No, You Didn't?

Have you ever found yourself asking the questions, "how could they?" or "how could they do this to me?" In these times we have been exposed to the negative side of a person. What are we supposed to do with the pain, disappointment, anger, and disillusionment? First, we are to give it to God. Cast your cares on him for he cares for you. Second, we are to be real with how we are feeling and process those feelings. Stuffing negative emotions don't make them go away, it just makes them show up later in our lives when we least expect them. Third, communicate the hurt and betrayal to the person if it was a personal attack. If the offense was done to someone else, then pray for everyone concerned. Good people can do bad things.Sometimes the best of us make wrong decisions and do things that we later regret. Clear the air, as you do this you may discover what was at the heart of their actions, which most of the time is some sort of inward pain that is causing them to act out negatively. Fourth, forgive them. Forgiveness is a process, but it will lead to your healing and release from the emotions associated with the offense. And finally, examine yourself. Look to see where you have hurt, betrayed, and lied and ask for God to forgive you. If the offense was done personally to you, see if you played a part in the situation and if so, take responsibility for your part. Pray for the person that caused the offense and those they offended. These steps are not for those that want to be angry, bitter, victimized and depressed. This process takes courage, will, and a dependence on God to get you through this tough time. Can it be done? Yes, it can. The WHY of what they did may never be discovered or understood, but you can make peace with it for your own emotionally health. And what you may realize is you can see how they did what they did and develop some compassion and mercy on them.

Love On A Two-Way Street!

And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. Mark 12:31

Have you ever wondered why its so hard for you to get along with some people? You may have sent out unloving thoughts and words that repels them from being in your presence. When people are practicing Godly love, unGodly love cannot dwell in that place and space. Even when there has been an offense towards you, your response has to be in love for there to be healing and relationship.The Bible teaches us to love thy neighbor as thyself.When we receive the love of God and love him, then we realize how much we should love ourselves. The measure in which we love ourselves is the same measure we will love others. So, if you do not love yourself, you are not capable of loving others. Only a love that is conditional, judgmental, fearful, controlling, envious and abusive can stand outside of God's love. The more you are gracious, merciful, kind, and loving to yourself, the more you can be to others. Then you can take them and yourself off the crosses of crucifixion you have erected. Jesus has already been crucified for us, so there is no need to put yourself and others on crosses of pain and punishment. Receive and give love and watch how people will be drawn to you. Is everyone meant to be in your life? No, but in love you will determine who should and can be!

Joy To The World!

During this holiday season lights and trees go up, people give gifts, and parties are in full swing. But for some this is a time of sadness and grief. As we celebrate remember the Christ in Christmas and spread love to someone in need. Especially to those that are grieving and experiencing hardships. Send a card, send a "thinking of you" text message, send a monetary gift, pray with them, take them out for a night of fun, or just sit with them. Be present with them in silence as they remember, tell stories, or just weep. Remember that love covers a multitude of sin. But love also comforts, gives, heals, and strengthens. Be blessed as you are a blessing!

The Pits!

"So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!" I Corinthians 10:12


Have you ever found yourself commenting on someone else's life or pointing out someone's flaws? We do this for a variety of reasons, some good and some not so good. But, the realization we must come to is that somewhere, someone may be doing the same to us. Discussing our choices and criticizing our lifestyle. In the end, we are accountable for ourselves and change must begin with us. The next time you want to add your two cents, stop and ponder, "what areas of my life do I need to change?" "How is my relationship?" "How is my money?" "How is my relationship with God?" Because once we do this, the next comment out our mouths should be filled with grace, mercy, and love. We are in this together trying to make the best out of life. Remember this and be gentle with yourself and others, or you may be the person in the pit next week with everyone standing on the ledge looking down on you. And if you are, you would want them praying and having some grace and mercy on you.

Baby You're A Firework!

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

There are times in our lives when we feel lost, empty, and afraid. Times when we wonder what's next and how do we begin to get there. In these times we can reach for external sources to fill the void and frustrations, which for the most part, add to them, or we can choose to move towards the light of love and hope. What is this love and hope and how do we tap into it? We tap into the creator of all things (God) and let his power and light guide us, fill us, and empower us. How do we do this? By observing what our life and circumstances are trying to show and tell us. Surrender to the process of growth, healing, and transformation. Be still and know that He IS, and allow his love reside within you. Then, let go. Let go of all the pain and what others did to you. Forgive as you have been forgiven. And finally, accept his love, change, and rebuke, because its all leading to your purpose driven life. So, then you can ignite the light and let it shine as you go boom boom boom, Because you're a FIREWORK!

I've Got That Good Stuff For You!

^{19 "}Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20

Have you ever came across a really good deal, sale, or opportunity and wanted to tell your family and friends about it? Heck, you may have even wanted to tell a stranger. Well, we are commanded by God to spread the good news of the Gospel. To make disciples. What does making a disciple look like? It means sharing your journey of life with God as the center of everything you do. It means being real about your triumphs and your failures. It may be having a weekly bible study or reading a book together with a topic that's relevant to what they may be going through. It means telling as many people as you can about the "good stuff" God has in store for them if they only accept and believe in Him. When we get as excited about God and all the benefits a life with him gives us, more than that sale or opportunity, then we can lead people to the "Deal of the Century", no, how about the "Deal of a Lifetime!"

Give Thanks, With a Grateful Heart!

 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I Thessalonians 5:18

Life brings a series of ups and downs, curve balls, and unexpected tragedies. But, the scripture says, "In everything give thanks". How can we do this? How do we find joy in poverty, death, abuse, and a multitude of losses? The point is not to find joy in the situations that are painful. Its cultivating a heart of gratitude. Finding something to be thankful for everyday. It can be the feel of the sun across your face, children playing outside, great times with friends and family. Its learning to make your first thought a positive one. Its learning to give people the benefit of the doubt and giving them a chance to prove you wrong or right. Its letting go of past hurts and failures and taking in every moment and just resting in it. Then, we can truly understand and practice the art of "In everything give thanks" and then we can believe it and receive it, not only being the will of God, but a gift from God for us. Happy Thanksgiving!