Frustrations And Annoyances

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

Back in the day when computers were fairly new there may have been many problems trying to get connected. Today things are somewhat easier but for a person still not using them all the time it can seem mind boggling. Ever so often it may be hard for we who use them on a regular basis to get a wireless signal and is very annoying and frustrating. 

This happened to me recently in a coffee shop I have purposely not gone to very much as each time I could not break the code so to speak and figure out how to connect to Wi Fi. On this day I realized I needed to stay cool and not get mad as I represent Christ wherever I go. Now there is not a huge flashing sign hanging over me saying "Follower of Christ" but certainly I want to bring Him glory in my words and deeds. 

Does the peace of God rule in your heart that you can take a deep breath and let things go that would normally upset you? Setbacks and problems can be issues that would cause one to get angry but our job as a believer is to try to represent Him and in a good way. How are you doing today when your patience is tried? 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father you are good and glorious. You have seen me and my problems and yet you love me and are patient with me. Give me strength to conquer any area of my life that would normally cause me to explode. In Jesus' name. Amen.

I Am So Very Thankful

I will give You thanks with all my heart;I will sing Your praise before the heavenly beings. Psalm 138:1

Today marks the end of a 'school calendar year' of praying with the Moms in Prayer group I am a part of. At the end of each year it is very exciting because we have a 'Thanksgiving celebration' to give thanks once again to many answers to prayer during the year. Our group consists of college/career/and military moms.

To be thankful for things helps you stay focused on the positive things of life. God does care and it is a comfort to go to Him with prayer and thanksgiving. Complaining and being ungrateful comes easy and usually drags other people down besides the one doing it. If you have trouble being thankful stop a moment and just sit with a pen and paper or your computer and make a list of all the things you are grateful for. I have a blessing jar at home where each day I put one thing I am thankful for or blessed because of.

No matter what is going on in your life,keep praising Jesus through the storms as one day you will indeed see the sunshine.

PRAYER: At times I have forgotten to get up and say thanks for another day of life and another day to try to be a blessing in this world. Forgive me Lord for not being more thankful. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link for a song of Thanksgiving:
http://youtu.be/xtxmSAqMtDA

For more info on Moms in Prayer go to www.momsinprayer.org

Close Calls

I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3

 Recently as I sat down to write and turned on my computer, Facebook stuff popped up. I read for first  post where my daughter in law had been hit by a car while riding her bike to work that morning.After a call to my son I was cool, she is okay but 3000 miles away. After I waited, and tried to get to writing, the tears came. I was so thankful she was okay. For a brief moment I experienced the panic that sets in when a family member finds out something is wrong with another family member. Both my son and his wife are medical professionals so deal with hurting families all the time and now they were the hurting family.

 Have you gone through the unimaginable where you are enjoying a wonderful day then comes the dreaded phone call? This call changes your day and sometimes your life. A car accident. A son or daughter injured or killed in the war. A parent has died. Whatever the news we are never really ready to have it happen. There is never a good time.

The first thing to try to do is remain as calm as possible and to pray. Prayer has a way of soothing your soul in the toughest of times. Just try to get alone and be calm with God and let Him do the rest. Above all be thankful for those around you daily!

PRAYER: Lord you are my great comfort in the trials of life. When the unexpected happens you are there. Oh Lord I thank you for watching over me and my family. I praise your name forever. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Have You Thanked Your Lord Today?

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name. Psalm 100:4

A few years ago there was a catchy public service commercial with a tune playing with the words "have you hugged your kid today and sent them on their way with love, love, love."  This positive commercial with the catchy song was a way to remember to love on your kids. Unlike today's lawyer commercials whose catchy tunes urge the viewer to "sue, sue,sue" this positive message of love, rang loud and clear.

Along these same lines I want to ask the reader "have you thanked your Lord today?" Oftentimes we get so busy to really stop and take time to be grateful. It is easy to complain but how often do we truly sit and say thanks and praise God for our blessings? For readers in the United States one thing truly to be thankful for is freedom. We just celebrated the 238th birthday of these United States of America. Never take that freedom for granted. It could be lost in a moment.

