Abundant Life Today

Today's Scripture

“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10, ESV).

Today's Word

Are you living the abundant life Jesus came to give you? You may not have the biggest house or newest car, but God promises abundant life for you. His abundant life goes way beyond the things we can see in the natural. His abundant life means that you can have peace in the midst of a storm. You can have joy when things are uncertain. You can have hope when circumstances seem hopeless. You can live and enjoy life to the fullest every single day because you have the Creator of Life on the inside of you. Sometimes is easy to look at this verse and think, "God is going to give me abundant life some day" but the truth is, God wants you to have an abundant life TODAY. Ask the Lord to show you His true abundance today. Ask Him to show you His abundant favor, blessing, and peace. As you focus on God's abundance today and everyday, your life will feel more satisfying and you will be overflowing in His abundance the way God intended!

A Prayer for Today

God, I know that You want the best for me. Thank you for your promise of abundant life on this earth. Teach me to share your abundance with others. I love you and bless you today. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Brand New Thing

Today's Scripture

“For I am about to do a brand-new thing. See, I have already begun” (Isaiah 43:19, NLT)!

Today's Word

Can you see the "brand new thing" God is doing in your life? Sometimes we can see the hand of God moving, and sometimes the storms of life can cloud our vision. No matter where you are in life today, focus on this truth that God is working on your behalf behind the scenes! You can trust Him because He has always been faithful, and He always will be. His plan for you today is blessing. His plan is to give you a future and a hope. His plan is to do a new thing in your life. The bible says that it pleases God when we seek Him and His will. Ask the Lord to show His plan for you today. Ask Him to show you His favor and blessing. As you let go of the thoughts of the past and open your heart to what God is doing today, you will step forward in victory and take hold of the "brand new thing" God has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank you for your faithfulness and work in me, even when I don't see it. Thank you for doing a brand new thing in me today. I open my heart and trust you. I ask you to show me your plan today and keep me close to you. In Jesus' Name. Amen

Freedom Through Forgiveness

Today's Scripture

“Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37, NKJV).

Today's Word

Did you know that the ability to forgive others is a gift from God? The Bible tells us that if we don't forgive others, we cannot be forgiven. Unforgiveness blocks the ability for God to work in your life. When you choose to forgive, you are choosing God's way and opening the door for Him to heal your life. Forgiveness does not mean that what the other person did was right, or that you even have to get back into a relationship with that person. Forgiveness simply releases the debt they owe you so that God can release the debt you owed Him. Ask the Lord to search your heart and show you if there is any unforgiveness blocking His blessing in your life. Ask Him to show you more about this gift of forgiveness so that you can walk in the freedom and blessing God has for you today.

A Prayer for Today

God, thank you for the gift of forgiveness that opens the door for you to move in my heart. Search my heart today and help me to truly forgive others. Fill me with your love and peace, and thank you for forgiving me so that I can be free. In Jesus' Name, amen

Prospering In Everything

Today's Scripture

“They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper” (Psalm 1:3 NRS).

Today's Word

Large trees represent power, majesty, and stability. Have you ever noticed the difference between a tree planted by the water, and a tree far away from water? The tree next to the water is much more healthy and vibrant. Its fruit and blossoms are more beautiful. In the Bible, the Word of God is compared to water. When you are “planted” in the Word of God, your spirit is fed and you grow strong just like the tree planted by the water. Trees planted by the water will yield fruit at the right season, and will not lose strength. I love the promise at the end of this verse that says those who love and obey the Lord will prosper in whatever they do. Do you want to prosper in your relationships? Seek God's Word regarding relationships. Do you want to prosper in your health? Seek God's Word about healing. Do you want to prosper in your finances? Seek God's Word regarding finances. As you seek God and His Word you will grow strong and mighty in His power and everything you undertake will prosper!

A Prayer for Today

God, thank You for Your Word which is Truth and refreshing water to my soul. Thank You for teaching me to seek You in all that I do. I trust You today and choose to commit my every decision to You so that I can be planted by the water. In Jesus' Name, amen.

It is strange isin't It?

