SPIRITUAL
Count it all joy, my brothers,whenyoumeet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.James1:2-4ESV
Joy and trials. Not usually something you'd put in the same sentence but James wrote that when we face various trials in our life we are to consider it joy.
God has a purpose for our life that is beautiful and full of His abounding gifts, but it was never promised that it would be easy. It's THROUGH the trials we face in life that actually grow us, creating within us an emotion of wellbeing, and success as the Miriam Webster Dictionary states. Isn't this what we want? Yes! That is growth!
DefiningJoy:
a) the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing whatonedesires b) the expression or exhibitionofsuchemotion
BY TRACEE PADILLA - STUDY ON JAMES DEVOTIONAL & STUDY GUIDE EXCERPT
If God gave us everything we ever hoped for right this very minute we'd jump into our dreams without the maturity and wisdom we need to maintain the dream given. Premature joy is what's called temporary happiness. Tribulations serve multiple purposes, so as our faith is tested, you can be confident in knowing it produces a resilience in us (steadfastness) and once it has its full effect on us, leads us to be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing I'll take some of that! This makes our purpose deeper and more meaningful wrapped up in the gift of gratitude.
When trials comes, choose to remain steadfast, keeping your feet planted on Jesus. He's got you.
by Margarita Beck by Margarita Beck by Margarita Beck
The heavy steel door slammed shut behind me, cutting me off from the outside world.
I was no longer free to go anywhere I wanted to Cameras followed my every step To get to the program room, I had to push a button on the wall to request Main Control to open up a series of doors for me.
The program room was simple, stark. Four tables and some plastic chairs filled the room Through large plateglass windows on two of the walls the support services coordinator and guards patrolling the corridor could keep watchful eyes on me.
I had prayed for God to give me a ministry, and I ended up in jail Was I really ready for this type of ministry?
As I sat in the program room waiting for a guard to bring my students to me,
I realized that my life had come full circlefrom a high school dropout who had gained a college education to a teacher of dropouts who wanted to complete their high school education. I was destined to become a teacher, but the path leading to my present "classroom" encountered several serious detours, beginning with my dropping out of school in my junior year.
My boyfriend and I, a couple of starryeyed teenagers, decided to get married, certain that our love could not wait During prenuptial counseling, the minister made us promise that I would complete studies for a high school diploma. I can still remember our surprise when during the wedding ceremony, the minister included my promise to finish high school right along with all the other conventional promises!
After our four sons were born, I did keep my promise, enrolling myself in school at the same time I enrolled our oldest son in kindergarten I received my diploma in 1962, but I was not completely satisfied By this time, I had developed a strong desire to become a teacher. I prayed for God to find a way for me to go to college, promising in return that I would use what I learned to help my people, Mexican Americans
The next few years brought several dramatic events into my life I was seriously injured in an auto accident, received a four-year college scholarship, and saw my marriage threatened as I neared graduation. Once again we turned to God and He helped us resolve our problems as we yielded to His will
After graduating in 1968, I taught Spanish in a high school for one year. Then I applied for and received a graduate assistantship which allowed me to study for a master's degree in exchange for my teaching college classes
I completed that degree in 1970, just in time for me to fulfill my promise to God to help my people. At that time, a program opened up to teach ESL (English as a second language) to Mexican Americans who desired to leave their migrant lifestyle. I taught the first year of the program's existence and then became the coordinator of the program, holding that position until 1977
Three years prior to that, I had been diagnosed as having systemic lupus erythematous, an incurable inflammatory disease that affect connective tissues throughout the body, causing swelling and joint pain Extreme fatigue and depression are some of the symptoms I worked until 1977, when I finally had to admit I could no longer continue.
I rested for several years, then returned to work as the Lord opened up an opportunity for me to work as the administrator at our church I enjoyed the work, but after six years another bad lupus flare-up occurred and I resigned my job.
