Five Reasons to memorize Scripture 
​Mae Renfroe

 Have you ever been around someone that is always full of joy? No matter what’s going on in their life, they're upbeat & positive. Well they must know the secrets to living a joy filled life.
 It’s not that I have this all figured out and am always living this joy filled life, but I know it's possible and it's spiritual.
   It’s not that we will always be walking on sunshine, but when we live out the 6 secrets of living a joy filled life then we can stay above the waters when the clouds do come, which they will. And when we have learned to be content in whatever state we are in.
  
How can you live a joy-filled life when things are not always going smoothly? If you're faced with great disappointments in life, or have gone through  tragedies and your life has been changed forever? Or when things are not going your way, when things don't happen the way you wanted, when you wanted and how you wanted? When life isn't going the way you thought it would.
  This is especially vital for us mothers since we are the heart or center of the home. As the saying goes, “If momma ain't happy, ain't no one happy.”
  Or my spin on it, “If you have a stinking attitude the whole house will smell.”
How we are feeling, and the attitudes we express, and how we go about our days really affect the whole household. And more often than not our children will pick up on it and portray the same thing.
  Just as there is always things to be thankful for if we would just look, we also  will always have things we could complain about too, but we all know regardless of how much we grip, wine, complain, fret, or worry over something it won’t change anything, so this is an area we really have to be purposeful about.
 In part one I cover the first 3 steps that I put together on living a joy-filled life. Learning to give thanks in all things, rejoicing constantly, and continuously forgiving.
 A full and abundant life is possible in Christ, and is the life He intended for us, when we heed his words, and the things He instructed us to do. He gave us these commands, instructions, and guidelines for our good. There is a reason. It wasn’t withhold any good thing from us, but that we would have a more abundant and fuller and richer life in him. And I don't mean the riches the world can give, that is so temporary and fleeting. 

 Jesus said, “A thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy. I have come that they might have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). People often talk about God doing “exceeding abundantly, beyond all we can ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20).


  In part 2 I cover the last 3 of the six steps to living a joy filled life: Dying to self, Seeking first the Kingdom of God, and Trusting God.

1. Being thankful -Being thankful in everything
   

In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thess. 5:18
This veres doesn’t just say to be thankful when things are going smoothly, it says to be thankful in everything. No matter what happens in life.Thankful in difficulties, in disappointments, in tragedies, on good days, on bad bad days. Sick days, well days.
 We can always find things to be thankful for.  As the saying goes there is a silver lining to every cloud. There is always a bright side to every negative thing. But we have to be more diligent and very purposeful about finding it. We can always find something to be thankful for even in a major tragedy, and when we do it lifts the spirits, allows you to smile even with tears in your eyes, and heals the heart bit by bit.
  Like when we lost our son we found things to be thankful for, lifting our spirits.  We were thankful that he died very quickly, with no suffering, that he didn’t have any of the other little ones with him, thankful for our new baby who was really healing to my heart, thankful for my other children.
  And be thankful for the very simple everyday things in life, the ones we often take for granted, like the gift of a new day or life it’s self. Since we lost our son I see life in a new light, each new day as a gift from God, and life nothing short of a miracle.
 When I wake each morning I thank him for the new day. And I thank Him for life. I’m awake, I’m alive, thank you God!! We are still here, we are alive and breathing! There is still time and hope for our plans and our dreams, and what God wants to do in us, and through us for others, and for us. There is so much to be thankful for all the time.
  In the same way though there are always things we could complain about too, but we all know regardless of how much we grip, wine, or fret over something it won’t change, so this is an area we really have to be purposeful about. And when we are always grateful and thankful our countenance is  joyful and others can see that joy in you and they can wonder, “Wow, why is she happy ? She has gone through all this and she is still smiling.” Only God. And staying grateful and thankful and always looking for things to be thankful for. Everyday I look for something new. Yes, you will have to be purposeful about it. And you're doing it with a purpose in mind. I encourage you to do that everyday and you will see what it will do for your heart and spirit.

