The official motto of the United States of America…

During the era of the Civil war 1861-1865, religious sentiments were at an all time peak. The phrase “In God We Trust” was spoken as much in conversation as it was in prayer. So popular in fact, that Salmon P. Chase; the Secretary of the Treasury under President Lincoln, felt that the “U.S. should proclaim this publicly. “In 1863 a law was passed stating that a motto signifying trust in God could be placed on coins.”

Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 officially signed into law; declaring our nations motto to now be: “In God We Trust.” George Humphrey, Secretary of the Treasury, serving under President Eisenhower suggested it also be put on the paper currency as well as the coins.

It was adopted in 1956, the motto of “In God We Trust” to supplant “E pluribus unum” on the US paper bill. The meaning of “E pluribus unum” is “One from many” … John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson proposed this Latin term to be the motto of the 1st Great Seal of the United States. “They believed this offered a strong statement of the American determination to form a single nation from a collection of states.” The first paper bills with the new U.S. motto “In God We Trust” was circulated in 1957 and in 2007 “E pluribus unum” was brought back and is included on our bills and coins as well.

Our country and nation was founded by men who obviously held God in high esteem. These were men who knew the Lord, of his love, power, might and protection. Our country is having many civil wars within itself today. Our government is at war within each party, not disagreeing, I mean out and out war. Races are at war with each other, neighborhoods have boundaries that better not get crossed. Schools have become a place of uncertainty , never once when I was a kid did I fear getting shot by a fellow classmate. We have such severe road rage that our highways and byways have become a war zone. Our world seems angry, violent and selfish. Satan is laughing with delight.

We need a revival…We need to bring God back into our world, our schools, our lives, and our speech. We who believe need to unify and teach of his love. We need to be the examples of light within all this darkness. We need to teach our children so they can bring him back into the schools. We need to stand up and be heard, it’s not going to get any better. We need to be smart, strong and loud.

Joshua 24:14-15 NCV “Then Joshua said to the people, ‘Now respect the Lord and serve him fully and sincerely. Throw away the gods that your ancestors worshiped on the other side of the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord. But if you don’t want to serve the Lord, you must choose for yourselves today whom you will serve. You may serve the gods that your ancestors worshiped when they lived on the other side of the Euphrates River, or you may serve the gods of the Amorites who lived in this land. As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”

Our world feels like sifting sand, our footing doesn’t feel very secure and what is tomorrow going to bring . Take a stand…Make a stand…The world needs you! Thank you for joining me and sharing a minute or two of your day in Sunshine…I Love you guys!

Families come in as many a variety as colors on a color wheel. We have: short families, tall families, skinny families and plump families. Families who hunt, hike, fish, camp, ski, read, watch football, ride motorcycles, atv’s or horses. Families who fight, love, annoy and support. Families who we are born into and families we create. There are blood families, adopted families, foster families and friends who become family.

I was blessed to grow up in a small community in the seventies, where life was simple. You knew most everyone and most everyone knew you or at the very least who you belonged to. It was a small Eastern Oregon town where everyone felt like family and many were.

I had a childhood girlfriend who was as much a sister to me as my little brother was, if I wasn’t at her house, she was at mine. Your parents had friends and you became friends with their family. I had just such a friend and second mom because of a parental friendship. He and I were the same age, went clear through school together and into adulthood as brother and sister of heart…not having a close relationship with my mom…his mom was the one I would go talk to through the rough teenage years. They became MY family…

I am a mother, I have birthed three children and have quite a few children of my heart. I understand, that just because we share blood doesn’t necessarily mean we share love and our worlds. I call myself a mother to the motherless, not that my children of heart don’t have mothers maybe they just don’t share much, have a mom who understands them or is accepting of the adult their child has grown to become.

We have: work families, social club families, therapy families, in-law families, neighborhood families and church families.

We have: American families, Italian families, French families, Spanish families, Hungarian families, Greek families, Asian families, Eastern Indian and American Indian families. I just listed a few as an example but I see the Jew jumping up and down waving his arms…Hey you forgot us!!! No I didn’t!!!

