November 2021 – Breaking Bread With Natasha

Breaking Bread For 11.29.21

“Those of us who struggle with faith also struggle with clarity and discernment, and that is why we tend to struggle more in life.”

Scripture

The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.

Proverbs 22:12

Reflection

Our faith is more than our belief and trust in someone or something else. It is the actionable, demonstrative declaration of our support in that person or thing. When you believe in someone you support their efforts. How do you show your support? By sticking by their side, enduring challenges with them, positively affirming their vision of success, uplifting them with words of encouragement, verbally and physically reassuring them that you won’t abandon or betray them.

So how do you show God that you support Him?

Our relationship with God is a unique one, unlike any other. A marriage like no other. Every day God keeps promises to you, whether you are aware or not. You awoke this morning and you’re reading this message, only because God made that possible. In what ways do we not only demonstrate our appreciation to and for Him, but how do we show our support in and for all that He’s doing?

How often do we talk with Him about His plans to redeem and restore? How often are we recommitting ourselves to Him, restating our vows, and demonstrating our commitment to those vows? How often do we surrender our issues, concerns, and fears to Him? How often do we speak with Him and thank Him for the little and big things? How often do we have random chit chat with Him about whatever comes to our minds and hearts? How often do we defer to Him before making a decision? How quick are we to acknowledge His intervention?

The more we are actively engaged in our relationship with Him, the more we prove our faith. When we stop making our relationship with Him conditional, and stop making our conversations with him transactional, we will have a deeper, more meaningful connection with Him.

Those with faith carry the knowledge of who they are, what they are, to Whom they belong, and the value of their marriage to God. They are focused and driven to protect that marriage and uphold the Truths God reveals. Those of us who struggle with faith also struggle with clarity and discernment, and that is why we tend to struggle more in life. Anyone who has lost faith, or never had it, has given in to chaos and confusion. Only God can save them.

Taking all of what I just said into consideration let me leave you with parting words, especially if you’re like me, facing some trials that feel overwhelming and suffocating.

There are days that feel like you’re being encased in cement with only a straw to breathe through, and those are the days you need to smile the widest and praise the loudest, because even there God has already provided a way for you to break free. God has already restored you. Smile in the victory that is already here. You have already won. You have already overcome the odds. You are already a success. You just don’t see it yet. You have to keep marching forward, keep climbing upward, keep your mind and heart focused on God. Remain focused on His voice and follow His instructions. He does his part, consistently and without question. Doing your part means remaining faithful in all ways and in all situations.

Prayer

Father, thank You for today. Thank You for Your loving kindness and for Your everlasting commitment to our relationship. I want to commit myself more to our relationship, giving You more of me, and being trustworthy in my daily walk. Father, I want to surrender more to You and stop overthinking and being ruled by fear. Lord, fill me with patience, thin out my frustration, relax my fears, realign me properly, and re-focus me when I drift. In Your Name I pray. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 11.23.21

“Every good and perfect gift comes from Him. Be grateful and praise His Holy Name.”

Scripture

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17

Reflection

There is nothing in life that we receive in joy that does not come from our Heavenly Father. Every good and perfect gift comes from Him. Be grateful and praise His Holy Name. Give thanks today and each day.

Prayer

Father, thank You for every gift given to me and delivered through me. You are my constant. You are always here. I can always count on You. You are my ever-present Source of strength, hope, love, peace, and joy. Thank You Father. Amen.

Love your sister in Christ,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 11.22.21

“There’s absolutely no peace in sin. There’s no peace when we go against God and go up against the natural order.”

Scripture

Friend deceives friend, and no one speaks the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they weary themselves with sinning.

Jeremiah 9:5

Reflection

Let’s look at this verse in chunks. We have friends deceiving each other, which means they aren’t genuine friends. No one speaks the truth, which means even other people aren’t coming forward and squashing the deception. They have taught their tongues to lie, which means that before only the truth was spoken, and now through practice and repetition, they have the art and science of lies mastered.

And here’s the last part, they’re worn out from all of the sinning they’re doing. I mean, it is exhausting to invest time and energy in toxic practices. It’s draining having to lie and recall the details of your lie; stealing or cheating and hoping not to get caught; it’s depleting to not rest because you’re surrounded by chaos and confusion. Existing in that space means you’re always on the brink of disaster.

There’s absolutely no peace in sin. There’s no peace when we go against God and go up against the natural order. When we’re doing and saying things that contradict who we are and Who created us, we drain our energy from within. It’s like slapping and punching yourself in the face, just madness and painful.

