Psalm 8

Had a brain freeze today, but the Word is always there to have my back!

Verse of the Day:O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.
O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

Thanksgiving Friday!

We've rounded the corner again on yet another week! Praise God that we're still here!

This week I'm thankful for God's song in my heart. Every day this week - literally - I have had a different praise song playing in my mind when I woke up in the morning. It's been so much fun singing them out as I start my day. And I know they're from God because some of them I haven't sung in years! God is good.

I kind of see this as a sign that I've got my joy back and things are falling back in place. So, I'm thankful for God's joy as well. It feels good to smile for real.

Enjoy your weekend everyone!

Verse of the Day: The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him. Exodus 15:2

Push Me!

I'm a competitve person. I hate, hate, HATE to lose! I have friends who are the same way, and we always have fun talking trash when we play games against each other. We like to push each other to be the best to ensure the best possible scenario of a win. It's always a sweeter victory when you know that everyone involved brought their A Game.

In this game of life, we should be doing the same thing. We should always encourage others to be the best they could possibly be. Why go through life just coasting along or folding at every challenge? Just by being born, we were declared winners! We've been winning since our inception, why stop there?

This philosophy takes on more credibility when one considers our faith. We should be working as hard as we can to be the best Christians that we can be in order to please our Heavenly Father. He already gave us His best by sending His Son, so the least we can do is live our lives before Him as holy as possible.

And as Brothers and Sisters in Christ, we should be pushing each other to be upright before the Lord. With our encouragement to each other, we can all lead more fulfilled and prosperous lives.

So, as we go about our day today, let's take time and push the others around us to be better people! Together, we can make this world a beautiful place.

Verse of the Day:And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works... Hebrews 10:24

Give It To God

How many times have you gotten a great idea only to find yourself lose steam towards the middle and have the project fall apart? Or, how often do you find yourself begging God to pull you through something you undertook with great joy in the beginning?

A lot of the stress and anxiety we experience in life can be avoided simply by giving every detail of our lives over to the Lord. Think about it: How many projects, outings, or activities to you put in God’s hands? As Christians, we may ask God to bless our church endeavors or those things that have to do with our faith, but the Bible says that everything we do should be done to God’s glory. (Colossians 3:17)

So, before you embark on your day’s work today, take a moment and give everything you’re about to do to God. You’d be surprised at how much of a difference it can make. In addition to bright ideas and creative methods, you’ll have a greater sense of peace and less stress because you know that God is in control of it all.

Verse of the Day: Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. Proverbs 16:3

You Can Handle the Truth

It’s great to have friends that are saved. Every now and then a person needs someone to give them a good slap of the Word to get them back on track. Sometimes – since we’re saved ourselves – we tend to avoid our Christian friends when we aren’t in the “mood” to hear the Truth. But that Holy Spirit connection has a way of kicking in, and we still wind up hearing God’s Word of instruction.

I found myself slippin’ the other day, and my good friend reminded me of some words of faith I had just spoken days before. I could only thank them for reminding me and force myself to receive their words of wisdom.

It’s always easier to dish out the knowledge than to take it when it’s your turn to get right. At least it is for me. Thank God that we continue to move forward. That is a hard spot to stand in. The key is to remember that it all comes from a place of love. If your friend didn’t care, they wouldn’t remind you of what God felt about your actions.

So, consider your own life: Can someone rely on you to tell them the Truth about themselves? Or are you too afraid that you’ll lose a friend if you try to steer them right? It’s better to tell the Truth than to stay silent and let your friend go down the wrong path. Can someone feel comfortable telling you the Truth without you catching an attitude or starting an argument? Can you take a loving rebuke?

It’s always better to go through a brief bit of discomfort now than a world of pain later. Thank God for people who aren’t scared to speak the Truth!

Verse of the Day: Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17

Go For It!

It’s graduation season, and youths to adults are partaking in the fruit of their years of hard labor. After all of the studying, stress, testing, and prayers, students are finally experiencing the joy of crossing another finish line in the race of life.

As with our physical life, our spiritual one has thresholds and greater levels as well. How well are you doing in the School of Life spiritually? Have you passed any tests, learned any lessons, and ‘graduated’ to any new heights in God? Or have you been standing in the same place for the last few ‘semesters’?

There’s always something new to learn, and we don’t always have to learn them from hardships. God is always waiting to reveal more of Himself to us. He always has new facets that He would love to share about His Word. We just have to take the initiative to get in His presence and learn from Him.

As we continue to learn and grow, we will find our spiritual experience heightened to new levels beyond what we could dream or think about. Can you imagine having the kind of relationship with God like Abraham or Moses or even Jesus? Who knows what we could achieve if more Christians would graduate to those levels!

So, while it is important to go after scholastic knowledge, it’s equally important to chase after the knowledge of God in the same way. The Bible says that if we get closer to God, He’ll get closer to us. (James 4:8) We, however, have to take the initiative to take those steps nearer to God.

Let’s all become better students of the Word, so we can graduate to new levels in the Spirit! I know the payoff is much better than a mere diploma.

