Category Archives: God

Christian Books – Donna Louis – Blessings Disguised As Burdens

Christian Books – Donna Louis – Blessings Disguised As Burdens

Blessings – the act or words of one that blesses, a thing conducive to happiness or welfare. – https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blessing

Now you might not say exactly God bless me. Instead you may say God I want a new car,need a new job with better pay, want to own my own business, want to own a home of my own, desire a spouse so I’m no longer lonely, want to have a baby, etc. The list is endless but when we say these things, we are asking God to bless us. http://www.miraclebook.net

Now a days we get what they call alerts to our phones. Especially if it is an AMBER alert. What is an amber alert? The AMBER Alert System began in 1996 when Dallas-Fort Worth broadcasters teamed with local police to develop an early warning system to help find abducted children. AMBER stands for America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response and was created as a legacy to 9-year-old Amber Hagerman, who was kidnapped while riding her bicycle in Arlington, TX, and then brutally murdered. Other states and communities soon set up their own AMBER plans as the idea was adopted across the nation. – https://amberalert.ojp.gov/about

Well God’s alerts are blessings disguised as burdens. Every time you encounter a challenging situation it is a test that God is putting you through to determine if you are ready to receive the blessing you have been asking about. Now since none of us like to be away from our blanket like the one Linus had in the Peanuts cartoon and we always want to be comfortable God is not going to allow that to happen. If you want great things, you must take great risks and go through many tests and struggles. The more you ask for and the bigger your dreams then just strap yourself in because it is going to be a long ride.  If Jesus had to endure the cross what makes us believe we are above reproach? Christian Books – Donna Louis – Blessings Disguised As Burdens

In the Bible Joseph was told in a dream that he was going to be a high ranking official but what he didn’t know is all the burdens he would have to endure and how long it would take to reach that pinnacle and be living that dream. His brothers threw him in a pit, and he was picked up by a caravan and taken to Pharoah. He was placed in jail because Pharoah’s wife lied and said he tried to be intimate with her when he didn’t. One of the people in jail became friends with Joseph and promised to speak with Pharoah about releasing him when he was released but he forgot, and Joseph remained in jail until Pharoah had a disturbing dream and since God had blessed Joseph to interpret dreams, he was called by Pharoah, and he interpreted the dream and finally he was released and Pharoah made Joseph second in command behind him. http://www.miraclebook.net

Don’t try to pray away all the unpleasant things that happen in your life and the burdens you have to bear because they are actually the things that are going to elevate you to the blessing you have been asking God for. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Blessings Disguised As Burdens

Christian Books – Donna Louis – New Level New Devil

Christian Books – Donna Louis – New Level New Devil

As you are looking to expand your horizons and level up you will encounter many tests and challenges. This is what we call New Level New Devil.

We all have a long laundry list especially if we pray bold prayers to God of the things we want, the things we want to accomplish, and the legacy we want to leave in life. The Bible says, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.’ – Matthew 7:7. http://www.miraclebook.net

God is waiting to be gracious and grant you the things you are asking for but they first must line up with the job he placed you on this earth to accomplish and secondly you have to be ready and prepared to step into that position. When God knows you are not ready, not mature enough to handle what you are asking for he will not give it to you. Christian Books – Donna Louis – New Level New Devil

When God had Moses take command and take the children of Israel from Pharaoh and deliver them from slavery and bondage he did not take them on the easy quick course. The travel time into the promise land should have only been an eleven-day trip but because God knew this group of over two million people were not ready, he took them the long route which wound up being a forty-year journey. http://www.miraclebook.net

Another reason why the journey took so long is because of all the complaining the congregation kept doing. Gratitude will bless your life while complaining will destroy it. Instead of being grateful that they were finally free after all the years of bondage all they did was complain. They complained about the same food (manna) everyday, no water to drink, etc. to Moses all the time. God has a sense of humor and when he sends tests your way and you keep failing, he is not going to give you the desires of your heart. You must trust him, become mature and pass the tests and challenges. Christian Books – Donna Louis – New Level New Devil

For those of you that are parents you will understand this example. You purchase a new car, and your child is in love with it. The color, the new car smell, the wheels, the interior, etc. They ask you if they can drive the car. Knowing all the pit falls and negative things that could happen since they are only eleven years old you say no. This is the same process with God. He knows everything and he will not let you elevate to the next level if you are not ready for it because of the challenges (devils) you will encounter.

