Let me explain. When the stay at home order was issued. I was okay. Honestly, more than okay. I saw the blessings that were hidden in the circumstances. I did not make light of the seriousness of the situation and how many deaths that happened (and still happening). In fact, the passing of my best friend's husband shook me too. But like always, you need to keep on going and be resilient. All we can do is follow the rules and regulations, use our common sense, and most importantly..pray more than ever.

 As the school starts to re-open (distance learning and in-person) all over the State, I started to feel this heaviness in my heart. As people try to go back with a certain degree of normalcy, I started to think about what normalcy would look like. You see, I got so contented living in my cocoon. I got complacent and just like most of you, I occupied myself with home projects. While I still did my best to meet friends and have a smaller meet-up with our daughter's friends, I felt like these changes around me and the community are starting to affect me. Don't even start with the waiting game with our daughter's school and not being able to decide (to homeschool or not, should I buy the supplies now or later, to mask or no to mask, etc.). It wasn't their purpose to make parents wait, it was just the uncertainty again and ever-changing regulations that contributed to the waiting time. But I still wish that the timing was impeccable.

 Last school year when distance learning first happened, I'm sure most of us had put a temporary pause on our careers to better meet the needs of our children. For some, that pause took longer as the majority of the schools will still be doing distance learning.  If you are like me, I am still on the fence on whether I should go back to working full-time since I am thinking ahead of the flu season. I've heard and read of a second wave for this pandemic. Then there's also the unemployment with so many business closing. There are just so many questions than answers. 

 For now, I am in the season of just waiting and questioning. The quiet season. I am in a season where I questioned my identity as a stay at home mom for 10 years to a mom who wants to work full-time (but the situation does not allow that for now). I am in a season of waiting what the Lord has in store for me even though doors of opportunities are not opening for me yet.  I am in a season where I have not yet received the prayers I have asked for in years. I am in a season where I constantly fight the lies the enemy whispers in my ear.

 I am still grateful for the provision He has given us that allows me to stay home with my girls. Extremely thankful for the hedge of protection He bestows against any disease and harm. But as a human being, we are not excused of trails. 

 Pastor Levi Lusko will bless you with his new 40-day devotional. I believe that it will change your life. I must admit that it was difficult at first to read it. Every word written spoke to me and so accurate for the season I'm in right now. Day 1 had me crying. Day 2, I was sobbing like a little child. Pastor Levi Lusko is right on the money when he mentioned a battle that is larger than what is in the outside or what we only see..it is larger within us. 

Take Back Your Life will not only transform how you think but also your faith and heart. How essential is the way we think? Here are a few Bible verses that can remind you of how important our manner of thinking is,

Romans 12:2

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.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Colossians 3:2-5

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. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

Every single day of the devotional ends in prayer and a breathe, think, and live section. This section has questions that will make you examine yourself (often the choices we made). These questions are paramount to your growth. 

But know, that what you will get is based on how much you give. Meaning this devotional will help you in many ways if you let it inside your heart and mind. Notice that I mentioned heart first. 

Matthew 6:21

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Proverbs 4:23

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

There is also a page for memory verses that we can memorize. Memorizing and reflecting on Bible verses is imperative to our spiritual warfare. Think of it as a travel size Advil for when a headache strikes. Bible verses that we memorized had the power to beat the lies from the enemy. It has the power to eradicate our unloving and troublesome thoughts.

I owned two of Pastor Levi's books. Through the Eyes of a Lion (another tearjerker BUT full of hope and inspiration) and I Declare War (the book that made me laugh and clap while uttering ...Yes Levi Yes..spot on!).

With all the books that I was given to review, this by far is the most transformative. It is very timely with the season I'm in and I always enjoy his humor and writing style.





Website (TakeBackBook.com) - the website offers a free five-week online bible study. It started August 25 but don't let this hold you back!

FREE 4-day PDF devotional for Kids.