We don’t want to carry the guilt of being found out, caught, and punished. Yet ironically, we unknowingly punish ourselves by carrying around shame. We don’t realize that we are killing our selves. That trapped energy is cooking us from within.

We try to mask and overshadow things by either being more reckless, living up to the negative rumors about us, or by trying to overcompensate with good, hoping that people will be more impressed with the positive things we do. Either direction is a facade. They’re both attempts to avoid dealing with our mess. We must bring it all to God. Turn over our foolishness to Him. Repent, atone, accept His forgiveness, forgive ourselves, and don’t engage in the sin or reckless act again.

It’s either that or watch everything be destroyed by our recklessness. The choice is ours.

Prayer

Father, hold my tongue if it begins to utter anything that goes against You. Make me stop before I speak ill towards anyone. Cleanse my mind of reckless thoughts, provide me with the discernment and clarity to identify the toxic from the healthy. Let Your Light serve as my source of guidance and energy; always revealing and constantly recharging me. Heal me Father. In Your Name I praise and pray. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 11.19.21

“God reveals the truth, brings to light what is hidden in darkness, makes sense the confusing, turns mysteries into revelations, and does these things as only He can.”

Scripture

He reveals mysteries from the darkness and brings the deepest darkness into the light.

Job 12:22 HCSB

Reflection

God reveals the truth, brings to light what is hidden in darkness, makes sense the confusing, turns mysteries into revelations, and does these things as only He can.

Prayer

Father, nothing remains hidden from You. I’m confident that through You all truth is made known, all confusion is resolved, distortions are cleared, and darkness is penetrated by light. I trust in Your ability to right-side all situations, because only You can. I walk in that confidence, praising Your Holy Name. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 11.18.21

“We always reap what we sow. So be mindful of the things that you do and say in order to get ahead in life.”

Scripture

Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.

Proverbs 20:17

Reflection

We always reap what we sow. So be mindful of the things that you do and say in order to get ahead in life.

We all have pitfalls, setbacks, disappointments, and failures; but we can all succeed in life by doing good, living right, and being honest. Trust and rely upon God to provide, in and on His time, understanding that He sees the big picture that you don’t see.

Prayer

Father, thank You for blessing me. There are times when I desire things that maybe I want but I don’t need, and I am grateful that You keep me in line so that I receive only what I need, and I learn my lesson for ill gotten gains.
Father, I would rather defer my gratification than to receive something that I didn’t earn, especially if I was being deceptive, not genuine, or inauthentic. Father, bless me as You see fit. Mold me into your perfect image and protect me from harm that I may cause myself and harm from others.
I trust and believe in You Lord, and I apologize for any moments where my faith and hope are not crystal-clear. In Your Name I pray. Amen.

I love you all. Have an incredible day. Be a blessing to others. Be the positive and loving example in the world that you want to see.

Love,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 11.17.21

“Without hope for what the day may bring, for a better tomorrow, where are you and where do you stand in your faith?”

Scripture

Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.

Uphold me, and I will be delivered; I will always have regard for your decrees.

Psalms 119:116-117

Reflection

Without hope for what the day may bring, for a better tomorrow, where are you and where do you stand in your faith?

God blesses us daily, every single second, yet we want more, we want to see more, we want to see and receive the bigger blessings—when the biggest of blessings is our relationship with Him, the life He gives us, and being able to live it.

How grateful are you?

How hopeful are you?

How devoted are you?

Those are questions for you to ask and answer for yourself.

Embrace your day, fully. Be mindful and present, and as God is a blessing to you, be a blessing to others.

Prayer

Father, thank You for this day. Thank You for calming me as I slept. Thank You for waking me to experience the lessons I need to learn. Thank You for Your love, guidance, support, and protection. Father, I pray to be prepared for the blessings that You have in store for me today and in the future. I pray that I am open, receptive, hopeful and humble.
Help me Father. Help me to see and embrace every opportunity that You place before me. Help me to avoid pitfalls or to rebound quickly when I fall. Help me to confidently and faithfully move forward in the right direction. Keep me to remain strong and focused Father. In Your Name I praise and I pray. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 11.16.21

“Only God knows what’s in our heart. Only He has the full knowledge of our past, present, and future. We don’t really comprehend what this means, how special our connection with Him is…”

Scripture

and when a prayer or plea is made by anyone among your people Israel—being aware of their afflictions and pains, and spreading out their hands toward this temple— then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Forgive, and deal with everyone according to all they do, since you know their hearts (for you alone know the human heart), so that they will fear you and walk in obedience to you all the time they live in the land you gave our ancestors.

