Friday, December 28, 2012

THERE'S MORE TO BE SEEN IN 2013

We're coming to the close of another year. Good bye 2012 and hello 2013! Some people are eager to see the year end because it hasn't been a good for them while others are anxious about what the new year will bring.  Personally, I'm eager to enter 2013 because I've had such a great 2012. I'm expecting more great things to continue in the new year.

The first of each year is the time to make a fresh start. It is a time to reflect on the previous year. Looking back, I see my accomplishments and I'm proud. I think about what I wanted to do and for whatever reason, I didn't. I won't beat myself up over it. Maybe the timing wasn't right. Or maybe it wasn't something I should have done anyway. Every day didn't go my way, but I chose to be happy anyway. Unfortunate situations and disappointments happened, but they are a part of life. I didn't let this prevent me from enjoying the good experiences I had throughout the year. 

God blessed me to live this year and I thank Him for it. My life is now filled with more great people. I went to some great places. I experienced some great things. I'm excited about the new year and what it will bring. I saw a lot of good things happen in 2012, but there's more to be seen in 2013.

Be blessed.


Tuesday, December 25, 2012

JESUS: BORN TO SAVE US FROM SIN

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus. Matthew 1:18-25

As we celebrate on this day, let us not forget the true reason for this season. Today, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The One who was born to save us from sin. We should not get so caught up into gift giving that we fail to remember Jesus and all He has done for us. 

Celebrate Jesus with your family and friends. Extend the love of Jesus to them and others. Enjoy the real reason for this season. Celebrate Jesus.

Have A Merry Christmas!

Be blessed.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

MAKE THE CHOICE TO BE HAPPY

Some people think it is strange to hear that being happy is a choice. They believe the right things must happen at just the right time in order to be happy. They believe to be happy they should be free from unfortunate circumstances and unwanted situations. In other words, the belief is that happiness comes when everything is going their way. While it is true things or stuff can make people happy, they are not required for happiness.

Happiness is not something that just happens to us. We have to make the decision to be happy no matter what obstacles or circumstances come our way. It would be lovely to wake up to great occurrences every day, but this is not the case. Among good days we have bad ones as well as those that are just okay. Think about the positive people you know. They keep a smile on their face even when they go through bad situations. These people recognize and have learned that happiness is a choice.

Happiness is a choice to believe there is sunshine after the rain. It is the choice to turn negatives into positives. It is the choice to believe no matter how dark a situation appears to be, there will be light.

Choosing to be happy is not always easy. There are times in life when it is very difficult to be happy and it is natural to allow other emotions to take over. When we choose to be happy our circumstances have no control over us, we become better, stronger, and make the most of life, no matter what comes our way.

“But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.” Psalm 68:3 KJV

Be blessed.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

MESSAGE THROUGH AN UNLIKELY SOURCE

We know we serve an unlimited God who moves in unlimited ways. In His unlimited ways, God sometimes speaks to us and gives us messages through unlikely sources. I will share what might perhaps be an embarrassing moment to some if it happened to them, but I am not embarrassed, only appreciative for the message.

Just the other day while making candy in my kitchen, I thought to myself, "I have no counter space left and I need more room to store my kitchen gadgets." After I stirred the chocolate and placed the lid on the pot, I looked up and noticed a cabinet I did not know existed. Maybe it is not a big deal to over look a cabinet if you just moved into a new place of residence, but I have resided in my home for over 13 years! I shook my head in disbelief because I did not notice it before that day. I constantly complain about the size of my kitchen and that I need more counter and cabinet space to prepare meals and entertain. From within I heard, "Sometimes you ask for and search for things that are right under your nose and have been the entire time." I smiled and meditated on the truth of that statement.

That simple message did not come from another person, it did not come through a dream or vision, but through the realization of the existence of a kitchen cabinet. I say this only to give a simple message. God will use anyone or anything to give you a message. Do not miss His message because it is not sent through who you expect or delivered in a way you expect. 

Be blessed.