Testimony of Faith, Perseverance & Baptism! 💧

 “Train up a child in the way he should go, teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” — Proverbs 22:6 (AMP)

Yesterday, I witnessed something that reminded me once again: Never give up praying for your children.  We raised our children in a Christian home; Yet that doesn't mean that our children are perfect. For whatever reason most people believe that most pastors' children are supposed to be perfect; and “holy”. I have heard many times “Pastors' children are the worst kids”.  I tried my best to give my four kids what I did not have growing up. “You can take your children to church; be raised in the church and yet not know God. This is the reason why you can see people in the church for 30 years; yet not born again. To be a Christian we need to grow and not continue drinking formula milk. We need to mature! We need to read the bible. A 20 year old needs to have intimacy time with God. They need to learn how to pray! They need to learn to seek God on their own; not because parents seek God. 

We raised our son in a Christian home. We taught him the Word of God. We brought him to church. We planted the seeds of faith. We prayed over him. We tried to show him through our lives that Jesus is not simply something we practice on Sunday. Jesus is the foundation of our home. But there was something I understood as a mother: I could teach him about Jesus, but I could not make the decision for him. Salvation cannot be inherited from your parents. Faith cannot simply be borrowed from your mother or father.

There comes a time when our children must personally decide, “Jesus, I choose You.” And at 26 years old, my son made his own decision to be baptized. That is what made this moment so powerful. This wasn't about his parents forcing him. It wasn't about doing something because he grew up in church. This was his decision. As I watched him enter those baptismal waters, I thought about the prayers that had been prayed throughout the years. Some prayers were whispered. Some prayed with tears. Some prayed when everything looked good. And some were prayed when only God knew  what was happening inside a mother's heart. But I kept praying. Because I knew in my heart that my four kids belong to the Lord. My job was just to pray! The battle belongs to the Lord. I understand that maybe you are reading this blog and thinking that I do not understand. But, I can tell you. Yes, I can relate. Maybe, I can not understand your burden as a mother or father. But I understand how embarrassing it is to see our children do things that we did not teach them. Our children at times make decisions that we may or may not agree with. The only thing left to do is pray! Baptism is a public declaration of an inward decision. It says: My old life is buried with Christ.  I belong to Jesus.  I am choosing to walk in the newness of life. Romans 6:4 reminds us that through baptism we identify with Christ's death and resurrection so that “we also should walk in the newness of life.” Watching my son be baptized reminded me that God has His own timing. Parents, we sometimes become discouraged because we planted a seed and expected to see the fruit immediately. But seeds grow underground before we ever see evidence above the soil. You may have taught your child God's Word and wondered, Did they hear me? You may have brought them to church and wondered, Did any of this stay in their heart?  You may have prayed year after   year and wondered, Lord, when? Keep praying. Your responsibility is to plant, water, love, teach, model Christ, and pray. God gives the increase. “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” — 1 Corinthians 3:6 (NKJV).  Mothers and Fathers, Don't Stop Praying There are prayers you may pray today that you will not see answered tomorrow. Some answers take years. Some children have to experience life before remembering what Mom and Daddy taught them. But the Word of God planted in their hearts is powerful. Don't give up because you cannot see what God is doing. Don't confuse God's silence with God's absence. Don't measure the effectiveness of your prayers by how quickly circumstances change. Continue covering your children. Continue speaking God's Word. Continue living Christ before them. And most importantly, give them room to develop their own relationship with Jesus Christ. Our children cannot live forever on their parents' faith. Eventually, they must know God for themselves. And that is what made this baptism so precious to me. At 26, he chose. As his mother, I could pray for him. I could teach him. I could encourage him. But I could not step into those baptismal waters in his place. He had to make that decision himself. And he did. Never Give Up This testimony isn't only about baptism. It's about perseverance. It's about believing God's Word even while you're waiting. It's about a mother's prayers. It's about a father's example. It's about seeds planted in a Christian home. And ultimately, it's about the faithfulness and grace of God. So to the mother praying for her son or daughter today: Keep praying. To the father wondering whether your children are listening: Keep living the example. To the parent whose child has wandered: Keep believing in God. To the family waiting for a breakthrough: Don't give up. You may be looking at a seed today, but God already knows what that seed can become. Yesterday, I didn't simply see my 26-year-old son being baptized. I saw years of prayer. I saw seeds that had been planted. I saw perseverance. I saw God's grace. And I was reminded: A praying mother may become tired, but she doesn't stop praying. A waiting season does not mean God has stopped working.  And what you planted in faith can still produce fruit years later.

