Thanksgiving Friday!

Happy Friday Everyone!

This weekend I will be hitting the books hard, so I have to wait til next week for a real rest. But I'm grateful anyways for making it through another week.

This week I'm thankful for just being able to be honest before the Lord. I thank God that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. I'm glad to know that my Father understands that I am a human made of flesh, and He views me as redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. I appreciate that I can talk to Him openly about anything, and He still listens with love. Thank you, Lord!

I'm also thankful for my family. We do know how to come together and work in unity. We know how to get things done! Thank you, Lord for blessing me with an amazing family.

I am also giving God praise that I'm going on vacation next week! I have been looking forward to this sooo long. It's finally here! So grateful.

What are you thankful for this week? Give God some praise!

Verse of the Day: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. John 5:24

Climate Change

These last few days it has been rainy and gray in Chicago. Today, however, the sun is beaming through the window, and I'm experiencing a brightness of mood. Funny how the weather can influence your attitude at times.

The same way the sun can brighten up your face is the same way your spirit can be influenced by the environments you place it in.

If you're always hanging around negative, sour, complaining people, pretty soon you'll see yourself becoming a bit more negative, sour, and complaining too. If you tend to huddle with gossiping folk, you're tongue is probably wagging with some stories of your own. As the saying says: birds of a feather flock together.

I know as believers we are to be the salt of the earth, and we can't just hang around each other. And I know that some places we go (job, school, family) we really don't have any control over the environment.

However, we can control our friends and close confidants. We can control how we spend our free time. If we take the initiative to surround ourselves with positive, godly, and inspirational people and places we will increase our chances of bettering our spiritual mood.

So, if you're in a bit of a funk, maybe you need to switch up your environment for a little. Even if all you can do is take an hour to spend some time talking to the King, it helps. Let the Son shine on you and help you smile today!

Verse of the Day: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

Remembering the Surrender

Time for some transparency: So, lately I've been struggling with being alone. I haven't been single this long since I was in high school, I think. I mean there has been no one on Ti's radar. Not even a bug a boo.

And this has been since January.

I'm not struggling with being lonely. I got over that a while ago. I have faith to know that God's plan will prevail and He will bring me to my expected end. Husband and kids will be there when it's time.

Recently, however, there's been a new person trying to holla at me, and I've entertained some conversations and hung out with him a few times. No problem there. The issue is my own mind, thoughts and emotions. Because of this person's personality and tendencies, I could easily revert back to some of my old tricks and take advantage. I could even slip up and do some bigger things that I would most definitely regret.

All because Ti hasn't seen anyone on her block in a minute.

Last night I had a little chat with myself at the feet of the Father. I had to remind myself of who I was and Whose I was. I am a new creature in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Old things are passed away, and there is no need for me going and resurrecting what I have repented of. It was nailed to the cross for a reason. I had to cool my little self down.

So, I shook myself, adjusted my footsteps, and determined to stay on the path God has given for me to walk. I won't give up my joy for some times of fun. (Thanks, Joyce Meyer!) I'm going to remember my surrender. I gave it up to Christ for a reason. I'm not going to mess it up for anything.

Moving forward...

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.


Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.


Philippians 3:13-16

For Your Listening Pleasure:

BEEP!

First off, I attended a homegoing service this morning. Make sure you let your loved ones know that you love them! No man knows the day or the hour....

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I'm still loving my new job over here. It's been quite fulfilling and has helped me to enjoy my day to day life much more. I'm so blessed!

One thing I can't stand though is the profanity. From some of my new co-workers all the way down to the students, I cannot stand how people just sprinkle their conversations with curse words. It's like I'm back in college.

Being salt and light, I of course insist on people correcting their speech around me (and the kids do get written up for it). Yet the mere fact that I have to say something on a regular basis makes me kind of sad. Are we that far gone as a society that we don't even care about what's coming out of our mouths?

I hate how reality television is perpetuating the trend also. You can't watch any of these shows without hearing the beep of the censors blocking out words. Now our award shows have to have one to two minute delays just because they don't know what people will say during a live broadcast.

We are really that far gone.