"I couldn't hear God or feel His presence. "
With rest and medication, the flare-up abated, but depression lingered-and worsened as the months wore on. I had experienced mild depression from time to time in the past, but this was nothing like I had ever gone through
Anything and everything put me into a panic. I became fearful of everything and everybody. Even going to the grocery store was a traumatic experience. I couldn't handle all the decisions I had to make, and the people there frightened me
Going to church was almost as threatening, but my memory told me that church was used to be a peaceful place. So I relied on memory rather than on my present feelings I forced myself to go to church and to smile, all the while clinging to my husband
Many times during that period I turned to my husband in tears and confusion. How could I explain why I was crying, why I was so fearful, when I didn't understand it
myself? I begged my husband to divorce me and to go on with his life, but he said that whatever the problem was we were in it together I cried out to God constantly, but I couldn't hear Him or feel His presence. Somehow I managed to continue my daily Bible reading out of sheer habit when what I read seemed to be just so many words
But many people were praying for me and those prayers eventually helped me emerge from the horrible period of darkness. Little by little, I started feeling alive, and glad to be alive, no longer having unwarranted fears and confusion Confidence once again surged through my heart. I was anxious to get back into ministry.
"Now what, God?" I prayed. "Please open up a door of ministry for me "
As I prayed for God's guidance in my life, I realized that I was not completely well in body and that I could not consider a full-time ministry. About that time I began feeling the desire to teach again. I went to the school where I had taught before and inquired about volunteering to help in an adult education course
The staff "just happened" to be thinking about opening up a satellite classroom at the county jail, and the jail administration "just happened" to be thinking about offering GED (high school equivalency)
classes to their inmates. God's timing was perfect. Teaching two days a week was just enough to fill the desire, the need, I felt to be used of God
The sound of heavy doors slamming interrupted my reminiscing and I turned to meet my new students When family and friends discovered that I was going to teach at the jail, the first question all asked was, "Aren't you afraid?" Now as I looked at all the inmates before me, men and women of various races, I felt a quiet, inner peace which confirmed in my heart that I was where God wanted me to be
No, I am not completely healed, I still have to contend with sporadic lupus flareups, but the Lord gives me strength and hope for each day Being healed is not the issue, however. The issue is my desire to serve the Lord, whether I am healthy or not. The issue is that God cares enough about me to give me the desire of my heart, for which I am very grateful.
I'm glad I ended up in jail
A few months after Margarita Beck wrote her testimony (back in 1991), she and her husband, Jim, moved to Jackson, TN which brought an end to her prison ministry. But God had plenty in store for her in the days and years ahead One of the blessings of this move was in the beginning of 1992, she started going on missions trips to Mexico which was a new journey like none other that the Lord had ever led her on
One of the many blessings the Lord had in store for her was while she was on one of those missions trips to Mexico, in April 1994, the Lord healed her of lupus!!
More inspirational stories coming from Margarita Beck in future Unveiled Living E-Mag editions.
TWISTS AND TURNS...
Twists and turns of life....the most unexpected seasons of life makes us grow deeper in our walk with Jesus. Ecclesiastes 3 mentions "there is a time and season for all things under the heavens, " but sometimes they come when you least expect it.
Fifteen years ago, fresh out of recovery at the young age of 25, I found myself a newly wed. But poor choices and misjudgments led me to justify that everything was pretty and perfect in my life and my marriage I was only three years clean and delivered from pills and sex, but the misconception and images in my heart of what a perfect life is left me with a distorted view of the world in which I was living in In my heart, I loved Jesus and had a personal relationship with Him. Yet I was struggling in my personal life since my perceptions were not totally aligned with the Lord and I was still in the process of healing
In the messiness of healing come trials, tribulations and grief. The Lord warns us that the "enemy, our adversary, roams about seeking whom he may devour " (1 Peter 5:7-8) In all my choices since recovery, I have stood firm "that all things work for the good of those who love God," (Romans 8:28), despite the anxiety and depression that was entangling me
That was until April of 2008 when my world turned upside down. At the time I had no idea that it would cost me my son's life as well as 'my own.' Samuel Owen was born April 10, 2008, weighing a mere 1 lb. 10 ox. and 12 1/2 inches long. Born premature, he only lived nine days.