Prayer 🙏

Father, thank You for reminding us that Your timing is perfect. Thank You for every seed of Your Word planted in our children. Give mothers and fathers strength when the waiting becomes difficult. Help us never to stop praying, never to stop believing, and never to stop demonstrating Christ in our homes. Lord, our children ultimately belong to You. Draw them into a personal relationship with Jesus not merely because of what their parents believe, but because they have encountered You for themselves. Thank You for the testimony of baptism, for new beginnings, and for the privilege of witnessing our children publicly declare their faith. May they walk in Your Word, recognize Your voice, remain faithful when the world pulls in another direction, and fulfill every purpose You have placed upon their lives. And to every parent still waiting: strengthen their faith. Remind them that the story is not finished. Help them keep praying, keep planting, and keep believing. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. 💛

Wilderness Is Not Punishment!

 “Therefore, behold, I will allure her wilderness, and I will speak tenderly and to her heart.” AMPC 2:14 (Hosea 2:14) 💜

Wilderness is not punishment from God; is preparation. It is so important to remember the wilderness is a place of preparation, not performance. God does not intend to leave us in the wilderness. He uses and prepares us for places he is leading us. Just imagine that Jesus pulled you aside to speak tenderly to you? Praise God for his mercy towards sinners like you and me. We don’t deserve to be spoken tenderly by a God who hates sin. Thank God for his new mercies everyday! Praise God! Are you in the wilderness? 

Moses, Joseph, Elijah, Paul, and even Jesus Christ all travelled through times in which God allowed them to experience difficulties and temptation. For forty years Moses and the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, learning to trust God.  Elijah was raised in the wilderness and out of fear later escaped to the wilderness to get away from Jezebel. Jonah spent three days in the belly of a great fish and ran to the wilderness when angry at God's deliverance of Nineveh. John the Baptist was prepared and would minister from wilderness. Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit to the wilderness for 40 days of fasting and his temptation.  Joseph was sold by his brothers. Joshua and Caleb would spend 40 years in the wilderness and would be the only ones who left Egypt to cross over to the Promised Land. 

We imagine God speaking in the peaceful moments the quiet morning, the answered prayer, the breakthrough, the Sunday worship service. But Hosea 2:14 gives us a different picture. God says, “I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her.”

The wilderness can represent a season of confusion, exhaustion, disappointment, grief, or loneliness. It is a place where the things we once depended on may no longer be available. Sometimes we enter the wilderness because life has become overwhelming. Sometimes we arrive there after giving everything we have to others and realizing we have nothing left for ourselves. But notice something important: God does not say He will abandon her in the wilderness. He says he will speak to her there.  What a Loving father we all have that speaks to us in the wilderness. Praise God! 

The wilderness may be uncomfortable, but it can become a place of intimacy with God. There are moments when we are so tired that we cannot find the words to pray. We may sit quietly, unable to explain what is happening inside of us. Yet God understands the silence. He does not require us to have the perfect words before He comes near. “Imagine God saying; Let Me speak to your heart.”

For those who care for others, this message can be especially meaningful. We spend so much time listening to other people's needs that we can forget to listen to our own souls. We become accustomed to being strong for everyone else. But God meets us in the place where our strength runs out. The wilderness is not necessarily a sign that God has left you. It may be the very place where He wants to speak to you most deeply. Today, If you are in the wilderness’ stay, learn, grow, mature. Overall, take the time to examine your heart. Take time to forgive and ask God for forgiveness. You will come out of the wilderness with a different heat that what you enter. What wilderness am I walking through right now? Have I been so busy caring for others that I have stopped listening for God's voice? What might God be trying to speak into my heart during this season? Can I trust that His presence is with me even when I cannot feel it?

Prayer 🙏

Lord, Sometimes I find myself in a wilderness I never expected to enter. I am tired, overwhelmed, and unsure of what comes next. There are moments when I don't even have the words to pray. But Your Word reminds me that You meet Your children in the wilderness. Speak to my heart, Lord. Quiet the noise around me and within me. Remind me that I am not forgotten. When I feel empty, fill me with Your presence. When I am weary, give me strength. When I cannot see the way forward, help me trust that You are still leading me. Teach me to recognize Your voice not only in the beautiful seasons, but also in the wilderness. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

“The wilderness may be a place of weariness, but it can also become a place where God speaks most tenderly to our hearts” 💓

Broken Crayons Still Color!

 Mark 5:34

“He said to her, " Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

“We are not excluded from hardships and situations.” There are times that praise becomes tears, and tears  worship and worship; shout out of help”. Shout out of desperation. Jesus is who redeems our life from the pit and crowns us with love and compassion. He is who satisfies our desires with good things so that we may be renewed like eagles. The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. 

“I was trying to distract myself, so I decided to redecorate my house. I found myself walking down the aisles of Homesense, but the tears just wouldn’t stop. I avoided people. I walked away from the crowds and made my way toward the back of the store, where there weren’t as many people shopping. I wasn’t looking to buy pictures for my walls. Honestly, I was just trying to get away from everyone. At that moment, all I needed was a quiet place to put myself back together.” “Little did I know that God was about to meet me right there. As I walked through that quiet section of the store, I began noticing the words written on the pictures hanging on the walls: “You are chosen.” “Keep praying.” “Hold on to His promises.” “Fix your crown.” “Believe in yourself.” And on and on. 