What else are you truly thankful for? Pause in your busy day and make a list of things you are indeed grateful for.

God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good.

PRAYER: Lord you are good and your mercies endure forever. Thanks for the gift of life and of freedom. Thank for friends and family. In Jesus' name. Amen.

LOVE DOES NOT ENVY OTHERS

When you love someone you are happy for them and rejoice with them when good things happen in their life. You are not jealous of them if they get ahead, are honored, lose lots of weight , publish a book, get promoted, are voted queen, or win a race. It is tempting to feel envious of people who are succeeding when you may not be. God has a plan and purpose for everyone's life. Are you able to praise a friend who has had something good happen to them or do you get jealous?

Lately in the US government there is a move afoot to make people "without" envy those who “have“. They are calling it "income inequality". All this attempts to do is divide the classes of people and create envy. The more people hear this they start wanting other peoples things and their money, even if they did not work to earn it.

The Bible tells us in Exodus 20:17(NIV) that 'You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." That is simply put and easily understood. Be glad for what you have and thank the Lord for it. If you are reading this in the United States of America, no matter what your income level, you are rich compared to the rest of the world. It is time to rejoice and be glad and not glorify Satan by complaining and being jealous of others.

PRAYER: I am indeed grateful for the material blessings I have in my life Lord. Every time I start to want more or feel envy help me stop and thank you for the blessings you have heaped upon me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

OH WE GOT TROUBLE!!

 We may indeed have trouble in our world but we do not need to focus on it and dwell on it all the time. I am sure all of us have people we know who continually dwell on doom and gloom. Why not make a practice of trying to say positive things. Try this. "Thank you Lord for my home. Thanks for my friends. Thanks for food to eat. Thanks for having money to spend even if I think I do not have enough. Thanks Lord for my Bible. Thanks Lord for good health and for healing me. Thanks Lord for beautiful flowers and the gift of nature." You get the idea so now try it.

If each and every morning it is your habit to wake up and flip on the morning news then rest assured your mind will be filled with troubles. Likewise if you reach for the morning newspaper before having quiet time with Jesus that too is a solution for bringing you down. Not that these two sources do not occasionally have cheery things in them but the point being if you want to be content, peaceful and not live in constant dread and fear your focus has to be on "above".

Phillipians 4:8(NIV) says 'Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things." Whatever your mind dwells on usually is what controls you. Scared of the end of the earth what is happening in the world? Give that care to Jesus. There does not have to be trouble in your heart. Even with the craziness happening around you it is possible to be at peace and set an example for Christ.

PRAYER: Thanks Lord for your perfect peace. I know I need not fear the terror around me and in this world. You are in control and I trust you no matter what the situation looks like right now. Help my unbelief at times. In Jesus name. Amen.

Assignment: Read Psalm 91

Click link below for a great praise song to lift your spirits.

http://youtu.be/8cJJGgRlQi8

WORK IS A BLESSING...SAY WHAT?

A few days ago I heard a lady complaining about her job. Someone asked her how things were going and she replied something to the effect that everything but her work was great. Granted I know there are situations with impossible bosses, bad work conditions, or harsh treatment of employees, but to be able to have employment in this day and age is a blessing. Even probably the greatest job in the world has its' downside.

The attitude we should have as a believer is "how can I impact my workplace for Christ. How can I overlook the hurtful co workers or back biting that may occur." Realize God is instrumental in where you are and ask Him to make you a light in a dark place.

One of my favorite verses about work or life in general is found in Colossians 3:23(NIV) and it says 'Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.' You may have to pray for God to give you the strength and ability to love impossible bosses or co workers. Pray also for a good attitude.

