By HIS Grace

Have you ever stopped to think; why you do what do and why with the amount of effort that you put into it ? There are times throughout my day or week that I can feel the pressure of things; the pressure of maintaining a clean house, the pressure of making sure the needs of my kids are met, the pressure of attending to my husband, the pressure of my job; did my students learn today, was I aware of certain situations? Even the pressure of making time for the Lord. When I consider all of these things; I realize that; I don't feel pressure because of the expectation of others.  My pressure comes from my fear of failing ... Pride!  I don't like to fail, or fall short at anything I do.  And I understand the need to want to do things well and achieve your goals, but, when it takes you to a place of condemnation or discouragement, those goals now become unhealthy. Today, I understand why pride was the driving force in my life at one time.  For years I was told th...

Isn't it something how as women we start to pay closer attention to our outer appearance as we begin to mature in age.  I find myself examining my face features more and more. And on days when I really have a boost of confidence, I will even make a bold move and look at the rest of myself.  I have noticed the change in my complexion and the texture of my skin on my face; my goodness, I try my best to not lean forward in the mirror as I watch my cheeks sagged forward :) I'm more cautious of what I eat; understanding that, what goes inside will reflect on the outside. But this morning, as I was doing all of that and " putting on my face ".  I realized something ... the reflection that was looking back at me.  I noticed the woman in the mirror! For the first time in my life; I was seeing the reflection of someone who didn't need to put on makeup to cover up things.  I'm not talking about your day to day blemishes, wrinkles and bags around the eyes. I am talking...

It's a bitter cold morning,but the sun is shining and I am excited for what the week will bring.  Yesterday our family was home together due to Martin Luther King Jr. birthday.  It's not often that we are all home on holidays or when school is out; so we do our best to make the most of it.  Normally I would plan for us to do something or go somewhere to make the most of our time with dad.  My husband works 6 days a week (a very physical job, outside), so a day off with him is truly a blessing.  This time, I didn't make plans. We just chose to have a day at home. After our late breakfast, I decided I was going to go to the store. I asked my husband if he wanted to go. After going through his normal survey with me; what store? to buy what? how long are you going to be there? etc . He gave me a slow "yes." But, by the time I got upstairs to get ready, he was like; "how long are you going to be there? and what are you going for again?" That's code f...

Happy Monday! The week is off to a great start.  My family and I had a great day yesterday with our church family and friends.  I am thankful for the friendships that I have in my life now.  The women that I have become close friends with are women who have also taken the journey of surrendering to the Lord. I can recall many of my friendships in the past; from childhood through high school and even during my time as an adult.  Whew! Today, I understand better, know how to have and maintain HEALTHY friendships.  When you are younger, you learn by experiencing. You won't know what makes a person mad or upset, until you do it.  You find out that, what you can handle, others can't.  But, I also learned that, if you don't correct certain behaviors of your own; you just take them with you throughout life.  Within my circle of friends; I was always the one that gave the advice, motivate others, made them laugh, and encouraged them. Many times, it was ...