My Birth Right

Good morning family. Up and moving this morning. Slept pretty good. Very proud of my sister Meshun. She beat me running this morning. That goes to show that when you committ to something, you'll get good results. That five miles was a "beast" for me, no coffee, no vitamins and I'd only been up 45 minutes (yes I"m making excuses). This past Friday someone came to my desk and reminded me about the story of Esau and Jacob. As I read the story again, I realized that being a "sell out" isn't new. Unguided humans fail to see the true meaning of patiences. We are so focused on "the right now" that we can't see what God has for us down the road. We sign contracts for cars, homes, marriages and other relationships that we aren't ready for, not realizing that if we had only waited things would be so much better. My grandson asked me about "credit" and I explained that it something most people don't value or appreciate until it's to late. That's basically what happened with Esau, he ruined his credit because he couldn't wait and didn't realize the importance of his "birthright". This morning I pray for you as I pray for myself, Lord don't let me be a "sell out" anymore. Help me understand my role in this life. I no longer want to be a servant to my "wants", piling up debt and emotional baggage. Allow us to move forward, leaving behind everything that's kept me/us from being Your good and faithful servant. It doesn't matter what car I drive, what house I live in or what my earthly title is, I just want to be in Your favor. Thank You for giving us another day, another opportunity to live right. Thank You for letting us sober up from whatever our choice of intoxication was. Let us be free from any form of over indulgence. God help us become the people who live and look through spiritual eyes. Gives us clean hearts along with a "brand new" start. AMEN. TeamRestoringMyBirthRight. Bblessedloveyou.

Young People Listen

GM family. Hanging out with Lil Chris this morning. He's a busy body. Thanking God for family, friends, life, grace and mercy. The good news about the word of God is that we can depend on what is written. When the money, fame and status fails us, steals our joy and confidence He's there to pick us up. I'm praying for our young adults this morning, praying that they receive an understanding of what prosperity really means, an understanding of what true leadership looks like. I pray that they avoid thriving on the false confidence money and status offer. I pray they recognize and use their God given talents for His glory, understanding what God gives can be taken away in the blink of an eye. I pray that we all avoid judging those who fall from grace. Let us send up prayers on their behalf. Remembering that it could have been one of us in the hot seat, it could be one of us people are mourning. This life, this day is a gift. We don't deserve it, didn't do anything to earn it. God has so graciously given us a little more time to ask for forgiveness, to change who we are and to use what He's blessed us with for His glory. There is nothing like being in His presence, there's nothing like the feeling you have when you honor Him by doing the right thing. Mercy. Wake up family. Amen. 1 Kings 21 vs 1-28, Acts 12 vs 9-12.

Men

Good morning family. My last day of vacation, this has been good. Vacation gives us the opportunity to think about our lives and our next steps. I love being home on the porch just watching cars go by, watching the kids run around in the yard, just observing. I hope everyone takes a little time just to "sit" still. I want to send a special prayer up for the men in our lives this morning. Asking God to continue working in their lives and also asking God to give me a better understanding of how I can encourage all of them. I thank Him for blessing my family and yours with strong men. I ask Him to forgive me for standing in judgement of them when I don't like the choices they make. I thank Him for their growth and change even if it's slow in coming. Lord I really thank You for making them attentive to the needs of "our" children. I am encouraged this morning because I know that You are an Ever Present Force in their lives. God thank you for showing me that believing in Your word brings change and I can't force it, I just have to wait. Thank You for increasing faith and wisdom. Lord, lastly I ask that You continue a "good" work in the lives of all the men I come in contact with, I am so thankful for their leadership. Your word brings life, renews life and restores life. AMEN. TeamRestoring. Bblessedloveyou. Acts 10 vs 24-27, Acts 10 34-35, 1st Kings 17 vs 13-24, Proverbs 17 vs 9-11

