Agree to Disagree

Just because you disagree with someone does not make them your enemy.

Spend More Time On The Production Than The Show

Spend more time on the production than the show. Work to make it a five star production instead of just working to make it look like one.

What You Know For Sure

If you don't commit to anything else, commit to your heart and soul. Never doubt. Don't hold back. What you know in your heart and soul is a sure thing.

Put Your Love Into It

Nurture what God has given you, whether its a child, a marriage, a job. Put your love into it and you'll never lack.

Do What You Love & Love What You Do

Don't spend your life doing what you have to do. It is up to you to direct your life so that you spend it doing what you love and loving what you do.

In Charge

You determine your experience in life. Direct each situation to get the optimum result.

Say What You Need To Say

Express what's on your mind. Get it out somehow. Expression doesn't always have to be through spoken word. But it has to be done. Deal with any negative thoughts. If you let them grow and develop, they will take charge.

Heart & Soul

Don't look for your worth in the eyes of others. Know your worth according to the love God has put in your heart and soul.

Getting Along With People

Relationships are our biggest challenge. Do well with them and they'll be your greatest gift.

Feeling Good

If you feel good about who you are, you'll feel good about where you are, who you're with and what you do.

If You Are Pleased With What You Give You'll Be Pleased With What You Get

One thing you can control is how much you give. Whether it be time, energy or love, how much you put in is up to you. If you are pleased with what you put in, you'll be pleased with what you get out.

Spread the Gospel Instead of Gossip

Search for good news and then spread it with reckless abandon.

There is Good in Everyone

Love without expecting people to adhere to your rules and standards. Then people will exceed your expectations.

A Kiss For No Particular Reason

Appreciate the small things. Then you won't spend your life seeking something big to fulfill you.

Wake Up & Live

Don't look for a blissful experience to get through life. Wake up and live your life on purpose.

So Glad I'm Here

If you enjoy each task and think of it as a blessing, you will enjoy each day and think of it as a blessing. Then you will enjoy your life and feel that your are blessed.

To Stay or Go

Have the courage to stay where you have to and leave when you must.

If I Should Die

Love in a way that if you don't wake up in the morning, the people you love will know who you are and who they are to you.

Knowledge is Power

When you know your power and strength in God, nothing can stop you.

Just Say No

When you stop doing things out of obligation and start being real, you'll be amazed at how much time and energy you have to do things because of love.

Keep Working

Keep working. Enjoy the work. Forget about the reward. Just enjoy the work. The reward will come.

Don't Let Haters Stop You From Loving

Don't let haters stop you from loving.

You Must Know That You Are Blessed to be a Blessing

You must know that you are blessed in order to be a blessing.

What You Fear is Your God

What you fear is your master. You can decide to give others control of your life or use the power God gave you to live your life fully.

Magic, Money & Men

You don't need magic, money or man to bring your desire to pass. Know that you already have everything you need to make your vision a reality. Work with what you have today and God will take care of tomorrow in a miraculous way.

Meditate on Your Strengths

Take pride in what you do well. Never forget your strengths. Remember them when you're in the midst of a difficult task or after a failure.

The Secret to Wealth

If you don't have it, you just don't have it. But if you learn to appreciate and use what you do have, you will be rich.

You Can't Fix Them

Don't spend time and energy trying to analyze and fix other people's issues. You will burn yourself out and create issues for yourself.

Know When It's Over

Knowing when it's time to go and having the courage to leave are essential life skills that only come through experience.

Manipulation

God doesn't use scare tactics or manipulation so neither should you. Nor should you accept this from anyone else.

That's Enough

Know who you are, your value and blessings. Know that what you have to offer is invaluable. You are not unfinished, needy or incomplete.

The Mirror

Learn to see yourself in others and you'll learn to love unconditionally.

Rich Life

Quality of life is determined by how much you love not how much you have.

You Can't Have Everything?

You can't have everything but you can enjoy everything you have.

Keeping it Real

Be real with your words and deeds. Living a lie to please others is a chain around your neck.

100

Go after your passion 100%. If you hold back, you'll never get it.

Tell the Truth

Telling the truth about yourself is the greatest release.

Choices

Choose forgiveness over bitterness, peace over anger, faith over fear and you'll have joy instead of sadness and pain.

God is Rooting for You

No matter how many times you fall, God is always rooting for you to get back up.

Blurred Lines

When respect becomes fear and trust becomes dependence, love has become worship. Watch your relationships. Don't go over the line.

Gifted

When you rejoice in the blessings of others and work to bless others, you will find yourself in a divine place of power and peace.

Stick With What Works

When the unexpected arises, stick to the principles that have always worked for you before.

The Right Thing

Don't do things because you feel obligated. Do them because they are right.

Above All Else

Be patient. Keep God's will above all else, even your own desires and comfort. He will give you your desires and peace.

Be Your Own Best Friend

Be your own best friend instead of worst enemy, partner in crime, pity party and enabler.

This Was the Last Time

Make the decision that this was the last time and don't let yourself be a liar.

Enough is Enough

Just when you've had enough is when God takes over.

Take Action!

Get out of defense mode. Stop reacting to everything and everyone and take action.

Sometimes It Takes a Breakdown

Sometimes it takes a breakdown to make you stand up.

If You're Not Happy

If you're not happy where you are now, you won't be happy anywhere.

The Image of God

Stop waiting for the world to recognize your beauty. The world is a mirror. It will reflect back to you what you show it. Reveal yourself correctly as the image of God, and you'll see God in the world.

The Show is Over...Be Real

Keeping up appearances requires all your energy and strength. Let them go and be yourself.

You Can Gain Strength By Showing Your Weakness

Be honest, even if it exposes your own weakness. You can gain strength by exposing weakness.

Let God Not Emotions Direct Your Path

Never be controlled by your emotions.

Honor Yourself

In order to be true to yourself you must honor yourself.

What You Fear is Your God

What you fear is your god. Fear nothing or no one but the one who created you.

The Labor Pains Are Over So Show Off Your Baby

What are you waiting for? Stop pushing. New life has arrived. Take your baby and show him to the world.

You Have More Power Than You Might Think

You have way more power over your life than you think. Your attitude about your situation will determine your mood. Your mood will determine the quality of your day. Each day will determine the quality of your life.

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

Give compliments with the sincerity, love and admiration you would like to receive them.

Know It All

Not knowing everything is not a weakness. The weakness is not knowing to ask for help and seek the answers.

Fill Your Cup & Drink It Up

Taking time to fill your cup and drink your fill is essential to a vibrant, healthy, joyful life.

No Need to Argue

Instead of working to disprove someone else's theory about you, work to uncover God's truth in relation to you.

Never Stop

Never stop hoping. Never stop daydreaming. Never stop imagining the possibilities of life.

When It's Time to Go Your Separate Ways

Allow people to be who they are, and love and accept them for it. And if you find that who someone chooses to be is walking a different path than yours, release them, bless them and move on.

Create Your Own Heat

Don't just copy what's hot. Be bold enough to create your own heat.

Precious

Children are your greatest responsibility and your greatest opportunity to experience the purest, most powerful, limitless love.

In Your Dreams

Let go and let God use you to make your dreams come true.

Drained

Spend all of your energy doing what your spirit tells you to do. Then you won't have to waste your energy avoiding what it tells you not to do.

Thanksgiving

Change your focus to service and your life will change. You will receive an overflow of grace and joy. Stop searching for what you lack and start thanking God for what you have by giving it to those in need.

What Are You Waiting For?

God is waiting for you to claim your destiny.

Yes I Can!

Faith is a greater determination of success than preparedness. If you are prepared and lack faith, you will fail. But if you believe and lack tools, God will help you get prepared.

Handle Your Words Like You'd Handle a Gun

Words have power. Handle them with the care that you would handle a wand or a weapon.

The Sacred Path

You already know what path to take. God put the directions in your heart.

Be Quiet So You Can Hear the Directions

Listen for God's voice in everything. Don't judge or compare. Just listen for God. He'll speak to you.

Right Place at the Right Time

Just do what you love. It will always lead you to the right place at the right time.

