FAITHFUL GOD, LOVING FATHER

Good Morning

Yes, it is indeed a good morning - 

Despite the circumstances, despite the trials,

Every day the LORD has made is good and filled with His mercies

I have only two short phrases to share this morning:

Faithful God
Loving Father

Sometimes –

You just have to focus on the truth & remember who He is:

Faithful God … Loving Father …

When we do not understand: Faithful God, Loving Father

When we are anxious or fearful: Faithful God … Loving Father

When we experience painful loss: Faithful God & Loving Father

WHAT WE EXPERIENCE DOES NOT CHANGE WHO HE IS

HE IS A Faithful God

HE IS A Loving Father

I’ll be praying for you today –

Please, say a short prayer for me as well

Have a Blessed Day

WSR REPORT: THE LIGHT

Good Morning …

I pray all is well - 

I wanted to share this post with you today

I came across it while I was preparing my message yesterday.

The content was originally posted in 2014 – part of a series called ‘The Light’

However, I believe it holds a special significance in view of the past several weeks and ongoing challenges with COVID-19. Sheltered in place for weeks, there has been ample time to reflect … on everything.

Now, I will not pretend to know why all of what has happened has transpired. However, I believe the LORD has the ability to work through every situation and circumstance we encounter – to develop us, to grow us, to shape our character and to help us prioritize and refocus on what is important and essential. We cannot make Him known without knowing Him. Therefore, it is necessary and critical to undergo inner transformation. 

It all begins at home. I hope you enjoy!

Have a Blessed Day!

______________________________________

-originally posted January 25, 2014

‘… and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’ Acts 1:8

Many are well familiar with the commissioning declaration in Acts 1:8. However, in verse four of that same chapter, we find the disciples being commanded to not depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father – The Holy Spirit.

Jesus told them that they would be His witnesses,

And that it would begin right where they were … at home

Yet all too often, it is the home which suffers the most – even among those who have dedicated themselves to being the light in their church, in their workplace and in their communities. Know that you cannot effectively and credibly export what is not first cultivated and established at home.

Noted humanitarian Mother Theresa has been quoted as saying, ‘We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty.'

I Timothy 5:8 tells us [when speaking of families caring for widows] that anyone who does not provide for his own household is worse than an infidel.

We must understand – whether physical needs, spiritual needs or emotional needs – the light which emanates from one’s life should first be impacting the ones closest to them. My children would have a tremendously difficult time understanding all the giving that has taken place over the years if I only concentrated my attentions outward. However, my aim has always been to convey – by my words, my actions, my life – that they are my number one priority. So I ask …

• Do our families get the best part of us or what is left over after work and other obligations?
• Do they get quality and quantity time?
• Do they know they are loved?
• Do we speak the truth in love?
• Does our commitment to quality and respectful communication extend to the family – or do we raise our voices and use sarcasm?
• Do we actively strive to block the day’s frustrations from entering our home?
• Is there an overwhelming feeling of peace in the home?
• Is dinner special every night or only when there are guests?
• Are we able to laugh and have fun?
• Do they know they are loved unconditionally?
• Do we pray and demonstrate an unyielding and unwavering commitment to the LORD?
• Do the fruits of the spirit permeate the atmosphere - love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control?
• If our family members were asked to describe us, what words would they use?

Understand, no one will hit the mark every day, in every instance – not at home or anywhere else. However, our heart desire should be to want to give our very best to our loved ones, to be our very best – in Christ – for our loved ones. 

I fail often. Yet I will quickly acknowledge my faults, apologize and work to remedy the situation. It is not a matter of being a perfect, excellent, shining example in every interaction with family. It is, however, a matter of striving for excellence in every interaction.

Ultimately, as we tend to the light in our hearts and in our homes, we will realize that the task of shining a light for others is significantly eased. Rather than searching for opportunities to shine the light of Christ, we will find people curiously drawn to the light of love which floods every area of our lives.

2014: The Light … keep it shining … start at home

May God Bless You Abundantly … Have a Great Week!

2020: CHERISH THE DAY

Hi There!

I pray your weekend has gone well

And hope you are enjoying a relaxing evening –

My weekend has been one of rest and relaxation.

I watched the conclusion of one of the most interesting series I have watched in a while.

