And I Declare.....

Hello My Dear Friends!

May you truly be blessed in all things!  

You know what would be a blessing right now?  Warmer weather!  I don't know about you, but I have had just about enough of waking up to 5* temps.  Looking forward to the days that reach the 60's!  

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A year ago today, a night much like this one, my life changed forever.  A couple of friends and I were in a bad car accident that left my friend's car completely totaled and me with physical injures with which I am still battling.  In addition to the physical aliments, I was left emotionally and mentally exhausted.  I suffered from nightmares months afterwards and was skittish when behind the wheel.  Thankfully, I can say that most of those symptoms have abated.  Some days are worse than others, but overall, I am back to myself! 

The greatest change, however, was spiritually.  I am fully aware I could have died that night.  No more than ten minutes prior to the accident, I considered not buckling my seat-belt, because I was having difficultly getting it to latch.  I figured, "what the heck, we're only five minutes away."  Truly I tell you, God spoke to me that night.  I heard Him tell me "Buckle the belt; tonight you're going to need it."  Thankfully I listened.  

I faced Death that night, but God said "NOT YET!"  

In the weeks following the accident, I was home recovering and feeling rather sorry for myself.  I was bitter and often questioned God with the famous "WHY?"  While reading my bible one night, I came across the verse in Jeremiah 29:11-13, which reads "For I know that plans I have for you." says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.  In those days when you pray, I will listen.  If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me."  

Ha!  I thought.  This is part of your plan God?  What good does this do?  I'm practically an invalid! 

As I continued searching for verses, I came across Romans 8:28, which reads, "And we know that God causes ALL things to work together for the good of those who love God, and are called according to His purpose for them." 

Wait!  What?!?  You honestly expect me to believe this is for my good?  Lord!  Really?  What purpose does this serve?

And as I railed against God in my selfishness, I got to thinking.  What if God did have a greater purpose that I could not initially see?  What if I, as His creation, served a purpose for Him brought forth through the events of the accident and the recovery period?  What if I had a chance to glorify God with how I reacted? And!  What about my testimony?

I then came across several verses that put it all into a different perspective and drastically altered my attitude.   

Psalm 19:1, "The Heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork.       

 When I take time to be still and enjoy the glorious creation around me, I am in complete awe of God's handiwork.  Everywhere I look, I see His signature; His hand-print.  To the vast colors of each season, to the intoxicating floral scents; the buzzing of bees, the chirping of crickets; the whistling wind-everything declares His work! 

Revelation 4:11, "Worthy are you our Lord and God, to receive glory, and honor, and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created."

This verse in particular convicted me of several things.  God created the earth and everything in it and on it to bring Him glory and joy.  So!  Being His most precious creation [humanity], I too am to bring God glory and joy.  Consequently, my actions, my words, my thoughts are all part of that equation.  But!  Sadly I know I do not always declare the glory of the Lord.  And!  If I am aware that my testimony is not always God glorifying...what does it glorify?  

When people see me or hear me, what do they think?  Do they see Jesus in my words or see His love in my actions?  Or do they see a hypocrite who says one thing and does another.  Or claims to love like Jesus, but gossips about co-workers and customers? 

As I continued to read more verses, I broke down into tears of shame.  How often do I send mixed messages to those around me?  How often do I dishonor the name of Christ?  As a Believer, we are called to be Jesus to the world of Believers and Non-Believers alike.  How often do I truly do that? 

As I have said before in quite a few posts, being a Christian does NOT guarantee a life of sunshine and butterflies.  If anything, it guarantees challenges and heartbreaks.  Life in Christ means I DIE to myself EVERYDAY so that I can LIVE in Christ.  Life in Christ means facing persecution and ridicule from family, friends, and strangers alike.  Life in Christ means giving of yourself and sometimes receiving absolutely nothing in return.  Life in Christ means biting back words of hate but speaking the TRUTH in LOVE.  Life in Christ means to take up the CROSS EVERYDAY.  Life in Christ means DECLARING THE GLORY OF THE LORD!

Life in Christ isn't about me anymore.  Without Him, TRUE LIFE doesn't exist.

Therefore, as His creation we are called to display/live out various characteristics.  Let's revisit one of the topics I discussed in last week's blog.  Christ spoke many times about the spiritual responsibilities of Believers.  Thus, I am re-posting what I wrote last week, because I believe so strongly in this TRUTH! 