Help Someone Today

Take time to help someone in need. You will strengthen the one you help and yourself as well.

"Sorry" is a Courageous & Powerful Word

Admit when you make a mistake. Genuinely say you are sorry. That frees you and others.

Wholehearted!

When it's time to party...Party! When it's time to pray...Pray! Do everything with your whole heart. Don't be limited by the perceptions of others.

Close Your Eyes and Open Your Heart

Reach out in your own way. Extend yourself fully, not hesitating to see who will reach back.

Get it in Check

If you find yourself becoming too angry, too upset with or even too happy with another person, you probably need to check your focus. Examine who you are devoted to and who you are relying on.

Imagine You Are Love

Do as Love would do. Say what Love would say. Act like Love long enough and you become Love.

Risk It All

Love is always worth the work. Take the risk. Make the sacrifice.

You Better Work!

You can not gain strength without challenges. So don't run away from an obstacle. Work to overcome.

The Master Plan is in the Master's Hands 2

When you make the plan, there is stress when unexpected things occur. When God makes the plan, there is joy when unexpected blessings overtake you.

Over Your Head

Learn to let your heart rule over your head. And let God rule over your heart.

Empty Yourself Each Day

Give of yourself so that when you lay down at night you will be empty. Then God can refill you for the next day.

God Never Gives More Than He Can Handle

Get up in the morning. Pray and obey. Whatever comes as a result, trust that God will take care of it. Don't hold anything in reserve.

Angry Energy is Not Good Energy

Your actions and words should never be guided by anger. Take time to let anger pass and love to prevail before you say anything or make any moves. Because whatever energy you send out, will come back to you.

It Can't Wait

Don't wait on other people to help you enjoy your life. Just live, have fun, go help somebody else enjoy life.

Hold What You Have

If you pay too much attention to acquiring the things you want, you could miss the opportunity to enjoy what you have.

Money Saving Advice

You don't have to spend a lot of money on expensive trips to enjoy life. Just change your attitude about where you are and what you have. You can save a lot of money.

Love Buildings Don't Fall

Work on your relationships. Build and strengthen the connections that exist in your life through time and love.

You Can Show It Better Than You Can Tell It

It is far more effective and less frustrating to change someone's attitude or opinion with concrete evidence than words and arguments. Show proof in your own life.

The Master Plan is in the Master's Hands

Don't waste too much time trying to figure out the outcome. You could make better use of your time by putting in the work to get to the outcome. Remember that the master plan is in the hands of the Master.

Just Do the Work

Do what you know to do. Diligently do the work you've been assigned already. What you don't understand will eventually reveal itself.

Just Rise & Shine

Enjoy the day as it unfolds. You had no control of the sunrise. You will have no input when the sun sets.

Keep Going!

If you work diligently and obediently, God will always give you a break when you need one and a reward when you deserve one.

Gratitude is Your Gift

Take time to acknowledge and appreciate your blessings and say thank you to God and others. Gratitude is a gift of joy to your own heart.

Watch What God Can Do!

Stop trying to prove what you can do. Move out of the way. Humble yourself. Be obedient and watch what God can do!

A Change In Perception Can Change Your Life

Change the way you look at people and situations. See the value and the good. It is amazing how a change in perception can change your life.

Quiet Time

Take time to listen to your heart and understand it. It will never lead you wrong.

He Has Given You the World

You are not God's gift to the world. The world is God's gift to you. Are you appreciating the gift?

Teachers Can Still Learn

Sometimes you will learn when you're teaching, gain when you're giving, be pushed when you're lifting, be nurtured as you're tending. Keep your hands and heart open.

R.E.S.T.

R.E.S.T. (Relax-Exhale-Sit-Tune Out) is a four letter word that should be spoken and practiced more often.

Look For What God Sees in Them

Look for what God sees in the other person. This will make social interaction go so much better. You'll be kinder and more patient. You'll be a better friend. You'll have better friendships.

It Is Well

Just because it didn't go as you wanted, planned or expected doesn't mean it didn't go well.

Quality of Life

Your quality of life is not based on people's opinions of you. It is based on your opinions of others.

Perfect Only on the Outside Doesn't Count

Which is better? Enjoy yourself and look weird to others. Or look perfect to others and be miserable.

Pain Won't Last Forever But Sorrow Can If You Let It

Pain won't last forever, but sorrow can if you let it. Pleasure will eventually come to an end, but joy never has to.

Through it All

Your journey will continue. There will be ups and downs, highs and lows, success and failure, boredom and excitement, pleasure and pain. On and on it will go. There is no point in the journey that will last forever. But the journey itself will never cease. Just know that grace will sustain you through it all.

Kindness Has No Cost

Instead of using your thoughts, energy and resources searching for the perfect, most genuine and true, kindest and most considerate, loving and most encouraging friend, be genuine and true, compassionate and tenderhearted with whomever you are blessed to encounter.

Make Peace with the Day

Be at peace with the day. Don't fight it. Wrestle for control of it. Try to impose your will on it. Let go and enjoy the day as it unfolds.

So High

When you humbly surrender, it doesn't make you so low that people walk over you.  It raises you up so high that people see God's light in you.

It's Not Your Problem

God has got it all under control.  The world with its problems and affairs are not your responsibility.  Your loved ones.  Your neighbor.  Even yourself.  Just do what He tells you to do and leave the rest in His capable hands.

Experience Your Blessings

Enjoy your blessings when you have them.  Don't worry about how long or short they will last.  If you worry about that, you will miss the experience and be left with only the memory.

You Can't Beat God Giving But You Can Follow Suit

God's gifts are especially made for you and given for no other reason than that He loves you. Let yours be the same.

Breathe In Your Blessings

You are okay right where you are. Value yourself and your blessings.

The Seasons Always Return

Be brave enough and humble enough to let go of what is too much for you until you are ready to embrace it fully.

Work It!

Accept yourself as you are. Appreciate your qualities. Work with what you have.

Today is All That Exists

Just enjoy the blessings of today. Nothing else is real. Today is all that exists. Everything else exists only in your mind.

Hold On Tight to Joy

Do whatever you must to hold onto your joy.

Laugh to Keep From Crying

Don't let circumstances frustrate you. When you find yourself getting tense, laugh at the foolishness of your pride in thinking you're in control.

Let It Flow

Don't take yourself or your plan too seriously. It could all change tomorrow. So just work with what you know today.

Live Hard

Live hard. Breathe hard. Sleep hard Pray hard. Love hard. Don't slack on any of it.

Already Alright

It's already alright. Believe that. Don't wait for it. Grab onto it now.

A Fresh Perspective

If your plan isn't working out, follow God's plan. You will only frustrate yourself by continuing to try to force your agenda.

Beyond

God is beyond words. If you want to go where God is, you must go beyond words.

Surrender All

Peace will only come after the surrender. Joy will follow a willing offering up of control and acceptance of God's authority

Great Opportunity

Take advantage of every opportunity to be a friend.

Love is Always Worth It

Love is always worth contending for.

What Do You have to Offer?

Figure out what it is that you have to offer. Cultivate it. Sharpen it. Mother it. And give it. All of it. Expecting nothing.

The Passion

Believe in the love that urges you on. Meditate on it night and day. Study it. Practice it. Pursue it. Live by it. Die by it. Fight for it. Pray for it. Give yourself totally unto it. Become it.

Live Out of the Box

When you don't fit in anywhere, it means you belong everywhere. So BE everywhere!

The Time Is Right

Unconditional love is the greatest power. It means you don't have to wait for conditions to change to be who God meant you to be.

Just Go With It

When love is calling, go with it. The love that is in your baby's head upon your shoulder. The love that is in your mother's embrace. The love that is in your sweetheart's eyes. Go with it!

Let Go to Hold On

Let go so you can grab hold to God's love. It's bigger than you can conceive in your mind. Soon it will enfold you and hold you.

Live Like You Mean It

Learn your truth.  Know your heart.  Live like you mean it.

Don't Cancel Your Party Because People Don't Come

Just because someone doesn't want to join in your party doesn't mean you should cancel it.  Even if you are the only one there, dance, eat, drink, be merry.  Pray, shout, meditate, read.  Do what you gotta do to get your groove on in the party of life, even if it's all by yourself.  Especially if it's all by yourself!  Before long, others will see your inner joy, and you'll  have a full house!