2 Chronicles 6:29-31

Reflection

Before we jump into today’s reflection, grant me a moment to share a special message. For me, today is a super special day. It’s the day my beloved mother was brought into this big world to bless me, our family and friends, and others. I am so grateful for her and for what she has done for me. She is not only my mother but she is my friend, teacher, coach, confidante, and mentor. I will always love, respect, and look up to her. Happy birthday Mom!

Okay, so let’s dive into today’s reflection…

Only God knows what’s in our heart. Only He has the full knowledge of our past, present, and future. We don’t really comprehend what this means, how special our connection with Him is, and why nurturing our relationship with Him— through daily prayer and conversations, and consistent obedience, is so important.

The stronger and healthier our relationship with Him, the better our relationship with self and others. Let’s work on doing better, walking the walk, and ensuring that our heart is properly aligned with our thoughts, words, and actions.

Prayer

Father, thank You for your unwavering, unconditional, everlasting love. Thank You for always believing in me and for constantly reminding me who I am and reassuring me of what I can do, and can be. Thank You for molding me. I know I probably frustrate You but Your grace and mercy cancels out my blunders. Thank You Father. I love you. I need You. I want to strengthen my relationship with You. You know my heart Father. I thank You now for helping me. I praise Your Name. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 11.15.21

“Evaluate your life, heart, and mind. Right now, this very moment. Clear out the distractions and focus.”

Scripture

Let us search out and examine our ways, and turn back to the Lord. Let us lift up our hearts and ⌊our⌋ hands to God in heaven:

Lamentations 3:40-41 HCSB

Reflection

Evaluate your life, heart, and mind. Right now, this very moment. Clear out the distractions and focus. Are you playing the twisted “comparison trap” game, always seeing abundance for others and lack for yourself? Or are you content with your growing achievements and provisions? Are you where you should be or are you struggling each day to find your way to “okay”?

I want to be more than just okay, I want to be and live in excellence, as God designed and desires for me to be, how about you? I want to walk in peace not conflict, torment, confusion or frustration. I want to breathe with ease, not stressed out and anxiety-filled. How about you?

We can have the life of our dreams. God planted the seeds within us, He’s waiting for us. Each day He reminds you who you are and to Whom you belong. It’s up to you to see, hear, believe, and live it! Are you ready to see your life turned right-side? Are you ready to receive all that God has in store for you? Are you ready for that next level way of life? Are you ready to stop complaining, stop comparing, and stop doubting?

Believe.

Listen.

Watch.

Discern.

When He directs your steps, obey and follow.

Prayer

Father, forgive me for any and all wrongdoing. Forgive me for my lack of trust and wavering faith. Forgive me for my hardheaded ways. Forgive me for my negative thoughts, speech and behavior. Uplift me Lord. I don’t want to waste precious moments that could be used living fully in my purpose, all because I’m chasing worldly desires and tempting lures. Help me to discern the trappings of the enemy so that I’m only focused on those things that You desire for me. Fill me Lord with Your peace. In Your Name I pray. Amen.

Love your sister in Christ,

Natasha

Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

Breaking Bread For 11.12.21

Are you ready to be free from that which enslaves you?

Scripture

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,

Isaiah 61:1

Reflection

When you are truly ready to let go, to be released from life’s shackles, and to finally live fully, turn to the one who can answer all of your prayers and tend to all of your needs—our Heavenly Father-Mother.

Prayer

Father, thank You. Today, You blessed me with the ability to breathe and use my other senses. You didn’t stop there—blessing me with the ability to think, love, empathize, and reason. I thank You, Father. Thank You for releasing me from bondage, from releasing me from the fears that could have consumed me, and for showing me that my strength comes from You, helping me to see that I just have to open up and be willing to let go.
I thank You now for freeing me of the burdens I currently face. Father, I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but I am grateful for what You have blessed me with today. In Your Name I praise and pray. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 11.11.21

“You and I are ideas. God thought of us and made us so. Everything on and in this planet, universe, and beyond, are God’s ideas. His fruits. Each fruit has a purpose with a plan.”

Scripture

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

John 15:1-2

Reflection

We are expected to be fruitful, to work and produce something good, to contribute to our family, community, and the world. We are seeds of the tree and as seeds, we are to grow and produce more seeds and byproducts. This doesn’t mean being a baby making factory. It means grabbing ahold to one of God’s ideas that He cast like stars in the sky, and glorifying Him through the development and manifestation of that idea. You and I are ideas. God thought of us and made us so. Everything on and in this planet, universe, and beyond, are God’s ideas. His fruits. Each fruit has a purpose with a plan.

