Good Morning Sunshines!!
It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood! I have a saying on my desk that “Life is 10% what happens and 90% how you react to it.” As women of God we are strong and we are courageous. We have the innate ability to endure. Our shoulders may not be as broad as men's but we have strong backbones that allow us to carry a lot of weight on our shoulders. This is just a reminder of who we are and Who's we are. Isaiah 50:7-9 "For the Lord God will help Me; Therefore I will not be disgraced; Therefore I have set my face like a flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed. He is near who justifies Me; Who will contend with Me? Let us stand together. Who is My adversary? Indeed they will all grow old like a garment; The moth will eat them up." As women of God, we are like trees planted by the water, we shall not be moved. We may bend but we will not break, cast down but not defeated! Truly, if God be for us, who on Earth or any other realm, shall be against us! Have a wonderful day filled with opportunities for God to show you just how Awesome He is!!!!
Love y'all!
Monday, January 30, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Protect Your Roots 1-16-12
Good Morning Sunshines!
While preparing this morning's “Inspiration”, I stumbled upon Susan Brian's article on Top Ten Palm Tree Mistakes (http://www.florida-palm-trees.com/palm-tree-care-mistakes/). In it she says that adding fertilizer to the soil when planting a palm is a common mistake. This is almost guaranteed to kill your palm. Palm tree roots are very fragile, and adding fertilizer so close to the root ball could damage it. A palm tree with damaged roots is more likely to get diseases and die. You can burn a palm tree by putting fertilizer too close to the trunk. Once the trunk is damaged it is harder for the palm tree to battle diseases. Keep a 2 feet distance from the trunk when fertilizing.
I was researching palm trees because I had had heard how their root system makes them able to withstand the greatest of storms. I was getting ready to write about how it is important to be deeply rooted so when test and trials come our way we are able to stand firm and “take a hit”. But after reading this, I felt lead to change the direction I was going. As Christians we go through many stages in our lives. Some of us are new to Christ and freshly planted. Some of us planted ourselves in a place that was not conducive to growth and had to be uprooted and replanted. Others have gone through series of hurts that have eaten away at the soil and left our roots exposed. During these times it is important to keep yourself away from fertilizer/mess. This means that you may have to separate yourself from some people and stay away from certain places. You must pay attention to your surroundings and keep your self buried in the Word that your roots may take hold to the rich soil and grow. Too much mess too soon or during these vulnerable times, can kill you. I know what you’re thinking….."why would I want to be around mess at any point in my life?" Well actually, some mess is good for you, but as stated previously, you have to keep it at a distance. Some of my greatest lessons have come from watching someone else’'s mess. I gleaned from it what I was supposed to and kept it movin'. Many of us get into trouble when we invite the mess over for dinner, sit down at the table with the mess, make the mess our best friend, and sometimes even marry the mess; which caused damage to our roots. Damaged roots make you vulnerable to disease (sin) such as: hatred, anger, bitterness, jealousy, covetousness, and so much more; which if no healing takes place, will led to death. Always protect your roots! Proverbs 12:3 says “"You can't find firm footing in a swamp, but life rooted in God stands firm.”"
Love Y'all!
While preparing this morning's “Inspiration”, I stumbled upon Susan Brian's article on Top Ten Palm Tree Mistakes (http://www.florida-palm-trees.com/palm-tree-care-mistakes/). In it she says that adding fertilizer to the soil when planting a palm is a common mistake. This is almost guaranteed to kill your palm. Palm tree roots are very fragile, and adding fertilizer so close to the root ball could damage it. A palm tree with damaged roots is more likely to get diseases and die. You can burn a palm tree by putting fertilizer too close to the trunk. Once the trunk is damaged it is harder for the palm tree to battle diseases. Keep a 2 feet distance from the trunk when fertilizing.
