A Bit Of Rest...

As I prepare to take advantage of an extra day off tomorrow, I am reminded that even God rested. As I was overtaken by a pretty ferocious cold this weekend, I likewise was reminded that I often do have to be just completely knocked down to allow myself to take a rest. This has been a constant struggle for me, but as I reflect on the concept of balance in life more and more, I recognize that balance is what God has intended for us. Yes, he wants us to be diligent, hardworking, persevering…but He too wants us to have rest and peace. So, I am focusing on this verse this week as well as the concept that even through all that we have to get done, I still need to rest. “And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation” Genesis 2:2-3 (ESV).
--Leesha

Two Are Better Than One

The concept of relationship has been brought to my attention and has been a focus of my studies time and time again. Nonetheless, I find myself returning to it yet again. And, finally, I think I am realizing why it is a topic that keeps surfacing. It is that important. God doesn't just keep laying things on our hearts that are unimportant, right? So, relationship is going to be another one of the things that I focus on this year. Relationship with my husband, my friends, my family, my coworkers...

In all aspects God tells us, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.” Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NIV). Now, I would clarify that to mean two working together to further his kingdom and his will, but nevertheless, two that come together can get twice the work done in half the time! God has provided us with a variety of people in our lives to serve as vital resources to us and us to them. Bottom line, He is a relational god, and we are relational people (because He made us that way)! So, as we progress throughout this thing we call life, let's not go it alone. Call on God, call on people, and let others call on you.
--Leesha

If You Believe It...

In my personal and professional life this week, I aim to focus on this key verse--Matthew 9:29, "Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you...” My pastor's message the past few weeks has been entitled "The Forces That Form You," and has discussed the different ways that what we expose ourselves to, meditate on, and allow in our lives shapes the people we are today as well as who we are destined to become. It's truly been a powerful message, and I cannot wait to see how the rest of the series continue. The key concept that I really pulled from this week's message was the idea that "If you begin to believe you are a failure, you will fail. But, if you begin to believe you are a success, you will succeed." That being said, we need to consider and select what we believe, and likewise, we need to have faith in that which we forsee for our lives. Matthew 9:29 gives us hope and a belief that if we truly do have faith, God will bless what we do. So, by focusing on what promises God has given us and believing we do have a purpose and a design, we believe it into being.  Let's hold onto that faith and bring into being the things you desire for your life.
--Leesha