New devils come in all shapes and sizes. One example could be that you become a manager for a group of 50 people, and you feel very prideful because you got the promotion over other people, so you start throwing your weight around. No. this is the incorrect behavior so since God knows what you will do before even you do; he will not elevate you to the next level. You could be praying to become a highly successful author which in turn will have you doing many speaking engagements and book signings, but you have an issue with handling criticism badly. Not everyone will think you’re great and so you will come across critics, and you must be mature enough to handle that. You can’t go tit for tat with every person who doesn’t like you. Christian Books – Donna Louis – New Level New Devil

Be patient to be on God’s potters’ wheel until he has molded you into the masterpiece, he created you to be. Remember every new level has a new devil but you can do all things through Christ which strengthens you.

 

Christian Books – Donna Louis – Anxiety & Depression

Christian Books – Donna Louis – Anxiety & Depression

“I found that with depression, one of the most important things you can realize is that you’re not alone. You’re not the first to go through it, you’re not gonna be the last to go through it,” — Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

“There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.” ― John Green

“I keep moving ahead, as always, knowing deep down inside that I am a good person and that I am worthy of a good life.” ― Jonathan Harnisch

“If you have been brutally broken but still have the courage to be gentle to other living beings, then you’re a badass with a heart of an angel.” — Keanu Reeves

Mental Health is a real issue that we all need to take seriously. If you know someone who may be suffering, then reach out to them and show them love. No man is an island and we all at some point in our lives must lean on someone else. If you see a person that is suffering don’t just shake your head and turn the other way. Don’t think that they are just a weakling so whatever happens to them they deserve. You might live to regret those unsavory thoughts.  If Jesus had done that when he was here walking the earth where would we all be now? Check out my website

If you are a person dealing with mental health issues, please reach out and get help. Don’t think that you are the only one dealing with these issues. People in the Bible dealt with mental health issues as well. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Anxiety & Depression

Kind David battled depression, despair, fear, guilt, loneliness, anguish and much more. He detailed all of this in the Book of Psalms. ““My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear.” – Psalm 38:4. “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” – Psalm 42:11. He also spoke about his grief regarding the loss of his son in the book of 2 Samuel Chapter 12. David sinned a great sin against God by sleeping with a married woman named Bathsheba and killed her husband Uriah and then married her and she conceived. God struck and killed his son even though David prayed for forgiveness and fasted. Check out my website

Elijah the prophet who had a multitude of spiritual victories was fearful, tired, and distraught and ran away and said, “I have had enough Lord, he said. Take my life, I am not better than my ancestors.” 1 Kings 19:4. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Anxiety & Depression

Jonah who ran from God when he asked him to go to Nineveh to preach to the people was ultimately swallowed by a whale. After three days God had the whale spit Jonah out and he headed to Nineveh. He had great success there with the people, but he was angry instead and said, “Now O Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.” Jonah 4:3. And God said to Jonah, Doest thou well to be angry for the gourd? And he said, I do well to be angry, even unto death.” – Jonah 4:9.

Job was a righteous man and loved God, but he lost almost everything enduring great devastation and physical illness. “Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.” – Job 2:9. He then said, “Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?” Job 3:11.” Job also said, “I have no peace, no quietness, I have no rest, but only turmoil.” Job 3:26. Job continued to also say, “I loathe my very life; therefore, I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul.” Job 10:1. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Anxiety & Depression

 

Jesus was deeply depressed and distraught knowing the things that he had to deal with including the cross. Jesus prayed to God saying, and saith unto them, my soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless, not what I will, but what thou wilt. – Mark 14:34-36.

If you see something say something. If you are the person suffering you speak up and say something. No matter how it may appear there is still more good in this world than bad and there are people waiting to extend their arms and help you to overcome. Remember God says, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”.