I was researching palm trees because I had had heard how their root system makes them able to withstand the greatest of storms. I was getting ready to write about how it is important to be deeply rooted so when test and trials come our way we are able to stand firm and “take a hit”. But after reading this, I felt lead to change the direction I was going. As Christians we go through many stages in our lives. Some of us are new to Christ and freshly planted. Some of us planted ourselves in a place that was not conducive to growth and had to be uprooted and replanted. Others have gone through series of hurts that have eaten away at the soil and left our roots exposed. During these times it is important to keep yourself away from fertilizer/mess. This means that you may have to separate yourself from some people and stay away from certain places. You must pay attention to your surroundings and keep your self buried in the Word that your roots may take hold to the rich soil and grow. Too much mess too soon or during these vulnerable times, can kill you. I know what you’re thinking….."why would I want to be around mess at any point in my life?" Well actually, some mess is good for you, but as stated previously, you have to keep it at a distance. Some of my greatest lessons have come from watching someone else’'s mess. I gleaned from it what I was supposed to and kept it movin'. Many of us get into trouble when we invite the mess over for dinner, sit down at the table with the mess, make the mess our best friend, and sometimes even marry the mess; which caused damage to our roots. Damaged roots make you vulnerable to disease (sin) such as: hatred, anger, bitterness, jealousy, covetousness, and so much more; which if no healing takes place, will led to death. Always protect your roots! Proverbs 12:3 says “"You can't find firm footing in a swamp, but life rooted in God stands firm.”"
Love Y'all!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
For Better or for Worse? 1-9-12
Good Morning Sunshines!
We often quote the scripture "Therefore what God has joined together, let no man separate" Mark 10:9. Have you ever thought that there is a difference between being joined together by God and being joined together before God. In the traditional wedding the preacher starts out "Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation, to join together this Man and this Woman in holy matrimony." When we get married, we all are joined together in Holy Matrimony before God but not all necessarily by God. But, whether you thought you had your "big girl britches" on and made your own choice without God's help, or allowed God to lead you to who He knew you needed;the two of you were still joined together and are now one flesh (Eph 5:31, Matt 19:5, Mark 10:8).
One day, you notice a sore on your leg; you ignore it. Over time, you notice it is still there but it is now itching and burning, you get a band-aid and cover it. Now months later (after much neglect) you are faced with an infection that has spread throughout your leg. You are not sure if your leg will need to be amputated or medicated. In many instances, we have small sores (issues, hurts, complaints, feelings, etc) in our marriages that are ignored. Who wants to have to make the decision on whether to medicate or amputate? Those of us that are married, let's examine our bodies (marriages) and look for any sores that need to be addressed while they are still in the "medicate" stage before they grow much bigger and you are faced with the decision of possible "amputation". The medication (prayer and communication) may be difficult and maybe even painful but it is well worth it. Pray and ask God to show you the areas in your marriage that need some "addressing" and ask God to give you the words and the opportunity to address them. I have experienced some things in my marriage that some may think "girl, I would have amputated a long time ago", but it "ain't yo' leg"! And there are some things in your marriage the I may think the same thing as well, but it "ain't my leg"! These are not blanket statements that cover everyone's situation. Some of us have been through amputations and regenerations. But whether you have experienced an amputation, regeneration, or currently have a prosthetic (artificial device extension that replaces a missing body part), we all can examine our relationships or examine our lives that we may make better choices in our marriages or marriages to come (for my single ladies). Know that marriage is not for the faint at heart. We all have taken or will take the vow "I, (name), take you (name), to be my (wife/husband), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse,.................." Food for thought: Whose to say what worse is? My friend's Pastor said "Marriage is the hardest job you'll ever love" and I totally agree. Some days are tougher than others, but I'm working and I love the benefits!
Love Y'all!
We often quote the scripture "Therefore what God has joined together, let no man separate" Mark 10:9. Have you ever thought that there is a difference between being joined together by God and being joined together before God. In the traditional wedding the preacher starts out "Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation, to join together this Man and this Woman in holy matrimony." When we get married, we all are joined together in Holy Matrimony before God but not all necessarily by God. But, whether you thought you had your "big girl britches" on and made your own choice without God's help, or allowed God to lead you to who He knew you needed;the two of you were still joined together and are now one flesh (Eph 5:31, Matt 19:5, Mark 10:8).
