Showered with God's Benefits!

Psalm 103: 1-5 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! (2) Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, (3) who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, (4) who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, (5) who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

This beautiful scripture has been rising up from my belly like rivers of living water for days now, and as I lift my hands and voice in praise, my life is strengthened and empowered in every way. My heart desires this for everyone!

No matter what is going on in your life, know that God has it covered. Instead of complaining and griping about your situations, meditate on God's benefits in your life. Re-read Psalm 103: 1-5 and go over the benefits that belong to you. Set a guard over your mouth and mind, and focus on God's goodness in your life, and watch those situations change for the better.

It is important to continually meditate on God's Word, and to engage your souls (mind, will, and emotions). Rehears God's blessings as a source of encouragement and uplifting for your lives. Abide in His Word and set your affection on Him. Rest in God's promise of blessing/benefits.

Psalm 68: 19 Blessed be the Lord, Who DAILY LOADS us with benefits, The God of our salvation!

Wow! Literally, day by day, God loads our lives with an abundance of His blessing/benefits. He has redeemed (saved) us from every evil destruction through the precious blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Let's review some of God's benefits in your life!

*Grace an Mercy that are new every morning.
*Healing in every area of life (spirit, soul, body, finances, socially)
*Peace (Shalom-wholeness, nothing missing, nothing broken...)
*Forgiveness.
*Redemption/Salvation.
*Power and Authority over all the power of the enemy...
*Victory over our enemies...
*You are the head and not the tail...
*All that you set your hands to, prospers...

The list goes on and on. All of God's promises are yes and amen to those who will believe (Mark 9:23). Believe God's word and live in the blessing that is already yours as a child of the most High God, who loves you so much. He desires that you prosper in ALL things and be in health, just as your soul prospers (3John: 2)

Remember that life is Fabulously Peachy Darling!

God bless you all!

Mary Jean

Get to Living!

Hello everyone!

There have been so many wonderful happenings since my last blog, but the highlight of my week happened yesterday-01/13/12, and I would like to share this fabulous event with you.

My daughters and I host a monthly luncheon called Women Uplifting Women, and we had our January event yesterday (http://thewomenupliftingwomen.com/). We had a fabulous time of fellowship; we laughed, cried, and shared of ourselves. Our key note speaker, Dr. Sandra Brayham, delivered a powerful message that touched every single woman's heart. I was so blessed by her transparency and realness. She shared a little about her life, seasons in life, and forgiveness. Every woman, was touched in some way.

There was a joyful excitement that bonded our lives together as beautiful women. We share so much in common, but each facing different challenges in life. The beauty of gathering together, is that there is power in numbers. God's word says in Matthew 18:20, For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them. This is an atmosphere where God can move and touch lives in powerful ways.

It is dangerous to isolate ourselves, as God has made us for each other, and these luncheons are designed to gather women once a month, to get us out of self set ruts and comfort zones. There are many places where we isolate ourselves. For some it is their home. For others it is their work place, and I must say, even churches. God did not create us to live within four walls, he created us to get out into the world among His people, where we can make a difference. Get out and live life among others, and not just those you are comfortable with. Allow your light to shine. Don't allow the enemy to stop you from living life to the fullest!

"Sometimes our blessing lies in another!" ~Mary Jean Marquez

We also had fun in the realness of our humanness. No one is perfect and it is refreshing to see women enjoy themselves without the pressure of feeling they have to put on a facade. I for one am very open and real. I like REALNESS! I enjoy life to the fullest and I enjoy sharing that joy that is my strength. It's okay to have FUN and let your Joy shine!

At the end of our awesome two hours together, I envisioned every woman going out into the city, their homes, work places...uplifted and encouraged to live life to the fullest; ready to be a blessing to their families, co-workers...Ready to forgive others and themselves for wrongs done...Ready to plan for the future, no matter what season of life they are in.

A wonderful peace and satisfaction came over me, knowing that I am doing what God needs for me to do in this season of my life. 1 Cor. 15:58 came to mind--Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose].

I have to share that the young women that I am so thankful for, who are a big part of the Women Uplifting Women--my team, are my daughters, Vanessa, Jessica, Chrysta, and Jenna. Each one of them are talented, and also have hearts to serve and uplift people. They contribute so much of themselves to make our luncheons, and everything else that we do successful, and I appreciate and love them with all of my heart!