The one thing we can do, saints, is to continue to train up our children in the way they should go. We can adjust our mouths so that only sweet conversations comes from out of our lips. We can also impact the world around us since we are to be the sweet savor in the earth.

Don't allow the negative speech in your presence. Insist on others speaking to you and around you with respectful words. And continue to keep our nation uplifted in prayer.

Only God can save us.

Verse of the Day: Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Colossians 4:6

Are You Approved?

I apologize for Friday. It was a whirlwind day over here, and I was never at my desk to sit down for a sec. I hope you sent up some praise and thanksgiving on your own anyway.

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Lately I've been meditating on the scripture that instructs us to study to show ourselves approved before God. (2 Timothy 2:15) It is so important for us to know the Word of God. The Word is what shows us how to live holy in this world. The Word gives us what to do in times of distress or confusion. The Word gives us directions on how to reach God.

The Word also keeps us from falling prey to the devil's plans. I always keep in mind how Jesus rebuffed satan when He was tempted by him in the wilderness. No matter the situation, Jesus countered with the Word of God. He had studied the Scriptures and hid the Word in His heart. Whatever angle the devil came at Jesus, our Lord replied, "It is written..." and shut that devil down with the Word!

We should definitely follow Christ's example and make the Word a part of our second nature. We should know it well enough that no matter what pops up that tries to get us off course, we can counter back with the Word of God.

Knowing the Word can also help us to be a better witness. I can't tell you how many saints I know who are scared to discuss the things of God with Muslims or Jehovah Witnesses because the saints aren't strong enough in the Word to hold up their end in the conversation. This should not be. We should know the Truth that has set us free!

So, this week, take some time to dig deep into the Word of God. Read a passage you haven't read before. Ask the Lord to guide you in your devotions. Listen to the Holy Spirit as He speaks to you while you read. We can always stand to grow more in God.

Verse of the Day: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

Tragedy

I debated whether or not to talk about the tragedy that happened with Troy Davis, and I honestly can't overlook what has happened. Even this morning as I prayed for his family, I had to tack on some words for our nation as well.

I just don't get it.

We are a nation founded on equality and justice for all, yet we are the one nation that has so many inequalities and imbalance it doesn't make sense. Free is a relative term I guess.

Sadly, all of the activism, protests, and methods that were done to try to save Troy's life probably won't overflow into a movement for the other injustices that are plaguing our nation. We won't march for real change. We won't petition to get at the root of the problem.

It's just the American way.

Again, I don't get it.

That's why I'm glad America at least acknowledges God and gives us freedom to serve Him. We have the opportunity to introduce others to His love. We should always be stirred to lead others to Christ. The real injustice is allowing people to perish in their sins. We should be moved with compassion to let others experience the joy of the Kingdom of God.

In Christ we can avoid the pitfalls of life by the Holy Spirit's guidance. We can rest assured knowing that whatever comes our way, our souls are anchored in the Lord.

Verse of the Day: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:19, 20

Calling Things That Be Not

So, today, we are going to do an exercise of faith. We are going to call things that be not as though they were. (Romans 4:17) We are going to speak life over our day, and watch the Lord put His power behind our words.

Ready?

Today will be a great day in Jesus name! Today will be a day filled with unexpected blessings, opportunities to witness, and moments to spend time before God's face.

We will not be overwhelmed or stressed out today! We will be able to meet every challenge and solve every problem. The Holy Spirit dwells on the inside of us, and He helps us in every situation!

No weapon formed against us shall prosper, and every tongue that rises up against us shall fall. (Isaiah 54:17) Even now we bless those that curse us, and pray for those who spitefully use us. (Matthew 5:44)We will look for a chance today to show them the love of Christ.

Today will be a day for the books! We will lay down at the end of it smiling because of what the Lord was able to do through us.

Amen! Hallelujah!

Now let's get to it...

Verse of the Day: For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Mark 11:23

No Time For Pain

Today I was in a little pain. I hate being in pain. So, I keep pain medication on me. Thank God for His revelations to mankind!

I said a prayer, took my pain pills, and waited. Those 30 minutes seemed like forever. But I was able to persevere because I knew that help was on the way.

The pains of life, however, are often not so simple.