Words Can Heal

Speak what is in your heart, in love.  You will heal yourself and the person who hears you.

Your Real Enemy Maybe Inside You

Let go and love.  It is the key to health and happiness.  Don't hold on to anger and bitterness as a security blanket.  They are not helping you.  They're doing you in.

Later May Be Too Late

Do it now.  Love, laugh, sing, dance, cry, run, shout!   There is no better time. Later may be too late.

From the Heart

Do what you do from the heart and enjoy doing it.  That is you reward.

Know Your Worth

Your value is not determined by the response of others.  Know who you are and what you're worth.

Fame & Fortune Are Not Your Keys to Happiness

Fame and fortune are not the keys to happiness and fulfillment.  If you are not happy and fulfilled with who you are and what you have now, you'll probably be even more unhappy and unfulfilled if you gain fame and fortune.

Give & You Will Receive

Treat others well.  Don't worry about whether they deserve it.  Just make sure what you deserve is blessings.

Appreciate the Fruit on Your Family Tree

Some people say friends are chosen family.  But you can also see your family members as friends given to you at birth.  In your family, you can find your best friend, confidant, companion, champion, mentor and supporter.

Honor Others...Expect the Blessings from God

Give respect and honor to others.  Go out of your way to praise and say thank you.  Don't work to obtain glory for yourself.  Work to give glory and trust that it is God who takes care of you.

How You Treat Others is the Way You Will Be Treated

Sometimes when you get hurt or offended by the way others treat you, it is God showing you how your actions may affect others.  He is giving you a gift of empathy and compassion to help you follow the Golden Rule. So the next time someone does you wrong, study the lesson in the experience.  See it as an opportunity to grow and become a better, kinder, wiser, more compassionate person.

Thanks is a Powerful Word

Most of the time, sadness and discontentment are the result of ingratitude and thanklessness.  Be thankful for what you have and you'll find your joy and fulfillment.

Know Better...Do Better

Do what you know.  Learn what you don't.  And then do that.  My Sunday School teacher's motto was "Know Better..Do Better."  Those very simple yet very wise words stick with all of us who were in Mother Harper's class.  When you know better, you must do better, and you will certainly be better.

Beyond What You Can See

No matter what your eyes tell you.  Regardless of what makes sense.  Trust in the knowledge and lean on the strength of God.

Know When to Say No

If you can't do it (or don't want to do it), don't do it.  Never do something grudgingly or with anger towards the person on the receiving end just because you didn't have the guts to say no.

Happiness is...

Happiness is appreciating the life you have and living it without excuses or apologies.

Take a Breath

Be still.  Take a breath.  Experience the here and now.

Determination to Stay Positive

Focus on enjoying the people, places and activities that bring you joy instead of avoiding the ones that bring you pain.

You Can't Overdose on Forgiveness

Forgiveness is truly a medicine for the heart.  Take it as often as necessary or your heart will surely suffer.  Your head will suffer.  Your body will suffer.  You will suffer.  Those who love you will suffer.  Forgive and be healthy and whole.

Your Heart Will Tell You the Truth

Follow your heart, and only your heart.  Not opportunity.  Not obligation. 

Sweet Release

If you are feeling negative energy, sadness, loneliness, anger, or confusion, search yourself to find what you're holding onto.  Try letting go.  It is the sweetest release.

Know Your Rights

Forgive quickly.  Never hold onto strife.  There is no need to mull over whether you have the right to be angry.  It doesn't matter.  Just let it go and remember that you have a right to live in peace.  That is the right that you should never give up.

Laugh Often

Don't take yourself or others too seriously.  Laugh at yourself and others often with joy and love.

Fearless

What you fear is your God.  It will control your actions, rule your thoughts and determine the quality of your life.  So fear nothing or no one, except your Creator.  Reverence only the force He placed within you.

Hold Your Peace

Be quiet.  Keep your peace.  Let God handle it.

Encourage Yourself!

Be a true friend to yourself.  Enjoy your company.  Attend to your needs.  Encourage yourself.  Praise yourself.  Surprise yourself.  You're the perfect companion for yourself.  So take advantage of that.

Follow Love

Drop everything and follow love.  With love, you lose nothing.

Take Your Power

That thing that is nagging at you.  The one that you try to ignore.  The one that you think is hidden, but keeps showing up and affecting your relationships, health, attitudes and actions.  Deal with it now and move on.  Putting it off is only prolonging the inevitable and giving it power over your life.  Eventually you will have to face it.  It will track you down and stop you in your tracks.  So deal with it now and take back your power.

You Got It!

You already have what you're searching for. 

God Will Take Care of You

Do what you know to do.  And the answers to the questions will come.  Be obedient and do your part.  You will be taken care of. 

You Are So Worth the Effort

Do the work on yourself.  You are worth it!  Build yourself up.  Nurture yourself.  Reward yourself.  Impress yourself with your own unique talents and abilities.  Then you will be healthy and strong enough to do the same for others.

Keep Fighting Until You Get It

Sometimes it takes a fight to get peace.  But fight for it.  Do what you have to do.  Give up whatever you have to give up.  Hold onto whatever you have to hold onto.  Keep at it until you get it.

You are Enough

The way to be the best wife, mother, daughter, sister or friend you can be is to be yourself.

Be Here for the Present

Be fully alive and awake in the moment you are in.  Don't spend too much time reflecting on yesterday or pondering tomorrow, because you will miss today.

Be True to Your Soul

Act according to the prompting of the Spirit in your spirit.  Be true to your soul.  Don't make decisions based on perceptions, yours or others.

You Are Responsible for Your Own Light

Just because someone else's light seems brighter doesn't negate your responsibility to let yours shine.

Give it All

Give all. Expect nothing. Receive more than you can contain.

Blessed People Bless People

A positive attitude is contagious. If you want to experience good things like love, joy, beauty, kindness, praise and truth, allow these things to dominate your thoughts and actions. Before you know it, these things will surround you and overflow in your life. So let them take over your thoughts, so that good things will show up in you. When they show up in you, you will give them to those around you. Then you will notice these good things showing up in those around you. Then they will start giving good things out. Blessed people bless people and keep being blessed. So let the blessings begin with you!

What Do You Really Want?

Be open about your desires. Don't be embarrassed or afraid to let them be known. It's not like when we were kids and had to keep our wishes a secret to avoid jinxing them. Be confident that God will grant you your desires. Be excited knowing it is already done. You have to be open enough to ask to be open enough to receive.

When Nothing Else Could Help

When all else fails, try LOVE. LOVE God, LOVE yourself, LOVE others. It's a sure thing.

Through a Glass Dimly

Sometimes we see our surroundings and what's in front of us as dull, ugly and uninteresting. Then we think we need to move to a place with a better view. But in reality it is our perception that is flawed. Just like having on dirty glasses. You can get so used to looking through filthy lenses that you forget what it's like to see clearly. So if things are bleak and dreary, before trying a change of scenery, try cleaning your lenses. Even if you move, if you still have dirty lenses, you will still see a gloomy picture. If you are negative, pessimistic and cynical, you can continue to expect the worst. Try being positive, optimistic and hopeful, you may see things in a better light.

Motives

Don't let what people do to you or for you guide your actions.  Act in a way that sits right in your spirit.

Free Indeed

God has set you free.  He has broken the chains and opened the door.  If you are still sitting in the cage, clinging to the shackles, it is your decision.  It doesn't matter if others are sitting there with you.  A cage is still a cage.  You may be distracted or amused in a cage.  You may even have moments of comfort or pleasure.  But a cage is still not your natural environment.   Therefore, you will never have joy until you leave it behind you.  You can't wait for permission to walk out.  You can't blame others because you decided to stay in.  They don't have the key.  You must get up, walk out and enjoy your own freedom.

Be Here Now

Focus on the task at hand.  Do it well.  Enjoy it.  Be yourself in it.  Give yourself totally unto it. 