One day, you notice a sore on your leg; you ignore it. Over time, you notice it is still there but it is now itching and burning, you get a band-aid and cover it. Now months later (after much neglect) you are faced with an infection that has spread throughout your leg. You are not sure if your leg will need to be amputated or medicated. In many instances, we have small sores (issues, hurts, complaints, feelings, etc) in our marriages that are ignored. Who wants to have to make the decision on whether to medicate or amputate? Those of us that are married, let's examine our bodies (marriages) and look for any sores that need to be addressed while they are still in the "medicate" stage before they grow much bigger and you are faced with the decision of possible "amputation". The medication (prayer and communication) may be difficult and maybe even painful but it is well worth it. Pray and ask God to show you the areas in your marriage that need some "addressing" and ask God to give you the words and the opportunity to address them. I have experienced some things in my marriage that some may think "girl, I would have amputated a long time ago", but it "ain't yo' leg"! And there are some things in your marriage the I may think the same thing as well, but it "ain't my leg"! These are not blanket statements that cover everyone's situation. Some of us have been through amputations and regenerations. But whether you have experienced an amputation, regeneration, or currently have a prosthetic (artificial device extension that replaces a missing body part), we all can examine our relationships or examine our lives that we may make better choices in our marriages or marriages to come (for my single ladies). Know that marriage is not for the faint at heart. We all have taken or will take the vow "I, (name), take you (name), to be my (wife/husband), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse,.................." Food for thought: Whose to say what worse is? My friend's Pastor said "Marriage is the hardest job you'll ever love" and I totally agree. Some days are tougher than others, but I'm working and I love the benefits!
Love Y'all!
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Just Give Up! 1-2-12
Good Morning Sunshines!
There are so many people struggling today. Whether its the economy or just the struggles of everyday life; for many its just tough. In times like these it really comes down to, what kind of God do we serve? Do we serve one that we can trust? Do we serve one that always leaves us hanging and never comes through for us? I dont think we realize that worry and doubt is probably offensive to God. I remember one time when I had totally reached my point of saturation and felt like I just couldn't take anymore. I told God that He was the head of my life and He said that he would take care of me so, I QUIT! I declared that I wouldn't worry about the situation anymore because there was nothing I could do. Either He was going to help me and fix it or not. Deep down I knew His Word was true and things would work out one way or another. You can't worry about things that are out of your control. When we realize just how powerless we are and just how powerful God is, that's when God can move on our behalf. You really don't know that God has everything until you have nothing. We draw from our own wells so often and find ourselves amazed when they run dry. God's well never runs dry! Suck it up and Give up! Give it over to God! You're trying to push a parked car down the street while God holds the keys! Give up and allow God to show you who He really is! Just Give Up! You'll never know that God will catch you until you fall!
Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.
1Pe 5:7 Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you
There are so many people struggling today. Whether its the economy or just the struggles of everyday life; for many its just tough. In times like these it really comes down to, what kind of God do we serve? Do we serve one that we can trust? Do we serve one that always leaves us hanging and never comes through for us? I dont think we realize that worry and doubt is probably offensive to God. I remember one time when I had totally reached my point of saturation and felt like I just couldn't take anymore. I told God that He was the head of my life and He said that he would take care of me so, I QUIT! I declared that I wouldn't worry about the situation anymore because there was nothing I could do. Either He was going to help me and fix it or not. Deep down I knew His Word was true and things would work out one way or another. You can't worry about things that are out of your control. When we realize just how powerless we are and just how powerful God is, that's when God can move on our behalf. You really don't know that God has everything until you have nothing. We draw from our own wells so often and find ourselves amazed when they run dry. God's well never runs dry! Suck it up and Give up! Give it over to God! You're trying to push a parked car down the street while God holds the keys! Give up and allow God to show you who He really is! Just Give Up! You'll never know that God will catch you until you fall!
Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.
1Pe 5:7 Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Vision 12-26-11
Good Morning Sunshines!
In just a few days we will be celebrating the coming of a new year! Instead of making resolutions that many of us don't keep, I want to encourage my "Somethin 2 Say(ers)" to ask God to show you the vision for your life this coming year. People quote Habakkuk 2:2 all the time "Then the Lord answered me and said "Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it."" What people miss is, this was not Habakkuk's vision, but this was a vision that God had given him. This year, instead of writing grand resolutions and elaborate vision statements that we make up for ourselves, ask God to give you the vision for your life this coming year along with its purpose that you may run (put it into action) when you read it! "Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare." Japanese proverb
Love Y'all!
