THURSDAY, MARCH 3RDA TIME OF SHARED STRUGGLES Today we come to our mentor as he shares one of his trying times with us. Jesus invites us to listen …

MENTORING MOMENTS – HOMETOWN WOES

Uncovering the Love of Jesus

By: Asheritah Ciuciu

“And when you were dead in trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive together with him, when he forgave us all our trespasses, erasing the record that stood against us with its legal demands. He set this aside, nailing it to the cross.”
— Colossians 2:13-14 (NRSVA) —

Why Did Jesus Have To Die?

• Jesus died to forgive us our sins and cancel our debt.

Daily Bible Reading: John 1:1-18

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, ‘This was he of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.”’) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.” (NRSVA)

Things To Ponder:

1. Today’s Bible reading tells us that the law came through Moses; but Jesus brought God’s grace and truth and invites us to become God’s children. What does this tell us about God?

This tells me that God has a relentless love for his creation, his children. Throughout the scriptures we find time and time again how God makes a way for his people. God’s grace and mercy cannot be measured by any means that we can even imagine. Through the cross Jesus defeated death, it is through Jesus we are forgiven and reconciled with the Father. Our salvation is possible because of the cross.

2. Whenever we break God’s law, that’s called sun. But Jesus offers us forgiveness through His death on cross. What sins do you need to confess and ask Him to forgive?

This is indeed a conversation for each of us to have with our Creator. We are all sinful, we must go to Jesus in prayer seeking forgiveness and for the strength to resist temptations we are faced with each day. We are able to speak with God at any time and at any place. Our prayers are always heard by the Father, those prayers that rest silently upon our hearts, the prayers we lament over in secret and our prayers of praise and thanksgiving for the blessings we have received. We may not always understand situations in our lives but we can always trust in God’s perfect timing. I share these thoughts with you knowing that life can and will be difficult at times but know this: You are never alone. Praise be to God for the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort us in our times of need.

3. What do you want to say in response to Jesus?

Jesus, thank you for selfishly coming to live among your people, your creation. I am beyond grateful for your sacrifice, for paying the full debt of my sins and the sins of the entire human race. You suffered unimaginable pain both physically and emotionally so I could spend eternity with you. My words are useless for thanking you, I know that I fail day in and day out and daily I seek your presence in my life. You allow me new opportunities to share your love with those around me. God, use me to share your message of love to the world for your glory. I thank you Lord for the firm foundation in which you chose to plant me and with whom you blessed me with, my family and my friends.

🎼• 🎵 • 🎶 • 🎼• 🎵 • 🎶 • 🎼

Friends —- Peace be with you!

That song brings back so many memories from my childhood. I can hear the old piano playing in the church I grew up in, singing in the Children’s choir. Exquisite memories !

This is the church I grew up in…

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

Originally written on:

Tuesday, February 15th, 2022

Have you ever been in a large group of people, not really ease-dropping, but can’t help yourself from listening to the stories being told…

Count your blessings daily is my advice. I was recently on vacation at WDW and while standing in line for an attraction I over heard a conversation between two women. One of them said, “there’s a special place in hell for me because I didn’t go see my mother before she passed.” My thoughts immediately went to my own experience of my mom’s passing. I know and believe that all things work for God in God’s world. I cherish the last visit I had with my mom, if I close my eyes I can still feel her arms around me from our last hug goodbye. I always hugged and kissed her goodbye; even if I was planning on seeing her the next day. We also had a weekly practice of calling each other on Saturday afternoons, I certainly miss those calls. At the time of her unexpected passing I lived nearly an hour and half away from my parents home. By the time I arrived at my parents home, the funeral home had already taken my mom. I know many of you have heard this story from my before, this time I just want to emphasize the importance of loving. Love is free to give and receive, do so with humbleness and grace. None of us are promised length of days, you can decide how you will live them out.

“Yet you do not even know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”
— James 4:14 (NRSVA) —

Although, in this particular event of standing in line, I was not intentional in ease-dropping, but some conversations just seem to break through any barriers we may have in place. But I’m happy that this over-heard conversation took my memories to the most incredible human being I had the privilege to call, MOM. She taught me so many value lessons and a lifetime of memories. I thank God for this precious gift. The Lord is my strength and my refuge!

“The days of our life are seventy years, or perhaps eighty, if we are strong; even then their span is only toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away.”
— Psalm 90:10 (NRSVA) —

I’ll end with this, no matter what you hear throughout your day, as the receiver of information we get to choose how to use or process the information…on this day I found clarity in the story overheard and used it for good. I didn’t share the story through means of gossip, I turned inward and found a blessing in my own circumstances.

