Search

The Ascender's Touch

Hope For the Best, Expect the Excellent! Providing Newfound Hope One Day At A Time. ❤️

Open Search

Resist the Devil and Rejoice in the Lord : Depression

Depression is defined in part as “a hollow; being in a low state; a state of sadness; dejection.” The real cause of depression is not where we are, but our attitude about where we find ourselves. That’s why the devil wants to make you feel like you’re worthless and rejected.

But if you don’t let the devil impress you with what he does, then he can’t oppress you; and if he can’t oppress you, then he can’t depress you.

I think one of the best ways to resist the devil and achieve victory over depression is to let the Holy Spirit lead you into a time of rejoicing. The enemy wants you to look at the negative and have a pity party, but the Holy Spirit wants you to look at the positive and just have a party! Living life and truly LOVING the life that you have been given.

Philippians 4:4 says to “rejoice in the Lord always.” When we’re focused on God, rejoicing in Him, depression has no place in us. So the next time the enemy tries to make you feel low or sad, choose to rejoice in the Lord!

Speak positive affirmations over yourself when you first wake up, as you get ready for your day, during lunch… pretty much 24/7!!!

The words we speak withhold so much power & authority.

Do not give the devil any time to squeeze his lies in your mind.

Think of it similar to working out. 💪🏾

To gain those swollen muscles and chiseled arms/legs that you desperately want, you have to consistently work at it.

Training and building your body to mature into the next phase of growth.

It’s the same thing with the mind.

I always post sticky notes of self-love quotes on my bathroom mirror and throughout my apartment.

Just an visual reminder.

It’s good to also visualize the positivity on top of speaking it.

Again: Do not give up!!!!!

You are loved. 🌹

You are sought after. ❤️

You were made to overcome this!

Once you lose that fear, realizing that our loving God is in control & He wants the BEST for you…. everything will change.

Prayer: God, You are wonderful and amazing, which is why I can rejoice in You always. Depression has no place in my life because I am filled with You! 🙏

Let’s end this week on an amazing note! ✨ With our heads up high and our minds focused on Jesus. Knowing that we are children of Christ! The world and the devil may be against us, but God is FOR us. None can overrule The Ruler Himself. 🙌As I always say, stay encouraged!!!! The devil cannot take us out, that is why he tries to convince us to do it ourselves. Resist the devil and Rejoice in The Lord! 😃

Leaving an example down below!!!

Advertisements
2

Life in Hope – Jesus Keeps Me Afloat!

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13

The title of this post speaks volumes!

The world is a fearful and unsatisfying place without the hope of eternal life with Jesus. Apart from the expectation that comes from the hope of heaven, our world is without cause for peace, celebration, or joy.

There is life in hope.

There is joy in hope.

There is purpose in hope. ✨✨

Hope is to be at the foundation of all our decisions, emotions, and pursuits.

Hope fills us with joy in the midst of trial and perseverance in the midst of failure.

Hope guides us to abundant life.

Romans 8:24-25 says, “For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”

We have the promise of eternal life in perfect, unveiled relationship with our Creator and Sustainer. The King of kings and Lord of lords waits patiently for the final redemption and restoration of all things (Revelation 21:1).

He longs for the day when all pain, tears, disappointment, separation, and sin will end for good (Revelation 21:4). And He longs to fill us with the same hope and expectation He has within Himself.

 

 

Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

Our heavenly Father longs to make us a people of hope. He longs for His followers to live a lifestyle that declares to the world, “This life is not all there is.”!!!

He longs to fill us with a heavenly perspective that we might throw off pursuits of worldly pleasure and live for eternity with Him.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:19-21, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

The hope of eternal life with our Father is to be the guiding light set ever before us. Where have you set your hope? Where do the treasures of your heart lie? Placing our hope in heaven secures the treasures of our hearts with our heavenly Father for all of eternity. In contrast, when we treasure the things of the world, that which we accumulate will pass away as quickly as it came.

