Social Media And My Mental Health

“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4:16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Social media depletes me. 

Every time I open an app or turn on the tv I hear stats, facts, and all the opinions on matters at hand in the world. Right now I have mental fatigue from it all. It makes me sad that our conversations navigate to defending which side you land on healthcare, masks or how we raise our children. There is so much lack of grace in our actions and words toward others when faced with these decisions. I think we are doing the best we can with the information given. Everyday is something new and devastating news seems to be the norm. The media really hasn’t changed over the years. It continues to censor, sensationalize or only highlight the worst. It creates reactions from us when we watch or listen. The posts liked or followed the most these days are the ones focused on the negative or debunking the opposite party. It’s madness out there. One is focused on helping the cause by causing righteous anger yet pride is dripping off their tongues. 

I have to shut it all off. My mind can get flipped upside down and become filled with complacency about everything. I have to come to God with my prayers and seek Him for guidance. The mind is the first place that gets attacked and I need more Jesus than what others are saying to me right now. 

I am saddened that we feel the need to shame others for their choices over health related matters today. It’s something I am seeing more and more but do we do that when we share the gospel? Do we shame our friends who never come to church and expect them to join you on Sunday? Or do we invite them for dinner with a genuine heart to get to know them? It’s relationship that Jesus speaks to us and He speaks to others through our words. 

Jesus drew people to himself by his words. Jesus spoke with authority yet never shamed anyone for their lack or sin. 

Jesus had mercy on others through his words. He healed with his words not condemning anyone. Jesus wanted to share hope by his words and not fear. 

I had these thoughts running in my head today and they were convicting me. No matter how much I believe my decision is the right one I never want to condemn or shame you for yours. Our voice matters yet I myself always want to speak with humility and grace filled words in order to draw you toward Jesus in all things. 

It’s okay to shut it all off. 

Let us keep fighting in prayer and listen to God today friends. 

Lessons In Serving My Local Church

  

  Grace and Truth Hand Knit And Stamped Bracelet 

I had to keep the church nursery again this week. My heart was already weary from a busy week of work and taking care of my own kids. Now I was asked to do one more hour of service at church. Our church was small and the volunteers were even smaller in number. 

I can remember as a mom of littles being absolutely tired of chasing my kids at home much less taking them to church and do it in front of everyone. I saw it as one more place to find myself struggling to keep up. I was struggling to see the importance of serving in the midst of my own struggles at home. I didn’t think I had it me but I would go and you know what I leaned? 

God met me there and equipped me every time. It never failed that someone would always show up to help ease my weary heart and rally my own kids. I would then be encouraged to keep the nursery and later on teach for that one hour in our church. 

I eventually saw that time every week as holy ground that God used me to serve. I learned so many lessons for my own heart. I learned serving God isn’t easy but when I show up He always does too. 

Serving has shown me what the heart of Jesus looks like. Jesus was a servant and if I want to reflect my Savior then my heart had to learn how to reflect His. As I looked around at those serving my family they were showing me how to be selfless because they weren’t exempt from bad days and struggles either. They loved me and my family well. Kindness and grace filled their words. They reminded me that I was doing the best I could as a mom. Not to mention the countless prayer warriors God sent my way. So no mater the size of the church it needs more servants for the kingdom. 

Today I want you as a mom to be encouraged you are doing your best. The days can be long and tiring but the Lord refreshes the soul. (Psalm23:3) Jesus will equip you to serve not only your family but in your church body. 

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,”

1 Peter 1:3 

Finding Security

As I think about my security, I admit by nature I fall into feeling secure when my health is not in jeopardy, money is coming in to pay my bills, and all my children are doing okay.  I think a lot of us can relate to this. Right? ⁣

But when any of these things change which for most of us it has or it will at some point, my security seems lost.  It’s not.  I have seen God’s faithfulness in my own family and God always provided. Our human comfort levels are challenged but we grow closer to God through these times of trials. 

