An Affirmation for Your Mouth

(Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash)

AFFIRMATION

My mouth is pure, redeemed, and growing into the purposes of God. I choose words that are excellent and praiseworthy, full of faith and favor. I release blessing over others and myself. I refuse to partner or participate with negativity, pessimism, gossip, slander, self-slander, rage, belittling, comparison, cursing, cussing, or taking God's name in vain. When I feel these words enticing me to react, I will stop, and respond to the Holy Spirit by pausing, taking a breath, and choosing the language of honor.

Psalm 19:14 (NLT)

May the words of my mouth
    and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to you,
    O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

The mouth is a journey. Old habits die hard. But they are not invincible. I still struggle with ugly things coming out of my mouth when I experience pressure or anger related to my computer, traffic, or my hubs.

This does not excuse my words though. If we are in Christ, we carry the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. Certainly, that means we carry enough power within us through the Holy Spirit to guard our tongues.

• If you struggle with self-deprecation…

• If you just can't "not share" that conversation you overheard…

• If you scream ugly things at your technology… (hello, I’m Rachel, and I'm guilty)

• If you are a self-proclaimed pessimist…

• If your temper sends you sputtering and muttering…

• If you don't have a filter because it broke years ago…

• If you've talked like a sailor for 40 years and think that's just "who you are"…

THERE IS HOPE!

Write out this affirmation and verse on a 3x5 card today and take it with you. Speak life and blessing over every person you encounter. Notice the clerk at Target. Compliment the Starbucks barista. Pray favor and blessing over that person that bugs the junk out of you. Release encouragement instead of cynicism. Besides, critics and cynics are miserable.

God is really happy, joyful and peaceful. He's not fretting about what's on the news. He is stronger than ALL negativity.

(Photo by Simon Maage on Unsplash)

Use prayer to develop intimacy with God and to declare His Kingdom over your circumstances. Don't waste your words on complaining. He is very aware of your situation, so your words are better spent on thanksgiving and alignment with His Kingdom. Faith pleases God, not whining.

• If you want to speak revenge…thank God for His vindication that sets you be free to forgive and be joyful.

• If you are upset with your spouse…release God's kindness and ask God to stir up hunger and thirst for His Word and values. If there is a particular thing they do that is bugging you, ask God to help them "notice" and awaken to the Holy Spirit's promptings. (All of the sudden they might  "notice" the dishwasher needs to be emptied…it can be that practical.) Release selflessness over your marriage - that means you too.

• If you are lonely…thank God for being your friend, and for always listening to you. Then spend time just hanging out with God.

• If you are angry at your computer, or the IRS, or your bank statement…take a breath, and ask God for help. Declare that you're resting in Him to take care of the issue.

Kingdom Principle: Whatever you're experiencing that's negative, release the opposite force with your mouth. Example: If you're experiencing fear, release the faith of Jesus over yourself.

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Instead of going on and on about the negative issue, declare the good thing and God-thing you expect to see come to pass.

Speak as if God actually has the power to change things. 

It's a better way to pray.

It's a better way to live.

It's a better way to speak.

Have a week full of beautiful words!

Joyfully,

Rachel B.

PS - My online store is temporarily closed until Wednesday, September 25, 2019. I’m on a bit of an expedition in Ireland. #amazing

Patience, Patience, Patience. Ain't Nobody Got Time Fa Dat!

(Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash)

I started ruminating on patience recently. After time with the Trinity this morning, it became obvious that Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have a lot of thoughts around patience. It is one of their favorite virtues.

• Patience is faith that's grown comfortable with God's timetable.

• Patience is faith that is active even in the waiting room.

• Patience drives out irritation.

• Patience is no where to be found in the kingdom of darkness...it is a Heavenly Kingdom attribute. The enemy is running out of time. God is not.

• Patience is homegrown fruit cultivated in the soil of Holy Spirit. It's sweet and delightful when you offer it to others.

• Patience is okay when the future is not quite in focus because it knows God has perfect vision.