Let Them Know You Love Them Today

If you are going to go out of your way to let someone know something about you.  Instead of letting them know how much money you make, how perfect your family is, what a large vocabulary you have, how righteous you are...let them know you love them.  Nothing else will really make any difference.

Grown and In Control

You are free to experience the joy of life.  If you are not doing what gives you joy, it is this decision that is diminishing your joy.  Your lack of joy is not because of where you are or who you're with.  Your lack of joy is because you decided to do something other than bless your soul.  The good news is you can make a different choice.  You can choose to do what feeds your spirit, what makes you laugh, what energizes you, what motivates you.  You can do that right this moment, right where you are.  You don't have to get a degree, change your look or move to a different city.  You can do it NOW!

Love Should Be the Reason

Do what you do for love (of God, of self, of others).   Love should be the primary motive for every action.

One of a Kind

You are one of a kind.  You don't need to change others to fit your mold.  And you don't have to change or feel inferior because you don't fit into someone else's puzzle.  Just be who you are and let other people be who they are, and everyone will fit perfectly where they are supposed to.  The grand puzzle will be complete.

Don't Hold Back Your Truth

Open your mouth and speak your truth!  This is the shortest path to freedom and the clearest way to self actualization.  Speak what you know is true and find yourself in your rightful place.

Thank God for Second Chances

REALIZE when you are walking in error.  REPENT and move in the right direction.  RENEW your mind and hit REFRESH on your thought processes and patterns. REJOICE in the new day dawning.  God is merciful and loves it when we know better and do better.  He doesn't give up on you.  He is waiting for you to realize that and stop beating up on yourself, using mistakes as an excuse for stagnation.  You are a precious work in progress.  Keep moving forward!

May The Force Be With You

Walk confidently according to the inner prompting of God.  Do not let outside influences or circumstances control you.  Not people or things.

Living a Lie is the Worst Kind of Crazy

Do what you do.  Mean what you do.  Do it because it brings you joy and feeds your spirit.  You need it.  You deserve it.  Don't do what you do to please or impress others.  Live truthfully, for your peace, for your freedom, for you sanity.  People who are delusional believe in a false reality about themselves.  Their mind gives them all kinds of stories that they want other people to believe.  This is classified as mental illness.  If you are pretending to be something you are not (even a little bit), you are headed down a dangerous road.  Find out who you really are and be grounded it that reality.  If you desire to improve.  Do that.  But don't try to fake it 'til you make it.  If you are faking it, you may make it to some superficial notion of success.  You may make people believe your story.  You may even believe your story yourself. But you'll never really make it to the place you deserve to be.  If you discover your true self, you will find that the light that shines within you is the brightest and best star you can shoot for. 

Being Fake is the Worst Form of Lying

You have got to be YOU or you will never have joy and peace.  Be YOU, regardless of where you are or who you are with.  Be honest and true.  Don't fake it.  If you are wrong, God will correct you.  But how can you be corrected if you're not being authentic?  God is waiting for you to bare the truth of who you are so that He can show Himself in YOU.

Golden

Once you allow God to heal you and renew your mind, you can use the survival skills you gained from past battles to thrive RIGHT NOW! Use the WISDOM.  Use the COURAGE.  Use the STRENGTH.  Use the POWER!  Use the FREEDOM! There was a reason you went through the fire.   Now you can shine as pure GOLD.

The Weapons of Our Warfare

When you have survived an attack and it's over and done, you can lay down your weapons and get out of defense mode.  Don't keep waiting to fight the same attacker that came against your younger self.  That person or thing is gone, except for in your mind.  You're fighting a ghost.  You're trying to shield yourself from a dream.  Stop resurrecting your dead enemies in the faces of the people you live and work with today.  Take confidence in the strength and wisdom God gave you to survive, but enjoy the peace of right now.  Being on the defense takes a lot of energy.  You should not waste your energy when you have the Great Defender.  Instead you should apply your energy toward cultivating and using your gifts and talents.  Create, produce and serve your purpose. Trust God to alert you, protect you and show you when and how to do battle when the time comes. 

Use It or Lose It

The response to your gift is not what brings real joy.  It is using your gift that brings real and lasting joy.

You Can't Scare A Person Into Holiness

You can not scare a person into righteousness.  You can scare a person into acting holy.  God is love.   There is no fear in love.  Let love abide in you.  Let God abide in you.  Only this will draw others to an authentic relationship with God.  It is the authentic relationship with God that gives the power and wisdom to live life according to God's divine plan.

More Than a Survivor

You survived!  Now you can get out of survival mode and thrive. You don't have to be on the defensive, waiting for someone to attack you.  Even if they come at you, you've got a champion who can't be defeated. You can let the chip fall off your shoulder, relax and put a smile on your face.  The battle has been won.  Move on and enjoy the victory!

Baby You're a Star!

Be the star of your own show, not the sidekick reacting to the words or actions of others.  Act with love and conviction.

Tell of His Goodness

Live your life in a way that makes God's goodness known.  Be thankful as you go.  Enjoy what He has given you.  Appreciate who He has made you.  You can tell others God is good without saying a word.

Stop Searching & See

Unclench your fists.  Relax and let it flow.  God will take care of the details.  Don't be so busy searching that you can't see.  Don't be so busy listening that you can't hear.  Open up and receive.

Run With the Yes!

When God says "No" to one thing, seek Him for the "Yes" and embrace it.  Run on with the "Yes".

The Master Plan

When road blocks, detours and hurdles pop up and thwart your plan, step back and take a moment to see the bigger, better plan.

Be Yourself On Purpose!

Be yourself on purpose.  Be conscious of who you are (not how others perceive you).  Know who you are, what gives you peace, joy and love.  Know your truth and walk in that.  Don't move.  You will be free wherever you are.

Solid

Live truthfully.  Be yourself.  Honor your truth.  Stand on it.  Fearlessly.  It is your rock.  Once you find it, never allow anyone to move you off of it.

Know Your Worth

You are worth the time, attention, work, adoration and love.  You don't have to work for it, beg for it or prove it.  Just be who you are and you'll get it, because you deserve it.

Research Project

Study, observe, and analyze yourself.  You will find the experience to be quite rewarding.  And you will find that you are quite an interesting creature.

Seize This Day!

Go out into the day and capture the joy in it.  If you shut yourself in waiting for joy to come, for everything to be just right, for the right job, the right house, the right friends, the right spouse, you'll still be waiting when the death angel comes.  Get up, get out and live the life you have!

Better By and By

Don't work so hard to understand it that you don't enjoy it.  Just be.  Live your life truthfully, and you'll figure it out.

By and By

God knows what He's doing.  You may not know what He's doing, but just know He does.  Just let go and follow along.  When nothing else makes any sense, just know that He knows.  When the road you travel is uphill, rocky and winding, hold on to God.  When all your efforts just don't seem to make ends meet, trust Him.  When bad things happen to good people (including you), keep believing justice will prevail. When you settle in and rest in the omnipotence of God, you will experience such peace and freedom.  Eventually you will  see it all clearly.  You will know the truth.  You will understand it better by and by.

Stick With What You Know

Don't let any thought, person, circumstance, event, problem, situation or conversation make you doubt what you know for sure.  If God told you, believe it, stick with it.

You Can't Beat the Truth

The truth shall set you free.  If you are bound, check to be sure you are not bucking against the truth.  Don't fight against it.  Face it.  Speak it. Speak to it.  Speak about it.  Deal with it.  If need be, change it.  But no matter how hard you try, you can't run from it.

Two Are Better Than One

When you establish a healthy partnership, cherish it.  Work together diligently toward your goal.  Nothing can stop you.  The results will be powerful.

Lambs & Lions

Choose your company very carefully.  The wrong choice could be disastrous.  If you walk with a lion and you're a lamb, you may get eaten up.  If you walk with a lamb and you're a lion, you may get rejected.  These two do not naturally coexist.  However, all things are possible according to the power and grace of the divine.  Lambs could develop the wisdom to tame lions.  Lions could soften to befriend lambs.  Whatever the case, be sure you walk wisely among the appropriate company.