Thanks for stopping by today, I am honored by your visit.

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

ASH WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2NDA TIME OF INSTRUCTION Today we come to Jesus for our time of instruction, a teaching time to grow in wisdom and relationship.…

MENTORING MOMENTS – FOLLOW ME

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022

Today marks the beginning of the Lenten Season. It’s a time of preparation for Easter. In Wester churches Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, six and a half weeks before Easter and provides for a 40 day fast, excluding Sundays, in imitation of Jesus Christ’s fasting in the wilderness before he began his public ministry.

Ash Wednesday is a solemn reminder of human mortality and the need for reconciliation with God and marks the beginning of the penitential Lenten season. It is commonly observed with ashes and fasting.

The ashes symbolize both death and repentance. During this period, Christians show repentance and mourning for their sins, because they believe Christ died for them.

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I found the following items very interesting from https://www.christianity.com/

• Our Creation: Genesis 2:7 – Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
• Our Curse: Genesis 3:19 – By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.”
• Our Cry of Repentance: Psalm 51:7- 10 – Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me

A Prayer for Ash Wednesday

Lord, Holy One, have mercy on us. We confess our sins to you. We have fallen short of your glory and without your mercy and grace, we would be dust. We repent now. Lord, as we enter into this Lenten season, be near to us. Help us, by your Holy Spirit, to feel the right conviction and repentance for our sin. Help us, by your Spirit, to have the strength to overcome the enemy.

Thank you, Lord, that Easter is coming! Death has no sting, no victory, because of Jesus! Glory and honor and praise to His name! Thank you for rescuing us. Help us keep both the weight and the joy of this season in our hearts and we move through the next several weeks. Help us bear the good fruit of your Spirit.

Thank you that the ashes on our forehead do not symbolize our ultimate reality. From dust, we might have been formed, but our bodies, our spirits, ourselves, await beautiful redemption and the restoration of all things. Help us long and look forward to that day, and let it come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Ephesians 3:14-21

“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.”

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

https://www.christianity.com/church/church-life/what-is-ash-wednesday-why-do-christians-celebrate-it.html?amp=1

https://www.biblegateway.com/

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022

Hello my friends —

It has been over a month since my last post, I have missed this community and writing. I am typically more prepared when approaching the spiritual journey of the Lenten Season. Honestly, I have struggled with getting ready for Lent and, perhaps more accurately a wrestling within myself. I recently began working with a group of women planning some church activities relating to Lent and it has had an exhilarating effect on me. I have known for several weeks the study guide I would use for my personal Lenten journey and utilize while blogging. I have chosen a book written by, Asheritah Ciuciu called, “Uncovering the Love of Jesus.”

Much like the author, I did not really come to know or understand Lent until I was an adult. I have tried the “giving up” of something meaningful during this season in hopes of some revelation at the end of Lent only to be disappointed. I have found more success in “adding” things to my life during Lent to experience Jesus in new ways. Things like intentional devotion times, intentional kindness and a blessing journal. We each travel through this season differently because we are different, each uniquely created by God with a purpose and a plan. This is a season for deepening our personal relationship with God and then to share it with the world. As I ponder this season, my heart is heavy…our world is hurting, many hurting individually and collectively. The past two years have been difficult at best with the pandemic and now there is a war raging; inflation is crippling, and people, myself included are tired of the madness. It’s enough to make ones head spin. And yet, God calls you and I to love others, to love whether or not we agree or disagree with them. Lent should not be considered an obligation; No, it is an invitation to draw closer to Jesus with intentional thoughts and actions.

How Do/How Can I Love Everyone?

“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.’” —John 13:34-35 (NRSVA)

“Notice that the definitive marker of a person who belongs to Jesus is not Bible knowledge, it’s not evangelistic zeal and it’s not passion for social justice. It’s love. In fact Paul reminds the Corinthian church that even the most sacrificial acts are pointless without love. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).” -Quote Page 15, Uncovering the Love of Jesus by Asheritah Ciuciu

I hope you will consider following me through this season of Lent, my hope is that together we will uncover the Love of Jesus in new ways. I encourage you to see Lent as an opportunity to be kind to yourself, to be open and even vulnerable, allowing grace to freely flow from Christ to you and for your soul to feast upon God’s word for growth and understanding. Together we can love one another and shine the love of Jesus to world.

