"Grace Under Fire"

Good Morning Christian Peeps!  "Grace under fire".  Remember that show.  This phrase came to me this morning and I want to share it with you.  Grace under fire to me just means the way we handle situations that are thrown at us time and again.  How we react to things says more about us then anything else.  It reveals our character and our integrity.  When we can remain calm in a crisis, or just keep quiet when someone is ranting on us it may not seem like it at first but not only does it affect the people around us but soon we realize that by exercising control and grace under pressure we become better people.  We become the person we secretly want to be.  That person that radiates peace that everyone wants to be around.  There are moments that we lose it....hey we are human.  But we are also forgiven for those moments and God's grace covers us once more.  So today when that co-worker, or boss or family member tries to rattle our chain....lets decide to be "Grace under fire".  Be Blessed!

Filter Out The Negativity!

Good Morning Christian Peeps!  I've often wondered if I were to take myself to an island to be alone with my thoughts, how long it would take without all of the outside influences until I would start to believe in my true self again?  We are so bombarded on a daily basis of what others think about us; we are contending with past statements that have been made about us and not to mention dealing with our negative experiences.  No wonder it's hard to move forward and accomplish our true purpose.   But it is possible.  We just have to filter out the negative and receive the positive.  Much like a filter on our water.  Take in what is good and leave the negative behind.  It takes making it a habit but it's possible.  We need to surround ourselves with positive people.  Sometimes that means cutting the negative people loose.  Trust me we will all be better for it!  Get into God's word and see what he says about us.  He thinks we are pretty special so much so that he died for us.  Today is the day that we move forward in a big way.  It's time to quit letting negative people affect who we are.  It's time we accomplish what God has been trying to do through us.  Let's make it a habit to get rid of the negative influences in our life!  Be Blessed!  

No Greater Love!

Good Morning Christian Peeps!  Sometimes because of the way I was raised, I catch myself expecting God to strike me down because I didn't do something I felt I should have or maybe I did something I knew I shouldn't have.  It's amazing to me that I still have that mentality.  I know that God is a loving God but still I cringe sometimes in expectation of wrath.  Why?  It's what we were taught basically that God was up there ready to smack us down if we didn't behave.  Maybe it was a scare tactic to make us be better people....it worked, sort of, but it also instilled a wrongful fear of someone who only wishes to extend grace and mercy and love to me.  When we can accept our Father's love without any reservation and can let Him teach us the true meaning of love then and only then will our lives change.  Our Father's love comes without condition and without restraint.  We do not have to earn this love, it is ours freely. I just wanted to remind us today that we have a Father who loves us very much and is right there with us every step of the way.  If someone is feeling lonely today or unloved....let me point you to the one who loved so much, he gave up his life!  No greater love is that, that He would lay down his life for us!  Be Blessed!

Trust In The Lord!

Good Morning Christian Peeps! Proverbs 3:5 says Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.  Some of our paths may be crooked because we didn't acknowledge Him before we started down them.  It's better to wait until we are absolutely sure of the plan then to jump too soon and find that we can't undo what has been done.  Because of our free will, we sometimes set into motion things that were not intended to happen.  Adam and Eve did not consult God before making that fateful decision and it put into motion things that could never be undone.  Wait upon the Lord, seek the answers, and let Him direct our paths.  Be Blessed!  

Monkey See, Monkey Do!

Good Morning Christian Peeps!  Whether we realize it or not we are affecting the world around us.  We start with those people who are close to us each day and then whoever we meet, our friends and so forth and so on.  Our children do what they see.  Whatever example we set for them that is what they emulate.  "Monkey see, Monkey do sort of example.  I said that to say this....Let's be the Jesus that people need to see.  Let's be the one that is known for uplifting people.  Let's be known for being a helper, someone who listens and makes a difference.  This is our world and how we affect it stands the test of time.  What we do each moment could mean the difference in how someone around us handles their day.  Let's be the example of what to do instead of what not to do.  Be Blessed!  

In the Good Times and Bad!

Good Morning Christian Peeps!  There are situations in our life where we find ourselves completely without control.  There is a reason for that although maybe we just don't want to admit it.  I went to bed last night saying, "Lord do not let me get in a place where I feel that I don't need you anymore!"  It's amazing how when things are bad the first person we call on is Jesus.  But when things are good we forget that he created those good moments.  I think that sometimes we have to bring our focus back to the right priority.  If we can acknowledge that we need him in the bad times then we should acknowledge him with our praise in the good times.  He is always with us, no matter what is going on in our lives.    Let's celebrate that even when we don't have control and we can't see what's up ahead that Jesus is working on our behalf.  I recognize that I need him with me in the bad times as well as the good.  Be Blessed! 