There Is No Such Thing As A Bad Day

There are no bad days.  Each day is a gift from God.  There are bad experiences.  For the most part, the way you experience your day is up to you.  You can choose to wait for a good day or rejoice and be glad in the one given to you.

What Do You Intend to Accomplish?

Do what you do for the greater good.  Say what you say for the greater love.  You won't go wrong.  Intention is everything.  Ask yourself why you are doing or saying it before you make one step or utter one word.  Be honest with yourself.  Only move forward if you intend to promote goodness and love.

Speak Up!

Speak up for what is right. But make sure you do it in love and with courage.  You and everyone else will benefit.

More Than a Dream

Work diligently toward your dream.  Never doubt.  You will be rewarded immediately in the work.  You will wake up one day and your dream will be a reality.  Then God will give you far more than you could have conceived to dream.

You Know the One Who Knows

Just keep doing what you know is right.  The answer will come.  You can't do any more than you know to do.  Don't stress over what you don't know.  Just rest in knowing that you know the One who knows all.

If You Can't Beat 'Em, Love 'Em

Love people, serve people, enjoy people.  If you do this, you will have peace with people and joy within.

Becoming

Do what you love, and you'll find your place.  Do it well, and you'll find who you are.

Control Freaks

Sometimes it is best to let your feelings show.  We fear vulnerability.  We don't want to lose control.  But do we really have control anyway when our emotions, fears, regrets and desires have us bound, confused and powerless?  You don't have to lose control.  Instead of losing it, you can give it to God.  He will take care of it.  He will turn your pain into joy and your tears into laughter.  He will help you to release your firm grip on what you should have let go of long ago.  He will command those fears and vices to turn you loose.  He will replace them with faith and love.

A Party of One

If you find yourself by yourself. Enjoy yourself. Pamper yourself. Encourage yourself. Don't think about who is not with you or why they aren't with you. Focus on you. There is a reason why you are in the company of yourself at this moment. Take it in. This is your best opportunity to be yourself.

Better Than Sacrifice

When God speaks to your spirit, obey. Don't think about it, analyze it, apply your logic to it. Just do it. And the Lord will show Himself through you.

Tell People How Great God Is Not How Great You Are

If you want to make a difference in the world, don't try to do it by making people aware of how good you are, how committed, how passionate, how intelligent, how strong. Do it by making people aware of how good God is. In this awareness alone, there is transforming power.

Peace...Joy...Power!

Peace comes from knowing and accepting where God places you. Joy comes from realizing you are blessed just to be able to serve Him. Power comes from serving Him with all your skill and might.

Accounting 101

Before you begin holding others accountable, make sure all your accounts are paid up and balanced.

Own It!

Take over your joy! Before you know it, your joy will take over you. It's up to you. You own your joy, along with all of its rights and responsibilities. Choose to rejoice!

Master of One

Productive doesn't mean doing many things or even doing "great things." It means doing whatever thing you do well, in a way that represents the perfect intentions of your Creator.

Something New

When you are content with your present state and pleased with your life as it is and yourself as you are, the joy and peace you've been searching for will unfold. Stop trying to find something new and let the Lord renew you from within.

Be the Blessing You Want to Receive

Promote the interests of others and depend on God to take care of yours. Even when it seems like you may get taken advantage of, be a blessing. Even if it seems that as you meet the needs of others your needs get overlooked, just keep trusting God. Keep being selfless and God will show Himself in a beautiful way.

Knowledge of Self

Some people may go to the grave not understanding you or appreciating you.  Just make sure you get a clear understanding of and appreciation for yourself while you have breath.   Go to your Creator.  He will show you the way.  The journey into self knowledge will be wondrous and rewarding for you and everyone in your life.

The Devil IS a Liar...So Why Listen to Him?

When the devil brings you negative thoughts, lies, fear or doubt, take it to the Lord.  He will destroy it and replace it with a positive outlook, truth, peace and confidence.  Believe God and ONLY GOD. 

Don't Wait Til the Work is Over to Whistle

It is good to serve the Lord.  Do your duties and enjoy it.  Don't think about the costs or the benefits.  Just do it with all your heart and take pleasure as you go.  God will take care of the costs, and He'll supply the rewards.

All In

You must commit.  Do not waiver in your service to God.  Don't be afraid to make a pledge.  He will help you see it to completion.  If you're in the middle of a work, see it through to the end.  God will let you know when it's over.

Extraordinary

Obey God, even when it looks like too much for you to handle, even when it's beyond your area of expertise.  Do what He says because these are the times when extraordinary things happen.

Whatever It Takes

Complete the task that has been given to you by God.  Wake up early.  Stay up late.  Be loved. Be hated.  But be who you were meant to be.  Whatever it takes.

It's Crazy Out There, But You Don't Have To Be

Don't let the craziness of this world drive you crazy.  Hold firmly to God so that you will remain stable in our unstable world.  Don't react to the actions of others.  ACT with love, truth, mercy, and wisdom, according to the prompting of God.

Live Like You'll Live Forever (Because You Will)

Live as though you'll live forever.  Live powerfully with the confidence (and responsibility) of eternal life.  Your spirit is eternal.  So take care of it.  Keep it from evil.  Strengthen it with love.  Guard it with truth.

Love Doesn't Die...It Multiplies

Don't hold back the love.  You don't have to save some for later.  You'll never run out of it.  If you give it, it replenishes itself and then adds more.  So don't be afraid.  Give it freely.  Don't pick and choose who you give it to.  It doesn't need to be conserved.  Give to your friends, acquaintances, even your enemies.

Giving is Godliness

When someone asks for your help, it is you who are being blessed.  You are being granted the opportunity to serve God and access His power.  So serve in a spirit of humble gratitude.

Stay Put

Unless God has told you to do something else, keep doing what you're doing.  And do it well.  Unless God has told you to go somewhere else, stay where you are.  And serve it well.

We Don't Need Another Hero

The world doesn't need another great preacher.  Great book.  Great leader.  It doesn't need another celebrity, philosopher or hero.  It doesn't need the next big thing.  It just needs who it already has to be the best of who they already are.  To appreciate what they already have.  To love who they are already with.

Show Yourself Friendly

Being a really good friend is one of the best things you can be.  Supporting, believing in, encouraging and loving someone unconditionally frees you, empowers you and fills you with joy.

How Will You Spend Your 24?

God gives you each day.  It's up to you what you do with it.  You can see your day, its circumstances and situations as blessings and opportunities to enjoy.  Or you can see it as a chore and a duty.  You can look at the visitor who stops by unannounced as an unwelcome interruption in your plans or a pleasant surprise and chance to take a break.  Whether you smile or frown, dance or sleep, sing or cry, the 24 hours will take the same amount of time.  So you might as well make it good and spend them well!

Love Makes A Difference

Going out of your way to give someone love is never a waste of time.  No matter how it looks.  No matter what the response.  Love makes a difference.

Careful...Don't Look Down

Don't look down on others because of their flaws.  This accentuates your weakness.  Lift others up.  Point out their strengths.  Focus on what they are doing well.  Humbly lend a helping hand. This enhances your beauty and magnifies your strengths.  When you look down on others you are sure to fall.  Lifting others strengthens you to go higher.

The Way

God is the way up, the way through, the way out, the way in.  There is no other way.  Don't be fooled by what you think you see with your eyes or feel with your hands.  This thing is beyond your physical grasp or mental capacity.  Stay with God.  Don't try to go it on your own or by your own wits.  Don't put your faith in the power of men, leaving yourself vulnerable to their whims.  Even the most righteous of men know only part of the story.  Stick with the perfect one who knows it all. 

Think of 3 People Who Blessed You Today & Say Thank You

Give praise and encouragement to others.  See the value in those around you.  Acknowledge their talents.  Revel in their gifts.  Honor them.  Change your perspective from one of critique and judgement to that of gratitude and humility.  Meditate sometimes on how much the people in your life love you, how much they give to you, how much they matter to you, how much you matter to them.  When you recognize and acknowledge others and how much you are blessed by them, your experience in life will be so much richer and sweeter because you will see the richness and sweetness in it.

The Most

Remember that you are a servant.  Find out how you can give the most not how you can get the most.  The one who owns it all will reward you.