• Patience is the front door to peace, gentleness, and kindness. Patience allows you to cross the threshold and welcome those behind you. It's a door for you to walk though, and a door that opens in you. 
  
  

Do any of these pearls resonate with you? Which one?

AFFIRMATION

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, You are full of patience and never rushed or late. As I trust You, I am learning the flow and timing of your ways. I experience Your gentle, unhurried presence when I choose to value patience. The next time I encounter irritation, I will remember that this is my custom-made opportunity to practice patience.

SCRIPTURES

Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. Gal. 6:9 NASB

Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. Ecc. 7:9 NIV

So Jacob worked seven years to pay for Rachel. But his love for her was so strong that it seemed to him but a few days. Gen. 29:20 NLT

***

May our love for our Lord be so strong that our hearts are content to wait on Him with faithful expectation. And may we all stop driving our cars like hurried maniacs.  =) Amen.

Joyfully,

Rachel B.

***

TWEETABLES

Patience is faith that's grown comfortable with God's timetable.

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Patience is faith that is active even in the waiting room.

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Patience is the front door to peace, gentleness, and kindness. Patience allows you to cross the threshold and welcome those behind you. It's a door for you to walk though, and a door that opens in you. 

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New pocket book from Rachel!

50 Pearls to Deepen Your Faith. Only $5!

Buy Here

Affirmation for Decluttering?

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AFFIRMATION

I am getting organized and uncluttered so I can steward God's heart and will with passion and precision. I am getting ready for promotion and the "more" God has planned for me. I will be faithful in big things because I am faithful in small things.  

I gotta tell ya, organization is not my strong suit. I have to put a lot of effort and attention into being organized and remembering things. I don't organize things in the same way on any given day. My husband is befuddled as to how my mind "organizes" (if you can even call it that!)

Even though organization and de-cluttering may not be your gift, it IS a huge gift to yourself and to your soul. Last year over a period of several weeks I began to un-clutter my house, one room at a time. It felt GREAT!

(Photo by Onur Bahçıvancılar on Unsplash)

When I began to go through my room, shelves, drawers, closets, and cupboards, I had a great sense of peace, accomplishment, and relief when I finally did it. My mind became more focused. My anxiety level dropped.  The process made room for peace, and potential upgrades. I slept better.

I wonder if the Lord wants to upgrade our thinking, our peace, and our focus? We have to make room for it. We have to say no to some things so we can experience a better yes.

If we don't steward what God has currently given us, He won't give us more. It would be foolish for Him to give us more. The more would actually burry us!

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I think this is the crux of this affirmation. Do you want to be ready and open-handed to grasp the direction, wisdom, upgrades, and blessings God wants to send your way?

He can't if we aren't ready. This means we need to take moments to prepare our space, home, heart, finances, and (for me) my computer - to clear the way for God to move.

(Photo by Chungkuk Bae on Unsplash)

Have you considered this reason to de-clutter? It's not just about having a tidy space. It says to the Lord, "I am thankful for everything You have entrusted to me. I am going to continue to steward well, and be a person you can trust with things, people, and ministries."

I challenge you to consider what might need space in your life. Look at the way you currently steward your "stuff" and your relationships. Is there anything you could do today to take a simple step forward in the right direction? That's where you start.

It's been one year since I did my last de-clutter. I'm due. My emails and computer desktop look like chaos. The paper pile in my kitchen is a beast.

I look forward to making some time, and chipping away at these spaces so that I can be a faithful steward. It's as simple as that.

If you are interested in a couple resources, check out:

1. Declutter Your Way to Success by Terri Savelle Foy.

2. Clutter-Free: What Jesus Has to Say About Your Stuff by Kathi Lipp 

Also Kathi provides a free download called 50 Ways to Reduce Stuff.

PS - if you live with a pack-rat, don't throw away their stuff. The relationship-bomb is not worth it. Stick to your own stuff. After a while, invite them to take a step along side you. Then give them the freedom to choose.

May the Lord give you rest and organization for your soul and body!

Joyfully,

Rachel B.

Affirmation for Getting Unstuck

Sometimes we just get stuck… (Photo by Tomas Tuma on Unsplash)

AFFIRMATION

I am capable of change. "Stuck" is not who God created me to be, and it is not who I am. As I awaken to the Holy Spirit's voice in my life, I am energized and surrendered to the changes, renewal, and new ideas He wants to bring about in my body, mind, and spirit.

SCRIPTURE 

Romans 12:1-2 (The Passion Translation) 

 12 Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies? I encourage you to surrender yourselves to God to be his sacred, living sacrifices. And live in holiness, experiencing all that delights his heart. For this becomes your genuine expression of worship.

2 Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes.

 _____

Romans 12:1-2 (New Life Version)

12 Christian brothers, I ask you from my heart to give your bodies to God because of His loving-kindness to us. Let your bodies be a living and holy gift given to God. He is pleased with this kind of gift. This is the true worship that you should give Him. 

2 Do not act like the sinful people of the world. Let God change your life. First of all, let Him give you a new mind. Then you will know what God wants you to do. And the things you do will be good and pleasing and perfect.

Sometimes we get stuck because we become close-minded about ourselves and our ability to grow.

The only person who gets to decide if you grow or not is you.

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When you tell yourself that you are capable of growing, learning new things, gaining new mindsets - you are! Don't get stuck simply because your mind says, "I can't change." Who says?

• Who says you have to be stuck with dysfunctional thought patterns?

• Who says you have to live your whole life riddled with anxiety?

• Who says you are never going to get well?

• Who says depression is your destiny?

• Who says your past determines your future?

• Who says it's too late?

• Who says you're too old?

• Who says you can't lose that weight?

• Who says you can't memorize that Scripture?

• Who says you can’t learn a new ________.

• Who says your situation is not redeemable?

You know who says all that crud? The enemy. Because he wants you stuck, hopeless, and useless.

And do you know why? Because he is stuck, hopeless, and useless.

That is actually making me laugh out loud right now. For real.

(Photo by Kat Yukawa on Unsplash)

Don't listen to that stupid voice telling you that you can't change. It's lying to you. Even if it sounds compelling and authentic, it's still a lie. Don't listen to lies. Don't get stuck "in your head" when your head is telling you anything less than the truth.

Speak this affirmation over yourself. Speak it over your circumstances. God is greater than anything you and I will face. Get into the Word of God and find out what He says about you! Go listen to that Lauren Daigle song, “You Say.” That will get you going in the right direction!

God goes before you and has already prepared ways for you to walk in victory.  That's the truth!

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Joyfully,

Rachel B.

Affirmation to Stop Approval Addiction

[Photo by Jose Aragones on Unsplash]

Affirmation:

I declare the addiction to man's approval broken over my life. It is my highest honor to honor Who is highest in my life: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. May every other noise bow to the voice of my Heavenly Father. God is my greatest cheerleader, coach, and friend.

I need this affirmation! How about you? I love to make people happy. Sometimes that's possible, other times that's like trying to salvage the Titanic. Approval addiction looks different on all of us.

It can look like…

• Perfectionist tendencies

• Inability to make decisions

• Asking everyone's opinion on something

• Changing your clothes three times before leaving your home

• Over-cleaning your home

• Standing with a hunched/closed, or apologetic posture

• Making excuses, over-apologizing, or providing disclaimers (songwriters are notorious for this!)

• Not speaking up (never expressing your opinion)

• Speaking too much (dominating a conversation)

• Fatigue or short-fused from trying to figure out people's expectations of you

• Minimizing your successes (to keep the playing field level and to not intimidate)

• Exaggerating your successes (to look better in front of others)

• Striving (whatever that means to you)

• Giving up because it's never "good enough"

Any of these hit ya in the heart? Me too. I need to speak words that break off this over-attachment to approval. This addiction hides behind the real desire to be loved. Ultimately that's why we become approval junkies. We want people to like and love us. Why? We need love. Love is good. It is how God has wired us. Sometimes we attempt to meet our own needs though by trying, striving, and becoming everything everyone else wants us to be so that we experience love, belonging, and attention. 

Ouch.

Praise God we are already loved. Praise God that His love, attention, and affection for us is unconditional. We don't have to get smart, work harder, be more efficient, be cool, dress more in style, or anything else. In all our bare nakedness - in both spirit and body, we are totally, and completely loved by Jesus. Whew. What a load off.

Let me give you a 3 word #faithpearl to help you if you're struggling in this area.

Rebuke and Rest.

What does that mean? Verbally speak out against that addiction and tendency. Tell approval addiction to buggar off. Tell it all about God's amazing, unconditional approval and love for you. Tell that addiction to leave in Jesus name. Tell approval addiction that it is a lie, and you refuse to believe it anymore. THEN…tell God how grateful, thankful, and at peace you are in His presence. Rest in His goodness. Thank Him for the rest, the repose, the redemption story He is writing in your life.

Rebuke - talk to your problem and command it to leave. Tell your problem how good God is.

Rest - surrender. Open up your hands and start your day there. When you get stressed or you feel the pressure rising, remind your spirit that you choose to rest in the One who has opened up heaven for you. Choose trust. Choose to take a deep breath and say,

[Photo by Simon Matzinger on Unsplash]

I rest in You, Jesus.

I rest in You Jesus.

I rest in You Jesus.

Do this as many times as you need. There’s no shame in overcoming an addiction. We have to set new thought patterns and renew our mind with straight-up truth. This is what sets us free and gives us the ability to come up for air, resting in the very heart of Jesus.

I want to hear my Heavenly Father's voice and heart. I want to be aware and awakened to His nudges. That means I must choose to silence those other competing voices by resting in His strength and power at work in my life.

I encourage you to speak this affirmation out loud each day, and to simply pray, "Father, quiet every voice that is not from You. I am hungry to hear You."

I hope you have a great week. If you haven't heard any of my new releases check them out on iTunes or on my website - RachelBarrentine.com

• Meditations for Hope

• Meditations for Peace

• Go in the Joy

• Shame off You 

Joyfully,

Rachel B.

PS - Watch the NEW video here.

Fun fact: I shot this ocean video footage on an iphone on my drive down and back to a catholic monastery in Big Sur, California. I did a “silent” retreat there last summer and that’s where God downloaded these affirmations I’ve been sharing. Full-circle awesomeness. The beauty itself is inspiring!

Affirmation for God's Strength and Provision As Savior

Photo by Edwin Andrade on Unsplash

AFFIRMATION:

I am not the Savior; the weight of the world is not mine to bear or fix. God is able and in control. I joyfully partner with God, resting in His strength, His provision, and His peace.

As Easter approaches, I'm reminded that God is sovereign, in control, and has already conquered the darkness. Every victory I experience now was procured at the cross and empty grave. Please let this truth seep into your soul because it changes everything.

If you are the type of person that tends to over-achieve, perform to succeed or be loved, or you struggle with co-dependency, this affirmation is just what the Good Doctor ordered. You and I don't have to save the world from pain or problems. In fact, even with our best efforts and over-achieving, we can't.

I’m thankful for the Savior. This means, I don't have to be one.

What is our role and mission? To love God and to love people. We must leave all the superhero stuff to Jesus. He is fighting our battles. His presence is always with us. We get to partner with God in what He is already at work doing. Our intentional decisions make a world of difference, but the ultimate saving and rescuing is in Christ Himself.

Give people Jesus.

I often experience a little bit of anxiety when people approach me with their health problems. Their issues are often heavy and complex. I am moved by their stories and pain. In those small moments of fear though, The Great Physician, quietly reminds me that He is the Healer. He holds every provision for their needs. My true responsibility and call is to give them Jesus. Nothing more, nothing less.

What does that look like? Honestly, this can look like a myriad of things. I can study and read health books and resources to offer practical tools for people. I can lay hands on and pray over people. I can listen and offer a gentle hug when they're hurting. I can surprise them with a gift of comfort in some way. Or I can make them a meal and bring it over.