Isn't it strange how a 20 dollar bill seems like such a large amount when you donate it to church, but such a small amount when you go shopping?

Isn't it strange how 2 hours seem so long when you're at church, and how short they seem when you're watching a good movie?

Isn't it strange that you can't find a word to say when you're praying but... you have no trouble thinking what to talk about with a friend?

Isn't it strange how difficult and boring it is to read one chapter of the Bible but how easy it is to read 100 pages of a popular novel or ZANE GREY book?

Isn't it strange how everyone wants front-row-tickets to concerts or games but they do whatever is possible to sit at the last row in Church?

Isn't it strange how we need to know about an event for Church 2-3 weeks before the day so we can include it in our agenda, but we can adjust it for other events in the last minute?

Isn't it strange how difficult it is to learn a fact about God to share it with others; but how easy it is to learn, understand, extend and repeat gossip?

Isn't it strange how we believe everything that magazines and newspapers say but... we question the words in the Bible?

Isn't it strange how everyone wants a place in heaven but.. they don't want to believe, do, or say anything to get there?

Isn't it strange that I would even add this message to my blogsite so people can read this? Well honestly, it's not strange that I would add this to my blog. I like messages like these because it helps me reflect and put things in proper perspective. Think about this blog and let the spirit and voice of God speak to you.

Blessings.

Draw closer to your God

Today's Scripture

“Draw close to God, God will draw close to you” James 4:8 (TLB).

Today's Word

Did you know that getting yourself in better physical condition can actually make it easier for you to mover closer to God? It's true! When you're at your peak physical condition, you are more prepared to experience God in a very personal way. God promises that He will draw close to you when you draw closer to Him - which leads us to ask the question: How can we draw closer to God? You can accomplish this by doing your part to communicate to God and giving your heat to Him. This can be as simple as reading your Bible, praying or even choosing to live a healthy lifestyle. The closer you become to God, the more you will experience His love and blessings.

A Prayer for Today

God, thank You for drawing close to me even when I don't draw close to you. Give me the strength to serve You and walk closer to You this day. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Letting go of our couches

Holding tightly to the couch, the child cautiously took a few initial steps. Her father cheerfully coaxed her forward. Finally, with eyes riveted on her father, she let go and tottered to him. falling happily into his arms. Everyone erupted with applause. Looking into her father's eyes, the little girl trusted and let go.

Just like the little girl, we often (yes you and me) hold tightly to our couches. Grasping them, we feel secure and safe. Letting go is filled with too many unknowns.

What if I fall?
What if I can't make it?
What if I get hurt?

We find it difficult to see our father's outstreched arms of his loving eyes's. We simply want to take hold of our security couch until the "danger" disappears.

St. Francis De Sales in describing our hesitancy once wrote to his friend, St. Jane de Chantal:

"Go straight on, and always walk in God's sight. God takes pleasure in seeing you make your little steps, and like a good Father who holds his child by the hand, He will conform His steps to yours and will be quite happy not to go any faster than you".

Please consider the following as you read this:

- what couches do we cling to?
- what are it's colors and designs?
- Is it fear that hinders a needed decision?
- Do we hesitate saying what needs to be said?
- Are we too comfortable where we are to make needed changes?

The bottom line is this: To let go, we need to trust that God will conform his steps to ours. God won't go any faster than we can travel, and to believe this allows us to let go of the recognizable and explore the unfamiliar. This crossing into unknown boundaries begins another conversation moment on our journey.

If we are anxious about the way things will turn out or the time it will take, try and reflect on this: "What are you anxious about? Whether you are taking this road or that other way; going fast or slow? All that matters is that HE is with you and that you are with HIM. Therefore, when we face the sudden loss of a spouse or a chronic illness.

God says, "Look me straight in the eyes, and reach for my outstreched hands. I'm right here. Let go !!!!

Our trust in HIM sees with the eyes of faith and realizes that we are loved , important to GOD and above all still pursued by GOD.

St Francis de Sales reminds us that letting go of the dependable couch is not an act of passive surrender, but a free choice of accepting and trusting in God's promise of constant care and love.

