Just My Imagination

Good morning family. Happy Sunday morning to you all. Blessed to be up and moving, no aches or pains, no regrets, no sorrows and looking forward to what the day will bring. Lifting my friend Dossie up in prayer. Praying that she'll be home from the hospital today. Also looking forward to celebrating her birthday this week. Asking God to give her the strength she needs to put with us. AMEN. I'm guilty of over-thinking things. Picking out the "what ifs" before I even consider doing something. Moaning and complaining before I even try something. What I realized through a conversation I had with a good friend this week is, I've stopped using my imagination. When I read God's word I'm frequently reminded to walk in faith, look for the good in everything, accept challenges and give Him all my worries. Honestly, the flesh takes over and I can't imagine things working out the way I want them to. This morning I pray for you as I pray for me, Lord please let us be open to fresh ideas, let our faith be so strong, so evident that others want to take this faith walk with us. Continue Father God to fill our hearts/minds with reminders of how awesome Your works have been/and are. That through You the battle is already won. Lord forgive us for our misuse of favor because we've certainly received our fair share. Father God forgive us for forgetting how awesome You are when we are feasting. Reminding us that we should worship and honor You during times of feast the same way we do during times of famine. Give me/us the courage to forgive those who have wronged us, let us open our mouths and say I love you as opposed to keeping them on the outside/at a distance. Lastly Lord God, thank You for always welcoming me/us back when I/we have fallen and not lived up to what You require of me/us. AMEN. TeamJustMyImagination. Deuteronomy 8:1-4, 8:11, 8:14, 8:18, Luke 7:9-10. Bblessedloveyou.

The Young and the Restless

Good morning family. I am enjoying this rainy Saturday morning. The rain gives me an excuse to stay in and relax. Not always a good thing but I need it today. Praying for my friend Q. Her mother passed away unexpectedly this week. The unexpected will have us believe we won't survive but it's in those times when we really get a good understanding of our truth strength and where it comes from, Our Father in Heaven. Over the past few weeks I've had this reoccurring thought, "The Young and the Restless". Sounds funny because it's the name of a soap opera but it's made me think about my children more and remember when I was "young and restless". Every idea or passion my children come up with reminds me of "me". As a young woman, I was restless, thinking I needed to be so much more, have so much more and please so many. What I didn't realize and what I wasn't taught is everything I hustled for as a young woman, wouldn't even matter by the time I reached the age I am now. I don't want to discourage my children but I do want to remind them and all our young people, that maturity is not measured by what you own or who you know. Matured is identified by the character you've built. Our choices, good or bad, contribute to our character. When I finally realized that I didn't need the current fad/trend, that I wasn't supposed to be-friend everyone, that people pleasing was overrated and that God was and had always been my true source, then I began to see things differently. This morning I pray that everyone seeking something more stay in prayer about what they want, be realistic and at the same time be willing to commit to the dreams they have. Understanding that the desires we have for our lives may not be where God wants to take us. A true willingness to fall in line with what He would have us do is key to our success and happiness. TeamYoung&Restless. Bblessedloveyou.

Just Thinking

Labor pains during birth were nothing compared to the pain staking labor of planning my son's funeral and watching my family mourn his death. So when I look past ignorance please don't think I'm ignoring it but understand I've felt the worse pain ever and there's nothing anyone else can do that could hurt me more. I've overcome. Sometimes it's hard to breathe when I imagine what it must have been like when my dad and my son were taking their last breath, I wonder what they were thinking. I wonder if they knew how much they were loved and would be missed. Surprisingly, I don't get the same feeling about my mom because God blessed me and allowed  me to be by her side during her last days. I think I was the last person she looked at before she fell into her "forever" sleep. Even in sickness she made me giggle because illness didn't and couldn't stop her strength. She was defiant until the very end. When I shop I look for things she would have liked. She was a woman who simply and honestly knew what she wanted out of life. My God has done marvelous things in my life the most important ones are giving me parents who loved me and allowing me to be a mother. No regrets, only praise and thanks.