It is a Korean drama, simply entitled, Chocolate

Now – I am not generally a crier [not for movies anyway]

However – this show has brought me to tears more times than I can count

But – I love it!

And – it was this show which inspired me to write today

Although – I am trying to work on writing on a more regularly scheduled basis

I still struggle with writing when I do not have something absolutely pressing on my heart

What can I say? That process – and myself in general – are still a work in progress

In any event, and without giving out the end of the show,

I would like to share a quote from the show which grabbed my attention.

The context of the quote is not completely relevant –

                Because the quote has the ability to stand on its own merit

Standing on a beach, with the waves crashing in the background, one of the characters makes this poignant declaration:

“As if today is your last day,
and as if you know that this moment will never return,
cherish  every single moment that comes by ladies and gentlemen.
The day you wasted today –
is the tomorrow that someone who died yesterday so badly wished for.”
~Tae-Hyun

This touched me intensely and immensely.

It touched me because it is all about the value of life.

It touched me because it is something that I am realizing is so vitally important;

It is something that I know I need –

this need to value the days which the LORD blesses me with

It is something where I am developing a keen awareness of the need for – intention.

You see, making the most of each day will not happen by accident.

I must make a choice to focus on the people and things that matter most.

I must make a choice to appreciate the people who the LORD has blessed me with. 

Psalm 90:12 says,

‘Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom’

I know, from scripture, that our life is but a vapor and then we are gone. [James 4:14]

Therefore, each day is a special and precious gift – one which must be protected.

I am learning how to better establish & maintain healthy boundaries –

And, I am finding there a few things I value as much as peace in my life.

Even so – it is all a process – one which I noted earlier is a work in progress.

And, I hope to get in some meaningful practice over the next few days.

I am off work this entire week.

I am taking some time – just for me.

And, I intend to make the most of every day and the opportunities they present.

Spending time with the LORD, spending time with my sons, spending time with my Mom;

Spending time with me and for me –

Writing in my journal, counting my blessings, reflecting on the things that make me smile

I pray that you will make some time as well –

                Time to focus on the people and things which truly matter to you

Tomorrow is not promised to any of us

Therefore, we must live, laugh and love – every opportunity we have

                Counting as blessings the things which make us smile,

                Being a blessing by helping others to find a reason to smile.

I pray you have a blessed evening and an amazing week!

God Bless & Much Love

2020: NEW, NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION

Good Morning

Happy Saturday – the first Saturday of this New Year

I pray your new year is off to a great start

There are statistic out there that note –

80% of New Year’s Resolutions FAIL BY FEBRUARY

Less than 25% of individuals stick with New Year’s Resolutions Past 30 Days

Only 8-10% fulfill their New Year’s Resolutions

AND –

There is a less known, less publicized reality

that some New Year’s Resolutions fail within three days

Who wants to own that – much less talk about it?

Which brings us to TODAY

It brings us to our focus on a NEW, NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION

Webster’s defines RESOLUTION as: process of resolving, firmness of purpose, statement of the opinion, will, or intent of a body

YET –

As far as I can recall, resolutions [and specifically New Year’s Resolutions] have been associated with stopping certain behaviors and adopting new practice and habits.

HOWEVER –

A resolution, a resolve, a firmness of purpose, a decision to do something or to behave in a certain manner does not have to focus on removing something negative. It can center on maintaining & increasing something positive.

If you placed your trust in the LORD in 2019 –

                Resolve to CONTINUE TRUSTING IN THE LORD IN 2020

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him” Jeremiah 17:7

If you hoped in the LORD in 2019 –

                Resolve to CONTINUE HOPING IN THE LORD IN 2020

“For You, O LORD are my hope, my trust, O LORD, from my youth” Psalm 71:5

If you found strength in the LORD in 2019 –

                Resolve to CONTINUE RELYING ON THAT STRENGTH IN THE LORD IN 2020

“ Those who trust in the LORD, will renew their strength; they shall rise up on wings as eagles; they shall run and not grow weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

AND REMEMBER –

Whatever your focus, whatever the resolution,

Keep in mind that ‘His mercies are new every morning’ Lamentation 3:22-23

This means that you can keep moving forward no matter what comes your way.

Happy New Year … Again!