God allows the pains life brings to happen in order for us to grow in our knowledge of Him and His love. He allows those times of pressure to give us opportunities to press into His presence. He lets the storm winds blow, so we can anchor ourselves more deeply in Him.

Sadly, we often want just a quick remedy. We want to say our little prayer for God's help, and see Him instantly come through for us. We want the pain to leave immediately.

It's true. No one likes to experience pain. No one wants to suffer heartache. Yet God does everything for a reason. Everything works according to His plan.

Sometimes He does give us immediate relief. More often than not, He chooses to move at a slower pace than what we would like. He has a higher plan for us, and that may be the only way to get us there.

So don't just look on the surface of what you are going through. Set your mind on the higher plain that your Heavenly Father is on, and look with the eyes of the Spirit.

He may be allowing the hurt to push you out of your comfort zone into the greater realm of His glory. He may be staying silent to bring you deeper into His Word to learn truths you would have never gone after otherwise.

Stay strong. Obviously God knows that you can handle it, or He would have never sent it in the first place.

Verse of the Day: For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8, 9

He's Brought Me From a Mighty Long Way...

We're back again for another week! I pray you had a blessed weekend. Seems like I was just here penning Friday's blog. Oh well, let's hop to it!

This weekend I had the opportunity to reflect on my growth in God thanks to a paper I had to write for class. Even though I've been saved all my life, God has matured me and changed me in so many ways.

I used to have an ugly attitude. I mean ugly. I could be the nicest girl when things were going okay, but don't let me get mad at you! I've had some 'scenes' in my day that I am not too proud of. And I've said some things out of pocket that still bring a little twinge of regret to this day.

On top of that, I could hold a grudge. You wanna talk about a long memory? I had it, and I used it. I would not easily forget an offense toward myself, family, or friends. Once a person made my list, it was nearly impossible to get off it.

I could be a mean little girl...

But thank God for His mercy and grace! Thank God for allowing me to change!

It was definitely not easy (especially the grudge part), but I recognized that I needed to change. I realized how ugly my behavior was. I saw how my witness and example were being affected by my non-godly ways. And I resolved to change.

Changing was a humbling experience. I had to apologize a lot. I had to bite (sometimes literally!) my tongue a lot. I had to spend a lot of time in prayer and study before the presence of God to allow His Spirit to make me over.

It's so sweet to know that there's nothing impossible for Him! Thank You, Lord, for continuing to mold me into Your image!

How has the Lord changed your life? What things can you see that God has helped bring you out of? Take some time today to give thanks to God for helping you to get rid of your sinful ways!

Verse of the Day:  But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. Isaiah 64:8

Thanksgiving Friday!



It's nice to have friends.

 We made it, ya'll! Friday is here in full effect. Thank God for His grace. Even though I'll be hitting the books hard these next two days (I have two papers due), it's good to see another weekend in view.

Today I am thankful for the great "cloud of witnesses" around me. Reading about how other saints have withstood trials, hearing the encouraging words from those in my circle, and gaining the benefits of all the prayers that have gone up has truly been a blessing for me. Thank you all for the assistance!

I'm also grateful to be a part of the Christian family. When I was down, you all helped me out, and I was able to then go on and help someone else who was struggling. The fact that we continue to share a never ending circle of love is so reassuring.

We're blessed, guys!


Here's a lil' song to kick off your weekend. Enjoy!

Verse of the Day: Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1, 2

Good Morning...

This morning was...a challenge.

I woke up earlier than I wanted to do and had to deal with something I really didn't want to.

What's funny is I spent time last night in prayer over that very thing, and there the problem was shaking me awake this morning.

I had to remind myself of God's faithfulness. I had to encourage myself in His love. And I had to tell the devil where to go.

At times like this I remember the Apostles and how they encountered persecution everywhere they went. Each city posed a threat to their lives. They were openly mocked, cast into prisons, beaten, whipped, and even put to death for what they believed in.

Still, they continued to preach the gospel. They continued to go into all the world and tell of Jesus' love. In the midst of their physical pain and emotional beatings, they continued to trust God. They continued to stand on the principles of Christ. They continued to choose to live out what Jesus profiled.