God's Property

Good Morning Christian Peeps!  I think sometimes we forget that we are God's property.  We were created by him in his image and we belong to Him.  This world likes us to think that we made ourselves that who we are is because of what we have done.  But that is not true.  The earthly possessions that we have may have been obtained by us but who we are remains God's property.  God created us for a purpose and when we let others mistreat us, or put us down we are letting them walk over God's property.  God loves us and wants us to stand tall.  He wants us to find our purpose and walk in it.  If there is someone struggling today as to why you are here......just get back to being God's property and let Him show you the purpose He has put inside you.  Be Blessed!  

God's Property

Good Morning Christian Peeps!  I think sometimes we forget that we are God's property.  We were created by him in his image and we belong to Him.  This world likes us to think that we made ourselves that who we are is because of what we have done.  But that is not true.  The earthly possessions that we have may have been obtained by us but who we are remains God's property.  God created us for a purpose and when we let others mistreat us, or put us down we are letting them walk over God's property.  God loves us and wants us to stand tall.  He wants us to find our purpose and walk in it.  If there is someone struggling today as to why you are here......just get back to being God's property and let Him show you the purpose He has put inside you.  Be Blessed!  

Without Forgiveness, We Can Love Love....

Good Morning Christian Peeps!  I love this quote below by Martin Luther King....actually I like a lot of them but couldn't quote them all.  Forgiveness is so important to our well being.  In the words of Dr. King, if we do not have the power to forgive then we do not have the power to love.  We all have good and bad in us.  We all fail and make mistakes.  When we realize and accept that, but for the grace of God we could so easily be in someone else's shoes I think then we are less likely to judge others and point out their mistakes.  God calls us all to love one another, without forgiving others we are not getting this done.  Maybe that is why blessings escape us.  It's time to get our priorities straight.  Forgive others so we can go about loving others as God commanded us.  Be Blessed!  

-- We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies. 
Martin Luther King, Jr. 

I Look To Him!

Good Morning Christian Peeps!  In thinking about all of the trouble, grief, and turmoil around us, I thought of this song.  When everything is going wrong, when nothing makes sense, when I can't even pray...... I look to you!  God knows our situations.  He sees our frustration.  He knows and He cares!  Read the words of this song and let it encourage us to look to Him in all of our struggles....just Look to Him.  He is the only one with the answer.  Be Blessed!  

"I Look To You"

Whitney Houston, written by Kelly, R.

As I lay me down

Heaven hear me now
I'm lost without a cause
After giving it my all.

Winter storms have come
And darkened my sun.
After all that I've been through
Who on earth can I turn to?

I look to you.
I look to you.
After all my strength is gone,
In you I can be strong
I look to you.
I look to you.
And when melodies are gone,
In you I hear a song.
I look to you.

About to lose my breathe,
There's no more fighting left,
Sinking to rise no more,
Searching for that open door.

And every road that I've taken
Lead to my regret.
And I don't know if I'm going to make it.
Nothing to do but lift my head

I look to you.
I look to you.
After all my strength is gone,
In you I can be strong
I look to you.
I look to you.
And when melodies are gone,
In you I hear a song.
I look to you.

My levees are broken
My walls have come
Tumbling down on me

The rain is falling.
Defeat is calling.
I need you to set me free.

Take me far away from the battle.
I need you.
Shine on me.

Live In This Moment!

Good Morning Christian Peeps!  There is a voice that lives in our heads and everyday that voice is trying to direct us, worry us, etc.  It's a constant stream of monologue.  When we are needing to make decisions, sometimes we listen more to that voice than we should.  That voice tells us what could happen, what might happen, what did happen but it never tells us what is happening.  That is the difference.  It's in the stillness when we can shut the other voice off that we can make the decisions we need in the moment we are in.  Do a little exercise with me this morning.  Think about what is happening right at this very moment......whatever is happening at this very moment is what we need to focus on and base our decisions on.  If we would approach each situation with how do I handle this moment....then we wouldn't be worried about what if, we would be only focused on the problem at hand at this moment.  There is peace in that.  If we don't have to make a life altering decision at this very moment then why are we focusing on it.  Let's make the decision when it's time and not before.  Yes somethings have to be planned, but let's face it we spend more time thinking about what if then we do about what is.  Live in the moment....it's the only one that's real!  Be Blessed! 

Blessed Are The Meek!

Good Morning Christian Peeps!  Sometimes it's hard to be kind or nice to someone if they are constantly tearing you down, or making you feel small.  But we know that by making the right choices we win in the end anyway.  I tell my kids that most of the time when people hurt you it's because they are hurting.  A lot of times when people say bad things about us it's not really directed at us personally if you think about it.  They are just unhappy and frustrated with their lives so they lash out at other people.  We know who we are.  We know the truth about ourselves.  We know if we are what those people are telling us.  When we are not, then we can look at them and pray for them and just tell ourselves that they do not know any better.  We can look at them the way our Father looks at us...with love and compassion.  The Bible says, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."  We only have to remain meek in these situations and God will do the rest.  Be Blessed!  

