A Prayer for Contentment When You’re Feeling DownBy Keri Eichberger "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." – Hebrews 13:5 I have a confession to make. I let stuff get to me. And I'm not talking about the hard stuff of life we're sometimes handed that would be sure to get anyone worked up and down. I'm talking about material things. The opportunities and possessions of life that money can buy. And that the bible warns us not to get wrapped up in. And here's what makes this confession a bit easier to share. I'm not alone. Every single human soul falls prey to worldly ways time and again.  About two months ago, I'd had it. For over six years, we'd crammed seven people into a house built for exactly five, and the bustling morning in our since-shared master bathroom when the twins (the unexpected additions) had spit-sprayed toothpaste into the mirror, I mean sink, for the tenth-too-many time, I cracked. We called the contractor that day with a bold "yes" to the bid to finish more basement space to give us back ours. This is when "stuff" started to get to me. First, it was isolated to the basement renovation. Choosing this or that tile, paint, light fixture, fan, mirror, all the things. And without notice I started to feel down and discontent with the whole rest of the house. The house was brand new, top to bottom, only ten years ago. I saw small dents here, wall scratches there, wearing carpet in this room, faded hardwood in another. And dated wall art, lamps, and accent tables. And I'm not kidding, I really began to feel down and kind of depressed about it all. It’s embarrassing to admit. Of course, then I felt down about being down about stuff. But then, oh so convicted. I know better than this. As if any of this stuff and fluff really even matters. The truth: I am so blessed. And really, aren't we all? It's true. We are. Regardless of what you have. Even if it's an extravagant amount to the majority of the world’s standard, soon enough, you'll feel discontent or disappointed with what you can't seem to attain or keep up with. Because all things weather, wear down, and fade. Seriously, even the greatest palaces will gather cobwebs and age, and it is impossible to keep fresh and up-to-date. All things on earth slowly die and deteriorate. You need to understand, and I need to understand something. The enemy wants you to adopt this mindset of more. He wants you focused on material things and what money might let you borrow and buy. He wants you so focused to the point of disappointment and absolute distraction that you forget where the actual good life is found. That you forget what lasts: true joy, love, and peace found only in the Lord. That you forget the abundant, fulfilling presence of our almighty God. Satan got me. Well almost. Fortunately, I've laid stake in whose I am. I know who the abundant God is. And here's what else I know. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:12-13). Through God, who gives us strength, we can learn to be content. When the enemy tries to lure us in with all that looks nicer than what we see and tempts us with deceptive empty promises that material things will satisfy, we can call out the lies. We can praise the God of all blessings for everything we have right now, for each good and perfect gift he has placed before us and with us and lavishes with his permeating presence all around us.  Let's pray: Lord God, You have given us so much. You give abundantly more than the world could ever dream to offer. You not only supply earthly gifts, but you also offer so incredibly much more. That which is lasting, everlasting, and fully fills. Your perfect, unconditional compassion and love, your peace beyond understanding, an inexpressible joy available regardless of circumstance, and a presence that will never leave or forsake us. Lord, please remind us that the things of the world are only temporary and are sure to fade and fail us, and if we get distracted by its tempting fruit, it will only deter us from what is richer, lasting, and eternal. We love you more than anything the world has to offer. Help us to live like that. In Your abundant Name, Amen.   Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Charday Penn Keri Eichberger is a Jesus-loving Kentucky girl. She is married to her best friend, Mike, and has a full house of five kids. After years of writing for an online audience, Keri became ordained through Southeast Christian Church, giving her life to full-time ministry. She is the author of Win Over Worry: Conquer What Shakes You and Soar With the One Who Overcomes, and has a passion for sharing faith-filled encouragement through devotional writing. Connect with Keri at KeriEichberger.com or Instagram. Related Resource: Remember God’s Enduring Love for You in this Guided Meditation on Psalm 100! This guided Christian meditation from Psalm 100 will help you experience and praise God for his unending love for you. Become aware of God's presence with you, and praise God for his loyal and enduring love from the beginning of time and into the future. Listen to every episode of the So Much More Podcast on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode! Now that you’ve prayed, are you in need of someone to pray for YOU? Click the button below! Visit iBelieve.com for more inspiring prayer content. The post A Prayer for Contentment When You’re Feeling Down – Your Daily Prayer – August 14 appeared first on GodUpdates.

A desert rock album made by Māori musician Troy Kingi at the fabled Rancho De La Luna studio in Joshua Tree? Step right this way

Roy Buchanan inspired Jeff Beck, Gary Moore and Joe Bonamassa, but suffered a life of addiction and died a bluesman’s death