Don't Wait for the Show to Show Out

Give it all in whatever you do.  Don't wait for the show to show out.  You don't need an excuse, special occasion or even an audience.  Show love.  Show compassion.  Show power.  Show faith.  Show your gifts.  Show your blessings.  Show who you are.  Show God within you.  Not to impress anybody, but to do what you came here to do...be who you are to the fullest.  You came here to give who you are to the world.  So show out everyday, and you'll have joy, peace and fulfillment.

Who's the Boss?

When God sends help, accept it.  Be grateful and humble, realizing it is God's work you are doing.  Allow Him to show you how and when He wants it done.  Give Him the glory when it's complete and thank Him for allowing you to have a part.

Nobody Wants to Hear a Bragger

Instead of being a talking resume, be a walking portfolio.  You don't need to go around listing your strengths, talents and accomplishments.  Just demonstrate your awesomeness by using your gifts.  Stop trying to sell yourself.  You've already been bought.  Bragging doesn't ever really accomplish what the bragger intends anyway.  It just annoys the listener and turns people off.  However, when you put your best work on display, it will accomplish its intended purpose.  You don't need to talk about it.  Just be who you are!

WWJD

Open your fist, lay down your sword and reach out your hand in mercy, compassion and understanding.  This is how you overcome.  This is how you win the battle.  It seems crazy, but this is where real courage  will show up.  It doesn't take courage to retaliate with an eye for an eye.  That is nothing special.  That is what is expected.  That is what comes naturally.  However, when someone slaps you and you not only refuse to slap them back but take their hand in prayer, that is supernatural.  When you can pray God's best upon someone who did the worst to you, you become Christian (like Christ). At first, you may feel weak or like you're giving in and letting them beat you.  But you'll find that love is far more powerful than man's strength or greatest physical weapon.  Our battles, using our might and instruments of war, are destructive and ultimately ineffective.  But God's instruments of mercy, truth, faith, righteousness, and peace heal, build and give life.  They can not fail.  They make a difference that is eternal.

From the Heart

The way that looks easy may be the least rewarding.  The way that seems inconvenient may turn out to be the most fulfilling.  Follow the path that flows from your heart and connects with His Spirit.  Sometimes you have to overlook what you see with your eyes,  forget what you think with your head and ignore what you feel in your flesh.  You will find He will always guide you, strengthen you and help you.

Know-It-Alls Have a Lot to Learn

You never get too grown up to accept advice or correction.  Thinking you have achieved that level of growth and wisdom is a sure sign that you haven't.  Wisdom teaches us to be humble and ready to receive instruction and constructive feedback. If you learn to be humble and appreciate help from others, your path will be a lot clearer and smoother.

Make It Good

Relationships are so important.  Make them good ones.  Share, laugh and fellowship with your loved ones.  Don't take any relationship for granted.  Every meeting is important and a chance to experience the love of God.  It's up to you what you make of it.

The Coming Sun

There is good in everything God brings to you.  Although at the time some things may seem difficult, annoying, painful or frustrating, learn to give thanks anyway.  Remember that rainy days are necessary for growth.  The roses won't bloom without it.  The grass won't cover the hills and valleys without it.  The lion would curl up and die without it.  Rain can either symbolize an unwanted delay in your plans or a time of refreshing.  It's up to you.  If you change your attitude to one of thanks, you'll begin to see the opportunities that come with every challenge, the rainbow that comes after the storm.  When it's raining, see it as a chance to rest up and prepare for the coming sun.

You Were Born For This

You don't need to strain to please God.  It's easy.  No pressure.  No worries.  Just obey God.  You were born to do the work, so it should be done with ease.  Don't try too hard or over think it.  Just do what your heart is pushing you to do.

Destined for Greatness

Your talent does not make you great.  Your status does not make you honorable.  Your assets do not make you valuable.  It all comes from God.  It all belongs to God.  It is all to serve the purpose and will of God.  You are one part of the whole of creation.  You are great, honorable and worthy because God made you.  Because God said so.... Period! God gave you  resources and equipment to be used to complete your assigned task.  Use them.  Be grateful for them.  That is all.

What a Mighty God We Serve!

Just do your work and be blessed by doing.  Serve your master, willingly, humbly and lovingly.  He has mercy and shows kindness to all, even to those others mock, undervalue and ignore.  He strengthens the weak and empowers the faint.  It is by Him that good servants are good.  He gives you what you need to do good work.  Then He gives you the reward for doing it!  Thank God for the blessings of life, to be among His creation, to serve Him, to love Him!

For All We Know...

You have everything you need to enjoy this moment.  So enjoy it!  Don't worry about what tomorrow will bring or whether today's blessings will last beyond today.  Be grateful for what you have now.  Appreciate where you are.  Take pleasure in what you are doing right now.  If you are obedient with what you have been given and attend to it as God directs you, your Father will take care of all your needs and give you all your desires.

Aint No Stoppin' Us

Take time to connect, connect, connect.  Don't busy yourself with so many activities and preoccupy yourself with so many things that you don't have time to do what's most important in this life.  Share your thoughts, feelings, skills and knowledge with those God brings into your path.  Give and receive energy.  Charge and be charged.  We all are sources of power.  Make the time to make real connections with others.  Imagine the potential for power!

Honor Your Blessings

Take nothing that you have to be a right.  Honor each blessing as a gift.  Each family member, each friend or acquaintance, each asset (big or small).  For everything in your life was created by and given to you by God.  It could just as easily have been given to someone else or to no one at all.  So cherish every person, every moment, everything.

Taste of Grace

When everything's going your way, remember to say thank you.  Remember it's your Father who is rich.  It is He that giveth and He that taketh away. Continue to be an obedient child.  Bless His name.  Make Him proud.  Tell Him thank you.

Nothing More. Nothing Less

Simplicity is a gift from God.  Being able to relax and enjoy the moment.  Do a day's work well.  Come home and enjoy the sunset.  Rest for the evening. Sleep soundly.  Awake to a fresh new dawn.  Nothing more.  Nothing less.

Use What Your Daddy Gave You

You don't need to take on anything.  Work with what God gave you.  That is plenty.  Don't seek after more things.  Don't search for greater work.  Don't look for more interesting activities to involve yourself in or a broader network of friends.  Do justly with what you have.  If you work well within the context of your current situation, you will find that all your needs are met, physical, spiritual and mental.  Eat what's on your plate and be satisfied.  God will know just when to give you a bigger plate.

Overcome Evil With Good

Spend so much time doing right that you don't have time to do wrong.  Fill up on good thoughts so that there is no room for negative, unhealthy or corrupt thoughts.  Saturate the air with words that edify so that there is no space in the conversation for those that destroy.

Beauty for Ashes

Allow God to work in your life.  Let Him empty you, purge you, prune you and deliver you from yourself.  Don't try to keep it, hold it, salvage it or hide it.  Open up and let go.  The process may seem slow, ugly and painful, but the result will be beautiful.

Instead of Worrying Because You Can't Praise God Because He Can

If you had an awesome day, chances are you got up expecting an awesome day.  Get up each morning expecting something great from God.  Wake up rejoicing.  Praise Him for what He can do.  Don't wake up worrying about what you can't do.  If you acknowledge that God is able, He will demonstrate His power.  God will meet you at your level of expectation.  Rise up to walk in the realm of infinite possibility.

Is It Worth It?

Obedience is so much better than sacrifice.  Sometimes it seems to take so much to overcome our flesh and obey the Spirit.  When you have to choose between the two, the flesh seems to make more sense and be way more rewarding.  But when you succumb to the flesh, the reward is never worth it.  On the other hand, when you overcome, the reward is more than you ever even imagined.

Thank Him in Advance

God answers prayer.  He does it perfectly, in the right time, in the right way.  Just hold on.  He is coming.  He loves you.  And He's going to take care of it.  He'll make it right.  He's not late, so don't worry.  Don't keep checking to see if something's wrong.  Just be faithful and obedient.  The blessing is on the way.  Say thank you.