Quotes:

People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway. If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.    ~Mother Teresa

We Are Super Heroes!

Good Morning Christian Peeps! I love what Christopher Reeve said, that a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.  Jesus was a hero, he endured through so much.  We are all hero's too.  We somehow find the strength everyday to endure all the things that come at us.  We continue to get back up when we are knocked down.  I think it is time to recognize our powers of endurance and perseverance and become the super hero that God intended us to be.  Our special power is the Holy Spirit on the inside of us.  Today let's wrap that cape around us, put on our mask, pick up our shield and fight the fight like never before!  To all the Christian Peeps Heroes!  Be Blessed!

 I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles. 
Christopher Reeve 

Make A Decision!

Good Morning Christian Peeps!  We only have to make a decision in order to change our lives.  We only have to commit to something to make a difference.  Indecision is like death, it hangs there waiting, you know it's there and that it won't go away.  But once you change it from indecision to a decision right or wrong, your life blossoms.  Sometimes just making a decision changes everything.  Our outlook, our attitude and our expectations.  Maybe today is the day we make a decision that we know we need to make.  Today we can step out with a new outlook, a new attitude and new expectations!  Be Blessed!  

-- “Using the power of decision gives you the capacity to get past any excuse to change any and every part of your life in an instant.” – Anthony Robbins

By and By.....

Good Morning Christian Peeps!  "In the midst of difficulty lies opportunity."  Albert Einstein  We may never know why some people suffer more than others.  We may never know the whys of a lot of our pain or why we must travel down certain roads.  But within every difficulty there is an opportunity for enlightenment, growth, strength, and to find the one thing our soul has been searching for all along.  Therefore we embrace the good with the bad knowing that it is all ultimately for our good according to the scriptures.  We may not understand it down here but one day we will understand it "by and by".  God is good and faithful!  Be Blessed!  

Praise The Lord For All He Has Done!

Good Morning Christian Peeps!  This scripture just says it all for me!   Deuteronomy 8:10-  10 When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. 11 Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. 12 Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, 13 and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, 14 then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 15 He led you through the vast and dreadful desert, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock. 16 He gave you manna to eat in the desert, something your fathers had never known, to humble and to testyou so that in the end it might go well with you. 17 You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." 18 But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. 19 If you ever forget the LORD your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed. 20 Like the nations the LORD destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the LORD your God.

Praise Him for all the times he protected us from harm!  Praise Him for all the times that he kept us from checking out on life.  Praise Him for the times that we were in situations we knew not how to get out of!  Today is the day to remember all the times that God has blessed us, saved us, rescued us, provided for us, healed us......God is an awesome God!  Be Blessed today as we praise our God! 

Source: Biblestudytools.com 

Love is the Key!

Good Morning Christian Peeps!  Ephesians 3:17-19
Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. (NLT)  

Then we will know how wide, how long, how high and how deep his love is!  Love is the key to all things.  Love can close the divide, heal the broken hearted, and lift spiraling spirits.  Love can reach into the darkest soul and bring light.  Love regenerates hope when it seems lost.  Let the love of Christ who loved us so much that he died for us, wrap his loving arms around us and show us just how wonderful a life filled with love can be.  Be Blessed!

Stop Living In The Past Glory Days....God Has A New Future For Us!

Good Morning Christian Peeps!  If you ever get the chance watch the series "Live on Purpose" by T.D. Jakes, do so.  It is awesome.  He talks about not being able to reach our destiny because we are still living in our past glory.  In other words we are still trying to live out and continuing to do what we were successful doing in the past.  But he suggest that maybe we have mastered that particular part of our success and God wants to take us higher and possibly into something bigger and better, but because we still see our success as what we did in the past and we are still trying to recreate that, God can't move us into something new and glorious!  Maybe what we did back then was for back then and what we will do today is for our future.  We can't live in the glory days of our past we must be willing to allow God to create us a new destiny.  Just as lives change, careers change, so does our destiny.  There is always something new that God wants to do through us.  We need to ask God to show us our new destiny.  Be Blessed!  

5 Days to A New You in 2013

Good Morning Christian Peeps!  Happy New Year!  Most of us start the new year with resolutions, then about a few weeks in we become overwhelmed and quit.  Well, maybe it's because we try to do things on such a large scale.  Dr. Fogg says we just need to take simple steps for 5 days to change things in our lives.  If our new year's resolution is to work out more then start by placing our work out shoes beside our bed and each morning putting them on.  We don't have to exercise just put our shoes on for 5 days in a row and by doing that we set our minds for a new course.  Sounds simple?  Well, try it and see if it works.  We can do that for any resolution we may have.  Want to read God's word more?  Just put your Bible by your bed and each morning or night, pick it up, look at it and put it back down for 5 days.  It's changing our mind's patterns that change our life.  This year is a new year to start over, change, be better and achieve all we have ever wanted, it starts with changing our minds.  Let God be the center of that change this year.  Be Blessed!