Self Discipline

Good morning family. God is good and worthy to be praised. My husband is off to Orlando with our grandchildren for a long awaited Spring Break vacation. Everyone was so excited, loading up their bags, unstoppable chitter chatter. The anxiousness of getting of the road was on everyone's mind. Praying for traveling grace/peace. AMEN. As I watched them pull off my thoughts turned to self-discipline. It's something we all need to work on, I know I do. We can all point fingers at others and say they have to do better but it's so much more productive to work on the areas in our lives that need attention/improvement. My lack of discipline is evident when I review my credit report, my work-life balance, my immediate family relationships as well as my distant family relationships, my successes or lack there of and the most heart breaking evidence of the lack of self-discipline is my relationship with God our Father. If I'm being honest, had I been disciplined I would have immaculate credit, I wouldn't log in from home to complete work and my house would always be clean, my family relationships would be stronger than ever, I would be living life based on my dreams/true goals and my light would shine so bright based on an unshakable faith that I should walk in every second of the day. What I know for certain is that we all have our struggles with discipline but at the end of it all we're flesh and bone, humans with a right to choose what works for us. I offer an apology to anyone that has been affected by lack of discipline and I ask God for the strength/courage/wisdom/commitment to be better/do better. AMEN. TeamSelfDiscipline. Bblessedloveyou. Numbers 20:24-26, Numbers 27:12-14

Building Leaders

Good morning family. Praying for you all this morning. I'm enjoying a quiet morning before Zeina drops the kids off. Thankful for rest. Happy to report that I've gotten our house organized, what a load off my mind. Dee gave me somewhat of compliment when he said "I could not be married to a lazy woman". That let me know in a round about way that he appreciates the efforts I make to keep things in order although I know it drives him crazy. Praying for the leaders of our families, the trend setters, the people who understand what it means to lead others. Thanking God for the peace keepers and those who over look foolishness. Asking God to bless our family leaders and give them strength to do and say what others won't. Especially asking God to touch the men in our lives, young and old, for they are the key to the success of our future generations. Through them our bloodlines continue on. Reminding our young people to pray about any and all relationships they are in. Seeking guidance through prayer before making decisions that have long lasting effects on our families makes all the difference in the world. Praising God for all He's doing in our lives. His word is "the foundation", the "building block", the "beginning and the end", His word is "everything". Thanking Him for continued blessings and renewed spirits. AMEN. TeamBuildingLeaders. Bblessedloveyou.

Embarrassed

Good morning family. Praying everyone is having a nice Sunday. The weather in Jax is beautiful, hope yours is the same. I've said this before and I'll say it again, there are things I've done and things I do that would embarrass me if anyone outside my immediate family had to witness it. We are living in a time where things move fast. Our children learn faster, everything is "right now", "nothing" is waiting anymore. It's a time where if we can't access what we want when we want it, then it's not worth it. There's always somewhere to go, something to do or someone else to "be". This "right now" attitude of the world has me out of balance, a little off key. I bring this up out frustration because I put myself in a position of always having to do something and if I can't do what I feel I should do, I feel inadequate and incomplete. The smile I should were is replaced with a frown, laughter is replaced with yelling or complaining and then the melt down. Is it just me? I acknowledge this shortcoming and I ask God to help me do better, be better. What I realize is that we burden ourselves with unimportant things, we tackle things that won't matter tomorrow and sometimes we are frustrated because we haven't properly prepared. This morning I pray that God removes the "clutter" of thoughts that mean me no good, I ask Him to forgive me for anything I've said or done that isn't pleasing to Him. I thank Him for His word, His correction and His Love. Thanking Him so much for peace, rest and a new day. Giving Him honor for understanding when things seem out of control. Lastly, thanking Him for anyone reading this as I know they will send up a little prayer for me as I face my day with a better attitude. I'm going forward worrying less how about "how" things will get done because I know "who" I am and "Who's" I am.TeamEmbarrassed. Bblessedloveyou. 

Power In Choices

Good morning family. I always know when I've slept to much, my head aches until I get up and move around. Why we do things that hurt, us I'll never know. Thanking God for knowledge and wisdom this morning. His word is so awesome, eye opening and transforming. I don't know about you but when it comes to having continuous faith, I fall short. Why is it so hard to move forward based on what we know and learn from the word of God? There are people who are so short on faith that they blame all of their "shortcomings" on others. Like the Israelites, they point at others when things don't look favorable. "It's your fault things aren't working for me". "If you had done this I would have more". "Why didn't you do this so I could have that"? I don't know about you but I don't want to be like the Israelites anymore. I am a person who truly understands how choices I've made/am making affect my life. God blessed us with "free will", it's unfortunate that it doesn't always align with His will/purpose for us. This morning I pray that each of us stop finger pointing, accept the power that God has given us to make better choices. Understanding that the enemy uses distractions, lack and lust to trick us into believing we don't have enough and it's someone else's fault. I know for certain that what God has for me is for me, I just have to step up to the plate, believe and receive what's been there all the time. Praising Him for all He's done and for what's to come. Have a blessed Saturday. AMEN. TeamPowerInChoices. Bblessedloveyou. Numbers 20:3-5, Mark 6:14. 