From the beginning of time we have had the Jewish family. The Chosen People of God. Descendants sharing the same bloodline as our Lord Jesus Christ. Makes us sound special doesn’t it? Do those of us with Jewish blood feel a little special? Yes! Are we supposed to? No!

Ephesians 3:6 NLT “And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by Gods children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.”

So whether you’re Gentile or Jew, young or old, rich or poor, mighty or meek, big or little, loud or quiet, bright or dull, colorful or drab, funny or serious, lost or found, scared or confident; there is a place for you in Gods family. He’s patiently waiting for you…Come join us, I think you’ll like it here. Thank you for joining me and being a part of sunshine’s family. Go out and make it a blessed day. 🥰

Do you know her? She’s that elegant, refined word setting over there; so regal and poised among the other words milling around. Grace is easily recognized as when she enters everything gets a bit quieter. She is the synonym of class and you can tell, just by the way she moves.

She began her career in “Middle English” from Anglo-French, Latin; meaning: gratis favor, charm and thanks. Grace however was to refined for “Middle English” and began making appearances in some of the nicer, more upscale, classier establishments. Due to her elegance and courtliness, she quickly moved up in the ranks to a title of royalty. “Your Grace” as she was now known. This term used as in the English style, addressing high-ranking personages.

This was quite an honor for Grace but she wasn’t done there. She was soon noticed by God. He came to her one afternoon as she was enjoying high tea, He told her, he had been watching her; her behavior and treatment of other words lesser than her; and had a position and new title if she was interested, that of ; “The Keeper of the Unmerited, Unearned Love and Favor of God.” You will be in fact working in the Love Department beside Mercy and Favor. An honor bestowed upon few, she accepted immediately.

Ephesians 4:7 NCV “Christ gave each one of us the special gift of grace, showing how generous he is.”

2 Peter 1:2 NCV “Grace and peace be given to you more and more, because you truly know God and Jesus our Lord.”

Grace, as you have learned is pure class and refinement so it would be remiss of her not to at least introduce her two partners; Favor and Mercy!

Favor…His role most often is: partiality, leniency, kindness, aid or assistance, a token of love, a special privilege or right granted.

Psalms 30:5 NLT “For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime.”

Proverbs 8:35 NIV “For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord.”

The trio wouldn’t be complete without our loving Mercy: full of compassion and forbearance shown, lenient or compassionate treatment, humanity, kindness, having a warmth of heart.

Hebrews 4:16 NCV “Let us, then, feel very sure that we can come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it.

Ephesians 2:4-5 NCV “But God’s mercy is great, and he loved us very much. Though we were spiritually dead because of the things we did against God, he gave us new life with Christ. You have been saved by God’s Grace.”

So you see, the three truly belong together and make up one of God’s most elite…Grace, Favor and Mercy. I hope you will take the time to get to know these 3 as they are remarkable to hang around with. They are the best in parking lots, you know that spot right in front that just magically opened up…that my friend is a small sign of grace, favor and mercy!!! Mostly grace and favor…Mercy if it’s raining 😉

It’s Sunday, my most favorite day of the week. I don’t know if your skies are full of sun, snow, smoke or pounding rains. I pray for you peace in your spirit and joy in your heart. Be Safe and thank you for joining me this morning. 🥰

And how many of you right now have the Ghostbusters theme song running through your head? Lol…I do!!! Who do you call, when you’re: scared, lost, or sad? Who do you call, when you’re: elated, excited or happy? Some may call the same for both; some may have certain people for certain issues or events.

I for example have 3 grown children and each child gets a different 911 call from mom! My oldest child, my first born son; I call him when I need comfort, need it to be everybody else’s fault but mine, I’m sad and or mad…He’s my perfect go to because no matter what, he always gives me sympathy and encouragement!!! My middle child, my daughter; she gets my I need to laugh calls…Life is heavy, I’m cranky, our personalities blend where laughter and humor is always our medicine! Last but certainly not least is my youngest child, my baby boy; this one, well his phone calls happen when mom needs a good dose of reality, not that he’s cruel by any means but he doesn’t let me slide like my oldest son does…he holds me accountable but with the truth in love. Then after I talk to my children I call and talk to my dad who always gives me the best wisdom, laughter, love and support…

