It's Not Old School!

Morals (n) - a person's standards of behavior or beliefs concerning what is and is not acceptable for them to do.

Values (n) - a person's principles or standards of behavior; one's judgment of what is important in life.

I overheard this conversation five years ago:

Woman 1:  “Hey girl, how are you doing?

Woman 2:  “Hey - - I’m fine girl! I haven’t seen you in years. How many children do you have now”?

Woman 1:  “I have four!

Woman 2:  “All by the same man?

Woman 1: “Girl no! I ain’t that crazy yet”!

Woman 2:  (laughs) “Well it was good talking to you”!

Woman 1:  “You too! I’ll holler at ya later!

Woman 2:  “Alright”! “You take care”!

My first reaction was, “Oh Wow”! What does she mean by, “I ain’t that crazy yet”! I pondered on this for a long time after I heard it and I'm still bothered by it today.

Morals and values do not change and God does not change; yet our worldly behavior is forever changing in a way that continues to reap below average results!

When we choose better, we have better and that’s first seeking Christ Jesus! Many of us women do not seek Him, but seek companions that are themselves lost, and we are breeding a lost generation, that has taken a detour and somehow are not sure how to get back on the righteous path. And notice I said lost; however, they can be found with knowledge of who they are and whose they are ~ which is a child of the Most High! 

We still have the belief that we can do it alone. We are not meant to be alone! The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18 NIV

If you have been married, like I have, heal first spiritually, mentally, and physically, so that when God gives you a second chance, you are able to reap the reward!

"Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,'  and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh' ?  So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." Matthew 19:4-6 NIV

Appetizer # 7

# 7 Objectives (n) - something your working towards

Increase! ---Hmmm! Increase in what? I'm not sure what you mean by increase! Increase in finances maybe ~ or increase in knowledge ~ or perhaps you mean increase in healthy friendships! All of these are attainable; however, they are not accomplished without work on our part to obtain them ~ and keep them.

Maybe you want to increase your household! Uh Oh! (Big Smile) ~ VUALA ~ here's your baby! Wow that would be wonderful if it worked out that way, but we know better huh? 

How many of you have really sat down with a goal in mind and established a step by step plan to reach that goal? I have never done that, I have always flown by the seat of my pants and they would always work out! NOW? It's not that easy. I have had to think things through more, pray about them and believe they will happen! 

What I mean by that is, I became independent of Christ (sure of my own works), instead of dependent (leaning totally on Him and His word). It's an objective of mine - NOW -  to read the word daily so I can have success in every area of my life, including my finances!

11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare[a] and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 ESV

It's Coming Along!

We are half way through the appetizers in Menu for Success. As we all know, appetizers are something we order from the menu at a restaurant to take the edge off of our hunger; however, it does not fill us up. We are still hungry and can't wait until the main course is served. This is how the Menu for Success is established ~ the words and definitions were chosen with precise intentions to quench your hunger ~ but you want more! 

It's digesting the appetizers into your whole being, so that when you are an avid reader of the word, you are able to comprehend and seek knowledge ---and have success in every area of our lives ~ not just in our finances!

For the Lord grants wisdom! His every word is a treasure of knowledge and understanding. He grants good sense to the godly-his saints. He is their shield protecting them and guarding their pathway. He shows how to distinguish right from wrong, how to find the right decision every time. For wisdom and truth will enter the very center of your being, filling your life with joy. Proverbs 2:6-10 TLB

That'sThe Ratio

We all make mistakes, we are all sinners and none of us are perfect!  Yeah Yeah Yeah is what you are probably saying! Well it is true~ but ~so is ~ You are perfect in God's eyes, you are made for great things, God's grace is sufficient and brand new every day! He is a God of excellence and wants us to live that life too. The quality of life I am talking about is not worldly ~ or put in simple terms - - materialistic! 

Relationships take work ----such as co-worker relationships, family relationships, and a relationship with Christ! All relationships are not balanced, because some give 80/20 and others give 60/40. It's like the fat content in hamburger. You all know the 80/20 or the 85/15! The more lean the meat, the better it is for us and our overall health. The more fat is in the meat, the more likely we are to develop poor health~ so it is with Christ - - - the more we read and study the word, the better our lives become! ~ However, He did it ALL! 

