Urgent cry of a hurting child

January 29, 2016November 29, 2022 EllyFilhoLeave a comment

A 365 Day Challenge Day #20

A Shared Presence

Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the Lord is the great God. Psalm 95:2-3

In courtship, a couple will probably share many different kinds of dates. Depending on their circumstances and preferences, they might go swimming together, or shopping, take a walk in a park, share a quiet meal, or go sightseeing. Some moments together will be noisy and boisterous; others will be quiet and reflective.

Your prayer journey will similarly include many different kinds of experiences with God. Sometimes you will connect with God in a noisy concert. At other times, you will share quiet moments with Him where neither of you is saying anything, but you’re both aware of and appreciating each other’s presence.

Prayer is not so much a collection of words as it is a shared presence. Inviting God into your world and giving Him the place of honor is at the center of prayer. What are you doing today? Invite God in. Allow Him to share life with you. Prayer ” dates ” can be varied and fun, just like the shared experiences of courtship.

God, today I want to invite You to join me as I…

On this day, I invited God in to join me in prayer as I fasted the full week, 7 days of fasting for a purpose that might be impossible to men.
I needed an experience with God just me and Him, so I dedicated this week to honor Him.

A 365 Day Challenge Day #21

Crying out to God

Before they call, I will answer, while they are yet speaking, I will hear. Isaiah 65:24

Even very young children quickly learn to call out for their parents when they’re hurt or afraid. In a healthy family, a responsible dad wants to be there for his children, and a good mom will drop everything to respond to the urgent cry of a hurting child. Good parents think nothing of giving this kind of attention to their children because they understand the roles they have been given.

God’s children also instinctively cry out to God in times of trouble. Self-sufficiency is great, up to a point. But all of us face troubles, dangers, and challenges that are bigger than we are. Our own resources are quickly exhausted, but God’s are not.

When you’re sick, in danger, confused, or hurting, go straight to God. While prayer doesn’t take the place of visit to the doctor, nor does it rule out taking prudent precautions, it brings God into your circumstances as you acknowledge that He can do what we cannot. When His children cry out to Him, He is quick to respond.

God, my biggest need right now is…

This week as I mentioned before I cried out in hope God would hear me. My troubles only God can help me, my circumstances only He can fix, my biggest needs, and fears right now only God can help me. I believe he has the best for me.

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Your Change Begins with You

January 24, 2016November 29, 2022 EllyFilhoLeave a comment

Your Change Begins with You
If you have made your mind up that you intend to enjoy the best life God has for you, then you must realize that the change you’re waiting for begins in you. You must believe what God’s Word says about you more than you believe what others say or what your feelings or own mind say. Your circumstances aren’t your problem, because they won’t last—but until you change your thinking, no matter what’s going on in your life, you’ll still be stuck.

Maybe you have had negative messages fed to you since you were a child. It could have been parents who had troubles themselves and took their frustrations out on you. It could have been a teacher who delighted in belittling you in front of the class. Perhaps your parents excessively compared you to another sibling, giving you the impression, you were flawed. You may have experienced one or more broken relationships and become convinced it was your fault. But, whatever the reason for your self-doubt and negative attitude toward yourself, it has to change if you truly desire to enjoy God’s best in your life.

See yourself as God sees you, not the way the world sees you or even the way you see yourself. Study God’s Word and you will find out that you are precious, created in your mother’s womb by God’s own hand. You are not an accident. Even if your parents told you they never really wanted you, I can assure you that God wants you; otherwise, you would not be here on earth. You are valuable, you have worth, you are gifted, you are talented, and you have a purpose on this earth. God says that He has called you by your name and you are His.

Take a minute to look into your heart. What do you see there? How do you feel about yourself? If your answer does not agree with God’s Word, I want to encourage you to begin today renewing your mind about yourself.

Trust in Him

God says in His Word that you belong to Him and that you’re uniquely and carefully created by Him. Do you believe it?

From the book Trusting God Day by Day

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Sometimes anger gives you the energy

January 21, 2016November 29, 2022 EllyFilhoLeave a comment

A 365 Day Challenge Day #18

Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply. 1 Timothy 2:1 MSG

Praying for Those in Authority Sooner or later, people in places of power and governmental authority will make decisions, pass laws, and implement policies that you don’t like. In some countries you have the freedom to enter the political process and advocate reform; in some nations you don’t, but you always have the freedom to pray.

Praying for leaders is always your first and best option. Leaders are not usually available to listen to your requests, but God is. presidents, governors, justices, and legislators sometimes make bad decisions, but God can take those poor choices and turn them around for good. God can protect you from the evil (instead and unintended) that poor leadership can bring into your life. God can give you peace and encouragement, even when governments create terrible circumstances for you. Finally, God can take your prayers and use them to draw that leader into a relationship with Him.

When it comes to politics, many complain but few pray. As one who prays, you are paving the way for a better tomorrow.

