I imagine every family has that weird cousin, uncle, aunt, or sibling. You know the one or ones who…well you get where I’m going with this. If you are familiar with any of the Chevy Chase “Family” movies then you know cousin Eddie…and my point.

Do you know who else had a cousin who might have raised a few eyebrows at the family reunions? Jesus, his cousin, was John the Baptist!

Matthew 3:4 NLT “Johns clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food, he ate locusts and wild honey.” Okay!!!

John, however, was no Eddie; in verse five of the book of Matthew, we read people from all over Jerusalem and from all of Judea and the Jordan Valley came to see and hear John preach; ‘The Kingdom of God’ is near, to confess their sins and then were baptized in water.

John also fulfilled prophecy. The prophet Isaiah was speaking of John when he said, “He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him.”

John 3:11 NLT “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am-so much greater that I’m not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.”

Within all families are the colorful bouquet of individuals, some out there, some not so much, but God created us each in our own identity to be who he wanted us to be, and our unique voice in the wilderness calling out; ‘coming soon is one greater than I am.’

Go out today and use your voice, put on your camel hair coat and that new belt you’ve been itching to wear. You are you, wear yourself proudly! You are Gods creation and he’s proud of you! Be blessed today, be a blessing today, and thank you for joining me. 🥰

Shame: a painful emotion caused by the consciousness of guilt, shortcoming, or impropriety—a condition of humiliating disgrace or disrepute. Something that brings reproach or regret.

Shame is one of Satan and man’s favorite tools when wishing to hurt or simply shake the ground you are standing.

Satan, his game is to separate. We all make mistakes. We all fall short. This is scripture, not to be confused with a free ticket to sin but a knowledge granted to us by God. He knows we will mess up; this is his grace; however, Satan will twist your shame into such a gigantic convoluted ball of mess that we feel unable to even look toward God, let alone talk to him.

Man, he is used by satan all the time and is often more effective. We are judged harshly by man, and the more you try to walk right, the quicker your mistakes will be slapped in your face. People will try and undermine your relationship with God. “You claim to be a Christian, but…” many of us have and hear it like clockwork… it’s a valuable tool to undermine.

The key to try and remember is; God doesn’t think, act, or react like a man. He isn’t sitting in heaven waiting for the next mess up so he can convict and persecute; that’s our neighbor and satan’s lie. God is seated patiently waiting for you to look up, tear-stained face and all to approach the throne of righteousness and forgiveness.

Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

John 3:17 ESV “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

Psalms 105:4 NIV “Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.”

Seek his face always: praise during the good, especially in the horrible, whether clean or dirty, with or without shame… It still means just that Always!!!

Conclusion; we all fall short, we know God already expected this, there is no condemnation in the Lord, so if your conscious is bothering you take your shame to the cross however if the shame comes from words spoken to harm and hurt take them to the arms on the cross.

I hope you can be a blessing to someone today. I am blessed by you, who take the time daily to share our Lord with me. Be blessed 🥰

January 1, 2021, and here we go! I love this morning; it’s almost like Christmas all over again because I get to crack open my new morning reading materials for the coming year. I love the sound, feel, and smell of brand new books and crisp, clean paper.

From as far back as my memory goes, books, paper, pens, and pencils of all kinds have been a passion, so it’s no wonder I have a world full of them. I also understand that sharing quiet time every moment with our Lord, my nose stuffed in the Bible and a couple of devotionals, pen and note pad in hand, is part of my DNA and comes easily.

On average, it takes more than two months before a new behavior becomes a habit; this also hinges on one’s commitment. I would encourage you to consider setting your alarm clock one half an hour earlier each morning. Get up before the rest of your household. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and quietly share some time with your creator; it’s incredible the peacefulness it brings your morning and starts to your day.

Today you may be beginning another resolution or two; remember that you and only you can change a habit. You should always pray that the Lord gives you the strength and drive to follow through and stay on track with your goals for the New Year of 2021.

Philippians 4:13 NLT “For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.” Pray, Repeat, Pray, Repeat as many times as needed!!!

Tyndale has a One Year Bible that I highly recommend; it has daily readings in the Old and New Testament along with Psalms and Proverbs. Along with the Bible, I am reading Jill Lowry’s “Be Still” devotion and Elle Claire’s “Hello God it’s Me” devotional/journal. For Christmas this year, I gave my daughter, Joyce Meyers, “Quiet Times with God and Trusting God Day by Day and for my sons, “The One Year Daily Moments of Strength: Inspiration for Men.”

The commitment is easy, just half an hour, to make changes in you and your spirit. The peace and joy that bubbles from a quiet well within. Our spirits were always intended to commune with Gods spirit. It’s a new year, give it a shot! I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Be blessed today, try and be a blessing and thank you for being here with me this morning. 🥰

Today we say goodbye to another year; it’s been a year that will take its place among the pages of history, recorded, talked about, and notably remembered.

