September 7, 2021

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection:
“As long as you keep trying you won’t ever stop achieving. Keep feeding your mind, and it won’t go hungry for ideas. Stay optimistic, and you won’t ever lose hope.
Embrace change, and you’ll keep on growing forever. Keep making new friends, and your circle will constantly expand. Nurture the talents of others, and you’ll always get results.
Be a promise keeper, and you’ll keep peoples trust. Be who you are, and you’ll always be real. Give credit to those who help you reach goals, and you’ll always have a team.
Keep aiming high and you’ll always have dreams. Keep your eyes open, and you’ll see opportunities. Keep your enthusiasm, and you’ll always be inspired.” Jacqueline Schiff

September 6, 2021

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection:
“Oh, the thousands of men and women all about us weary with care, troubled and ill at ease, running hither and thither to find peace, weary in body, soul, and mind; going to other countries, traveling the world over, coming back and still not finding it.
Of course they have not found it and they never will find it in this way, because they are looking for it where it is not. They are looking for it without when they should look within.
Peace is to be found within, and unless one finds it there, he/she will never find it at all.” Ralph Waldo Trine

September 5, 2021

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection is from Living Faith:
Behold, God is my helper; the Lord sustains my life. Psalm 54:6
“All I do, it seems, is charge things – devises and appliances.
It all seemed so amazing at first, didn’t it? Cordless phones, leaf blowers and vacuum cleaners! Bluetooth speakers, headphones and keyboards! No wires or cords tying us down! Freedom!
Not so fast. For we all know the frustration of that moment when our forgetfulness or carelessness has left us holding one more useless brick of metal and plastic, useless without a charge.
Nothing powers itself. Everything requires a source of energy from outside. Including me. I may think I’m doing this on my own – I may imagine that my life is about freedom – but of course it’s not. Like that phone or that vacuum, I have a source of energy that enables me to be myself and do what I’m made to do, and without God, I can do nothing.
Loving God, pour out your grace and power in my soul.” Amy Welborn
Let us take time each day to be recharged by our loving God!?

September 3, 2021

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection:
“Positive thinking is a habit, like any other; we can practice it every day until it becomes second nature to us – and along the way, transform our lives.” Washington L. Crowley
Prayer can do the same thing.?

September 2, 2021

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection today is from Living Faith:
From the day we heard about you, we do not cease praying for you… Colossians 1:9
“ Saint Paul is in prison, with a death sentence hanging over him. But all he sees is his beloved church in Colossae, filled with ‘the holy ones in light.’ I assume he was praying for their strength, their faith, they are perseverance. And, no doubt, they returned the favor, that Paul may not fail.
Prayer should be our constant commitment as well. We may be far apart, but praying for each other will bring us closer. And let us pray by name for all who have helped us. As I do in my work with the poor in Honduras, I have a prayer list! I’m sure Paul did the same. Indeed, the letter ends with names especially dear to him, including, ‘Luke the beloved physician,’ (Colossians 4:14) his constant companion. Let us pray!” Miguel Dulick
I remember there was a university that did a study on the effects of prayer. There was one group that was prayed for, another group was told they were being prayed for, and a group that was not being prayed for… Both groups that were being prayed for had a dramatic increase in healing.?

September 1, 2021

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection today is from Fresh Bread:
At daybreak, Jesus left and went to a deserted place. Luke 4:42
“Jesus’ healing of Simon’s mother-in-law is one of my most loved gospel stories. We all know how worrisome a fever can be: it signals distress of some sort in the body, potentially serious. After the miraculous healing, many more sick people come, and Jesus heals them as well.
It’s exhausting tending the sick, and Jesus must have expended much energy in these healings. Next, he retreats to be alone for a while. He takes time and space to rest and regenerate before moving on to other towns, other work.
Jesus shows us that spaces are important. There is a rhythm to life. As in music, the rests are integral to the composition.
Jesus, help me to get balance in the doing and being. Help me to find you in both.” – Jennifer Christ
Jesus gave us so many life lessons. This is one of them we need to have a balance of prayer and action in our lives.?

August 31, 2021

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
M reflection today is yfrom Living Faith:
…. they were astonished by his teaching because he spoke with authority. Luke 4:32
Years ago, I was standing in a line at the bank when a toddler suddenly ran up to me and threw her arms around my leg. As soon as I spoke, she realized she had mistaken me for her mother and ran toward the woman behind me who happened to be wearing the same colored slacks.
Like that little girl, I can initially be fooled by appearances. There are people, sometimes powerful ones, who attract us by championing some aspect of Christianity that is particularly important to us. However, when we listen carefully, we realize their words and actions do not flow from the Spirit of Christ. Whether in my own life or that of others, if something consistently fails to produce the fruits of the Spirit – that is, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control -I know I have taken the wrong path.
Compassionate God, guide my choices so that they reflect your goodness.” Terri Mifek

August 30, 2021

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection:
“Positive thinking is not the destination; it is the journey.
An optimistic person will be constantly challenged-by external circumstances as well as inner fears and doubts.
Always remember that these tests are like a ladder you must climb.
As you move past each rung, your optimism strengthens and your confidence begins to flex newly found muscle that you might never have developed otherwise.” -Montague Edwards