Monday, December 19, 2016

TGIM Reflection -- 12/19/16

Hello & Happy Monday!

I know, I know--the weekend goes fast, while it seems like the week just drags on. But what happens when we spend the week wishing for Friday? In essence, we're wishing our lives away.

This happens to be Sunday, since I prepare TGIM Reflections before Monday morning. This one came today, right before the closing prayer after service from our Pastor Jimmy:

"Make it a point to live life to the fullest in Christ this week."

That covers more than just humble, little Monday! That challenge comes to us and includes Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday...and hopefully beyond that.

Our pastor didn't say, "As soon as things get better, make it a point." Or, "When you clean up whatever you're struggling with, make it a point..." No prerequisite of, "If nobody gives me a hard time this week, Lord, I can make it a point..." Listen, there are no requirements for this challenge, other than asking for the Lord's help to get you through it.

Make it a point to live life to the fullest in Christ this week. That is the key: IN CHRIST.

And let's not wish away the precious days and hours of this week. Instead, let's live our lives to the fullest, remembering that we are not promised tomorrow.

Sometime today, write that challenge down and post it somewhere you can see it, where it can remind and encourage you. If you fall down in meeting that challenge, you can always get back up and keep trying. Remind yourself of the challenge. Also, if you get a chance, listen to listen to the Afters' "Life is Beautiful." It will inspire you.

Ready to take Pastor Jimmy's challenge? I pray we take those words to heart, and that we encourage others to do so, too.

Have a happy, safe and blessed week, brothers & sisters!




Monday, December 12, 2016

TGIM Reflection -- 12/12/16

Hello again, sisters! Take a deep breath, put on the coffee pot, and welcome a totally new Monday. December of 2016 only has four Mondays in total--so, yes, we can do this!

Our TGIM Reflection for today comes from one of my Pinterest boards. (Incidentally, feel free to follow any of my boards that interest you.)


Father, I pray my child thinks about what is true, noble, and right today.

That prayer actually comes from Philippians 4:8, which says, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (KJV)

Today, take an extra moment to pray this prayer for your child (or children). It doesn't matter if your son or daughter is 5 or 35; he or she may not want to worry you or has other reasons for not speaking up if they're troubled in some way.

As we all know, the world is a much rougher place than when we were growing up. Say a special prayer for your precious loved ones, that they may focus on all that is right in their lives, all the blessings, and that God will minister to them today and lift them up.

And if you aren't a parent yourself, then a niece, nephew, student, or someone else's child could use your prayer. No prayer is ever wasted! Trust in God's power to move in your special young person's life.

Have a great Monday!



Monday, December 5, 2016

TGIM Reflection -- 12/5/2016

Welcome to a brand-new week!

Our TGIM Reflection for today is brought to us by Jesus, Himself:


"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." -- John 10:10


Interestingly, I had chosen a different reflection for today, but while studying the gospel of John, this was the scripture that stood out to me.

Not so surprisingly, this is the season of "abundance." This is the season of Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and all the other catchy names that stores have to draw us in and pull out the plastic and "plata," as Cubans say, from our wallets. It's the season when the supermarkets are as full as our pantries and fridges. There's lots of abundance out there at this time of year.

But there is plenty of lack, too, as we all know. Besides people who don't have much money for their kids' presents or even a bed to lie in, there are those who are struggling in other ways. Perhaps having lost a loved one or having gone through a painful divorce, or another difficult trial.

Today reflect upon Jesus' promise to us--a promise for the abundant life that only He can give. An abundance that can reach past tears and sadness, that brings peace and comfort. He came specifically to bring us not just life, but a life that if full of hope and promises from the One who never breaks His promises.

There is nothing we can do to deserve that abundance; it is a gift from His hand. All we have to do is accept it, with a grateful heart. It can't be found in the stores. It is paid for not with earthly money but with the shed blood of a Risen Savior.

True abundance that doesn't depend upon our credit score or our status in life or our circumstances. True abundance that is a gift from the Good Shepherd. Jesus has already won it for us.

Have a blessed Monday, sisters!