Work is necessary in order to provide for yourself and your family. The Bible says in 2 Thessalonians 3:10(ESV) it says 'For even when we were with you, we would give you this command:If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.' Those who get constant handouts lose the desire to contribute to society and work but think it is the government who needs to take care of them.

Consider your job a blessing. If you are a stay home mom be grateful as you are being able to be a full time leadership developer and impact the next generation. I always hate it to hear stay home moms say they are "just" a mom.

No matter what your job is do it just as if Jesus were right there beside you. Ask Him for opportunities to be a light in a dark world.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus help me whatever I do to be an example for you whether in my home or in the work place. Help me shine your light out into the world around me which desperately needs you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

GRATITUDE AND ATTITUDE

It sure is easy to complain about our "lot" in life but have you ever stopped for a moment, especially for my United States readers, and really think about your blessings? We take so much for granted, which saddens me.

This subject came up as a writing topic as I reflected on our healthcare we "currently" enjoy in America and how grateful with my recent snow ski injury, I was able to quickly be seen by top notch medical doctors and physical therapists with little or no wait. In my case am grateful I have pretty much the same mobility as I know for many that is not always the case. Indeed it made me grateful first for mobility, having legs, being able to be seen by a doctor quickly and so much more.

Philippians 2:14-15(NLT) says 'Do all things without complaining and arguing so that no one can criticize you. Live clean innocent lives as children of God shining as bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.' This would mean do not complain about the things you don't have but thank Him for what you are blessed with.

Nick Vujivic, who I have written about before, has no limbs. None. No arms, no legs. His ministry is "Life Without Limbs". Here is a young man who initially may have been depressed but he overcame an immense disability and turned it into an ability and a ministry reaching out to millions. Check out his website at www.lifewithoutlimbs.org. It is truly inspiring to hear him. Today he is on the last ten minutes of "Enjoying Everyday Life with Joyce Meyer". Check www.joycemeyer.org for times in your area.

Do a gratitude exercise today. Get paper and start listing all the things you are grateful for. Not all the things you are "entitled" to as we are not entitled to anything. Just start writing down all the blessings in your life from the smallest things such as being able to hear chirping birds sing or being able to eat without a feeding tube. Let your mind rest and be able to think. I hope you come up with pages and pages.

Lamentations 3:22-23(NIV) are two of my favorite verses and they say 'Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed,for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness.' When you are praying why not repeat that verse as part of your prayer. Psalm 68:19(NIV) says 'Bless the Lord who daily loads us with benefits.' I say to that "Hallelujah!"

He indeed loads us with blessings that we so often fail to say thank you. Take time today and give God the glory for all the great things he has done.

PRAYER: Today Lord I am overwhelmed by your goodness to me. I often times am humanly undeserving of your mercies and abundance you pour out on me. Material things are nice but your love and kindness to me is worth so much more. In Jesus' name.Amen.

Click the link below and praise the Lord for His goodness to you.

http://youtu.be/heRHeX23r70

ATTITUDE CHECK

How is your attitude? Are you constantly griping about your situation? Do you sometimes feel short changed in life? Do you complain to God about your life?

Would you rather be around a cheerful person or one constantly moaning and complaining about everything? I know there have been times in my past I caught myself complaining or not quite understanding things happening to me but then I realize that I need to trust God. He knows the "big picture"after all.

Even in the Bible there are many examples of complaining. They did not always turn out good. We may think we have it so bad in life but if you are fortunate to go on a overseas mission trip you realize you really do not have it so bad.

I have heard a person in poverty here in the United States is wealthy by Third World country standards. It is easy to become quickly spoiled or feel entitled to things we do not deserve. Sometimes we do not deserve the love of Jesus but He is there with open loving arms no matter how much you have constantly griped.

Sometimes we treat God pretty bad. Ignore him. Complain to Him. Moan and groan when a prayer is not answered fast enough.  He is patient with us and stands by waiting to hear you show love to Him by talking to Him in prayer. Do you need to "talk to Him" in prayer right now? Perhaps tell Him you are sorry for the bad attitude you have displayed when He has done so very much for you. He died a cruel death on the cross for all of us. 