So if you are you willing to work on your relationship with Jesus Christ; here's what you do! Just pick up a Bible, open it up and VUALA  ~ that's where you begin! Right there! If you do not begin ~ how are you going to finish ----- in eternity with Christ!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV

I Have Good News!

This morning my daughter greeted me with, “Mom, I have bad news”! I was very calm and said, “What is it”? She said, her Mother-in-law said, “If you are going to continue to stay here, she would like you to pay rent”. I said, “Ok, that is more than fair, and that is not bad news! To be honest, I should be helping out anyway”.

I commented, “I hope she realizes I am not working, but I am looking for work and I do want to make sure I am paying the rent they request”. Then I said, “My son-in-law will need to be looking for something better also. She quickly interrupted me and said, “Mom, I just heard from God, that he is their son and because he is their son, they do not mind carrying his weight for rent, but you are not. Grant it, they are being nice because you are my Mother”.

One, before God has been doing a new thing in me (changing me from Glory to Glory), I would have made up every excuse there was to defend myself; and I would have reacted out of anger instead of love! Two, out of anger, I would have done something irrational and caused harm to come to my way - - just by being in disagreement! So God was convicting me anyway, before we had this conversation as well as building character in me to come up higher, be better, and truly act in love!

I was substituting teaching and chose not to go back. I have been with my daughter and son-in-law since July; which started out as staying here for a week to water the plants and get out of the transitional home I was staying in for a week; ended up a longer stay than I had anticipated; along with being unemployed. In addition, I came to their place with a severe allergic reaction to something in the transistional home that caused my face, arms and hands to be swollen beyond recognition. Yes, it took a while to heal, and there were two times, the facial swelling came back; whereas, the medications had to be filled twice. But, that is not a crutch I need to lean on to get better and be better.

How many of us sincerely want a close relationship with Jesus Christ, but are not willing to deny ourselves and pick up our cross! I know it’s taken me awhile, and I know there is still work to be done in me; but as the saying goes, “I’m not where I want to be, but Thank God, I’m not where I used to be!

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. Romans 12:1-3 NIV

I'm Determined!

Women are beautiful, valued, precious, and delicate! So why then do we as women, feel devalued, ugly, competitive, and worthless?

Go way back in time and seek that answer! It's how society views women and we as women have accepted it! Yet, it does not make us feel good about ourselves, so we seek acceptance and value in all the wrong places ~ several sex partners, eating disorders, striving to obtain that high paying career even if we are not passionate about what it is we are doing ~ or; "I don't know anything else I can do"! 

Bishop T.D. Jakes told a brief story during his sermon, "Divine Expectations", of how on an Africa safari, the Zoologist stated that to rule the jungle, the young lions fight the lion who is already king per say of the pride. Bishop Jakes responded and said, "Oh, so only the strong survive"! The Zoologist said, "No, it is nature's way of making sure the weak lions do not reproduce!

WOW ~was my response! That is so true. We as women accept weak and defeated things in our lives! Anything that is not God's best is not strong or lasting! Breed a life of Excellence so we choke out the weak things in every area of our lives!

Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? The farmer sows the word. Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.” Mark 4:13-20 NIV

And The Winner Is!

Father so many families are filled with strife, confusion, torment, addictions, and poverty! We seek others for solutions, and receive confusion. We seek others for resolution and receive division. We seek others for comfort and receive misunderstanding. We seek others for increase and receive judgment. How then, can we omit all of the above when we seek others who do not have the power to change us or our circumstances? Until we realize, we need a Savior, we will not be able to break any strongholds that keep us defeated. Father I pray for those who are reading this now, if they have not accepted you as their Savior, will receive you now~ so they will not live in defeat anymore, because Victory was won at the Cross! Amen!

Thank You!

Remember, you have a Savior who cares for you! In every battle you are victorious through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Thanks, I Needed That!

Continue to pray for each other and remember you too can pray to God for your needs and thanksgivings also. He enjoys being involved in our lives!

Just Enough!

I had a severe allergic reaction to something about three months ago, (not sure what) and two of the three medicines I was taking required me to “take with food”. Well before that happened, I was maintaining a healthy weight of around 145 lbs to 149 lbs.

