Jan

Strength for the Journey – Staying Rooted in God’s Word

Growing up in Louisiana, I learned that the best things in life are worth taking time for. Whether it’s tending to a pot of food on the stove, nurturing family traditions, or spending an afternoon catching up on the porch, there’s a beauty in the consistency of showing up for what matters. And just like those traditions, staying rooted in God’s Word takes intentionality, patience, and love.

This week, we’re focusing on how to stay spiritually nourished throughout the year. Life is full of challenges, but when we stay connected to God, we can face each day with strength and purpose.

Scripture Focus

Psalm 1:2-3:
“But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.”

Staying rooted in God’s Word keeps us steady, just like a tree by the bayou that draws strength from deep, nourishing waters.
Joshua 1:8:
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

This verse reminds us to keep God’s Word close—reading, speaking, and living it daily.

Daily Habits for Staying Spiritually Nourished

In Louisiana, we know the importance of daily rituals—whether it’s brewing a fresh pot of coffee, seasoning the gumbo just right, or gathering for prayer before a meal. The same intentionality applies to our relationship with God.

Here are a few habits to keep your spirit nourished:

Daily Bible Reading:
- Start or end your day by reading Scripture. Even if it’s just one verse, let God’s Word fill your heart.
- Try reading a Psalm each morning, like Psalm 1, to remind yourself of God’s promises.
Prayer:
- Just like we talk to family over a pot of red beans and rice, prayer is our way of connecting with God. Keep it honest and heartfelt—He’s always ready to listen.
Worship:
- Whether it’s singing along to a gospel hymn or playing your favorite worship playlist, take time to praise God and thank Him for His goodness.

Finding Community or Accountability Partners

In Creole culture, community is everything. From church gatherings to family meals, we’re stronger when we’re together. Faith is no different—we’re not meant to walk this journey alone.

How to find your community:

Small Groups: Join a Bible study or small group at your church.
Prayer Partners: Find someone you trust to pray with regularly.
Serving Together: Volunteer in your church or local community to connect with others who share your faith.

When you surround yourself with people who encourage and challenge you, it’s easier to stay rooted in God’s Word.

Persevering in Faith Despite Challenges

The bayous of Louisiana teach us a lot about resilience. Trees grow tall and strong even in swampy conditions, and life thrives where it seems impossible. Faith is much the same—it grows strongest when we persevere through difficulties.

Encouragement to Keep Going:

When you feel weary, remember Psalm 1:3: You are like a tree planted by streams of water. God will sustain you.
Take life one step at a time. Like a slow-cooked étouffée, spiritual growth happens gradually. Trust God with the process.
Lean on your community and trust God’s promises, knowing He’s always with you.

Challenge for the Week

Commit to one daily habit (Bible reading, prayer, or worship) to nourish your spirit this week.
Reach out to a friend or church member to join you in prayer or study.
Reflect on Psalm 1:3 and think about how staying rooted in God’s Word helps you thrive, even in hard times.

Reflection Question

What daily habit can you start today to stay rooted in God’s Word?

Together, let’s keep our hearts rooted in God’s Word and our lives anchored in His promises.

Blessings,
Liz

Setting Kingdom Goals – Vision for the Year Ahead

In Louisiana Creole culture, everything we do has a purpose—whether it’s preparing a dish of southern comfort, gathering for a family celebration, or dancing to zydeco music under the stars. Each moment is intentional, rooted in tradition, and often shared with the people we love.

Just as every spice and ingredient in a dish serves its purpose, our lives are most fulfilling when our goals align with God’s purpose. Instead of chasing goals that only feed our egos, let’s focus on Kingdom goals—those that glorify God and bless others.

Scripture Focus

Habakkuk 2:2: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.”
This verse encourages us to seek God’s vision for our lives and pursue it with clarity and purpose.
Matthew 6:33: “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
When we prioritize God’s Kingdom, everything else falls into place.