Judgement

Good morning family...Glad to see another Sunday. I hope everyone is doing something productive and helpful today. The past week or so has been really busy for me. I took advantage of one "lazy day" while I was off but the other days have been full. So thankful for the blessing of vacation. The news has been crazy as usual, makes everyone think about their situations and put on that "I wouldn't do that attitude." I speak for myself when I say, never say what you wouldn't do. It's only by the grace of God that I haven't experienced "more tragedy" in my life based on how I lived. Do you ever stop and think about how many prayers were going up for you when you weren't saved or mature enough to understand that you were literally killing yourself? When I see terrible news stories I first thank God that it wasn't someone I knew/know and then I pray for all those involved. The news provides proof that it doesn't matter what walk of life you come from, you are not immuned from bad/tragic things. You can be rich and not have common sense/decency, you can be poor and the desire to have more will lead you to let your guard down, you can be blessed with success and the words you use can make it all disappear in the blink of an eye. There's not one person on earth who walks in perfection, we are all human and subject to bad judgement and mistakes. I pray for you as I pray for myself, Lord let me do and say the right things, guide my thoughts and deeds, take away that need to be right, continue providing all that I need, I ask You Lord to let those around me be satisfied with what You provide, asking that You also open our eyes to the fact that it's not who we are, what we have or where we live when it comes to success, it's all about You and how we honor and serve, in Jesus Name, AMEN. Proverbs 17 vs 4-5, Psalm 131 vs 1-3, Psalm 130 vs 1-8

Move Around

Good Morning Family....Fell asleep with my mind wondering all over the place but also realizing/understanding that God is still in control. Isn't it funny that when things feel like they're going well someone rushes in and attempts to turn life upside down. There was a time when those "upside down" moments would send me into a panic but I refuse to let anything/anyone disrupt what God is doing in my life. "Jesus is real, I know the Lord is real to me", the song I heard in my dream this morning. What a wonderful reminder of His blessings. The devil loves to see families/friends out of sync. He'll come at you with an iron fist but we have to be steadfast and unmovable, standing on God's word. We have to also change those things in our lives that keep presenting us with the same outcome. It's crazy how some people's lives are on repeat, like someone/something is holding them down and won't let them move forward. I want to remind you as I remind myself, move around, get off your soap box, let go of those sinful things that you think you need to make it through life. God laid it out for us. He promised that if we honored Him and lived by His word that our needs would be met. Stop following "the money", the shiny cars, the jewelery, the big houses and start living. The world sends us reminders every day that it's full of liars and cheaters. It doesn't matter how much you are given, if you don't have God, living will be pointless. TeamMoveAround. Bblessedloveyou. Psalms 128 vs 1-6, Proverbs 16 vs 31-33, 1st Kings 8 vs 30-40

No Feat

Good Morning Family...Still on vacation, sorta....Missing my Pru family but enjoying the break. Feeling thankful this morning for all that God has provided. Asking God to continue blessing each of us as we move through our day. His word is so awesome, there is not one subject about life that He hasn't or doesn't address. I had to remind myself this morning that "fear" of anything is a choice. When we go to God and ask for the wisdom to live our lives, fear is placed on the back burner. It's impossible to live better if we don't have a true understanding of the driving forces behind what we do. We can pretend we have it all together, let the world think we're strong but if we avoid studying His word and seeking knowledge, we fail, we fear and we find fault. This morning I pray for you as I pray for myself, Lord show me where I'm wrong, give me sight beyond what I see so that I can move forward. Grant me peace and understanding, help me see past my fears. Lord give me courage enough to learn more about me, more about my family and those who directly and indirectly affect the affairs of my life. Forgive me for any wrong I've done and thank You for giving me another day. Lord, I thank You for showering me/us with blessings. Without You we would be lost. For those who find themselves wondering what's next, ask God? Stop waiting for the world to validate who God says you are. All our answers are covered in His word. It's only when we run from what we're called to do that we find ourselves confused and disillusioned. Thank You Lord for always being my/our guide through "foolishness". AMEN. TeamNoFear. Bblessedloveyou. 1st Kings 3 vs 9-14, Acts 6 8-15, Psalms 126 vs 1-6, Acts 7 vs 9-10, 22

Reunion

Good Morning family. I pray everyone has a productive day. I'm up and ready to move around this morning. Asking God for His continued favor over my life and the lives of my family. I thank Him for my family. I pray that we all embrace and love each other no matter what the circumstance. I pray for you as I pray for myself, Lord please forgive for my selfish and judgmental ways. Let me be an example to others, loving unconditionally and expecting nothing but love in return. Lord, as we finish out this "family reunion" weekend please watch over and keep us safe. Grant us patients during our interactions, helping us remember that we are not perfect, non higher than the other. Let us serve and not expect to be served, offering thanks and praise just for the privilege to see another day and to be in your presence. We can never do enough to repay You for all the love You've shown us. I love my family and I thank You Lord for allowing us to gather again. AMEN. TeamReunion. Bblessedloveyou.