Thanks-Giving...Giving-Thanks!

“Either way you look at this, it is a giving thing...of thanks. We set aside this time to do just that. So, for that time...even if you do this wonderful expression often...let’s pause & seek to discover the moments, people, & purpose that is your reason for a grateful heart.

When the Lord is the center of our appreciation, we are no longer strapped to the economy that waivers & causes wondering worry of what will happen next. God never changes. After the festive feeding frenzy of thanksgiving...people have already established a plot, plan, & proposed agenda in order to purchase some-‘thing’ to give to someone else. Have we really taken the time to evaluate the priority of that gift? For it is not the price that is important...if it paupers you later, the cost will continue to haunt you for months to come. The richness & prosperity of a person is weighed in the value placed in the relationships they are given, not the gifts. A gift is free.

So, as you stand at the check-out line, really look at your ‘pile’ of presents in the cart. Ask yourself: Was there frustration or freedom in your spirit as you reviewed the names of those you ‘wanted’ to give some token of thankfulness? Or was there a sense of satisfaction knowing that what you have for them is truly something they ‘need’ in their everyday living? Is yours a relationship that is not only wide in understanding but also deep enough to determine their true lack & you wish to provide the present that will fulfill their need? There is satisfying warmth in true giving- not to get-but to complete.

If you buy just for the sense of buying, you have taken the joy away from yourself. It is not how many or how costly the presents...but rather the sentiment, sincerity, & satisfaction in knowing that what you gave was exactly what the person(s) really- really- really need in their life. This is how Thanks-Giving continues throughout the year...not just for the one day we have titled it to be.

For God so GAVE HIS ONLY Son.... The Lord knew what we needed & gave His very Best. May you know the joy of accepting HIS GIFT with a Thank-Full Heart...” Yubw8n? Give thanks always....

Daily Walks

“Steps of the daily walk:

May you always appreciate the multi-colors in your life; whether it is the beauty of the leaves, the comfort of loafers, the convenience of laces or the laughter of limericks. Be comfortable in the life you live. Each life is custom made to fit. Should you outgrow yours; reduce the self serving of your own ego.

Always step into opportunity with confidence, not arrogance. And if you trip over your own feet, admit it rather than begin the explanations & excuses. Forgiveness is good for the soul of those walking with a sore & sprained spirit.

Remove fashionable footwear before inserting foot in your mouth; it draws attention, especially if it fits. Every day, no matter where you are destined & who you meet along the way, try to be appreciative of another’s styling. Until we are offered the opportunity to wear & walk in another’s shoes, we have little to no understanding of the life they have lived or how worn-out & tired their efforts may be.

We discover our individuality by wearing our wardrobe of wonderment Give the gift of respecting another’s existence. After all, don’t you expect to receive that gift today? Always- appreciate the beautiful colors of living life!”

Routine

Everyone has their own unique morning routine. And if you are a pet owner, this includes taking them through theirs also. My pup Gizmo is very routine oriented & has actually taken on the duty of my alarm clock. Every day we get up at the same time, go outside, he will stand still while he is dried, loved on & then the leash is removed & on to the next event. We proceed to the coffee pot for the human ‘morning in a cup’ all the while he takes his place upon the area rug under the dining room table to watch. Fresh water & food are on the menu; dog food with a little fresh baked chicken breast mixed in. After placing it in his feed area & walking away to enjoy the coffee, I watch as he does the same routine. He will go over to the dish, sniff, & look at me. Then return to his spot. You see today I tried to sneak past part of his routine. Usually I give him just a tiny fragment of the chicken breast to taste. I know should he not take it, he most likely won’t want the meal. Usually, he does. Today he ate it.

Yet when investigating the food served, he returned to the living room, & walked over to his leash. He had not gone outside. He followed me first thing to the coffee pot, & as a human, I figured we would go out after breakfast. Gizmo had other plans. After the outing, he returned to his dish, enjoyed his breakfast, & soon was sound asleep resting on the back of the loveseat...his world. As I write this, I look over to see contentment & love all in one little 10 pound, 4 legged, brown eyed, little nose friend. As I listen to the promptings of the Spirit of God, I am amazed at how Gizmo teaches me every day about God. Today was no different. You see, too often, our routine often leaves God out.

