The Morning Prayer

Dear God,


Thank you for this day and for the rich opportunities this day will bring forward. I pray for your love and light to guide me in all my endeavors, that I am safe, that I am protected, that I am free to express my gifts, that I may have work that fulfills me and nourishes my life, personally and financially. I am eternally grateful for all that is and have complete faith and trust that all my needs are met.


And so it is. Amen

For What do we Know about Our Future?

When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future (Ecclesiastes 7:14).


We are not in charge of life but one thing we can be certain of is this:

Jeremiah 29:10-14 NIV

This is what the LORD says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD , “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the LORD , “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD , “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

Therefore, during times of worry, anxiousness, and fear, we should always remember:

The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in
everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests
to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Phil 4:5b-7(NIV)


We may not be spared pain, suffering, or hardship, but God will see us through to a glorious conclusion.

When God wants to drill a man,
And thrill a man,
And skill a man;
When God wants to mold a man
To play the noblest part,
Then he yearns with all his heart
To create so great and bold a man
That all the world shall be amazed,
Watch his methods, watch his ways—

How he ruthlessly perfects
Whom he royally elects.
How he hammers him and hurts him,
And with mighty blows, converts him
Into trial shapes of clay
Which only God understands.

While his tortured heart is crying,
And he lifts beseeching hands.
How he bends but never breaks
When his good he undertakes.
How he uses Whom he chooses,
And with every purpose, fuses him,
By every act, induces him
To try his splendor out.
God knows what he's about.

-Author Unknown

"That ish ain't funny"

I know I usually post items that are spiritually uplifting; however, I do have a raw & humorous side. I came across this video of Adele Givens on Def Poetry 2 years ago and it is still my favorite. And as usual I did find a message within the poem.
Hope you enjoy...

The Four Boyfriends (this should mean something to everyone)

Once upon a time there was this girl who had four boyfriends.

She loved the 4th boyfriend the most and adorned him with rich robes and treated him to the finest of delicacies. She gave him nothing but the very best.

She also loved the 3rd boyfriend very much and was always showing him off to neighboring kingdoms. However, she feared that one day he would leave her for another.

She also loved her 2nd boyfriend. He was her confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with her. Whenever this girl faced a problem, she could confide in him, and he would help her get through the difficult times.

The girls 1st boyfriend was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining her wealth and kingdom. However, she did not love the first boyfriend. Although he loved her deeply, she hardly took notice of him!

One day, the girl fell ill and she knew her time was short. She thought of her luxurious life and wondered, I now have four boyfriends with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone."

Thus, she asked the 4th boyfriend, "I loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"

"No way!", replied the 4th boyfriend, and he walked away without another word.

His answer cut like a sharp knife right into her heart.

The sad girl then asked the 3rd boyfriend, "I loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"

"No!", replied the 3rd boyfriend. "Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to marry someone else!"

Her heart sank and turned cold.

She then asked the 2nd boyfriend, "I have always turned to you for help and you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?"

"I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!", replied the 2nd boyfriend. "At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave."

His answer struck her like a bolt of lightning, and the girl was devastated.

Then a voice called out: "I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go."

The girl looked up, and there was her first boyfriend. He was very skinny as he suffered from malnutrition and neglect.

Greatly grieved, the girl said, "I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!"

In truth, you have 4 boyfriend's in your lives:

Your 4th boyfriend is your body. No matter how much time and effort you lavish in making it look good, it will leave you when you die.

Your 3rd boyfriend is your possessions, status and wealth. When you die, it will all go to others.

Your 2nd boyfriend is your family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for you, the furthest they can stay by you is up to the grave.

And your 1st boyfriend is your Soul. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world.

However, your Soul is the only thing that will follow you where ever you go. Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of you that will follow you to the throne of God and continue with you throughout Eternity.

Thought for the day: Remember, when the world pushes you to your knees, you're in the perfect position to pray.

Pass this on to someone you care about - I just did.

Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect. It means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections. 


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Goodness and Mercy (Fear & Grace)

Fear & Grace
by Rick Warren

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:6 (NLT)

*** *** *** ***

God is watching over you.

When King David writes, "Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me," he's not saying, "Surely only good things will happen to me!"

The fact is bad things happen to good people. What David is teaching us is that God can take bad, evil, and difficult situations and bring something good out of them.