Deciding to take him off life support was a moment in time I will never forget. Still ringing true today was something my Uncle spoke to me that day and every day since was, "Let the Shepherd tend to His sheep" It seems so profound and yet so easy But yet, how do you do this? Letting go of someone so dear--your very own flesh and blood That is something that takes you down a very dark road; one that I learned all too well Letting go and dealing with death is hard in any season of our life but yet, I have learned that even then, God's timing is made “perfect in our weakness,” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
During this season in which I was walking, being filled with such grief and pain, left me spinning out of control as if I were in a twilight zone. Yet, in the midst of it all, God brought me a rainbow of blessing with the birth of my son, Salem Joseph in 2009. Born premature, he was a fighter. But even with the blessing of my newborn son, I found myself crying to sleep many nights; while other nights I found myself worshiping throughout the night with my Bible in hand hoping for sleep to come to my weary eyes, yet feeling like it would take an eternity. I had come to the realization that my so-called ‘perfect world’ wasn’t quite as perfect as I thought knowing my marriage was a dead-end d In the middle of my grief, trying to process everything I was ng through, I found myself putting my newborn son, Salem, to at night and going out with friends so that I did not have to re what I was going through in my marriage and my life Salem’s worked all day so I knew if I could leave for a few hours, I could the again, or so I thought. In the end, being on this rollercoaster ef, I found myself drinking to help cope with the problems in my hich, in my heart, I knew was wrong. But I felt I had gone so far at point of time that I would be looked down upon as a Christian, had been saved and set free, to now justify this current lifestyle.
One particular night I got locked out of the house and felt too ashamed to call my parents so I stayed with a friend at the time until I could get through my divorce and custody battle. Through that I became a couch surfer with friends and family. I ended up with full custody of my son but yet I was still in the middle of an overwhelming sense of grief and shame In my sorrow, I would become sick on a daily basis Mentally I became torn and broken through day-to-day living The walls of my new home felt as if they were closing in on me and I felt as if there was no escape
Salem Joseph
Samuel Owen
On one of those dark and dreary days, I remember calling my parents to come and get my son because it was just the two of us. I took myself to the hospital and they checked me out. My diagnosis was PTSD, severe anxiety, and a broken heart from losing my firstborn son. Just six months into my new job, I had to quit It seemed like for the past few years everything was spiraling downward I cried out to Jesus and asked him to please help me come out of this so I can be used by Him and be the mom God intended me to be for my son These words came crying from my heart, “Lord, don’t ever let me think that you are not enough!”
One night in 2014, while drinking and getting sick, I prayed to the Lord that I would never want alcohol to touch my lips again -- and if I did, I asked the Lord to make me sick to the point that the only thing that could satisfy me was the Lord Himself and nothing else. That season of my life was dark and ugly. . .hope was nowhere to be found. In this state of mind, I thought I had found love again, only to run into another dead-end road. Walking in this place can lead you to make some wrong decisions. Let me say there were a couple of times that I thought this world would be better off without me in it; I was only existing. Yet, in the middle of this ugly mess I was in, I realized God can use these seasons for us to grow in Him. The ‘Potter’ can pick up the broken pieces of our lives and put them back together again, if we will let Him. For me, this season of my life was a time of inward reflection that took me back to my roots in the Lord, knowing only He could satisfy my heart’s longings. I look back now, unsure of how I survived some of my darkest moments, but I know it was the prayers of the righteous that availed much in my life! There were days I didn’t even see the sunshine -- days I wasted And there were moments I am not proud of in that season But deep down in my heart, what I learned through those times made me know and appreciate the true goodness of God
" Y O U W E R E M A D E
O R S U C H A T I M E
S T H I S . "
As I look back, I believe God used this to mold me, giving me more compassion and empathy and giving me a greater understanding of how to relate and pray for others. I thank God for it now even though I know he was not surprised by my frustrations and pain when I walked in the middle of that valley from 2005 to2012.
I pray that as you read my story, you get a glimpse of a woman of God that has not lived a perfect life, but is on the Potter’s wheel, being molded into the vessel that He intended me to be Life is not always easy, but it sure is worth it May God give you hope and healing along this life’s walk “No weapon formed against you will prosper.” You were made “for such a time as this.” Don’t be afraid to ask for help and take a break in your day to take care of your mental health as well as your spiritual health.