 

Christian Books – Donna Louis – Stepping Out Of Your Comfort Zone

Christian Books – Donna Louis – Stepping Out Of Your Comfort Zone

“Don’t let fear make your decisions for you.” -Annette White

“I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy; I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it.” -Anonymous

“The comfort zone is nothing else but a graveyard for your dreams & ideas.” -Anonymous

“You can choose courage, or you can choose comfort. You cannot have both.” -Brene Brown

“The hardest thing to do is leaving your comfort zone. But you have to let go of the life you’re familiar with and take the risk to live the life you dream about.” -T. Arigo

“The only thing that is stopping you from where you are to where you want to go is your comfort zone.” -Dhaval Gaudier

“A ship is always safe at the shore-but that is not what it is built for.” -Albert Einstein

If you want to do great things in life you need to get away from the normal and step into the abnormal. Even if you are feeling fearful do it anyway. FEAR is just “false evidence appearing real” and this is what stops most people from becoming great. Check out my website

God asked Abraham to leave his country that he had become so familiar with and go somewhere new. Abraham was 75 years old when God told him to do this. “Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came. And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land. And the Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the Lord, who appeared unto him. And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the Lord, and called upon the name of the Lord. – Genesis 12:1-8. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Stepping Out Of Your Comfort Zone

God will not allow you to coast in life. You must have challenges to be able to step into your destiny. God is faithful to bless you if you will leave fear behind or do it afraid and follow what God asks you to do. God is always ordering your steps and he has a great future in store for you. So step out of your comfort zone and you will see that God means what he says,” Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” – Ephesians 3:20. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Stepping Out Of Your Comfort Zone

 

Christian Books – Donna Louis – Where Does Your Dependence Lie

Christian Books – Donna Louis – Where Does Your Dependence Lie

Dependence – the quality or state of being dependent; one that is relied on. – https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependance

We all have people that we depend on from time to time according to the nature of our lives. Parents who have children that ride the school bus depend on the driver to carry their children safely to and from school. Employees depend on their employers to operate their company with integrity so that the firm will continue to grow so that the employees will continue to receive a paycheck. Children especially newborns depend on their parents to nurture and care for them until they grow up and can take care of themselves. Spouses depend on each other to be true to their marriage and don’t step outside of the marriage vows and commit adultery. Check out my website

We all need to be dependent on God almighty daily. God gently shakes us up every morning and gets us started on our day. God provides us with a heart. The task of your heart is to pump enough blood to deliver a continuous supply of oxygen and other nutrients to the brain and the other vital organs.  God provides us with use of our five senses daily. He also provides us with a brain. The brain is a complex organ that controls thought, memory, emotion, touch, motor skills, vision, breathing, temperature, hunger and every process that regulates our body. Together, the brain and spinal cord that extends from it make up the central nervous system, or CNS. – https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/anatomy-of-the-brain#. 

One of the mightiest men in the Bible was Moses. He knew where his dependence always lied and utilized it. God called Moses to lead the people out of Egypt, but Moses told God that he couldn’t speak well and was not eloquent. “And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. And the Lord said unto him, who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say. And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart. And thou shalt speak unto him and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do. And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God – Exodus 4:10-16. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Where Does Your Dependence Lie

Moses also had to depend on God to provide food (manna) for the two million people as well as provide water in the desert, and above all safe passage across the red sea towards the promise land. Moses was able to do all these things because he was a humble man who depended on God.

Daily we all have our itineraries and agendas for all aspects of our lives but if you want to be successful you need to acknowledge where your dependence lies and your mainline for dependence is God.

Christian Books – Donna Louis – Victory Starts In Your Thinking

Christian Books – Donna Louis – Victory Starts In Your Thinking

Whether you think you can or think you can’t you’re right. – Henry Ford

Best Selling author Joyce Meyer always says, “where the mind goes the man follows”, and that is true.

If you believe you will be a successful person living a thriving life that is exactly what will happen to you. If, however you think you never get any good breaks, and you will just live a life of surviving you are right. Check out my website

Every new day that God wakes you up is an opportunity to build your legend. You are God’s masterpiece which means you are an original and so you have the opportunity to carve your victorious life. So how do you do that? You start by thinking victorious thoughts about yourself and what you have to offer. If you eat junk food constantly because your mind tells you that you just can’t live without that soda, dessert, or triple cheeseburger and large onion rings then you will wind up being overweight with the possibility of having future health issues. If you are always thinking that I am nobody special at my workplace I am just lucky to have a job, then every time there is a job opportunity or promotion you will never get it because you will fail miserably at the interview. The thoughts and effort that you put into something is what will determine the type of refund you receive. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Victory Starts In Your Thinking

In the Bible the Book of Proverbs which is the book of wisdom states, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” – Proverbs 23:7. In 1937 author Napoleon Hill wrote an incredible book titled, Think and Grow Rich” which has been called the Grandaddy of all motivational books. Chapter 1 of the book is titled, “Thought Are Things.” This speaks for itself because if you are thinking negative thoughts that is the direction your life will head in. Another chapter in the book titled, “The Brain” Napoleon Hill calls the brain your broadcasting and receiving station. So, if his assessment is true then if you want to lead a victorious life you need to think victoriously. Check out my website

