Thursday, July 21, 2016

Look It's Pokemon GO People!

Some days you just have to say *yes* to 12 mile beach boardwalk bike rides and hand holding!😍
We rested and had a picnic lunch at the waters edge. While relaxing the hubby, Anthony said, "Look, there's some of those Pokemon Go people. Let's watch and see if they chase Pokemon into the ocean."😂 They didn't...but all of a sudden they both took off running full speed down the beach. Meanwhile another group of boys were playing football in the ocean. And right there in front of us, the differences. Each person uniquely and wonderfully made for a purpose. We are all wired differently. GOD's plan. 

Friends, as the world seeks to divide and separate with violence and hate, I'm reminded that GOD is still Sovereign over all. HE created each of us. We are perfectly and wonderfully made. JESUS continually calls us back to HIS Love, Wisdom, Forgiveness, Mercy and Grace...re-setting our hearts and minds back to Truth. Let's remember to use the different gifts and talents GOD's Given us for a greater purpose. Shine the Light of CHRIST in you as HE leads you to the lost, hurting and broken. This world seems to be falling apart. Let's remember who we are in CHRIST. Love more. Judge less. 

I'm thankful for the reminder of the very differences that GOD has given each of us. We are all called for a purpose. Let's not shrink back or fall short in the face of it all. Let's you and I remember to walk closer to The LORD each day, allowing HIM to Strengthen us to be all HE's created us to be. Our differences united together for HIS Will.

"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."~Romans 12:2

"For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well"~Psalm 139:13-14

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully."~Romans 12:6-9

Jump on the "Thankful Train"...what are you thankful for?

Sunday, July 17, 2016

What Are You Looking At?

I was sharing with someone about my daily "Thankful Train"...which I've been doing for over a year now. While telling her about my intentional, purposeful daily quest for thankfulness, I realized that my outlook has changed. I start each day in search of the *good* things; anything and everything that pops up to be thankful for. 

Friends, this is not normal for me. I spent most of my life with let downs and a feeling of "not good enough." And let me tell ya, looking at the bright side of the day was never on my radar. I had that, "if anything bad is going to happen, it will happen to me," attitude. I was subconsciously looking for what's "wrong", and lets be honest, we usually don't have to look too hard, negative things seem to be so much easier to notice than the good stuff. It's just human nature. When I accepted JESUS back into my heart and life, I felt a reason to be thankful. I felt forgiven, restored, redeemed, new...whole again. 
I was grateful. Thankful. I decided I'd wasted too many years being negative. I'd been given a "do-over" of the heart and spirit. I no longer had to walk around with a dark cloud of shame and regret following me. 

So today, I'm thankful for the choice to notice and share all the Blessings The LORD showers upon me. I pray that each of you will join me in noticing how many gifts you're given each day...the small and simple as well as the large and wonderful. You have a choice today friends...negative or thankful. 
It matters. 
Choose wisely.

"Oh, give thanks to the Lord!
Call upon His name;
Make known His deeds among the peoples!"~Psalm 105:1

Jump on the "Thankful Train"...what are you thankful for?