 The security Jesus Christ provides is wisdom, guidance in this life and an 𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 in His 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘴.(Deuteronomy 33:27)  I know I love to sink right into those arms when my “feelings” have a hold of me.  God wants us to 𝘥𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭 in Him not in our circumstances. ⁣

⁣

If you need to find that security again or if you like me have found yourself finding security in the wrong things at times. ⁣

⁣

𝘚𝘦𝘦𝘬 𝘎𝘰𝘥 𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺 ⁣

⁣

•𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 (John 10 is a great chapter) ⁣

•𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐭, 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐆𝐨𝐝 𝐬𝐚𝐲? ⁣

•𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐲⁣

•𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 ⁣

⁣

Bless you today friends

💛 Tracy 

P.S. You can find me on Instagram and say hi! 

The Lord will Fight for us!

Peace Hand Stamped & Hand Knit Bracelet 

Prayers through Psalms Series

Day 2

Read: 

“The thief come early to steal and kill and destroy. I came so that they may have life and have it abundantly.” 

John 10:10

If we know that there is a enemy trying everyday to destroy our life, our family and our marriages then why would we not be on guard?  I ask this question knowing I am guilty of being comfortable in life and forgetting that there is evil fighting against the good.  A enemy fighting to steal my family, sense of security and peace. 

God wants to remind us that He is working for us.  We shouldn’t go around in fear but God gives us the armor to suit up with everyday.  

His Word to read and gain knowledge against the enemy. 

His Spirit to listen to and guide us. 

His righteousness and peace in Christ. 

(See Ephesians 6:10-18 for more about the armor of God) 

There is strength and power in prayer. Knowing God is on our side to fight the battle is powerful. Don’t let the enemy steal your peace, joy or your mind from God.  Take a hold of the Father today in prayer!  He will fight for your marriage, children, and you! 

Prayer: 

“The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? “

Psalms 27:1

Lord, today keep in your light. We know the thief is lurking by us but you have the victory. Thank you for salvation of our sins. We ask forgiveness from any sin separating us from you. We want to live in your light.  We want to shine for you! Let nothing take a hold of us but you. Be our stronghold Lord Jesus! 

Amen

Blessings -tracy 

Are you in Awe of God?

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Psalms 110:10

As I pulled out my old journal, I read an entry from 2014.  I read these words. “God is more visible to me when I am in awe of God.” 

So many years of searching who I was suppose to be and how I fit into this place God had set me in. 

All I saw then was my hard circumstances and evil seeping in and I let it. 

I see now the evidence of the “letting.”  Letting myself be scared and stuck by strongholds. So many things blinding me from seeing God at work.  I wanted to people please and trust in myself.  I was and still fight pride pride. Pride wants to hear the messages in the world like these we hear, you can do what you set your mind to, hustle hard! 

That will only get you so far but leave you empty. There will still be a God sized hole.  I have done my fair share of hustling but if God isn’t at the center it won’t last.  The joy and fulfillment will fade. 

I fit into this place God had put me in because He said so not because I was good enough. For so long I didn’t “feel” good enough, qualified or likable. LOL! 

Wisdom came when I began to love God more than anything else.  God showed me that there is No room for Him in me when I let pride, anger, self love be bigger than Him. 

His Spirit can’t lead and I wanted to not be blind any longer.  God can use anyone He wants to lead others to Him. I didn’t think so for so long.  I began to see the fear and awe Abraham and Moses had for God.  I began to see God as a Father who said you go and share the good news too. This is why I placed you here and stop being pleasing to the world and please me!  

I tear up reading old entries and seeing the hand of God even then stirring in me what I couldn’t see then. I am grateful for who God is and showing me who I am to be. 

~tracy

Delighting in the Lord Instead of Self

Prayers through Psalms Series 

Day 1 

Definition of the word delight means to please or take pleasure in. 


Delighting in God was far from my mind when thinking about when I was living in sin although there was delight. It was in self gratification and what made me feel good. It was in hearing words that tickled my ears or put a smile on my face. There was part of my life that was hidden. It wasnt hidden from God though.  I had let myself be given over to my temptations. I was living a life for self satisfaction. I use to seek love in the wrong places and long to be noticed. I sank to be bottom of the pit slowly and I needed rescuing.  In my soul I heard the Spirit leading me out and I finally  followed. It was painful and a sad time but nothing lost compares to the gain of confidence, forgiveness and love that I will never earn but receive in abundance from Jesus Christ.  

