January 14th, Day 426 of Giving Thanks-Guest Writer, Mary Jean Marquez

Create Your Fabulous Life
by: Mary Jean Marquez

God has placed within me the gift of exhortation (Rom. 12:8) to uplift people, applying God’s truths through encouragement. I am the ultimate optimist and I love to see people’s lives change when God’s word touches their hearts. It is God’s word that is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Heb. 4:12). All God and not me!

I also believe in common sense and practical thinking, and because God loves you, He will correct you (Prov. 3:12). I receive God’s correction with open arms! We must take responsibility for our own lives and not play the blame game, excuses, or fall into a victim mentality. Allow God to heal and restore your life!

With every New Year comes the excitement of a new beginning, putting the old habits and failures behind. The possibilities are endless with a renewed and refreshed attitude. I want to encourage you to seek God for every area of your life. To make the quality decision to move ahead in life with the strength and conviction, that you are going to believe what God’s word says about your life, and take action! Be a doer of God’s word and not just an observer… (Jas. 1:23)

We all have areas that we need to improve or change. For some, it is getting organized. Perhaps you need to get your home in order. Make a plan and then do it! Break that task down into small daily tasks; tackle one room at a time. For some, it is health. Start exercise and eating better; Be a good steward of your body, which is the temple of God (1 Cor. 6:19). You can improve and change, because God says that you can do all things through Christ who is your strength (Phil. 4:13).

I truly believe that there is greatness in each and every one of you! Your past does not define your present life, and you have the choice and the power to create your fabulous life now! God has placed within you all that you need to succeed in life. He also says that if you lack wisdom, to ask of Him and He will give it to you freely (Jas 1:5). God also invites you to boldly approach His throne of Grace, that you may obtain mercy and help in time of need (Heb. 4:16). That literally means, go to Him without reservation, approaching His throne not of a place of judgment, but to receive mercy, grace, & help! Wow! God will lead and guide you every step of the way. He will back you up with His power and blessing! As I say “God’s got your back!”

The question that comes to mind is! Why, with all that God has provided for us, do people not move on in life?

Some reasons may be: Slothfulness/laziness, fear of failure or success, Low self-esteem, no direction, lack of funds, etc…the list can go on and on. Be careful not to fall into the trap of self-pity, blame, or victim mentality.

Rise up as the conqueror that god has made you to be (Rom. 8:37). Get yourself off of the path that has led you where you don’t want to be, and onto God’s path that leads to the victorious life!

Whatever the reason is in your life for not moving on, know that God has the answer for you. Take God’s word to heart and confess that word over your life. Get rid of stinking thinking, and replace it with God’s word, allowing it to renew your mind (Rom. 12:2). You have the ability and free will to make the changes you need to for a better life. Not one of us is perfect, and I humble myself knowing that I need God’s help and guidance in my life everyday!

Change the way you speak about your life. If life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21), how are you applying that power in your life? The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (Jas. 5:16) and God says that you are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, therefore use that power to create good in your life!

I pray that you understand, believe and receive the fact that God, in your obedience to Him, has made you the head and not the tail, above only and not beneath, blessed in the city, blessed in the field, blessed going in and blessed going out (Deut. 28). God has met your every need according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19). God has crowned your head with Glory and Honor (Ps. 8:5), and all that you set your hands to prospers abundantly. God daily loads you with benefits of salvation (Ps. 68:19). That, right there is everything to be grateful for.

God is for you, who can be against you (Rom. 8:31).

Create your fabulous life and live life big my friends. God bless you!

To learn more about the wonderful Mary Jean Marquez visit the following links:

http://twitter.com/MaryJeanMarquez

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=335607651809&ref=mf

http://fabulouslypeachydarling.blogspot.com/

http://braveheartwomen.com/profile.jspa?userID=13000133959

Personalities!!!

Hello there!

I recently saw a post on my facebook asking, Choose who is better? Referring to the two beautiful women in Luke 10: 38-42, Martha and Mary. Martha being the busy, and obviously choleric/melancholy personality, and Mary the sanguine/phlegmatic personality. Of course, Mary got the most votes because the scripture states that Mary chose to sit at Jesus feet, in which Jesus was pleased and happy with! I will not argue with Jesus! Amen!

In my opinion, I think that Martha has gotten a bad wrap! the short end of the stick, if you will! Now, let's think about it! God has placed gifs/talents and different personalities in each individual. It takes all of us to get things done. The body of Christ working together for God's kingdom. We compliment each other, and need each other.

EX 1: I have had gatherings in my home and it takes a Martha to prepare, schedule, make sure that things are getting done so that when invited guests arrive, they will be fed and taken care of. It also takes a Mary to make sure people are greeted so they feel comfortable and welcome in your home. Makes for a nice gathering!

EX 2: I also think of my church. My church is what you would call a mega church! and I can certainly say, that if there were no Marthas to make sure things got done, it would not be good. The Marthas are the ones who make sure all is in order so that God can flow in these services, they make sure that every aspect of ministry runs smoothly so that the people can receive and be saved! and the Marys are just as vital, as they are the more social ones, greeting people helping them feel welcome and at ease, ready to receive what God has for them.

EX 3: Running a household! OMG! There better be a balance of Martha's choleric/melancholy personality and Mary's Sanguine/Phlegmatic personality. That way the household runs smoothly, is kept clean, order with family schedules, and you remain happy and joyful (sane) while doing all that!!! LOL!

We can get all super spiritual and say that Mary was the better one, but I can honestly say for myself, that it takes both to get things done! I can chew gum and walk at the same time! I can work and pray at the same time! I believe there should be a balancing of devotion (Mary) and duty (Martha).

MARTHA received Jesus into her house, but was gifted to handle the domestic responsibilities of keeping house and the demands of providing hospitality. So, when Martha complained to Jesus, I think Mary was being a lazy/phlegmatic. I've been in that situation when I've been so busy and no one wanting to help! Not good!

MARY also received Jesus into her house, but chose to sit while she spiritually fed herself. I have also allowed myself to sit, go to bible studies, etc... and not keeping up with other duties in life, like cleaning house!! LOL! Also not good! Allowing yourself to get out of sink with either, is not good!

Many have tended to brand Martha as "the practical one" and Mary as "the spiritual one." However, the scriptures indicate that Martha also sat at Jesus' feet (v.39) and that Mary also served (v.40). Both of these women reveal unique spiritual gifts with which they lovingly served God. It also reveals that people naturally have their differences and will clash at times. That is another writing! LOL!

I believe that their story should be a reminder to us of the importance of balancing personal devotion with practical duties. These are not irreconcilable facts of believing life and should never be allowed to be pitted against one another. (Luke 8:2/Rom. 16:1)

Let's be real and do our best with the gifting and talent that God has blessed each and every one of us with. Let's respect and uplift each other in our differences with strengths and weaknesses. Not one of us is better that the other. God has made each individual fabulously peachy!

Have a blessed day and God bless you :)

P.S. Remember how fabulously awesome God has made you! Whether your personality leans toward a Martha or Mary, make sure you keep a balance and all will be peachy!

Mary Jean Marquez