LET EVERYDAY BE A DAY OF THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving Day is near and all of the signs that one of America's favorite holidays are present. Pumpkins, crowded grocery stores, busy airports, and Christmas commercials can be seen and Christmas tunes fill the air, setting the tone for another favorite holiday which is Christmas. Thanksgiving is the time of year when families come together, share food, and good conversation.

I am reminded of the scene in most holiday movies. Family and friends gather around the dinner table, hold hands, and each state the reasons he/she is thankful. It is such a nice moment to share with others, but what about being thankful everyday and not just on Thanksgiving Day? Why wait until the day of Thanksgiving to tell the Lord how thankful you are for the people He has blessed you with in your life or for all He has done for you? Everyday is Thanksgiving Day in my opinion. I thank God everyday. Before I get out of bed, I say to Him, "Thank You for allowing me to see another day."

Why wait until Thanksgiving to share special time with friends and family? You do not have to prepare some elaborate meal and slave over a hot stove for hours, or even days preparing food. A sandwich, flavored water, and good conversation with family or a dear friend works for me. Okay, I will even take a glass of regular refreshing water. Oh no, there is nothing wrong with a good Thanksgiving meal, but what I am saying is, do not get so caught up into the food. Remember the One who blessed you to see that day and who is the Provider of the food. Remember to be grateful for your family and great friends at all times.

Be blessed.

EYES ARE ON YOU

It is true each one of us makes decisions regarding our own lives. The choices we make have an impact. Choices impact the one who makes the choice and often the lives of others. Eyes are on you. You may not appear on television, stand before crowds, or even have your voice heard over the air waves, but still, you are being watched.

There is someone out there who wants to be like you. Someone respects your holy lifestyle and the way you carry yourself. Someone is watching the way you interact with others. Even when you think you are alone, someone is watching you. The Word of God is not read by all; therefore, you may be the only Bible someone will ever read. Some people do not know Jesus. They can learn about Jesus by watching the Jesus in you. Do not think those last two statements are just old sayings, because they are true statements.

Someone might read this blog and think, "I don't care who is watching me. It's my life and I'll do what I want" and that might be true. But, are you concerned that God sees you? Do you care to know He is watching you? He is always watching you.

Be blessed.

WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES ANOTHER DOOR OPENS

It is sad to see the ending of some things in our lives. This includes relationships, jobs, seasons, and many more things. All of these things end at some point for whatever reason. The end can cause pain, a little bit of sadness, but it can also bring such joy and excitement. When one door closes, another door opens. New relationships are formed, new jobs may begin, and a new season starts, and so on.

When a door closes on the past, one tends to look back and think on what was, what could have been, and perhaps, what should have been. We cannot live in the past and expect to move ahead to the future. There are many great opportunities waiting on the other side of the other door. Sure, taking the first step across the threshold may not be comfortable, but it can be so exciting at the same time. Many doors have closed in my life lately, and although I am a little nervous about what the future holds for me, I am totally excited about what the Lord has for me. I can only expect great things for me when the Lord is involved.

So, go ahead, walk away from closed doors and open the door to your future.

Be blessed.

I WILL KEEP HOLDING ON

There is one phrase believers will often hear as we trust God to do something in our lives. Hold on. I cannot begin to count the number of times someone has told me to hold on. I cannot begin to tell you the number of times I have told myself to hold on. I think we know the possible consequences of letting go, and this causes us to hold on. But if we are totally honest about it, sometimes the grip gets slippery.

What do you do when the grip gets slippery? I guess the best thing to do is take both hands, grip tighter, and make sure you pray as you hold on. You would think when God has promised us something it would be easier to hold out for the promise. No, that is not always true. Maybe it is the excitement of getting the promise or a little doubt about the promise. I mean, have you ever questioned some things concerning God's promises?

I will tell you what keeps me holding on. My Father has always come through for me. He has never failed me and there is no reason for me to think He will fail me now. His Word is true. I will sum it all up with the following, Good things do come to those who wait. The longer the wait, the bigger the blessing. Now who would let go after such a great statement!?

God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? Numbers 23:19 NKJV


Be blessed.

NO PEACE. NO HAPPINESS.

Over the last couple of weeks, all of my days have not been peaceful. Questions weigh heavily on my mind about many areas of my life. There is no absolute peace regarding the most important things in my life. I'm not perfect. I know the types of thoughts that should cross my mind. I've allowed myself to become vulnerable somehow. I admit it and I'm not afraid to do so. I won't pretend I'm the most perfect and saved person walking this Earth.

 This morning during prayer I asked for peace. Life is not a happy place without it. If you are lacking peace within yourself, I suggest you pray and meditate on what the Word of God has to say regarding peace. For the record, I'm taking my own suggestion.

 You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3 

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33 

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7 

Be blessed.