He [Christ] commands us to bear "good fruit" in our spiritual lives.  That means actively working on Patience when society says "hurry up!"  Gentleness when society says, "it doesn't matter who gets hurt!"  Self-control when society says, "if it feels right, do it,"  Love when society says, "hate your enemies!"  Peace when society says, "this world is a war!"  Kindness when society says, "think only of yourself!"  Faithfulness when society says, "fidelity is dead!"  Joyfulness when society says, "without this, you can't be happy!" 

How often does my life testify to the work of the Spirit and declare the Glory of the Lord?

Now!  I am not writing this to point an accusing finger, because believe me, I fail at this EVERY SINGLE DAY!  I am, however, asking you to take a reflective moment to examine what your life represents; what does you life declare?  When people see you, do they see someone who is "all about me?"  Do they see someone who "practices what they preach?"  Do they see unconditional compassion and love?  

What do you want them to see? 

As you begin this week, fresh from the weekend, I pray you'll take time each day to reflect on what your life declares.  It's not an automatic change and most days you'll probably find it a struggle to love those who hate you, call out the gossipers when you agree with what's being said, and display peace when your schedule is insanely hectic.  But!  Remember, you don't do this Life alone, and your strength is not your own.  

The Darkness of this world cannot overcome the Light of Christ in your life!  Shine Brightly!!! 

Until next time; God Bless! <3           

  

  

She Walks in Beauty!

Hello again!!  Prayers for many blessings!!

Can't get over this crazy weather, but so thankful to be home safe and sound!!  Hope you are all in your comfy clothes enjoying the snow from the inside of your home! 

 

How many of you look in the mirror everyday and hate what you see?  Let's be honest here...we ALL have done it, and some of us do it a LOT!  Women-we look at ourselves and wish we had longer legs, smaller hips, a bigger chest...the list goes on and on.  Men-you may look at yourself and wish you had larger biceps, tighter abs, larger pecs-so on and so forth.  And while society may say "it's normal to want to change things about yourself," is it "normal "to HATE yourself, your body, your life?"

I recently started the journey of seriously getting  healthy and fit.  I am 26 years old.  Yes!  I did in fact just drop my age, and there are days I feel like I am 56.  Aside from battling the effects of a bad car accident that leave me sore and stiff most mornings, I am quick to find other parts of my body I, shall I say it, "HATE!"  And, I often find myself comparing my body to other women who seem to have it all together concerning fitness, eating healthy, and overall physical appeal.  Needless to say, neither one of these approaches to my body and wellness are helpful.  In fact, they are crippling emotionally, mentally, and physically.

I would have continued on this vicious cycle if it weren't for a wonderful friend and Sister in Christ who opened my eyes to the destructive path on which I was walking.  

I was talking to her one night, feeling rather sorry for myself, and I mentioned how I hate my arms.  And!  I laughed it off like it was no big deal, because truth be told, I am very insecure and self-conscious about these issues.  And being brutally honest and loving at the same time, she didn't let me get away with that for very long.  
She immediately responded with, "don't ever HATE any part of your body and then laugh it off.  You are beautiful-God made you perfect from the start.  We can't hate anything He made...if you want better arms, get em!"

I have to admit, I wasn't shocked by her response, but it did procure a feeling of conviction, and I found myself crying.  And I started thinking about God creating me and what true beauty looks like to Him.  I went through the bible to find verses that discussed these topics, and not surprisingly, I found quite a few.  Take a walk with me through the scriptures as I show you what I found! 

Genesis 1:27 says, "God created man in his own image."

Wait!  Read that again!  "God created me in HIS own image."  Wow!  How then can I HATE my body if I am created in God's image.  It's as if I am hating God himself...is it not?  I read this over and over and although I've heard this verse before, it takes on an entirely new meaning.  All those times I've complained about how I look or my weight or parts of myself, I am complaining to God and about God.  As a Believer, one who has been redeemed by the blood of Christ, how can I hate any part...how...how?

Psalm 139:13-14 says, "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."