Praying You Have a Blessed Day

     & Restful Weekend

'TIS THE SEASON: ONE REASON

Good Morning Friends!

I pray you had an absolutely awesome week –

                And that your weekend is off to a great start

I am enjoying a peace-filled morning at home

Christmas Tree in my room is lit – fresh pine candle is burning

And, of course, I have had my coffee – peppermint mocha

I love this time of year!

I love the sounds – the hustle and bustle

I love the scents – pine, cinnamon, berries and wood stoves burning

I love the atmosphere – hope, generosity and LOVE

YET –

I cannot forget that there is one reason for this season – JESUS

I am so thankful for JESUS – He is THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE

That a perfect God would descend to this earth,

That He would take on a robe of humility and human frailty – FOR ALL OF US

It still fills me with awe every time I think about it –

During this season we,

Celebrate His birth,

Reflect on His life,

Remember His death

Rejoice over His Resurrection

Proclaim that He Reigns!

Jesus truly is the reason for the season!

Praying that you have wonder-filled Christmas Season …

Praying you also have a blessed day!

NO REGRETS ...

Good Evening … Again …. Friends …

So earlier today, I wrote about how – even as a friend of Jesus – you can face dark places

I shared some of the concern that I had heading into the Mother’s Day Weekend.

However, I have to say that I was PLEASANTLY SURPRISED!

I went to church in the morning –

Heard my Pastor preach an amazing message on ‘The Power to Get Back up’

SO – AFTER CHURCH …

I had a FABULOUS breakfast made by my oldest son ‘Eggs-Benedict’ … AMAZING!!!!

And then He and I went to go see my Mom.

I was nervous and a bit sad because things have just not been the same since … ALZHEIMER’s

HOWEVER –  All my fears were for naught

We had an absolutely amazing visit with my mom!

She knew who my son was [which she ALWAYS does] …

But she knew who I was as well … BEST MOTHER’S DAY PRESENT EVER!!!

I was even able to show her a picture of my Aunt Mae … her favorite & only remaining sibling

SHE WAS SO EXCITED!!! Her face just lit up as she grabbed the phone from my hand and proceeded to talk at the picture of my aunt, ‘My sister, my sweet sister … I miss you so much and I love you!’

I was ABSOLUTELY TICKLED!!!

And as we concluded our visit, I said, ‘MumMum … I love you!’

And she responded, ‘I love you MORE!’  Just like she always did …

So I went my way … stopped at the SPCA to look at some adorable puppies and then to enjoy the remainder of my Mother’s Day.

THEN – AT 9:53PM MY PHONE RANG

“This is Mary [one of the nurses from my mom’s nursing home], your mom, Ms. Sereta was having trouble breathing and we have called an ambulance and she’s been taken to the hospital.”

So, I told my youngest son and bolted out the door. 

We had just did this same thing LAST MONTH! When I got there, they had her on a BiPAP oxygen machine, had nitro-patch on her chest [her systolic was 196 when she got there] and her lungs were filled with fluid. Already suffering from congestive heart failure and renal failure, she was experiencing a hypertensive crises and respiratory distress.

 Around about midnight, I got a text message from my middle son asking how she was doing.

Now, you have to understand that he has not seen my mom in two years.

The last time he saw her, she was ICU and they were asking us to make a decision about taking her off of life-support. So, we had called all the grandchildren up to the hospital to say goodbye.

NOW – she obviously survived that episode. However, my middle son has not been able to bring himself to visit again her since then ... NOT UNTIL LAST NIGHT/THIS MORNING. 

He wanted – as best he could – to remember her as she was before … the Nana that lived in my home with my sons and I for over fifteen years … the Nana who used to get on the floor with them and act crazy. That is why him coming to the hospital this morning WAS HUGE!

HE HAD TO FACE HIS FEARS and the sure pain he would experience seeing her, not only in her diminished capacity because of Alzheimer’s, but even more fragile due to the numerous issues that landed her in the ER last night.

BUT HE DID IT … AND I COULD NOT HAVE BEEN MORE PROUD OF HIM

You see, he is my child that puts on the strongest face of all my sons. He is a lot like his mom.

Yet, he is actually a very caring person under that SUPREMELY TOUGH [AND OFTEN TIMES CYNICAL] EXTERIOR. 

