365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...JULY IS GOING...GOING...GONE!

It hard to believe today is the very last day of July! I must say I did enjoy it. I spent much of the day being creative which I find both relaxing and rewarding. I am creating a new artwork for my wall above my sofa. Eventually a digital art piece I created at university will hang there. Having it transferred to canvas is a bit expensive so in the meantime I am tired of the blank walls I have remaining. So as I wind down July after this beautiful day, I have made a commitment to continue something I started during the World Cup. I will make sure I WORKOUT everyday throughout the month of August. It takes approximately 21-30 days to create a new habit. After the WC my workouts became sporadic again. Now I need to up the anti and make sure I am on target for December 31st. I am past the plateau I found myself on for about 3 weeks and that gave me the incentive I needed to WORKOUT as I should. If I want a long and healthy life, some of that is my responsibility. I did my WORKOUT today and I feel strong, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Praise God!

   

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...JULY IS ALMOST GONE!

This morning when I woke up I made a conscious decision to ENJOY my day no matter what happened, not matter how I felt, or anything else that might try and get in my way. Of course when you decide to ENJOY anything, some things don't go as planned. That's okay. I am learning that God is in control. There was a saying when I was a teen..."Don't sweat the small stuff." Well to God...its all small stuff. Only man (and woman) make mountains out of mole hills. God is not limited and we should not limit God. No matter what happens to me today, or tomorrow, or anytime in the future, all I have to do is ENJOY my everyday life and remember that...(and we know)All things work together for good to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) NAS. 1 Peter 5:7 says that I am able to cast all all my cares on Him because He cares for me. That means I have "no worries mon"...smiles. I am free to ENJOY my life in spite of what may be going on around me. Learning to ENJOY my life is an ongoing process for me but I took the first step today. Now all I need to do is lean on the Holy Spirit and He will guide me the rest of the way. Stay blessed and ENJOY your life in Christ Jesus!

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...JULY IS ALMOST GONE!

Amos 3:3 says, How can two walk together except they be agreed (in AGREEMENT). When we read that scripture we may have thoughts of a spouse, a close friend, or perhaps a business partner or AGREEMENT (contract) we have entered into. But did you know we can be in AGREEMENT with satan? If we are not in AGREEMENT with God and His Word and promises and what He says about us, we are in essence, in AGREEMENT with the enemy. I know I want to be in AGREEMENT with God. That means my words, my thoughts, as well as my actions, need to be in AGREEMENT (in a covenant) with Him. I can not go by what I think, what I feel, or what I see, or don't see. If God said it, I have to believe it! I will remind myself of this daily. Who are you in AGREEMENT with?

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...JULY IS ALMOST GONE!

This is something I have found myself working on for at least a few years. I even went to a seminar. The world has used this Bible teaching because it is highly effective. God just did not intend for us to use this knowledge to get everything you want. As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. (Proverbs 23:7) This scripture has spawned such books as "The Secret," The Law of Attraction," "Think and Grow Rich," and an abundance of others. I have learned however, through Bible teachings, that we really do PROPHESY our future by what we think and say today. I am always praying that God will help me with this because often my idle thoughts (I have learned not to speak it out loud) are often negative about certain situations in my life. So once again I find myself asking God to help me PROPHESY my life. I don't even try to attempt this on my own without the Holy Spirit. I know it won't work. I can not go by what I see, I have to go by what God's Word says. I am a work in progress.

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...JULY IS WINDING DOWN!

There is an old saying that says...You can run...but you can't hide. How fitting that is of the world today when everything from crimes, infidelities, drug use, etc. are often done in SECRET. When people do something wrong...they run. Too many people don't own up to their sin. For (we)all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) No one is perfect. All we need to do is confess our sins and ask God for forgiveness with a sincere heart, and repent (turn away) and God is quick to forgive us. The Bible has many scriptures concerning SECRET sin...that which is done in darkness (SECRET) will come out in the light. Luke 8:17 says, For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. (NIV) The NLT is even more straightforward...For all that is SECRET will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all. Other scriptures you may want to read on your own are Matthew 10:26, Mark 4:22, 1 Corinthians 4:5, and Acts 17:11. So although we can run from things, we can never ever hide. I would rather confess my sin, ask for forgiveness, repent and if necessary take my punishment than die in my sin. There are no guarantees you will live long enough to do so. 

