Archives For Devotions

Life Moment: Do You Need Extra Help?

Heloise "Lois" Ridley, MBA, MA —  April 13, 2016

I was about to “jump out of my skin” one day after watching a brief video on Peter meeting Jesus on my YouVersion Bible App on my cell.
This was quite a feat considering it was still the wee hours of the morning and I was seriously struggling to wake up and get my day started.

I carried this “lesson” in my belly for a week now.
No. First I tried to share with my sleeping husband…screaming with excitement as I showing him.Yes, it was the wee hours. He said something like “that’s nice dear”. LOL

I am thrilled that God wants to get involved in our lives even when we are frustrated or weary as Peter was. Peter used his professional skills and talents to work diligently to no avail. He had a right to be discouraged in my opinion.

Are you frustrated or tired?

That’s when Jesus asked to get in his boat. I LOVE Peter’s realistic reply. No roses and harp music… just curious resistance that he let go to cooperate.

Just like for Peter, God can add His abilities to our sticky situations.

I know this may seem like an oversimplification but I noticed that kids “get it” when I tell them.

God encourages our “child-like” prayers.

 

Watch @YOUVERSION link for the James and Peter video:
http://bible.com/v/31

 

Jesus teaches Peter about real life...

Jesus teaches frustrated and disgusted Peter about real life…

 

I recorded my 2 minute commentary above just before my trauma classes I attended at the American Bible Society in Philadelphia (historical Christ Church in background).  I tried to behave and appear calm and civilized in the streets of Philly and skipped the scream =)

I initially shared this clip with my Propel Powerspeak family because God had on my heart to encourage someone. I do not know who.

Is it you who needs God’s extra help?????

I knew someone out there needs access to God’s supernatural power right now…

besides me LOL. I’m tackling grad school, homeschool with 4 kids left, children & youth ministry, missions, speaking and… counting on His grace.

If it is you, please let me know! What’s your story?

I grateful that God is shaping and forming willing individuals to become His world changers for the Kingdom of God. Like the humble people I met at the Global Community of Practice trauma classes who are changing lives one at a time around the world. (But that’s another post.)

You can reach out in the comments or use the contact form to share some details.

 

Blessings,

Lois

 

 

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Life Moment: Minis Video – Show Kids to Learn About New Life

Heloise "Lois" Ridley, MBA, MA —  April 4, 2016


I showed the minis the Psalm 119:93 verse shown below and asked them to tell me what they believe it means.

I won’t ever forget
your teachings,
because you give me new life
by following them.

Psalm 119:93 CEV

They were entrenched in a game of basketball in our kitchen and you may hear that in the background!

Have a blessed day!

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Life Moment: What To Do With Those Unwanted Emotions?

Heloise "Lois" Ridley, MBA, MA —  March 23, 2016

Even in our weaknesses when we may feel, sad, tired, depressed, angry, enraged, scared, disgusted or overwhelmed… God cares how we feel. Even if it’s God Himself that you are mad at.

I think I did most of those emotions at some point in just the last week!! LOL

“Ok, so what do I do?” 

Well it depends on what rocks your boat… and how badly it hurts inside.

I may talk/cry to God about something that bugs me as I buzz around doing my  routine.

However, if it’s horrible and  involves a hospitalization of a loved one, a final, an expense we need a miracle for, a kid that is way out of line or something similar…

I need to pause to pray/weep/grieve over the situation with God.

Then I usually need to find specific Bible Verses that remind me of God’s promises to help me stand in faith. Like the one below.

Since my goal today is to also help you teach your children what to do with their negative emotions, find self-control and emotional intelligence… I will add the next picture verse: 

 It may be important to teach them to NOT do naughty things (sin) even if they are furious or sad. I don’t focus on sin but God does want them safe.

If this concept hard for you to implement with your littles let me know. It can be tricky! 

I have 6yo twins and a 10yr old still at home so I realize it’s a process to train children in self-control.

I will add the tactile things I also need to do if I’m overwhelmed with negative emotions. 

I may also journal/beef on paper about a struggle,

blast Kirk Franklin or Andi Mineo music, sing badly and loudly,

go for a walk,

dance with a baby,

or draw something about it. (My drawings look more like flowcharts but that’s ok you get the point.)

Do something with God and pour out those feelings. Getting them out is part of the healing process. Going close to God and talking to Him about how we feel is a part of the process. Then His grace and help are available!!

It’s a good deal. A trade. He takes our yuck and gives us His love.


Verse and link below:

“For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; 

but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, 

yet without sin. 

Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, 

that we may receive mercy, 

and may find grace to help us in time of need.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4:15-16‬ ‭ASV‬‬ http://bible.com/12/heb.4.15-16.asv


If you know someone who is struggling please share this post with them and let me know. We all really need each other.

Blessings,

Lois

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Life Moment: Teach Our Children Emotional Intelligence 

Heloise "Lois" Ridley, MBA, MA —  March 16, 2016

This verse explains how to help our children gain emotional intelligence and resilience. It is not easy in today’s world for our kids to navigate through social media, bullying and peer pressure. By introducing them to the One and teaching them His ways we help them understand who they really are. Not what others tell them. Our kids gain identity and emotional intelligence.

I added the framing verses in Deuteronomy those in the image above to give context. Our prevailing goal is to tightly bond our children to God and his unconditional love and encourage them to focus on his design for their lives.

Then hopefully the world cannot tell them who they are and what they should want. This of course is not a foolproof formula. It’s a relationship.

Children once they get older make choices that are good, bad, horrible and sometimes dangerous.

But….  if they know Him and His ways they may choose to seek to God to help them find their way out of trouble, depression and challenge.

If we as parents teach them… we empower them.

Blessings!

Lois

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 

Impress them on your children. 

Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates.”
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭6:5-7, 9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

http://bible.com/111/deu.6.5-7,9.niv

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Life Moment: Parenting Tip for Helping Kids Struggling with Anger

Heloise "Lois" Ridley, MBA, MA —  March 9, 2016


Perhaps you to have some kids who struggle with anger? Here is a verse that helps. Once your child knows it by heart… You will only have to say the first part and they can finish it!

If we write God’s word on children’s heart He will scrub it and clean it for you.

God does the hard part!!!

 

Below is a version without my Aunti Lolo face!

Haha

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