Today is a day we might walk through our memory bank, taking count of the many blessings stored in the vault. The pictures in your album of laughter, vacations, family events, friends, and those we love; all gold we have and carry. Giving thanks to the Lord for that, that you hold most dear. A sense of excitement inside for the new year and all its unique opportunities and adventures.

OR…

Today is a day we may spend reflecting on mistakes that still haunt us, wrong decisions made, mean words spoken, and ugly attitudes given. We might haul out the blackened photo album and reflect on all our hurts, misgivings, and disappointments. We could have a grand time beating ourselves up and deciding what’s the big deal, a new year, so it will just be the same as last year and the year before that!

Here’s what God has to say about our mistakes and our future.

Philippians 4:13 ESV “Brothers, I do not consider that I made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.”

Proverbs 24:16 ESV “For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.”

2 Timothy 3:16 ESV “All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”

God gives us his words to learn and grow from, we don’t change overnight, and neither does our world, but if we stay steady, reading him, absorbing him, and applying the word in our life. I promise you will see and feel a change.

Hebrews 4:12 ESV “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Tomorrow starts a new day and a new year. God is ready to walk through life with you. I hope you are prepared to walk through life with him.

Prayer: “Dear Lord, God of all, I bow before you this morning and ask you to remove my sins, clean me white as snow. I believe you sent your son Jesus a sacrifice to die for me, so that I may live. I might not totally understand yet but I ask for you to help me understand and grow in you. I ask Jesus to come into my heart and life. To be in my world and to walk with me so I no longer walk alone. I thank you for this and that I will spend eternity with you. I pray these words and ask for a new year spending time with you. In Jesus’ Holy Name, I pray, Amen!”

If you just prayed this prayer, congratulations, you are now family. Your name is recorded in the book of life. You will spend eternity in heaven, walking streets of gold, where there is never darkness, pain, sickness, or death. Happy New Year!!!

Be blessed today, try and be a blessing and thank you for joining me. 🥰

I find trying to keep my thoughts controlled about as hard as imagining herding a roomful of mice. I don’t know about you, but I have a mind that doesn’t ever seem to stop!

If someone has hurt my feeling, the hurt and scenario run on constant replay. If I am mad at my spouse, I find I fight with him in my head all day long. If I’ve been wronged or one of mine has been, negative thoughts invade in steady rotation. One of my parents was always angry, always mad about something or at someone. I didn’t care for this behavior and have noticed I can easily activate this trait.

Do I go along using the excuse I was raised this way I don’t know how else to be? It’s a family gene I can’t help myself! This is how I am I can’t help it. No!!! This character trait can own me or I can fight it! And I fight it every day!!!

I am in constant prayer over my thought control. True change doesn’t happen overnight it takes realizing the issue, stopping myself every time a negative thought appears, asking a simple prayer of forgiveness and asking that the Holy Spirit take reign of my thoughts. I then pray for thoughts of peace, joy, and health. I repeat as many times daily as needed, with no fear of overdose.

2 Corinthians 10:5 NCV “and every proud thing that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.”

If you too struggle with a mind that runs in high gear, I would highly recommend reading a book by Joyce Meyers, “Battlefield of the Mind.” In this book, she helps us understand and take captive the negative, the old memories, the hurts, and scars of life and to turn them over to God and how to free ourselves from the chains. Chains are weighty, and so are dragging around our offenses.

Philippians 4:8-9 NCV “Brothers and sisters, think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and respected. Do what you have learned and received from me, what I told you, and what you saw me do. And the God who gives peace will be with you.”

So the next time your brain kicks into harmful gear, just shift it back to God and the Holy Spirit. Retrain your Brain!!!

May you walk in peace today, be a blessing, be joyful…and as always Thank you for joining me.🥰

Isaiah 49:16 NIV “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.”

If we break down this small but very powerful scripture, we start with the word ‘See,’ God wants us to see him, to look at him, his word, his promises, his unfathomable love for us.

“I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;” God the Father is a spirit, so in himself has no hands but gives us a picture of the love he carries for us in his hands. How much more can you know or love someone then to have their name tattooed on your hand. Lest we not forget the most potent reminder of love, and those are the large engravings left in Jesus’ hands.

“Your walls are ever before me;” these are not walls to keep God out. Instead, these are the walls of security surrounding us. Protecting us from the enemies of God and our own selves. When walls are intact and standing, they are strong, a fortress, a safe place.

The aftermath of the holidays can often lead to a letdown, sadness, or depression. The golden lights have dimmed, pretty paper is gone, debt now possibly lurks. It’s winter and cold outside, it gets dark early. Satan roams loudly this time of year, seeking to undo the beauty shared and love received. He hates that and would rather turn that glow to fog. Don’t let him; remember that you are as loved today as you were yesterday, and Jesus’ birth is with us every day, just as he is!

Stand firm against the cold winds … get behind your wall!!! You are known, loved and protected. Be blessed, be a blessing and thank you for joining me. 🥰

Why does the world get so excited about ushering in a New Year?

I feel it’s because we have hope for a change. A change of what? Only you can answer that, but with the date quickly approaching of this monumental change, we all get caught up in the spirit of it as well.

Hopeful change is where New Year Resolutions became part of the celebration and somewhat of a tradition. This year I’m going to do; this year, I’m going to quit; this year, I’m going to begin; this year!!!

Our intentions are good; some resolutions are achieved but more often, by March, they have fallen by the wayside. The solutions were too hard; I just didn’t have the time; they were stupid anyway; everyone knows I’m always going to be like this. Why am I even bothering?

Did you know that God knew we were going to be this way? Matthew 26:41 NIV “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” We want to make changes; we desire better health, broken habits, weight loss, addictions overcome.

Did you know God also knew we would fall short, that we would disappoint ourselves once again by lazily falling into the same old rut? Why? It’s familiar and more comfortable!

Did you know God gave you the way? Philippians 4:13 NLT “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” I know this scripture to be accurate and, if stood on, can bring you through anything.

I quit smoking when I was 38 years old. I tried a few times on my strength, didn’t make it. Made the final decision, prayed Philippians 4:13 every time it hurt, every time I wanted a cigarette and every time I was in the vicinity to easily buy a pack…Prayed, Prayed, and Prayed. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV “Pray without ceasing.” I did just this and one morning woke up and the habit and chains were gone.

I have a very messed up neck. I was a field rep for many years, this meant hours of driving, loading and unloading samples, hotel beds and bad pillows. During years of chiropractic care I stumbled on a little white pill that took the neck pain away, helped the menopause mood swings and weight gain. A magic little pill until I woke up one morning and realized this little pill controlled me, not me controlling it. Oh, No, I’m addicted. Yep, same decision, same prayers only I couldn’t cold turkey this problem. I sliced and diced until The Lord, and I weaned me off, and I once again woke up, and the habit and chains were gone.

My hope this morning is if there is a New Years Resolution you wish to make or are going to make, and you’ve indeed reached your stopping point. Don’t try alone, you may need medical advice, look up how to properly wean from an addiction or medication, how to lose weight the proper way, or to gain weight and keep it on. The scenarios are as vast as the people who fight them. After you have taught yourself how, then partner with God and Philippians 4:13. With his help and strength, you got this. Don’t give up!!! Just keep looking up!!!

Good luck, be blessed, be a blessing, and thank you for joining me. 🥰

I am tired. I am blessed beyond words as I have spent a lot of time with my family this holiday. Today, we are all feeling the weariness from hustle and bustle of the silver bells, wrapping paper, colorful bows, and merriment . It’s a good thing; it’s a blessing, but it wears a body out.

However, today is Sunday, and an excellent day to sit in quietness and reflect, relax, and rest.

Mark 6:31a NLT “Then Jesus said, ‘Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.”

Jesus instructs us to rest; in a world of constant motion, we lose the valuable resource our bodies and minds need…Rest!

I hope and pray that if it isn’t today that a day comes soon where you can just sit and rest, and be sure to remind yourself it’s ok…Jesus did!

Be blessed, be a blessing and thank you for joining me. 🥰

Well, another Christmas put in the history book of memories. Today and throughout the weekend, some may still be meeting with family or friends. The warm glow of the holiday spirit and sparkling, twinkling lights help us usher in a new year.

Today should be a day of reflection, a time to take notice of the people who care or cared about you. The beautiful note written in a Christmas card, the surprise plate of cookies from your neighbor, or a random thought or gift received by a casual co-worker. The unique gift from your partner that says, “I know you.” The surprise in the mailbox or on the front step you weren’t expecting that says, “I was thinking about you.” The phone call that says, “I’m missing you.”

All gestures of love, all gestures we should hold onto, carry in our hearts, and remember after the twinkle lights have gone out, the parties are over, and we are left with just the cold winds of winter.

Luke 2:8-19 NLT “That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior-yes the Messiah, the Lord-has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snuggly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others-the armies of heaven-praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.”

Scripture just showed us that we should keep the good memories in our hearts and thoughts and to think of them often. I find it easy to keep a record of the wrongs and replay them repeatedly, but how much more wonderful and brighter would my world and outlook be if I kept a record of things cherished? Thoughts to ponder as we head into a new year.

I pray for you a blessed day and rest of 2020 and wonderful horizons for 2021. Thank you for joining me. 🥰

I started a Christmas tradition with my children when they were very young. On Christmas morning, we gathered in a circle on the front room floor, surrounded by toys, wrapping paper, and candy from the stockings to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus. So, even though my kids are now adults with their own children, the tradition continues.

Happy Birthday to you…

Happy Birthday to you…

Happy Birthday dear Jesus…

Happy Birthday to you…We Love you!!!

Isaiah 9:6-7a NKJV: For unto us a child is born, Unto us a Son is given; and the government will be on his shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace, there will be no end, upon his throne of David and over his kingdom.”

Merry Christmas to you. I realize for many, it will be different this year due to the time and place our world is in but remember this. It’s Christmas, the day we received one of the greatest gifts given to man. I pray that if you find yourself alone today you will remember…You are never alone.

Be blessed on this Holy Day, and thank you for joining me. 🥰