Posted in joyful-echoes, Prayer

Saturday Prayer

“Dear Lord, on this Saturday we come to you with grateful hearts. We thank you for the blessing of another day, for the love and support of our families and friends, and for the many opportunities to serve and make a difference in the world. Help us to stay focused on your will and to follow your path with faith and courage. May we be filled with joy, peace, and hope, knowing that you are with us always. Amen.”

“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20.

Posted in joyful-echoes, Prayer

Friday Prayer

“Dear God, as we end this week and look towards the weekend, we pray for moments of joy and peace. Help us to let go of any stresses or worries that may weigh us down. May we find rest in your presence and the company of loved ones. We ask that you fill our hearts with gratitude and happiness, and remind us of all the blessings in our lives. May this weekend bring us closer to you and to one another. We pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

And here are two Bible verses on joy:

1) “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10

2) “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

May these verses fill you with joy and remind you of God’s love and faithfulness.

Have a beautiful day

Posted in joyful-echoes, Ministry, Storytelling

They Started a Mother & Daughter Ministry

The story of a woman who has faced unimaginable loss and grief, yet found peace and purpose through faith in Jesus, is a testament to the power of resilience and hope in the face of adversity. This retired woman, whose three children had all passed away before her, was left feeling overwhelmed and lost, struggling to find a way out of the deep sadness that had taken hold of her.

But then, by chance, she stumbled upon a TV preacher who spoke directly to her heart, offering a message of hope and redemption that resonated deeply. She started tuning into this show every day, finding solace in the wisdom and guidance it provided. And slowly but surely, her spirits began to lift.

As she shared this newfound source of comfort with her daughter, they both found a renewed sense of purpose and meaning in their lives. Together, they embarked on a journey of faith and healing, becoming born again and starting a mother-daughter ministry that would touch countless lives.

Through their own struggles with depression and grief, this woman and her daughter have embodied the transformative power of faith in God. Though life may deal us unexpected blows, they remind us that we are never alone, and that there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Their story serves as an inspiration to all of us, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, the light of faith can guide us towards a more hopeful and fulfilling future. May weall have the courage and strength to follow in their inspiring footsteps.

Posted in joyful-echoes, Prayer

Thankful Thursday

“Dear God, on this Thursday, we come to you with grateful hearts. We thank you for the blessings in our lives, both big and small. Help us to appreciate each moment and recognize the good in every situation. May we continue to be filled with gratitude and joy, knowing that everything we have comes from you. Amen.”

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

Posted in Exercise, joyful-echoes, Prayer

Walking Wednesday & Prayer

Walking Wednesday is a great way to improve both physical and mental health. Walking is an accessible form of exercise that can be enjoyed by almost everyone. Regular walking can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase overall quality of life. Walking can be done in various locations such as a neighborhood, park, or even a gym. Take some time for yourself and join Walking Wednesday to improve your health. And meditate and or read your Bible for 5-10 minutes

Here is a prayer to start your day:

“Dear God, thank you for another day to live and work. As I begin this day, please guide me in making wise decisions, help me to be productive in my work, and give me the strength and grace to handle any challenges that come my way. May I be a positive influence on those around me and represent you well in all that I do. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

We pray that you bless us with good health, happiness, and prosperity in all aspects of our lives. May we continue to grow closer to you and to one another, and may we always remember to place our trust in you.

Thank you for your unending love and grace, and for the countless blessings that you have bestowed upon us.

In your holy name we pray,

Amen.

Remember to get breaks throughout the day to recharge and stay focused. Incorporating meditation or other mindfulness practices can also help improve concentration and reduce stress.

Posted in Faith, Hope, joyful-echoes

The Muslim Faith

As a faith blogger, I’m interested and dedicated to informing my followers about various cultures, religions, and beliefs from around the world. I believe if we understand peoples culture, faith, customs we can then see them for who they are and not what media purseves them to be or what we think we know based on gear say.

Recently, a friend of mine and I were discussing her family’s customs , ancestry and beliefs. Many have the wrong idea of Muslims and I’ve been learning more about the Muslim faith and wanted to share what I discovered with my audience. My friend was telling me about the 5 Pillars.

The Muslim faith is based on the teachings of the Qur’an which is the central religious text for Muslims. This text outlines the core beliefs and practices of Islam and guides the everyday lives of millions of people.

The Five Pillars of Islam are the five fundamental beliefs of the faith. These include: belief in one god, prayer five times a day while facing Mecca, giving charity to the poor and needy, fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, and pilgrimmaging to holy sites such as Mecca at least once in a lifetime if financially possible.

Muslims also follow dietary regulations and abstain from eating meat that hasn’t been slaughtered in an approved ‘halal’ manner – meaning only animals that have been killed humanely and blessed in their deaths. Additionally, alcohol and drugs are prohibited along with gambling and extra-marital relationships.