And here I am. Yes, my pain is real. Yes, my trials are distressing. But they are nowhere near what the Apostles faced. I have much more freedom and support in my endeavors. As they chose to continue to follow God in spite of what it looked like, I can choose to remain faithful to the God who is yet faithful to me.

Verse of the Day: We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 2 Corinthians 4:8-10

Waiting for the Promise

David was anointed to be king of Israel years before he took the throne. As he waited, he served the then current king, Saul, and was soon driven to a life of a fugitive as a result of Saul's (unwarranted) jealousy.

Imagine knowing that God had called you to a position of greatness only to have to wait and watch while someone else abused your promised position and power. Imagine the frustration of having to live your life on the run just because someone was jealous about something that you had never done.

David had to endure these things, but through it all, he honored God in the process. He respected "God's anointed", King Saul, and did not lay a hand on him even when David had the chance to kill him. (1 Samuel 24 and 26) David respected Saul's authority and made sure those around him showed proper respect for the King as well.

In spite of knowing that eventually the throne would be his, David left it up to God as to how and when David would take his destined position.

There are times when we know that God has promised us something great. Yet we mess up or delay our moments of destiny because we take matters into our own hands instead of leaving things up to God. We overstep God's will and try to make things happen on our own when we should have followed the movement of the Holy Spirit.

I know it can be hard to be patient, especially when it seems like we can just reach out and grab our dreams.  However, waiting on the time of God and respecting His will in the matter will provide us with the most joy when His plan is fulfilled.

David's love for God and honor of the Father is what established his lasting line of leadership. Because of his respect for the Lord, God gave him the highest honor of having the Redeemer come through his bloodline.

Don't let today's moment become tomorrow's regret. If God gave you the promise, He will make sure that it happens in the best way possible for you. Be patient, follow the Holy Spirit's lead, and have faith. It will come to pass!

Verse of the Day: For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Habakkuk 2:3

Holiness is RIGHT!

This morning as I glanced through the Christian news, I was pleased to see an article on a preacher's sermon that spoke out against sexual sin. However, I was disturbed to see that the congregation in attendance was not pleased to hear the message. Some even walked out.

Really?

Are we so into doing things how we want to do them that we won't even sit and listen to the truth of God? Do we care more about our own petty pleasures that we don't want to hear God's cries for repentance? Are our hearts so hardened that we aren't sensitive to the Spirit anymore?

It is so disappointing to see how far we have fallen away as a church. Then again, this only confirms what the Bible has to say about the end times: For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2 Timothy 4:3,4

When I lived in DC, I was the member of a church where the Bishop was not ashamed to preach about staying holy before God. He would shout to the rafters: "Holiness is RIGHT!!!" So true.

God has clearly called His children to live upright and holy before Him. We are to die to our flesh and allow our minds to be renewed in Christ. (Romans 12:1,2)

How can we lay hands on the sick, pray in the name of Jesus, and call others into the Kingdom when we allow our hands, mouth, and body to engage in sinful acts?

Lord, help us all to hear your call for holiness and actually respond!

Verse of the Day:  And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:19b, 22

I Know...

These past few months, I've made some decisions to make some changes in my life. I decided to exercise more. I decided to eat healthier. I decided to spend more time with the Lord aside from just preparing for ministry.

So, how many of these things have I done?

Not. A. One.

I'm really embarrassed about the third item.

It seems to be a pattern with me. I know what I'm supposed to do (exercise), I'll see the negativity of my not doing the said thing (getting a bit soft in the middle), yet I still will not change my behavior. I'm wondering my own self what it will take for me to change....

But I already know the answer to that.

It takes a made-up mind. A determined effort. A will to succeed.

It's amazing how many things in life we will make up our minds to accomplish. Since I've started back in school, I have stayed at work a couple of hours late daily to make sure my readings are complete and my assignments are finished. As much as I love getting off at an earlier time, I love getting A's more.

Soooo.... I need to have a "come to Jesus" moment. If I don't make a determination to change, nothing will change. I can sit and shake my head at myself and sad how sad I am all I want. It changes nothing. I have to make some moves that will make the difference.

Are you making the effort to change what you know needs to be changed in your life? Have you made up your mind to succeed?