This morning I’m reminded of a night in Los Angeles a couple of years ago. Make A Wish Foundation blessed my granddaughter Khloe, her parents and siblings with a 3 day trip to Disneyland. Papa, blessed grammie with a trip to join them. First night there we ate dinner at “The Rainforest” where grammie had a couple of frothy, chocolaty, drinks in an elephant glass. Upon walking back to my hotel a bit later ( I wasn’t at the same hotel as the kids) I made a left when I should have made a right. The next thing I know I’m in a dark neighborhood, this is not right and I don’t know where I am. Panic starts to set in as I’m 5’1” and 115 lbs…alone in a LA neighborhood, dead of night…News at 11…

Who You Gonna Call? God, that’s who…The minute the panic and fear set in, I stopped and started praying. “Lord, I’m lost, and I’m a wee bit nervous, my feet hurt and I’m tired. Surround me with your guardian angels and please help me find my way back to my hotel.” Pretty soon calm set in, I was moved in my spirit to take a left at this upcoming block, within 3 blocks of doing that I saw bright lights and a service station. Thank you Jesus!!! I got directions, a 5 block trek back where I came from but this time walking on the main drag with lots of lights and traffic. Not much farther and like a glorious beacon was my hotel…I swear I heard the angels choir in my head!!!

I got back to my room and called my oldest son to let him know I was in my room and what had happened. His response, after of course being glad I was ok, was; “mom why didn’t you plug your hotel address in your phone and get the walking directions.” A little laugh, well I didn’t think of that!!! Why? Because when I have an issue in my life the first person I think to call even before my 3 birthed best friends and my dad, is My Lord!!!

Psalms 27:1 NCV “The Lord is my light and the one who saves me. So why should I fear anyone? The Lord protects my life. So why should I be afraid.”

Isaiah 65:24 NIV “Before they call I will answer; while they are speaking I will hear.”

Psalms 91:15 NIV “He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.”

Romans 10:13 NIV “for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

I pray you have a network of family and or friends that you can talk to and share things with. I encourage you to remember you have a wonderful friend and he is with you always, ready to listen when you need to talk and loves you no matter what. Best part is he already knows what you need to talk to him about and is already working on your behalf.

Be blessed today knowing you never walk alone and that God is there to pick up whenever you call…Be Safe and as always, Thank you for joining me. 🥰

Trust, this word is used in many ways and in many fashions. There are: trust funds, trust fund babies, trust falls, trust me’s, breach of trust, trustworthiness,untrustworthy, blind trust, In God We Trust!

To trust used in the noun form; “assured reliance on the character,” “dependence on something future: hope” “faith or confidence in a condition or relationship,”

To trust used in the form of a verb; “to rely on truthfulness or accuracy,” “to place confidence in,” “to commit in ones care,” “to depend.”

I don’t know about you but I find it hard to trust these days. I’m not talking my family or circle but to trust in general anymore. We are warned daily on the news about another computer hack, ponzi scheme, phone scams, you can’t even trust that your UPS delivered package will still be on your door when you get home.

The news has turned into nightly tv drama, can we trust what we are hearing or reading? Commercials make promises that we’ve learned for the most part not to trust, you receive a job offer, first thing you do is check their credibility in hopes they are for real; and that you can trust that email or letter. We’ve all been in relationships whether personal or professional where our trust has been shattered.

Sadly, the 21st Century doesn’t lend itself much to the word or actions of “Trust” … God has promised that we can trust in him and in his word. That promise has held fast through the tests of time…2700 years in fact “the oldest Biblical text found to date is about 2700 years old.”

Psalms 62:8 NCV “People, trust God all the time. Tell him your problems, because God is our protection.”

Isaiah 26:4 NCV “So trust in the Lord always, because he is our Rock forever.”

Psalms 18:8 NCV “It is better to trust in the Lord, then to trust in people.”

Jeremiah 17:7 NCV “But the person who trusts in the Lord will be blessed. The Lord will show him that he can be trusted.”