Those

Good morning family. It is beautiful outside. Trusting and believing God for change and purpose. He is so awesome. Asking and thanking Him for giving me/you another chance to walk in His will. Putting aside those fleshly/worldly distractions that sometimes/most times bring heartache and shame. Thanking Him for loving me even when I couldn't/didn't love myself. AMEN. Those who truly desire success seek feedback and correction. Those who really want to succeed won't allow anyone or anything to distract them. Those who are wise use their gifts and talents to help others. Those who smile brighten the days of others. Those who "stay in their own lane" understand the power of true self esteem. Those who "shut up" and listen are wise. Those who give without expecting to receive are full of "heart". Those who cling to their past will never conquer what they truly desire. Those who are teachable are the most productive. Those who own their faults are able to make adjustments. Choose to be someone willing to go the distance, someone who understands true purpose, someone who learns and appreciates where they are and expects to go farther...TeamThose. Bblessedloveyou. Have a wonderful Friday.

Giants

Good morning family. Praising and adoring my Lord and Savior for He is good and worthy to be praised. The wind almost knocked me over yesterday. Reminded me that I have to firmly plant my feet when walking, that's spiritually and physically. Far to strong to be swept away that easily. Grateful for another day's journey and opportunity to get it together. Acknowledging the "giants" in my life and knocking them down or straight knocking them out if need be. If you grew up like me, the saying was "the bigger they are, the harder they fall". We all need to live this, implement this and be fully aware of what/who our giants are. Our giants come to "kill, steal and destroy" but when you're back is against the wall, come out swinging, understanding that we were not meant to live defeated. Lastly, understand that we sometimes create imaginary giants as an excuse not to be better/get better. We want success but fear it at the same time. I'm speaking to myself when I say, fear is a scare tactic that only works if I allow it. My prayer today and every day is that God continue blessing and keeping me/us. Thanking Him for peace and understanding, knowing that there's nothing I can't do because He is my source. Amen. TeamGiants. Bblessedloveyou

Correct Me

Good morning family. Enjoying being up and at work. Some aren't able and some aren't employed. Thanking God for grace and mercy this morning. Thanking Him for the courage to face whatever comes. Giving Him the praise and glory for healing and a life that isn't/hasn't been perfect. "Throwing shade" is a term our younger generation uses. From my understanding it's to disrespect someone or denounce them publicly/privately. I'm amazed at the level of disrespect our young people sometimes show. I applaud anyone who has to the courage to speak their mind but our "new generation" has taken it to a new level. They use inappropriate language in the presence of adults and show a total lack of respect for others (taking it into adulthood as well). More importantly, they hide behind social media, falsely representing themselves. I know I have a choice as to what I read but I would really like to see our young people be positive and respectful. I can honestly say I never cursed in front of my mom nor did I curse at her. There were several times that I didn't agree with things she said or did, but I knew my place as her child, even as an adult. This morning I pray for our children, those sitting in the bleachers during games, those walking around the mall with their friends and those posting information on social media. Lord help them understand what true respect means to them and to others. Father God, help them learn to hold their peace, give them the courage to shut up when they want to "blast" someone who's wronged them. Lord we need Your guidance more than we ever have, be with us all, help us correct those things that aren't right. We can start by using words of praise, living more thankful lives and not taking any part of our lives for granted. AMEN. TeamCorrectMe Bblessedloveyou.

Full Coverage

Good morning family. Time moved forward this morning. I like the time change because it gives us extra daylight, a little more time to enjoy being out and about. Praying all is well where ever you are. Thanking God for His blessings, His words and His promises. Taken nothing for granted, no action, word or deed. Accepting whatever comes and enjoying the peace of knowing that no matter what the situation is, good/bad, it's working for my/good. Life is sometimes like witnessing an automobile accident because everyone sees it from different angles. Depending on where you're standing when life occurs, your opinion will be different. Just like auto-accidents, there are going to be "victims" who try to abuse the system. These so-called victims never take ownership of anything but are clearly at fault based on eye-witness accounts. An honest person stands up, presents their credentials and willingly accepts responsibility for any damage they've done. For the most part, their account of the accident matches what the witnesses say. It's terrible that people exploit the good for their own selfish desires. Those people without "full coverage" or the "proper credentials". This morning I thank God for "fully covering" me/you. For given the "proper credentials", His words. What I know for sure is, if you're a person who bull dozes through the "intersections" of life without thinking about anyone else, life will be uncomfortable and sometimes short. I want/am that person who cruises and yields for the benefit of others. I'm not perfect but I'm certainly mindful of how I treat God's children. Praying for you as I pray for me. Enjoy your Sunday Morning. AMEN. TeamFullCoverage. Bblessedloveyou