That means we’re not to be idle, lazy, shiftless, and stagnant. We’re supposed to be active, move, grow, change, try new things, experience the unimaginable, and challenge ourselves. We’re supposed to seize the opportunities that God places before us.

We may stumble and fall, but that doesn’t mean give up. We’re supposed to get back up, learn from the experience, and keep pressing on. It doesn’t matter if we’re a preteen or 90 years old, as long as we have blood flowing through us, energy zooming through us, we are to be engaged and fruitful. As we grow we are pruned, so that the stuff that’s weighing us down can be meticulously removed. Many of us resist the pruning phases, holding on to dead weight, and then between blame and shame we become consumed by our misery. That is not the plan of our Heavenly Father. That’s the slam dunk win for our enemy.

Stop making excuses for mediocrity, low-living, and settling for less than the dream God gave you. God gave you the dream to pursue it and make it your reality. You stopped doing it or never started because you failed to make that journey with Him as your Guide.

It seemed overwhelming and like too much to handle because you only saw your role and limitations in the vision. You listened to the enemy tell you what you can’t do, what can’t be done, what’s impossible, what’s too risky, and you believed the enemy over God. You stopped believing that God was and still is waiting for you to take that next step, to get back on that path. If you look close enough you will see Him. If you step back far enough you will see even more of Him. If you stretch out your arms and walk boldly onto that path, you will find that He’s right there.

Don’t let dreams die because of your fear, frustration, sense of lack, or shame. Don’t cut yourself off from the vine and don’t think that you can or are supposed to do this thing called life without the Vine and Gardener (Vinedresser).

Prayer

Father, thank You for today, for the shelter and for the food, both spiritual and edible. Thank You for the vision of the path You set before me. I cannot see long distance, but I can see each step I take. I can dream and hope that my dreams align with Your reality and plans for my life.
Father, I am a growing and developing tree. Shed my old leaves and help my new ones to grow strong and bright. Remove from me what is undesirable to You, so that I may be molded into the perfect image as You see fit. Let those around me not steal my fruit but rather seek their own, and wait patiently for You to provide. Let me also gain patience for the things I desire. Let me receive what I need and realize that what I want may not always be what I need. I humbly accept whatever portions You allocate for me, while never having low expectations of You, Jesus or myself. I pray and give thanks to You today and always. Amen.

There are no limits to what we can do. God has blessed us with gifts and talents, and at times, He places someone in our lives who possesses complementary gifts and talents—then head towards your adventure, let God guide and counsel you, and keep going. Live your life fully!

Start today!

Love,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 11.10.21

“Just as we trust and believe that trees will regrow new leaves in the Spring season, that plants and flowers will re-bloom, we must learn to trust and believe that God and Jesus will always provide us with the means to make it through any situation, and grow from it, starting anew in a new season of our life. No, it won’t be easy, but it’s not impossible.”

Scripture

Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me.

John 14:1

Reflection

Many of us struggle with trusting and believing in God, yet with His creations, we have no doubts. Ironic don’t you think?

Just as we trust and believe that trees will regrow new leaves in the Spring season, that plants and flowers will re-bloom, we must learn to trust and believe that God and Jesus will always provide us with the means to make it through any situation, and grow from it, starting anew in a new season of our life. No, it won’t be easy, but it’s not impossible. Allow your leaves to fall where they may, and smile, because in your new season new leaves will grow in their place. With those new leaves come wisdom and layers of God’s transformational goodness.

I pray that each of you find the peace to let go of your leaves, to embrace the life God has planned for you, and prepare yourself for the new season of growth and development. I pray that you also pray for me, because we all have our ups and downs, and Lord knows I need prayer too. The closer we are on our walk with Jesus, the closer we get to God, the more we are attacked by darkness; and the more we need to pray and be prayed for. So please pray for me. I love you all.

Prayer

Father, I won’t and can’t lie to You and say that I’m not troubled, not saddened and frustrated at times—at myself, at my circumstances, and at the valleys and mountains I encounter regularly. I realize that change comes with a price, something must go before something new comes in.
I know that I’m going through a change, and some things have to go or be realigned, in order for new developments to grow. I have to let go of my fear, and trust You and Jesus to show me the way, to protect me, and to lift me up out of those valleys, and up and over those steep mountains. I know that every day Jesus walks beside me, some days I lose my focus and start walking off the path You have set for me, yet Jesus lovingly and patiently keeps walking and guiding me back to the right way.
Touch and warm my heart. Calm the pressure in my chest, Father. Release the tension in my neck and shoulders. Soothe the cramps throughout my body. Calm my fears Lord. Bring me peace within that I may embrace this change and walk upright, ready for my next adventure, my next demonstration, my next testimony. In Your Name and in Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.