While I am not sure where you are today, I know each season molds us into who we are. Is it hard going through it? Absolutely. Is it tiring? Most definitely. But yet, over the horizon are rainbows and times of walking in God's victory. No matter what you are walking through, ‘seasons of hope’ are waiting for you.
Tiffany with son, Salem
In this edition of Heart Talk with Tracee, I have asked my dear friend, Simone Johnson, to join me on the topic of, "Will I ever stop worrying about my grown kids?" A mother of 7 children from the ages of 8 to 23, this is definitely a topic she understands.
I had always thought that once my kids became adults my worries would lessen, but now that I am the mom of 3 adult children, I have
come to the realization that I find myself worrying about them even more than when they were little. You see, when they were under my roof, I could protect them from harms way. I could guide them in their decisions with greater influence. I could even stop them from doing something, even if it were against their own wishes because as their mother, that was my responsibility to keep them safe and on the right track. But now that they are adults, I still have influence in their lives, but at the end of the day, they are going to make their own decisions, whether I like it or not. Being a mom and already having lived more life than they have gives us a perspective of knowing what some of the outcomes may be due to their decisions so we are continaully wanting to provide them protection and wisdom along the way. All we can do in the end is pray that everything we taught them growing up will come into fruition as they walk out their adult lives.
Refusing to be a helicopter mom, as I'm sure you've heard of, I have made the decision as my kids began walking into adulthood to do my best to trust in the Lord, and believe me, I have had to do that more than ever the past ten years once my firstborn turned 18!
One of the Lord's continual reminders to me when worry tends to grip my heart is this: He cares and loves them even more than I do. And HE has a great plan and future for them. All the same verses that I go to for my daily inspiration, to give me hope and encouragement are the very same verses that apply to my kids as well. When I read God's truth and how much he loves us, gives me a greater understanding that HE has my kids in the palm of his hand, even if some of them are not choosing to walk according to his ways at this current time. He will never stop going after them. Ever.
Here's the vital question: How do we NOT worry about our adult children as scripture clearly tells us that that is not the way to go. That's not an easy request, especially when you're a mom, but one that I am a full believer is
necessary if we are to really follow the wisdom and teaching of God's word. Even moreso, if God has specifically told us to live our lives not wrapped up in worry, he, as our Father, knows best, does he not?
There are more reasons than we could ever fathom on why God has asked us to not live a life of worrymany, of which, we can find in scriptures through story after story, and many we have learned simply in the life we've lived.
Let's jump in and read the wisdom that Simone shares in her journey of being a mother of 7 children and what the Lord has shown her along the way.
Canamotherever stopworryingabout hergrownchildren?
bySimoneJohnson
I imagined that my worries for my children would dissipate miraculously Worry
Before I answer the question, it is essential to understand the definition of worry Worry is defined as: "to give way to anxiety or unease; allow one's mind to dwell on difficulty or troubles."
(Oxford Languages)
As a mother of seven children, I am too well acquainted with worry Sometimes those troubles are non-existent in the natural realm; however, those worries may at times carry the potential for existence So can a mother ever stop worrying for her children, especially her grown children?
Simple Answer. No!
When our children are young, our worries or concerns are different from our worries for our adult children. I used to worry if they would fall, hurt themselves, or get sick. Those concerns were legitimate and, at times, overwhelming Then they grew up I imagined that my worries for my children would dissipate miraculously. Unfortunately, they become more intense. It is easier to place a bandage on a scraped knee or hold a sick child on your lap As they get older, the concerns have more significant effects
Worry is a verb. Verbs are action words, and the byproduct of worry is anxiety. As the definition states, to worry is to give way to anxiety. However, normal worry can become excessive worry and, in return, cause physical, emotional, and spiritual harm.
I do not think that concerning yourself for your grown children is wrong; however, when we allow that concern to consume our thoughts and daily living, then it becomes dangerous and leads to anxiety
The Antidote to Worry (Anxiety)
Parents can and must work to defeat worry in our lives. Scripture says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:6-7) ” That’s the antidote! As a critical care nurse, I am well acquainted with the use of antidotes when dealing with my patients. These important medications help reverse the effects of medicines that, for some reason, caused harm So what is the ant or Christ given medication, to worr the simple, good news-filled HOPE.
