Blessings and a new start!

I hope everyone has a blessed Thanksgiving and Christmas! I will soon be transforming this blog into something new! A special site for short girls. :) COMING SOON!

Hello!

Hi! :)  I just wanted to check in with you guys! New devotions will be out pretty soon. I am enjoying the summer are you? I hope everyone has a great day and I'll see you soon!

 

~TLM

Day 9: Self Control

Day 9: Self Control

 

Focus: Having self-control in the times of temptation

Question: When have you been tempted to do something you know is wrong?

Sometimes people ask us to do things that we know are wrong. When this happens you feel much pressure and don’t know what to do. You could either risk your innocence or follow the LORD. Sometimes even the thoughts of doing bad things that you don’t want to do could bother you. The only way to get rid of this temptation is through Jesus. Literally, there’s no other way! What you do after the temptation is what matters. Choose to do the right thing, no matter what your thoughts tell you.

Jesus was under ultimate temptation when satan said that if He bowed down to him, Jesus would have the whole world. But He resisted that temptation to do wrong because He knew it would lead to ultimate disaster. Whatever wrong you may be tempted to do, resist it with all your heart and pray. Just kneel down and pray. Don’t feel like you have to do the wrong that others’ tell you because you don’t!

If a tempting thought comes across your mind, recognize that it as a fleeting thought that will go away if you focus on the opposite direction, the good. As soon as you feel you’re being tempted, turn around, say, “NO.” and do something that will bring glory to God. When you seek God with all of your heart, surely things will get a lot better.

Constant temptation can also cause a lot of stress. Stress is the center of anxiety and when anxiety settles in, you can easily remove it as long as you have a willing heart to do so. Take moments in the day to breathe in and out slowly while saying, “Jesus” again and again until it settles into your heart and overcomes your anxiety.

Also remember your part in this, don’t temp others to do wrong either. Stick to the good and you will be safe and sound for sure. <3

 

Verses

“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God Is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

“May my honest and good life keep me safe. I have put my hope in You.” Psalm 25:21

NIV: “May integrity and uprightness protect me,
    because my hope, Lord, is in you.” Psalm 25:21

 

This concludes the Fruits of the Spirit study. I hope a pray that you would benefit from this and get closer to your LORD and follow His heart forever! If you missed one or two, feel free to go back and read them! <3

 

~TLM

((More devotional series coming soon))

Day 8: Faithfulness

Day 8: Faithfulness

Focus: Being faithful with what you are called to do

 

Hello everyone! Today's devotion is  about being faithful in what God calls you to do. By following the steps that I gave you to find out if what you think God is calling you to do is true, has God called you to anything yet? If so, let me explain how to remain faithful in your actions toward that calling.

Question: What is faithfulness?

Faithfulness is believing in something with all your heart, devoting yourself to, and following that something. That “something” is Jesus! Jesus Christ took His faith to the extreme by trusting His Father to take care of Him when he was suffering on the cross.

Question: What has God called you to do?

Make sure you follow God, not this world. Make sure what you are doing lines up with the commandments and scriptures, and go for it! Proverbs 3:5-6 says,

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.”

When you choose to follow God’s calling you have to trust Him. You can’t do anything without Him, so why even try to do something that big on your own? God is your Mighty, Just, and Heavenly Father and He will not let you fall. It may seem scary when He calls you to do things you don’t want to do and you feel so weary you cannot do any more, kneel. Kneel down to Jesus and pray. Pray for protection as you go, pray for the people that you will effect, and for a faithful heart.

Whatever you may be called to, do it with a faithful, devoted heart that follows God in His footprints. Choose today whether you are going to be fearful toward your task, or bold and faithful with your calling.

Pray this prayer to your Father, God

Dear LORD,

You are the Almighty protector of my soul. I know that You will be with me when I follow Your calling and that You will protect me every single step. Let me keep a faithful heart that runs to you when it’s weary. Help me to become a beautiful follower of You, Jesus. I love you LORD,

By faith is Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen

 

Verses

“The LORD is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” Psalm 118:6

   “I will keep on obeying Your instructions forever and ever. I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to Your commandments.” Psalm 119:44-45

“It’s in Christ Jesus that we find out who we are and what we are living for.” Ephesians 1:11

New International Version:

“ In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,”

Thank you for reading today and I pray that you would have a faithful heart towards God in all that you do <3 Have a great week!

 

~TLM

Day 7: Gentleness

Day 7 Gentleness

Focus: Recognizing God’s gentleness towards us

Hello again! Today’s devotion is focused on gentleness. Gentleness is a superior act of love that can lighten the heavy hearts of others. You can show gentleness by what comes out of your mouth, your physical touch, of your tone of voice! I get frustrated when someone doesn’t do what I say or when someone’s being rude to me, so I usually yell. It’s a yell that makes another person feel shameful. I know some of you yell a lot too ;) But the point is, if there is someone who is about to make you go nuts with frustration and anger, just be gentle. Pure gentleness WILL stop a fight. Stop speaking, apologize for yelling or being rude, leave the room and blow off some steam before you return to that person to apologize again in a more “gentle” way.

When you think about babies and mothers you think of love, relationship, and what? Gentleness!

Did you know?

Right after birth even if the baby was blind, he would still find his way to his mother’s chest <3

That is amazing how God designed babies to desire their mother’s love and warmth. How God created babies to be such a pleasure to mothers, and mothers to babies! It’s the same thing with us and God. We are His children and He is our father. When we come to Him and read His Word, talk to Him or just say His name, He is so pleased with the fact that you love Him. He loves when you come into His arms so He can show you how gentle and loving He is. Let this be an opportunity to let God show Himself, and his gentleness.

Question: Do you come to our gentle God like a newborn comes to his mother?

As gentle as we think we are, we will never be as gentle as God and that’s a good thing. Just as God designed babies to come to their mother’s chest, God designed you to come into His arms. So follow God today, and let your spirit rest in His arms. Just be calm and let God hold you, because He will never let you go. <3

 

Verses

“A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.” Proverbs 15:1

“Depend on the LORD. Trust Him and He will take care of you.” Psalm 37:5

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 1 Peter 2:2

 

Have a great day <3

~TLM~



Day 6: Kindness

Day 6: Kindness

Focus: Showing love through kindness

 

Question: What is kindness?

Is kindness saying to someone that their hair looks good? Is it about complimenting people? No. Kindness is about showing love. Showing God’s love. When you compliment someone, do you really mean it? Most of the time we do, but sometimes we don’t. When we hold a door for someone, do you mean it? What about when your parents tell you to wash the dishes… That’s another thing. When you are “told” to do something, you aren’t so motivated to do it, right? We feel like we have better things to do. But if we wash those dishes with meaning (doing it as best as you can, no matter how badly you don’t want to do it) the outcome is great and you feel good! It’s the same with holding a door for someone. When we really mean to help that person out, we are showing love and that’s what kindness means!

I love showing God’s love through my talents and actions of kindness. It just makes me feel.. Meaningful! I am helping someone get through a tough day or am giving a gift to someone just to make them smile! Now, the point is, you need to love as you do it. Let yourself recognize that you are doing this to show love and bring pleasure to God.

Question: Do you love when you are showing kindness?

I run into this a lot. What if I don’t enjoy it and I can’t get around that fact? How can I just, “love” to do something that I don’t love doing? It’s a domino effect. The next time you’re out, do something kind to a random person! Hold a door, make gifts to give out to random people, or just smile when you pass by! :) After you do something, look at the person as they smile because you were kind to them. After you see that smile, it will make you smile, and you will love it! Some people feel like nobody appreciates or loves them. You can change that feeling by showing love through the kind actions that you do. Don’t be afraid to show the loving character that's inside of you. Don't be afraid to show the God inside of you! :)

 

Verses

Each of you has been blessed with one of God’s many wonderful gifts to be used in the service of others. So use your gift well. 1 Peter 4:10

 God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. 1 Corinthians 12:6

Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10

Don’t just pretend to love others. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the LORD enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Romans 12: 9-13

 

Have a wonderful day :)

Day 5: Goodness

Day Five: Goodness

Focus: Following the good examples

 

Hey there! Welcome to day five of the Fruits of The Spirit study. :) Today, our focus is following the examples that lead us to Jesus.

Every day we wake up wondering what will happen today. What might the day bring and how will it affect me? The good thing is, we don’t have to worry about things like this. It’s only in God’s hands and He will make everything right. When God sent Jesus from paradise to the world, He made him spotless. By spotless I mean sinless. Could you imagine? Being completely sinless?

As humans, we follow examples. When we follow an example, we become like the example. However, sometimes, we follow the wrong examples. Here are some of the wrong examples that we (and I) sometimes find ourselves following:  magazines, pop stars, unknown people online, our peers around us (when they are doing the wrong stuff), and so many more. When we follow these examples, we become like clay in the hands of people who want to squeeze us into a man-made mold. When we follow the right examples, we become like clay in God’s hands as he molds us into the beautiful woman that honors Him.

If you find yourself following examples that make you jealous, rude, or self-centered, you should probably look for a better example! The best example that we can follow is Jesus. He does so many things worthy of our attention and time, more than magazines.

As we let Jesus become our example, we become more like Him. The result of a Jesus-followed life is goodness. Of course we can never be as perfect as Jesus, but He knows the desire in your heart to be the best girl that you can, and that’s just enough!

Question: Besides the example you are following, what example are you giving?

Verses

“If you make The LORD your refuge, if you make The Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.” Psalm 91: 9-10

“Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all the believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, in your faith, and your purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12

“If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.” Psalm 119:92

“O God, speak to me so clearly through Your Word that I recognize Your Voice. Help me to understand what You are making known to me, delighting me in Your Word so that I may celebrate with great joy! Nehemiah 8:12

 

Have a great week! <3

~TLM~

Day 4: Patience

Day Four: Patience

 

Focus: Being patient until God reveals His plan to you

 

Hello again =). Today’s study is about patience. Patience is the key to a peaceful, blessed life with God. Sometimes we don’t see God working in us immediately. Sometimes we feel God has left us, or won’t do what we want Him to do, and that’s ok! God takes His time. He wants to prepare us and get us ready before He does something with us. God is our example with this. In Genesis it says that God took a whole week to create the world, to make it right, to make it bring praise to Him. It didn’t take him a day, it took him a week!

God prepared Abram for a very long time before He gave him a son. He wanted to teach and prepare him for years before He made him a father. Talk about patience! God hears your prayers. He listens to your precious voice and loves to hear it!

Maybe what you are asking for doesn’t match up with God’s great plan for your life. Just because something seems easy, doesn’t mean you were chosen to do it. You just have to be patient! Just because something is hard, doesn’t mean it’s not God’s plan for you. Don’t choose your own path. Let God direct it. God will reveal it to you at the perfect time. You journey could be easy or hard, but how do you know it’s God’s plan for you? Ask yourself these questions:

#1. Does it match up with scripture?

#2. Will it bring glory to God?

#3. Does it follow God’s commandments?

#4. Do you trust God with whatever the journey may bring?

 

#1. Does it match up with scripture? If you feel God is calling you to do something, but you don’t know if it’s the right path, see if it matches up with scripture. If it does, you can consider it! If it doesn’t, you know it’s not the right path. God wouldn’t call you to do something against His own word!

 

#2. Will it bring glory to God? When God is calling you to do anything, He wants to make sure that it comes back to Him.

Question: Does the path you follow lead to God or the world’s pleasure?

#3. Does it follow God’s commandments? You will know for sure it’s a good path to follow if it follows every one of God’s commands. Again, God wouldn’t call us to break His rules in any way.

#4. Do you trust God with whatever the journey may bring? Trusting God with whatever He is leading you through helps amazingly. Once you know that every single thing on this Earth was planned by God already, you will have a little more confidence in the way you do things! God is the driver and He won’t crash!

 

Verses

“But the LORD’s plans stand firm forever; His intentions can never be shaken.” Psalm 33:11

“For the word of the LORD holds true, and we can trust everything He does. He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the LORD fills the earth.” Psalm 33:4-5

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105

“Its in Jesus Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for.” Ephesians 1:11

“Look at my servant whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me. I have put my spirit among him. He will bring justice to the nations.” Isaiah 42:1

 

Have a Jesus-ful day =)



I'm Sorry

Hello everyone! I couldn't manage to write last week's devotion. I will continue the series next week. :) Thank you for your understanding!

Day 3: Peace

Peace

 

 

Question: When you get stressed out, what do you do to have peace?

 

Focus: What to really do when your stressed

 

 

Hello again! We are going to be focusing on peace. Do you ever feel so mad, so stressed, so frustrated, that you let it out on someone you love? I do this a lot. I get so frustrated that I let it out on my family when they did nothing wrong.