“Lent is a season of somberness, a time in which we can come face-to-face with our frailty as humans, our sinfulness apart from Christ, and our mortality in this body of death. We grieve the brokenness in this world, and we cry out against the injustices we see around us. We mourn and lament sickness and death and cry out for forgiveness and deliverance from the sins that plague our own souls. Quite frankly, Lent is not a fun season. It’s heavy. But it’s beautiful too, precisely in it’s permission to recognize that the Christian life is not all smiles and sunshine. In this world, we will have troubles, Jesus promises, and the season of Lent permits us to be honest about those troubles, even as we press on towards Easter Sunday with the hope that Jesus has overcome the world. “Quote Page 13, Uncovering the Love of Jesus by Asheritah Ciuciu

COOL FACT:

A period of preparation and fasting likely has been observed before the Easter festival since apostolic times, though the practice was not formalized until the First Council of Nicaea in 325 CE. *Britannica.com

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Lent

Thursday, January 27th, 2022

Hello friends —

Today I simply want to share some verses I read as part of my daily devotions. It’s the words of the Apostle Paul to the church in Ephesus. Paul encourages the people to constantly be prepared, to STAND READY. As I read these words, I paused and thought just how these words rang true for the people in Ephesus and remains solid truth for today. I look at my own life and question my commitments.

⚠️ Am I standing ready for the call of Jesus.

⚠️ Have I done all that I can to prepare for the call of Jesus

I think most of us would agree that life is challenging, no matter our social or economic standing life is not and will never be fair. I’ve learned over the years that money does not buy happiness or love. I’ve also recognized that the outward appearance of popularity and being well liked does not fill one’s heart with worth or love.

🔶 ▪️ 🔹 ▪️ 🔶 ▪️ 🔹 ▪️ 🔶 ▪️ 🔹 ▪️ 🔶

I am reminded of a wonderful Bible verse that plainly tells God’s children what they can do to STAND READY…

“For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
— Ephesians 6:12-17 (NRSVA) —

Peace to each of you today and always~

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

http://www.biblegateway.com

Friday, January 21st, 2022

Hello friends —

I have been plagued with mixed thoughts and emotions as of late about the placing of individuals on pedestals or in high regard, only to see them fall. The reality of life is none of us at our core are better or worse than the next; biblical speaking. We are all are born with a sinful nature and are all created by God. Each of us are capable of greatness when we place our lives in the Creators hands. I believe with all my heart that God has specific plans for each of us and provides for all our needs. I also know that this may sound like I’m saying life is easy as are our choices; trust me, getting to this point in my life has not been easy. I have made lots of poor choices in life and my stubbornness has gotten me into difficult situations more than I care to count. I also try very hard to not use “regret” in my vocabulary. My life experiences have been harsh at times but the life lessons I learned were so worth it.

I have a dear friend that has taught me that “Trusting God and Trusting His Plan” is always the best choice. Her life verse is, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” ~Proverbs 3:5-6 (NRSVA)

I also appreciate the following verse as well, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.” ~Proverbs 3:7 (NRSVA)

⭐️ • 🤩 • ⭐️ • 🤩 • ⭐️ • 🤩 • ⭐️ • 🤩 • ⭐️ • ⭐️

I think at some point in our lives many of us have all looked up to someone and held them in high regard only to watch them fall for some reason or another. This can happen with high profile athletes, musicians, political figures, and even with family members. The Bible is very clear about who we should worship: God alone.

📖 🔸 📖 🔸 📖 🔸 📖 🔸 📖 🔸 📖 🔸 📖

“For you shall worship no other god, because the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” ~Exodus 34:14 (NRSVA)

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“Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.”’ ~Matthew 4:10b (NRSVA)

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“Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.”’ ~Luke 4:8 (NRSVA)

📖 🔸 📖 🔸 📖 🔸 📖 🔸 📖 🔸 📖 🔸 📖

I’m not saying not to cheer for your favorite team or player. I’m not saying don’t go to concerts or performances to support your favorite artist. What I am saying is this, they are human and will most likely let you down for one reason or another.

I recently watched a documentary/movie about an actress that I like, Ingrid Bergman called, “INGRID BERGMAN in Her Own Words.” It was very informative and I learned a lot about her career and family life. At first I was disappointed by some of her life choice and then, I felt guilty because it is not my place to extend my approval or disapproval. I certainly do not like it when others question my actions or motives. We all learn at different rates and life should not be a competition. We are creatures of our environments and we learn through our experiences; and some of us have to learn the same lessons over and over before we grasp the importance of it.