In the words of Iris Global Ministries, "Love looks like something."

Giving people Jesus means loving them right where they are. But it also means I leave my superhero cape in the suitcase. God uses people to bring about His will in the world. But the heavy-lifting is on Him. He is the Savior, the Miracle-Maker, the Deliverer. And this truth sets me free to be a child of God that loves people, not a Savior trying to play God.

 SCRIPTURES

Job 26:7-8 (NASB) “He stretches out the north over empty space, And hangs the earth on nothing. He wraps up the waters in His clouds; And the cloud does not burst under them.”

Hebrews 1:3 (NLT) “The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.”

I hope this affirmation helps take the pressure off. Take a deep breath. Pray for your loved ones. Lay hands on the sick. Then keep reminding yourself to give 'em Jesus.

Jesus is more than enough.

Joyfully,

Rachel B.

NEW MEDITATION 

Need some hope? I have a new Scripture meditation I just released. You can find "Meditations for Hope" on iTunes, Spotify, and other online stores. And just so you know, I planned these meditations so that you can take a deep breath between each Scripture. Let these meditations give your body and spirit an opportunity to decompress, rest, and be refreshed as you listen.

iTunes

Spotify

Amazon

NEW SINGLE COMING GOOD FRIDAY

I’m dropping a new single called “GO IN THE JOY” on Good Friday this week. It is a song well-timed for Easter. I hope you will check it out and enjoy this new tune.

Here is a Pre-Save link: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/rachelbarrentine/go-in-the-joy

Pre-Save Here

Affirmation for Victory

Photo by Wesley Eland on Unsplash

Affirmation

I am a warrior in the Spirit. No weapon formed against me or my destiny shall prosper. The LORD is my Personal Bravery. He fights for me every single day. He fights for the people He brings into my life to love. Together, our love fights for their blessing, freedom, and victory.

This is one of my FAVORITE affirmations! The Amplified Bible says that God is our Personal Bravery.

 SCRIPTURE

The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]! [ For the Chief Musician; with my stringed instruments. ]  Habakkuk 3:19 (AMPC)

We do well to remember there is a spiritual battle going on that we cannot see. The "symptoms" of the enemy are stealing, killing, and destroying. Our battle is not with people, it is with the spiritual forces of wickedness. Sometimes people behave badly, but, this does not mean our battle is with them. Underlying all the junk in our lives is a liar who comes to destroy, distract, and detour us off of our God-given course. When you are frustrated with someone, remember that they are an image-bearer of God. That never changes. Turn your frustration on the enemy and begin to worship God by speaking out truth, praise, and adoration. Release God's healing, direction, provision, wisdom, bravery, and favor over the very person you're frustrated with. This will change the spiritual atmosphere in your life, as well as in the heavenlies.

For the record, satan is not God's equal. God has no equal. Jesus is quite literally unrivaled. The spiritual forces of wickedness pale in comparison to the Lamb who was slain. Let this give you courage, bravery, and boldness to stand your ground when junk flies at you.

We have quite a few guests come through our home in Tennessee. When I speak this affirmation I think of family, friends, and all the guests that stay with us from time to time. I believe by partnering with God to love each one, we release favor, freedom, victory, and blessing over their lives. Just as I receive God's great love for me, I begin to pour it out as a blessing to others. It's a full-circle love.

What do you think? Is there a part of this affirmation or verse that is being highlighted in your spirit? Let me know in the comments.

Have a victorious week!

Joyfully,

Rachel

PS - My new "Meditations for Hope" is launching next Friday - April 5th. Enjoy a fresh 10-minute scripture meditation. You can find it on iTunes and other music platforms.

Affirmation To Release Beauty!

Affirmation:

I speak and release beauty wherever I go and whatever I do. My life adds beauty to this world and to others. The avenues of beauty are wide open to me (songs, thoughts, words, etc.)

