Dig Deep, Bow Low, Stand Tall

just some thoughts to spur you on toward being 'you'!

Life Lesson From Mary: I Woke Up Like This!

I've been studying women in the lineage of Christ. Here is part four of my series.
You can view all of the videos here: 
Women In The Lineage of Christ

It's Not How You Start, It's How You Finish!

A life lesson inspired by Bathsheba...finish well!

Life Lesson from Rahab: Who Needs to Hear Your Testimony?

A look at the life of Rahab. The second woman listed in the lineage of Christ.

Life Lessons from Tamar: What are you willing to risk?

Dig into the S.O.I.L!

Here's a simple but effective tool that I'm using to dig into God's Word! I pray that it's helpful for you. Blessings!

The Truth Will Set You Free

The Truth Will Set You Free
25 years ago I broke free from bulimia and today's video is my personal testimony about that struggle. I call it self harm in the video because, for me, fasting was my punishment for binge eating.#bulimia #Truth #MotivationalMonday
Posted by Alida Sharp on Monday, August 17, 2015

Drink Some Water

Draw from TheWell that never will run dry!

Gluten Free Baking

I've had a taste for Carrot Cake for quite a while now. I've been experimenting with different flours and most recently baking with oats and am really excited about how this turned out. It's dense, moist, and full of flavor. Texture wise it's kind of a cross between a cake and a banana bread. Anyhow, it ticked all the boxes for me and I love it!  If I make any modifications in the future I'll let you know.

Alida's Carrot Cake

2 ½ cups oats

2 ripe bananas

2 eggs

2 cups shredded carrots

1 cup diced pineapple

½ cup raisins

¼ cup coconut oil

¼ cup brown sugar

1 Tbsp cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

• Mash the ripe bananas and pineapple together in a large bowl. (I used a pastry cutter)
• Add in carrots and raisins.

• Add in eggs, vanilla, and oil, mixing thoroughly.

• Add in oats, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and sugar, continuously mixing.
• The mixture should be a little thicker than normal cake mix. (It's more like a banana bread texture)

• Pour into pan, greased with coconut oil

• Bake for 20-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when poked into the center.

Top with a cream cheese frosting if desired or just eat it plain!

God Knows Who You Are

Maybe you don't know who you are...but God knows who you are!

Marriage Monday

‪#‎MarriageMonday‬: when you and your spouse remember 

that you are on the same team you can encourage, support, empower, 

and spur one another on to conquer whatever comes your way!

Learn in the Light

Comparison is the thief of joy

It's so easy to see a post on social media and then think that everyone else's life is perfect. Comparison is the thief of joy. Don't compare your worst to someone else's best. Don't compare your rocky beginning to their triumphal finish. Keep focused on who you are called to be and walk in the joy that He has for you!

The Benefits of Music Education

We had a great show today on Divaz Next Door discussing the benefits of music education with Yoelvis Lunar of Allegro Music School. We were treated to performances by four students; Lorraine, Jessica, Simon, and Marlon, who each did an awesome job! Here's the YouTube link if you missed the live show!

A Few Good Men...

We had a great discussion on Divaz Next Door with these two incredible dads about fatherhood!

A mother's heart...

I'm feeling grateful for the wisdom of my elders today. This quote is from a conversation I had with my Auntie Martha. She always reminds me to stand up and face whatever God allows in my life. And I'm still standing. If you're a mom I hope her words can encourage you as well.

Internet Safety for Kids and Teens

Shasta Wade and I discussing internet safety with the help of special guest Mervin Budram of TAS Belize.

Domestic Violence Doesn't Discriminate

Andrea and I were blessed to have Nicole C. Mullen with us on Divaz Next Door today. She shared her story about domestic violence and gave hope and encouragement to many women through her testimony!

What If?

The thought of seeing a reflection of my character in a mirror drives me to my knees. I pray that my thoughts, actions, and beliefs are in alignment. And I pray that my character reveals an integrity and authenticity that is pleasing to Him.

Close encounters with Christ

As I was reading in chapter 20 of the book of John, I noticed that there are three types of encounters with Christ;

Jesus appears to Mary and He gives her a Message.

Jesus appears to the disciples and gives them a Mission.

Jesus appears to Thomas and gives him a Mandate.

Let's take a look at each one:

John 20:11-18

Jesus meets Mary Magdalene early in the morning in the tomb as she's standing there lost in grief. He shows Himself to her, but she doesn't recognize Him, so He calls her by name, thrilled at the sight of Him she wants to hold on and not let Him go...but He wants her to serve Him. She is given a task she must complete. She must tell the disciples about Jesus' impending ascension to the Father. She is the one chosen and entrusted with this important Message. 

John 20:19-23

Jesus meets with the disciples later that same evening as they are locked away in fear. Thomas is not there. Jesus comforts the rest of them with His gift of peace, He reveals Who He is, He breathes on them and tells them to receive the Holy Spirit, and then He explains what He wants them to do. Armed with the blessing of the Holy Spirit they are now expected to step outside of their fear...He is sending them out of that room and into the world...because they have a Mission to accomplish.

John 20:24-29

Jesus meets Thomas eight days later. Thomas is present with the other disciples this time but he is filled with doubt. Jesus greets them all with His peace and then turns His focus onto Thomas. This doubter is called upon to touch and see the scars of Christ, He highlights Thomas' need for proof and then He gives him a strong Mandate to obey regarding his attitude...stop doubting and BELIEVE!

All of these encounters with Jesus are up close and personal. Do you long for such a meeting with Him?

Perhaps, like Mary, Jesus is right there with you in your grief but you have not recognized or perceived His presence. Perhaps, like the disciples you're in fear of what's coming next. Perhaps, like Thomas you're in doubt and waiting for God to prove Himself to you.

Are you ready for a Close Encounter with Christ during this season of Lent? Perhaps, as you open your eyes and your ears and your heart to Him, He will reveal Himself to you. He will comfort you. and He will meet you where you are. 

Are you ready to be sent forth with a Message to give? 

Are you seeking to be sent out on a Mission for Him?

Are you in need of a Mandate regarding your current attitude?

Whether you are in grief, in fear, or in doubt, 

God will meet you right where you are.