AND – when he got to the hospital, wouldn’t you know … SHE KNEW WHO HE WAS! And her first comment after acknowledging him was, ‘I HAVEN’T SEEN YOU IN A WHILE!!!’

I LOVE HER!!! SHE IS SO FEISTY!

He stayed with me until after 3AM – until they got her situated in her room in ICU

SO WHY SHARE THIS TONIGHT?

Because I believe there are some people who fall in the category of my last post:

FRIENDS OF JESUS FACING SOMETIMES DARK PLACES

But, there are also some people who fall in the category with my middle son:

INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE TASKED WITH FACING THEIR FEARS AND CHOOSING TO STEP … FORWARD ... IN FAITH

While this morning was extremely difficult for my son, 

HE WILL NOT LIVE WITH REGRETS

He will not live/exist wishing that he had seen her one last time, wishing he had said ‘I love you’ one last time AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY he will not have to live with the regret of letting his fears control his present and future. He faced that challenge head-on. So, whatever happens with my mom [whenever it happens], I know he will be alright.

BE ENCOURAGED TONIGHT –

No matter what your today may look like …

No matter what you have been avoiding up until this point …

YOU HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE DECISIONS WHICH WILL CHANGE YOUR PRESENT AND FUTURE

THE HARDEST PART IS MAKING SHIFT IN YOUR THINKING.

DO NOT BE CONTROLLED BY FEAR

DO NOT LET FEAR OF WHAT MIGHT/MIGHT NOT HAPPEN ROB YOU OF JOY TODAY

STEP OUT IN FAITH ... NO REGRETS!

Praying You Have a Blessed Evening!

Keep Marching Forward ...

Good Morning Friends!

It has been quite some time since I have written

Hard to believe that it is the last day of March 2019

And just like that – one-fourth of this year is gone …

It is a good time to reflect on goals that have been set for the year

It is a great time to check our progress in moving toward the things God has for us

Personally, I am in the middle of self-development project

It is one aimed at forcing myself out of my comfort zone

As an introvert, it is very difficult for me to socialize with people

Therefore, I have been taking deliberate and intentional steps to overcome this area

In daily interactions and on social media, I am pushing myself ...

To engage more with others and be more interactive

But I faced a significant setback this week –

Even as I have taken steps to be more social and engaging

Someone came up behind me at work and struck my chair really hard

Now, this might not be a big deal to most people

However, given the climate and my history – it had a significant impact on me

I had a full-fledged anxiety attack – hands trembling and an endless flow of tears

I was so disappointed – in my reaction

Understand, I did nothing wrong.

The wrong was on the part of the individual who struck my chair.

Yet – I was disappointed because it felt like I took three steps backwards

Immediately, I could feel the walls going back up

But then I had to remind myself of my goals and of all the progress I have made

Therefore I have decided – I will not let Friday’s incident veer me off course

I will continue to march forward – unmoved by the enemy’s attempt to derail me

There is more of this year out ahead of me than what has passed

Perhaps you have faced some challenges with goals you have set for yourself this year

There is more of this year out ahead of you than what has passed

And so I offer this reminder –

No matter what may happen, no matter what ‘they say’, no matter what you tell yourself

Remember, at all points, and despite any challenges this year

You are –

Perfectly Purposed

‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I set you apart’

Jeremiah 1:5

Timelessly Treasured

‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness’

Jeremiah 31:3

Sovereignly Selected

‘You are my servant; I have chosen you and have not rejected you.’

Isaiah 41:9

Divinely Defended

'Do not fear for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God; I will defend you.’

Isaiah 41:10

‘No weapon formed against you shall prosper’

Isaiah 54:17

There is more of this year out ahead of us than what has fallen in the rear-view window

Keep marching forward!

Praying You Have a Blessed Day

Wishing You Much Love …

LOVE: IT IS MULTI-FACETED

Good Morning & Happy Sunday – I pray your weekend is going well.

TODAY – we will continue our discussion on LOVE;

We will be taking a look at the multi-faceted nature of love when it comes to EROS LOVE

OFTEN – when researching information on love, I find that love is tackled singularly;

Looking at each of the four types individually: AGAPE, STORGE, PHILEO, EROS

However, they are all intertwined when considered in the scope of a romantic type of love.

