Give…

To whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom

much has been committed, of him they will ask the more. Luke 12:48

We sometimes equate the term “Giving” with the action of giving money.  But giving can occur with different things.  When we have been Blessed by God with good health, a sane mind, the activities of our limbs, and His Spirit, we must Give back.  So Give…

…a kind word.

…an hour or more of your time. 

…wise advice.

...your expertise for free.

…a Bible to help others find Hope. 

…food to the hungry.

…a listening ear.

…a helping hand.

Give to others because God has Given you.

Smile.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18

So often we find ourselves getting so caught up with things happening in our world,

and usually those things are negative. Sometimes the world snatches our attention from God.  We become frustrated and begin to absorb the world’s negativity.  We sometimes feel defeated by our inability to change the injustices that are occurring in the world, but GOD IS NOT DEFEATED, which gives us a reason to Smile. 

 Several research studies show that smiling has an overall positive effect on our physiology and  reduces illness over time (National Institute of Health). When I think about Gods’ goodness and his faithfulness in my life, a smile immediately appears on my face; I am at peace, aside from the world.

Focus on God, not the adversities you may be facing. Focus on God, not on your own abilities, or lack of. Focus on God not your finances.  Focus on God not the chaos occurring in the world.  The things in this world are temporary, God is not. 

Turn your frown upside down when you think of God

...ON PURPOSE

 

In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death. Proverbs 12:28

        Stay on Gods' path for your life, and when in doubt pray about it.  Seek His wisdom and guidance so that you will never stray from your divine purpose.  Your life's purpose has already been identified by God,  so talk to God ON PURPOSE.  Stay on His Path ON PURPOSE.  Always be ON PURPOSE for Him.  Thank You, God.  

Be Kind...to yourself

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 

1 Corinthians 13:4

        Kindness is an important characteristic to possess.  Kindness is defined as the quality of being generous, considerate, and friendly (New Oxford American Dictionary). Being kind displays Gods' love and acts as a moral compass.  Kindness and love are synonymous; they go hand in hand. Living  in today's times with the hustle and bustle of everything, we sometimes forget to take time our for ourselves; to be kind to and love ourselves.  We get so caught up with people-pleasing chores until we forget about ourselves.  Being kind to oneself begins with acknowledging God and then, affirming who we are in this world; the reason God created us.  When we affirm our identify, we are loving and showing kindness to ourselves.  

        So many times, I have come down extremely hard on myself when I make a mistake or fail at something.  I beat myself up and begin to sink into a depression.  However, as I gain more years of life, God has granted me His wisdom to see that everything that happens in my life has been orchestrated by Him.  My failures are stepping stones to achievements, my mistakes prompt me to ask for His forgiveness and start all over.  Gods' love has shown me how to be kind, not only to others, but now to myself.  I have learned to encourage myself and be patient with me.  Be kind and patient with yourself. 

        Be Kind and Patient with Yourself. 

Staying Fit for God

 

Keep Rising

“Though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.” Proverbs 24:16

It is so easy to give up when life gives you difficult circumstances, when life seems to be the darkest it's ever been, and when there is no silver lining in sight. Some people ponder the question, is it worth it?  Yes it is. We are reminded in the Bible, that God is with us, no matter what life throws our way, He is with us through everything. 

Black History month is great time to learn about how African-Americans overcame adversity and kept rising.  Even today, people of color are still fighting for equality, overcoming adversity, and rising despite what other groups of people try to do.  

When life brings its challenging and uncertain events, focus on the One, Certain God to see you through. Trust God not man to help you Rise.  Rise up with prayer!

Rise up with prayer!

Be Humble

 

"Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will exalted." Matthew 23:12

  Humility is maintaining a modest view point of oneself; not believing you are more important than others. Humility is understanding that we are no exception to a rule, and should abide by rules and laws. At the same time, we should not look down our noses at each other, but always be willing to help each other out when in need.

The picture of the bumble bee pollinating the flower reminded me of Gods’ perfect work. The bumble bee and flower work in perfect harmony, neither considers itself better than the other. Both work together for the greater good. The bee helps the flower produce seeds and the flower provides nutrients to the bee. The bumble bee and flower live in humility and harmony, and serve each other. We could learn so much from Gods’ creation when we stop and observe His laws in nature.

Let’s live like the Bumble Bee and Cone Flower - in Humility and Harmony.