Take time in guided prayer to allow the Lord to fill you with a fresh hope for the age that is to come. Allow your perspectives to shift in light of the glory of an eternity spent in total communion with the Creator. May the hope of heaven guide you to a lifestyle of storing up your treasures, and therefore your heart, with your Heavenly Father.

  • Meditate on importance of hope. Allow Scripture to shift your perspectives and pursuits to living for Jesus!

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

“The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.” Proverbs 10:28

  • Where have you placed your hope in the things of the world? What have you been looking to in order to satisfy your longings that is fleeting and temporary?

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

Ask the Lord to help you place your hope in Him alone. Choose to live your life for your Heavenly Father instead of seeking worldly success and satisfaction. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you ways in which you can rid yourself of the world and receive the hope of Heaven!

May Romans 5:2-5 be your anthem of hope today:

Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Remember to continue to live and walk in the hope of The Lord. Jesus will keep you afloat!

(RANDOM 🚨 ALERT!!!: I am geeking out about this is new kayak keychain that I got yesterday. It looks identical to my life size kayak. It’s so cute!!!! 😍 )

1

Tonight’s Beauty Tip: DIY Facial Toner ✨

Ladiessssss!✨

Image result for hearts meme

I wanted to share my latest and most favorite facial routine with you really quick! Believe it or not, what we put on our skin and what we consume within our bodies affects us more than we casually realize.  If you want your skin not only to feel , but look healthy; check this out!!! 💕

I stumbled upon this DIY facial toner recipe on Pinterest a few months ago and I love it!!! 😍 This toner consists of 100% organic and natural ingredients. No alcohol or other irritating ingredients involved (unlike some of the over the counter products). It is consisted of Apple Cider Vinegar, Water, Aloe Vera Juice, and a splash of an essential oil of your choice.😃

The first time I made this toner, I used lemon as my choice of essential oil. BAD IDEA. Both are “citrusy” and do not get along well for your face. 😩 The apple cider vinegar is naturally strong by itself. So less is more!

WARNING: Instant burning effect if used with lemon. lol🔥🔥

Image result for home alone face gif

I ended up switching the lemon for lavender!! Which ended up being a good save. 👍

When it comes to products that are inexpensive and organic… I am ALL FOR IT! Feel free to give it a shot as well!


I also use Rose Hip Seed Oil on my face twice a day, after a fresh wash. Without a doubt, the oil alone has improved my skin, making it glow effortlessly! 🙌🙌

Are there any skincare regimes that you currently do and noticed improvements on? If so, feel free to share!! 😆

Goodnight my friends!! God Bless.❤️

4

May’s Sunshine Blogger Award

Sending prayers and love out to all of my readers!!! Even when you take out just a second of your time to read or comment on my post(s), I am forever grateful!!! You are awesome.

This morning I was nominated for the Sunshine Blogger Award by GaliLovesGod!
God Bless Gali! I am very delighted to be nominated in this award, Thank you so much! You rock!!!

screenshot_2018-04-23-18-27-311042529194

Sunshine Blogger Award Rules:

-Thank the blogger who nominated you.
-Answer the 11 questions asked.
-Nominate 11 other bloggers and ask them 11 new questions.
-List the rules and include the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post

My Questions from Gali Are

1. Did you have a favorite teacher?

  • Growing up, I did have a favorite teacher. Her name was Mrs. Green from the 4th grade. Funny thing is, before she was my teacher… she was actually my neighbor as well.

2.Do you know how much God loves you?

  • Each day I try to grasp the amount of true love (agape) that God has for me. It goes beyond my mental capacity. As His ways are greater than my ways and thoughts… I can’t fathom the true amount but I know it is unconditional love.

3. Where in the world do you live?

  • Dallas, Texas y’all!

4. What is your blog title?

  • The Ascender’s Touch

5. Do you have a favorite hymn (song)?

  • My favorite is “This Is The Day” by Fred Hammond. It always gets me moving.

6. What do you enjoy doing?

  • My favorite 3 things to do right now are: kayaking, drawing, and practicing yoga.

7. Who amazes you?

  • Jesus! I am constantly amazed by His faithfulness and mercy.