Love is fabulous and the romantic side of love is the primary focus at this time of year.

However, that love must have its foundations in all four types of love in order to truly be successful.

YESTERDAY – We discussed in detail the importance of PHILEO LOVE

So, today I would like to follow-up by focusing on AGAPE and STORGE – as relates to EROS

At the onset of our discussion, we talked about AGAPE LOVE and how our view of God’s love has a direct impact on our ability to not only receive love from Him but to give love to and receive love from others. We are reminded that agape love is the highest expression of love. It is selfless and unconditional – it is godly. It not only speaks to the love that God has for us and has demonstrated toward us; It also speaks to the love He expects for us to have for others

• John 3:16 tells us, ‘God so loved [AGAPE] the world, that He gave His only begotten Son.’ He gave His best!
• The expectation of the LORD is conveyed in John 13:34, ‘A new command I give you: Love [AGAPE] one another. As I have loved [AGAPE] you, so you must love [AGAPE] others.’
• These sentiments are echoed in the greatest command shared by Jesus in Matthew 22:38-39 ‘You shall love [AGAPE] the LORD your God…; you shall love [AGAPE] your neighbor…’
• Lastly, we see the saints admonishing one another in I John 4:11, ‘Dear friends, since God so loved [AGAPE] us, we also out to love [AGAPE each other].

It is possible [and expected] that we should have this type of love [AGAPE LOVE] for one another. And it plays a vital role in the foundation of a romantic [EROS LOVE] relationship. However, it is not possible to know how to love this way if you do not first experience the love of God for yourself.  It must also be understood that this love – agape love – is more than a feeling; it is a resolve. This type of love – agape love – is a choice; not based upon external factors. And it lays a solid foundation for a romantic type of love.

LIKEWISE – family love [STORGE] plays an important role in romantic [EROS] love and relationships. If an individual has not had positive experiences  or role models in the area of love [STORGE], it can have an impact on how they view love, how they demonstrate love and their ability to receive love from another. Notice that I said it ‘can’ impact the individual, not that ‘it will’. If yours was not an experience where there were positive demonstrations of STORGE/FAMILY love – it is not a lifetime sentence on your ability to have positive love experiences. Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. [II Cor. 5:17] Yet, it is important to understand how your earliest experiences with love ‘can’ shape some of the perspectives you hold regarding love.

If your family was not one that was outwardly expressive with love – it can impact how you demonstrate love:

• Did they say, ‘I love you’? Or was it simply understood?
• Were there physical manifestations of love in the way of hugs?
• Was love demonstrated through the purchase and giving of gifts?
• Was love conveyed through meaningful conversation and/or time spent together?

All these things play a role in how we demonstrate love and how we believe it should be displayed –

• They shape the expectations which we carry into romantic relationships.
• Further, these earliest ideas and concepts are not easily unlearned.
• And I am not saying there is a right or wrong way  or whether something needs to be unlearned. But it is important to understand how you and your partner view and demonstrate love.

Your experiences with AGAPE, STORGE & PHILEO LOVE all have an impact on how you approach and manage EROS LOVE: It is important because, when you have an understanding on how each person views love and displays love, it will go a long way in helping to eliminate inflated & unrealistic expectations and minimize the potential for disappointment.

Are you starting to understand why I will need to extend our discussion through the end of February? This thing called love is multi-faceted and so dynamic that is a challenge to ensure it is addressed clearly, completely and succinctly.

I pray the discussion we are having on love is somewhat beneficial.

I would love to hear from you in the comments section below.

Praying You Have a Blessed Day!

Wishing You Much Love …

You're not yourself ...

Good Evening Friends!

Happy Sunday… what is left of it. Needless to say, my hope was to have this post completed and ready for publication before now. However, today has been a busy day. And, the weather is not helping. It has been raining all day and it is quite cold [to me anyway]. Don’t get me wrong … I am thankful that it is not snow. But it has been a dreary day just the same.

It has had me thinking about my MinPin who passed away last summer. He was such a good boy … but he hated days like this! I would try to coax him out of his blanket to get him to go outside and he would stubbornly refuse. If I would push too hard, he would actually start his low, slow growl – gently letting me know that I was getting on his nerves. His growls I could take. It was even a little laughable being that he was twelve inches tall and all of ten pounds. However, there were other times, like the time he got something stuck in his paw, that his animal instincts took over and he actually snipped at me. He would immediately feel bad after I would let out a yell letting him know his bite – however little – still packed a punch and it still hurt. His intention was not to hurt me. So what would make my sweet little dog act outside of his normal character?