The bible is the greatest book you can read that will flood you with positive thoughts. Then add to that by reading positive affirmations, listening to positive podcasts and videos that will inspire and enrich your life. Now as with anything new you will need to give it a chance to become a part of you and soak it in. They say that any new behavior pattern takes 30 days for it to become a habit so take it step by step. Retraining your mind to think victorious thoughts will take time. It is a daily challenge but depending on how you see yourself and the things you wish to achieve in life will tell whether you become a success or a failure. Your WHY will be your most motivating factor. Another big arsenal that you can add is a vision board. If you cut out pictures of all the things you want to accomplish in life in all aspects of your life not just material things and place them on this board and look at it every day that will help you to dream which will expand your imagination. Einstein said, “Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.” Christian Books – Donna Louis – Victory Starts In Your Thinking

Douchan Gersi was a Slovak-born, Belgium-raised, Bali-based adventurer, documentary filmmaker, author and actor who stated, “Victory always starts in the head. It’s a state of mind. It then spreads with such radiance and such affirmations that destiny can do nothing but obey.”

 

 

 

 

 

Christian Books – Donna Louis – When Things Don’t Make Sense

Christian Books – Donna Louis – When Things Don’t Make Sense

We all have seasons that we go through as we live this journey that is called life. We all are most joyful when we are in a harvest season. That means everything is going our way and coming up like roses. There are no struggles or challenges that come up and whatever our hands touch prospers. Check out my website

However, we all realize that there is also a winter season and that does not bring pleasant things. Winter seasons are harsh and grueling. Everything we try to do backfires and blows up in our face. Every time you look around all you seem to be doing is putting out fires. For every step you take forward you are being pulled back five. Why is this happening? This is when things don’t make sense.

 

You worked very hard for that promotion, yet you were passed over by someone who doesn’t have anywhere near the qualifications you do. Your offering bid for that dream home you want was declined and someone who didn’t offer as much was approved. You have changed the way you eat, and you are eating healthier and exercising yet when you take your A1C test your blood sugar levels are still through the roof. You are in the choir in your church, you are one of the teachers for the Sunday’s school classes in church, you are also an usher but when it is time to be selected as a board member in the church you are passed over. You have been praying for years to have a baby and for God to open your barren womb. Finally, the pregnancy test is positive, and you carry your baby almost full term only to have a miscarriage.  Your spouse and you are godly people and attend church regularly but while at work you get a phone call from the police that says your spouse has just committed suicide. What is happening? My spouse never showed signs of having mental health issues. Where is God? Christian Books – Donna Louis – When Things Don’t Make Sense

When things don’t make sense don’t panic God is still in control. To the natural man it does not appear that way. God however is supernatural he knows things we don’t. When God designed you, he knew every disappointment, every hurt, you would encounter. Sometimes we go through arduous winter seasons because God is trying to improve us. There are things inside of us that he needs to remove and grow us up and those things don’t happen when we are in a harvest season, and everything is going great. You’re wondering why that dream of yours is taking so long. Well maybe what you are dreaming for is much smaller than what God has in mind for you and so it’s taking longer. The longer what you desire takes to manifest that is because it is going to be so much greater than what you expected. If you are dealing with some very tragic and dramatic events in your life that is because God knows you will have some rougher waters ahead of you in your future and so he needs to start preparing you now. You are stronger than you think. Remember you can do all things through Christ that strengthens you. Check out my website

When things don’t make sense don’t abandon all the good things you have been doing. Keep being good to people, keep tithing in church, keep going to church, continue to be a person of integrity, and above all continue to thank God and have gratitude because when God provides you with your breakthrough it will be so dynamic and monumental you will say look at what the Lord has done. Christian Books – Donna Louis – When Things Don’t Make Sense

 

 

 

 

Christian Books – Donna Louis – The Greatest Conductor – Maestro

Christian Books – Donna Louis – The Greatest Conductor – Maestro

Maestro – a master usually in an art; especially : an eminent composer, conductor, or teacher of music. – https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maestro

Conductor – the leader of a musical ensemble, an orchestra conductor – https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conductor