So, in conclusion, I want to make some points-no particular order:

#1) We are not an island unto ourselves. Don't isolate yourself as we need each other.
#2) There is no I in teamwork. We need others to succeed, and give credit where credit is due!
#3) Seek God and He will show you what you need to be doing to fulfill your destiny, and then step out in faith! Just do it!
#4) Allow yourself to be real and love who you are, always striving to better yourself in every area of life!
#5) Don't be so serious! Allow yourself to enjoy life! Have FUN with your loved ones, friends!!!

Thank you for taking your precious time to read this blog. I pray you were blessed by it!

Remember that Life is Fabulously Peachy Darling!! God bless you all!

Psalm 35: 27 Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favor my righteous cause; and let them say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity [safety, wellness, happiness, healthiness, peacefulness, wealth] of His servant."

Mary Jean

"Allow Your Life To Be a River of Living Waters." --Mary Jean Marquez

Hello everyone!

It has been a while since my last blog and that is going to change. Being the New Year of 2012, and the first Saturday of the year, I have a renewed excitement to motivate people to live their best lives. I have designated Saturdays to be my blog writing day!! :)

So much happened in 2011, good and not so good, and the one lesson I took from all of the happenings, is to just go for my dreams in 2012, and I would like to encourage every reader of this page to go for your dreams as well. Don't hold back anymore.

Just do it!

There are people at the other end of your success waiting for you to touch their lives with your story, your perseverance, your life...Don't allow a day to go by that you are not working toward the success of your passion. Take baby steps everyday, and before you know it, success is knocking at your door.

What is it that you have put off for too long? Perhaps it's that book you need to write, that piece of art you need to create on canvas, that speech you need to make that is going to be life changing in someone's life, that business you have wanted to launch...The list goes on and on.

Let 2012 be the year you make a committed decision to be true to yourself. To be true to the gifts and talents that God has placed within you to bless His people, and in turn bless your life.

Get real with yourself and do an honest self assessment as to what is stopping you from pursuing your dreams, and then face those issues head on and put them behind you.

Fear and doubt are big factors that paralyzes people from living life to the fullest. God says that He has made you to be more than a conqueror...(Rom. 8:37) and that you can do all things through Christ who is your strength (Phil. 4:13). God has placed within you all that you need to accomplish those dreams, and has provided all that you need to get the job done.

Give yourself a chance and just try. Ask yourself -- If I could not fail, what would I do?

I have to tell you that I myself have had to face my fears and doubts, and God has breathed His breath of life into my very being that is so powerful. I have made the quality decision, with the help of a fabulous team, to move out in Faith and be a blessing to others, and to be true to myself.

Since November of 2011, I have seen God's hand on my life/my dreams and visions...bringing success and blessing, but they would not have happened if I hadn't stepped out in faith, taking those baby steps. God will meet you at the next step of your journey if you will allow Him too.

I heard a powerful teaching from a fabulous Woman of Faith, Kathryn Kuhlman, many years ago. She shared the simple example of a chess game. When we make our move, God will make His move. As long as we are seeking Him first and obeying the instruction for the next move, stepping out in faith, He will continually meet us and help us at the next move or level.

No more holding back, but moving forth in victory living life to the fullest. Don't live with regrets of allowing your life to remain dormant/stagnant. "Allow your life to be like a river of living waters!"

God bless you all and I pray this message has been encouraging and uplifting to you in this season of your life, and I look forward to hearing about your successes.

With much friendly Love!!!

Mary Jean

P.S. What is Fear?

False
evidence
appearing
real

PUT YOUR JOY ON and HIT THAT JOY BUTTON!

Hello everyone!

As I listen to some of my favorite music this morning, "Country", the thought came to mind, "Put your Joy On!" It is so hard for me to concentrate this morning, because I can feel my "Dancing feet on!".

Choose to be joyful in life. I know sometimes there may be situations in life that may cause you emotions other than Joy, but it is a choice to shift that heaviness around and allow joy to dominate. When you do that, you attract goodness to your life. It is like a domino effect! Negative attracts negative! Positive attracts Positive! I don't know about you, but I want to attract positive!

I remember one morning while my husband Jaime and I were preparing breakfast in the kitchen, there was something that was bothering me and I felt a little down, and at some point I turned to Jaime and said, "I forgot to hit the joy button this morning honey!" We both laughed, and I made the decision to shift my attitude from a downcast one to a joyful and uplifting one. That decision shifted my entire day to a fabulous day. If I had allowed that down feeling to remain, my day would have not been good, attracting negativity! YUK!