I am not a person who trusts easy, I’m wary of new people, situations and change. To a degree that’s healthy as we have to protect ourselves but I know, that I know, that I know…you can place your heart, hopes, dreams and fears at Jesus’ feet and he will gently pick them and you up and hold you in his arms. He will direct you path if you ask!

Proverbs 3:5-6 NCV “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and don’t depend on your own understanding. Remember the Lord in all you do and he will give you success.”

I hope I’ve given you some thoughts to ponder…a safe place to turn, a place where truth and love still reign; whether that being wrapped safely in his arms of comfort or traveling the hill country beside him and the disciples; both are found within his word. There is a safe haven within the bible I hope I’ve enticed you to go visit. Remember, if you do not have one please contact me so we can make arrangements to get one sent to you.

Thank you for trusting me, staying with me, encouraging me…I’m blessed by all of you…

Have a wonderful day and as always…Thank you for joining me.🥰

How many times in your life have you woke up feeling lost. Sure the surroundings are familiar, your face is still yours, people around you are the same, yet you aren’t. I have often thought it would be nice if God would just lay out that golden yellow path for me to follow; life would be so much easier!!! Well, Dorothy…lets go visit Oz!!!

As you already know the first character we meet on our travels is the; Wicked Witch…who’s main purpose is to thwart Dorothy’s mission.

1 Peter 5:8 NLT “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”

1 Corinthians 11:14 NLT “ But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” He’s all smoke and mirrors when you call his bluff and throw our life giving water (better known as Jesus) on him…He screams and disappears.

The second character Dorothy meets on her path is the scattered, straw filled, empty headed Scarecrow…who wants so badly, a brain!

Proverbs 19:8 NCV “Those who get wisdom do themselves a favor, and those who love learning will succeed.”

Isaiah 28:29 NIV “All this also comes from the Lord Almighty, whose plan is wonderful, whose wisdom is magnificent.”

Down the road and around the corner we see a rusty dried up old tin man…with a little help from his oil can, his creaky joints start to loosen…Mr. Tin Man: so very thankful for his rescue, who was on a mission for a heart when upon getting caught in a rainstorm, rusted and stuck. Life is full of detours that can often cause us to stumble and delay our walk, our purpose.

Psalms 51:10 NIV “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

Proverbs 17:22 NIV “ A cheerful heart is good medicine but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

Matthew 6:21 NIV “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

“Did you hear that?” “Was that a pathetic roar I just heard?” I can see your eyeballs blinking in the bushes, come out…show yourself…All of a sudden a head peeks out from the bushes, it’s surrounded by a golden mane…well it’s a lion, and a poor excuse for one at that. “I need to find courage but I’m afraid of the dark …may I walk with you?” A cowardly lion, who’s ever heard of such a thing…

Psalms 23:4 NLT “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and staff protect and comfort me.”

Psalms 56:3-4 “ But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?”

Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God, himself goes before you and will be with you.”

Last but not least is Dorothy: our heroine of this little band of misfits. She is on a mission to find the all powerful Oz who resides in the Emerald City. It’s been told he has the power to send her home…

Matthew 23:22 NLT “And when you swear ‘by heaven’ you are swearing by the throne of God and by God, who sits on the throne”

John 14:2-3 NLT “There is more then enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am going.”

Philippians 3:20 NLT “But we are citizens of heaven , where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.” Where we will reside in our heavenly home for eternity.

We know at the end of the movie all the characters possessed each of the character traits they were looking for. We are smarter then we often give ourselves credit for. We all have a loving tender side to our hearts, as that’s how God made us to be. We all have plenty of courage and it will show up when you really need it to. As for Dorothy, she was home. We too have our earthly homes. Its the real one we are longing for, our mansion in heaven…setting, just waiting for our arrival one day.

Thank you for taking this little journey with me this morning. As you can see, God has given us a golden road to follow…it’s called the Bible. It has all the directions you will need on your journey through life. If you do not own a bible, please contact me so I can make arrangements to get you one. Make it a safe day…a blessed day!!! Thank you for joining me. 🥰

It’s fire season again, strange when you think about it…Fire now has a season. Hmmm!!! Our skies are filled with smoke and it created the most luminous glow last night, casting shadows on the trees turning them almost silver, the colors of our flowers appeared as though in a black light. The sky was an array of: orange, pink, blue, dark lavender, gray and blacks…I guess Satan can put on an art show of his own.