When You're At Your Best Satan is At His Best

When you're at your best, Satan is at his best.  You will always find your best isn't good enough.  Don't get complacent and too self-assured when things are going well, resting on your laurels in victory.  The fall from grace is the hardest.  Depend on the strength and wisdom of God at all times.  It is only by His grace that you will win.

(K)eep (I)t (S)imple (S)weetheart

It's really simple.  Seek God.  Ask God.  Believe God.  Obey God.  We make it complicated with our grand schemes and plans.  Struggling to bring our plans to fruition, we take on unnecessary burdens and stress.  Submitting to God's will, we find peace and amazing visions manifested.

Behind the Mountain Where Chilly Winds Don't Blow

Let God protect you from harm, hurt, your enemies, your fears.  Stop trying to secure yourself and defend yourself.  God is so much more equipped.  Hide behind Him.  Don't peek your head out to see what's going on or how He's doing it.  Just let Him take care of it.  Rest assured.  Humble yourself under His authority.  Let God have the battle and let Him have the Glory in Victory!

How May I Be of Service?

There is joy in serving others, the best kind, the kind that lasts, the kind that transforms.  It doesn't have to cost a thing, but the rewards are priceless, peace, sweet relief, fulfillment and more joy.  Give what you can.  Don't think about what you're giving up.  Give freely and honestly, without, pretense, without boasting.  Let go.  Humble yourself and serve.  You will be complete.

Forgive It or You'll Never Really Forget It

Most of our relationship problems come from failure to forgive.  I'm not talking about current hurts or infringements, but resentment that started long ago and has been brewing and festering for years and turned into nasty bitterness.  It probably started with people who are no longer even a part your life.  You're angry at your parents, children from childhood, an old friend or an ex.  Since you haven't properly dealt with it and let it go, you're projecting it onto the people who are currently in your life.  Forgive those people who hurt you then so that you can enjoy healthy relationships with those people who love you now.

Just for Laughs

Laughter is a healing ointment for the soul.  Don't miss an opportunity to laugh.  You need it.  It tears down walls you have built over the years.  It lifts burdens and removes the baggage you have packed up.  Let go and laugh.  Don't let pride and stubbornness rob you.  Just laugh.

Five Habits to Break

1) Trying to control others.
2) Marinating in anger.
3)Taking other people's issues personally. 
4) Worrying about what others think of you.
5)Trying to impress people.

Be The Friend You Want to Have

We expect perfection from everyone else.  Then when they fail to meet our impossible expectations, live up to our unreasonable standards and jump over our ridiculous hurdles, we threaten to cut ties with them and sometimes do.  How we forget about our own issues by accentuating the faults in others!  How we avoid dealing with ourselves by pointing out the inadequacies in others!  All of our mistakes have great excuses.  Our shortcomings should be met with mercy and understanding.  But there is no excuse for others?  The person who sets unreachable standards for his friends, while failing to reach them himself is sure to find himself alone.

Don't Ask Your Neighbor

If you're anxious, worried, frustrated, angry, hurt or confused, you may be spending too much time and attention on what you have no control over...others.  Instead of looking around, analyzing the conditions and trying to come up with the solutions for the world's problems, look up.  God is saying, "Don't ask your neighbor (or yourself). Come to me."  Next, look within and deal with your own issues, after getting direction from God.  Once you get clarity, you will be able to help your neighbors figure out their solutions.

The Medicine That Never Fails

You don't need an excuse, event, organization or special invitation to do good in the lives of others.  Love your neighbor today.  Don't worry about if anyone notices or appreciates it.  Just do what's in your heart, humbly and quietly.  God will always provide the opportunity.  And God will always give the reward.

You Will Find Your Way

Stay focused on the word.  This life is difficult to navigate.  The journey can be treacherous, even impossible.  But with God, all things are possible.  So let the word guide you.  Don't take your eyes off it. No matter how tempting it is to look at others, no matter how persuasive they might be, you must keep your eyes fixed on the word.  Without it, you will be confused, in darkness.  By it, you will find your way.  Always!

Are You Really Alive? Check Your Vital Signs.

We were put here to serve God by serving others.  If you're not doing that, you are not living.  You may be here.  You may be working.  Making money.  Prosperous in the world.  But you are not truly living.  If you are not experiencing God's vital signs of truth, joy, peace and love, you need to go to Him for resuscitation.  You need to let Him restore you by His word and His spirit, so that you can live by loving.

The Next Big Thing

There is nothing like spending time with a good friend or loved one.  Appreciate it when you have the chance.  Don't ever take it for granted.  Sometimes we're so busy looking for some "great thing" to happen in our lives.  We're so busy running and working that we don't enjoy the great things that we experience every day.

Use What You've Got To Get What You Want

Don't be bashful and fearful when it comes to your gifts.  Recognize that your gifts are from God.  He wants you to use them boldly, lovingly and joyfully.  Do so, and you will always be satisfied.

Gain Without Pain

Take advantage of good advice.  Don't waste it.  Often, advice is your chance to learn from other people's bad experiences.  You get to gain wisdom while avoiding the pain.

Dress to Be Blessed

Life is not for show and tell.  Life is for real.  So be for real.  Live with purpose, truth and sincerity of heart.  Don't put on a show.  Shows are fun while they last, but they don't last long.  If you want to have an impact and make a difference, be yourself.

To Make It To...You Must First Make it Through

To make it to, you must first make it through.  So you might as well enjoy your journey.  If you are miserable, complaining, mean, anxious and uptight, your journey may become unbearable.  Then you may stop.  If you stop, you will not get where you're seeking to go.  So take it one day at a time, enjoying each day.  Don't bulldoze your way through.  Take your time.  Be kind.  Respect others.  Consult your Creator at every step. 

Free Indeed!

If you want to be free, give yourself completely over to God.  Let Him have total control of your thoughts, speech and actions.  That seems contradictory according to man's rational thought.  But when God owns you, you are truly free.  You are free to be who you were meant to be.  This is what we strive for, fight and die for, to be able to live out our destinies and inner desires.  Only through God's power can we do this.  So give yourself to Him.

Feeling It

Enjoy yourself, who you are, where you are, what you are. Take time to feel the joy God put in you.  Spend time with yourself and find out why God loves you so much.  Look around and take in the joy that surrounds you. Appreciate where God has placed you.  Really delve deeply into your work.  Enjoy being a part of God's creation.

Let It Be Real

Thoughts, ideas, opinions and perceptions are not real.  They only become real when they become actions.  So don't waste time worrying over mere vapors that come and go with the wind.  Focus on what is, not what was or what may be.  And if what should be isn't, make it so!

Soul 2 Soul

Make real connections with those God places in your path.  Reach out to them in love.  Give of yourself, your time, your attention, your knowledge, your support, your company.  Be yourself.  They need what only you can give.  So you have to be the real you.  Good impressions are fine, but the real benefit comes from real, honest, soul-to-soul contact.  When you can give yourself openly, you will find freedom.

Possessed

Give yourself to God completely.  Allow Him to have full ownership of your thoughts, activities, conversations and possessions. let Him use it all for His glory.  When you do this, you will have peace and fulfillment, because you will be in God's place of perfection.  Everything you do will succeed.

Do More Thanking Than Thinking

You need to do more thanking than thinking.  Our thoughts can get us into a whole lot of trouble.  They can be envious, mean, fearful, lustful and prideful.  They can really lead you astray because thoughts become actions.  Actions become habits. Habits determine your quality of life and afterlife.  When your thoughts threaten to take control of you and lead you wrong, take control of your thoughts by thanking God and recognizing His omniscience. 

Who's Your Daddy?

Humility does not have to be a painful, forced, embarrassing experience.  Voluntarily humble yourself before the Lord.  Allow Him to be your father, protect you and lead you with ease.  Dote over Him, like a child does his or her father.  Believe His every word.  Become a child, a babe, as He wraps His loving arms around you, surrounding you.  Let go as He strokes your back, rocks you gently and puts the melody into your heart.

Give Until It Stops Hurting

If you want something, give what you have.  Not just material things.  Give love.  Give respect.  Give mercy.  Give sincere friendship.  Give understanding.  If you only have a little, give a little.  As you give, God will work within you, reward your act of faith and bless you with more than you gave out.  Keep  repeating the process over and over.  You'll end up with more than you know what to do with.  But God knows what to do with it.  So trust Him and give.