Maybe it is time to do an "attitude check" and start praising instead of saying "whoa is me" all the time. 

Philippians 2:5(AMP) says 'Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:]'.  Further in Philippians 2:24 it says ' Do EVERYTHING without grumbling and complaining.'  Isn't it time to be thankful and praise him and stop whining? Praise Jesus for we are truly blessed.

PRAYER: This is the day you have made Lord and I will rejoice and be glad in it. Thank you for my life. Thank you for the friends and family in my life. Thank you for blessing me beyond measure. Thank you for the new exciting things you have prepared for me. Above al lthank you for hearing my prayers. In Jesus' name Amen.

BE THANKFUL AND SAY SO!

Do you consider yourself a thankful person? Does your heart overflow with gratitude? If not it is possible to develop this trait. Do you write thank you notes? Do you thank God for the answer to prayer and praise and thank Him for each and every day He gives you? Thankfulness is a great habit to cultivate. Do not take things for granted ever.

2 Timothy 3:1-7(NIV) says 'But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous,rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God--having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires.' Don't succumb to these "last day" predictions. You don't have to go far without bumping into someone that fits this category. Some of them might be people you are close to. Don't be their Holy Spirit but allow God to bring conviction. It works much better.

Do you have a special person in your life you are thankful for? Each and every day try to show kindness and thanks as you never know how many days you will still have breath. Even if you do not feel like thanking and praising do it anyway. Before you realize it you will start feeling more joyful.

"What do you have you to be thankful for" you may say? Food, clothing, shelter, friends, family, and much much more. Focus on goodness of people and you will have little time to take things for granted.

Just as I have done with other topics I am going to list a few verses of thanks for you to read.

Psalm 69:30(NAS) 'I will praise the name of God with song, and shall magnify Him with Thanksgiving.'

Psalm 100:4(RSV) 'Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise.'

Colossians 3:15(NAS) 'And let the peace of Christ rule in your heats and be thankful.'

1 Corinthians 1:4(NIV) 'I always think God for you because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus.'

Are you able to be thankful today and every day? Satan, of course, does not want you praising God or being in an attitude of thanks because he is out to take you down and make you miserable. You are bought with the blood of Jesus so remind Satan of that next time he tries to get your focus off God and onto defeat and ungratefulness.

PRAYER: This is the day Lord you have made. A rejoicing for another day of life to serve you and be a light in the world you have put me in. I will not allow attacks of the enemy to cause me to be whining all the time. I have much to give thanks for. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link for a wonderful song:

http://youtu.be/ZI6585ekuhg

EVEN MORE THANKS!

Last Friday I wrote about Thanksgiving and listing all the wonderful
things in our lives we are thankful for and I forgot to list five very
important things. This is always the case when you are thinking of
what you are thankful for. I know in Moms in Prayer each week in our
Four Steps of Prayer (see www.momsinprayer.org) the third step is
"Thanksgiving" where we share in prayer the things God has done for us
and answers to prayers we have prayed in our lives there in the group.
So five more things I thought of the other day at O dark thirty as I
pushed "send" to put my writing out there in cyber world were my
family such as mom,brother, sister, nephews, niece, and many other

relatives still living; my beautiful and wonderful daughter in law and
her absolutely terrific family, the pets in our lives, and the answers
to prayer each and every day we often take for granted. Once again as
I send this out no doubt more will come to mind. That is what we need
to have happen. Be so grateful and thankful for so many things that
you just can not stop praising God for them. So many little "God
things" in your life you may not even notice. It is so awesome how God
orchestrates all the details in our lives and even turns bad things
around.

The assignment for all readers once again is to get out that paper and
pen and go to work writing down all the things in your life you are
thankful for. It is a very good exercise to do and to do daily. The
more we learn to thank the less we learn to complain. I just thought
of another one just now, grocery stores. In America we are so blessed
with an abundance of food.