Again!  Conviction.  No way around this one.  God created every part of my being; from the obvious features seen by the naked eye, to the most finite details man has still yet to discover.  He took the care of an artist creating a beloved masterpiece and put it together part by part.  Everything about who I am is intentional and most certainly not a mistake.  Furthermore, I am to PRAISE God for his work in my life, and instead I complain and insult Him.  Never really thought of it that way either.  Yikes!  I can't imagine how it pains Him to hear the words I say aloud or the silent thoughts in my heart.  This is something my soul has to work on...one step at a time.  

  
 1 Corinthians 3:16 says, "Do you not know that you are God's temple, and that the Holy Spirit dwells within you?"  

I have heard this verse a million times; and somehow, it means so much more this time around.  Funny how God uses the most seemingly unlikely moments to reveal His TRUTH!  But then again, nothing He does is accidental.  Once again, I am learning to see my body as more than just flesh and bones.  More than just MINE.  This body is a tool of the Most High God.  It's His temple, His dwelling place.  How can I hate that?  How can I look at it in disgust?  Instead, I need to learn to love it and care for it.  And it needs to be done for much more than just cosmetic reasons.  

The transformation is from the inside out!  

And!  Aside from His beautiful work on the outside, God is also actively working on creating beauty on the inside-on the spiritual level-deep within my soul.  Clearly, my heart needs some serious adjustments! 

I then looked up a set of verses I know very well-and I am positive you've heard these several times too! 

Galatians 5:22-23 says, "the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. 

So wait!  Let's break this down.  While God wants us to care for our outer bodies, His temple; He also commands us to bear "good fruit" in our spiritual lives.  That means actively working on Patience when society says "hurry up!"  Gentleness when society says, "it doesn't matter who gets hurt!"  Self-control when society says, "if it feels right, do it."  Love when society says, "hate your enemies!"  Peace when society says, "this world is at war!"  Kindness when society says, "think only of yourself!"  Faithfulness when society says, "fidelity is dead!"  Joyfulness when society says, "without this, you can't be happy!" 

       

This is a stark reminder that true beauty is much deeper than skin and bones.  It's much more complex than a fit body, designer clothes, and perfect hair.  It's a beauty that shines from the inside the out!  

You can be the most physically attractive person, but if your heart is ugly, your beauty is superficial!   

    

I re-learned something really important that night talking to my friend and reading God's word.  This body is perfect, just the way it is.  God created it piece by piece without any mistakes.  To HATE any part is to look directly into the face of my Creator and say "You are a terrible artist-your work stinks!"  But!  It is my job to care for this temple, for it is the home of the Holy Spirit!  Leaving the temple in ruins both on the outside and inside is also an insult to God!  People see what is in your heart and that affects how they see you as a whole!  Let your Light shine before Men, so that God may be glorified!     

So!  I am going to make a conscious and intentional effort to 1. Thank God for fearfully and wonderfully making me 2. Take care of this temple to the best of my abilities and 3. Nurture the fruits of my spirit through prayer and the Word! 

With that said, I encourage all of you ladies and gentlemen to reevaluate how you look at yourself!  Look at yourself as a work of art; masterfully pieced together by the Great Sculptor.  Give thanks!  If you want to improve your health and get into shape-go for it!  Do it in a way that is healthy and God honoring.  I am more than certain you'll be pleasantly surprised with the end result.  And! It shouldn't be a "quick fix," but rather a lifestyle; a conscious effort. 

Prayers for blessings for all your endeavors!  Until next time!  God Bless! <3          

   

        

Even though I Walk through the Valley!

Hello my Dear Friends!!

I pray your week went well and the weekend was restful.  I am preparing for a week that spans over 60+hours.  Oh the joys of working at a college bookstore the week classes start!  Not complaining..truly!  I am beyond grateful for the gift my managerial position has been for the last year.  God is indeed Faithful! 

I recently attended the funeral of my cousins' paternal grandmother.  It was a beautiful service and a celebration of her life.  Needless to say, it was also a time of mourning and sadness.  Death is never easy, even when the deceased is a Believer. 

 Even though we know she's in Heaven with our Father, the pain of losing her is still just as palpable.    

  

Death is a part of everyday life.  It is the final third in nature's cycle-Birth, Life, Death.  We see the birth of creation every Spring and Summer, and watch is slowly wither away in Fall and Winter.  

It's as if Creation breathes through each season.

However, what touched me most was the heartfelt message shared by the pastor officiating the service.  A man of abundant energy and passion, he brought forth a contagious joy regarding life, death, and faith.  I fell particularly in love with his message regarding the 23 Psalm.  

You know..the one that starts..."The Lord is My Shepherd..." 

In my times of desperation, uncertainty, and weakness, I have prayed this psalm as an incantation to my Heavenly Father-seeking His help, wisdom, and comfort.  Although I have recited this psalm from memory many times over, I never truly stopped to unpack its complex meaning.  Do you find yourself doing the same thing?  How often do we read scripture and take for granted that we simply "know" its content.  What if we took time to actually "KNOW" it-inside out?  How much more would God reveal Himself to us if we took the time to fall deeply in love with His Love Letter to us?  What would it be like if God only took time to "basically know His creation," instead of "knitting us in our mother's womb?"  

Scary thought isn't it?!        

For the last four days, I have not stopped brooding over message on the 23 Psalm.  It struck a cord deep within my heart.  

I have savored its beauty and thirsted after its truth like a dying man in the desert. 

If you'll take this journey with me, I would like to share what I learned that day, in the funeral home.  How God revealed Himself to me in an entirely refreshing way.  It goes without saying that God uses ALL things for the good of those who LOVE Him.  

 23 Psalm

1. The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. 

The job of the shepherd is to guard, protect, care, and love his sheep.  To make sure they have enough food to eat, a warm place to sleep, and are safe from all harm.  He sacrifices his safety, well-being, and sometimes his life for his flock.  Jesus is our Shepherd and we are His sheep.  He sacrificed His life on the Cross so that we may have eternal life with Him in Heaven.  All of our needs are taken care of because of His love!  

2. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

Sheep aren't the smartest of animals.  Without the shepherd to guide them towards new fields on which to graze, they would die.  Furthermore, sheep are very skittish.  They will not go towards any moving water to drink.  The shepherd must lead his flock to water that is silent in order for them to partake.  Like sheep, we're pretty dumb on our own.  We make mistakes, because we don't think through to the consequences.  Jesus leads us out of the dead pastures in our lives, where we would remain and die, and leads us to fields that offer abundant life.  In addition, we don't like any ripples or upsets.  The minute we sense trouble, conflict, or difficulty, we run the other direction.  Jesus leads us through the rough waters and guides us towards a peace that passes our human understanding. 

3. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His namesake.

Like I said before, sheep cannot survive on their own.  However, there is one thing sheep know how to do and that is follow.  They know the shepherd's voice and will follow that voice wherever it calls them.  Jesus calls us to obedience as Christians.  Without Him, we will go our own way-a way that leads to Death.  However, if we listen, we will  hear His voice leading us along the path that leads to Life.  He desires for us to live full and abundant lives in Him.  That doesn't mean life will be without hardships, but it does mean we don't have to do it alone. 

4.  Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me. thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.  

The shepherd has the taxing job of protecting His sheep from not only dying of starvation and thirst, but wild animals that prey on unsuspecting animals and rocks and thorns that ensnare. The rod is used to clear away any briers, clear away any rocks, and scare away snakes that attack sheep.  The staff, the big stick that looks like an upside down J, is used to pull a sheep up and away from danger.  The hooked part of the staff is placed under the sheep's belly and holds it in place until the shepherd can lift it away from impending danger.  We, as Believers, find comfort in the knowledge that Christ goes before us to protect us from danger both physically and spiritually. It shows that He will never leave us nor forsake us-especially in our darkest hour and greatest need.   

5. Thou preparest a table for me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.     

For us, as Christians, we are going to have many enemies; people who don't share our faith, dislike our openness, and don't want anything to do with Jesus.  Despite that, God still prepares a table or a feast for us in our lives.  He still provides for our needs and blesses us despite our persecution.  And!  If we are obedient to His will, others will see God's faithfulness.  The anointing of the head is symbolic for prosperity and rejoicing.  No matter what the world says or does, we as Believers are under the fold of Christ.  Our lives must reflect this truth and God will be glorified through us-and our cups will runneth over with His TRUTH! 

6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever.

Despite the struggles, hardships, and failures we experience in this earthly life, God's Grace and Mercy are everlasting.  Even as Christians, we mess up and disappoint God.  We disobey and go our own way.  We're human, made of sinful flesh!  However, Christ's sacrifice on the Cross makes it possible to die to that flesh everyday and find LIFE everlasting through SALVATION.  If we are faithful to confess our sins, Jesus is faithful to FORGIVE.  The reward-eternity with Him in His Heavenly Home!!  