 

Question: When you get mad at someone or something what do you do?

 

For me, I usually have the tendency to yell. Yell at someone for the smallest things. This is not the way to go. Before you say anything that could turn rude, say to yourself, "Is this what God would say to this person?" or "Is this what God would do?" After asking yourself those questions and revising the words in your head, then you can begin to speak them. Most of the time when we are stressed out, we don't have peace. God commands us to be peaceful while living through the hard times. While we may feel like there is no way to become peaceful at a time, there is, as long as you do it with God.

"The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. There is no law against these things!"
Galatians 5:22-23

 

 

How to have peace in a difficult situation

 

Pray

 

 

That's it. You just have to pray to Jesus! Once you really sit down, pray, get back up- wait! You're not done yet! That's not all to praying. You have to really talk to God. Before you end your prayer, just stay where you are, and let God reveal Himself to you before you go on with your day. This doesn't mean He will literally appear in front of you! You just have to keep still and feel His presence enter the room.

 

Whenever you need some peace, just ask God for it. These verses may help.  :)

 

"As soon as I pray, You answer me; You encourage me by giving me strength" Psalm 138:3

 

"By our purity, patience, and kindness we have shown ourselves to be God's servants." 2 Corinthians 6:6

"In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers to God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. 2 Corinthians 6:4

 

"Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you." 1 Peter 5:7

 

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

 

 

The next time you need peace, ask God. He will not rebuke you if you ask! :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Day 2: Joy

Joy

Focus: “The secret to joy, is to give it.”

 

Question: When you are sad, what do you do to make yourself joyful?

Question: When others are sad, what do you do to make them joyful?

 

Hi there! For today’s devotion we will be focusing on how to be joyful and how to spread love and joy in gentle ways. Start with the two questions I asked you;

 

When you are sad, what do you do to make yourself joyful?

When others are sad, what do you do to make them joyful?

What was your answer to the first question? Maybe your answer was one of these things. Or maybe not! J

Talk on the phone

Buy something you like

Get on your phone/TV/Laptop

Play with your sisters (or brothers)

Draw

Go out somewhere

 

Yes, these things make teenage girls very happy! But, what about the second question…? What was your answer? Let me tell you something; the key to having joy, is to give joy. Write this down and say it out loud.

“The key to having joy, is to give joy”

You know you love seeing the look on someone’s face when they open something you give them! But could you imagine seeing the happy smile of a hungry little boy or girl when you bring them the first food they have had all week? I have heard this feeling, and seen it. It’s incomparable with any other feeling. It’s a joy feeling.

Guess what? You don’t have to go to Africa. You don’t have to go to Mali. You don’t have to unless God calls you there! There are hundreds of thousands of kids, single mothers, and hungry families in your community. I mean seriously. Could you imagine? Giving someone their first meal since2 days. There are thousands of people walking past you every day that are starving, losing jobs, losing loved ones, losing love.

 

Question: Can you do it?

Can you do something about it? Can you make those around you feel like they actually matter? Would you let them understand that they are cared about, prayed for, and loved?

YES

YOU

CAN

!!!

I mean SERIOUSLY! You can do ANYTHING!

“I can do anything through Christ who gives me strength!” Philippians 4:13

 

Ideas on what you can do in your community to raise money

Have a bake sale

Organize a play

Use your talents (drawing, needle felting, painting, anything!)

Get your friends involved

Create a blog about it

 

Caring for people is just as special as making money for an organization.

Caring for others

Help mom with dishes, cleaning, and possibly be on baby duty from time to time ;)

Help your elderly neighbor get into her car

Hold doors for everyone!

Help your siblings with their homework

 

And the most important of all these,

How to show love

Write on sticky notes, “you are beautiful”, “The LORD loves you” or “Trust in Jesus” and stick them everywhere! Grocery stores, the mall, your church, piano lessons, school, and in your friend’s lockers or bags.

Make cards for the children in hospitals

Complimenting on someone’s shirt

Make jewelry and give it away to random people

 

These things just make people’s days special!