An article titled “Top 10 Qualities of an Effective Band or Orchestra Conductor” Curated from SBO Magazine – by Harvey Rachlin states that these are the qualities of a good orchestra leader is they should have integrity, competence and passion, be committed to the job, be a good communicator, be respectful, be able to make good decisions, and be knowledgeable and confident. One of the greatest conductors – maestro ‘s ever was Leonard Bernstein. He was an American conductor, composer, pianist, music educator, author, and humanitarian. Among the most important conductors of his time, he was also the first American conductor to receive international acclaim. As a composer he wrote in many styles, including symphonic and orchestral music, ballet, film and theatre music, choral works, opera, chamber music and works for the piano. His best-known work is the Broadway musical West Side Story, which continues to be regularly performed worldwide. – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonard_Bernstein.

Looking at the above qualities of an excellent conductor – maestro we see the similarities to God. He is the essence of integrity. He is Alpha & Omega and created and completed this world in six days, so he is very competent and above all his passion for all of us and sending Jesus to the cross to die for our sins because he loves us so much. He is so committed to his work with this world that even though he destroyed it with flood waters he still asked Noah to put two of every animal in the ark along with Noah’s entire family to repopulate the world after the flood waters dried up off the earth. God is extremely committed to his job and is an excellent communicator since the beginning, down to Moses, Abraham, Joseph, Jacob, and all the other giants in the Bible. God gave us all free will and allowed us the opportunity to make our own choices even though most were wrong. He respected what we chose. God never makes mistakes and makes good decisions and is extremely knowledgeable and confident in what he has planned and executed. With all of this why do we find it so hard to trust and believe in him? Check out my website

 

The same way in which a conductor – maestro directs an orchestra that is the way God directs our steps. He knows the plans that he has for us and the great future he wants to give us. What we need to do is just like the patrons of the arts and music do when they attend a concert. We just need to settle into our seats get comfortable and enjoy the presentation. If we would just allow God to keep control of the baton the same way the conductor of an orchestra does, we would have a wonderful life. Christian Books – Donna Louis – The Greatest Conductor – Maestro

Christian Books – Donna Louis – Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff

Christian Books – Donna Louis – Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff

Distractions – something that distracts : an object that directs one’s attention away from something else. – https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distractions

At one time or another we will all have little annoyances or distractions that confront us. Don’t sweat the small stuff and let these things take you off course. You have a heavenly assignment in life to complete so keep moving forward. Check out my website

Distractions come in all forms, shapes, and sizes. You could be at a picnic outdoors and a fly or bee refuses to leave you alone. You could be traveling on the road and as soon as the red light turns green you have someone behind you honking their horn at you. You could be at work and a co-worker who decides not to work and is surfing the internet keeps calling you wanting you to look over at what they have on their screen. You could have a rude service person in the drive thru where you are trying to get the food you ordered. You could be on the highway driving, and you are already doing 10 miles over the speed limit, but you have someone tailing you and once there is an open space in another lane, they pass you and signal you in an inappropriate way. You could have a good friend or co-worker tell you that the things you are aspiring to accomplish in life will never happen just quit while you are ahead. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff

These are all things that you don’t sweat. Don’t let these distractions stop you from fulfilling your calling in life or having a positive mental attitude and a great day. Believe it or not these annoying distractions are sometimes disguised as test and challenges that you will need to pass in life to reach a life of thriving. Keep your eye on the goal and don’t deviate looking from left to right. For example, if your goal is to eat healthy most of the time then don’t succumb to the triple cheeseburger with large French fries’ meal. If your goal is to stay away from sweets don’t go into the bakery or the ice cream parlor. If you are looking to stop that alcohol addiction don’t drive past the liquor store just to prove you won’t be tempted. If your dream is to become a great speaker than stay away from family and friends that don’t fuel your dream in a positive way and go sign up for some sessions at Toastmasters.

Don’t allow the little irritants to get in your way. If you allow them to have the upper hand then you will not die empty. What do I mean when I say die empty? Author Wayne Cordero released a book titled “Dream Releasers” back in 2002 and he had a chapter titled Die Empty. The subtitle under that was “The Wealth of Graveyards”. He stated that graveyards are the richest places in the world because they contain all the people who never accomplished their dream whether it was because of fear which is the main killer of dreams and goals or other factors. Don’t add yourself to the population of these people. Live to die Empty. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff

Don’t allow the small irritations, distractions, and annoyance to rob you of the abundant life Jesus died to give you. Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff. Check out my website