Your sister in Christ,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 11.9.21

“Every fruitful idea, every material possession, comes from God. He blesses us countless times a day, yet we tend to only give Him credit and acknowledge Him when the gifts are super big, unexpected, or deemed “miracles”. Some of us fail to even thank Him for the big things.”

Scripture

David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, “Praise be to you, Lord, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things.

In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.

1 Chronicles 29:10-14

Reflection

Every fruitful idea, every material possession, comes from God. He blesses us countless times a day, yet we tend to only give Him credit and acknowledge Him when the gifts are super big, unexpected, or deemed “miracles”. Some of us fail to even thank Him for the big things.

We don’t always give thanks to Him for the successful deal we closed, project we finished, excellent grades we received, waived late fees, payment extensions granted, discounted services. We don’t always thank Him for the accidents we avoided, the headache that went away quickly, the calm peace that overtakes us when we’re stressed out, or the money that we find that we had forgotten or knew nothing about.

We don’t always thank Him daily for the faithful, loving, and devoted spouse/significant other. We don’t always remember to thank Him daily for our loved ones and for every moment we get to share with them. We don’t always thank Him for keeping us focused and grounded, and for helping us to overcome temptation.

Are we really that busy, that self-absorbed, and self-consumed that we don’t have the humility, the gratitude, and the love to thank our Father for all that He has done, is doing, and will do for and in our lives, and the lives of our loved ones? Are we too lost in our own false-reality that we can’t stop and thank Him for our freedom? We all are free to think with our own minds, even if our bodies are enslaved—our souls, spirits, and minds can never be shackled by another. We have to willingly and willfully surrender these things.

The first thing we should do upon opening our eyes each morning is say, “Thank You” to our loving Father-Mother God. For without Him we would have no life, and no chance for success, growth, exploration, and glorifying Him. Embrace your day. Be grateful and be a blessing to others.

Prayer

Father, I am humbly appreciative of the grace and favor You bestow upon me, even when I am being fearful, doubtful, ornery, or prideful. You truly know my heart Lord, You know what is inside of me, and You know that even in pain I love You dearly and deeply, and that I never want to risk my relationship with You, Father.
I thank You for the little things, the big things, and everything in between. I thank You for loving me like no one and nothing could ever love me. There’s no way for me to fully pay that love forward, but that won’t stop me from pouring what I can and all that I can into others. Thank You for making even that possible. I give You all of the glory, forever and always. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 11.8.21

“You can convince yourself that nothing bad will come from your reckless decisions, that you are smart enough to not get caught in a trap. You can convince yourself of almost anything. To rationalize is “to tell rational lies”.”

Scripture

Wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words, who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God. Surely her house leads down to death and her paths to the spirits of the dead. None who go to her return or attain the paths of life.

Proverbs 2:16-19

Reflection

Let’s “keep it real” shall we?!?

We all have choices. You can choose to deceive others or tell the truth. You choose when, where, how, and with whom to be sexually active. You choose whether or not to be faithful and committed to a monogamous relationship with one person—not straying mentally, emotionally, or sexually.

You can convince yourself that nothing bad will come from your reckless decisions, that you are smart enough to not get caught in a trap. You can convince yourself of almost anything. To rationalize is “to tell rational lies”.

You can think what you want, but if you are thinking solely about yourself and God is not the center of your decisions you will end up flat on your face. We must resist the temptation that tells us that this dumb option we are considering will “Be okay…just do it, it will feel so good…” and instead we must keep our eyes, minds, and hearts locked on God’s plan and purpose for our lives.

Are you willing to risk a moment of ecstasy for a lifetime of pain, guilt, anger, and depression? Think about it. Your choice could connect you for a lifetime with a person you don’t even really know; with a person you could soon realize isn’t the person you thought them to be; with a person you grow to resent. Your choice could also lead to your demise. Don’t let your sense of lack put you in a bigger deficit. See the big picture. You were not created to be a puppet of Satan.

What choice will you make?