In Butterfly by Grace “Mommy and daughter blog we want to tell you; get up and keep walking. Because broken crayons still color!  Have you ever been so desperate for a touch from God that it’s all you can think about? Have you ever reached a place where you realize that there comes a time when only God will do? There are moments when the things and people of this world simply cannot provide what our hearts desperately need or just simply the strength to keep going. All we truly need is God. Sometimes we bleed on the inside where no one can see. Not physically, but perhaps emotionally or mentally. Maybe life has cut us deep, and we’re also weak and ashamed. Desperate belief is a powerful thing. I know; I’ve been there. In this blog today we want to tell you like Jesus said; “Daughter, your faith has healed you.” When Jesus spoke those words, I received them for myself. Symbolically, I too touched the hem of His garment. I took a deep breath and received the inner healing I had sought for so many on that day. 

Prayer:

Lord, We come before You today with desperate belief that You are who You say You are and will do what You said You will do. We thank You for healing us. As You said, “It is finished.” We rejoice in that knowledge and praise You for Your healing. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Wounded but walking!

 Proverbs: 18:19

“A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel”.

We have been wounded! At times I may see people  in the church and all around the world who tend to stay back. They seem to love church and attend regularity, but somehow you just sense that something is amiss. Maybe, they have had a negative church experience in the past. When someone hurts in the church, it feels like a double whammy. Not only are they wounded, but they are wounded by family, close friends and or leaders.  

Everyone deserves Grace. There is a Savior who understands. Proverbs 18 says, to help a brother who has been offended, and yet God is a God of reconciliation. God see’s it all. 

I believe that the church should feel like home. It should be a safe place for healing! Unfortunately, that is not always the case. “For we wrestle not against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Remember! Instead of responding in the flesh, stand in faith and prayer! 

When God defends you, no opposition can prevail. Rejoice! Stand firm. Keep praying. Do not be deceitful. The enemy is looking to destroy! Stand firm. Keep praying and watching! 

“For the devil has come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time”.

Lets pray!

Prayer!

Father God, we come before you asking you for help! We can not fight this war without you! Today we embrace all of your promises! The world needs a 911. Heal us! Forgive our sins and forgive those who mistreat us! Father, many all around the world are hurting. We know that you are watching over them. I believe Jesus, that you intended the church to be a safe place. A place of healing. A place where we can all be restored. Father, we call out on you. You are our defender, our judge, and savior. You heal the broken heart. We know that we can trust you, therefore, Please heal our county. Let people know that you are a faithful God. Let them know that just because they were hurt in church, they can still trust you! You are our hope. Father, we love you! We glorify your name and we thank you in advance. In the name of Jesus, Amen!

The Eyes of Your Heart!

 Scripture: Ephesians 1:18

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you…”

There are times when our physical eyes can see everything around us, yet our hearts struggle to see what God is doing. We see the problem, the uncertainty, the waiting, and the obstacles. But Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:18 is that the eyes of our hearts would be opened so that we can see from God’s perspective. 

God has called us to hope. Our hope is not based on perfect circumstances. It is rooted in knowing that God has a purpose for our lives and that His promises are greater than what we can see today. Sometimes faith means asking God, “Lord, help me see what I cannot see.” When your future feels unclear, ask Him to give you spiritual vision. When you feel discouraged, ask Him to remind you of the hope He has given you. When you feel like nothing is changing, ask Him to help you recognize His presence even in the waiting.

God may not reveal the entire path at once, but He promises to be with us as we walk it. Today, don't focus only on what is visible. Lift your eyes toward what God has promised. There is hope beyond what you see. There is purpose beyond what you understand. And there is a faithful God who is already working. Lets pray! 

Prayer: 🙏

Father, open the eyes of my heart. Help me see beyond my circumstances and recognize Your presence, Your promises, and Your purpose for my life. When I become discouraged, remind me of the hope You have called me to. Give me faith to trust You even when I cannot see the whole picture. Let my heart see what my natural eyes cannot. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflection:💥
What situation in your life do you need to ask God to help you see through the “eyes of your heart” today?

Sing a New Song!

 Scripture: Psalm 96

“Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.” — Psalm 96:1

Psalm 96 is an invitation to worship—not simply with our lips, but with our whole lives. The psalmist calls us to sing, proclaim, declare, and give glory to God because He is worthy. This is not easy in times of trouble; but it is crucial. “Blessed affectionately, gratefully praise the Lord, O my soul; and all that is deepest within me, bless his holy name! Bless affectionately, gratefully praise the Lord, and do not forget all his benefits.” Psalm 103

Sometimes we may feel like we have nothing new to sing. We may be carrying the same struggles, facing the same uncertainties, or walking through a season that feels repetitive. Yet Psalm 96 reminds us that God Himself has not changed. He is still good. He is still faithful. He is still worthy of praise. God is all we need!