It's Enough

Good morning family. I know today is Saturday, I'm back on track. Yesterday felt like Thursday. I don't know about you but I get so caught up in what I have to do that I forget what day it is. A sign that I really need to slow down. Praising God for this wonderful sunshine in Jax today. Asking everyone to lift my friend Dossie up in prayer. She's home from the hospital after an 11 day stay. This morning I'm reminded that we should be thankful for all God supplies. We get so caught up in what we don't have that we forget just how blessed we truly are. Our eyes are bigger than our stomachs and our appetites are never satisfied with what we've asked for. I understand that with every level we reach there's always one more, but we should move to the next level with thanksgiving, less complaining. The people of Israel asked for food but weren't satisfied with what they were GIVEN. They wanted "meat". God said He would give them so much meat that they would be sick of it and even then Moses asked if it were even possible for them to receive all that God promised. I don't know about you but I'm just like them. I ask for more even when what I have is enough. I then question how I'm going to receive what I've asked for, lacking faith. This morning I thank God for all I have, for all I will never have and ask Him to forgive my greedy ways and ambitions. I ask for His continued blessings over my life and yours. I bless His holy name, what an awesome provider. In Him, we will never be without. TeamIt'sEnough. Bblessedloveyou. Numbers 11:1-23

Shining Forward

Good morning family. Enjoying this Thursday morning. On my second cup of coffee. I had a very productive day yesterday and I'm looking forward to the same today. Praying for our young men as they head to Miami this weekend. I love it when they all get together (Texas and Florida crew). They are doing things we never did at their age. A reminder that we can change a generation if/when we really try. I read something this morning, although simple, it made my face light up; Numbers 8:3 Aaron did so; he set up the lamps so that they faced forward on the lamp-stand, just as the Lord commanded Moses. I realized that sometimes we don't use our "light" in the proper manner. It cam be shining on the wrong things or in the wrong direction. I don't know about you but I forget that I may be the only "bright" spot in a persons day. Depending on my "personal" mood, I may not offer a smile or a word of encouragement because I'm to caught up in "myself". It's hard to be that "light" when things are out of sync or when your "basket" is full. But what a wonderful feeling it is when you know you were able to touch someone just by listening or fulfilling a need/desire. This morning I'm thankful that God has given me the tools I need to function in a dysfunctional world. I'm forever grateful that His word reminds me of who I should be when I want to just be selfish and by myself. I love that He's given me another chance to correct and remove "learned" behaviors that the world says are okay to display. Take time to change the direction of your "lamp", let it shine forward and never look back. TeamShiningForward. Bblessedloveyou.

Happy Birthday Momma

Good morning family. Blessed and highly favored. Feeling good about life, very fortunate to see another day. Today would have been my Mom's 67th birthday. A woman who truly knew and understood living life to the fullest. Mind you, she wasn't perfect but it didn't change her personality one bit. Whenever you saw her she was the same, never changing. My Mom would take her shoes off and dance harder than anyone. She only had one move but it was her signature move, her stamp. This morning I praise God for the time He gave us with her. I'm full of thanks for all the women in my life who pour into my spirit. Giving Him honor and praise for allowing me to fellowship on a daily basis with women who inspire and encourage me to embrace the life He has given me. Thank you to all my beautiful friends who update their FB status with fun activities, stories and life events. It makes my day seeing my "virtual" community thriving and enjoying being who God created them to be. So happy birthday "Ms Lois", loving you always, missing your physical presence and enjoying the spirit you left behind. TeamHappyBirthdayMomma. Bblessedloveyou.

Get Understanding

Good morning family. Having a nice/quiet Thursday morning at home. Nothing like a little "me time". Sometimes I feel guilty but guess what, I get over it. Moving on. I don't know about you but as I move through life and become wiser in my decision making I realize living is not that hard. It's what we make it and how we make it. American "society" will have us crazy as "bats" if we don't seek understanding through the word of God. I have to be honest, I want the best life has to offer but I'm not willing to sacrifice peace of mind to gain it. I've been focused on being a better me, taking my "eyes" off what the world is offering. In my place of employment I see and talk to people who are not emotionally or spiritually prepared. They don't fully understand the power God has given them over their own lives. I used to be that way but God. But God. His words fill me with life. Sometimes it's hard to understand why something as easy as given our burdens to Lord can be so hard. But then I realize we have taught ourselves to live this way. It is only through prayer and reading the word of God that change will come. When we start removing those things in life we know are wrong, there is an overwhelming feeling of relief/strength/courage. Suddenly you feel like nothing is impossible. This morning I thank God for everything, every lesson and every person that He's placed in my life. I thank Him for being patient while I get it together. I'm thankful that He's still working on and with my family. Extremely thankful for my granny, aunts and uncles, they teach me a lot about me, the "me" I was, the "me" I am and the "me" I want to be. TeamGetUnderstanding. Bblessedloveyou.