I found myself crying as the pastor unwrapped this precious gem.  How appropriate for the life celebration of a loved one!!!  What a comfort it was to be reminded of Christ's faithfulness in the darkest of valleys and the highest peaks.  

I felt refreshed, rejuvenated, renewed!!!

It doesn't, however, mean that I won't still make mistakes EVERY day.  But, I was reminded of something.  No matter how many times I disobey and wander away from the protection of my Shepherd, He will always come find me and bring me back into the safety of His arms!!  And!  It makes me less desirous to go my own way.  Why choose my own selfish paths when all they lead to is disappointments and hurts?  God's path may not always seem the most fun, and it may seem downright difficult; but, the end result is a blessing beyond anything I can ever imagine. 

With all this said, I encourage you to fall back in LOVE with the Word of the Lord.  It may seem to some as old, antiquated, and irrelevant.  But!!  It is full of very REAL life truths and promises that transcend time.  Don't just read the Bible to READ.  Read the Bible to LIVE!! 

May you be blessed in the coming week.  If you are in a valley, take heart!  Your shepherd goes before you to lead you out!  If you are on a mountain peak, rejoice and give thanks!!  Either way, you are NOT alone! 

<3 

I'm linking today with All Things Bright and Beautiful at the Writer's Reverie @

      

     

Grace Like Snow!

Hello to all my dear friends!!

I hope you all had a very Happy and Healthy New Year!!

Welcome to 2014!!   

Nothing is quite as breathtaking as seeing the world under a soft, shimmering blanket of freshly fallen snow.  Pristine and flawless, it begs to be touched and yet..one almost desires to leave it perfect-loath to leave the first imperfection.

During one of the snow storms that graced the first of the year, I sat in my living room enjoying the warmth of my home, sipping hot chocolate, wrapped in a blanket-with my journal and pen on my lap. I am fascinated by the dancing and swirling flakes outside my window, and I listen to the symphony of sounds created by the whistling wind drawing up the snow and whipping it through the trees.  

I am in awe of the power of this storm and am reminded of how small I am in comparison to this great big world and the universe that spans light-years away.  

In the midst of my quiet reflection, I got to thinking about how God's Grace and Mercy are like snow.  Perfect and without limitations.  Powerful and yet gentle.  And just when we least expect it, it covers us like a soft blanket.  How often, dear one, do you shy away from the power of God's grace?  How often do you pull away because of feelings of inadequacy or self loathing?  I know I do it more times that I ought to, and I struggle with fully accepting it when I feel so undeserving.  

But here's the thing...we don't deserve it..EVER!  

That's the beauty of Grace and Mercy.  By definition, Grace is "giving something undeserved," and Mercy is "not giving something deserved."  


For example: God gave us Jesus, because He loves us so much and doesn't want us to die separated from Him for eternity-Grace.

And, God didn't condemn us to Hell for all eternity, through the death of Christ on the Cross-Mercy.

   So in this year, fresh and new, let God's Grace and Mercy cover you like a blanket of freshly fallen snow.  Perfect, pristine, and without limits.  All you have to do...is accept the GIFT so lovingly given-and it doesn't cost you anything!

Many prayers for a year filled with Blessings!  Take each day and give thanks for the beauty it brings!  

<3   

                       

   

     

I Give You My Heart

Hello My Dear Friends!!

I pray you had a blessed Thanksgiving holiday and are recovered from the consumption all of the delicious food!  

In the spirit of the Christmas Season, my house is fully decorated with lights and garland, Christmas carols play in the background, and the scramble for purchasing gifts is well under way.  

However, is this all the season has to offer?

In recent years, Christmas has become such a grossly commercialized holiday; touting the magic of Santa Claus and the joy of finding that special package under the tree Christmas morning.  But, what happened to sharing the TRUE meaning of Christmas; 'it is better to GIVE than to RECEIVE.'

I am immensely blessed to have a family that has a heart for giving and ministry.  I was recently scrolling my news-feed on Facebook and came across a post written by one of my aunts.  I was SO touched by the post; I knew it would be the central theme to this week's blog.  