YOU ARE NOT YOURSELF WHEN YOU ARE ...

… OR HURTING

But what does this have to do with us?

Yesterday I shared a post about being willing to stay in the fire until someone else can see Jesus.

Yet, what do you do when those you must stay in the flames for are the same who pushed you in [or stoked who the fire while you were going through]?

FIRST –

You take a moment to remind yourself that people are not themselves when they are broken or hurting. Remind yourself that pain can make people act in ways that might be completely contrary to your preference and completely contrary to their nature in normal circumstances. Take time to remember times when you have been hurt or broken; times when you have uttered a harsh or impatient word or acted in a manner outside your normal character.

THEN –

You stick with the task at hand, follow the lead of the faithful individuals that walked before us and continue your trek through the flames until someone [or multiple some ones] are able to see Jesus for themselves, are able to receive salvation for themselves, are able to receive comfort for themselves, are able to walk in newness of life for themselves.

LASTLY –

Remember – it is never solely about you.

This does not mean that you become a doormat for people – or that you subject yourself to repeated abusive treatment. You can continue to walk through the fire, forgive people and love them from a distance [if needed].

Job – he stayed the course that the LORD set him upon. He walked through his firestorm of trials and pain and suffering – and then he prayed for his friends and was reconciled to his siblings, neighbors and associates. [Job 42:10]

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego – they walked through literal flames long enough for their persecutors to see Jesus – and then they were promoted to a place of authority where they would be positioned to help some of those same people. [Daniel 3:19-30]

Understand that He has made us ministers of reconciliation. [2 Cor. 5:18-21]

Those who can be trusted with flame [a passion for the LORD & for the lost and the hurting] can likewise be trusted in the flames. However, your mission will promptly be aborted if you allow offense to take root, if you fail to understand that people are not themselves when they are broken, if you allow it to impact your commitment to the God-assignment on your life.

Understanding some of the ‘why’ which lays behind the ‘what’ [the reasons behind the actions of others] can go a long way in helping us to maintain focus and stay the course that the LORD has placed us on.

Again … a little perspective helps make any challenge a little more bearable.

Praying the rest of your evening is restful and that your week is purpose-filled.

Have a Blessed Evening!   

blessings, blessings, blessing ...

Good Morning Friends!

I pray your day is off to a great start …

Hard to believe it is just TEN days left until Christmas! Where is the time going?

While 2018 is winding down – I am continuing to believe for miracles this holiday season. For me, it has been quite a week – and I am counting my blessings:

BLESSINGS

MONDAY – My very best friend came to visit

She wanted to wish me well and drop of a present – two actually

She insisted that they had to be opened IMMEDIATELY!

What was tucked inside?

Beautiful ornaments … she know how I LOVE this time of year

She is such a sweetie pie … I love her to pieces!!!

BLESSINGS

TUESDAY – The LORD blessed me with exceptional news!

In a season where many are focused on the circumstances surrounding the birth of Christ;

Where there was no room at the inn, and Mary & Joseph were forced to endure humble surroundings;

I received news that there was room at an ‘inn’ for my Mom – a new nursing facility

                               YES – I was beyond overjoyed! 

BLESSING

NOW – While it is an amazing and joy-filled situation to experience the blessings of the LORD and from others, it is so much more fun to be the BLESSING

YESTERDAY – I had the absolute joy of preparing a rum cake for my niece’s holiday gathering. And, since there was rum leftover, I decided to make some rum balls as well

I WISH YOU COULD SMELL IT!!!

THURSDAY – I wrote about the beginning of this week and how I was in tears on Sunday

TODAY –  I would like to convey this truth ...

The LORD can turn sadness to joy in an instant

Is everything perfect? No, not by any stretch of the imagination

However, I choose today to count my BLESSINGS and to find ways to be a BLESSING

Why don’t you go ahead and take some time to re-count your BLESSINGS this week.

Praying You Have a Blessed Day & 

Wonderful Weekend!

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places”

Ephesians 1:3