It's one of God's great promises to us: we can know that all things are working for our good "if we love God and are fitting into his plans" (Romans 8:28 LB). If you're a believer, the Bible says all things are working together for good – not that all things are good, but that they work together for good. There's no difficulty, dilemma, defeat, or disaster in life that God can't ultimately turn toward good.

When you understand God's grace and mercy, there's no need to fear the future. God isn't trying to get even with you. Jesus shouldered the penalty for everything you've ever done wrong or will do wrong. He paid for it on the cross. So when a bad thing happens, you don't have to think, "God's getting even with me." That's how God's grace and mercy work.

Mercy, like goodness, follows us in life. Picture a parent following a little child around picking up after them; God is constantly picking up our messes.

Think about this:


• Christians go to the future, not with a question mark, but with an exclamation point. God will be with you no matter what happens. He will help you out.

• God's goodness provides and protects; God's mercy pardons and forgives. God's goodness will supply; God's mercy will sooth. God's goodness will help; God's mercy will heal.

• Goodness is the fact that God gives us good things in life that we don't deserve. Mercy means God holds back the condemnation we deserve.

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Fruitful words for a Fruitful Life

This was shared by my mother about a year ago and I want to share it with others:

The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve. Any time you tolerate mediocrity in others, it increases your mediocrity. An important attribute in successful people is their impatience with negative thinking and negative acting people. As you grow, your associates will change. Some of your friends will not want you to go on. They will want you to stay where they are. Friends that don't help you climb will want you to crawl. Your friends will stretch your vision or choke your dream. Those that don't increase you will eventually decrease you.

Consider this: Never receive counsel from unproductive people. Never discuss your problems with someone incapable of contributing to the solution, because those who never succeed themselves are always first to tell you how. Not everyone has a right to speak into your life.

You are certain to get the worst of the bargain when you exchange ideas with the wrong person. Don't follow anyone who's not going anywhere. With some people you spend an evening: with others you invest it. Be careful where you stop to inquire for directions along the road of life. Wise is the person who fortifies his life with the right friendships. If you run with wolves, you will learn how to howl. But, if you associate with eagles, you will learn how to soar to great heights. 'A mirror reflects a man's face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses.' The simple but true fact of life is that you become like those with whom you closely associate - for the good and the bad.

Note: Be not mistaken. This is applicable to family as well as friends. Yes...do love, appreciate and be thankful for your family, for they will always be your family no matter what. Just know that they are human first and though they are family to you, they may be a friend to someone else and will fit somewhere in the criteria above.

'In Prosperity Our Friends Know Us. In Adversity We Know Our Friends.'

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Today's Meditation - Capture the Power of Perseverance

 Winning isn't everything, but wanting to is.

"Perseverance is the golden key to being successful in anything you do."

Be it losing weight, improving your relationships or even starting a business. It's a matter of hanging on long after others have quit.

Perseverance overcomes almost everything. When you fall, perseverance tells you to get up. When you're defeated, perseverance tells you to try again. When you feel like quitting, perseverance doesn't let you.

If at first you don't succeed, try, try, try again.
Therein lies the secret to being a winner.

-shine.yahoo.com
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And the Bad Days Come

And the Bad Days Come..

Bad days will come.

No matter how many positive affirmations you say.

No matter how good you are to people.

No matter how resiliently you put a smile on your face.

People die.

Friends leave.

Marriages end.

Jobs are downsized.

Nights are lonely.

And life is tough.

No matter how good you are, how competent you are, how good-looking you are, how spiritual you are or how much you've 'got it going on.

'Bad days will come.

But that's okay.

Because they happen to the best and worst of us.
Just like the sun shines on everyone, so does the rain come down on everyone.

Some things are fate, some things are bad luck and some things are karma.

What goes around comes around and sometimes it's just your time.

Some things are meant to toughen you, some things are meant to toughen others and sometimes there are lessons to be learned and taught.

Sometimes it's just a down year or a down month or a down day.

But just as the bad days come, so do the good.
These things are cyclical, so just as you're having the worst time in your life, your best time probably just right around the corner.

And - you know what?

I bet you appreciate that good time so much more after getting through that rotten period of time.

I am in no way suggesting that you should be happy about the pain - but I am CERTAINLY suggesting you should be happy knowing that this pain too shall pass.

And you'll smile again.

And you'll go see some silly movie and find yourself laughing out loud.

And your appetite will return.

