Beautifully Broken Brides

02/05/2022

Bear Fruit🍇🍈🍉🍅🍋🍌🍍🥭🍎🍑🍒🍅🍓🫐🥝🥥🫒

I just wanted to quickly share one of my son's devotions tonight. We studied the word of God, visiting the scriptures pictured on the side of his devotion page (Psalm 28:7, Philippians 1:11, and Ephesians 5:18), as well as Galatians 5.

GOD'S TIMING is ALWAYS SO PERFECT (Psalm 46:10, Ecclesiastes 3:1,11, 8:6, Isaiah 55:8-9, 40:31, John 14:27, Micah 7:7, Psalm 31:15, Hebrews 6:12, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Genesis 18:14, Lamentations 3:25-26, Luke 18:27, Psalm 27:14, 37:3-4, 2 Peter 3:8, Galatians 6:9, Proverbs 3:5-6, Habakkuk 2:3), praise Him! 🙌

Recently, I have been sharing several posts (in a neighborhood, Bible Study group that I lead) in relation to Galatians 5:22-26, "The Fruits of the Spirit." Ironically (or so we think, when these "not so coincidences" occur 😉), I am simultaneously taking part in an online book club, in which we are reading "The Fruitful Life," by Jerry Bridges (It's a fabulous read, by the way😃).

Today, I also had the opportunity to witness to an acquaintance, and exercise 'self-control,' when said aquaintance chose to be hateful and deny the truth found only in scripture. Then, I had the pleasure to read and apply this devotion/Bible Study session with my son and husband at bed time, earlier. We discussed where we are falling short in being examples of the fruits of the spirit (There's ALWAYS room for improvement--Romans 3:23). Following this, we prayed for several minutes on these matters, repenting for where we've fallen short, thanking God for where we've grown more fruitful, and asking Him to help us bear the fruits more. We resolved to do better this week, sharing specific examples of how we can do better, individually (I won't bore you with those intimate details 😉).

This is sometimes what being an example, humbling ourselves more, and growing together looks like, friends. Accountability. Honesty. Transparency before the Father in prayer and before relatives, friends, spouses, the world...you name it. The word of God, applied by the holy spirit, to every believer. It highlights the areas we need improvement in, and helps us to recognize the ways in which we are growing a more intimate, faith-filled relationship with God. Others, believers and nonbelievers alike, can see the fruits in us, or lack thereof. God doesn't hide. He shines through us, if we are truly seeking His face daily, and applying His teachings to our lives. We cannot merely study the word, we must also apply it daily.

There isn't a single day of our lives that we don't need His grace and mercy. He is faithful who promised.

Heavenly Father,

Please help us to be fruit bearers (Galatians 5:22-26), hearers and doers of your word (James 1:22-25). Help us to deny our flesh and walk in the spirit, daily (Galatians 5:16,16-25). Help us to be patient with each other, as you are ever patient with your children (Romans 8:25, 12:12, 5:4, 15:5, Galatians 6:9, Ephesians 4:2, Psalm 37:7-9, 40:1, Philippians 4:6, 1 Corinthians 13:4, Isaiah 40:31, Jeremiah 29:11, Proverbs 15:18, Colossians 1:11, 3:12, Ecclesiastes 7:8-9, James 1:19, 5:7-8, 1 Thessalonians 5:14, Hebrews 10:36, 2 Peter 3:9, 1 Timothy 1:16). Help us to love righteousness, to walk justly and humbly with you, Lord (Micah 6:8). Have mercy on us, sinners, where we have failed to be examples of your character and beautiful fruits. Thank you, for forgiving us, and helping us to persevere. As we read your word and remain prayerful (Colossians 4:2, Psalm 119:105-112), help us to be honest with ourselves as to where we need work, to bear more fruit as the holy spirit leads us(John 14:15-17,26, 15:15, 16:13, 1 Corinthians 2:10, 6:19, Acts 2:33,38, Galatians 1:12, Proverbs 2:1-5, 2 Timothy 1:7). Help us to remember that fruits should come as a result of the working out of our salvation (Hebrews 12:11, John 15:16, Matthew 3:8, Romans 6:22). Help us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, in your presence, Father (Philippians 2:12). We humbly surrender these matters at your feet.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