In just a few days we will be celebrating the coming of a new year! Instead of making resolutions that many of us don't keep, I want to encourage my "Somethin 2 Say(ers)" to ask God to show you the vision for your life this coming year. People quote Habakkuk 2:2 all the time "Then the Lord answered me and said "Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it."" What people miss is, this was not Habakkuk's vision, but this was a vision that God had given him. This year, instead of writing grand resolutions and elaborate vision statements that we make up for ourselves, ask God to give you the vision for your life this coming year along with its purpose that you may run (put it into action) when you read it! "Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare." Japanese proverb
Love Y'all!
Monday, December 26, 2011
Who's Birthday is it Anyway? 12-19-11
Good Morning Sunshines!!
Every Christmas there are people who go broke buying presents. There are children upset because they didn't get something they asked for. There are families whose mortgage, rent, light bill, gas bill, etc. will not get paid, all in an effort to buy presents. There are hearts that are saddened because they couldn't afford to by the things they wanted as they watched others spend to their hearts content. Is this really what Christmas is about? "And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh." Matthew 2:11. Many Christians base their gift giving on this scripture that the three wise men brought gifts to Jesus. Others give because this is the "season for giving". But who are we giving to and what are we giving? Just a thought: How have we translated the gifts that were given to Jesus into Playstations, Baby Alives, Coach purses, diamond necklaces, snow blowers, iPods, etc. I encourage you this Christmas season and ones to come, to focus more on what gifts we can give Christ. James 1:27 reads "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." Maybe this Christmas or in the Christmas's to come, we can make an effort to donate our time or money to an organization that provides services or care to widows or orphans (foster children or children in care waiting to be adopted). Maybe you know a widow or a child that could really benefit from your time or financial gift. Purpose to do something this Christmas for someone in need. Find a gift to give Jesus. After all, it is His birthday..........isn't it?
Love Y'all!
Javonne G.
Every Christmas there are people who go broke buying presents. There are children upset because they didn't get something they asked for. There are families whose mortgage, rent, light bill, gas bill, etc. will not get paid, all in an effort to buy presents. There are hearts that are saddened because they couldn't afford to by the things they wanted as they watched others spend to their hearts content. Is this really what Christmas is about? "And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh." Matthew 2:11. Many Christians base their gift giving on this scripture that the three wise men brought gifts to Jesus. Others give because this is the "season for giving". But who are we giving to and what are we giving? Just a thought: How have we translated the gifts that were given to Jesus into Playstations, Baby Alives, Coach purses, diamond necklaces, snow blowers, iPods, etc. I encourage you this Christmas season and ones to come, to focus more on what gifts we can give Christ. James 1:27 reads "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." Maybe this Christmas or in the Christmas's to come, we can make an effort to donate our time or money to an organization that provides services or care to widows or orphans (foster children or children in care waiting to be adopted). Maybe you know a widow or a child that could really benefit from your time or financial gift. Purpose to do something this Christmas for someone in need. Find a gift to give Jesus. After all, it is His birthday..........isn't it?
Love Y'all!
Javonne G.
Monday, December 19, 2011
How Much He Can Bear 11-14-11
Have you ever been going through and issue and had someone tell you that "God won't put more on you than you can bear"? I am not sure how true this statement is. Let's ponder this...........
The bible says, in 2 Corinthians 1:8-11: 8 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia . We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, 11 as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. (NIV)
Here Paul clearly endured the unbearable. So unbearable, he was convinced he was going to die. Why would God put more on you than you can bear? Verse 9 says it all "that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead." I can attest to the fact that I have certainly been through some things that in my own strength it was more than I could bear! But as I just stated, in "my own" strength. I think a better statement would be, God will not put more on you than He can bear! So much so, he bore death for us! So know that if it doesn't kill you, it will certainly make you stronger. Even in situations where you may feel you have experienced a spiritual or emotional death. Know that God, has the power to raise the dead! No matter the situation, there is nothing that God cannot do. "I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?"Jeremiah 32:27 (NIV) So yes, you will experience some things that feel unbearable, you will experience some things that will bring you to your knees! But that is the whole point! Every struggle, every fight, every tribulation is meant to bring us to a place where we no longer trust in ourselves, but solely trust in the Lord! God will certainly put more on you than you can bear! There's a "but" coming.....wait for it.........wait for it........... But.............God will never put more on you than He can bear!!!
Love y'all
Javonne G.
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