Tuesday, December 31, 2013

THINKING BACK ON 2013

As the year closes, I reflect on new opportunities and situations I experienced and the ones I didn't although I thought I would. It's okay that some dreams are still dreams. 2014 gives me something to look forward to, right? My post reads like a book, but I promise you, it isn't. (For those of you who have asked about it, it's a work in progress and look for the release soon.  )

Some points I was reminded of and I think are important, even helpful to share with you.
1. Be encouraged as you encourage others.
2. With every rejection from one source comes much acceptance with another.
3. There has to be a balance in life, in all areas of your life.
4. Take care of your body. Do this by keeping your mind renewed by studying the Word of God daily. Eat right. Exercise. Get enough sleep. Take time to rest.
5. Always look beyond what you see because what you see isn't always what it appears to be.

I don't know what my future holds for the new year, but I do know Who holds my future. Because I know this, I know I'm going to be alright. Too many years were wasted in the first half of my life, but none will be wasted in the last part of it.

I'm expecting great things in 2014. I look forward to so many God ordained opportunities. With the good times, I also know storms are coming. That's life and we can't escape them. Thank God for Jesus who gives peace in the midst of storms. If we keep our eyes fixed on Him we won't sink. We will make it through any storm.

I pray much peace, love, and happiness for all of you in 2014. It's my prayer that all who don't know Jesus will open the door of their heart, let Him in, and get to know Him before it's too late.

Be great. Be blessed.

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

THE TRUE GIFT

Today is another day to gather with your family and friends and just have a merry time. As believers, we should celebrate Christ every day of the year, but we understand this holiday season, this Christmas day, has been set aside to recognize the birth of Jesus Christ.

Let us rejoice because of Jesus. Let us be reminded of the reason for His birth and the true Gift He is to mankind. Jesus is the real reason for the celebration of this season and it is important to remember this.

Merry Christmas from me to you.

Be blessed.

Saturday, December 21, 2013

WHEN GOD SAYS, "WAIT"

God says, "Wait." What do you do? Do you complain or do you continue to wait patiently? If we answer the question honestly, we can probably say there were times when we complained and times when we waited patiently.

We must remember that a delay is not denial. Sometimes, most times, we have to wait for answered prayer. In the meantime, we should wait patiently and do what God has told us to do in His Word. There is much work to be done.

Let us remember this, there are rewards when waiting on God. 

My soul, wait silently for God alone,
For my expectation is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation;
He is my defense;
I shall not be moved. Psalm 62:5,6


Be blessed.

Friday, December 13, 2013

WHICH WAY SHOULD I GO?

Step by step instructions are important for most activities we do in life. We need instructions to perform a job in the way the employer requires. We need instructions to get from point A to point B. Arts, crafts, and the assembly of things require instruction. We're so accustomed to being told what we should do, how to do it, and when to do it, that it's often scary to make a move without being told exactly where we should go or what we should do.

Some situations or circumstances require us to be still, have faith, and not move at all. There are times when we are so sure of what the Lord is telling us to do, then there are those times when we are required to first take a step in faith. What do we do when we must move but don't feel the Lord is leading in a specific way. You pray and wait for an answer, but the Lord is silent. 

When we take a step and walk out in faith and continue to take steps in faith, a path will be opened up to us. Don't let fear of making a mistake, being disappointed or rejected be an obstacle. Don't let anxieties of a possible difficult road prevent you form moving. As you trust in the Lord with each step you take, He will lead you and ultimately the path will be opened unto you.

"For we walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7

Be blessed.




Thursday, December 5, 2013

IF I COULD TURN BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

If only I knew then what I know now.... you finish the sentence. I'm sure most of us have made this statement, ending it with something we wished we would had or had not done. When seconds, minutes, and hours go, they're gone. We can't get them back. So instead of looking back, wishing we could get a "do over" we have to make the best use of our time now.

When we do away with our own daily plans and trust in the Lord for Him to plan our way on each day, we can accomplish all things that are meant to be accomplished on the particular day. I can't tell you the number of evenings I've thought about the tasks I wanted to do, or felt I needed to do, but wasn't able to complete for whatever reason. Months ago, in my quiet time with the Lord, it was made clear to me to ask the Lord to guide my steps each day and to be open to where He leads and guides me and all that needs to be done will be done. Grasping this has allowed me to feel less guilty about my so called "To Do List".

"Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It’s a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ.
Wake up from your sleep,
Climb out of your coffins;
Christ will show you the light!
So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!
Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants." Ephesians 5:15-17 Msg

Be blessed.