Here is the post verbatim     

I passed right by him. He was nestled in between a trashcan and a coke machine trying to keep warm. He had a few dozen crushed aluminum cans scattered around him....maybe just enough to sell so he could buy a cheap burger. He kept saying "Hey ma'am. Hey". I walked right by him at first. I was in a hurry to get back home. When I got to my car I couldn't resist his cry. Ashley was in the car waiting and we dug in our purses to find enough cash to help the man out. I knelt down beside him so I could get down on his level and look into his eyes."

"Sir, are you hungry?" 

"Oh, yes ma'am, I sure am."

"I'm gonna give you some money for a meal. You aren't going to spend it on those cigarettes you are smoking are you?"

"Oh, no....I just got these out of the ashtray. They were left over from someone else."

"Do you have a warm place to sleep tonight?"

"Yes ma'am. I sleep over by McDonalds."

"I'm glad. Do you know Jesus loves you? Do you know who He is?"

"Yes, ma'am. I do. I sure do."

"Well He loves you and He wants you to have a good meal tonight."

"Oh yes ma'am. I'm going over to McDonalds now and buy two fish sandwiches."

"Okay....I'm glad you will have a good meal and a place to sleep tonight."

"Yes, ma'am. Thank you."

"You're welcome sir."

When I got to my car he said,

"Hey ma'am. Will you do me a favor?"

"Whats the favor sir?"

"Buckle up!!"

"Oh yes sir I will."

I smiled and drove off. Whoahhhh..... the tears started to flow. I've driven by many a homeless person. I sometimes given and sometimes haven't. There was something about this time that was different. Maybe it was because I wasn't in a hurry. This time I didn't just throw the money and drive off. Maybe it was the holiday season. Maybe it was because I knelt down on his level and felt the depth of his hunger, loneliness, and pain for just a few minutes. I don't really know, but I am grateful for those few minutes that reminded me that I am no different than him. 

He's the "same kind of different as me."

I'm lost!! I'm hungry!! I'm thirsty!! 

I need a Savior !! 

Thank you Jesus for rescuing me from myself!! 

Your grace is enough! 

Jesus is enough!

Matt.25:35 "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink....."

I am not ashamed to admit that I was brought to tears by what was shared in this post.  I was convicted of my own blindness to the world around me.  How many times do we pass by the "hungry, thirsty, and lost" of this world.  Whether they need actual nourishment, an encouraging word, a listening ear, or the Good News.  How many of us are so consumed by our own wants and needs that we ignore the needs of our fellow neighbors? 

I found it perfectly timed that she would write this post during the greatest season of GIVING.  Christmas is not about presents under the tree, or decorations, or parties.  It is the celebration of the greatest GIFT ever given; God GAVE us His Son, Jesus, so that this world, consumed in darkness of sin, may have life and light eternal. 

John 3:16 says, "For God so LOVED the world, that He GAVE his only Son, that whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish but have eternal LIFE."

Isaiah 9:6-7 says, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this."

Luke 2:9-14 says, " An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."  Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,  "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

I am not writing this post to bash the fun festivities that surround the Christmas season.  I love to take part in all of various events as well.  Who doesn't?  But!!  I am taking time to once again reflect on what Christmas is really about!  It is a time when I give thanks to God my Father for His most precious gift, and when I in turn practice the art of giving to others-others that don't include my friends and family.  

Let this also be an encouragement to practice GIVING all year round.  Let us find joy in sharing ourselves with others the remaining 364 days of the year.  Christ doesn't stop giving His love after Christmas.  He love and mercy are everlasting and unconditional.  And as I said before, what we give doesn't necessarily have to or need to be "material" related.  Most times, store bought times can't fix the real need of those with whom we come in contact.  Like my aunt, she may have provided money for the homeless man, but what she really GAVE him was her time and love.  The money was probably spent in a few hours, but the love she shared will last him a life time.  He got to see the love of Jesus through the kindness of my aunt.  That gift, my friends, is the BEST one of ALL!  

May you be blessed this Christmas Season!!  

God Bless! <3        

Thanksgiving Blessing!

Hello again to all my friends!! 

I am very late in posting; it's been quite a week prepping for Thanksgiving!  With that said, this post will be short, sweet, and to the point! 

