Thanksgiving Friday!

God is great and greatly to be praised! This is the day that the Lord has made, and I'm definitely rejoicing!

Today I'm thanking God for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. I love that every day I wake up is a new opportunity for me to learn something new. It can be about God, myself, someone else, or the world around me. Whatever way it comes, I welcome growing in wisdom and knowledge.

I'm also thanking God for open doors. This weekend I have another opportunity to minister in a church outside of my own, and I am psyched to be walking in my calling! Thank You, Jesus, for opening doors for me!

I'm also thankful for you today. You all bless me more than you know. Just when you come and visit this blog, you bless my heart. I want to encourage you to walk in your calling as well. Do what the Lord has called you to do. Someone (me included) will be blessed when you are obedient to the Lord's will for your life. Don't be afraid to step out. God created you ready.

Verse of the Day: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

Thanksgiving Friday

Today, I'm just thankful.

I'm thankful for life and health.

I'm thankful for love and peace.

I'm thankful for family and friends.

I'm thankful that I have a three day weekend!

I'm praising God that I finished my book and am moving forward in the purpose He has placed in my hands.

Lord, I thank you for all of your blessings. I praise you for all that you have done for me and those around me. I cannot understand the magnitude of your love for me! Yet, I'm so grateful that it is there. You continue to love me in spite of my actions. I am so blessed to call you my Father. Help me to show the same love that you have shown me. Amen

Today, make sure you life up some praise and thanksgiving to the Lord as well. He is more than worthy of your praise!

Verse of the Day: Praise the LORD! How good to sing praises to our God! How delightful and how fitting! The LORD is rebuilding Jerusalem and bringing the exiles back to Israel. He heals the  brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. He counts the stars and calls them all by name. How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension! Psalm 147:1-5

Thanksgiving Friday!

It's Friday!

This week, I'm thankful for encouragement. I was able to complete the first draft for my book this week (yay!), and I'm so amped to move forward with the next steps. It's been long overdue for me to finish a book, and I'm inspired to keep moving forward. Thank You Lord for giving me such a wonderful gift!

I've also been inspired to do better, be better, and look for greater in my life this week. As I've been finishing up my first draft I've been thinking over my life and where I am right now. I know where I want to go and what I want to accomplish. This week, I've been encouraged to step out and start walking toward my destiny. I can't sit on the side thinking forever. It's time to get moving! Thanks, God, for the nudge forward.

Finally, I'm thankful for hope. It's such an amazing thing. Hope sustains, heals, encourages, and motivates. Since my hope is secured in God, I know that my hope is rooted in faith, and my faith will not leave me disappointed. God is so good!

What are you thankful for this week? How is God keeping you?

Verse of the Day: I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:8-11

Thanksgiving Friday!

It's Thanksgiving Friday!

This week I'm thankful to be able to just take a break and rest. My mom, sis, and I are on a getaway right now. It's been a long time coming, and I'm looking forward to having some time to breathe and relax. Even The Lord took some time to rest. Thank you, Lord, for giving me a chance to rest!

I'm also thankful for Gods peace-keeping power. There has been so much drama going on at my job this week! Thankfully, I have the peace that passes all understanding flowing in my soul. I've been pulling on that peace every day. Thank you, Jesus, for your peace!

Finally, I'm thankful for experience. Having gone through so much this past year, I've gained some wisdom, empathy, and insight. I've been able to use my painful experiences to minister to others, to pray for them, and to testify to them of what God can do. I am so thankful that I didn't just go through for nothing! Thank you, Father, for giving me such a rich experience that can help others come to know your amazing love!

What are you thankful for this week? Let The Lord hear you praise Him! 

Have a lovely weekend!

Verse of the Day: You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothes me with joy that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O. Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever! Psalms 30:11, 12 (NLT)

Thanksgiving Friday!

It's Thanksgiving Friday again!

This week I'm definitely thankful to be back blogging. I'm so grateful to be back sharing morning devotions and getting all of our days off to a wonderful start! Thank you, Lord, for this wonderful gift!

I'm also thankful for fresh vision. Recently I've been working with our children's ministry at the church on revamping our ministry. It has been so encouraging to work with the team to implement what God has for us at this point and time. I've been blessed with some amazing people! God is so good.