Verse of the Day: Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3: 13, 14

Thanksgiving Friday

IT'S FRIDAY!!! We made it! - So thankful! This week was a doozie, but looka here I'm still standing strong giving God praise!

This week I am thankful for my church family! It's one thing to have a Pastor who knows the Word and leads his congregation with love. But's a whole 'nother story when you have a congregation full of that same love backing the Pastor up.

I had a weak moment earlier this week, and my sisters (really aunties) in Christ were right there to strengthen me in my time of need. Thank you Lord for giving me such strong support!

I'm also thankful for the Word of God. It is truly a refuge in the day of trouble. Even when my faith wavered, the Word of God was there to hold me up. I will continue to lean on the Word! It hasn't failed me in all of these years, and I refuse to let up because of how things may look in the present.

Glory to God! I will not stop praising You, Lord! I will keep Your Word in my mouth, and Your joy in my heart! Thank You Jesus for your peace that passes ALL understanding! Hallelujah!

Keep praising and trusting Him, people. He won't fail you. Just continue to give Him a chance to come through. He will.

Verse of the Day: The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. Proverbs 18:10

In A Fog...

I’ve been feeling a bit pensive lately… a bit funky in my thinking, I guess. I’ve just been mulling over some of the issues that my family and other people close to me are dealing with. A lot of things just don’t make sense right now.

As a result, I took some time and went to the Word. The Word works, and I know that the answer to my issue was waiting there for me to discover. Usually I have a set routine that I do during my studies: a chapter of Proverbs each day, reading through the New Testament, or reading about the life of David – I’m a creature of structure. But, recently, I sat and ask God to show me where to go. I must say, the Holy Spirit will never steer you wrong.

One failsafe scripture that always works for me is Psalm 27. It never ceases to encourage me no matter what situation I’m facing. So, while I paddle my way out of this foggy thinking. I’ll share with you what’s been my anchor in storms past.

Stay encouraged!

Verse of the Day:
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.
Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.
Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.
Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

I'm No Island After All

I consider myself to be a strong person. I don’t like to be in need. I don’t like to ask for help. I don’t like to appear weak. I’m the one that dishes out support, not the one who needs to be supported. However, I am still human. Despite my abhorrence at weakness, I too have moments of struggle, frustration and pain.

Yesterday evening was one of those times. I just hit a wall and my insides crumbled. Thankfully, I had to go to my church for a rehearsal, and the saints were on the job. As much as it pained me to show my cracks, I was in the midst of emotions I could not hide. They put the set agenda on hold, and chose to take care of me in my time of need.

It warmed my heart to feel the love of my sisters in Christ. I melted in their arms as they cried out to God and voiced the words that I could not bring myself to say – the words I had no strength to utter. While I blew my nose, they pounded on the enemy. As I wiped my tears, they washed me with the water of the Word. I left the church feeling strengthened and renewed, ready to face my reality again.

So, as much as I like to be to myself and keep my issues private, there is something special that can occur when fellow Believers can show the love of Christ to one another. There is a certain strength that one needs to admit weakness, and I experienced that today. If I hadn’t spoken up, I’m sure I was on the way to having a meltdown.

When you’re facing tough issues, ask God to show you who to lean on. Encouragement can be found in the oddest of places, but the key is that encouragement can be found. And when you see someone struggling or bending under a heavy weight, take the time and show them the true love of Christ. There’s no telling how great of an impact your attentions will bring.

Verse of the Day: We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Romans 15:1

Hey, Eyes Over Here!

I have a weakness for the tabloids at times. Not to see all the gossip or get the latest story about some celebrity’s breakup or plastic surgery. No, I like to see all the glamorous outfits, the fabulous venues and houses, and hear about all the festivities, ceremonies, benefits, and dinners. It’s all so spectacular and fun. I would love to be a part of that hustle and bustle. I think it would be awesome to be invited to get an “inside” view of how the rich and privileged live.

It’s kind of funny that I can get lost in the sea of Hollywood. I am one of the most simple people you could meet. My idea of a good time is relaxing in bed with a thick novel while sipping a mug of hot tea. I hate dressing up. I’d rather wear some comfortable jeans and some Tims than wear a dress and heels. But there’s a piece of me that feels a tug when I see all of the star’s photos and read about their activities. I wonder what it would be like to be in the spotlight.

Often, we all can get distracted by wishing we had the lives of others. We see people who have more money, status, friends, connections… you name it, and we sigh discontentedly as we think about what we lack. It seems like so many other people have figured out the way to greatness, and we got stuck on the merry-go-round whirling in circles.

The Bible says that if we have just food and clothing – the simplest of things – we should be content. (I Timothy 6:8) But the noise of the world can sometimes fill our ears to distraction. The Word also says that the righteous man’s steps are ordered by the Lord (Psalm 37:23), so we need to trust that God knows what we can handle. Many people run to destruction chasing after lives that God never intended them to live.