Furthermore, the Muslim faith is based on strong community ties. Muslims are encouraged to take part in activities that help their community. Mosque gatherings and charity events are common amongst Islamic practitioners.

Muslim faith is based on strong ideals, beliefs, and values that guide everyday life. It is essential to understand the essentials of this and any religion, as well as appreciate the beauty behind its traditions and customs.

It is important to remember that any religion and all cultures and communities can and do have extremists who do not truly represent the beliefs and values of everyone else.

I am not suggesting we all go convert to another religion, just don’t be so fast to judge a person or an entire community by a few extremists.

Let’s focus on spreading love, understanding, and respect towards all individuals regardless of their religion or background. We can learn so much from one another when we approach each other with kindness, an open mind and heart. Let’s promote unity and peace in our communities. #SpreadLoveNotHate #NoToIslamophobia

The Quran is the holy book of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the word of Allah revealed to Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. It contains guidance and teachings on various aspects of life, including faith, morality, and social norms.

Muslim teachings are based on the Quran and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad, known as the Hadith. Islam emphasizes the importance of belief in one God (Allah) and the submission to His will. Muslims strive to live their lives according to the teachings of Islam, which include acts of worship such as prayer, fasting, and giving to charity.

Muslims also believe in the importance of treating others with kindness and compassion, regardless of differences in religion, ethnicity, or nationality. They believe that all humans have equal worth in the eyes of Allah and should be treated accordingly.

Islam also stresses the importance of family values and the proper treatment of women and children. Muslims believe in the sanctity of marriage and the responsibility of spouses to support and care for one another.

Overall, Muslim teachings emphasize the importance ofleading a virtuous and upright life, guided by the principles of faith, morality, and respect for others.

Some verses from the Quran that emphasize kindness:

  1. “And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.” (2:195)
  2. “And what will make you know what is [breaking through] the difficult pass [of Hellfire]? It is the freeing of a slave or feeding on a day of severe hunger an orphan of near relationship or a needy person in misery. Then he will be of those who believe, encourage one another to perseverance and encourage one another to pity.” (90:12-17)
  3. “So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them
Posted in joyful-echoes, Prayer

Tuesday Morning Tea and Prayer

Dear Lord,

On this Tuesday morning, we come before you with gratitude for the new day and for our family and friends who surround us. We ask for your guidance as we navigate through the challenges that may arise today.

Grant us the strength to overcome any obstacles that stand in our way, and fill our hearts with hope and positivity. May we never forget that you are always with us, providing comfort and protection in times of need.

We know that even when we face struggles or when things didn’t go our way we know you protected us from something much worse.

We ask that you grant us the peace of mind that only comes from you, and protect us from harm. For those who wish us ill, we ask for justice and for your divine intervention on our behalf.

Thank you for the countless blessings you have bestowed upon us, and for your unending love and grace.

Amen.

Posted in Prayer

May Blessings

As we begin this new day, new month, and new week, let us take a moment to pause and reflect on the blessings in our lives. May we find comfort in God’s glory and feel his presence with us every step of the way.

As we journey through this week, let us keep in mind that every moment counts, and that we have the power to make each one count towards something good. Let us remain steadfast in our faith and trust that God is working in our lives to give us the very best possible.

Let us also remember those who are working and striving towards their goals, and pray that they have a successful and productive week. And for those who are struggling to make ends meet, let us pray that their needs are met and that they find the support and resources they need to thrive.

As we move forward into this new week, let us hold onto the hope that each day brings, and trust that God will guide us through any challenges we may face. May we find peace, comfort, and assurance in His love, and may His grace sustain us through it all. Amen.

Posted in Blogging

Work in Progress

In today’s world, we often feel the pressure to present ourselves as perfect and put-together. But I want you to know that being flawed is okay. In fact, it’s more than okay – it’s human. As someone who spreads the word of God, I think it’s important for people to see that even those of us who have a strong faith struggle with imperfections.

Personally, I struggle with swearing. It’s something that I’ve been trying to work on, but even with my best efforts, I still slip up sometimes. And that’s okay. I’m not perfect, and neither are you. But that doesn’t mean we can’t still strive to be better people.

As an ordained minister, I believe that being open about our flaws and struggles is an important part of our journey towards becoming the best versions of ourselves. It helps us to connect with others on a deeper level and reminds us that we are all in this together.

Ultimately, I believe that the best way to spread God’s word is by being godly in our actions and words. We don’t have to be perfect – but we do have to be authentic. So let’s embrace our flaws and work together towards becoming the best versions of ourselves, while spreading love, kindness, and the message of God along the way.

Deb