Ephesians 5:20(NIV) is a good memory verse and it says 'Always give
thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ'. Try cultivating daily an attitude of gratitude.

PRAYER: Lord first I am thankful for knowing you as my saviour. I
thank you for my Bible and I pray I do not neglect reading it daily.
In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link and be blessed.

http://youtu.be/-GPpx9oINsI

THANK YOU SO MUCH JESUS!!

When you are down in the dumps and think your situation or trial is
unbearable I challenge you to do this simple exercise. Get a piece of
paper and start listing your blessings and the things you are thankful
for. It is easy to complain and is a bad habit to get into. I have

heard a person has to find seven good things to negate the one

critical thing you may have said.

Here is an idea for saying thanks listed not in any particular order.
I challenge you to make your own list and see if you do not feel
better.

Thank you Lord for freedom.
Thank you Lord for good health.
Thank you Lord for food and clean water.
Thank you Lord for my spouse.
Thank you Lord for my children.
Thank you for where you have me now as I know it is your plan.
Thank you Lord for friends.
Thank you Lord for eyes that see and ears that hear.
Thank you for being able to walk, run, swim,ski, hike.
Thank you for monetary blessings.
Thank you for education.
Thank you for healthcare.
Thank you for the gift of speech.
Thank you for my Bible.
Thank you for your mercy and forgiveness.
Thank you for hearing my prayers.
Thank you for talents and gifts.

1 Thessalonians 5:18(NIV) reminds us 'give thanks in all circumstances
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.' Let Psalm 51:10(ESV)
be your prayer. It simply says 'Create in me a clean heart Oh God and
renew a right spirit within me.' Is your heart clean? Are you walking
with the Lord daily or just wait to visit Him one hour on Sunday? Why

not make that "thanks list" and start letting the Lord "truly" take first place in your life?
PRAYER: Lord Jesus thank you for yet another day you have given me to
make a difference in the world around me. I choose to not complain but
to have an attitude of thanksgiving instead. Satan has no power over
me as I sing your praises. In Jesus' name. Amen.

END OF THE YEAR...NOW WHAT?

Y2K fears again? Dropping off the fiscal cliff? Takeover by an evil
government? War? Loss of job? Sickness? Death? What will we face in
2013?

Maybe instead of focusing on the "what ifs" why not start by thinking

of your life and what you can do differently in the coming year. What
goals do you have? Call them resolutions if you like, but what is it
you really plan to do or want to accomplish? Instead of worry and fear
why not start a tradition of a "praise fest" of sorts thanking God for
what He has done for you and your loved ones in 2012.

I for one and extremely blessed with a new daughter in law and am very
thankful to God for bringing a wonderful young lady into my younger
son Jon's life. Amber is a dear and so is her awesome family!! I am
thankful for my continuing furlough travel privileges for a few more
months on Delta that allow me to attend patriotic rallies in the
Nations' Capitol, Christian events in the US such as Joyce Meyer, and
to see family and friends across the US. I am thankful we get to see
our son Matthew lots because he is a First Officer with American Eagle
and has flown here a few times. I am thankful for getting to see my
mom and brother more in 2012 and that they and my sis, boyfriend and
family made it to the wedding. I am thankful for being married 35
years now to my wonderful husband. I truly love and appreciate all my
friends, new and old, near and far. All in all it has been a terrific
year. I could write much more but these are highlights.

In 2013 instead of listening to the news or reading the newspaper

and worrying, why not listen to Christian radio or a praise and

worship CD and start praising Jesus for all He has done for you. It is
easy to start fearing but you need to start praising God instead.

So what do you have to be thankful for? I am sure you can think of
something. Can you start 2013 tomorrow by deciding to pray daily, read
your Bible and truly trust God with things going on in this world of
ours.

Deuteronomy 31:6(NIV) says 'Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid
or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you. He
will never leave you nor forsake you.'