We get up, get going, & go past the most important part- God. We fail to spend time with the One who watched over us while we slept; keeping an ear out for our heart beat, & watching us smile as we dream. In the morning we awaken refreshed (if wisdom the night before has us disciplined to go to bed at the right hour that is) & we are ready for the day. I know that when I spend the first part of our morning with God, the rest of my day goes more in step. Look at Gizmo. He slept knowing he was safe, no cares. When it was time for breakfast, he knew that to enjoy his food- he would ‘taste & see that it was good’. Yet only after his outside moment routine would he return to enjoy the chicken morsels that would nourish his day. Then he could rest & guard the house. (Ok, so he could stare out the window at the squirrels, but he has big dreams & I try not to discourage him...)

We should be so wise. Upon awaking, I wait a moment before getting up, to say good morning to God & Gizmo. I then begin my routine. Just as Gizmo would receive a ‘sample taste’ of the chicken he would later discover in amongst his food, so will I as I feed upon God’s Word, tasting the morsels of wisdom He has within the pages for me to enjoy.

He has prepared exactly what I need to know for the moment, for the day, for all the situations I may encounter- today. As I seek Him, as I study His Word, He shows me the nutrition within the knowledge of those who walked with Him, wrote the words that are now placed before me to absorb. Just like Gizmo, God revealed to me today that routine is important. Satan knows we are creatures of habit. Yes, a Sin is a habit. Sin is ‘missing the mark’ & that mark can be the moment of opportunity to learn how to become more like Christ, & then miss the moment to share that blessing with someone in your day who needs to hear. All because of a habit; a routine missed or left unfulfilled. So since Satan is always trying to get us off track in one simple everyday habit of ‘good’ he surely wants to knock us completely off the path of our walk with the Lord. This quiet alone moment in time is part of God’s Divine Plan- for you & for others you encounter.

So, today’s lesson learned is simply this: Taste & see that the Lord is good. Sample His Grace all day; plan the first part of your morning to be with the One who will hold your hand on the rest of the walk.

Make this a routine, don’t skip the parts like going outside for the important moments that happen- look around you, breath in the fresh air that we take for granted to sustain us; watch the colors of the sun as it routinely slips over the horizon to take its place for this brand new day. And when God places His plate of wisdom before you, take time to dine. Look for the morsels of miracles that lie beneath the surface of the mundane & enjoy each moment in His presence. Then, take your place in the day. Gizmo is watching the squirrels prepare for the winter months...And just like God is providing for the critters of nature what they will need; Gizmo knows that dinner although it may be the same as breakfast, will be there for him. Simple trust!

Because Gizmo knows I love him, he also knows I will take care of his needs, & will walk beside him when he goes out in the world to explore the wonders that wait. God provides. We know that what He provides for me is what I need right when I need it. And I know He loves me, He will take care of my needs & walk beside me when I go out in the world to explore the wonders that wait. Routines... Do you have one? Yes, God does.

Although everything else may change...He never changes!!...Now THAT is a routine!”

Empty Your Pockets...

Rather than place your burden & worries in your pocket to carry with you all day...lay your burden down.

We were not created to carry worry & despair throughout the day. Yet we have hidden our emotions behind a forced smile or an attitude of imitation. Many people often relate to music. Relax & Close your eyes as you listen to the words. Who do you look to for approval, comfort, reassurance, & trust; your career, your family, associates, God?

Sometimes those you least expect in life will bless you the very most. For each life has a divine purpose. This purpose may be heard in a certain song, a tragedy in life, or a blessing in disguise revealed as our Lord welcomes us Home. We are not to judge, only to find our peace in the time we have here.

Whitney Houston - I Look To You (Official Music Video)Whitney Houston, I Look to You

Look to the ONE- the ONLY ONE who will hold your hand along your path of purpose & lead you each step of the way. For when you let go of what is weighing you down, you life is enlightened & defined. It's your choice...Take a moment & empty your pockets. “

Misplaced Moments of a Lifetime

Remember the good ole days?

When the activities of the youth were limited to one after school event,& vacations were to the local state park to take in the sights. Even the thrill of staying in a motel was an event in itself as we stopped the travels in mid-afternoon so we could spend family time in the pool. Then we would dress for dinner at the Howard Johnsons buffet.

These days have been overshadowed by the glitz & rah-rah of expectation & never being satisfied with the simple things of living. As we grow older, we reflect back on these times. Often we are not happy with the transitions. We see our lives moving too fast & time invested in the life of another has diminished, if not almost nonexistent. We place our loved ones, who are now no longer independent, in the care of a stranger or in a home that is not their own.

