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!

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

....And God BLESSED me! I have to give praise and honor to my Heavenly Father who blessed me abundantly today. Just when I was feeling that this month would be like last...God BLESSED me! I am grateful for everything from the greatest to the smallest. I need to always set the tone for my day...smiles. Stay BLESSED!

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...NOW ITS MID JULY!

Yesterday I was reading about setting the TONE for my day as soon as I wake up. I have been doing that somewhat. I wake up, give thanks, and start my day. I have learned though, if you give little you get little. That is a good start but does that really set the TONE for my whole day? The answer to that is no...it doesn't. Therefore I vow with Gods help to do better. First step is getting more sleep...that's why I am writing @12.40 pm instead of 10.40 pm. Automatically if I am tired, I set the TONE for my day in a negative way without even trying. Way too often I wake up and the first words out of my mouth are "I am still tired." I know I wake up very early even on weekends so I need to count backward instead of forward to make sure I get the proper amount of rest. To set the TONE for my day, not only will I begin my day with an attitude of praise and thanksgiving but I also need to banish any negativity and declare Gods promises in His Word. 

MY VOICE SHALT THOU HEAR IN THE MORNING, OH LORD; IN THE MORNING I WILL DIRECT MY PRAYER UNTO THEN, AND WILL LOOK UP 

(PSALM 5:3)