A “new song” doesn't necessarily mean a new circumstance. It can mean seeing the same God with renewed faith. When we remember who God is, our perspective begins to change. Instead of allowing fear to have the final word, we can declare God's faithfulness. Instead of focusing only on what we cannot control, we can worship the One who holds everything in His hands. Your feelings are valid! Keep praying! Don't give up! 

Psalm 96 also says, “Declare his glory among the nations.” Our worship isn't meant to stay hidden. The way we live, speak, love, forgive, and trust God can point others toward Him. Today, take a moment to remember what God has done for you. Thank Him for the blessings you often overlook. Thank Him for His presence in difficult moments. And if you're waiting for an answer, praise Him even while you wait. In Butterfly by Grace Mommy and daughter blog we want you  to remember that God sees you! Don't give up. He is fighting for you!

Prayer:

Lord, give me a new song today. Help me to see Your goodness even when my circumstances are difficult. Remind me that You are worthy of my praise in every season. Let my words, my choices, and my life declare Your glory. Teach me to trust You more deeply and to worship You not only for what You do, but for who You are. May my life point others toward You. In the name of Jesus!  Amen…

Reflection:
What is one thing God has done—or one part of His character—that you can praise Him for today?

Do Not Let Your Heart Become Contaminated!

Scripture:

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” — Proverbs 4:2

There are moments in our work when we see things that hurt our hearts. We may witness unfairness, indifference, harsh words, broken systems, or people who seem to have lost compassion. As nurses, we are called to care for people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. We advocate for our patients. We speak up for families. We comfort those who are afraid. We serve even when we are tired. But what happens when the environment around us begins to change our hearts?

It is easy to become discouraged. It is easy to become frustrated. It is easy to say, “If nobody else cares, why should I? But as followers of Christ, we are called to something higher. We cannot allow someone else's coldness to make our hearts cold. We cannot allow injustice to steal our compassion. We cannot allow difficult people or difficult circumstances to change who God has called us to be. When Jesus encountered suffering, rejection, injustice, and people who misunderstood Him, He did not stop loving. He did not stop serving. He did not stop doing what was right. He kept His eyes on the Father. That is what we must do. 

A nurse's hands may care for wounds, administer medications, and bring comfort to a patient's body. But we must also care for our own hearts. If we are not careful, disappointment can become bitterness.
Frustration can become anger. Repeated exposure to suffering can make us numb. Unfair treatment can make us stop caring. That is why Scripture tells us to guard our hearts. Guarding our hearts does not mean pretending that everything is okay. It means bringing our pain, frustration, and disappointment to Jesus instead of allowing them to contaminate our spirit.

We can acknowledge what is wrong without allowing what is wrong to become who we are. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Sometimes our work may feel unnoticed. Sometimes advocacy may be difficult. Sometimes we may speak up for a patient and feel as though nobody listens. Sometimes we may give our very best and still leave work wondering if it made a difference. Keep praying!

God sees. He sees the nurse who stays a little longer to comfort a frightened patient. He sees the nurse who speaks up when something isn't right. He sees the nurse who treats every patient with dignity.

He sees the nurse who protects a family's voice when they feel powerless. He sees the nurse who chooses compassion even when others have become cold. Our responsibility is not to control the hearts of others. Our responsibility is to guard our own hearts and remain faithful to Christ. When the world feels unfair, look to Jesus.  When people are cold, look to Jesus.

When you are tired of advocating, look to Jesus. Keep praying!  Our strength does not come from the environment around us. It comes from the One we serve. We may not be able to change every system, every person, or every circumstance. But we can choose how we respond. We can continue to be compassionate. We can continue to advocate. We can continue to serve with excellence. We can continue to speak with grace. We can continue to do what is right. Because we are not serving only when it is easy. We are serving because Christ called us to love.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, Help me guard my heart. When I encounter coldness, do not allow me to become cold. When I experience unfairness, do not allow bitterness to take root in me. When I am tired, remind me why I began. Give me courage to advocate for those who cannot always advocate for themselves. Give me compassion for patients and families. Give me wisdom when situations are difficult and strength when I feel weary. Help me not to respond to the darkness around me by becoming part of the darkness. Instead, help me fix my eyes on You. Let my hands continue to serve, my voice continues to advocate, and my heart continues to love. May the way I care for others reflect your heart. In Jesus' name, Amen. Never stop praying! Time is near and we must be ready!

Reflection : What am I allowing the difficulties around me to produce in my heart—compassion or bitterness? Today, I choose to fix my eyes on Jesus, guard my heart, and continue doing good.