I started to get “cocky”, and began eating what I wanted and how I wanted because, at first, I was not gaining weight. Well, that did not last long at all. The weight started to come faster than I wanted. After three weeks, I gained 5 lbs; then the next week I gained an additional three more pounds. - - within three weeks, I had gained 15 lbs. ~ 19 lbs total!  Whew Wee! So I asked God, why is it we gain weight fast, however, when we do decide to lose it, the process is slow and most of the time, we have to adjust our exercise and eating to continue losing - - and it takes longer than two months.

Do any of you remember the movie “Matilda”? If so, recall the scene where Miss Trunchbull leaves the house and Miss Honey and Matilda enter. Miss Honey quickly notices the box of chocolates that she would share with her Father. She said, “After dinner, Matilda, my Father would take out a piece and cut it in half and he would take one half and I would take the other”!

I have always wondered why would anyone take a half of piece of chocolate and be satisfied. And then I had a revelation from God. It was just enough, after a good meal, to satisfy their craving for something sweet. And that is what God is telling me and you, that we tend to over eat and eventually we are going to reap what we sow ~ being two sizes too big! So the next time you bake a pie, or casserole, or whatever it is you cook ~~ remember to eat just enough to satisfy your hunger and replenish the body!

I CHARGE you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, Who is to judge the living and the dead, and by (in the light of) His coming and His kingdom:  Herald and preach the Word! Keep your sense of urgency (stand by, be at hand and ready), whether the opportunity seems to be favorable or unfavorable. (Whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it is welcome or unwelcome, you as preacher of the Word are to show people in what way their lives are wrong.) And convince them, rebuking and correcting, warning and urging and encouraging them, being unflagging and inexhaustible in patience and teaching. II Timothy 4:1, 2 (Amplified Version)

Yes, That Is How You Say It!

ACHOO! ~ Bless You ~ is a normal response when someone sneezes; as to say, wishing you good health. Or at the church I grew up in, when they sang the Happy Birthday song, they would always end it with "And May God Bless You, as to say, sending God's favor on your life!

Do you know that when we respond with "Bless You", or "God Bless You", you are sincerely sending blessings to that person; and it is a serious statement we should not use lightly, like many of us do with "Oh My God"; which is another post I will get into another day. So the next time someone cusses you out, sincerely respond with, "God Bless You"; or they cut in front of you on the highway sincerely say; "God Bless You"; or this is my favorite one, you hold the door open for someone and they walk through it and don't even say "Thank You". Instead of getting upset with them from the heart say, "God Bless You"! 

So as not to confuse you with the meaning of Bless, Blessed and Blessings. When we say "God Bless You"; it means to invoke or pray to God for Godly favor or approval upon them. (Bible Study Tools; wikipedia)

The Lord bless you and keep you;
25 The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
26 The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.”’ Numbers 6:24-26 NKJV

Cleaning Thoroughly!

God has put it on my heart to continue with maintaining your home.  Obliviously it’s something we have been neglecting for far too long, or he would not have me continue speaking about it. Even the homes we rent, we have this mentality that because it’s not ours, we do not have to take good care of it. Well think again, because you would not have this rental or home if God did not make a way for you to have it and still you neglect the responsibility of keeping it well manicured!

His word says, “For the man who uses well what he is given shall be given more, and he shall have abundance. But from the man who is unfaithful, even what little responsibility he has shall be taken from him” Matthew 25:29  We cannot continue abusing our homes, places we rent, and even hotel and motel rooms we rent for a night! It’s the little things also that we neglect such as the bugs in your light fixtures (the glass domes come off and can be washed in the sink in warm dish water), washing down your walls and windows, as well as base boards and ceiling fans. Also washing down your appliances daily; such as stoves, refrigerators, washer and dryers, dishwashers and furnaces, is a necessity too!

Say it again, I was laughing too hard!

I love to laugh all the time and did not know after all these years how good it is for you. Enjoy a part of the article below written by Authors: Melinda Smith, M.A., and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D. Last updated: September 2014:

Laughter is a powerful antidote to stress, pain, and conflict. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hopes, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert.

With so much power to heal and renew, the ability to laugh easily and frequently is a tremendous resource for surmounting problems, enhancing your relationships, and supporting both physical and emotional health.

Laughter is good for your health

Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.
Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.
Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.

You can view the entire article @http://www.helpguide.org/articles/emotional-health/laughter-is-the-best-medicine.htm

Which One Should I Choose?