I'm also thankful for the opportunity to give back this week. Our school is doing a special walk for the Special Olympics today. It was heart warming to see their pledges come in for such an amazing organization. Thank You, Father, for all of those who care enough to give of their time, their money, and their talents for others. It's such a blessing to be a part of the human race.

What are you thankful for today? What has God done for you this week? How are you showing the Lord your gratitude for what He's done?

Have a great week!

Verse of the Day: O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. Psalm 95:1-3

Thanksgiving Friday!

Oh give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good! His mercy endures forever! (1 Chronicles 16:34)

I'm thankful for Jesus on today. I'm thankful for His sacrifice, for His love, for His faithfulness, for His example... Without Jesus Christ, I would be lost in so many ways. It's humbling to think about how messed up you can be and know that Jesus still chose to come and give up His life to save you. Thank You, Jesus, for Your love!

Got to let the classic play today! I'm not big on choirs, but this is the thanksgiving jam!

Verse of the Day: But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.1 Corinthians 15:57, 58

Thanksgiving Friday!

This week I'm thankful for LIFE! With so many tragic things happening, I am reminded that life is a gift that should be enjoyed. So, I don't have everything I may want, but I definitely have what I need. I have breath in my lungs, love all around, and a relationship with my heavenly Father.

Life is good.

I'm also thankful for the power of prayer. Through prayer, I can send comfort to those hurting, stand proxy for those in need, and show love for my fellow man.

What are you thankful for today? Make sure you show your gratitude!

Verse of the Day: Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds. Exult in his holy name; rejoice, you who worship the LORD. Search for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek him. Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles, and the rulings he has given, you children of his servant Abraham, you descendants of Jacob, his chosen ones. Psalm 105:1-6 (NLT)

Thanksgiving Friday!

Happy Friday! The week has flown by, and it's time for the weekend again.

This week, I'm thankful I was able to take some time off and go on vacation. I got to visit a new place, hang out with some old friends, eat some great food, and enjoy a break from work. It's always good to take some time for yourself, and I definitely needed it!

I'm also thankful for this new class I'm taking. I'm telling you, learning new things about what you love to do does wonders for your motivation and drive. This class is making me look at my leadership, my team, and my ministry in a whole new way, and I am grateful for it. We can always do better! Thank You, Lord, for increasing my knowledge.

Finally, I'm thankful for my good friends and family. I had a conversation this week about some things that I wanted to achieve and places I wanted to go. I was hit with the truth bluntly, and it was exactly what I needed. Exactly. So, now I'm on a mission. Thank You Jesus for surrounding me with people who care enough to tell me the truth!

What are you grateful for this week? What has you smiling and praising God?

Verse of the Day: O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Psalm 136:1

Thanksgiving Friday

Today, I'm just thankful to be here. Ever have one of those days? Or, weeks, for that matter? So much has been going on and so many things have been in upheaval, that I'm just glad to be here.

I'm thankful for the Lord's keeping power.

I'm blessed to have His grace and mercy.

I'm privileged to know His love.

And that is what I'm thankful for today.

What are you thankful to the Lord for on today? You know what to do.

Verse of the Day: I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised... Psalm 18:1-3a

Thanksgiving Friday!

This week I'm praising God that I'm through with my class! I don't know why I decided I'd be fine taking a class while working and coaching this semester, but I'm happy I'm through. And I got a good grade. I'm thankful that I only have three more to go, and I'll have that graduate degree. Praise God!

I'm also thankful for a successful basketball season. Our boys pulled off a remarkable season, and I am on my way downstate with my cheerleaders to cheer them on. Hopefully they will do well this year. Either way, I get a nice little weekend get away! Praise God!

Today, I'm also thankful for help. We were short-staffed in our office this week, and we realized how much we really appreciate our co-worker. Her absence was truly felt. She does so much for our little group. - Hmmm. Thought for the day: Would your absence be felt if you were missing from your group? Are you being a great help to those around you? If you are, you are a real blessing to your team! - Thank you, Lord, for help!

I'm also thankful for the warming temps that are melting our snow. It was good while it was here, but it's time for the snow to go.

What are you thankful for this week? Make sure you send up some praises!

Verse of the Day: I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30

Thanksgiving Friday!

Another week, more blessings, more reasons to give God praise!