I ask that you would join with me in praying for the mother whose 3 children were hit and killed by the two carjackers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. May God heal her and comfort her in this time of her greatest loss and that those involved will turn themselves in...in Jesus Name Amen.

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...JULY IS WINDING DOWN!

What do you CHERISH? What we CHERISH has a lot to do with where our heart is. To CHERISH means: To feel or show great love for (someone or something); to remember or hold (an idea, belief, etc.) in a deeply felt way. We CHERISH many things, some good, some not so good, and some bad. Ruth cherished her mother in law Naomi. (Ruth 1:14-18) Jesus cherished Israel (2 Kings 8:12) A husband is to CHERISH his wife (Ephesians 5:2-33) Jesus cherished us enough to die for us: I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. 
(2 Corinthians 12:15) We should CHERISH correction (Solomon 15:31-32) When we CHERISH constructive criticism, You will be at home among the wise (NIV) When we listen to correction we grow in understanding (verse 32 NIV) In this world people CHERISH the latest mobile phone they snagged after waiting in line for hours. They CHERISH their tennis shoe collection. They CHERISH their cars, their homes, even their pets. Liking these things may not be a sin, but when we CHERISH them...have deep affection for the things of the world, then it becomes a problem. When I was younger I often took stock of myself to see what was too important in my life. I did this out of fear. After all, The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away (Job 1:21) That is not what God wants from us. He wants us to CHERISH spiritual things and not earthly things that do not matter. Matthew 6:19 cautions us, Do not store up for yourself treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and destroy. (NIV) We should CHERISH God's Word. We should CHERISH Christ Jesus who laid down His life for our sins. We should CHERISH people and especially have great affection for the widows and children who are fatherless...having compassion for them. This gives me a lot to ponder over. What do I really CHERISH most in life? I am sure the same is true for you as well. What do you CHERISH most in your life? What has all your time and attention and deep affections? Remember it is spiritual things that matter most.

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...JULY IS WINDING DOWN!

Today I think my doctor achieved a world record! I feel BLESSED! I had an appointment and not only was the office almost empty...I was seen in record time! It pays not to dread things. I usually dread going because I know I will be locked in a tiny sterile room and have to amuse myself for a few hours. No matter what I take with me to do...either I tire of it in a few minutes or I don't do it at all. Which means I have carried heavy books or whatever for nothing. Today I was definitely BLESSED. I stopped to pick up my prescription and even found a bag of sugar in my path for 99 cents! It wasn't even on my list for this week...but still I know I had been BLESSED! I remember a simple song from my childhood years called "Count Your Blessings." I loved that song...it was simple...but BLESSED! Count all that you have been BLESSED with...great and small and name them one by one! Stay BLESSED!

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...JULY IS WINDING DOWN!

A few years ago I was thinking about mortality and how life on earth really is short. At that moment I decided for whatever reason, that 106 would be a great age to live until. Granted I don't have much influx about that, I will live as long as God predestined me to live. There is nothing wrong with aspirations and goals just as long as I am flexible and know that it may or may not happen. What I didn't think about, at first, is that like everything else, it would take some ACTION on my part. The ACTION I need to take is to make sure I guard the health that God has blessed me with. Sure I am not 100% healthy, but compared to some people I am blessed. I must continue with my exercise so that I can build my physical health, I need to stay at peace and stress free to guard my emotional health, and most importantly, I need to study Gods Word and read and listen to the right teachings so that build my spiritual health. So here's to taking ACTION!

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...JULY IS WINDING DOWN!

Sometimes you have to encourage yourself. It was one of those days that went from bad to worse and if there was such a word...I would say "worser." Some days life can be EXHAUSTING and today was that kind of day. Most of the day I dodged those emotional fiery darts of anger, strife, self pity, and frustration. By evening I found all that dodging to be EXHAUSTING and my emotions caved in. This too shall pass. Tomorrow is another day...and it will be amazing!

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...JULY IS WINDING DOWN!

This is the day that the Lord has made and I will REJOICE in it in spite of not feeling well and a couple stressful issues today. All will be well in Jesus Name! I know everything happening today is just an attack and I refuse to fold because of it. I still have faith unshakable and I will still REJOICE! This too shall pass! I will REJOICE in the Lord always!