2.Rejoicing  - rejoice evermore 
Rejoicing and finding things to praise the Lord for.
Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4
 Praise the Lord.
Rejoicing is similar to being thankful. Rejoicing in every situation. Focus on the blessings. Focus on what we do have and not what we don’t. Rejoicing in the Lord for who he is. That He is our great and mighty Lord, our refuge, our strength,our protector, our redeemer. 
 OUr strong tower.  Our help in times of trouble. Our hope, peace, comfort.
 He is always there with us and for us. And when negative thoughts come, speak life over them and truth over them in Jesus. Shoot all negative thoughts down with praise and rejoicing to the Lord.
 Yes, I may be worried about this, but my God is good, He is on the throne and in control.
 Yes, but I'm serving a great God, and He has said he would never leave me nor forsake me.
 Yes, this may have happened, but I’m in God and He has me, yes this is bothering me, but God loves me, I am forgiven, I’m chosen, I’m His daughter.
Just thank them, and rejoice in his goodness and greatness, and what He has done for us, and through us.  There are so many things to rejoice and thank him for, and just do it throughout the day.
  And Rejoice in the things we usually take for granted, Like rejoicing in HIm for your marriage, your children, your good health, a roof over our heads, a dependable vehicle, a warm house, etc…
Be mindful throughout the day to do that. The more we do that the more we will find to rejoice about. And that lifts us up and puts joy in our steps.
Rejoicing that He loves us, cares for us, calls us by name.  Psalm 146:5

 Happy is the man who has God as his help and his hope is in the Lord.
 That is what keeps us joyful!
   Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.KJV Philippians 4:11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. NIV
 


1 Peter 4:13-17  Rejoice in tribulation and in sufferings for Christ sake.  
Mathew 5:12
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philpiallans 4:8

3. Forgiving -Matthew 6 14-15  - love and charity
Forgiving is so powerful and healing. Having a forgiving spirit and forgiving attitude. 
Matthew 6:14-15New King James Version 14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Always forgiving.  We will be hurt, and not like in tragedies, but by our spouses, by other family, or just things in life. 
 Sure this may be easier said than done, but we can do that in Christ, He gives us the ability to forgive.  and we just have to keep forgiving, and keep forgiving, it’s an ongoing thing as long as we are living. We have to seek to do that and be very purposeful about it, and we can.
 And dying to self, because it’s really not us living anymore, but Christ living  in us. And if we can truly live like that, die to ourselves and not be so consumed on ourselves and our little feelings, and be more concerned about and looking out for others, and not have these little pity parties and wow me attitude, then we can be forgiving, because we want to be joyful.
  Not forgiving is just being down in spirit and low. But when we can forgive we can just get on with our lives and these things won’t keep bothering us anymore.
  Like sometimes my husband says something or does something that hurts me or disappointed me and I've let that get me down. And I know he needs to tell me he is sorry and until he tells me sorry I will be upset at him. So finally I'm tired of being upset at him and I go to him and say I'm tired of being upset. Let's get this over with I don’t want to be mad at you anymore. So when i mention that to him, he is usually a little quicker to tell me he is sorry that he would have, and then i'm like great, now we are good again. Let's be happy, let's not be upset and that helps us joyfull each day.

   Forgiving is so powerful and healing and life giving, but we have to be intentional about it, and as the other things we have to continually be forging throughout our days everyday.
Not worrying about the future. Philippians 4:5-7


 So today we covered being thankful, rejoicing, and forgiving. And just got to keep doing things everyday, it's a choice we have to make. The choice we have to make is to be thankful, rejoice in the Lord to praise the Lord no matter what happens, be grateful, in whatever situation we are in, and forgiving. And we know that when we forgive others, God forgives us because we know we do plenty _ everyday, we are not perfect, we keep making mistakes. If we want to be forgoing, we have to be forgiven. And that keeps us joyful and keeps us going.

  Hey Everyone!
  Here is my message I gave in the park in our community this weekend.
  May this Word encourage and inspire you to go deeper in your walk with God so you can experience all that He has for you. So you can live a full live here on earth for God and have the hope of heaven one day when He returns to take His people Home.
  This world is not our true home, this earth will pass away, we are just passing through. And if we don't have God in our lives now we won't have God or the hope of heaven later. If it's not God we want now, It's not God we will have later.
    So may you be inspired and empowered in your walk with God.
  And may you in turn be a light to others so they too may have this same hope in Jesus. We can't keep it to ourselves. 
   In Him, Mae
 P.S.  If you would like me to share this same message in your church or community, like a park such as this one, or a community hall, just let me know. I would love to come share. Please see my speaking page or use the contact box.
I'm also very eager to have opportunities to share my complete story of loss and a message hope and encouragement I have put together to encourage those going through hard things or difficult season in life.

  Hey there busy mothers!
 Do you get discouraged once in awhile? Overwhelmed at times from trying to keep up with homeschooling and everything else? Like there is no end to the tasks in front of you? 
Your not alone!  We all have these days from time to time.
 It's called reality and motherhood!!
 The inspiration for doing this video came from one of my down days. And you can tell the first part of the video was done when i just wasn't feeling all into it. The last part was done the next day with renewed energy and fresh inspiration.
  So may this be a help to you in your down and overwhelmed days. Knowing that there is better days ahead. And that we have our Heavenly father watching over us and singing over us. And is fighting for us. And gives us the strength and wisdom for parenting if we just ask.  
   For His yoke is easy and His burden Light. He will give you rest and peace,
  In Him, Mae 
 Please visit my page encouragement for mothers for more resources.

