure somebody will be that person for you. Friend, every person has seeds of greatness...

Call Out Seeds of Greatness TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “...God...calls those things which do not exist as though they did.” (Romans 4:17, NKJV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria Very often, we see potential in other people that they can’t see in themselves. When you speak vision into them, when you tell them what they can become, you can help set the direction for their life. Your words have the power to push people into their divine destiny. I believe that the reason some people are not living at their full potential is because no one has ever spoken faith into them. No one has taken the time to say, “Hey, you’re great at this. You’ve got a gift here. You’re going to do something amazing.” I believe that one of our assignments in life is to call out the seeds of greatness in other people. Look around at who God has placed in your life. They’re not there by accident. Take time to study them. See what they’re good at. What are their gifts? What do they excel at?...

But God! TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “O LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! ...But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.” (Psalm 3:1–3, NIV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria When David wrote this verse, He was in a very difficult situation. He was actually running for his life from his very own son who wanted to kill him and take over the throne. Can you imagine?! David was probably feeling overwhelmed, distraught, heartbroken, betrayed and abandoned. Have you ever felt that way? But notice that David didn’t just tell the Lord all about his problems. He told the Lord about his faith when he said, “But You, God, are a shield around me...” David made the choice to focus on God’s goodness no matter what. We have to remember, circumstances may be tough, but God is working behind the scenes on your behalf. You may have a difficult relationship, but God is your Restorer today. You may have an overwhelming...

Bring Out the Best TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “...love is kind...” (1 Corinthians 13:4, NIV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria One translation of today’s simple verse says that “love looks for a way to be constructive.” In other words, love looks for ways to improve someone else’s life. Love brings out the best in other people. Don’t just get up in the morning thinking about yourself or how you can make your own life better. Think about how you can make someone else’s life better. Ask yourself, “Who can I encourage today?” “Who can I build up?” You have something to offer those around you that no one else can give. Someone in your life needs your encouragement. Someone in your life needs to know that you believe in them. I believe God will hold us responsible for the people He’s put in our lives. He’s counting on us to bring out the best in our family and friends. Are you improving the lives of those around you? Are you pouring confidence in them? Why don’t you...

Pursue Loyalty TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “He who pursues righteousness and loyalty finds life...” (Proverbs 21:21, NASB) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria Have you ever noticed that righteousness and loyalty go together? In other words, if we’re not being loyal — to our family, friends, country, job — then we aren’t going to experience God’s best. Loyal people are honorable people. When you’re loyal, you stick with someone through thick and thin. When you’re loyal, you keep your word to people — even if you get a “better” offer. Loyal people are respectful of their country and leaders. Loyal people honor their parents and defend their family. When you’re loyal, you are a person of integrity. You build trust with others. Is this an area where you can rise higher? Are you faithful in the things you’re committed to? Can you be more loyal? Don’t let the distractions of everyday life keep you from being dedicated. Look for ways to show honor to those around you. Is...

Psalms 118 verse 1 (NKJV)    I will love you, O Lord my strength. Have a blessed weekend 

Celebrate Others TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “Rejoice with those who rejoice...” (Romans 12:15, NKJV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria When a friend or family member succeeds, gets promoted, or experiences an unexpected break in life, how do you respond? Some people wonder, “What about me?” Others criticize or say, “It won’t last long.” But really, the way you respond to other’s success will determine the level of your own success. Whether you respond in a negative or positive way, you are sowing seeds for your future. That’s why scripture tells us simply to “rejoice with those who rejoice.” God wants you to be successful. His commands are for your good. He doesn’t want jealousy or strife to enter your life or rob you of His blessing. Today, make it a point to find someone who is celebrating and celebrate with them. Congratulate them on their success no matter how small it seems in the natural. Rejoice with those who rejoice, sow seeds of blessing, and open ...