God, when I think of my leaders, I most want to…

When I think about the leaders of this world, I have to believe God you are in control, because it can’t get any worst. I understand they are dealing with the most difficult situations ever, but there is a lot they should be doing and don’t. So, I put my trust and faith in The Lord. Like I saw on T.V today Mr. Trump making fun of a special need child. How sick can this guy be? Who in their right mind would vote for a sick person like that? I felt sick to my stomach

A 365 Day Challenge Day #19

Anger and Prayer

Can you pray when you’re angry? Should you pray when you’re annoyed? The answer, which may surprise you, is yes ___ absolutely yes. Anger is like dynamite. It can accomplish much good, or it can do terrible damage depending on where and how it is used. By bringing God’s presence into the heat of the moment, you can direct your anger into its most positive purpose.

Sometimes anger gives you the energy to right a wrong, to rectify an injustice, to solve a problem. But anger can also be out of proportion to the situation, and then prayer gives and opportunity for God’s transforming presence to clear up unresolved issues.

In either case, sharing your anger first with God puts Him at the helm, where your emotions can be leveraged for the best possible outcome. “Lord, I’m angry because” is a great way to start a prayer. During the course of your conversation with God, your openness to Him will allow Him to bring wisdom for the moment. which will save a world of regret later on.

God, I find myself getting angry when…

It’s always a good time to pray so let us pray 🙂

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#PhotoaDay Challenge

January 20, 2016November 29, 2022 EllyFilho1 Comment

It is not necessary

It is not necessary to improve your appearance, get a lot of culture, raise the heels of your shoes, or make more noise.
We need to reduce the noise, walk more slowly, pay attention to those arriving, lower our heads and put the humility to work. We are big, when we are small.

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#PhotoAdAy

January 20, 2016November 29, 2022 EllyFilhoLeave a comment

#30DayPhoto

photo 23884528311_1342d51a42_z.jpg — Day 2 what I wore

I started a 30-day photo challenge and only did a day one.
Didn’t get to keep going. My days have been so busy I can’t keep up with all I’ve set up myself to do.

I started way too many challenges and I never finish LOL.
I wanted to upload all the images up to date so I can catch up in this post and go on day to day as the days go on. I do apologize to the people who follow my blog and expect it to be so right all the time, but hey! I’m only human.

First of all, I’m a wife, (to a pastor of a church) and a mom to 3 teens 🙂 (so this includes all mom and wife duties LOL)
We go to church 3 times a week
I’m currently on a 365-day prayer challenge that I do every day (just don’t have the time to post it)
I’m on a Theological school that I have to study and do a test every month (that’s in Portuguese and extremely hard because of the language) I’m taking a 6.00.1x introduction to computer science as a tool to solve real-world analytical problems at MIT. (Also, really hard and time-consuming)

I have online media groups that requires me to post every day or every week in order for me to remain a member (time-consuming)
So, keeping up with all this and feeling sick, and all doctors appointments is not easy but it’s something I love to do. It’s me 🙂
I just wanted to ask for patience .. and say thank you!

photo IMG_0022.jpg — Day 5 – From a High Angle

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Not a performance

January 20, 2016January 20, 2016 EllyFilhoLeave a comment

A 365 Days Challenge Day #16

Not a performance

Many people are concerned that they don’t know the right words to say when they pray. But Jesus assures us that prayer is not a performance that will be graded, but instead a moment to be shared. ” Go into a hiding place and pray,” Jesus says. No one needs to watch your prayers and give their seal of approval.

In a healthy family, children don’t recite a script when addressing their parents; they just open their mouths and the words tumble out. In a happy marriage, spouses often speak to each other in cryptic, incomplete sentences. Their words would make little sense to someone on the outside, but, between the two of them, there’s a world of meaning.

The best prayers are not necessarily the most eloquent, but rather the most heartfelt. The syntax and grammar of prayer are honestly and humility. Anyone, anytime can let go of pride and bow his or her heart before God. That posture of the heart gives all of us equal footing with God.

Heavenly Father, it’s easiest for me to talk to You when…

The easiest time and place is the comfort of my home. Just this morning as I was getting ready for church I was in a big argument with my closet because half of my clothes didn’t fit and the other half is too big. So I stopped to look at the time and noticed I was getting late, and thought to myself. What’s more important? Me getting or even going to church? or looking good? Dressing all up? I believe it’s what I’m going there for, and what my heart is feeling, my humility, not my pride, and certainly not my looks. The outside shouldn’t matter. If going to a place to talk to God, I need to look better than someone than I don’t want to go there. I shouldn’t feel like that. I need to look and feel my best but not for others. So the comfort of my home is my best place.

A 365 Days Challenge Day #17

Our Father in Heaven

Prayers flows out of relationship. It is your connection with God that creates your conversation with God. As you come into relationship with Him, you experience Him not as some remote deity, but as your loving Father who deeply cares about you.

Earthly fathers can be awesome, aloof, abusive, or absent altogether. Your relationship with your biological or adoptive father may have been less than perfect. But things are different with Father God.He is always there for you. He understands. He always has time for you. He never forgets, never fails to keep a promise. He will encourage you and never put you down. In this relationship you can be yourself because He is here to coach you into fulfilling your true potential. When it comes time for correction, your heavenly Father always acts with kindness, never with the heavy hand of condemnation.