P.S.-- Thanks, to my new friend and sister-in-Christ, Jalyn, who gave me the Bear Fruit sticker. 🫒🥥🥝🫐🍓🍅🍒🍑🍎🥭🍍🍌🍋🍊🍉🍈🍇

✝️🙏🙌❤🥰

01/21/2022

Greetings, Brides! Let's chat about Humility. ❤

HUMILITY:

1. "A modest or low view of one's own importance"
2. "Humbleness" or "Meekness"

Jesus was born in a manger, placed in a trough that would have been used to hold feed or water for livestock(Luke 2:7).

He came to this earth as a humble servant, to do the Father's will, which led Him all the way to the cross(John 6:38-46). He gave His life for every human being, knowing many would reject the truth, which He is(John 14:6). In the Garden of Gethsemane, He asked for "the cup to pass" from him, yet "thy will be done, Father(Luke 22:42, Matthew 26:36-46)."

Even as a young child, He was found teaching and helping others in His Father's house, the temple. His parents even lost him once. When he was found, He told them that they shouldn't have worried, that He was "only about the Father's business(Luke 2:41-52)." He was a king, yet he rode into town on a donkey, not a noble steed/horse(Matthew 21:1-19, Zechariah 9:9) (On another note, did you know that the donkey is the only animal with a cross on it's back? So cool, and clever of God!). He sat with the worst of sinners, fed them, prayed with them, healed them, and loved them...even when they were to betray Him(Matthew 9:2,10, 22:37-39, 1 Peter 2:1-25, Luke 22, 19:10, 15:1-32, 1 Corinthians 5:11, 15:33, Mark 2:16, Proverbs 24:1, Isaiah 53:5, James 5:14-16, Psalm 103:2-4, 41:3, 147:3, Matthew 10:1, 3 John 1:2, Romans 5:8, 8:1-39, 1 John 4:16,19, John 3:16, 14:6,28, 10:10, 15:9-17, 6:50-71, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:5, Matthew 26:14-16, 27:3-10).

Jesus was the most humble person to ever live. Why, then, should we esteem ourselves higher than others? The answer is simple: We shouldn't (Philippians 2:3-5). Pride comes before a fall (Proverbs 16:18-19). Satan should know. Pride caused him to fall from Heaven (Genesis 3:14, Ezekiel 28:13-19, Isaiah 14:12-15, Revelation 12:9, 20:1-3, 1 Peter 5:8-9, Matthew 25:41, John 8:44, 2 Peter 2:4, Luke 10:18). None of us are above the temptation to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to (1 Corinthians 10:13, 6:13, James 1:2-4, 12-16, 4:7, Matthew 4:1-11, 26:41, Mark 14:38, Ephesians 4:27, 6:11, Hebrews 2:18).

Wherever there is a lack of humility, there is typically an overabundance of PRIDE (Proverbs 8:13, 11:2, 16:5,18, 29:23, 26:12, 27:2, Philippians 2:3, Jeremiah 9:23, 1 John 2:16, Romans 12:16, James 4:6, Galatians 6:3).

Hang on, though. Before you go patting yourself on the back, let's perform a quick accountability check, if you will.

1. Do you listen more than you speak?
2. Are you walking by the spirit or the flesh?
3. Are you praying, reading the word, applying it to your life?
4. Do you always speak of your accomplishments or yourself?
***And these are just SOME checks!!! 🤔😭

Guilty! We ALL are, because we have all fallen short and committed these sins, at some point or another. We must repent daily, and seek to serve, love and esteem others above ourselves. After all, our Heavenly Father sent His only son to be the perfect example of HUMILITY.