H.O.P.E.
How do we as parents care fo concern ourselves with our children without giving way to an When we see them make bad ch When they turn their back from truth When they distance thems from family, friends, and church W they turn to the sinful desires o flesh. We H.O.P.E.
When we allow that concern to consume our thoughts and daily living, then it becomes dangerous and leads to anxiety.
HDaily search scriptures We must stay in the Word of God. We must read his Word and memorize his Word so that when those anxious thoughts and emotions surface, we can combat them with the Word of God. We are to challenge those anxious thoughts with the Word of God.
Proverbs 12:25, Is 41:10, Matt 6:34, Luke 10:41-42, Phil. 4:6-7, Prov. 12:25, Psalm 55:22, I Pet. 5:7, Is. 26:3, Matt. 11:28-30
His Word
O Others
Surround yourself with likeminded people that will listen to and pray with you, for you, and your grown children Also, ask how you can pray for them and their family We are all in this together Esteem others better than yourself As you lift them prayer, and then do the same you, we faithfully serve another as believers are calle do.
P Pray
Spend time daily with the Lord Interceding specifically for your grown children Prayer is the key element to all our anxious thoughts. Scripture clearly denotes that we are to bring our requests to God with thanksgiving By presenting our anxious thoughts in prayer with thanksgiving, we interrupt those anxious thoughts It is difficult to worry when thanking the Lord for all he has done.
E Expect Miracles
TRUST that God is in control HE will care for our children. Expect the miracles, and don't forget to praise HIM when those miracles take place!
Don't lose your mind, lose your worry!
My concerns for my adult children are numerous. If I don't bring my anxious thoughts under God's control, I could lose my mind! But, I choose to HOPE. As you continue your parenting journey, I pray that you will remember that God loves you Don’t ever forget that he loves your children more than you could ever love them. God is good!
Prayer is the key element to all our anxious thoughts.
Every morning we wake up, head to our closet and select an item of clothing to wear that is a reflection of what we are doing that day; office, gym, church, dinner with friends, staying home, or housecleaning day. Our mood can also determine what we choose to wear. If we're feeling bloated, comfy clothes it is. If we are are feeling happy, our favorite jeans and new TJ Maxx top it is. If it's our birthday celebration, stretchy clothes it is to make room for cake and ice cream.
To give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit.. Isaiah 61:3 ESV
The same goes in our lives and whatever we are walking through in a particular season. We tend to 'put on' whatever it is we are experiencing or have done in our past. Maybe we made some bad decisions that we can't seem to forgive ourself for so we 'put on' shame and guilt. Or possibly this year began with health issues rising up and you have 'put on' defeat and depression. Maybe you have lost your job and have 'put on' an attitude of disbelief and anger, or it may be your adult child is not walking with God so you have 'put on' a spirit of fear and anxiety. Whatever season it is, we all 'put on' a garment that we wear daily.
We should wear the garment of praise on the most commonplace of days. Wear it because it will comfort you. Wear it also because it will distinguish you from others. It will be livery to you and men will know whose servants you are. ~ Charles Spurgeon
I can recall in my own life that for many years I 'put on' guilt and shame for having made some decisions in my life that I, honestly, couldn't shake. I found myself wanting to hide behind others in a sense, feeling as if I wasn't worthy, good enough, or forgiven. Afraid of the judgement of others. I felt shame that in my darkest battle, instead of rising to the top of the mountain like a victorious warrior, instead, I fell in a downward spiral allowing the enemy to trample all over me with defeating thoughts, losing my trust in God. Praise God though, I refused, even then, to let go of His hand. I knew that it was just a matter of time I could trust again.
It took several years of Godly counsel, getting the right people around me to lift my hands back up, to have my faith renewed and restored, and even then, there was still a residue of shame and guilt that cast a shadow around me. That is, until one day two years ago, right smack in the middle of a restaurant in Franklin, TN, I had just made a new friend. A prayer warrior friend. It was an immediate connection. Once everyone left, she asked if she could pray for me which I said, 'Yes.' Right there in the middle of that restaurant during lunch hour she went boldly to the throne and even stopped and brought up the battle I was 'wearing' of guilt and shame that I hadn't even told her, and she went straight back to the heavenlies, battling on my behalf to say, 'No more!'