This movie “INGRID BERGMAN in Her Own Words,” is currently on TMC and was produced in 2015. Run time 1 HR 54 MIN.

Synopsis: Through never-before private footage, notes, letters, diaries and interviews with her children, this dim presents a look behind the scenes of the life of Ingrid Bergman, who became one of the most celebrated actresses of cinema.

I was disappointed with the movie that it did not include a favorite movie of mine; Ingrid’s portrayal of Gladys Aylward in “The Inn of the Sixth Happiness.” It was based upon the book, The Small Woman: The Heroic Story of Gladys Aylward: Burgess, Alan

The best advice I’ve ever received and want to pass along to you is, “Love one another.”

Thank you for visiting my blog today. I sincerely appreciate you!

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

Monday, January 17th, 2022

Thursday, Jan. 6th — Monday, Jan. 10th, 2022

“The Big Easy” is a synonym for New Orleans, the city’s spirit; that it defines how folks in New Orleans embrace life; and that people here do things their own way, without ever fearing judgement.

My first trip to New Orleans was a success. I had a great time with some wonderful friends. The city has so many things to do and to see. I loved the art and architecture, the history and its music.

Below are some of the places I visited:

Coyote Ugly Bar

Brennan’s Restaurant

LeBayou Restaurant

Deurty Boys Gallery

Rendezvous, Inc “Linens & Lace”

ACME Oyster House

Café Du Monde

Café Beignet

Morrow’s Restaurant

Jackson Square

New Orleans Ghost Adventures Tours

Mag’s 940 Bar & Guesthouse

Pat O’Brien’s

So, there it is, my trip via photos. Wishing you all a blessed day! Be kind to one another!

~ Charlotte, Hope Seeker

Thursday, January 6th, 2022

God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.

— C. S. Lewis

“Mere Christianity”

“…and it always bears the beautiful harvest of righteousness! Good seeds of wisdom’s fruit will be planted with peaceful acts by those who cherish making peace.”
James 3:18 (TPT)

Most of us, if we were to be asked “do you want peace?” Would answer with a hardy, “YES!” What is it specifically that, “PEACE” means to you?

I often go to a local park when I seek peace, I love the quiet and stillness of the landscape. I feel closer to God when I am surrounded by nature. The big and small trees with their branches stretching toward the sun, the song birds singing and the cardinals chasing one another from tree to tree. And, the lake, whether the water is still or slow dancing with the winds, it is captivating. It is here I find inner peace.

And, there is yet another peace I seek, external peace with others. I don’t like to fight or argue; however, when pressed or presented with a situation, I will often engage. I prefer to be a fixer or a negotiator especially with family and friends, I seriously want others to be happy and prosperous, to have peace.

Spiritual peace, I love to sit alone in an empty church sanctuary and just breathe it all it. I also find this kind of peace when sharing in conversations with individuals that challenge me to be the best version of myself. They encourage me to live into the person God created me to be. They excite my soul. I would be amiss if I did not mention spiritual peace through attending church services. My schedule makes it challenging to make it to morning services on Sunday’s. But, when I am able to attend in person, my whole being is nourished, both literally and figuratively. I love the fellowship time before and in-between services when coffee and goodies are available and catching up with friends is a must. Definitely the pandemic has squashed most of these activities that feed me. I hope we are rounding the counter to a brighter future at least where the pandemic is concerned.

I struggle with “peace on earth” it sounds beautiful in a song and in the Bible verses; I don’t believe true peace on earth is attainable without Jesus and His return with a new heaven and a new earth. Currently, the global state of affairs plainly said; is a mess! We have civil unrest around the globe, countries invading or planning to invade others to increase their areas of control, I’m guessing. Family members fighting one another over beliefs, ownership or for unknown reason other than they have always fought. One day it will all stop, and there will be no more chances for humankind to get it right; Jesus will return and every knee will bow and proclaim, Christ Jesus, Lord.

My HOPE is found in Jesus, I find real PEACE in Him. The way of true peace can only be found in Jesus, as your personal Savior. Rest in the peace that He alone provides.

“I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous!”
John 14:27 (TPT) lobP

~ Charlotte, Hope Seeker

References:

Greek “Hope Seeker” Translation: αναζητητής ελπίδας

Hebrew “Hope Seeker” Translation: מחפש תקווה

https://www.biblegateway.com/

(TPT) The Passion Translation https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/peace/?amp

https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/bakers-evangelical-dictionary/peace.html

365 Daily Devotions “I Hear His Whisper For Women” Brian Simmons (BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC)