Sunshine Rodgers's Blog - Posts Tagged "blogger"
Authentic. Sept. 5
Whenever I go for a run, I strap in Velcro weights to my ankles, tie in a burner belt, fasten my hair into a tight ponytail and secure my headphones to play music as I walk/run for 1-2 miles a day. With the Florida heat, I look like a crazy mess when I am done, in desperate need of a shower!
As I am running, I look over at a younger girl who is also walking across the sidewalk. Her long hair is down, she is wearing makeup, is not even breaking a sweat.
I thought about the authentic Hustlers.
You know the ones. Some examples include:
I can describe the real writers with books versus the one-book-wonder. The real writers have bags under their eyes from nights of finishing deadlines, their fingers stained with pen marks and bruised from paper cuts.
I can spot those who have been married for years versus those still on their honeymoon. The ones who have been married for decades have a trust in their eyes, a mature spirit when it comes to their spouse and a solid heart towards the other that is only gained through years of togetherness, strength, communication and experience.
If you are in a season where you are persevering....
If you are maturing into your next steps....
If you are becoming all that God has made you to be....
Then celebrate knowing that you represent the Authentic, the real, the raw, the true with your passion, with your beauty, with your grace, with your faith and with your love.
So, keep hustling! And know that your personal effort will pay off in time.
If you need prayer, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
Sunshine Rodgers
As I am running, I look over at a younger girl who is also walking across the sidewalk. Her long hair is down, she is wearing makeup, is not even breaking a sweat.
I thought about the authentic Hustlers.
You know the ones. Some examples include:
I can describe the real writers with books versus the one-book-wonder. The real writers have bags under their eyes from nights of finishing deadlines, their fingers stained with pen marks and bruised from paper cuts.
I can spot those who have been married for years versus those still on their honeymoon. The ones who have been married for decades have a trust in their eyes, a mature spirit when it comes to their spouse and a solid heart towards the other that is only gained through years of togetherness, strength, communication and experience.
If you are in a season where you are persevering....
If you are maturing into your next steps....
If you are becoming all that God has made you to be....
Then celebrate knowing that you represent the Authentic, the real, the raw, the true with your passion, with your beauty, with your grace, with your faith and with your love.
So, keep hustling! And know that your personal effort will pay off in time.
If you need prayer, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
Sunshine Rodgers
Glory Days. August 5
I wanted to share a passage from the Book "Glory Days" by Max Lucado:
"You are
God's child
Christ's friend
a member of Christ's body
a saint
redeemed and forgiven of all your sins
complete in Christ, lacking in nothing
free from condemnation
God's coworker
seated with Christ in the heavenly realm
God's workmanship
a citizen of heaven
adopted into God's family
born of God, and the evil one cannot touch you
When the devil draws near, stand against him. "What are you doing here? I am dead to you!" Give him no quarter. Don't take his lies. Don't stand for his accusations. Don't cower at his attacks. When he dredges up your past mistakes, tell him whose you are. He knows who you are. He just hopes that you don't or that you will forget. So, prove to him that you know and remember. Tell him:
"I have been brought with a price. I belong to God." (1 Cor. 6:20)
"I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind." (2 Tim. 1:7)
"I cannot be separated from the love of God." (Rom. 8:35)
"I can find grace and mercy at the time of need." (Heb. 4:16)
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Phil. 4:13)
Promised Land people think like this. They walk with a reverent swagger. They live out their inheritance. They show the devil the new name on their spiritual passport."
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
http://www.sunshinerodgers.com/blog-....
Sunshine Rodgers
"You are
God's child
Christ's friend
a member of Christ's body
a saint
redeemed and forgiven of all your sins
complete in Christ, lacking in nothing
free from condemnation
God's coworker
seated with Christ in the heavenly realm
God's workmanship
a citizen of heaven
adopted into God's family
born of God, and the evil one cannot touch you
When the devil draws near, stand against him. "What are you doing here? I am dead to you!" Give him no quarter. Don't take his lies. Don't stand for his accusations. Don't cower at his attacks. When he dredges up your past mistakes, tell him whose you are. He knows who you are. He just hopes that you don't or that you will forget. So, prove to him that you know and remember. Tell him:
"I have been brought with a price. I belong to God." (1 Cor. 6:20)
"I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind." (2 Tim. 1:7)
"I cannot be separated from the love of God." (Rom. 8:35)
"I can find grace and mercy at the time of need." (Heb. 4:16)
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Phil. 4:13)
Promised Land people think like this. They walk with a reverent swagger. They live out their inheritance. They show the devil the new name on their spiritual passport."
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
http://www.sunshinerodgers.com/blog-....
Sunshine Rodgers
Every detail. August 19
I was scrolling through Facebook and my entire list of friends showed up on the screen, showing me specific names and faces. And even though some of these people I have never met in person, God knows each and every detail about every single person! God knows all about Mary's situation. He knows Frank's details. He understands Randy's struggle and is speaking wisdom to Heather right now. It is so amazing how specific and personal God is!
Here are some verses to remind you about God's undivided attention in our lives!
“…the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” – Luke 12:7
“You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.” – Psalm 139:2
“You have collected all my tears in your bottle.
You have recorded each one in your book.” – Psalm 56:8
Never forget, you are not just a name and a photo to God. He knows all about you and is surrounding you with his undeniable presence and his unconditional love. Right now, He is solving the many questions you have and working in the many details in your life.
If you need prayer, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
http://www.sunshinerodgers.com/blog-....
Sunshine Rodgers
Here are some verses to remind you about God's undivided attention in our lives!
“…the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” – Luke 12:7
“You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.” – Psalm 139:2
“You have collected all my tears in your bottle.
You have recorded each one in your book.” – Psalm 56:8
Never forget, you are not just a name and a photo to God. He knows all about you and is surrounding you with his undeniable presence and his unconditional love. Right now, He is solving the many questions you have and working in the many details in your life.
If you need prayer, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
http://www.sunshinerodgers.com/blog-....
Sunshine Rodgers
Keys. Sept. 2
Whenever I go out running in my neighborhood, I always keep my keys with me. These keys are tied to a tight band around my wrist. It's very important that no matter where I go or what I do, these important keys stay with me at all times. Night or day, I would never want to forget them! I cannot get into the house without them!
I also want to prioritize the spiritual keys that I never want to be without:
PRAYER:
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. – Colossians 4:2
PRAISE:
My mouth is filled with your praise,
declaring your splendor all day long. – Psalm 71:8
FAITH:
For we live by faith, not by sight. – 2 Corinthians 5:7
THE BIBLE:
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. – Romans 15:4
CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP:
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them. – Matthew 18:20
Let's remember that keys work both ways. The keys to my house allow me to access all the great blessings within my four walls. And the keys to God’s Kingdom allow me access to all the great blessings within the Heavenly realm. Let’s keep these keys close to our hearts at all times.
If you need prayer, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
http://www.sunshinerodgers.com/blog-....
Sunshine Rodgers
I also want to prioritize the spiritual keys that I never want to be without:
PRAYER:
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. – Colossians 4:2
PRAISE:
My mouth is filled with your praise,
declaring your splendor all day long. – Psalm 71:8
FAITH:
For we live by faith, not by sight. – 2 Corinthians 5:7
THE BIBLE:
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. – Romans 15:4
CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP:
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them. – Matthew 18:20
Let's remember that keys work both ways. The keys to my house allow me to access all the great blessings within my four walls. And the keys to God’s Kingdom allow me access to all the great blessings within the Heavenly realm. Let’s keep these keys close to our hearts at all times.
If you need prayer, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
http://www.sunshinerodgers.com/blog-....
Sunshine Rodgers
Conviction. Sept. 9
I want to have the fear of God over my life.
I receive conviction, living with a holy fear of the decisions I make now because I never want to repeat the past. I am a new creation in Christ and I need to act like it! I always want to acknowledge the Spirit of the Lord around me. The Lord is watching, and Heaven is observing, and angels are surrounding me. I know that God is nearby. I want to be disciplined in what I say and how I act. I respect His sovereignty. I stand in Faith. I place the Lord first by making decisions that please Him while taking the opportunity to love and serve His people.
I remember what my life was like without Christ and I want to make sure I never go back to that time.
A single day in your courts
is better than a thousand anywhere else!
I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God
than live the good life in the homes of the wicked. – Psalm 84:10
Reverently respect God, your God, serve him, hold tight to him... - Deut. 10:20
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
http://www.sunshinerodgers.com/blog-....
Sunshine Rodgers
I receive conviction, living with a holy fear of the decisions I make now because I never want to repeat the past. I am a new creation in Christ and I need to act like it! I always want to acknowledge the Spirit of the Lord around me. The Lord is watching, and Heaven is observing, and angels are surrounding me. I know that God is nearby. I want to be disciplined in what I say and how I act. I respect His sovereignty. I stand in Faith. I place the Lord first by making decisions that please Him while taking the opportunity to love and serve His people.
I remember what my life was like without Christ and I want to make sure I never go back to that time.
A single day in your courts
is better than a thousand anywhere else!
I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God
than live the good life in the homes of the wicked. – Psalm 84:10
Reverently respect God, your God, serve him, hold tight to him... - Deut. 10:20
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
http://www.sunshinerodgers.com/blog-....
Sunshine Rodgers
Handle stress. Sept. 16
I was reading a passage from the Christian Nonfiction book:
"How to Age Without Getting Old"
By: Joyce Meyer
And this passage really spoke to me and perhaps it can be a blessing to you as well:
"As I've grown older, my capacity for handling stress has diminished. To deal with stress better, I try to:
- Fight fear of the unknown with God's help and His Word
- Assure myself that slowing down isn't bad; it's a healthy thing to do as I age
- Ask for help when I need it, and let go of pride that prevents me from asking for it
- Not hang on to negative emotions, but remain positive with God's help
- Go for walks and stretch and exercise regularly
- Focus on what's important. Let go of nonessential things
- Memorize Scripture and recite it when stressed or going to sleep
- Make every day count"
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
http://www.sunshinerodgers.com/blog-....
Sunshine Rodgers
"How to Age Without Getting Old"
By: Joyce Meyer
And this passage really spoke to me and perhaps it can be a blessing to you as well:
"As I've grown older, my capacity for handling stress has diminished. To deal with stress better, I try to:
- Fight fear of the unknown with God's help and His Word
- Assure myself that slowing down isn't bad; it's a healthy thing to do as I age
- Ask for help when I need it, and let go of pride that prevents me from asking for it
- Not hang on to negative emotions, but remain positive with God's help
- Go for walks and stretch and exercise regularly
- Focus on what's important. Let go of nonessential things
- Memorize Scripture and recite it when stressed or going to sleep
- Make every day count"
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
http://www.sunshinerodgers.com/blog-....
Sunshine Rodgers
Win Every Time. Oct. 7
I am going to describe a scenario.
You are on the hit game show, The Price is Right.
You are up on stage with the host, Drew Carey and he needs you to pick four numbers to win the game. So, you naturally look back at the audience for help.
People you know and people you don't know are lifting up their hands, using their fingers to reveal the numbers they think can help you. But the truth is, they don't rightfully know the answer.
So, you look further and spot Him - the only one who does know! You keep your eyes glued on Jesus Christ as he motions with his hands all the numbers… one at a time… for you to win. You follow him, one number, one motion, one instruction, one sign at a time.
You hear other people reacting - some cheering, some booing because you didn't select their numbers.
But you will soon find out that if you listen to the crowds, you might win. You might lose. But if you look to Jesus Christ - WINNER! WINNER! - you'll get the victory every time.
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
http://www.sunshinerodgers.com/blog-....
Sunshine Rodgers
You are on the hit game show, The Price is Right.
You are up on stage with the host, Drew Carey and he needs you to pick four numbers to win the game. So, you naturally look back at the audience for help.
People you know and people you don't know are lifting up their hands, using their fingers to reveal the numbers they think can help you. But the truth is, they don't rightfully know the answer.
So, you look further and spot Him - the only one who does know! You keep your eyes glued on Jesus Christ as he motions with his hands all the numbers… one at a time… for you to win. You follow him, one number, one motion, one instruction, one sign at a time.
You hear other people reacting - some cheering, some booing because you didn't select their numbers.
But you will soon find out that if you listen to the crowds, you might win. You might lose. But if you look to Jesus Christ - WINNER! WINNER! - you'll get the victory every time.
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
http://www.sunshinerodgers.com/blog-....
Sunshine Rodgers
Looking upward. Oct. 14
I once had this flower and what was highly unusual about this flower was that it died "looking up," as best as I can describe it. The petals did not drift down or wilt. The stem did not bend down in defeat. The entire flower stood up strong; its beauty remained in place. I watched it and I was inspired by it.
That's how I want to view life's difficulties… by looking up. Here are some verses that will motivate me to stand firm on my faith no matter what:
Psalm 42:11 : Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
Romans 15:13: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 33:22: May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.
1 Corinthians 15:58: Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.
Philippians 1:27: Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.
No matter what life throws at me, I want to remain… looking upward.
This will be the last weekly blog post for a while. Travis and I are taking a 21-day hiatus with the Lord. I will stop writing blog posts during that time and spend necessary time in intercession while seeking the Lord in greater ways. I will start back up next month. Blessings to you.
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
http://www.sunshinerodgers.com/blog-....
Sunshine Rodgers
That's how I want to view life's difficulties… by looking up. Here are some verses that will motivate me to stand firm on my faith no matter what:
Psalm 42:11 : Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
Romans 15:13: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 33:22: May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.
1 Corinthians 15:58: Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.
Philippians 1:27: Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.
No matter what life throws at me, I want to remain… looking upward.
This will be the last weekly blog post for a while. Travis and I are taking a 21-day hiatus with the Lord. I will stop writing blog posts during that time and spend necessary time in intercession while seeking the Lord in greater ways. I will start back up next month. Blessings to you.
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
http://www.sunshinerodgers.com/blog-....
Sunshine Rodgers
Labor Pains. Nov. 6
Travis and I are "back" from our 21-day hiatus with the Lord. We had the privilege of praying for the needs of God's people from all over, requests coming in from the United States and other countries. That time with the Lord was truly a time of unparalleled blessings and favor!
I thought about something this week and I wanted to share it with all of you today.
I have never been in physical labor with a baby, but I can testify, I have been in what feels to be physical- emotional- mental labor with a dream, with a promise, with a vision that needs to be manifested into reality.
I know what it's like to suffer severe anxiety where I cope with irregular breathing because all I want is to see – and experience - is that dream being birthed. Waiting is hard. And I have to stay believing, trusting, relying on God during the wait… during those labor pains. And I have to push – to forcefully and aggressively stay purposeful – stay active- stay faithful until the very end.
Please note, a personalized dream can take longer than 9 months - maybe even years - to manifest, and the labor pains are very real - that sensation that it is close, that something is happening, that I need to fight the good fight of faith to attain the promise... I have to stick with it and keep working at it and keep investing in it even though I am tired, and my energy is spent - the celebrated and victorious Promise is well worth any pain and any price!
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
Sunshine Rodgers
http://www.sunshinerodgers.com/blog-....
I thought about something this week and I wanted to share it with all of you today.
I have never been in physical labor with a baby, but I can testify, I have been in what feels to be physical- emotional- mental labor with a dream, with a promise, with a vision that needs to be manifested into reality.
I know what it's like to suffer severe anxiety where I cope with irregular breathing because all I want is to see – and experience - is that dream being birthed. Waiting is hard. And I have to stay believing, trusting, relying on God during the wait… during those labor pains. And I have to push – to forcefully and aggressively stay purposeful – stay active- stay faithful until the very end.
Please note, a personalized dream can take longer than 9 months - maybe even years - to manifest, and the labor pains are very real - that sensation that it is close, that something is happening, that I need to fight the good fight of faith to attain the promise... I have to stick with it and keep working at it and keep investing in it even though I am tired, and my energy is spent - the celebrated and victorious Promise is well worth any pain and any price!
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
Sunshine Rodgers
http://www.sunshinerodgers.com/blog-....
Paint Colors. Nov. 20
Do you notice how certain movies have a specific look and feel?
Like, I can tell when I'm watching a Tim Burton movie. He seems to add an element of animation and surprise with a hint of darkness. Or the Twilight Saga with the off-white filter and overly-dramatic tone. Or even the Harry Potter Series with the gold colors, the textures, the vibrancy of the story. Or how about a Hallmark Channel Christmas movie which can bring such a spectacular holiday setting. What movie do you think of... one where the scenes visually stand out among other movies?
I like studying the paint colors, the brush strokes as I appreciate movies as a work of art.
I would question you. What colors are on the canvas of your life? What brush strokes are you using to represent yourself to the world? Are you like me and you use bright, stunning, yellow tints and positive affirmations? Or do you keep things calmer, more baby blue… or do you paint with a dark green, a more down to earth, realistic tone?
Whatever brush stroke you use, I hope you are authentically… you. I hope you use colors to paint your masterpiece in life with radiance, tones, textures that reflect your passion and highlight your persona. Because something brilliantly unique is often remembered and of course, highly praised.
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray over you!
http://www.sunshinerodgers.com/blog-....
Sunshine Rodgers
Like, I can tell when I'm watching a Tim Burton movie. He seems to add an element of animation and surprise with a hint of darkness. Or the Twilight Saga with the off-white filter and overly-dramatic tone. Or even the Harry Potter Series with the gold colors, the textures, the vibrancy of the story. Or how about a Hallmark Channel Christmas movie which can bring such a spectacular holiday setting. What movie do you think of... one where the scenes visually stand out among other movies?
I like studying the paint colors, the brush strokes as I appreciate movies as a work of art.
I would question you. What colors are on the canvas of your life? What brush strokes are you using to represent yourself to the world? Are you like me and you use bright, stunning, yellow tints and positive affirmations? Or do you keep things calmer, more baby blue… or do you paint with a dark green, a more down to earth, realistic tone?
Whatever brush stroke you use, I hope you are authentically… you. I hope you use colors to paint your masterpiece in life with radiance, tones, textures that reflect your passion and highlight your persona. Because something brilliantly unique is often remembered and of course, highly praised.
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray over you!
http://www.sunshinerodgers.com/blog-....
Sunshine Rodgers