Below I will leave you with the St. Francis de Sales great prayer of trust:

"Do not worry about what may happen tommorrow; the same loving father who takes care of you today, will take care of you tommorrow and every day. Either HE will shield you from suffering or HE will give you unfailing strength to bear it (I've been there done that - with the loss of our child - Baby Emmanuel), what happens, be at peace, then and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations"

God bless you all !!!!

Making a lifestyle change

Today's Scripture

“And true circumcision is not a cutting of the body but a change of heart produced by God's Spirit. Whoever has that kind of change seeks praise from God, not from people” Romans 2:29

Today's Word

Some people believe they need a miracle to get on track with God, but many times that is just not true. That doesn't mean we should completely dismiss the value of miracles, but God's impact can be much simpler than that. All that you may need to get right with God is a lifestyle change. For instance, are you at that place in life where you're just going through the routines of the day, but your life isn't really going where you want it to go? You may need a minor lifestyle shift, not a miraculous wonder, but an adjustment that will put you where God wants you to be. Pray to God for guidance, read His Word and see what He tells you. Make sure you're doing your part, such as exercising your body, strengthening your faith, getting sleep and being prepared. When you trust God and do what you already know He wants you to do, you put you position yourself for the divine.

A Prayer for Today

God, please show me if I need a lifestyle change to get on track with You. Guide me today as I seek Your wisdom and strength to make a change. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

F.A.M.I.L.Y

I ran into a stranger as he passed by, "Oh excuse me please" was my reply. He said, "Please excuse me too; I wasn't watching for you." We were very polite, this stranger and I. We went on our way and we said goodbye.

But at home a different story is told, How we treat our loved ones, young and old. Later that day, cooking the evening meal, My son stood beside me very still. When I turned, I nearly knocked him down. "Move out of the way," I said with a frown. He walked away, his little heart broken. I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken.

While I lay awake in bed, God's still small voice came to me and said, "While dealing with a stranger, common courtesy you use, but the family you love, you seem to abuse. Go and look on the kitchen floor, You'll find some flowers there by the door. Those are the flowers he brought for you. He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue. He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise, you never saw the tears that filled his little eyes."

By this time, I felt very small, And now my tears began to fall. I quietly went and knelt by his bed; "Wake up, little one, wake up," I said. "Are these the flowers you picked for me?" He smiled, "I found 'em, out by the tree. I picked 'em because they're pretty like you. I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue." I said, "Son, I'm very sorry for the way I acted today; I shouldn't have yelled at you that way." He said, "Oh, Mom, that's okay. I love you anyway." I said, "Son, I love you too, and I do like the flowers, especially the blue."

FAMILY - Are you aware that if we died tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days. But the family we left behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives. And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into work than into our own family, an unwise investment indeed, don't you think?

So what is behind the story? Do you know what the word FAMILY means?

FAMILY = (F)ATHER (A)ND (M)OTHER (I) (L)OVE (Y)OU

Get out There !!!

Today's Scripture

“I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith” Philemon 1:6 (NIV).

Today's Word

Sharing your faith in God is like exercising. Neither may sound too attractive to you, but both are necessary. In order to stay healthy and in shape, you have to be active and get out of the house to exercise your body. Witnessing is similar, because in order for you to have a healthy spiritual life, you have to leave the house or the church and activate your faith. Research shows that a sedentary lifestyle is not healthy, and a sedentary Christian life is one that is sadly out of shape. God created you to be happy and healthy, but you can't accomplish this in your living room! Get out there today and remain active in sharing the Good News. You'll be glad you did when you're not only healthier and more blessed, but when you lead someone to Christ!

A Prayer for Today

God, I know that I can't live a healthy Christian life without being actively involved in witnessing. Give me strength to share Your love with another person this week.
In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Prayer made simple: 4 easy steps

"When call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you." -
Jeremiah 29:12

Have you ever uttered the phrase, "I need to pray more"?