I’m setting here this morning, many different thoughts running about in my head…I wasn’t sure where God wanted to go with this, this morning I only knew what I was feeling…but I think I just got it!!!

Fire has always been synonymous with Satan and hell. Satan has watered it down so that some might believe hell is a party down there with a big beer truck waiting. Nothing could be farther from the truth but that’s not my message or expertise. However, compare the two; Satan was the most beautiful angel in heaven…his conceit and pride got in the way and ended in his fall from grace. Satan’s mission is to destroy everything he can that belongs to God. Everything!!!

Satan is claimed to be beautiful and yet he destroys; Fire also very beautiful yet it too destroys. As I was walking around my yard last night, making my husband run outside every other minute or two, to look at this!!! It was so breathtakingly beautiful that it was beyond stunning and I was in awe at the haunting beauty that was cast over my yard and neighborhood! But that beauty was actually a lie because within a 30 to 70 mile radius of my neighborhood with the beautiful glow are fires raging through forests, cities, homes, businesses, schools and churches leaving nothing in its wake but despair and destruction. Sort of like Satan. Hmmmm!!!

Satan starts small, a little lie here, a little lie there… “It’ll be fun”, “No one will find out”, “but it makes you feel so good”, “you’re hungry, you know you are”, “if you borrow just a little they won’t notice”… BUT … Satan never stays small and he had a plan all along. Destruction of YOU and your: health, marriage, finances, career and possibly your life.

In these days we are living in, fires seem to be everywhere and so is Satan. Downtowns are being destroyed for a cause no one remembers any more, just a reason to tear down. We need to be ready and we need to know the truth!!!

John 10:10 NIV “The thief comes only to kill, steal and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly.” The thief spoken of here is “Satan”… he is the greatest liar of all liars. He will steal your: joy, family, peace, self-esteem, hopes, dreams, your marriage if he can get into it…he’ll destroy it.

John 24:42-43 NCV “So always be ready, because you don’t know the day your Lord will come. Remember this: If the owner of the house knew what time of night a thief was coming, the owner would watch and not let the thief break in.”

I personally believe we are in the end times. I’m not preaching doom and gloom, that’s not my thing. I am just saying there’s a lot more going on in our world and the heavens then we can even imagine…again, we need to be ready!!!

Matthew 7:15-16 NCV “Be careful of false prophets. They come to you looking like gentle little sheep, but they are really dangerous like wolves. You will know these people by what they do.” You’ve met these people, so very nice at first. You’re enamored, the list of qualities are long but then a little time goes by, a bit of the facade slips away…We need to be smart and aware. Pick pockets are no longer just on the streets…not all people are what they appear to be.

John 10:27-28 NCV “My sheep (believers) listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never die.”

On the flip side of this Eyore read. There is the Lords army out there, fighting against the destruction and the lies. There are still very loving, kind and giving people, who care about our world and you. John 13:34-35 NCV “I give you a new command; Love each other. You must love each other as I have loved you. All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other.”

I’m sorry today’s read isn’t very sunny, that’s because it’s hidden behind the veil of smoke, but you know what?…It’s still there…make it a blessed day…keep your eyes open especially wide right now as you could be a blessing for someone today. Thank you for joining me. Be Safe…🥰

Did you know Jesus loves you just as you are? Yep! It’s true…JUST AS YOU ARE!!!

Let’s begin with our sovereign Lord knows all that is taking place in your life. There are no secrets, there are no surprises, there is nothing about you or your thoughts that the Lord doesn’t already know and he still loves and wants you. Kind of freeing when you think about it.

You don’t need to try and change to come to God. You don’t need to get better; before you walk in those church doors or bend a knee in the sand or the forest bed. I’ve spoke before of the powerful sense of God I feel as I bow before his majestic ocean that roars with his strength and power or to look up in awe at the cathedral of trees standing tall and at attention in his forests.