The next time we see Jesus, He will righteously be the victor/warrior, not the king that rode into town on a donkey. 😉🙌

Let's hold each other accountable and stay humble, folks! 🙏✝️❤🙏

Further Study:

-https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/the-son-of-god-at-12-years-old

-https://www.thebereancall.org/content/2016-Oct-In-Defense-of-Faith?sapurl=Lys5MjZkL2xiL2xpLyt3dm44dWs4P2JyYW5kaW5nPXRydWUmZW1iZWQ9dHJ1ZSZyZWNlbnRSb3V0ZT1hcHAud2ViLWFwcC5saWJyYXJ5Lmxpc3QmcmVjZW50Um91dGVTbHVnPSUyQnd2bjh1azg=

-https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/growing-humility

-https://www.monergism.com/topics/pride-humility

-https://www.gty.org/library/topical-series-library/22/humility-the-path-to-glory

-https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/42-217/four-hallmarks-of-humility-part-1

https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/lesson-humility/

07/19/2021

Good afternoon, Beautifully Broken Brides!

As wives, we are to conduct ourselves as the Bible tells us to. We are to crucify the flesh daily. Apart from the help of the holy spirit, we cannot do this. As an avid reader, I just had to suggest this book to you: "The Excellent Wife" by Martha Peace.

This book is one of the most biblically, accurate books on marriage/being a wife/bride of Christ I have ever read!

I implore you to read and apply it's teachings, while marking or highlighting specific scriptures mentioned in your own Bibles.

May God bless you with this quick suggestion today, in Jesus' name, Amen! ✝️🙏❤🙌

02/10/2021

Good morning, Brides of Christ!

In light of all going on in the world around us today, don't forget that the joy of the Lord is always present in us, and regardless of circumstances, it's okay to share a laugh or two as well. 😂🤣❤🙏🙌

01/29/2021

Happy Friday, BBBs!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

●How can I pray for you today?

●Is there anything you need help with?

If so, please let me know. I promise I will do what I can to be His hands and feet, in Jesus' name‼‼‼‼‼

01/28/2021

Hey, BBBs!

I wanted to share this quick message from the holy spirit (see below). I'm praying for you, Brides of Christ! 👰✝️❤🗡

I want to remind and encourage every believer that the WORD OF GOD is meant to PE*****TE THE HEART. The Lord gave me a dream on this last night. ❤🗡

I saw a Bible being wielded, as if to hit another person with it, turning into a sword, cutting items and people in half.

This means, that we will often be what appears as "offended" by the truth, because it is a SWORD. It DIVIDES bone and marrow. It SEPARATES FACT from FICTION to the very CORE of WHAT WE BELIEVE and WHO WE ARE.

NONE OF US, FELLOW BELIEVERS, ARE ABOVE CORRECTION.

To my brothers and sisters who see this and like it, please remember what we are truly here for...the purpose we all share...

To be representatives of Heaven...to occupy until He comes...to remember that our citizenship is of Heaven...even while residing here.

We will face persecution. We will see others who claimed to stand firm on the word, fall away. It is sad, sad indeed.

But take heart, He overcame, and so will we.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

01/16/2021

Good morning, BBBs!

I know it has been awhile since my last post. The good Lord had me focusing more on quiet time with Him and some very specific assignments, so please forgive my lack of posting here.

I wanted to share a quick word of advice with you on marriage. Wives, you are your husband's greatest advocate, next to God, of course. This is why it is so crucial that you pray for him daily.

He isn't leading you? Pray for Him. He has a temper? Pray for Him. He is stressed out and feels stretched thin? Pray for Him.

Aside from praying for him, ask the Lord for some extra grace and mercy to extend to him. He needs you, your love and understanding, respect and help. You, lovely bride, are his "help meet" for life.

Think of all the ways, you too, fall short of God's glory. Did you lose patience with your husband or your kids recently? Did you spill your frustration as 'word vomit' or lose your temper? Have you nagged your husband for work he did wrong, or didn't help with, recently? Whatever you did to fall short of His glory, this will also humble you, and remind you that you both need Jesus every single day.

