Today, I’d like to welcome a guest, Pamela Thibodeaux. She’s the author of several award-winning Christian books. She has a new book out called The Inheritance. You can see more about it at the end, including how to win a free copy. Thanks for joining us, Pamela.
Words to Live By
I’ve been a spiritual seeker most of my adult life and one thing that’s stuck with me throughout this journey is Proverbs 18:21 which says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”
The Bible talks in Matthew about how we will give an account for the idle words we speak. It also teaches us in Philippians 4:8 which kind of thoughts and words we should meditate on.
In many spiritual texts from various teachers, we are encouraged to meditate and some even suggest creating a mantra to concentrate on, in order to clear the mind and center our focus.
Many people are quick to disparage ‘mantras’ as well as meditation, thinking it’s getting off into new age spiritualism or some other realm, not realizing that Christians have used meditative prayer for centuries.
In my own spiritual practices, I’ve found that focusing on a particular scripture or prayer or even single thought, helps me to concentrate on the issue at hand and/or connect with God in a deeper, more meaningful way.
Here are some thoughts/prayers/spiritual exercises I use and recommend:
Inhale peace, exhale stress (or anger or pain or whatever is bothering you at the time). This is one of the easiest and quickest ways to calm your thoughts and clear your mind in order to hear from God when you’re so busy or stressed you can’t think straight.
Be still and know God: This helps center my heart and mind on God.
The Serenity Prayer; (short version/1st paragraph) Helps in any situation where I feel completely overwhelmed.
The Peace Prayer (prayer of St. Francis of Assisi); When I feel I’m not as loving or patient as I should be with others, this prayer helps me remember what we’re all here for – to spread the love of Christ and the gospel of peace to a hurting world.
The Lord’s prayer and the Twenty-third Psalm. Helps for just about anything – keeps me focused on God and assures me of his constant help and provision.
I don’t understand, but I trust you. For months after my husband died in 2009, this was the only form of prayer I could say and it helped me remember that no matter what we think or how we feel, God knows best.
Everything is working in Divine perfect order. When I don’t see a way out of my circumstances or what God is doing in them.
I forgive you and I release you to God. Perfect when you’re angry with someone and don’t know how you’re going to deal with them in the future or even how to pray for them or about the situation.
These are just a few examples of good words to live by. Use these or find your own and see how your life will change!
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Bio: Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.” Connect with Pamela at the following links:
Website address: http://www.pamelathibodeaux.com
Blog: http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/2fzAdN7
FaceBook: http://facebook.com/pamelasthibodeaux
Twitter: http://twitter.com/psthib @psthib
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/pamelasthibodea/
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1jUVcdU
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/pamela-s-thibodeaux
Now about her new book:
Widowed at age thirty-nine and suffering from empty nest syndrome, Rebecca Sinclair is overshadowed by grief and loneliness. Her husband has been deceased for a year, her oldest child has moved to New York in pursuit of an acting career and her youngest child is attending college in France. Having spent over half of her life as a wife and mother, she has no idea what God has in store for her now. Will an unexpected inheritance in the wine country of New York bring meaning and purpose to her life and give her the courage to love again?
US Postal worker Raymond Jacobey has been in love with the little widow since he first set eyes on her. A wanderer searching for the ever-illusive soul mate, Ray has never stayed in one place too long. Raised by self-centered, high-power executives, he’s longed for the idyllic life of residing in a cozy house in a small town with the love of his life. Will he gain the heart of the lovely widow or will he lose her to the wine country of New York? To purchase The Inheritance: http://amzn.to/1nXB8Z0.
For a chance to win a copy, go to http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4752b1262/?.
Thank you SO Much Kathryn for hosting me today on your lovely blog!
PamT
I’m so glad you posted. It’s always fun to have you.
Pam,
These prayers are excellent words to live by indeed!
Yes, they are. Thanks for stopping by.
Thank Jacquie. I love sharing what works for me with others!
Thanks for dropping by
Good luck and God’s blessings
PamT
I forgive you and I release you to God. These are sometimes the hardest words to say. Great inspiration, Pam. Good luck with your book.
You are so correct. Constance. Thanks for stopping by.
I know, Connie but the good news is – they work!
Thanks for dropping by
Good luck and God’s blessings
PamT
Wonderful advice, Pamela. Thank you for sharing. Wishing you much success with the new book!
Thanks for stopping by Leah.
Thank so much Leah! Glad the post resonated with you.
Good luck and God’s blessings
PamT