So while it’s fun to look at pictures and daydream, at the end of it all I know that God has me right where He wants me: in my bed, reading a book, and sipping on my tea. I’ve learned to be okay with that. If I’m supposed to be on the red carpet one day, He’s already got a plan to get me there. And I’ll leave it to Him to work it all out.

Verse of the Day: Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Philippians 4:11

Need to Change It Up

Hmmm... I see that my postings are coming later and later. I think I may need to start posting before I go to bed on some days so that everyone can wake up and get their Morning Ti while it's still morning!

Lord, help me figure this out!

Mother's Day

Yesterday was Mother’s Day, and I have to say, I have a lot of wonderful women around me who have been Mothers to me. From the women who taught me in church to the mothers of my friends to the babysitters I had growing up, I have always had older women around me who have taken responsibility to show me the right way to live.

I appreciate all of their varied point of view, and how they never shied away from telling me the truth. I have learned my ABCs, been taught the fundamentals of the Bible, was given the instructions on how to be a ‘lady’, and a host of other building blocks of life through the examples they have given me.

Now that I am older, I find myself picking up the torch and dispensing the same instruction to the young girls coming up behind me. I’m actually seeking out more ways that I can provide a greater impact to young girls as I see that more of them are falling into ways that are not honorable or upright.

Too many girls think that video chicks, gold diggers, strippers, and women who seek the limelight are the only ones who have a chance at gaining success and fortune. I know that there are so many bright inventions, businesses and organizations that are not in existence because of the girls who are distracted by gaining things and chasing after fame. Whatever I can do to stem the tide, I’m willing to step up and do.

So, Happy Mother’s Day, to all of the women who helped raise me. A special Happy Day to my own mom, who was a model of strength, love, and diligence for me and my sister. And to all of you ladies who don’t have any children – like me – you have a whole community of young girls who are in desperate need of your guidance and vision. Look back to how you made it to where you are today and recognize all of the women who helped lift you to that place. Your strong support can help another girl to her place of promise also.

Verse of the Day: …be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. I Timothy 4:12b

That Old Familiar Feeling...

As I’ve already told you, I have a very creative mind. It wasn’t always a joy to have, mind you. Growing up, I struggled with worry and fear. I would come up with all kinds of scenarios envisioning things that could go wrong. It was not a fun place to be in.

Thankfully, I have grown spiritually, and I have learned that I can cast all my cares upon the Lord and He will handle them. (I Peter 5:7) However, the other day, Fear and Worry tried to come back knocking at my door. I found myself praying aloud and casting out the negative thoughts.

I had to take stock, and I found myself to be lacking. Over the last few weeks, I have been allowing my time with the Lord to slip. My year started off with a bang: I had two straight months of fasting and prayer. Then, I slowly dipped back into complacency. Other things started taking up my time and efforts. I was feeding myself things from the world and starving myself of the Word without even noticing it.

So, of course, I’ve repented and vowed to get back on track. The devil is always on the lookout for an opportunity, and I can’t relax for a second. Any open door is a spot for the enemy to come in, and I refuse to give him any place.

Don’t let this happen to you! Keep your guard up, and your reserves full. Being a Christian is a 24/7, 365 day job. We’re soldiers, guys. As long as we’re on the battlefield (this earth), we have to stay conditioned. Let’s stay sharp!

Verse of the Day: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour… I Peter 5:8

Flood!

This past weekend, I went down to Tennessee to see a friend graduate from college. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by rising floodwaters. I had to switch hotels, missed out on spending some quality time with my friend, and prayed that her graduation would even happen. Thankfully, it did – after switching venues several times, and moving back several hours – and I was able to get through the soaked roads to the venue.

This whole episode got me thinking. So much rain fell that everyone’s set agenda had to change. Everything had to stop to pay homage to the rising flood. No one could do what they wanted to, and we all had to move in response to what the waters dictated.

Sometimes God has to grab our attention in the same way. He has to allow certain catastrophes to occur in order for us to stand still and give Him our undivided eyesight. It’s amazing how an unsolvable problem sends us racing to the altar. It’s also somewhat disconcerting for our greatest spiritual growth to commence in the midst of our greatest sorrows.

I’m kind of embarrassed that I always nuzzle closest to God when I’m the most afraid, worried, or sad. It shouldn’t take tragedies of epic proportions for me to throw myself into the arms of my Heavenly Father. He shouldn’t feel jealous of how I carry on in life giving him some of my time when things are going well. He so obviously deserves more of my time no matter the situations in my life.

Just something to think about as you start your day today. Do you think God is considering allowing the waters to rain in your life just to get your attention? Take some quality time and snuggle in close to your Heavenly Father while everything’s going well. Spend some moments of peaceful deep contentment with the One you love above all others.

And even if you are in the midst of your storm season right now, know that God loves you and will never give you more than you can handle. Stay close to your Father, and He’ll take care of you.

Verse of the Day: In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I Thessalonians 5:18

I've Been Gone

Hello All,

In retrospect, I should have posted that I would be going out of town. As you can see I haven't posted anything yesterday or today... Sorry! I'll be back on the grind tomorrow.