This week I'm thankful for new opportunities. I'm blessed to be partnering with the EmpowerMoments blog, and my first blog post went up on this past Wednesday. If you haven't read "Achieving Greatness" take a moment and go get inspired! Thanks, Lord, for opening up new doors!

I'm also thankful for God's peace. There has been a lot of chaos going on around me this week, but I'm praising God that there was no chaos within me! The Holy Spirit has kept me calm through many things this week, and I am grateful for the Lord's keeping power.

What are you thankful for this week? How has God blessed you? Make sure you give Him praise!

Verse of the Day: Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3

Thanksgiving Friday!

Today, I wanted to share the big and little things that I'm grateful for. Being grateful for all things is important. Plus, when you consider the small things, it makes you realize how much you really have to be thankful for in life!

So this week I'm thankful for love. Yes, there was a lot of it floating around in the air yesterday.

I'm thankful for the simple joys of life: help from a friend, someone saying thank you, chocolate and hot tea at the end of the day...

I'm grateful for the healing process of time.

God has blessed me with an amazing gift, and that gift is making some room for me! I'm thankful that I am losing insecurity and moving forward in what He has created me to do.

I appreciate getting a four day weekend this week! I definitely need it after what's been going on at the school recently. Praise God for rest!

I'm thankful that it's been an incredibly mild winter in Chicago again. I'll take a cold day over a below zero day anytime.

I'm thankful for my iPad. Yes. My iPad.

Finally, I'm thankful for my mom and sister. They're so strong and encouraging! I love that I get to be related to them.

Verse of the Day: Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, [and] meditate on thee in the night watches. Psalm 63:3-6

Thanksgiving Friday!

Today I'm thankful to be back online. You really don't realize how much technology has taken over until you can't utilize it. And, my phone was not working out the way it need it to. Thanks, Lord, for innovation!

I'm also thankful for creativity this week. I love it when I'm in fasting mode because my creative juices go into overdrive. God has shown me what I need to be doing, and I am getting into action mode! Thank You, Lord, for Your creativity and thank You for the drive to go and get it done!

Finally, I'm thankful for peace. In the midst of so many things, it can be very easy to worry and fret. Yet the Lord has granted us His peace. Someone said that worrying will get nothing done at the end of the day. And they are absolutely right. There's nothing wrong with being concerned, but crossing over into worry brings it's own problems. Thank You, Father, for the ability to rest in your peace!

Have a great day, everyone!

Verse of the Day: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue... 2 Peter 1:2, 3

Thanksgiving Friday!

God keeps showing me ways that I can improve. For that, I am grateful.

The Lord has given me His divine grace that still accepts me when I fail Him. For this, I have joy.

Jesus has given me the ability to go before the Throne and talk to my Heavenly Father. I am enriched because of it.

Even in the midst of this "inconvenient" snow, the beauty of God's creative genius is shown. I am thankful to experience it.

As I go about my life's journey, God has placed people who tell me the truth about myself even when it is difficult. I am better for it.

This week, I've been falling in love with this song:

Verse of the Day: How amazing are the deeds of the LORD! All who delight in him should ponder them. Psalm 111:2 (NLT)

Thanksgiving Friday!

Happy Friday, everyone! I pray that your week was filled with the pursuit of purpose and work toward the fulfillment of your dreams. 

This week I was blessed to have some great conversations and talks about our faith. From debating the entrance into heaven of Christians who commit suicide to expounding on the blessings of Philippians 1:6, I have had a great time learning from my brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank you, Lord, for the strength and wisdom I have in the Body of Christ!

I've also been humming Mary Mary's "Go Get It!" song all week. God's given us the tools, all we have to do is put in the work and get it!

Have a blessed weekend, everyone! Stay encouraged in what the Lord has promised you!

Verse of the Day: Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ... Philippians 1:6

Thanksgiving Friday!

It's Friday! God is so good and we are so blessed to have made it through another week.

This week I'm thankful for progress. I've been moving forward in my purpose, and I am thankful to see progress as a result. No step is too small, no advance is too little as long as the movement is forward! Thank You, Lord, for blessing me with progress.

I'm also thankful for God's Word this week. As I told you yesterday, the Word of God is a powerful tool, and we have been privileged with the ability to use it. Every time I open up my Bible, I find direction, peace, motivation, and insight. Thank You, Father, for blessing us with Your Word!