All this to say, God made a way for me and He will do jt for you too. Find your delight in the Lord not in self, in love from others, money, or your kids.  Our heart will deceive you and people will disappoint you at some point BUT Jesus will never fail. 



To delight in God is to meditate on His instruction.

but his delight is in the law[a] of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:2

When we are living in sin and turned away from God then we cannot take delight in Him. We are not hearing His instruction.  I was that person before I turned away from sin and toward God.  God wants His children back. He is waiting for you always. 

Read: Psalm 18:16-19 

16  He sent from on high, he took me;

he drew me out of many waters.

17  He rescued me from my strong enemy

and from those who hated me,

for they were too mighty for me.

18  They confronted me in the day of my calamity,

but the LORD was my support.

19  He brought me out into a broad place;

he rescued me, because he  delighted in me.

PRAYER

Pray that God would weaken what is holding you or your loved one in sin. Pray that God would draw you or your loved one out of the many waters that billow over them. Praise God you delight in us even we are not delighting in you, Lord.


blessings -
tracy

What I learned after accepting Christ

Give Me Jesus Bracelet

When I look back at my life, I can see that receiving Gods salvation was the easy decision when I was 13 years old. I can see now what I was missing in my life after I accepted Christ as my Savior was a understanding of surrendering to His Spirit inside me. I never understood this life was meant to be walked out in His Spirit not me walking without thought of Him helping me.  ⁣

I was taught growing up to be in control of my life. You can do whatever you want but work hard for it. So it was so hard for me to rely totally on Jesus.  I believed He had my eternity covered BUT the here and now I wasn’t completely surrendered. I didn’t believe it because my knowledge wasn’t in the Word of God.  It was in what the enemy knew I would cling to for a very long time, control. I would continue to believe in what I could control around me or if I worked harder everything would work out.  ⁣

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It was such a turning point for me when I totally surrendered to God.  I broke down and felt the weakest I have ever felt.  This is a terrible feeling for someone who likes control.  In my prayers I heard God whispering come to me, “I have always been here.” “Give it all to me.”  ⁣

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When I surrendered to Him and finally received His gifts to me. I listened to the Spirit, I couldn’t get enough of God, His Word and His transforming power. I saw the strongholds fall in my life and finally understood His grace.⁣

It’s been a daily surrender and I hope you will join me!  

-tracy 

Jesus is Enough!

I have asked God what should I do?

Just like the men asking Jesus in Luke 3, “what should we do?”
This year already it’s ran through my mind but rather I want to ask how am I living for you God?

Jesus answers by telling us to give generously, love fiercely and bear fruits in repentance!
It’s with a repentant humble heart Jesus is glorified. There is no magic answer to what this life looks like or  your goals except I know that He wants our life and actions to magnify His name!
Amen💗


Bless you today friend-
Tracy

Only Jesus

Custom Design Your Own Bracelet

Only through J E S U S 

can we be changed, 

loved limitlessly, 

be enduringly strong, 

forgiven, 

sanctified, 

and always delivered. 

God the Father sent his son Jesus to suffer for us and redeem us through His resurrection on the cross.  If I am a disciple, I am a reflection of Christ for those here in this life.  This is my time to step up! Jesus is all sufficient and qualifies me to share the gospel.  I have said it before and I will keep #preachingtomyself  to be “salt and light.” Season my community with God’s grace and through His Words share power and light up the darkness.  Beloved child of God there is nothing that disqualifies you other than listening to the enemy.  

I love this latest order in the shop that went out this week!  It inspired me who Jesus is and how that impacts me as a believer 🧡

What about you?   Have you felt disqualified from sharing who Christ is? 

Let’s me encourage you today that your story matters! 

Blessings- 

Tracy 

September Positivity Scripture Challenge Day 17

Today is Day 17 of the Positivity Scripture Challenge ‬‬

“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:28‬ ‭CSB‬‬

God’s plan can’t be thwarted by our actions.  Even in the midst of our lives we make decisions and God already knew and does knows what will happen.  We still are to pray and to be used by Him to fulfill His purposes.  I have felt like the decisions I have made have really messed things up before and that’s just not the case.  Jesus called us to walk by faith so in that we are to trust Him and know that good will be the end result for us. 

Have a blessed day friends! 