PRAYER: Dear Lord new year gives us a fresh start on things we maybe
want to accomplish. I want to trust you are working out all things for
my good. Forgive me when I get afraid and let Satan try to scare me. I
will start 2013 by running full force to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link below and praise God on this final day of 2012.

http://youtu.be/0gm9nCQKWsA

PRAY AND BE THANKFUL

Tne Bible says in Psalm 100:4(NIV) that we should 'enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name.'  Does this sound like your life? Are you a thankful person or only when you really have to be? 

Thanksgiving is fast approaching and it traditionally is when  we gather with family and friends to celebrate all the goodness that God has blessed us with. Indeed here in these United States we are indeed blessed by God. A free nation! What more could one ask for? But never take this freedom for granted as men and governments are always encroaching upon citizens to try to control us more. 

Besides your freedom, what else comes to mind on list of thanks? Stop for a moment and take a piece of paper and jot down those things in your life you are thankful for. At this time also is a good time to release any bitterness or bad feelings harbored against a friend or family member you may be estranged from. 

Thanksgiving is all about family and giving God thanks for this Christian nation. The love of Jesus can be alive in your heart. Take time to give thanks today and every day and give up your bitterness which keeps you from enjoying a full life with the Lord. 

PRAYER: This is the day you have made we shall give thanks and be glad in it it says in Psalm 118:24.  Today I choose to be glad and choose to be thankful. In Jesus' name. Amen.

LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO BE UNHAPPY

As I sit writing at a crowded neighborhood coffee shop, the barista named Bob, behind the counter,when a customer said to him, "Boy are you in a good mood!" his response is my title above. It is so very true. Life is short. We do not know when God will call us home and our earthly service will be completed. He is the one who knows the day and the hour. It is important to stay happy. Turn that frown upside down. What good does it do to go around all gloomy? Try smiling and see if your attitude changes. People also say to me "How are you today?" My reply many times is "If I were any better I'd be twins." This gentleman working at the coffee shop answered the same question by exclaiming , "If I were any better the government would have to tax me twice."

Each day is a gift from God and an opportunity to shine for Jesus. If you love Jesus let your eyes sparkle and wear a smile! In the musical 'Annie' there was a song whose lyrics said "You're never fully dressed without a smile." Look around you. Do people around you display joy?

Matthew 24:6 says "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven or the Son, but only the Father." The time you have on earth should be used to serve others. Look at people you pass and give them a smile. Ecclesiastes 3:2 says " A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to pluck up what has been planted."

Many people dread their week especially those working in jobs they do not enjoy. They want Friday to hurry and be here. I heard an evangelist once say "It's Friday, But Sunday is coming!" so instead of being excited for 'Casual Friday' at work why not look in anticipation of the day you get to have fellowship with others.

So are you enjoying your life? If no,t find a way to help somebody. Volunteer at an assisted living center or a hospital. Go out and shine and radiate the love of God wherever your life takes you! Each day is a chance to start over if you have messed up seem way. Live every day to the fullest not knowing how much time you have left.

Psalm 90:2 says " Teach us to number our days aright that we may gain a heart of wisdom."
Talk to any cancer survivor and they will no doubt tell you they are thankful for each day they are alive here on the Earth. Sometimes a brush with death helps us think of life differently. I have come close a couple times myself once being when I was sucked out to sea by rip tides while I was snorkeling and believe me it taught me the value of being alive.

Psalm 39:4 says "Show me Oh Lord my life's end and the number of my days, let me know how fleeting is my life." Death will come to all of us and it is nothing to fear if you know the Lord. In the meantime why not start making it a point to bless someone each and every day you are alive and well.

Get up and thank God saying Psalm 139:4 "This is the day the Lord has made. Will rejoice and be glad in it!"