Scripture

PSALM 96: 5-6, 11-12 (ESV)

For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens. 6 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. 11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; 12 let the field exult, and everything in it!

Photo by James Higginson on Unsplash

When you speak and create beautiful thoughts, words, ideas, actions, or art, you bear the image of God. As human beings we carry the very image of God in our identity. But there are ways we can radiate God's image even more through our words and actions.

I used to think beautiful things were just a "nice to have", surplus or extra. They weren't necessities for life. However, the more I grow to know God, the more I don't think this is true.

In case you haven't noticed…

• Everything God creates is beautiful.

• He always goes the extra mile.

• He goes above and beyond what's basic.

• He provided detailed instructions for the making of the temple, the ark of the covenant, and Noah's ark.

• All of creation is a grand display of God’s beautiful thoughts and creativity.

God even creates us with the potential to grow in beauty. He embeds in us the possibility of beauty. Why bother doing that if beauty isn't important?

My husband makes guitars, and they are a work of art. The level of detail and intricacy involved is absolutely stunning. Often times I ask him what a certain detail is for, and many times his answer is "aesthetics." Not everything has to be functional.

Beauty is reason enough.

(Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash)

I want to challenge you to make a deposit of beauty into the world on a regular basis. Drop an encouraging comment onto social media and add beauty to a conversation. If you're a singer or songwriter, release a piece of beautiful music (even if it's a 30-second chorus). If you're a painter, splash some paint on a canvas and let people see it. If you are a wordsmith, release beauty through your words. If you are a person who prays for others, release the favor and beauty of God over the people you are praying for. Declare beauty over their lives, families, and children. If you cook, bring me over some dinner! Lol.

Beauty is everywhere. It reflects the nature and heart of God. If you want to elevate and reflect God's heart in this world…release, create, and speak beauty. I believe you have beautiful words of encouragement in you. Use this affirmation to get started. You don't have to be crafty to create beauty. You simply have to ask God how you can release beauty into this world today. 

The world needs you. The world needs the beauty only you can bring.

Joyfully,

Rachel B.

Affirmations To Change Your Life

Hello friend. Over the next few months I am going to let you in on a little secret. I have several affirmations that I speak over my life daily. It helps me renew my mind, center my heart, and reach my destiny. These are things I believe God wants for me.

• Do you know God has bigger dreams for your life than you do?

• Do you know that your self-talk and the thoughts you dwell on determine the direction of your life? It’s true.

Psalm 91 says, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” There’s an innate promise in there. Dwelling on the Most High is the key. I don’t know about you, but I can’t just rangle my thoughts in UNLESS I have something good and noteworthy to think about.

We don’t usually just get rid of thoughts. We replace them. #faithpearls

So, over the next few months I want to invite you into this thing called “Affirmations” with me. You can make up your own. In fact, I encourage you to do so. Or you can borrow mine and use them for yourself. Or you can use mine to jump off on your own and modify them to make them just right for your specific situation. Whatever you choose, I challenge you to start speaking these affirmations out loud. It makes a difference when we declare truth into the atmosphere. Be bold and speak them loudly and clearly. Read them with intention and focus. Don’t let your mind drift when you are speaking them. Think about them as you read them aloud.

On top of these affirmations I’ll be passing on to you, don’t forget about the “Meditations for” series coming out through music channels. I have already released “Meditations for Peace.” It is available on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, etc. The next one in the cue is Meditations for Hope. It has a whole different feel with a much more hopeful, musical soundscape. To be honest, I’m running a little behind on its release because of the flu and sinus infection this month. But look for that in a few weeks. I’ll let you know when that new Scripture meditation becomes available.

Here’s your affirmation this week:

“I reject comparison and refuse to envy others' dreams, gifts, and opportunities. Instead I celebrate their wins and successes, and I stay firmly secure in who I am in Christ. I enjoy letting the world experience “my name here" in all the ways God handcrafted me to be.”

Scripture:

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (NASB)

Have a great week!

Joyfully,

Rachel B.