Prayer

Father, I pray for Your sons; that they seek You and ask for guidance, rather than react and give into temptation, not having the discernment to see the trap that awaits them. Free these men Father. Show them the way out of that deep pit that the enemy has dug for them.
Free them from binding women through pregnancy, free them from the rolling stone and baby daddy curse. Free them from this curse that has them eager to caress the body of a woman yet unwilling to protect her heart at all cost. Free these men Lord. Help them to see that what they do to Your children, they do to You. Heal the hurt.
I pray for the women who take on the role of seductress, who plot and plan to get a man, who care nothing about whether the men are married or have families, or careers or goals. I pray for the women who get pregnant just to remain bound to a man. Free these women Father. Help them to see that You, not that man, is their Savior, Provider, Comforter, and Protector. They are Your bride and they’re blinded by fear and a sense of lack, to see this Truth. Heal the hurt.
Father, protect the babies and children from their parents deception and selfishness; protect them from the world, and protect them from the darkness that will try to overshadow Your Light. They are not collateral damage, they are Your children, and they should be cared for and protected as such. Heal the hurt. I say this prayer with love, compassion, and grace in my heart. Amen.

Lovingly your sister in Christ.

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 11.5.21

“What is the purpose of working hard, saving and investing your money, if you will end up leaving it to those who will squander it away carelessly?”

Scripture

For a person may labor with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then they must leave all they own to another who has not toiled for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune.

Ecclesiastes 2:21

Reflection

What is the purpose of working hard, saving and investing your money, if you will end up leaving it to those who will squander it away carelessly? You must strive each day to become more financially literate and capable of being a wise and loyal steward so that you can educate and empower those who stand to inherit from your hard work and labor. Our financial dignity weighs heavily on the decisions we make, the advice we take, and our commitment to rebuking low-living and reckless thoughts and lifestyles.

We must educate ourselves and then educate others. Our legacy must be more than our names and photographs. Is what you are doing today providing a road map and healthy portfolio for your heirs 20,40, 80, or 100 years from now? If not, then make the time to reconfigure your life and your vision for your legacy. If you fail to do so, it may be short-lived or re-written by the foolish decisions made by your unprepared heirs.

Think of the countless people who inherited money, property, and jewelry, just to squander, lose, fight over it, or give it away. In that case, the inheritance should have been donated to a reputable charity, where it would have been appropriately administered to serve the least of God’s children. It irritates my soul to see an inheritance disrespected, it only proves that the recipients didn’t honor, value, love, and appreciate the person who left behind this gift. It was stewarded and well thought out, yet you abuse it. Do you really deserve it?

Warren Buffett might not be the warm and cuddly dad and grandfather, but he understands his limitations and he understands that if he left his wealth to the generations that followed, leaving them to be trust fund babies, it would most likely be squandered within two generations of his passing. Instead, Buffett has willed his fortune to charity. He told his children and grandchildren that he covered all of their education, through college, and after college they would have to spread their wings, leave the nest, and soar like eagles. He saw the recklessness of raising trust fund babies. He refuses to adopt that legacy. They didn’t grow up broke like him and if they put in the work they wouldn’t end up broke, even after he passes.

As he looks at it, if his offspring didn’t know how to leverage their name and relationships, and use that expensive private school education (with countless connections) to serve for their benefit, then they would leave behind the eagle legacy and flap around like chickens. They didn’t work for it, he did. He paid for their lifestyle, upbringing, and education. He equipped them with as much as possible and now, as adults, they would have to work to build their own legacies. If they didn’t take advantage of their time with him, didn’t shadow him and ask questions, didn’t follow his lead and mirror the ways that they admired, didn’t form relationships with his circles of influence, then they would be left to chart their own path using only what they acquired the 21 to 25 years that they have walked this planet. They could be producers and givers, but he refused to raise leaches and takers.

We have choices. We can build a strong legacy that is responsible and charged with passing the torch to ensure longevity for generations to come. We can build and donate our possessions for others to steward. Or we can squander everything and leave nothing behind. Our actions each day lay the foundation for the legacy we leave behind. Embrace today and don’t dismiss it because it’s the weekend, instead work passionately as though it’s the start of the week. Finish strong. Model the behavior you want carried on.

Prayer

For those of you planning to start a family, you can add to this prayer the following:

Father prepare me each day to better myself in every way, and when I bear a child, prepare me to nurture and educate them so that they too learn to work hard; and that their inheritance from me is well-earned, well-received and well-invested.

And everyone can recite:

Father, let my hands and mind work diligently to build that which You have envisioned for me, and let it not be in vain that when my day comes to retire this human form, that the fruits of my labor are left behind for heirs who have not earned it.