8. What do you like most about WordPress?

  • I love the community base of WordPress. It is different from other social networking sites.

9. What strengthens your faith?

  • As much as I dislike going through tribulations, they develop extreme amounts of spiritual character and strength of faith. Afterwards, I have found myself giving thanks to God for those moments. Tribulations are events that are painful but necessary to happen. Leveling me up to where I need to be.

10. When is your birthday month?

  • October!

11. Why do you get out of bed in the morning?

  • I used to ask myself the same question. Especially during the college days… when I had a brief stage of depression. For every morning that I am chosen to partake in, I know it is for a reason. God performs miracles every second. There are 86,400 seconds in a day. Never know what’s in store!!

My Questions for the Nominees:

  1. What is your favorite season of the year?
  2. How did you come about knowing Christ?
  3. Who is the most influential person to you and why?
  4. 2018 is still getting started, is there anything that you are looking forward to this year?
  5. If you could choose to go back in time or to travel into the future, which would you do?
  6. Do you have any hobbies?
  7. Growing up, did you imagine your life pertaining to what it is now?
  8. How long have you had your blog on WordPress?
  9. What is the best part about blogging?
  10. What do you want your readers to “take away” after reading your blog?
  11. Do you know that you are MORE than a conquer in Christ? If you didn’t know, let me tell you that it’s true & you are amazing!!

My Nominees:

Gracefully Undone

His Perfect Timing

Rebecca Brand

Pete ; The Psalmist 

Beholding Him Ministries 

Pure Glory

Alisa R. – Thriving In Grace

T.R. Noble

BeautyBeyondBones

House of Prayer & Praise

Christians Lead By Example

Congrats Nominees! Please do not feel obligated to participate. If you do, no rush! Take all the time you need. I’ll be looking forward to reading your responses!

5

Living For Heaven Devotional

Happy Monday Everyone! I haven’t posted in a while but I hope that you all have been doing great during my absence. 😃🙌

It’s another Monday and I was certain this day would be an interesting one. I woke up today a little more tired than usual. 🤭

Just like every morning, I gathered my mind & braced myself for the rest of the day.

I jumped into my Altima this AM… geared up for the hour long journey to work. I turned on a sermon by Joseph Prince. (Who is one of my favorite preachers!!) Ready to hear some good word and wisdom to freshen my spirit. 😇

Traffic flow was pretty smooth. Which is a big deal when it comes to driving in the Dallas area. I had no complaints.

As I merged into the HOV (Express toll lane), I noticed that the Honda Civic in-front of me so happened to have their brake lights steadily on. I instantly realized their lights were broken since they were on even while they were not in use..🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️

One thing lead to another… the car suddenly slammed on their brakes. But I couldn’t really tell since their lights were misinforming. 😩 I swerved to the right as much as I could….

💥 BAM!!!!!!

hitting their right side.

The damage wasn’t bad at all. Hallelujah!! The paint of my bumper was scraped.

The gentleman in the Civic was fine, as was I.

All in all, everything worked out. Thank God. It could’ve been so much worse!! My car is completely drivable 👍. I just didn’t expect my morning to go in this way. 🙃

Ay Ay Ay!! What a morning!!!!

I didn’t finish the sermon but I was led to this new devotional on the Bible app called “Living for Heaven“. The 1st excerpt was amazing! I am excited to check the rest of this series out. If you have time today, you should too!!!

Whatever happens in your day, keep in mind it could ALWAYS be worse. Thank God that it isn’t!🙌#HappyMonday

Excerpt #1: Jesus is the Best Thing

Scripture: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

Devotional:

Of all the wonders our Creator provides us, boundless and unadulterated relationship with Jesus vastly exceeds them all. Jesus is the best thing we will ever know. His love restores, satisfies, transforms, and heals. His grace empowers and brings transcendent peace. His nearness resolves the great fears of our hearts. And his Kingship calls us to a right lifestyle of living for heaven rather than a pursuit of that which is worldly and fleeting. Colossians 3:1-4 says,

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

You and I have limited space in our hearts. When we choose to fill our lives with the things of the world, we crowd out that which will fill us with pure and abounding relationship with Jesus. It’s for this reason Jesus said in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

As disciples of Jesus, we must learn to lead different lives than others around us. Instead of looking to others as our standard for what is good or right, we must look to Jesus. Instead of setting the bar for our lives by looking at successful people, even successful Christians, we must set our bar at living like Jesus.

