"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9

I think this verse is a beautiful source of strength. You hear it said a lot that the Lord is strong and will provide strength to us when we need it. But it is only when we are actually in a situation or circumstance where we are weak, that we actually experience what it truly means to rely on the Lord's strength. For He really does go with us wherever we go, and He always takes care of us. So what is there to be afraid of? But what I find especially beautiful about this verse from Joshua is the fact that even though it is from the Old Testament and it was written before Jesus fulfilled the old covenant, God is SO clear about how we are to have strength in Him. Ever since our beginning, and throughout human history, God has been providing us with the strength we need! That is just so beautiful. This week I challenge you to allow the Lord to be your strength and courage. Trust in Him. 

Have a wonderful week! God bless you! :) 

"When things are going well for you, be glad, and when trouble comes, just remember: God sends both happiness and trouble; you never know what is going to happen next." - Ecclesiastes 7:14

I really like this verse because it is very helpful in putting things in perspective, and it shows the importance of praising God, no matter what season of life you are going through. I think it is very easy for all of us to praise God in the good times. When things are going well in our lives, it's easy to be happy. But when the difficult times comes, how often do we praise God for those times as well? I think experiencing tough times as well as joyful times is such a testimony to the fact that God is in control, not us. For as dark as the night is, how much greater our rejoicing will be in the morning. This week I challenge you to praise God for everything. Good times, praise Him. Challenging times, praise Him. He is in control. 

Have a wonderful week! God bless you! :) 

"Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith!" - 1 Peter 5:8-9

I really like this verse because it is just so blunt. A lot of times I think we try to sugar coat our faith. Although we know the devil exists, we don't always regard him as an enemy we need to resist. However, that's the truth. The truth is he is prowling about this world looking for souls he can take away from the Father, who is the source of all good. The best way we can stay strong in our faith and resist him, is through strengthening and rooting ourselves in Christ, especially through daily prayer and the sacraments as often as possible. Receiving the Eucharist is one of the biggest kicks to the face we can give to the devil, because it is in this most holy sacrament that we are united with the living and loving God. This week I challenge you to arm yourself for battle - come up with one more thing you can do in your faith life to root yourself even more deeply in Christ. Whether it be a five minute prayer when you wake up or a commitment to go to daily Mass three times a week, stick to it! Don't you know you're at war? 

Always remember that God loves you very deeply. Have a blessed week. 

"Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." - Ephesians 3:20

I always find it amazing to take a step back and look at the events of my life and realize that God is working in every little thing that happens. Whether it is the smile of a stranger or an email from a friend, God is working in every moment of our lives. This has really been on my heart lately. Although something might be a challenge at the moment, God is still there and He is alive and working. This week I challenge you to see God in the everyday moments of your day. Take a step back and see how the Creator of all is with you and how His mighty power is at work within you. God bless. 

Have a wonderful week! You are loved! :) 

"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." - Isaiah 41:10

I think this verse is mostly self-explanatory, but I picked it this week because it is such a great reminder. God really is with us at every moment in our lives and will help us. This week, make yourself aware of His constant presence in your life. Look for Him in every moment. Open your heart, for He is there. 

You are loved! Have a wonderful week! :)