Knowing God’s great care for you as your Father frees you to bring anything that is on your heart to him. He will care for you.

Lord God, when I think of You as my Father, I…

When I think of you I remember you always have time for me.
You never forget me, You never fail me, You always keep a promise, you encourage me.
You will Never put me down. You will forever LOVE ME for who I AM.

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#DIY Life Hacks

January 18, 2016November 29, 2022 EllyFilho1 Comment

“Removing Scuffs from Shoes:
1. Dab the q-tip or cloth in coconut oil spread to needed area, then wipe/rub over the scuffs. I had to do this quite a bit rubbed very lightly, till it was all dissolved.

Experts recommend sanitizing brushes every 15 days.
Baby shampoo is great for cleaning it has to be shampoo with neutral pH.

The cleaning may be the same for all kinds of brushes, there is no need to have a different technique for each type.
Paper towel is more practical to dry the excess water. Let it dry over a towel before storing.

“(…) Keep the brushes away from moisture and aways wash them, especially those in use around the eye area and mouth and those used in creamy or liquid products. If you do not have a specific product to clean them, let them soak for at least a half an hour in a bowl with warm water, some detergent and baking soda. Then under running water, rub the brushes gently on a white plate. This way you can find out when they get really clean. Then, place them on a towel, let the excess water drain until dry and if required, use the hair dryer to give it a quick blow.

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Don’t pretend something didn’t happen.

January 18, 2016January 18, 2016 EllyFilhoLeave a comment

A 365 Days Challenge Day #14

Praying for Persecutors

The first mention of prayer in the New Testament is an injunction to pray for those who persecute you. Praying for those who have hurt you takes your relationship with God to an entirely different level. It affords you an opportunity to look honestly at the hurt and anger you feel, and to be realistic with God about the offenses that were committed against you. God never expected you to pretend that something bad didn’t happen.

Praying for those who persecute you also allows you to examine the reasons that you might hesitate to hand that hurt and anger over to God. This is a place of honesty and truth. As you are honest with God, He can help you comprehend the freeing truth about your situation. Free from bitterness, you begin to see your persecutor through God’s eyes. You can pray that he or she will come to that same place of freedom that you have found, so that everything that was wrong can finally be set right.

Lord God, when I think about those who have hurt me, I…

This came to me on a day I needed it the most. I was feeling so bitter, upset and hurt. I’m not the type of person to get attached, but I have a lot of feelings and when I get hurt, I hold on to it like it’s my best friend. That feeling that never wants to let go of me. It’s horrible. I hate it. Instead of me handling it over to God and letting it go. I hold on. By doing what this lesson teaches me to do, I can start to comprehend the true freeing of the truth. If I get realistic with the truth, praying for those that has hurt me, it will take my relationship with God to an entirely different level. A superior level where I’ve never been before.

A 365 Days Challenge Day #15

Making a Difference

Your prayers for cities and nations are never wasted. You never know whose life you will change forever through prayer. The first example of intercession in the Bible is Abraham negotiating with God on behalf of the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. “If you find ten righteous people in Sodom,” Abraham asks, ” will you save the city from destruction?” What was Abraham thinking? Rather than focus on everything that was wrong, he looked for that sliver of hope, that opportunity for God to intervene.

In the same way, as you look around you, find opportunities for God to show up. Pray for His intervention in schools, governments, media, entertainment, families, churches, and businesses. The chaos in our world has a solution: the God who listens to and answers our prayers. The change that’s needed might come through your prayers. You may never run for president or own a business or make a movie, but your influence can be felt everywhere if you are willing to intercede.

God, when I hear bad news, my first response is to…

To be honest, I no longer watch the news. I don’t watch television. It’s not a part of my life anymore. Although I read about it on the media. It still doesn’t make me want to watch it. I still pray for our Nation, Schools, President, Hospitals, prisons, and families around the world. I have rested all the caused and chaos of this world in God’s hands.

“”” Sorry about the double post but I’m behind. I wasn’t feeling too good and didn’t have time to post “””

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Life often throws things at us

January 17, 2016January 17, 2016 EllyFilhoLeave a comment

A 365 Days Challenge Day #13

The presence of God

A small child was walking through a busy supermarket with her mother. All around her were bright colors and interesting shapes, sounds and smells, a whole world to explore. As her other pondered a purchase, this child was attracted by a balloon display in the next aisle. Slipping quietly away, she went to investigate. Then something else caught her attention, and she took a few steps in that direction. This went on for a minute or two, until she looked up and realized that her mother was nowhere in sight and she had no idea how to find her. She had left her mother’s comforting presence. She was lost.

The habit of prayer keeps God’s comforting presence close. Life often throws things at us that we are not prepared to handle on our own.

When trouble strikes, as it usually does, without warning, you are in a much stronger place with God at your side than you would be with Him far away. Staying “prayed up” keeps you in a place of safety.

Lord, when trouble strikes, the first thing I do is…

When trouble strikes the first thing I do is fall onto my knees. I’ve never seen so much of God in my life like I’ve faced the most devastated problems you can’t imagine. When I face Any problems I bow down in prayer. I pray and I believe in miracles. I believe with all my heart in the God I serve.