I don't pray enough. Do you?"I need to pray more". I don't know if I've heard that phrase or said that phrase more times in my life. Not a day goes by that one or the other doesn't happen. Most days, both happen. For many people, prayer, like exercise, is something that gets mentioned a lot as "something I need to do more of" but that rarely finds its way into peoples' daily schedules. Prayer is not the mere reciting of words. Prayer is not the mere reading of words. Prayer is not the mere singing of words. Prayer is not the mere omission of words (silence). Prayer is turning your heart, your ears, your mind, your voice. Your everything to God. Prayer can be loud or soft. Prayer can be active or immobile. Prayer can shake you and break you. Prayer can calm the greatest of storms and simultaneously create all new ones. Prayer is a gift from God. Prayer is also a response to that gift. Instead of falling into that same trap of "writing about prayer" instead of just praying, myself, I want to cut this blog and make it shorter.

I am going to go pray. I hope as you are reading this, that you'll join me. Stop whatever you are doing and pray. Right now - go for it. Just put yourself in the path and the presence of God. And if you don't know how, or if it's been a while, just follow these four easy steps:

1. Say, "Here I am, Lord."
2. Next, ask, "Is there anything you want to tell me?"
3. Now.shut up.
4. When distracted, confused or in doubt.simply repeat steps 1-3.

And trust in the following words from God, given to us from the prophet Jeremiah.

"When call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you." - Jeremiah29:12

Disclaimer: Pray at your own risk. Doing so is known to change lives and save souls.

A story for my sister !!!

I came across this beautiful story - and I could not think of anyone else to dedicate it to besides my sister who is going thru a trying time right now !!!! I love you so very much, stay focused on HIM alone and everything else will fall into place.

The young mother set her foot on the path of life. "Is this the long way?" she asked. And the guide said: "Yes, and the way is hard. And you will be old before you reach the end of it. But the end will be better than the beginning."

But the young mother was happy, and she would not believe that anything could be better than these years. So she played with her children, and gathered flowers for them along the way, and bathed them in the clear streams; and the sun shone on them, and the young Mother cried, "Nothing will ever be lovelier than this."

Then the night came, and the storm, and the path was dark, and the children shook with fear and cold, and the mother drew them close and covered them with her mantle, and the children said, "Mother, we are not afraid, for you are near, and no harm can come." And the morning came, and there was a hill ahead, and the children climbed and grew weary, and the mother was weary. But at all times she said to the children," A little patience and we are there."So the children climbed, and when they reached the top they said,

"Mother, we would not have done it without you."

And the mother, when she laid down at night looked up at the stars and said, "This is a better day than the last, for my children have learned fortitude in the face of hardness. Yesterday I gave them courage. Today, I 've given them strength."

And the next day came strange clouds which darkened the earth, clouds of war and hate and evil, and the children groped and stumbled, and the mother said: "Look up. Lift your eyes to the light. " And the children looked and saw above the clouds an everlasting glory, and it guided them beyond the darkness." And that night the Mother said, "This is the best day of all, for I have shown my children God."

And the days went on, and the weeks and the months and the years, and the mother grew old and she was little and bent. But her children were tall and strong, and walked with courage.

And when the way was rough, they lifted her, for she was as light as a feather; and at last they came to a hill, and beyond they could see a shining road and golden gates flung wide. And mother said, "I have reached the end of my journey. And now I know the end is better than the beginning, for my children can walk alone, and their children after them."

And the children said, "You will always walk with us, Mother, even when you have gone through the gates."And they stood and watched her as she went on alone, and the gates closed after her. And they said: "We cannot see her but she is with us still.

A Mother like ours is more than a memory. She is a living presence.." Your Mother is always with you.... She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street; she's the smell of bleach in your freshly laundered socks; she's the cool hand on your brow when you're not well. Your Mother lives inside your laughter. And she's crystallized in every tear drop. She's the place you came from, your first home; and she's the map you follow with every step you take. She's your first love and your first heartbreak, and nothing on earth can separate you.

Not time, not space... not even death!

I love you munny !!! You are a wonderful mother.