Jesus valued relationship with the Father above all else. He valued obedience to the Father’s will above all other pursuits. Every breath he breathed was done to the glory of God the Father and in fulfillment of his plans, and you and I are to do the same.

To live for heaven is to throw off every weight that would hinder us from pursuing the fullness of relationship with Jesus. To live for heaven is to declare with our thoughts, actions, and emotions that Jesus truly is Lord of lords and King of kings and that he is worthy of our lives. To live for heaven is to make as much room in our hearts for Jesus as possible.

Live for heaven today and discover the wealth of relationship and satisfaction available to you only through the sole pursuit of Jesus.

Guided Prayer:

0.Meditate on the principle of serving two masters. Allow Scripture to stir up your heart to pursue relationship with Jesus above all else. Renew your mind to what truly has value in this life.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:33-34

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1

0.What things of the world have you been pursuing? In what ways has the world crowded out space that was meant solely for the things of God?

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

0.Ask the Lord to lead you to a lifestyle of living for heaven. Ask him to give you a vision of what it looks like to pursue relationship with him above all else. Commit to following his leadership to paths of righteousness and relationship and turn away from worldly cares and pursuits.

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15-17

Living with a heavenly perspective takes time spent in God’s presence, studying his word. It’s unnatural to live in the world but not of the world (John 15:19). There are few to no people we encounter in our daily routine who truly live out this command. If we are going to fully pursue the abundant life to which we’ve been called, we must choose to live differently. If we are going to truly live for heaven, we must allow the Lord to daily renew our perspective on what matters.

The life available to us through pursuing Jesus alone may be countercultural, but it is filled with adventure, wonder, satisfaction, and purpose. May you be filled with the courage to throw off the burdens of the world and live solely for Jesus today.

3

You Are Great, O Lord!!

“Therefore You are great, O Lord GOD; for there is none like You, and there is no God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears.”

‭‭2 SAMUEL‬ ‭7:22‬ ‭AMP‬‬

http://bible.com/1588/2sa.7.22.amp

Hallelujah!!! Amen to this verse of the day. This upcoming week WILL be victorious for all of God’s children! I am speaking it into existence!

For whatever comes our way, The Lord has already paved the way of greatness ahead for us.

For He is GREAT altogether.

It’s about 60 degrees here in Dallas. It’s spring and I can’t help but to enjoy the fresh air outside! Today my sisters, mother & I are finishing our lovely crawfish boil. We stacked up 20lbs of fresh crawfish, shrimp, potatoes, eggs, sausage, corn… THE WORKS! It’s that time of the season and we love us some Louisiana soul food. 🦐🤘🏾

I dare you guys to spend today giving thanks to our Lord & Savior, enjoying the blissful air with the people you love the most!

Happy Sunday!

2

Godly Inner Peace ✨

Last night in the midst of fighting the depths of sleep…. I did not want to until I prayed to thank The Lord for the day & to ask for energy + strength to make it through the work day “tomorrow”.

As soon as I spoke the last words of my prayer, I quickly fell into a blissful slumber.

I woke up today with a burst of energy and completely enlightened compared to the previous weeks before.

Since I was involved in such a busy apartment move, my body has been playing “catch up”.

Whoever is reading this post, I have pre-set a prayer for you as well. That your day be filled God’s enlightenment and exceptional favor!!! Whatever you ask Him of today, may it be fulfilled in whole as it aligns with His will for you! In the name of Jesus! ❤️

Today’s verse of the day is so lovely. It is from Colossians 3:15:

“Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always].”