He’s everywhere and he knows everything…Everything! Within the 4 gospels, it is recorded where Jesus, was looked down upon for hanging with the tax collectors and the sinners…(the alcoholic and drug addicts)…his reply was simple.

Mark 2:17 NCV “Jesus heard this and said to them, ‘It is not the healthy people who need a doctor, it is the sick. I did not come to invite good people but to invite the sinners.’

Luke 5:31-32 NCV “Jesus answered them, ‘It is not the healthy people who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to invite good people but sinners to change their hearts and lives.”

Oh, Did You See That??? Change, the word change…see, I have to change. No, YOU don’t, Jesus will do all the changing for you, you just need to ask and have the desire for change. I also must add, this will not feel like surgery or a severe weight loss program. Trust Me!!!

Matthew 11:28-30 NCV “Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Accept my teachings and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your lives. The burden that I ask you to accept is easy; the load I give you is light.”

What is your burden? What load are you carrying? Look up and simply say one word “help”…

I know first hand the gentle help of our Lord, I had to be in the place of want before he was able to help me but once I got there…the help and strength is unexplainable. I raised 3 children alone but I was never alone the Lords hand was on that wagon handle right beside mine. I have overcome two addictions with nothing but determination and his strength every moment of those journeys. I have been married for 19 years, he has been the foundation and glue that has held us together through the rough spots. I have bowed on my knees sobbing when I heard (at the time) my 2 year old granddaughter had cancer. He held us up and we are walking one day at a time in blessed healing!!! I have a battle going on right now in Texas…is Jesus my hope for the end and beautiful outcome of this? Yes, He sure is!!! Were and are any of these battles easy? No!! Did I often look up in dazed confusion…Why??? Yes!!! But through it all I knew I would be delivered and whatever the journey and outcome I wouldn’t face it alone.

Whatever trials you have, whatever battles you are facing, whether it be: your health, family members, an addiction, your weight, a divorce or separation, the loss of a job, fear of losing your home, the death of a loved one, the list is personal but so is our God! He walked our earth as a man, in man form, feeling every emotion known to man and some we will never know.

So, please remember this; you don’t have to change your clothes, your hair, your makeup…any changes he wants and has for your life will come about as gently as the breeze that sways the flowers. You just have to have the desire and not try and do it alone…Philippians 4:13 NCV “I can do all things through Christ because He gives me strength.”

So the next time you think, I need to straighten up…simply look up!!! He’s there…He’s waiting…Have a most blessed day and thank you as always for joining me.🥰

Happy 3 day weekend for some of you. Happy bargain shopping day for some of you. Happy last camping weekend of the summer before school starts for some of you. Happy Monday…LOL, I had to say it because happy and Mondays don’t usually go together.

Do you know the true meaning behind Labor Day? “Labor Day is a national holiday that was created to celebrate the American worker and what their work brought to the economy.”

It came about in the late 1800’s due to the “Industrial Revolution” there were no laws or protection governing the working man. They worked 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, no health benefits, no sick leave benefits, in actuality no benefits at all except, except a few coins dropped in their lunch bucket at the end of the day.

In due time workers started to talk amongst themselves, gathering together, became organized and fought back against these harsh working conditions and environments. The first labor unions came about and changes were made within these factories and mills. June 28, 1894, U.S. President Grover Cleveland signed the bill that created the holiday “Labor Day.”

The word labor itself sounds tiring; “expenditure of physical or mental effort”, “services performed by workers for wages”, “human activity that provides the goods or services in an economy.” See what I mean?

As we already have discovered God worked for six days and rested on the seventh. Genesis 2:1-3a NCV “So the sky, the earth, and all that filled them we’re finished. By the seventh day God finished the work he had been doing, so he rested from all his work.” “God blessed the seventh day and made it holy.”

Let’s see what else God has to say about labor and work!

Ecclesiastes 3:13 NCV “God wants all people to eat and drink and be happy in their work, which are gifts from God.”

Proverbs 12:11 NLT “A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies has no sense.”

Proverbs 23:29 NLT “Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than ordinary people.”