Submit to God, then to your husband. Love him where He is, and pray for Him as much as you possibly can. Love is an action word. Be it. Show it. He needs you.

Below, I have shared an article relating to husbands being spiritual leaders. Enjoy, BBBs!

To the Women Who Wish Their Husbands Were Spiritual Leaders - You look at him and see apathy. Laziness. It makes you sad, but mostly it makes you angry. You can see so clearly what he needs to be doing. Why won’t he just do it?

10/18/2020

Attention, Brides❗❗❗❗❗❗

*(This was posted on my personal page, but I'm posting it here as well, for outreach in my community is a passion of mine, and some viewers of BBB are local/native to the Hampton Roads area.)

God has laid something big on my heart and soul tonight. ❤He wants me to start a movement, weekly in Hampton Roads, but I cannot do this alone, both for safety reasons and biblical instructions (Matthew 18:20).

Much like the Jesusmatters contributors, I want to start being more vocal in street ministry again. My son and I participate in ministry activities such as the blessing bags often, but God is asking for more from us, specifically. I feel a burning desire to hold signs and speak life, preach the good news of Jesus Christ to the lost on the streets (not to say that we don't share the gospel regularly, but this is bigger, and we will need more voices of truth and hope involved). You don't know who needs to see that sign that says, "Jesus is the only answer," or "You were made in God's image, and Jesus died for you to live." If it leads them to ask questions, be vulnerable and transparent, if it leads them to the one true love, Jesus Christ, then it's worth it. If it causes them to repent and be born again, it wins a soul to Heaven for eternity, and all of Heaven rejoices! This, is the Great Commission from the Father! I have a desire to make new poster board signs for each week, then post the old signs around town, for all to see, (hopefully) continually.

Would anyone be interested in taking the gospel of Jesus Christ to the streets with me, one to two times per week, for at least an hour or two each time?

Please comment or pm me asap, as I have ideas/plans in the works for this.

Thank you, and God bless each bride reading this! ❤🙏🙌

10/13/2020

Beautifully Broken Brides,

May you rest in Him, and "Team Up," in Jesus' name, Amen!

Cody and I have been enjoying devotions every night from "Devos for Animal Lovers," by Dandi Daley Mackall.

Tonight's lesson was "Team Up." The devotion focused on how working animals are usually 'teamed up' to complete tasks. The animal spotlighted was the ox. Oxen were mainly used to haul heavy loads. They are even used to tote logs from forests, to this day. They work together, pushing against a wooden beam placed behind their horns, or on the back of their necks. The other end of the YOKE is attached to the load to be hauled.

Are you a team player, like the oxen?

God made us to carry each others burdens (Galatians 6:2). When we help others (whether that be a physical task, or a simple conversation in which we are there so someone can vent), we partner with Christ. Just as our marriages mirror our relationship with Christ, so do our partnerships with others (i.e. husband and wife, our friendships, work relationships, etc.).

What do our relationships look like? I'm convinced that our relationships in life are a reflection of how well we "rest in Christ." Are we always striving, or do we seek to understand and pray for those we care for, or those who persecute us? We weren't made to do life alone, and God is always with us (Genesis 2:18, Hebrews 13:5, 10:25, Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, Psalm 73:23, Psalm 23:4, John 3:16, Philippians 4:11-13, James 5:16). Only satan wants us think this, and become so isolated that we no longer care to have true community with the body of Christ (James 10:10, 1 Corinthians 12:14). Mind you, some company is simply bad for us, and corrupts good fruit, especially in the perilous time in which we currently live (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

Do you ask for, and take daily, Jesus' offer to help carry your burdens, and teach you humility and gentleness(Matthew 11:28-29)?

Does your "To-Do" List start and end with Him each day?

If not, I implore you to carry the "team" mindset and cast your burdens onto Him. Remember, "His yoke is easy, and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30)."

God bless you, and may He help you to partner with Him first, in everything you do, in Jesus' name, Amen!

