Mid-Week Motivation

Starting Your Day out Right
Scripture, Short Devotion

 “For You cause my lamp to be lighted and to shine;
the Lord my God illumines my darkness.”~~Psalm 18:28 (AMP)

I don’t know if you saw the sunrise this morning, but it was brilliant.  At first just the hints of red and purple trailed the bottoms of the clouds.  Then, as dawn was born once again, the fire of red wavered over the horizon, and a vast spread of yellow and pink unfurled behind the edge of the world.  And then  the day finally showed herself in fiery rays, springing up onto the landscape, and I knew they were heralding the sun herself.  I love watching the darkness become transformed by light.  Light is so invasive, so powerful, so all-consuming.  Darkness must flee from before its awesome majesty. 

We may be writers, but we have something in common with everyone else.  We too have the hints of a lingering darkness that would seek to destroy who God made us to be.  Some of us struggle with pride, some with depression, some with doubt.  No one may even know what you sweep into your closet on occasion, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.  The gamut of our hurdles is broadly sweeping, but all of those obstacles can be overcome in the same way.

Allow Him to rekindle your heart today.  If your flame has been burning long and hot, thank Him for illumining your darkness another day.  He is the author of that brilliant, beautiful transformation.  This morning, allow the Son to rise upon the landscape of your heart again.

 

Is Your House in Order?
Cleaning, parenting, marriage, organization tips, etc.

Many of us have heard the cliche, “the couple that prays together stays together.”  You know, the longer I live life as a married woman, the more I believe in the truth of that statement.  Praying together lends itself to a specific kind of bond formation.  It’s hard to describe, but if you have prayed often and purposefully with your spouse, I’m sure you know what I mean.  Praying together puts us in the mindset that we are a united front.  That we are in agreement.  That we are entering the Lord’s throne-room as one.  It’s exhilarating and it’s very freeing.  I would venture to say there nothing else like it.

If you haven’t been in the habit lately, try it today.  Or tonight–whatever time you can find to spend alone with your spouse.  And I’m not talking about Grace over dinner.  That is definitely beneficial, but I think that when we set some time aside specifically to pray with each other as a married couple, those times reach a whole new level–consciously and subconsciously.  If you have been a praying couple for some time, take time today to thank your spouse for partnering with you in this way.  And as you do, I pray that each of you receives the fullness of a blessed, intimate time together with your Savior.

Afternoon Pick Me Up
Writing Inspiration

Think of a situation, like a car accident, a business luncheon, or a family get-together in which several people are involved in the same scenario.  Write out your cast of characters first, along with each of their respective attributes and personalities.  Then begin writing each character’s version of the event, making sure to keep each account in character with the list you made.  Think about how perspective changes the “true” story; include details that set each story apart from the others.  The goal is that when you are finished, anyone could read your detailed cast list and each account and be able to match each one correctly. 

What’s For Dinner?
Cajun Chicken Pasta

You’ll need:

8 ounces pasta, whatever kind you prefer.  I use penne.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, sliced into thin strips

4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

4 tablespoons butter

2 green bell peppers, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

8 fresh mushrooms, sliced (optional)

2 green onions, minced

3 cups heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Addpasta, and cook according to package directions. Meanwhile, place chicken and Cajun seasoning in a bowl, and toss to coat.  In a large skillet over medium heat, saute chicken in butter until no longer pink and juices run clear, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add green and red bell peppers, sliced mushrooms(optional) and green onions; cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce heat, and stir in heavy cream. Season the sauce with basil, lemon pepper, salt, garlic powder and ground black pepper, and heat through.

In a large bowl, toss pasta with sauce. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. 

Serves 4.

A Restful Night’s Sleep
Scripture for a restful sleep

“For by You I can run through a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall.”  ~~Psalm 18:29 (AMP)

When this day began, we allowed the Lord to cast His reflection over us, diminishing the darkness we find within.  Tonight, consider how His power also equips us to battle the darkness that we encounter on the battlefield.  A bitter confrontation, a destructive betrayal, a heartbreaking burden that leaves us breathless–there are innumerable sources of conflict we face every day.  Sometimes we might feel alone in the dark and completely overwhelmed by a very fallen world.  But we are not alone in that place.  No matter how daunting the race, we know He gives us the power to run with confidence.  No matter how high the wall that is thrown up before us, we know He propels us over it when we seek Him first. 

Worries, anxieties, or strife piling up on your heart?  Ask Him to deliver you through the fire now.  The same Source of light that birthed this day into existance is the Strength you need as you face life’s challenges.