Proverbs 16:3 NIV “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”

Are you happy in your job? We all have days but I mean are you doing what you love, your calling? I know working is a means of survival but that doesn’t mean you have to stay where you are miserable. If you are among the blessed who loves their job, Hallelujah!!! However if you aren’t one of the blessed few, Pray about your situation! Check out some online courses you can do in the evening at home! Just because you have to put in the 9-5 at the grind doesn’t mean you don’t have choices…they are out there, you might just have to do some digging, asking, looking and possibly making some changes but then that would be what it was all about in the first place. Right!!!

Wherever you are today, I wish for you a fun day filled with family and sunshine, or a quiet peaceful afternoon just you and a good book. If you are one of the few who have to labor this Labor Day, I pray for you a fun, blessed day at work. Make it a great day! And as always, thank you for joining me. 🥰

We are living in a time period where “extinction” is a grave concern. When I hear this word my mind automatically goes to animals. Top 15 animals in danger are: Javan rhinoceros, cheetah, tiger, Red tuna, Asian elephant, Vaquita porpoise, Mountain gorilla, Irrawaddy River dolphin, Sumatran orangutan, Baulan turtle, polar bears, Magellanic penguins, giraffe, jaguar, and the Mexican grey wolf. If these species and breeds disappear, it means forever.

I also fear that the word and actions of “Commitment” is also becoming close to extinction.

Companies no longer have a commitment to their employees and in fact corporate heads have regular cut the budget meetings. Who and what get cuts, employees and or benefits. Both a subject of commitment. Hours are cut so insurance isn’t a requirement, staff is cut so those left are doing twice the work with the same pay, oh and there won’t be a Christmas or year end bonus this year…Times are hard, you understand? Right???

Quality, this commitment is also hard to find today and when you do the price is outrageous. If we make a small change here, tweek this a bit there, use the thinner metal on that, and this plastic clip should hold it!!! Right??? “Hello, customer service…I just received my product and have only used it twice and it’s broken.” Sound familiar???

“For better or worse, richer or poorer, sickness or in health, or until I just can’t handle it anymore or someone better comes along!!! I will begin with I’ve been divorced so no judgment, but marriage, it’s certainly lost its commitment. To vow to stay married the rest of your life is a commitment to the highest degree and one of obviously the hardest to keep. Certainly, but you made the vow! The averages of divorce are between 40 & 50%. It should just be called a beautiful wedding day until we don’t feel like doing it any longer. I’ve been married 19 years and I can tell you it’s not always easy, but it’s a commitment of love and honor!!!

Here are some synonyms of commitment: Constancy, Dedication, Devotion, Loyalty and Steadfast. We all know individuals like this, people in our work place, school, church, clubs, etc…who exhibit the quality traits that are worth admiration. I would highly imagine these are the people you; watch, look up to and respect. As you should, they’ve earned it.

Sadly these days I find we observe quite the opposite in our work place, schools, social events and even church; The half way commitment, committee members and employees; these are the ones who stand on the sidelines and make suggestions, start but then suddenly are gone and no one knows where they went or the ones, who call right at the last moment with an excuse as to why they can’t. Here are the antonyms of commitment: disloyal, inconsistent, false, and unfaithful. Sadly, we all know our share of these types too. The participation trophy generation!!!

There is one person in your life that is the perfect definition and example of commitment and that is Jesus.

Deuteronomy 31:6 NCV “Be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid of them and don’t be frightened, because the Lord you God will go with you. He will never leave you or forget you.”

Deuteronomy 7:9 NCV “So know that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God. He will keep his agreement of love for a thousand lifetimes for people who love him and obey his commands.”

2 Timothy 4:7 NCV “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

So in closing; Colossians 3:23 NCV “In all the work you are doing, work the best you can. Work as if you were doing it for the Lord, not for people.”

Do the best you can do! Be the best you can be! Give all that you can! You will carry within self satisfaction and beware, because you just never know who’s watching and learning by your example. Make today a smile day with sunshine on your shoulder! Thank you for committing to and joining me this morning our Lords morning! Be Blessed 🥰