Yoking A Team of Oxen
https://youtu.be/EPyjVRlcyUU

Take My Yoke Upon You
https://youtu.be/MIrV02xJv5g

Ox Logging
https://youtu.be/i02Ot1h1fS0

Making an Ox Yoke
https://youtu.be/jeLsV4zpIuI

10/08/2020

Hey there, BBBs!!!👰

***Our children are always listening to, and watching our example as believers. What are we teaching them to do in a world that has shoved Christ to the side, or completely dismissed him? I know these are tough questions, but I implore you to take some time to reflect on them. We must teach our children to follow Jesus, be disciples their whole life, or the world will teach them everything opposite.

I pray this testament from earlier today blesses and encourages you, in Jesus' name, Amen.
✝️❤🙏🙌

I wanted to share something small, but big to my heart and soul, this evening (and timely, as we head to the zoo for our field trip tomorrow). I pray it encourages and blesses you, in Jesus' name, Amen.

Last night, my son really enjoyed this new devotional we are using (it's a part of our bedtime routine, reading and discussing God's word, then praying on it). It's called, "The One Year Devos for Animal Lovers." I stumbled upon it in one of the homeschool groups we actively participate in. Low and behold, when I went to order it, there was one, used copy left (but GOD! 😊✝️🙌lol)! The devotion was absolutely beautiful! Cody and I are such lovers of God's glorious creation, both animals and people, that this devotion was perfect for us to enjoy together! I am attaching the devotion below, but what amazed me was how Cody applied the biblical lesson as soon as he woke up this morning.

The devotion reminded us that each day is a blessing, and that when we start our mornings off right with Jesus, our days are truly happier, holier, and we see and feel more of His presence around us. Just as certain songbirds belt a tune for those around to hear, our voices being used to praise God in the early morning (both in song and prayer) create a pleasant sound, a fragrant aroma to the Father in Heaven. It talked about not waking up grumpy, and saying "thank you" and "good morning" to God, before our feet even touch the floor (which is one thing I was taught as a child that I always cherished 💖).

So, guess what Cody did, even before I did this morning? He reached up to the ceiling, with a smile on his face and said, "Thank you, Jesus. Thanks for waking me up today."

My heart....melted...right there in my bed...early. 💖✝️🙏🙌

All I could do, in return, was thank God too!
🙌🙌🙌

08/11/2020

Good morning,

Beautifully Broken Brides!

I pray God meets you in every circumstance today, with His unfailing grace and mercy, in Jesus' name, Amen.

Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Sometimes, what God is asking us to do will appear foolish to others, but it is actually preparation for what's to come, a launch forward, if you will (I say this, quite literally, in regards to physically preparing, just as much as spiritually preparing for what is just ahead.).

Are you praying, seeking counsel, making adjustments (where He is guiding you to do so), and repenting?

We can choose to ignore warning signs or we can address them. Our loving God gives us freewill to choose.

What are the pressure points in your home? Are you addressing them with a plan of action?

Be strong and courageous, and know He goes before you, paving the way, ordering your steps for you.

It's up to you to prepare for that volcanic eruption, not sit idly by until the volcano erupts.

What is God asking you to do now to avoid being unprepared for possible future disasters?

Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Sometimes, what God is asking us to do will appear foolish to others, but it is actually preparation for what's to come, a launch forward, if you will (I say this, quite literally, in regards to physically preparing, just as much as spiritually preparing for what is just ahead.).

Are you praying, seeking counsel, making adjustments (where He is guiding you to do so), and repenting?

We can choose to ignore warning signs or we can address them. Our loving God gives us freewill to choose.

What are the pressure points in your home? Are you addressing them with a plan of action?

Be strong and courageous, and know He goes before you, paving the way, ordering your steps for you.

It's up to you to prepare for that volcanic eruption, not sit idly by until the volcano erupts.

What is God asking you to do now to avoid being unprepared for possible future disasters?

(Interestingly enough, God gave my husband vision to have a backyard Homestead during this Covid-19 situation in our country. All I can say is this: Obedience matters.)