The Difference Between Worldly Goals and Kingdom Goals

In Louisiana, we know the value of a good recipe—following the wrong one can leave your food bland or off-balance. Similarly, worldly goals often focus on success, wealth, or popularity but rarely satisfy the soul.

Kingdom goals, like the perfect recipe, prioritize what truly matters: glorifying God, growing spiritually, and serving others.

Reflection Question:
Are my goals a reflection of God’s purpose, or am I chasing something that might leave me empty?

Examples of Kingdom Goals

Spiritual Goals:
- Commit to daily prayer and Bible reading, like stirring the gumbo pot every day to keep it flavorful.
- Memorize key Bible verses to keep God’s Word at the center of your life.
- Trust God with a dream or calling you’ve been hesitant to pursue.
Relational Goals:
- Be intentional about building Christ-centered relationships as we nurture our family connections in Louisiana.
- Host a gathering where faith and community come together, like a shared meal or Bible study.
- Practice forgiveness and reconciliation to bring healing to strained relationships.
Personal Growth Goals:
- Use your God-given talents to serve your church or community. Maybe you’re a musician, an organizer, or someone with a knack for bringing people together—use it for His glory.
- Simplify your schedule to focus on what matters most, leaving room for God’s presence in your life.

Staying Motivated When Goals Seem Far Off

In Louisiana, good food takes time to prepare. You can’t rush a roux, and you can’t rush God’s timing either. Kingdom goals often require patience, but the reward is always worth it.

Here are three tips to stay motivated:

Seek God Daily:
Just as we season our food with care, season your goals with prayer. Ask God for guidance and strength.
Celebrate Small Wins:
Every step forward is progress. Whether it’s completing a Bible study or forgiving someone, celebrate how far you’ve come.
Trust God’s Timing:
Remember, “He has made everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Trust that God is working behind the scenes, just like those simmering pots of gumbo that feed the soul.

Challenge for the Week

Write down three goals that align with God’s purpose for your life.
Pray over each goal, asking God to guide your steps.
Identify one small step you can take this week to move closer to achieving one of these goals.

Reflection Question

How can I align my goals with God’s Kingdom this year?

Together, let’s run toward the vision God has for our lives, with faith as rich and vibrant as our Louisiana culture.

Blessings,
Liz

Decluttering Your Heart: Letting Go of What Holds You Back

In Louisiana Creole culture, our homes and gatherings often center around warmth, community, and celebration. But before hosting a big gathering, what’s the first thing we do? We clean house! Whether it’s clearing out clutter, sprucing up the kitchen, or making room for the family gumbo pot, we know the importance of preparation.

Similarly, our hearts and lives need decluttering to make space for God’s work. Just like a clean home makes room for loved ones, a decluttered heart creates space for God to dwell and transform us.

Scripture Focus

Hebrews 12:1: “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
Philippians 3:13-14: “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

These verses remind us that God wants us to let go of the burdens that hold us back and run freely toward His calling.

Identifying the Weights That Slow You Down

In our culture, every ingredient in a dish serves a purpose. But sometimes, life can feel like a recipe gone wrong—too many unnecessary “ingredients” that don’t belong. What’s cluttering your heart?

Past Mistakes: Are you carrying guilt or shame for something God has already forgiven?
Toxic Relationships: Are there people in your life who drain your joy or pull you away from God’s purpose?
Distractions: Are the “extras” like social media, overcommitment, or worry crowding out time with God?

Take a moment to reflect. Just like we skim the pot to keep our gumbo pure, we must remove what doesn’t belong in our lives.