Be Consistent

Today's Scripture

“You should not stay away from the church meetings, as some are doing, but you should meet together and encourage each other” Hebrews 10:25 (NCV).

Today's Word

Today, we would like to impress upon you the importance of consistently in serving God. Never, never give up on Him, because He never gives up on you! Some believers may be in the habit of living for themselves and dishonoring God, but don't let your circumstances cause you to become discouraged and give up on meeting together with other believers for worshi and fellowship. The church is the center of God's plan for this day. He wants to bless us not only individually, but also corporately as the body of Christ. When you're consistent in your worship, then others may be encouraged to stay consistent and that may just start a holy “domino” effect. Keep working, loving and worshiping with God's people.

A Prayer for Today

God, thank You for never giving up on me, even though I'm not perfect. Help me to be an encouragement and example of consistency to other believers who may be struggling. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Cool Slideshows!

More pictures of Beech Mountain

Our Friday here in North Carlolina

We started our day around noon, slept in as much as we could (literally until the Tylenol PM) wore off. We requested a late check out and finally strolled out of the hotel close to noon. We decided since we had such a late flight out that we would take Anthony clothes shopping (since his dad promised him that he would give this as a gift to him when he turned 18yrs old) Yes - do the math, his birthday is in March and it's now July - 4 months later but we finally did it. Anthony got some new wardrobe from North Carolina. After having lunch and spending the day shopping, we are ready to head home. It's now almost 5:30pm and we are at the airport waiting for our flight out - not till 7:50pm. Argh !!!

I am ready to head to Ft. Myers, I miss all my nieces & nephews (especially AJ). I did do some clothes shopping for the triple trouble (AJ, KAI & Anna Grace) I will take a picture if what I bought them and post them on my blog too cute.

Anyways, I will leave you all with some more pictures from our trip. Until then, may you have a blessed and beautiful weekend.

Pictures of our journey to Beech Mountain

This picture was taken at some park up in the mountains that we came across. It was so beautiful. Anthony walked on the rocks and we took some really nice pictures of him as well.

Stay tuned for more pictures and stories in the upcoming blogs.

Until then, be GOD's Always !

Our Thursday outing on the mountains of NC

Today we had planned on working and we did in the morning to some degree but in the early part of the afternoon we decided (very spontaneously) to drive up to the mountains of North Carolina. My sister in law and her family frequently visit Beech Mountain here in the Carolinas and since we weren't actually that far from there we decided to take a drive out there. It actually took us about three hours from Charlotte, we ended up having a really nice day. We finally made it up to Beech Mountain, we drove and drove and drove some more. It was nice, we then went to a pizza and pasta place that my sister in law recommended. It was pretty cool, people get to write different things on paper plates and they hang them from the wall and ceilings. Anyways, our family wrote a message and we left our prints in the restaurants as well. We fell in love with a community called "The Farms" and it's nice homes but in the valley of the carolina's, it was very nice. Although we took pictures, you can't really appreciate it unless you see it in person. Anyhow, we finally made it back to the hotel about 9:30pm. We are all exhausted and ready to hit the bed soon after sitting in a car round trip for seven hrs.

Stay tuned, I will post pictures soon.,

Pictures from fourth of July

Here are some pictures of all of us celebrating 4th of July. The people that you see are our friends Lauren and her husband Dave, the baby Madison who is one year old and her other baby Myles that is five years old. Enjoy the pictures !!! I will post more pictures later.

Until then, have a blessed day.

Happy 4th of July in Christ

How many people would you "take a bullet for"?

"No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends." - Jn 15:13

What's important to you? If, God forbid, there was a fire at your house today (and let's hope not caused by fireworks) and you were running out, what would you grab to take with you? Who are the most important people in your life?

How many people, outside of your family, would you truly give your life for, would you "take a bullet for?" Would you give your life for someone you didn't know? Would you give your life for an enemy, or someone that doesn't like you? Like so many things in faith, it's easy to say, but difficult to do.