And after this, I guarantee you will be smiling from ear to ear! :]

Have an awesome, blessed week! :D

 

Truth Treasures

“When others are happy, be happy with them.” Romans 12:15

“Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into His presence with singing! Know that The LORD, He is God! It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.” Psalm 100: 1-3

Day 1: Love

WEEK ONE

Focus: Love

When a “question” appears, write the question and your answer in the journal! Also write down any verse you see, so you can look back at it later! Remember: You aren’t forced to do this. You could just follow along by reading, but having a Jesus journal is a good way to get deep with God. I recommend it!  Now go experience God in Day One!

 

 

You have a purpose!

In their life, everybody asks the question, “Do I have a purpose?”

Guess What?

You Do.

If you didn’t have a purpose, you wouldn’t be on this earth! God put you here for a reason. A Mighty reason! If you trust Him, He will reveal it to you. Just be patient! God will choose the perfect time to show you who you are. For starters, look at the Fruits of the Spirit. God gave them to us so we could put them to practice in our lives!

 

Love

Joy

Peace

Patience

Goodness

Kindness

Gentleness

Faithfulness

And Self-Control

 

Look at the first word. Love. God loves you so unfathomably, he gave His Son for you! Nothing you can ever do will separate you from Jesus. Do you hear that?

Nothing.

Question: Who do you love?

Who would you never part from? Have a person in mind? God loves you infinity times more than you could ever love that person! God loves them just as much. Everyone has an equal worth to God. He has no favorites. If you say to yourself, “God doesn’t love me.”  It’s time for a wakeup call. God sent His Only Son to die on the cross for your sins! He sent him so you could be able to live in paradise with Him! He gives you a roof over your head, food to eat, family, friends, water, a bed to sleep in, and so many other blessings without you even realizing it. Listen, He loves you.

Question: Do you love Him?

How could we not? The Bible says to us,

“Love The LORD Your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” Luke 10:27

You are His precious daughter. A daughter of the Most High! A daughter of Jesus, our King. So many girls are going through this love problem. Even me! Don’t feel alone. :) Now, as a girl, we can’t stop ourselves from making plans. Plans with friends, plans for shopping trips, plans for just sitting in front of the TV! If you are going through this little problem, you need a game plan. That’s right, it’s time to do something!

THE GAME PLAN

Task: Write down your daily schedule

This is what it may look like

Wake up

Go to school

Come home

Snack

Homework

Electronics

Dinner

Hang out in room

Bed

 

Well, you may be really busy! At the end of the day, we always feel so tired, and are frustrated with the fact that we have to do it all again tomorrow. You can prevent this feeling if you really find time for God. Before you get out of bed in the morning, read a few good verses, pray, and THEN you can begin your day! If you start and end your day with God, you won’t feel as worn out in the end!

 

Activity for the week:

Make time for Jesus!

Pray

Trust Him with your week. Trust Him one day at a time. “Can I do today?” Yes! One day at a time.

Each day of this week, write down everything you did from start to finish

At the end of the week, look back at how your schedule has changed because you made God your priority not a task ;)

Are You Ready?

I am in love with the Almighty Creator of me, Jesus Christ. He made you and I specially for His great purposes and I am ready to share His unfathomable love with you! Listen, Jesus loves you so much, He died for you. On the cross, so you would not have to experience death, but experience paradise with Him. I will be sharing His ultimate love with you in a 9 week study, overflowing with the passion that Jesus has for you!

 

Focus

If you can't do big things, do small things in a big way

That's our focus for this blog! No matter what age you are, how small or tall you are, what you look like, what you do, how you act, who your friends are, where you live, what others are doing, what time in your life it is, You can make a difference.

 

YOU

CAN

DO

ANYTHING

WITH

JESUS.

 

I mean seriously, this is as good as gold! If you have enough faith that Jesus can make something amazing happen, it will! 

 

 

What you will need 

 

A clean notebook: an empty notebook ready to be filled with love!

Pencils: to write in your notebook! :)

A willing heart: Be ready to keep up with this study! If you stick to it, it will change your view of everything around you, and will make you see the bad things at a different angle!

 

We will be following The Fruits of the Spirit in our study. One day at a time! Each Saturday,  I will share a devotion and we will follow it together!

 

The Fruits of the Spirit

 

Love

Joy

Peace

Patience

Goodness

Kindness

Gentleness

Faithfulness

Self-control

 

Get ready, for a life changing experience that will have your heart fixed on Jesus  <3