PRAYER: Lord Jesus forgive me if I eve walk around gloomy thinking only of myself and my problems. Lord I know you want the joy of your presence to radiate to others. From this day forward I am going to make it a point to shine for you. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link below to listen to Nashville song writer Sonia Lee in a song of hope:

http://youtu.be/SXx1St1pdyY

ONE SMALL STEP FOR MAN

Forty three years ago today man walked on the moon for the first time ever. Quite a feat and accomplishment indeed with many intelligent and creative minds behind the scenes helping make it happen. Man indeed can accomplish anything he sets his mind to with God's help. God has given us abilities and talents and it is up to us to use them.


These men who landed on the surface of the moon in 1969 surely could see God's handiwork all around them. It would be rather difficult to walk on the surface of the moon gazing back miles away at the little ball where they live known as Earth. It would be awe inspiring and breath taking indeed. So this day was "one small step for man and one giant leap for mankind" as Astronaut Neil Armstrong said when stepping on the surface of the moon.

Our earth and solar system are indeed the handiwork of God our creator. How anyone would think otherwise is beyond my imagining but Satan can delude minds. Those who still think we just 'popped' into existence well I have one thing to say. It is something I saw  on a bumper sticker which read "Big Bang Theory: God spoke and bang it happened!"

Just look around you. Go outside at night and gaze into the starry sky which seems to go on forever. Hike out in the forest and just see the beauty of God's creation. Every part of the earth is so beautiful and wonderful in its' own unique way, God had a plan and He did good and when he created the earth remember He said "It is good" referring to His creation.

Psalm 24:1 says " The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." 1 Corinthians 10:26 says "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it." Genesis 1:9 says "And God said, "Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear." And it was so." In Psalm 89:11 it says "The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth; you founded the world and all that is in it." God did make it all.



Do you take the beauty of creation for granted? Get out and about and turn off the TV and go explore God's creation. Take time while outside to give Him thanks and praise for all He has done for you.

PRAYER: Father God I thank you for the earth and your entire creation. The astronauts were blessed to get to see it from thousands of miles away. A tiny speck in the big universe but you have created it all. Help us Lord to always have thankful hearts for what you have done for us and forgive us if we take things you have blessed us with for granted. In Jesus Name. Amen.


Click on link for an awesome song:
http://youtu.be/byIpfEVxhs4

EVERY DAY IS A GOOD DAY WITH JESUS

 

Do you ever catch yourself complaining and saying it is a lousy day? First if you are reading this in and live in America you have much to be joyful about because currently we still have most of our God given freedoms. Many take them for granted. Think about the things you can do and places you can go with total freedom. It is astounding. Next, more than likely you have adequate food on your table and are not going hungry. Also don't you have a job? It may not be perfect but you have an income and are taking care of yourself and your family? If you are blessed to be able to stay home to raise children many do not have that luxury so give thanks. Do you drive a car? Maybe it is a clunker but it gets you there right? So really all in all your life isn't that bad and each day is a gift from God and does not have to be bad. It is in your attitude.

Philippians 2:5 reminds us that " your attitude should be the same as in Jesus Christ." Further in Philippians 2:14 it says " Do everything without complaining or arguing." Try to get rid of wrong thoughts. If you are thinking negative thoughts try to get rid of bad thinking and replace it with good thoughts. When you start to slip into negativity stop and think of something you are thankful for. Another good verse also found in Philippians is 4:11 which says " I am not saying this because I am in need for I have learned in whatever state I am in to be content."

So whether it is oversleeping and being late to a meeting, losing your luggage at the airport, having a scary medical report, or perhaps having a friend treat you ugly, you have to rise above your situation and know 'this too shall pass' and trust God is at work for your good. Forget your problem, give it to God, and pursue a peaceful spirit in the midst of chaos.

PRAYER: This is your day Lord and no matter what happens today help me keep a good attitude through it all. Forgive me when I have worried and been frustrated and did not trust you to see me through a particular problem. I know with you I can have peace and less frustration. My desire is to seek peace no matter what. In Jesus name.Amen.

Click on link for an awesome song:

http://youtu.be/mkEQGYApkVU