Let's not have a list of things we never got around to doing. Let's go out and succeed!

Verse of the Day: For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. Romans 7:15

Thanksgiving Friday: Never Forget...

So, my school had a prayer service in honor of 9/11 this morning, and I was surprisingly emotional. Usually I'm more collected, but listening to one teacher's story just brought everything all back.

I was in D.C. on 9/11. You could see the smoke from the Pentagon from my dorm. Just remembering that day and all of the fear, chaos, death, and confusion... It was all so sad. I'll never forget that day.

What's striking me now are the stories of the survivors. The workers who are still haunted by those they couldn't save. The dispatchers who still wonder if they really did all that they could do. The children who have lost a parent. They all are still hurting.

This week I'm thankful that our nation is staying strong. I'm thankful for those who survived and their courage to continue on. I'm thankful for life.

As tragic as that day was, it could have been worse. We could have lost more. So, I'm thankful that God shielded us from the maximum impact. I'm thankful to be an American, part of a God-fearing country that still shows Him honor despite our shortcomings. I know that our acknowledgment of Him is helping us to stay out of greater dangers.

Let's not forget the families who were impacted on 9/11. Let's remember to pray for our nation's safety and wisdom for our leaders.

Verse of the Day:

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High

will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

This I declare about the Lord:

He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;

he is my God, and I trust him.

For he will rescue you from every trap

and protect you from deadly disease.

He will cover you with his feathers.

He will shelter you with his wings.

His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,

nor the arrow that flies in the day.

Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,

nor the disaster that strikes at midday.

Though a thousand fall at your side,

though ten thousand are dying around you,

these evils will not touch you.

Just open your eyes,

and see how the wicked are punished.

If you make the Lord your refuge,

if you make the Most High your shelter,

no evil will conquer you;

no plague will come near your home.

For he will order his angels

to protect you wherever you go.

They will hold you up with their hands

so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.

You will trample upon lions and cobras;

you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.

I will protect those who trust in my name.

When they call on me, I will answer;

I will be with them in trouble.

I will rescue and honor them.

I will reward them with a long life

and give them my salvation.”

Psalm 91 (NLT)

It's Not Working

As you all know, I love to observe American politics. Listening to NPR, hearing the political news, and reading updates on Washington keeps my blood pumping.

Lately, however, I haven't been too plugged in to what's going on. Frankly, I'm turned off by the amount of stubbornness and lack of cooperation that I'm seeing from every side of the equation.

Every person or party thinks their plan is the only way. Even folks within parties are fighting over what they think is best. No one wants to give an inch to the other side. Everyone wants everyone else to follow their lead.

It just doesn't work like that. And the proof is starting to manifest in the state of our nation.

I don't get it. We teach our children to share and compromise. Why can't our nation's leaders do the same?

Saints, let's continue to keep our leaders lifted up in prayer. Our nation is in the midst of a struggle, and only God can help us navigate through.

And, even as we pray, let's make sure that our attitudes are right with the people we interact with as well. Are we listening? Are we willing to compromise? Do we work in a manner that breeds cooperation?

Have a great day!

Verse of the Day: Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another... Romans 12:10

Bubbly...

There's an older woman who works in my office that I can only describe as...bubbly. She's always willing to help others out and goes the extra mile. She keeps a smile on her face and walks around humming a happy tune all day. She's bubbly...and not in the annoying way.

I am not bubbly. Granted, I have been more prone to smile since I am actually enjoying what I do right now. But bubbly I am not.

But one thing I can't help but notice is that her bubbly attitude puts mine in check. Whenever I talk to her, I can't help but walk away feeling brighter. I'm kinder to her than normal, because you can't help but be kind to such a warm, happy person.

Now, that's food for thought. You do get back what you put out. The kind words we share, the smile we give, the extra help that we offer... people do notice and will give us back what we put out.

So, let's challenge ourselves to be a bit more cheerful today. Let's pull up the joy of the Lord and allow that to be our strength instead of succumbing to those negative moods that easily overtake us. Let's see how many lives we can brighten by being a bit more bubbly!

Verse of the Day: A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Proverbs 17:22

Friends... How Many of Us Have Them?