Today in the United States, we celebrate freedom. While we have separate days (i.e. Veteran's Day, Memorial Day) where we celebrate those who've given their lives to defend our freedom as Americans.....we also stop today to reflect on how fortunate we are to be free.
We have an independence day as Christians, too, it's called Easter. On Easter we celebrate the fact that God became man, conquered death, and, in the process, saved all who believe....providing us with a "way out", a chance at eternal life in Heaven.
Notice that on Easter, too, a life HAD to be lost to ensure our independence.

Jesus' death upon the cross gave us the ULTIMATE FREEDOM. With the passion, death AND resurrection, we receive freedom from original sin.
Just as so many thousands of people have given their lives over the years to defend their families, homes, possessions, independence and way of life, Jesus went even further. One of the many things so cool about Jesus is that He gave His life for everyone....even those who don't initially believe, even those who hate Him.......so that EVERYBODY has a chance, should they come to believe.

St. John reminds us today that the sacrifice of your life is the GREATEST sign of your love for someone. Jesus didn't just die for His followers, He died for those who ridiculed Him, who beat Him, who crucified Him. What an example!
It makes me wonder who I would die for. It reminds me that no matter how many times I screw up, God is still there loving me and waiting to forgive me, and I have that chance, that chance for forgiveness, that chance at Heaven, because Jesus was so loving that He was willing to pay the ultimate price.

As an American, today reminds us to be thankful for the freedom that we possess and earned. As Catholics, EVERYDAY should remind us to be THANKFUL for the freedom that we've been offered, the freedom we've been GIVEN.

"No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends." - Jn 15:13

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY IN CHRIST !!!!!

Pictures of our evening in NC

Here are some pictures that we took this evening. These are all some sites here in the downtown area. Everything is walking distance from our hotel.

Our hotel is right smack in the middle of a university called Johnson & Wales University. So most of the pictures that you see are taken right on the univeristy campus.

The Church picture is a Baptist Church that was walking distance from our hotel.

More on Charlotte

Here is a picture of downtown Charlotte North Carolina.

Today was a very productive day for us but before I begin to ramble on I want to share something. We were having a business meeting earlier this afternoon with some people and after talking business for almost an hour an a half, my hubbie in his form of communication mentioned the word faith and this head honcho guy that we met with said "Great - so you are a believer? " and Herb and I said simutaneously."Yes we are, very much so. The man looked at both of us and invited us to go worship with them at the church. The man sings in the choir (and coincedently -Herb used to sing in the band of our church too) Isin't that weird? God always makes himself known, even among strangers. I don't know what you all think, but I know that

WE SERVE AN AWESOME GOD !!!! SO awesome, let me keep talking.

Continue reading., I am very excited to share with all of you that I have a friend that lives in Davidson, North Carolina. I haven't seen her in almost 8 yrs if not more. Anyways, I decided to call her and it turns out that she is only 30 minutes from where we are staying. She was so happy to hear from us and so we decided to get together for 4th of July, with our hubbies and children and celebrate. Did I already say that WE SERVE AN AWESOME GOD !

Anyways we are off to hit downtown once again, but this time it's pleasure. I will post more pictures later. Until then;

Have a wonderful day and many blessings sent your way.

North Carolina Bound

Yes ! It's a surprise for me too. My hubbie surprised Anthony and I with a very random act of gesture to the wonderful state of North Carolina. We came up for a business trip and at the same time we will be celebrating 4th of July here. I have never visited North Carolina but it's very beautiful. We are in Charlotte, NC and the weather is 72 degrees and very dry
(No humidity), it is absolutely beautiful. We are getting ready to head out into the town, to grab some lunch and explore. I will blog later on tonight and maybe even add some pictures.

Blessings sent your way.

Shout to the Lord

Today's Scripture

“Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation”
Psalm 95:1

Today's Word

There is absolutely no other joy that can even compare to the surpassing joy of leading someone toward the saving knowledge of God. Even better - is knowing you played a small part in connecting someone else to God for all eternity! That is just one example of how living a successful and victorious Christian life can give you limitless joy and fulfillment. God fully intends for you to be victorious and conquer the forces of evil that are in this world. He wants you to experience joy and the spiritual victory that comes with being faithful to Him. So rejoice with the psalmist today. Lift your heart and eyes to the Lord and praise Him for His unwavering faithfulness as the Rock of your salvation.