And your hopes will be renewed. Until you can't quite remember what it was that had you so down and blue in the first place.....

The bad days come......But so do the good!

Keep hope alive

-Daily Meditations for Tough Times (online)
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Our Responsibility - Sow Seeds

It is God's responsibility to make people receptive; it is our responsibility to sow the seed.
-Rick Warren
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Don't Worry

Matthew 6:32

Only people who don't know God are always worrying about such
things. Your Father in heaven knows that you need all of these.

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A Time to Yield and A Time to Stand

A Time to Yield, A Time to Stand

We all want to get along with others.

We want to be the peacemakers instead of the troublemakers. 

We want to be liked instead of giving offense.

And we want life to flow as smoothly as possible as often as possible.

We watch our words, we try to help when possible and we look out for others as best we can.

But there is a time to yield and a time to stand.

There comes a time when getting along is outweighed by the need to speak up. 

There comes a time when being a 'team' player is coming at the cost of your personal integrity.

And there comes a time to stand your ground and do what is right.

No matter whose feelings you hurt, who doesn't like it and whatever the outcome.

Do you need to 'stand' today?

- Daily Meditations for Tough Times (online)
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It's Going to Be Alright II

It's Going to Be Alright II
Posted: 13 Aug 2009 11:00 PM PDT

It's going to be alright.

You can handle whatever challenge you are facing.

You've done it before and you can do it again.

You're stronger than you used to be.

You're more confident than  you used to be.

Things that would have made you cry a year ago are barely obstacles any more.

It's going to be alright.

No matter how bad it seems, you can rest assured that you're going to make it.

Times are going to get better.

Life is going to get easier.

You just have to get through....right...now.

And you can do it! Just hold on. Breathe.

Remember the last time something like this happened.
And how you made it through.

And remind yourself:You're stronger than you used to be. You're more confident than you used to be. You've done it before and you can do it again.

YOU CAN HANDLE THIS CHALLENGE THAT YOU'RE FACING.

Now get through it.

-Daily Meditations for Tough Times (online)
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Today's Affirmation

I have a fresh anointing and I am in my season of power and prosperity. Even in a world of uncertainty, a weak economy, and stress; peace and favor rest on me. I live, speak, walk, and breath in favor.
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A Prayer for True Leadership

LEADERSHIP QUALITIES

1 Timothy 3:1-13

Dear Father,

Give in whatever measure you please the qualities of elders and deacons to all your people, even to me. Help me desire tasks that
are a noble work to you. Help me to live above reproach, to be proper in my family relations, to be temperate, sensible, dignified, hospitable, sober, and gentle.

Help me manage my affairs properly and command the respect of my family and outsiders. Help me serve you well in whatever capacity you allot, that I may gain a good standing and great confidence in my faith in Christ.

Keep me from becoming puffed up or conceited. Don't let me fall into the condemnation of the devil.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.
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Using Opposition

"A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him." ~ David Brinkley
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"Me"

I don't conform, I innovate...
8/9/2009
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Content and Greed

VERSE:
For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
-- 1 Timothy 6:7-8

THOUGHT:
Godliness with contentment is great wealth! (see 1 Tim. 6:6). So what does it take for us to be content? Paul reminds Timothy that as long as we have food and clothing, we should be able to be content. It's when our desires get out of that channel, when covetousness and greed take over, that our lives get out of control
and we replace God with a hunger for what is idolatrous. (cf. Col.3:5).

PRAYER:
Holy God, forgive me for being caught up in the lifestyle of greed and covetousness, of excess and extravagance. Help my heart
to be content with the blessings you have so lavishly poured out on me and to find my joy in you and your people whom you have put into
my life. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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F.E.A.R

Part 1:

Fear eats the soul and strangles every sprout of hope and optimism.
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In the Garden

Unless we know the difference between flowers and weeds, we are not fit to take care of a garden. It is not enough to have truth planted in our minds. We must learn and labor to keep the ground clear of thorns and briars, follies and perversities, which have a wicked propensity to choke the word of life.
-- Clyde Francis Lytle
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Time to unplug and Be

I try not to be so much of a ghost. I can get consumed with technology so I unplug from time to time. I've retreated a lot lately so that I can focus and encourage myself; and prepare myself for the next level of my growth and blessings. But I see that when I do reappear I come back stronger and better...able to provide a good word for everyone. :-)
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