‭‭COLOSSIANS‬ ‭3:15‬ ‭AMP‬‬

http://bible.com/1588/col.3.15.amp

I want to emphasize on this verse but it speaks for itself. Truly! For as we are called to be members and children of Christ… we can easily obtain this true inner peace that is spoken about.

The Godly wisdom & peace that is given when we spiritually grow into a relationship with The Lord is priceless. The English dictionary/language doesn’t have the words that I need to describe this phenomenon ✨ We are given insight on the Divine Pathway that God has set for us. Which bestows such wisdom to help us maneuver through situations that we wouldn’t have seen before. Usually we only see what WE “think” is best for ourselves (even if it’s not) & don’t think twice about going left when God needs us to go right instead.

Are you currently struggling in that area?? Looking for an answer from God but hearing nothing? Stay encouraged. Continue to pray!!! As one of my readers said yesterday, NO PRAYER IS WASTED! He hears you and He is talking to you.

Continue to read the word daily. Meditate on it!!

I used to ask Jesus to lead me to the verse that He needed me to meditate on the MOST at the given time before opening my bible.

Try it out for yourself! Do a 30-day challenge to see where He takes you. Sustain from social media or other outlets that distract you.

Have a blessed day!! ✨🙌🙏

2

Mid-Week Glory ✨

Good Morning Readers!

Here we are again. Blessed with another day that truly was not promised.. but here we are!

Last week was monumental as we reflected on the treacherous week that Jesus had on our behalf. Giving up His life for us and even for the people that He knew would never accept Him! ✨

As I told my peers….Jesus did that for His haters; which is way more than what I would do for mine!!!!

Thank you Jesus.

Easter is no longer on our calendars but it is continuing forevermore. Jesus is STILL ALIVE and very much present here on Earth with us.

Last week, I faced a difficult journey myself. Leaving a chapter in my life that represented an heightened spiritual experience that brought spiritual maturity in my life. Although I had to move out of my apartment and move back home… I am trusting God that He has already worked this out for me. I am thrilled for this next chapter to come.

It is the middle of the work week and I want to give the Holy Trinity ongoing praise and glory for the greatness that is to come! ✨

SIDE NOTE: Today’s verse of the day is one of my favorites!! It honestly tickles me! 😆

“Even a [callous, arrogant] fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips he is regarded as sensible (prudent, discreet) and a man of understanding.”

‭‭PROVERBS‬ ‭17:28‬ ‭AMP‬‬

http://bible.com/1588/pro.17.28.amp

It speaks truth and it will leave you pondering. Lol

How is your week going?! Is there anything that you would like to give God “mid-week glory” on? Feel free to share!

May God continue to bless you all!

Get your mind right this morning and align it with God. I pray that you all enjoy the day ahead of you! ❤️

3

Came As A Ransom for Many ✨

What a week we have ahead of us. This week is very important and withholds so much meaning.

We prepare and make way for the remembrance of what our Lord & Savior did for us over two thousand years ago.

This week so happens to be one of the most life changing weeks for myself. I was in a search for a house for about 4 months now. Got denied for THE HOUSE that my sister and I wanted sooo desperately. It was across the street from my favorite kayaking spot on the lake. Close to both of our jobs. Seemed to be the perfect house with an appealing price!

As time went by, the Holy Spirit was leading us away from the way that we thought would be “the way“.

Leading us onto something greater! Since we have spiritually matured over the years. We could clearly feel the discernment that was being provided.

As we wait for that greatness to unleash, I have to move out of my apartment by this Saturday afternoon.

Temporarily living with my mother 2 hours away from where I work.

As this week rolls through, I am reflecting on how Jesus felt during such a week.

Coming down as a ransom for many! What a Hero!

He knew what was to take place on Friday but also knew that He would overcome ALL come Sunday morning.

Heaven rejoicing!!!!

As our Lord overcame, so shall I.

It will be a tough week but I expect a great miracle and blessing to unleash into these realms sooner than later.

Whatever you are facing this week, keep this in mind! We are more than conquers through Jesus Christ!!!

Happy Monday! ❤️🌈✨

2

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