Then we rarely visit or call. We are too busy. When we invite time to be the enemy we fall victim to the theft of memories we cannot hold on to. We cast blame on the government, the schools, & even the church whether they are a part of the issue or not. Could it be that we are too busy to notice where the blame really is hiding? Take a look in the mirror.

Let’s propose a challenge. Make three appointments to keep for one month; each week no matter what. Make a date with the people in your life that matter the most: one with yourself, one with your spouse or best friend, & one with your parents and children if you are a parent. Rearrange your priorities for a month. Say no to intruding interruptions of your sleep, relaxation, recreation, & quiet times. Turn off the TV, the computer, & stop playing with the phone, apps, & texting. For this time - Just STOP the unnecessary distractions in your Life. Interesting how the word 'NO' is becoming less spoken to children, young adults, and even to ourselves when wanting (not needing) the most recent 'toy' whether it be electronics, or automotive.

We have placed ourselves outside our 'comfort' zone & grown numb to our self imposed debt, disrespect, & delusion of what we can afford physically, financially, emotionally, & economically. “Life was simpler when we were children.” Each generation states that fact as they mature & become dishearten by the following generations. We either ‘remember when’ or we will ‘regret then’. Think about it.

When I was a youth, a box of crayons & building blocks were our iPod. Two cans & a string were our cell phones. It was a soapbox derby that was our car & listening to bedtime stories, our wide screen imagination.

I am blessed to have been a participant in the era I grew up in. Imagine the inner thoughts & memories that your parents who are in their 60-90s must cherish. They have seen so very much. I am blessed to have a strong family & values.

God knows the heart & in my heart are moments of gratitude. We need never take anyone or anything for granted. Memories are to be cherished...not misplaced or replaced. Start today to create your memories of 'remember when' Yes,regret is a choice.

Bling-You Can't Take It With You.

This is part of an article that includes some pretty flashy & fancy photos I discovered online. With some liberty in edits, I hope you see the glitter of truth & humor in the simplicity & sincerity of this blog post.

Heaven, when portrayed by the artists of canvas with its streets of gold, still has the best Bling of all time. Yet, look at some of the Bling Things the rich have found as treasures that are not laid up in heaven. When you go, this stays. Let's hope & pray this FACT is remembered & heeded before the final curtain time. In the meantime, enjoy! When people have money, they look for ways and means to spend it. That is, after all, the entire purpose of having a wallet that is bursting at its seams with a fat wad of currency or flaunting a platinum, titanium or uranium credit card that has an obscene credit limit on it. When people have too much money, they generally tend to splurge it on outrageous commodities that most of us would only regard with incredulity.

Forget about questions like “why, in the world would you want to buy that?” or “what on earth were they thinking?” or even “why would they want to waste all that money?” Concentrate only on one fact – they can and therefore they will. Let’s find out how the insanely rich spend their money. You are going to love this…or maybe not!

Never again will the world take the ordinary pencil for granted for it has been lifted to the level of extraordinary 'The 24K Gold Pencil' by Korean designer Daisung Kim. These very special pencils have a thin layer of 24k gold plating on them when they come to you in a very jazzy box shaped like gold bars. Yes, very creative I must say! Next time you want to scribble a figure with several zeros in it on your check book, lay aside your fancy pens and flash this golden pencil. If you are really happy with the bank’s customer service, you could even give away pencil shavings as a tip. Better still save them up for a rainy day and cash them in when you run out of the gold in your vault! Gotta Go?? How about trying The Golden Loo for Your Poo?

The rich even go to the toilet in style! For them nothing less than a golden pot would do to receive their bodily waste and drain it to the murky lower world in panache! After all, what poop can boast of such a see-off?

Brainchild of Hong Kong-based jeweler Hang Fung Gold Technology, this royal loo is made from 24k solid gold and weighs well over a metric tonne. It’s even found a place for itself in the Guiness Book of World record as the most expensive toilet in the world. But, of course! AND Finally----When it is time to "GO" for the Final Journey...The Gold Coffin (Not going to get you in to Heaven, but you will be seen leaving the main stage in style)

It seems the rich prefer to set themselves apart even in death. Not content with the modest and regular arrangements for their final resting place, they sought out something more glamorous and ritzy – like this 24k gold coffin designed by Art Funeral, Italy. Having made a debut last year in a show for “Billionaires only” this $400,000 coffin comes with, believe it or not, a built in cell phone! (seriously folks...some people just have no idea about the after-life)

In the event they get a bit too restless on the other side of the world and wish to call up and chat with their loved ones here, perhaps? Ah, the mysterious ways in which the rich and dead work. Yeah,can you imagine some of those 'crys for water while having what they thought would be one hellava time with the parties ~ of pain?' Oh people....