It’s a lot to digest when you’re already a big sister to one baby and your mom tells you she is having another one. Sweet little Huntleigh’s mom, Destiny, brought home a baby brother less than a year ago and found out she was expecting again. An early gender test told the family Destiny was having another boy. Huntleigh was less than thrilled at the gender reveal when she found out because she had her heart set on a baby sister. As time went by, Huntleigh settled into the idea of being the proverbial “rose among the thorns” when her mom shared some unexpected news. Huntleigh’s dream was about to come true. @destinyaconley44 she will be the best big sister to her little sister #fyp #momsoftiktok #bigsister #babytiktok ♬ original sound – Destiny| MamaofThree The Gender Reveal Was Wrong—The Baby Is Actually A Girl Destiny posted a video on TikTok of her telling Huntleigh that the gender reveal was wrong. She doesn’t have a baby brother in her belly after all—she has a baby sister. The sweet big sis’ eyes light up like stars. She is so filled with excitement and wonder that she begins to tear up. It’s a heart-melting moment that got us a little misty. Destiny’s video has racked up 1.5 million views, and it’s not hard to see why. The soon-to-be mom of three captioned the TikTok, “She will be the best big sister to her little sister.” This person noticed the look in her eyes, “She’s thinking about all the fun things they’re going to do together.” Many commented on how beautiful Huntleigh is, like this person, “Aww!!! Those beautiful blue eyes just GLISTENED.” The mother/daughter bond is undeniable. “Watching her little face light up when you speak to her is so precious.” Destiny replied, “Me and her have a bond like no other. I had her young so we have grown together…I love all my babies, but she will always be my tiny best friend.” The new baby is due in January, and we can’t wait to see these besties grow up together. You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post Little Girl Learned She Was Going To Have A Baby Brother—Then Came A Huge Surprise appeared first on InspireMore.

This little girl is giving us all of the determination vibes. She gives a whole new meaning to the saying, life is not about how many times you fall down. It’s about how many times you get back up. Watch as this baby takes her first steps after countless falls. Baby’s First Steps Remind Us To Never Give Up My daughter’s absolute determination to take her first steps byu/kcharlto inaww The video starts with this adorable baby falling to the floor. Her mother gives her encouragement by saying, “You’ve almost got it. Come on.” Mom’s words give her encouragement, as she proceeds to try again and again until she successfully stands upright and beams at her mother with pride. As a little triumphant giggle escapes her lips, she falls back onto the floor. Instead of focusing on the fall, her mother focuses on the effort that her baby is putting into taking her first steps. “Good job,” she praises. The little girl is steadfast in her determination as she sets herself to stand again. “Be careful” her mother warns. The baby stands, and all of her hard work pays off. She takes two or three steps towards her mother, giggling the entire time. When she falls this time, it doesn’t seem to matter. She did it! This baby took her first steps. Steadfast Determination The mother cannot contain her giggles and excitement as she celebrates along with her child. She even comments, “Wow, you’re so proud.” Viewers took to the comments to share their reactions to this adorable video. Nicnoletree said, “I particulalry liked that little slap on the floor. Come on, I can do this! Try again!” EStewart57 chimed in, “That determination might stay with her the rest of her life. Better get that college fund going.” We hope her determination does stay with her the rest of her life. One thing we can all learn from this baby is to never give up. No matter how hard it seems, or how many times you may fall, you can do anything if you believe in yourself. The source of the featured image can be found here. The post This Baby’s Pure & Joyful Determination To Take Her First Steps Will Remind You To Never Give Up! appeared first on InspireMore.

Sometimes stars perform their own stunts—just ask Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom. Luckily, the happy couple shares a sense of adventure. They were vacationing in Spain when they decided to jump from a helicopter into the ocean. Thankfully for us, Katy posted a video of their adventure on Instagram, and it was intense. Katy and Orlando jumped into the deep blue sea sans life jackets. The video shows the couple preparing before the jump and then taking the leap right into the water. They obviously aren’t extremely high above the ocean’s surface, but it’s still a stunt, nonetheless. Katy’s new song Lifetimes began streaming last week, before the release of her new album. She shared lyrics from the tune in the video’s caption, “Like the stars are in the sky. You and I will find each other. In every single life.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by KATY PERRY (@katyperry) Katy Perry And Orlando Bloom Have Been A Couple Since 2016 Katy and Orlando met in 2016 and became engaged in 2019. In 2020, they welcomed their daughter, Daisy Dove. The pair love each other and have an adventurous spirit. “I fell in love with Katheryn, this girl from Santa Barbara. And by the way, parents, pastors, living on food stamps,” Orlando told People. “We’re not talking glamorous, Montecito.”  He added he wouldn’t trade their love “for anything.” “Because we’ve got these two giant careers and lives, and hers is even, you know… it’s like a universe sometimes,” he said. “But I think I just keep coming back to her and trying to hold her hand and walk her back to the sand pit and be like… we’re just gonna build a sandcastle.” Katy’s sixth studio album, 143, will be released on September 20. In the early days of text messages and passing notes, people often used the 143 as code for “I Love You.” Cosmopolitan reported Katy told Zane Lowe the album’s name is no coincide. “It’s called “143” It’s my angel number,” Katy explained, “It’s my symbol. It’s my sign. You know, couple years ago, we were going through a little bit of a hard time medically in our family, and it was a little bit scary. And I started seeing 143 in many different ways, not just, like, on the phone. It was just like trippy, almost. And I looked it up, and it’s code for ‘I love you.'” You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post Katy Perry And Orlando Bloom Pull A Tom Cruise-Level Stunt appeared first on InspireMore.