Let my other family members also be prepared over these long, beautiful days, to be receptive and well-equipped to take on the weight of their inheritance, left by me, in trust, that they too will be good investors and not careless fools.
Father, I thank You now for what You will bless me with in the future. I know You will equip me and prepare me to handle whatever comes my way. I know that You will provide me with the tools to be the best steward that I can be. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

Love you all,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 11.4.21

“When our hearts are troubled and filled with fear, we unknowingly open the door for the enemy to enter and cause havoc. It doesn’t take much for him to take ahold, because our desperation for the pain to end leads us to surrendering and agreeing to anything that appears to be a quick fix.”

Scripture

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:27

Reflection

God provides peace. Jesus shows you the way. Turn to the Light and embrace its warmth. Let the peace fill you until it overflows into the world, to fill those around you. Don’t confuse God’s peace with the substitutes of the world, that the enemy has strewn before you as traps. Nothing can equal what God provides. Lean into His embrace and be comforted by the understanding that only in, with, and through Him can there be salvation, joy, love, Light, healing, and peace.

You might be going through some tough times right now, I know I am. There are days that I’m brought to tears, down on my knees, confused and feeling lonelier than ever. But each time, I turn to God, just as a child should turn to their parent. I’m working on my heart, speaking affirmations that reduce the anxiety, fear, doubt, and desire to do something, anything, to stop what I’m feeling.

When our hearts are troubled and filled with fear, we unknowingly open the door for the enemy to enter and cause havoc. It doesn’t take much for him to take ahold, because our desperation for the pain to end leads us to surrendering and agreeing to anything that appears to be a quick fix. Because we aren’t in our right mind, aligned with God, we don’t see the tricks being played and the traps being secured.

We don’t realize that the lessons in our mistakes, failings, and oversight are necessary for us to learn what to do or not to do in the future, and to remind us of our need to rely solely upon God for provision and direction. When we try to push past learning the lesson, we set in motion a domino effect that will likely cause a worse outcome than the situation we’re currently in. Why? Because at that very point, we chose to entertain the enemy’s proposal, and we tuned out God. We’re going through a rough time right now, but I would rather wait patiently on God than to take some shortcut with the enemy.

If you discover that you have been walking beside the enemy, thinking you were in greener pastures, or on your way there, it’s not too late to let go of those shackles that are masquerading as fine jewelry, and turn toward God. Our Father is always here for us, waiting for us to choose Him, be with and commit wholeheartedly to Him, have a lasting relationship with Him. Allow God to fill you with His Peace.

Prayer

Father, thank You for waking me up today. Thank You for the blessings I have received, especially those that I’ve already received today, and for those You will still send my way. Father, I pray for peace within and peace around me.
I pray for vision, clarity and the ability to discern what is, what isn’t, and what could be. Let me see the potential in every situation you place before me. I want the peace to stand strong, that I may overcome fear, Father. In You I believe; through You I can do all things, and because of You I am who I am. You have never left or forsaken me. From the womb through this day, You have been my constant. I loved You then, I love You now, and I will love You always. Amen.

Enjoy your day and the rest of this week. Be the blessing you would like to receive. God bless you!

Love,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 11.3.21

“Be grateful for the struggles, the strife, the friction, the growing pains, and the storms. For all of these moments in your life are about change and growth for your future.”

Scripture

“Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.”

Job 5:17

Reflection

Be grateful for the struggles, the strife, the friction, the growing pains, and the storms. For all of these moments in your life are about change and growth for your future. If we did not experience pain we would not understand the need for change. If we were obedient we would not need to be disciplined.

The majority of our pain is self-inflicted, from ignoring or disobeying God, and walking down the path of traps set by the enemy. Other pain comes from growing and bumping up against the world’s barriers and the ignorance of society. If God didn’t love you He wouldn’t correct you. If the enemy didn’t fear you, he wouldn’t try to tempt and trap you.

A tree does not have an easy growth plan, but as it grows it changes and it becomes more beautiful and stronger with time. We must see ourselves as trees that have the potential to live long-lasting, healthy lives, if we allow God to lead us and we humbly follow.

We can be trees or we can be weeds that are whacked off and tossed away. The choice is ours. What do you want to be? Do you know what you are made of? What is your foundation? Are you rooted to grow upright or remain low-lying always getting caught up in yourself and other “weeds”?

Prayer

Father, thank You for another day. Thank You for loving me enough to guide me, mold me, and correct my ways. Father, I know there are days when I’m all over the place and I’m trying to make my own decisions without allowing You to guide me, and I appreciate You for having the patience and care to help me work through my issues. Thank You for correcting me Father. Thank You for disciplining me and for never giving up on me.
I accept the friction caused by the necessary changes in my life that will lead to my growth, wisdom, and prosperity. You are my constant. You are my rock, salvation, light, love, strength, hope—my everything.
I love You, Father. I love the life that You have given me and I look forward to the days ahead that You have planned for me. I praise You Lord. In Your Name I pray. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 11.2.21

“There is no point in your life being filled with pain and grief, especially not from the moment you wake and then hours later well into your sleep. God did not create us to live like this.”