I pray you are Blessed on this Thanksgiving Day!!  May you find joy in the company of your family and friends.  May laughter and merriment fill the room and reminiscent conversation accompany the meal!  May you remember to give thanks for the many blessings you've been given throughout the year.  Always remember, though sorrow may last for a night, JOY comes in the morning! 

Please keep in your thoughts and prayers our men and women who cannot be with their families this Thanksgiving.  Pray for their safety as they fight to uphold the freedoms we enjoy everyday. Hold your loved ones just a little bit tighter.  

For those of you who have suffered the loss of loved ones this year, my heart reaches out to you.  Cherish the many precious memories you have, and keep them alive in your hearts by sharing those memories with your family and friends!

I want to share with you the Psalm that is read, as a tradition, at my house before the breaking of bread.  

Psalm 100 

Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!

2 

    

Worship the Lord with gladness.

    

Come before him, singing with joy.

3 

Acknowledge that the Lord is God!

   

 He made us, and we are his.

   

 We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 

Enter his gates with thanksgiving;

    

go into his courts with praise.

    

Give thanks to him and praise his name.

5 

For the Lord is good.

    

His unfailing love continues forever,

    

and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

May God Bless you all!  Happy Thanksgiving.  Have a safe and happy holiday!

Much Love! <3           

Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart!

Hello my dear friends!!

I pray you are all doing well! 

In the season of Thanksgiving, I am reminded of how fortunate I am in the many blessings of my life.  I am ashamed to say that all too often, I am more than happy and prepared to complain rather than give thanks. More times than not, I have received blessings for which I never asked.  That is the gracious and merciful Father I serve and love!  How many times have you found yourself in the same situation?  And yet?  How many times do we complain about how God didn't work according to our plan?  

I am guilty of this more times than I care to admit! 

The Bible talks about "being thankful" and "giving thanks" a total of 40 times.  God is clearly VERY serious about us developing and practicing a spirit and an attitude of thankfulness! And as you read this you may say, "this woman has no idea what I have been through!  What do I have to be thankful for?"  

Believe me, I understand!  I don't know all of the circumstances surrounding your life.  But!  I do know how bitterness, anger, and resentment can kill a spirit faster than a blazing fire.  I know, because I was there up until only a few years ago.  And!  I have been a Believer since I was seven years old!  Even so, I let years of hurt build up inside until I couldn't even see straight.  Sure, I put on a well rehearsed smile and said all of the right things; but, inside I was dying.

It wasn't until after I talked to a friend who gave me a new perspective, that I realized how selfishly I was acting.  I had spent years blaming God for my hardships; expecting that life as a Christian would prevent me from any sorrows, while failing to see the blessings He has placed and worked in EVERY aspect of my life.  Even in the struggles, God has blessed me.  If I had simply taken the time to really look and listen,  I would have seen this truth many years ago.  Now don't get me wrong; I am not asking God for hardships and struggles-even in my new understanding. But, I can approach them with a much different attitude.  

I no longer see it as God punishing me, but rather His continuous work in my life.  It gives me comfort to know that my Father is still molding, shaping, and transforming me into His image.  For that, I am eternally Thankful!

Here are several verses that remind me to give thanks in ALL THINGS.  Please take the time to read and reflect up this truth! 

Thessalonians 5: 16-18 says: "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

Psalm 136: 3 says: "Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever."  

Philippians 4: 4-7 says: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Now, I am not saying that you will ALWAYS have a thankful heart.  Life will present struggles that make it nearly impossible to think about being thankful.  But, don't look at thankfulness as an emotion, but rather a state-of-mind and a life-style choice.  And as all habits do, it will take TIME to develop.  So!  Be patient with yourself!  This change of the heart won't happen over night, and you can't do it alone!  Seek the Lord in all things! When the flesh wants so badly to be ungrateful, ask Him for the strength to be thankful in spirit, mind, and deed!

My challenge to you!  Keep a journal or a list of the things for which you are thankful.  It can be a daily list, weekly, or monthly.  Just keep it habitual.  And!  It doesn't always have to be big things. It can be seemingly small and inconsequential items that mean something personally to you!  At the end of each day, week, month, etc., reflect on those things, and present them to the Lord.

I wanted to share a YouTube link to a song by Laura Story.  I am not going to tell you anything further.  The songs lyrics explain themselves perfectly!!  Enjoy!  

        

   

May you be blessed in the coming week! <3