Nehemiah 8:10 says that the Joy of the Lord is your strength! So, when you choose to be Joyful you are operating in strength, but if you choose to remain and operate in a downcast attitude, this will make you weak. Choose God's strength in Joy, instead of negative weakness!

So remember, you have the choice to remain downcast or stir yourself up and "Put your Joy On" and "Hit that Joy button". Choose a positive attitude and enjoy a Fabulously Peaching Life Darling!

God bless you all! Mary Jean Marquez

Nehemiah 8:10 For the Joy of the Lord is your strength!

Choose to Live an On Purpose Life!

Hello everyone!

The following is my post on facebook for May 12, 2011:

Some days you just have to stir yourself up! Get yourself going! Getter Done! and as tempting as that pity party you are inviting yourself to may sound, don't attend, it's not worth it! Get yourself going in a positive direction, it is your choice! ~Mary Jean Marquez

This post hit a cord in many people's hearts. The feedback was positive and a needed word for so many, to include myself. The words that kept coming to my mind were, "Live an on purpose life." It is our God given free will to choose how we live life, and I personally want to live a good life. Let's choose life and not death in every area of life, ON PURPOSE!

There will always be negative situations that may arise, or areas of life that are not quite how you would want them to be, but don't allow those things to run your life. You have the choice to have a positive and optimistic attitude toward those situations. It sure beats having a downcast, negative attitude! That will get you nowhere, and will not help at all! You have the choice to change the way you are thinking and what words come out of your mouth. Your words are seed and if you are constantly talking negative about your life, or others, then that is what your harvest is going to be. You have the choice to control your mouth and actions ON PURPOSE!

Instead of letting those negative things around you bother you, fix what is bothering you. Instead of nagging and complaining about situations in your life, find the solutions, implement, and then move on. Don't allow yourself to stay stuck, feeling sorry for yourself. More than likely you will be the only one at your pity party; no one likes to hang with downcast people, even your family!!! Oh! Oh!

Make an honest assessment of YOU! If anyone can be honest with you, it should be you! Right? And then go to God with it and seek help and guidance for the areas that you want to change in your life. You can do all things through Christ who is your strength. Purpose to do this and you will succeed in your personal goals and dreams.

I hear so many people complain about their weight/health, but don't want to put on those tennis shoes and exercise. You control your flesh ON PURPOSE! You tell your body what to do. Don't let negative emotions or laziness get in the way of good health habits! Replace that negative outlook with a positive one ON PURPOSE!

Another complaint I hear a lot is, "MY house is so dirty!" Well, excuse me...clean it! I truly believe that there is chaos in the spiritual realm when there is a dirty home. Take one room at a time and really clean it out. Stop hording things and get rid of them. Be a blessing to someone else. If you have not worn those pants in over a year, bless someone else with them. Don't allow your life to be a stagnant swamp, but choose to be a flowing river of blessing! Rid your life of stuff you don't need, it only weighs your life down creating chaos in your home! This is a continual and lifelong process ON PURPOSE!

One other complaint is, my yard is over grown with weeds and doesn't look nice! Ay!Ay!Ay! A nice yard isn't going to miraculously appear. It takes work and effort to have a nice looking yard. I started doing my own yard, and I absolutely love it! I get out in the sunshine and meditate on God's goodness-Our time together! listening to the birds sing, and I get a good workout and tan, LOL! when I am done, I feel energized and proud of myself and my beautiful yard. I don't always feel like doing it, but I do it ON PURPOSE.

Kick that ugly EXCUSITIS out of your life! Be aware of when you make excuses not to do what you know you should be doing. Most of the time excuses are made because you don't want to do it, but you will make the time for the things we want to do! Make the decision that you will not make excuses anymore ON PURPOSE!

Don't allow a spirit of laziness or complacency overtake you. Get yourself going, no one else will, and no one else can motivate you, but you. There is a fabulous life to live, and life is made up of those mundane, everyday tasks. Let's approach each day with a positive attitude, and with energy to attack each day knowing that when you lay your head to rest at night, you have done all that you had set out to do for that day, and sleep in peace, ready and excited for the next day.

Make the quality decision that you are going to "Live an on Purpose Life."

LIFE IS FABULOUS PEACHY DARLING WHEN YOU LIVE AN ON PURPOSE LIFE!

With much Friendly Love!
Mary Jean Marquez

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