Scripture

All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless.

Ecclesiastes 2:23

Reflection

There is no point in your life being filled with pain and grief, especially not from the moment you wake and then hours later well into your sleep. God did not create us to live like this. Our pain is oftentimes self-inflicted, as we fail to open our eyes, stretch out our arms, grab ahold of opportunities, and bring them tightly to our chests so that we don’t lose or destroy them.

How many of us see opportunities in life but we think:

1) “It’s not time”
2) “I can’t do it”
3) “I can’t do it alone”
4) “That can’t be for me”
5) “That’s too much”
6) “It’s too far out of reach”
7) “It’s too risky”?

Do you see a common thread connecting these claims? It’s all fear!

I’m tired of living and operating in and out of fear, aren’t you? Aren’t you tired of living a reactionary life, only doing things out of knee-jerk reactions or hiding from things because we couldn’t live up to our responsibilities?

We say we want to live debt-free lives, how about adding drama-free, negativity-free, pain-free, guilt-free, shame-free, and living a life free of fear?

Aren’t you tired of walking around with that aching feeling in your chest that sometimes tightens so much you can barely breathe? Aren’t you tired of your body being in pain because it’s the only way to get the emotional pain from within to come out? Aren’t you tired of your weight fluctuating worse than the stock market? We have to let go and truly release our cares, fears, worries, pain, frustration, anger, guilt, shame, resentment, pride, ego, and everything else to God. We have to let it all go or we will die holding on. I don’t know about you but I want to live a long, healthy, joy-filled life well into my 100s, God-willing.

I believe there’s a lot that God has in store for me and planned for me and I don’t want to disappoint Him one more day. So as I lovingly encourage each of you to let go, I pray that you also lovingly encourage me to do the same. Let’s push each other to greatness. Let’s push each other to be the best representations of Christ that we can be. Let’s not worry about today, yesterday or tomorrow. Let’s instead…P-U-S-H…

Pray
Until
Something
Happens

…and then do our parts to make sure we are there to receive our blessings and seize all opportunities that God places before us.

Prayer

Father, I need peace. I need peace of mind to see clearly what I can handle, what I can take on, and those things that I simply need to release to You. I need to see how to be helpful to others without carrying their weight. I need to learn how to guide them to You and Jesus so that they can develop their own special and close relationship with You.
I need to let go of my pride and accept that there are certain things I can’t do alone or at all; and that if I only give 50% then I will only get that much or less in return, yet if I give 100% effort, time, and drive then I will get that much in return. If I don’t seize opportunities for growth and prosperity around me then there is no reason to complain—for I made the decision not to act. I want to act Lord. I want to take ahold of the blessings You place before me. Show me Father. Free me Father. I’m tired of the pain and grief that I’m causing myself. Humbly I pray. Amen.

I love and respect you all. Thank you for also loving and respecting me.

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 11.1.21

“Eventually we all must stop running and face the things we fear most.”

Scripture

My heart falters, fear makes me tremble; the twilight I longed for has become a horror to me.

Isaiah 21:4

Reflection

Eventually we all must stop running and face the things we fear most. Eventually we all must make a decision to be specific about what we need and be ready to accept the gift, or not, and lose out.
Eventually we must make a decision about our life and commit ourselves 100% or live our remaining days in limbo.

Are you ready to stop living in fear? Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? Are you done with living a mediocre life? Are you ready to take the first step to a better, more wholesome, more freeing and joy-filled life? Then let’s do this!

Prayer

Father, thank You for another day, another sunrise, another breath, and for another opportunity to serve You and Your children. Father, sometimes I live my day in fear, making decisions based on fear, and then I fear what this fear will do to me if I continue living this way. Then there are days I live courageously without doubt in my heart and mind, and in those days I am most confident and determined to live out my purpose fully.
Father, free me from this fear. Help me to stand tall despite the odds, despite what others say and do, despite what the enemy says; I want to live courageously, consistently. I want to live each day in the moment, embracing the present, with a spirit of joy at what tomorrow may bring. I want to be prepared to receive the things that I wish for, that I need, and desire.
I’m tired of hiding, running, and being fearful. Free me Father so that I can live fully as You have intended. In Your Name I pray. Amen.

Lovingly,

Natasha

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