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!
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