I know it's not any of  my business how anyone cleans their house, or takes care of their cars, clothes, yard, etc; however, when we do not take care of what God has given us, then we are telling Him, we are not Thankful for his Blessings! If the current house you are living in is overwhelming to keep clean and serviced; and you are not able to hire service men or a cleaning service. Then, please, get a home that you are able to manage, so that when you do want to sell it to travel, downsize, or whatever it is you are wanting to do. You can do so without a doubt in your mind that the house is in excellent condition; including the appliances, roof, sewage, windows, and landscaping! You'll know, without a doubt, it's worth it's weight in gold, when you do sell it!

Please at your convenience read Matthew 25:14-30. Below is a short passage from the parable!

Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities.......................To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ Matthew 25:14-30 New Living Translation (NLT)

Joyful Lord We Adore Thee!

Father our lives are filled with worry, anger, fear, resentment, doubt, and infidelity. They have become so crowded with all of Satans food that there is no room left for your Good food. Food that heals and strengthens us each day. We want our lives to be filled with Joy, Peace, Love, and Faith so abundant it overflows and we can't keep it to ourselves! We HAVE to share it with others! And So It Is!  

The Joy of the Lord is our Strength! Be Joyful today! :)

Think About It!

I'm not hurting anyone but myself! It's my body and if I want to smoke, then I will! I have to die of something, so I'll die smoking! Has anybody heard anyone say these things? I have and yes it does affect others, but not in the way you would think! 

I bet many of you are thinking of second hand smoke (which is seriously detrimental to others) ~ Nope, it's the quality of life you will not have from smoking! Will you be able in twenty to thirty years walk down the street to the store without gasping for air? Or will you be able to enjoy grandchildren when they are born to the fullest? Those around you won't either because they will be taking care of you to ensure you are as comfortable as possible.

Most family members will not turn their backs on their loved ones when they are in need of care ~ And there are things that happen to us in life that are beyond our control; however, smoking is a choice that is within your power to do so or not! 

Try to stay out of all quarrels and seek to live a clean and holy life, for one who is not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that not one of you will fail to find God's best blessings. Watch out that no bitterness takes root among you , for as it springs up it causes deep trouble, hurting many in their spiritual lives. Hebrew 12:14,15 TLB 

Appetizer # 6 - Dreams

Appetizer #6 Dreams - Images in the mind

For years, I would have the same dream of entering a beautiful mansion and I could remember being awestruck of how beautiful it was. I would marvel at the quality of its craftsmanship. I would slowly walk down the beautiful marble staircase into the basement. Once I got to the bottom of the stairs, there was this black door that had a little window on it. Imagine going into a dungeon and the only way anyone could see out was through this peep hole and vice versa. 

When I went to open the door, an evil spirit would come near me and I would wake up immediately! As I mentioned this dream went on for years, until I realized that it was the devil. As soon as I confronted him that he will no longer allow me to live in fear of God's blessings and that he had no power over me either, the dream stopped immediately. I know that my ways are not God's ways and my thoughts are not God's thoughts, but to live a life filled with God's mercy and favor, I needed to eliminate wrong thinking. It starts in the basement ~ in time and with right thinking ~ you will get to the level you are meant to be at! A quality of life is a Spirit filled life! Choose quality over quantity!

But this is the new agreement I will make with the people of Israel, says the Lord: I will write my laws in their minds so that they will know what I want them to do without my even telling them, and these laws will be in their hearts so that they will want to obey them, and I will be their God and they shall  be my people. Hebrews 8:10,11 TLB

Tell Me More!

It has been an interesting day today! I walk for fitness; however, today was beyond fitness! I met a lovely Christian lady from South America yesterday while at the Salvation Army. She invited me to her house today. And Yes, of course I went.  And when I arrived, she wanted to walk to the Goodwill store, that according to her was down the street!

The walk was through a beautiful neighborhood, and I was not sure where we were at after the first couple of turns. We made so many ins and outs, up and down streets, passed a Catholic school, passed two public schools, and cut through fields and yards. Yes WHEW WHEE! I know it took about an hour to get there.

The walk; however, was truly a blessing to me and to her. As we walked, she shared her story of how she was going through some hard times and when she joined her church, her relationship with God, as we speak, has become fulfilled. Her life has become enriched, as well as an increase in knowledge of how ~ if we seek God for our needs he will provide! Who are you willing to go the extra mile with to be enriched through the blessings of God.

And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to the one who asks you, and don't turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Matthew 5:41-44 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)