A Prayer for Today

God, thank You for blessing me and desiring for me to experience true joy. May I be useful in Your service and experience true joy today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Validation

I am going to blog alittle about my personal day today. There are landmark experiences in your relationship with God that stand out. They are called "Ebenezers". And I remember times when my moments with God were real and often, and I long for those times to be revisited.

For the past couple of weeks, I've been feeling not at peace. I know where my walk with God has been and I also know where it is right now, and I also know why I was not living with peace in my heart until today. It's because, I have unfortunately been living in the flesh and not in the spirit and for some people that might be ok but for me, when I begin to get so wrapped up in my own kingdom (sort of speak) and I leave the kingdom of God behind, my whole world becomes unmanagable. Honestly, you all may think that I am out of whack, but this is the God honest truth. Some people can just function fine with just going to church on Sundays or maybe not going to church but talking to God occasionally and that's enough, but when it comes to me and my spiritualality, if I begin to fall short and become complacent in my walk, my life begins to crumble.

Where am I going with this ? Well - I have so not been obedient in my walk for a while and I have just begun to distant myself, consciously or unconsciously, this is what I have done. Well today, our family did or usual Sunday thing and went to Church this morning and OMG, did the Lord speak to me today ? The Lord as faithful and promising as he always is opened my eyes and my heart to see the light again. I have been swimming in the dark for a while and the SON has risen !!!! Let me share:

Validation. Everybody wants it, everybody craves it, everybody needs it. Adam and Eve had perfect communion or friendships with God, face to face and not tainted by insecurities or selfish misgivings. Full validation was there and they probably didn't even know it because they were never lacking it.

When we chose to go our own way (which is what I was doing), we search for validation elsewhere and in everything we do. In every aspect of our lives - family, friends, school, work, sports. People need to feel appreciated, accepted, admired, and even adored. But most of all - validated.

For example - this very blog site that I am typing in - I can't tell you how many times, I blog and then come back and check to see if anyone left me a comment of some sort, hoping that the person reading this would be so overwhelmed with adulation that they wouldn't be able to resist but to sent me a comment with rave reviews, you know why because I just realized that I am seeking validation which is the reason why I'm even writing this blog in the first place.

The fact is that God does value us .... He created us, loves us, sent his only son to save us, and he is building a mansion for me, for the day that I transfer out of this life. But the truth is that the noise of our lives and our misguided attempts to find validation elsewhere often deafen us from hearing his words of affirmation.

When God chose to speak to Elijah, he didn't speak through the noise of the storm or the earthquake. He spoke in the calm of the storm, the still, the quiet. It is only when I get away from the noise, the traffic, the schedule, the distractions, music and books that I can hear clearly the still, small voice of the active HUGE GOD, and I can see alittle more clearly who he is, and I can sense more deeply his unfailing love and mercy.

God has validated me today, not that I deserve it, but that's why my brothers and sisters, it's called the good news. I don't deserve his grace, but he gives it and in the stillness of my heart, he validates me.

May the peace of the Lord be with you !!!!

Guard Against Bitterness

Today's Scripture

“When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown” Isaiah 43:2 (TLB).

Today's Word

Have you ever experienced something that truly tested your faith, your joy and your convictions? We're not talking about just having a bad day or having to deal with difficult people - but enduring an intense situation that rocks you to your very core. When many people face such soul-searching they let their happiness and joy turn into bitterness and anger. Make sure this doesn't happen to you. Don't give the evil one the victory by becoming an ineffective Christian due to lingering bitterness. Even if you're being tested, God has promised to remain faithful. He is all-powerful, and He can pull you out of your troubles at any moment. Choose to remain faithful and joyous despite your present circumstances.

A Prayer for Today

God, please help me to trust You and not give in to bitterness or anger, even in the middle of my trials. Thank You for the promise of Your never-failing love. In Jesus' Name. Amen.