Tracy 

September Positivity Scripture Day 13

Today is Day 13 of the Positivity Scripture Challenge 

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭16:13‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬

Who else needs a pep talk?  This verse seems like a pep talk at this moment while reading it except in and of myself there is weakness.  There isn’t much courage without God in me. 

As I have grown deeper in studying who God is in the Bible, I know that even when I give my all there is still God working to make me strong. Standing firm is easier when I am reminded who Hod is.  In my weakest moments in life, God gives me strength to keep going.  He also has given me courage to step in faith without knowing what’s on the other side of the decision being made.  He gives discernment to the believer when we grow in knowledge of Him.  

Who is God to you?  

If you can’t answer this question, I urge you to find your bible and dig in!  Bible study doesn’t have to be complicated. We can read a few verses a day like this scripture challenge and search it out and His Word will reveal who God is for us. 

To bear the image of Christ is to know who He is! 

Lord Jesus thank you for giving us a courageous heart of faith.  I pray we seek you for the decisions being made in our life.  Forgive us of doubts and fears but give us a spirit of positivity and confidence in you Jesus🙌🏻  Amen 

Blessings-

Tracy

September Positivity Challenge Day 9

Good Morning friends! 

How is the scripture challenge going? Are you able to write each verse out everyday?

There is something about doing the writing and saying the verse out load that helps so much to understand and retain the words. 

It is day 9 of the Positivity Scripture Challenge

Today’s verse is 

“Rash language cuts and maims, but there is healing in the words of the wise.”

Proverbs 12:18 MSG

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Wow! This verse is powerful for me because how many times have I used my speech to hurt someone.  You know the person that said something to you and hurt your feelings or maybe they said something about your child.  Yes we Moms can be very protective of our children.  The one thing I have learned is that speaking without thinking and pausing can be dangerous.  We say things that hurt others and never brings honor. 

Lord, help me to pause before I speak. Let my speech be filled with love today.  Your Word can heal and I want to point others to You God for help and wisdom.  

Thank you Jesus for giving us wisdom to pause and pray!  Amen 

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Blessings -
tracy
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September Positivity Challenge Day 7

Hello friends! 

Today is day 7 of September Positivity Scripture Challenge 

“And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:19‬ ‭CSB‬‬

There are needs and wants and boy do we as a people want things.  Everyday brings a new set of wants.  

God has promised us to supply our needs.    The needs in our life is far less than we think they are.  God gives us so much and yet we still may not think it’s enough. 

I know that God has given me breath when I see others who breathed their last suddenly. I know that God has given my mind rest, peace and a joy in Him through circumstances out of my control.  I know God gives me an everlasting hope and a future home with Him one day.  

Can you think of things in your life that God has supplied for you or your family? 

Share with me and let’s have a conversation today! 

Tag me on social! #knitthegospelintoyourheart

Blessings -

tracy

September Positivity Challenge Day 5

Hello friends! 

It’s day 4 of the positive scripture challenge. 

Today’s verse is Proverbs 17:22

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

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Doesn’t being around someone upbeat and happy always make you feel better when maybe you are having a bad day?  

I think the key is as a Christian we have joy. It’s that hope that we have in Jesus.  

Our spirit can be weak and sometimes dried up from our life circumstance but drawing upon Jesus to fill us and watered with living water is exactly how we can find joy. 

Truths about God today

•God’s Word is living and active ( Hebrews 4:12)

•God is joy (Galatians 4:22) 

Write this scripture out today meditate on it and I hope you find it soothing to your soul. 

Blessings -

tracy 

September Positivity Challenge Day 4

Hello friends!

Welcome to day 4 of the positivity scripture focus this month.  Read the scripture and then write it out.  This practice can help your mind focus on God. Have a prayer time with God and respond.


Today’s positivity verse:

“O LORD, be gracious to us; we have waited for You. Be their strength every morning, Our salvation also in the time of distress.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭33:2‬ ‭NASB

•We can be confident God is with us when we call on His name. He is sovereign.

Let’s meditate on these truths about Who God is  throughout our day!

•God is sanctifying us everyday. He saves us from sin.

•God is gracious to us.

•God is our strength everyday!


Have a great day!

Tracy