Steps to Declutter Your Life

Forgiveness:
- Holding onto bitterness is like letting a burnt roux ruin the whole dish. Forgiveness frees us to experience God’s peace.
- Reflection: Who do I need to forgive so my heart can heal and grow?
Gratitude:
- In our culture, we thank God for what we have, whether it’s a bountiful crawfish boil or a small gathering of loved ones. Gratitude helps shift focus from what’s missing to God’s abundant blessings.
- Activity: Write down three things you’re grateful for each day this week.
Simplifying Commitments:
- In Creole traditions, simplicity often leads to beauty. Life is fuller when we focus on what truly matters. Evaluate your commitments and let go of what doesn’t align with God’s plan.
- Question: What is one thing I can release this week to create more room for God?

The Freedom in Letting Go

Letting go is like making space in the pot for the flavors to meld perfectly. When we release burdens, we make room for God’s blessings to flow freely.

As Philippians 3:14 reminds us, we are called to press forward with clarity and focus, trusting that God will guide us to the “prize” He has prepared for us.

Challenge for the Week

Identify one thing to release this week—whether it’s a toxic habit, a hurtful relationship, or lingering guilt.
Pray for the courage to let it go and trust God with the outcome.
Journal how you feel after surrendering this weight to Him.

Reflection

Just as a clean home sets the stage for love and laughter, a decluttered heart creates room for God’s grace and blessings. What’s one thing you can let go of this week to make space for Him?

Blessings,
Liz

A New Beginning: Trusting God with Your Year

As the New Year unfolds, it’s natural to feel a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. We set goals, dream big, and look forward to new opportunities. Yet, there’s something even more powerful than resolutions: surrendering our plans and goals to God and trusting Him to guide our paths.

The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” This is an invitation to let go of control and lean fully into God’s wisdom, trusting that His plans are far better than our own.

Seeking God’s Will for the New Year

In my Louisiana Creole culture, our traditions often emphasize the importance of family and community—whether it’s gathering around a table for gumbo or celebrating milestones together. These moments remind me of God’s intimate care for each of us. Just as a gumbo pot requires the perfect balance of ingredients to create something flavorful and meaningful, our lives are enriched when we seek God’s will, trusting Him to blend our hopes and dreams into His perfect plan.

Seeking God’s will starts with humility. It’s about asking, “Lord, what do You want for me this year?” rather than just presenting our own wish lists. God invites us to step into the new year with open hearts, ready to follow His lead.

Practical Tips for Committing Your Year to God

Here are a few ways you can align your heart with God’s purposes:

Prayer: Make time to talk to God daily. Share your desires, fears, and questions, and listen for His guidance. Begin each day with the prayer, “Lord, let Your will be done in my life.”
Journaling: Writing down your prayers and reflections can help you see how God is working. Consider using a journal to document your goals and how God is leading you.
Fasting: Fasting is a powerful way to focus on God and seek His direction. Whether it’s fasting from food, social media, or other distractions, this act of surrender helps us tune into His voice.

Handling Uncertainty and Trusting God's Timing

Growing up in Louisiana, I learned to appreciate the seasons of planting, waiting, and harvesting. Whether it was watching sugarcane fields grow or waiting for crawfish season, patience was part of life. Trusting God’s timing can feel the same way—it requires faith that the seeds we’ve planted in prayer will bear fruit in His perfect season.

When uncertainty arises, remember Isaiah 43:19, which says, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” God specializes in creating beauty out of what seems barren and making a way where there is none.

Reflection and Action

As you step into this new year, I encourage you to:

Write down your top three hopes or goals and pray over them, asking God for His guidance.
Choose one practice—prayer, journaling, or fasting—to help you stay connected to God’s will.
Reflect on Isaiah 43:19 and think about how God might be making a way for you, even in uncertain areas of your life.

Challenge for the Week

Spend 10 minutes each morning surrendering your day to God. Ask Him to reveal His plans for your year and to give you peace as you trust Him.

Just like the intricate flavors of gumbo, your year will be full of unique moments and blessings when you allow God to be the master chef of your life. Trust in Him, and you’ll see His hand guide you to a beautiful new beginning.

What are your hopes for the new year? Share them in the comments below, and let’s encourage each other to trust God’s perfect plan.

Blessings,
Liz

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