Finally, I'm thankful for the assurance that I have in Christ. There is no situation that can try to intimidate me, no problem that can stop me, and no issue that can make me back down. Through the blood of Jesus, I am already more than a conqueror! I am victorious! I am blessed and highly favored!

Verse of Day: Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. Hebrews 10:35

Hungry for Righteousness

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6

It's Thanksgiving Friday! I am thankful for entering into this new year with a fresh outlook and a fresh attitude. I'm moving forward, and I'm grateful to have the Lord on my side as I walk.

I love what Jesus shared with us in this scripture. According to the Bible, none of us are truly righteous on our own. (Romans 3:10) Yet, through the power of Jesus Christ, when we truly get a hunger and thirst for righteousness, we will have our fill.

When you're hungry or thirsty, food and drink is all you think about. You can't really concentrate on anything else. You're sole focus is to find something to stop your body's craving for sustenance.

A true hunger and thirst after righteousness makes it our main focus. Our lives become consumed with the goal of walking uprightly before our Heavenly Father. Everything we do is bring Him pride and joy.

When we position ourselves in that way before the Lord, despite our human failings, Jesus said we would be filled with what we desire. We will find ourselves transforming into the righteous of the Lord. God will give us our hearts desire!

Today, ask the Lord to give you a hunger for righteousness. Ask Him to make you thirsty to stand right before His eyes. Then allow yourself to be filled with His Word, His ways, and His love and watch the transformation that goes on.

Verse of the Day: Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22

12 Days of Christamas: Thanksgiving Friday!

Merry Christmas!

This week I'm thankful that Jesus Christ chose to come to earth to save us from a life of sin. Because of His choice to humble Himself, come down to earth, and die on the cross, we are able to spend eternity with Him in heavenly bliss. We are now able to approach God's throne and talk with Him one-on-one as His children. Thank You, Jesus, for coming to earth to save us!

I'm also thankful for all the generous people in my life. I've been blessed already with Christmas cheer from lots of folks and I am grateful for their gifts of love. Thank You, Lord, for surrounding me with so much love!

I'm also thankful for God blessing me with His peace and joy during this holiday season. A few folks are already checking on me knowing that the holiday is coming up and my dad is no longer here. I am thankful to say that depression nor sadness have visited my doorstep. Of course, I miss him, but I am not dwelling in sadness.

I pray you have a joyful holiday season as well. There is nothing or no one that should be able to take your joy away from you! The only One who matters - the Lord - loves you unconditionally and is working all things together for your good! Hold onto that fact, and stay in joy this holiday season!

Verse of the Day: And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:10-14

Thanksgiving Friday!

The struggle is real... But we are overcomers! Today, I'm thankful for the healing power of Jesus that is coming swiftly to my body! I will not be taken down by this huge headache! So, Lord I thank You that You are healing me as I type. No weapon formed against me will prosper!

This week I'm also thankful that I am able to be a blessing. You know, being a blessing is much more rewarding than receiving them more times than not. Seeing how God can use you to impact someone else is amazing. Thank You, Lord, for allowing me to touch someone else's life this week!

I'm also thankful for my friends. I have some great, God-fearing folks in my circle. And they often go out of their way to show me love. I'm so glad I don't have to worry about my friends gossiping about me, backstabbing me, or doing me wrong in any way. That is truly a blessing!

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Verse of the Day: ...for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Psalm 43:5b

Thanksgiving Friday!

Whoo! It's Homecoming, and things are on full tilt over here! I hope you've enjoyed a blessed week.

Today, I am thankful for my relationship with the Lord. Entering into this new year of life, I've reflected, and I can honestly say 'it's good to know Jesus' and 'where would I be without the Lord?'.

God has kept me, guided me, filled me with His love, girded me with His strength, given me wisdom when I didn't know what to do, comforted me when I was in sorrow, lifted me up when I was weak...

He's surprised me with blessings I didn't deserve, given me family and friends to surround me with love, taught me about His awesome power, given me purpose and a destiny for my life...

Knowing the Lord is the best thing anyone could have! It's so amazing that God is allowing me to get as close as I want to Him! I am so thankful for His love.

Lord, I thank you for our relationship. I thank you that as I move forward in life we will get closer and closer. I give you praise that I am growing in your grace and love.

Make sure you offer up some thanksgiving today!

Verse of the Day: Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. James 4:8