When you 'turn your eyes upon Jesus & look full in His wonderful face. The things of earth will grow strangely dim...in the Light of His Glory & Grace.'

Life Crossing-Look Both Ways!

"Everyone has a race, a journey set before them.

There will be obstacles to overcome. Paths to cross that can be hazardous to your health. Branches that may appear strong yet are frail under the weight of your goals. Pavement that is hot beneath your feet of forgiveness.

Focus on the journey the Lord has set before you...Enjoy each step, for its purpose is to help you arrive at your destiny. Exercise your trust & stretch the muscles of your faith

Here is another beautiful day- on your mark...get set...prayerfully- GO! Look both ways before challenging the roads occupied by fast moving, quick talking humans...just a suggestion from those who cross these highways of life on a regular basis- please, try not to harm them...Rather ~ learn from them.

Sometimes, God will speak to you through the innocence of His creation...Are you paying attention?"

Pedal

At first, I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there sort of like a celebrity. I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I really didn't know Him. But later on when I met Christ, it seemed as though life were rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal. I don't know just when it was that He suggested we change places, but life has not been the same since.

When I had control, I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable it was the shortest distance between two points. But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places at breakneck speeds. It was all I could do to hang on! Even though it looked like madness, He said, "Pedal!" I worried and was anxious and asked, "Where are you taking me?" He laughed and didn't answer, and I started to learn to trust.

I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure, and when I'd say, "I'm scared," He'd lean back and touch my hand. I gained love, peace, acceptance and joy; gifts to take on my journey, My Lord's and mine. And we were off again.

He said, "Give the gifts away. They're extra baggage, too much weight." So I did, to the people we met, and I found that in giving I received. And yet still, our burden was light. I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life. I thought He'd wreck it; but he knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, knows how to jump to clear high rocks, and knows how to fly to shorten scary passages. And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I'm beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, Jesus Christ.

And when I'm sure I just can't do it anymore, He just smiles and says..."Pedal."

"The Journey of a Life's Time"

They say all roads lead somewhere. Really?

Have you ever been stuck in traffic, not known why, then think to yourself...I wonder if there is another road that I could take to my destination to avoid the wait? The road you are on is fine; it’s the patience of waiting that is the problem. Everyone else is feeling the same frustrations as you. Remember, this was the road they selected also. You just happen to be there all at once. Thus, the result is the jam.

Another scenario: You are not certain of your route, you have a map, but select the no consulting the route option. You are traveling towards the area you ‘think’ is where you are heading only to find yourself lost; or worse yet, back where you started. This refusal to reckon with a ‘plan for your journey’ has only frustrated you more & cost you valuable time, energy, & inner peace.

On this route, there is no one to blame. On the roads of life’s journey, everyone is a traveler towards an eternal destination. Yet all roads will lead to only One...the Only One. In the process of travel, the frantic highways of faith can be frustrating, the lonely back roads of doubt, scary & unfamiliar. Yet there is always the horizon to anticipate & what is on the other side of the next hill you are approaching. Which road do you find yourself on? Which one is better; which one is the right one? Is one better than the other? The answer to that is Yes & No. WHAT? Let me explain. As we travel through life, we may be lost, but it is usually temporary. We muddle through & eventually find a way to get where we want to be or out of where we have found ourselves. Once we arrive at the destination, we have the bags of frustration, irritation, & anxiety to unpack. In the spiritual journey, many travelers will be left behind. What route you select for your soul’s eternal residence is up to you.

How you prepare your soul determines how the journey ends. Once you arrive, you will have plenty of time to enjoy eternal peace in Heaven. Or you may have selected the road that leads to the anguish from the never ending torment of Hell. You choose. What does the Journey really involve? And will the road you are on lead you to God? Well, let's see, shall we.

All roads lead to God. All religions lead to God. Even those who claim there is no God & blaspheme His name...yes, the road they travel will also lead them to God. For everyone will stand before God & give an account of their lives & their relationship or lack thereof... with Christ. There is only one God & one way to Heaven. Your religion will not save you.

Eternal Life is found in a relationship & acceptance of Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of God. What road of divine decision are you traveling? Have you prepared your Soul for the journey? Once you arrive, you are home.

Now is only for a moment. Eternity is for always. Do you know, beyond a shadow of doubt that you will arrive at Heaven's gate... If not, Yubw8n? After all, its only eternity you are headed towards..."