I knew in that moment, that garment of guilt and shame had been taken off. It's one that the Lord had wanted me to take off many years before but I am the one that kept wearing it. I had to come to the place where I wasn't going to wear it anymore. That day, the
Lord offered me an exchange. He would place His garment of praise on me, that was the perfect fit, in exchange for the worn out, torn and tattered garment that spoke nothing but lies about who I was in Christ.
IT
IS
THIS GARMENT OF PRAISE
THAT GOD PUTS ON US THAT REMOVES THE HEAVINESS THAT WE PICK UP ALONG THE WAY.
It was God's garment of praise He put on me that very day in that restaurant that took me from walking in guilt and shame to knowing I was fully loved by the Lord and how he did not want me to walk with that heaviness any longer. He didn't see me the way I saw myself, but I had to take off the garment I was wearing to see what He wanted to put on me that very day.
What garment have you been wearing that is keeping you from praising God in the middle of your weary worn-out season? What garment of lies have you been wearing from your past? What garment have you been wearing that is saying you will never be good enough in the eyes of God?
I am writing this to tell you that the Lord wants to exchange your garment of heaviness for HIS garment of praise. Wear it everywhere you go and the more you wear it, the more His love for you will consume your very being, so much so, that when difficult circumstances come, the stronger you will be when you are wearing His garment of praise.
Make the exchange today.
IT WAS GOD'S GARMENT OF PRAISE HE PUT ON ME THAT VERY DAY IN THAT RESTAURANT THAT TOOK ME FROM WALKING IN GUILT AND SHAME TO KNOWING I WAS FULLY LOVED BY THE LORD AND HOW HE DID NOT WANT ME TO WALK WITH THAT HEAVINESS ANY LONGER.
Join Tracee every other week on Facebook Live at 12 p.m. as we walk through 90 days of God's Promises. Each week we will be focusing on the following topicssharing a daily verse and a way that we can apply it to our life.
The Promise of Speaking Life
The Promise of a Renewed Mind in Christ
The Promise of having Faith
The Promise of the Love of God
The Promise of God's Faithfulness
The Promise of God's Grace & Forgiveness
The Promise of God's Freedom (Guilt & Shame)
The Promise of God's Peace
The Promise of God's Provision
The Promise of God's Healing in Your Life
The Promise of Walking in Joy
The Promise of Living a Life of Worship
All daily Facebook post and bi-weekly FB live will be posted on our website and Youtube Channel - Unveiled Living with Tracee Padilla .
TRACEE'S TRACEE'S TRACEE'S GREEK GREEK GREEK CHICKEN CHICKEN CHICKEN STIR FRY STIR FRY STIR FRY
4-5 Chicken Thighs, boneless
2 Cups of Shredded Cabbage
1 Cups of sliced Onions
1 Red Pepper, sliced
1 bag of steamed Broccoli
6-8 Garlic Cloves, minced or 3-4 tsp. of garlic powder (I like garlic!)
1 T. Paprika
2 T. Honrika Greek Seasoning
Salt & Pepper to taste
4 Cups of Cooked Rice (I prefer Jasmine)
2 T. of Unsalted Butter (add to rice when finished)
Cut all the ingredients
Boil 4 cups of salted water, add 2 cups of Jasmine Rice and turn to simmer w/lid on.
Add Olive Oil (2 T.) to pan, heat on medium heat.
Add Onions and Pepper to pan, sautee for 5 minutes then add cabbage, saute for another 10 minutes until done. Set aside on plate. I usually sprinkle some greek seasoning and add some fresh garlic to my veggies. While veggies are cooking, steam your broccoli or place bag in microwave for 7 minutes. Set aside.
Add Olive Oil (2 T.) to pan, heat on medium high. Add cut up chicken thighs and sautee until nice golden brown (6-7 minutes - turning). *Add remaining garlic Add sauteed vegetables and broccoli and remaining seasonings. Stir up and serve on top of rice or you can mix the rice into the meat/veggies stir fry.
Serves: 4-6