  Hey there, and welcome to this episode of my podcast introducing my Closer Walk With God series on YouTube. 
 Let's start this new year off right drawing closer to God and seeking His way and His will in our lives.
 In this podcast episode i share not only my new and exciting YouTube series, but what's been on my heart and mind recently. And what all God has been teaching and showing me these days about what walking in Jesus and given our hearts to Him really looks like. And about my  mantra for the year 2021.
  I invite you you to my YouTube channel and check out my first video in the series called A Closer Walk With Jesus. And i encourage you to follow me along in this series to inspire and equip you to get this year going on the right foot !
   In Him, Mae Renfroe

Ephesians 4:22-24 King James Version
22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
1 Peter 2:9 King James Version
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; 
As we end this year and start a new one I encourage you to renew your relationship with God.
 Take it from head knowledge to a heart connection.
If it is just things we know but know heart connection then there is no relationship and it’s as the saying goes for parents, “ Rules without relationship breeds rebellion.”
 It’s got to be in the heart and a relationship.
The more we put on the old man and put on the new man, we then draw closer and closer to God to have an intimate relationship. That seeks, hungers, and shirts after God, His ways, and His righteousness.
Then do we have the Love of God and the power of God working in our lives.
I believe there is more of God that we are not tapping into. It's either because we are not hungry or thirsty enough for Him, or it's because we are too comfortable where we are at and the way we are living. We don't want to rock the boat. We don't want to get uncomfortable. We don't want to change.
 To fully experience the power and the working of the Lord in our lives we have to fully surrender. We have to give up our will for His and let go of things to receive all that He has for us.
 This process may be hard. Takes trusting, surrendering, and committing.
 We are to hunger and thirst after God and His righteousness. Jesus said to seek first the Kingdom of God.
 We want more of God and His blessings, but we don't want to do the homework. His takes discipline, prayer, reading, yearning
 We have to get the point where we are no longer satisfied with just a little of God. 
 We can either keep Him at arm's link or in His arms.
If we not willing to go all in and all out for God then we probably aren't in at all.
Too often it appears that people are seeking heaven more than God Himself.
 Is it God we really want or just salvation and heaven?
If we don't want God here on earth and to live the life for Him that that intails then we won't have God later in heaven.

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 Just wanted to do this little video to encourage and challenge you commit your life and surrender more and more to God. Now is the time to put off the old man and put on the righteousness of God. The goodness of God and fruits of the Spirit.
 Casting off those things of the world and the things that consume our time and money, and being and doing the work of Lord. And all the more so now that the end is drawing closer.
 Being in the Word. Desiring Truth, and sharing it with others. May we be found faithfully doing the will of God. Shining our lights brighter than ever!
To connect with me or for more great resources please visit my website and blog. Mae Renfroe

  Hey fellow mothers, I'm back! it's been awhile since I've been able to do an episode , and I'm excited about doing this one. I talk about the verse 2 Corinthians 5:20 that says we are to be ambassadors for Christ.
 So I dig into what exactly is an ambassador, and how that looks for us as Christ followers. What is our role as ambassadors and what makes a great ambassador.
  We as mom's are to ambassadors for Christ and we are to be raising our children to be ambassadors.
  When we realize just who we are in Christ and fully embrace and step into that then it takes care of so many other issues in our lives.
​ We can then have our perspectives and priorities in the right alignment with God and His will.

2 corinthians 5:20
"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."
We are to be ambassadors for Christ.
But what exactly is an ambassador?

And what does it mean to be an ambassador for Christ? It could be said this way, that the “best of the best” is to be representing God, through His Son Jesus Christ here on earth! It must be someone who exemplifies Jesus. God wants to speak to us and through us, by His Son. (Hebrews 1:2-3)
   What is the role we are to carry out? we need to be in tune with that which is godly. “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread.” Matthew 6:10-11.

God’s will be done! How can this happen in my personal life? In order to have His will done in my life, my own will has to be done away with. “Behold, I have come … to do Your will, O God.” Hebrews 10:7-9.
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20.

 What are the qualifications of a good ambassador? As an ambassador for God, my self-will must be crucified so I can do God’s will.when my “self” is given up, then Christ can live in me and through me, to an ever increasing degree.

4 but just as we have been approved by God pto be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not qto please man, but to please God rwho tests our hearts. 1 Thessaianloians 2:4
  We need to be equipped in the word and in the knowledge of His Truth and righteousness. 
Be strong and courageous.
Be bold and fearless.
Be ready to give an account of the hope that's in you.
A Christian is someone whose behavior and heart reflect Jesus Christ.
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