I consider myself to be a loner. I prefer to keep to myself. Interacting with a large group of folks usually doesn't appeal to me.

I really don't care to have random conversations. I don't call to just call. It's usually because something happened... or, I'm really bored. I like to work out my problems on my own instead of hashing out questions with others. I prefer to figure out my own business rather than have everyone else know what's going on with me.

Yet, God has blessed me with a wonderful group of friends. They get me, and still love me anyhow. In those times where I need strength or encouragement, they are there to help me out. And I gladly return the favor. They all have their own individual strengths, and I am grateful for their input. Plus, they also have eyes of the Spirit, so even when I try to stay mum, sometimes the Lord prompts them to pull what's going on out of me.

The Lord encourages us to surround ourselves with people who will strengthen and uplift our lives. No matter how much we may think we have it together and can fend for ourselves, there is added wisdom with the voice of a friend. Especially a friend who knows the Lord.

Take time to celebrate your friends today. Pray for them and give them a call of encouragement. If you honestly don't have anyone you consider a friend, ask God to send someone your way. He won't leave you to yourself.

Verse of the Day: The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends. Proverbs 14:20 

Thanksgiving Friday!

Gotta love free food!

Good morning! It's a beautiful, hot, sunny day over here in Chicago! I hope you have sunny skies in your corner of the world as well. If not, you can be the sunshine that you seek.

God has blessed us with another great week. I'm so grateful that I am alive and enjoying life. It seems like days are flying by, but I am enjoying every one of them!

This week I'm thankful for generosity. I was blessed with a couple of lunches, a movie, and a dinner all this week! They were all pleasant surprises and most definitely appreciated. It feels good to get a return on all the love I've been pouring out lately. You definitely reap what you sow! (Galatians 6:7)

I'm also happy to be back in school. This leadership class is allowing me to see some biblical people in a whole new light. I'd never thought on the leadership skills of Joseph, but this class has me looking from a different angle. I'm glad I have the opportunity to get some added wisdom.

What are you thankful for today? Give God some praise!

Verse of the Day: IT IS A GOOD THING TO GIVE THANKS UNTO THE LORD, AND TO SING PRAISES UNTO THY NAME, O MOST HIGH...For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands. Psalm 92: 1, 4

Flashback!: No Stuntin' and Frontin' Necessary

I was going through the blog this morning, and I ran across this post from earlier this year. It's one of my favorites, so I wanted to share it again. It's nice to know that God knows the good, bad and ugly about me, and still loves me just the same.

Sometimes I think about things I've done or thoughts I've had, and I can't believe my own self. Yet God is aware and knows that I am but dust. He understands that I'm a human born into sin.

He also knows that I'm redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, and I have the privilege of being close to Him and spending all eternity with Him. Because of my acceptance of His Son's sacrifice, my sins of scarlet are white as snow.

Have a great day!

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Believe it or not, we all are highly skilled actors. From our facial expressions, the way we dress, and our tone of voice, we humans have perfected the art of masking how we really feel.


We act professional at work in order to keep our jobs. We act respectful with our parents because... well, they're our parents. We act like everything's good when we're out with our friends because we don't want to bring the party down. We act like we have money when we're drowning in debt. Some of us act holy in church because... Let me just back away from that one. You see I could go anywhere with this.

It is rare for us these days to show our true selves to people. We set up our facades to make ourselves look better to others and keep our negative, embarrassing, or painful feelings to ourselves. Very few people (if any) get the privilege of seeing how we truly are.

Yet there is someone who knows every moment of our lives, and He knows our real feelings. He knows every single minute thought. He's seen every outburst of anger, heard every cry of fear, witnessed every pang of insecurity, and bottled up every single tear.

And He still loves you so much.

Isn't it amazing to know that there is Someone who truly accepts you for you? Not the "stage" you that is the talented actor, but the real you who He created along with your most inward parts. We have no reason to front with Him, He already knows all of us and keeps on reaching out for us anyway.

Take some time to meditate on the fullness and richness of God's love for you today and let Him know how much you appreciate His love.

Verse of the Day: ...for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. I Samuel 16:7b