The Good Life

Learn to enjoy folding clothes just as much as you enjoy buying new clothes.  Enjoy making dinner as much as eating at a five star restaurant.  Your everyday responsibilities can seem mundane or even like drudgery.  But these are done more often and take up more of your life than what you might think of as special occasions.  The good life can be found in these little everyday moments.  You can make every day great and every moment special.  Don't wait for it.  It's already here.

Love Doesn't Try to Change People

God loves you because of who you are, not in spite of who you are.  When you do the same for others, your relationships will be blessed and you will have great peace.  God's love in you will allow you to do it.  Don't try to mold people to fit your expectations through preaching, nagging and manipulation.  Love and support them where they are.  Let the Love make them not different but better. 

The Spirit of Faith

Even a little bit of fear is unhealthy.  Fear is not of God, so it is not healthy.  It doesn't benefit you in any circumstance.  It stifles you, hinders you, cripples and ultimately kills you.  Don't welcome it, thinking it grounds you to reality.  God is real.  Fear is a lie from the devil.  Face your responsibility, dream, obstacle, or challenge with faith, courage and confidence in God.  Go forth, boldly and unafraid. 

Mission Control

Let God light your way as you follow your heart.  Stay focused on your heart and His voice.  All else are just distractions meant to keep you from completing your mission.  Doubts (whether yours or other people's), temptations, fear, hurt, gossip (about you, about others, by you, by others), and other people's business or issues are just weights, hindrances and detours.  Keep walking.  Do whatever you have to do to stay on the mission.  If you learn to let go of the weights, become oblivious to the distractions and channel your focus, you will experience the joy, peace and fulfillment God intends for your journey.

Don't Give Up on People

The most important assignment God gave is to love your neighbor as yourself.  Sometimes that seems like the most difficult one.  Sometimes it seems our neighbors make it hard to love them as themselves let alone as ourselves.  They hurt us, leave us, lie on us, lie to us, use us, abuse us, even hate us.  Getting along with our family, friends, co-workers, etc. is very challenging and complex.  How do you say the right thing?  When do you say it?  How do you give of yourself appropriately?  How do you respond to what they said and did?  Do you respond at all?  It's not easy.  That's why it's called the Golden Rule.  Gold does not come cheap.  It's precious and rare.  You work for it.  And you have to believe it's worth the work.  When you achieve it, it's by the grace of God.  You can't do it without God's love and power working in you.  But whatever you do, don't give up on people.  God put us here together for a reason.  Seek Him to understand how to make our existence together enjoyable.  Those precious moments where we work together in perfect peace, love and unity, are so worth it!

Facebook is Alright But Face-to-Face is Better

Don't miss the precious opportunity to commune with the ones you love.  Sometimes we take them for granted, especially the ones we see everyday.  These days communication has gotten so convenient that we overlook the importance of it.  We can talk to people thousands of miles away via the Internet.  We can use our phones to send out mass messages in an instant, but we often don't even know the first names of our next door neighbors.  Sure the technological advances are great and can be quite useful, but don't think they substitute for the warmth and sincerity of real human face-to-face contact.  It's good to hear a voice, see a smile, share a hug.  The convenience of modern technology may be making us lose the ability to really connect and empathize.  While you're checking your e-mail at work, the person sitting in the cubicle next to you might be desperate for love and attention.  Take time to reach out in Love.

Paralysis of Analysis

When God gives orders, He also gives the knowledge, skills and strength to complete them.  He will send the necessary help.  Just get to work.  No need to count up the costs and assess the risks.  Just do what He said.  Spending too much time in analysis will induce fear, hesitation, stagnation and eventually paralysis.  You will fail to do the work.  You will be useless to God and outside His will.  So when God says go, go immediately. 

Push

When the directions seem the most confusing, when the expectations seem the most unreasonable, when the responsibilities seem the most unfair, when you're just too tired, when you think you can't, when you just don't want to, obey God.  It is in these situations that the consequences for disobedience will be most severe and the reward for obedience will be the most fulfilling.

Desires of Your Heart

Just when you begin to settle into your blessing, when you sit back, close your eyes, and exhale.  Just when you thought you got what you wanted, God will give you a desire that came from so far down in the depths of your heart that your head never knew to ask for it or even imagine it.  Just when you thought you knew all about Him, God will reveal even more of His power and provision.  Just when you open your mouth to say thank you, God will grant more of His grace.  So just keep saying thank you.

Waiting for Rain

God answers prayers right on time, according to His perfect plan.  Just keep doing as you are told.  Go about your daily schedule and live your life.  Don't worry over and scrutinize the details.  If you prayed for rain, don't keep checking the clouds and color of the sky.  Be sure the rain will come.  The atmosphere changes gradually, sometimes too gradually for you to detect with your eyes.  If you stop looking so hard, the skies will open up before you know it and pour down torrents of blessings.  But you can't make the rain come any faster stressing and analyzing the atmospheric conditions.  It's going to take the same amount of time, whether you're anxious or at peace.  So why not enjoy yourself while you wait for the rain? 

Happy Are the Peacemakers

Those who make peace are happy because those who make peace already have peace.  If you are going into a situation of potential conflict, go in not ready to fight but in a spirit of peace and meekness.  If you go in with your dukes up, you are bound to get a fight.  If you go in with your hands open, you may find that you gain a friend.

Giving to God

Give to someone who isn't expecting a gift and who won't have a gift to give back.  Give to someone who won't go out and tell everyone you gave.  Give to someone you don't even know.  When you let go and freely give, you enter into a higher realm.  You are giving from the spirit and to the spirit.  You give unto the Lord, and from the Lord you will get your reward.

The Color Purple

We all want to be loved and appreciated.  There is nothing wrong with you if you desire to be loved.  The problem arises when we don't realize how much we are already loved.  In a world that is so full of distractions and distortions, it may be hard to perceive the simple yet powerful love that exists in each of our lives. Because we may not be able to see the love, we feel a yearning that causes us to seek love and the divine experience in other people or even in material things.  We get hooked on that elusive and temporary feeling.  Then we have to do any and everything to repeat the experience. Some people seek their whole lives and never feel enough love and attention.  Some people reach high wordly status and fame.  They become celebrated and adored by throngs of people and still never sense the love of God.  But the love of God is always available and everlasting.  When we learn to take the time to feel the love of God moving in and around us, we find out how much adoration and appreciation we really already have.  We have God.  God is love.  So we have all the love in this world and the world to come.

Won't It Be Grand!

Do everything you do well.  Don't skimp on the small stuff.  Do it all as unto God.  Don't wait until you're assigned some grand task.  Make every task grand and glorious in God's eyes.  Then when you go to bed at night, your spirit will be satisfied, at peace and overjoyed.  Then God will say, "Well Done!"

The Man in the Mirror

The problem you perceive in others is often a reflection of the very same problem that exists in you.  If you notice that someone is arrogant, check your own nose to make sure it's not in the air.  If you get tired of your friend being negative all the time, pay attention to your attitude.  If you can't get along with a coworker because he or she just doesn't seem to like you, do some self examination.  Do you like him or her?  God isn't going to show you other people's issues before he shows you your own.  Your issues are the only ones you can fix.

Be Blessed Now

You don't have to wait for the right person to give the love of God.  You don't have to wait for the right moment to be the best of who you are.  You don't have to wait for the right place to enjoy your surroundings.  The person is whoever you are with (even if it's you).  The moment is now.  The place is where you are.  Be blessed now.

What Joy! What Peace!

Oh what joy there is when you learn to revel in the blessings you have.  What peace, when you figure out that focusing on and whining over what you don't have is a waist of time.  You already have everything you need.  And many times, if you think about it, when you get those things you whine about, you find you didn't even really want it.  So don't just settle for what you have.  Enjoy it!

Work For It While You Wait For It

Whatever you have asked for, be prepared when it comes.  Don't wait until it comes to start preparing.  It is guaranteed to come, so work for it as you wait for it.  If it's a job, start reading up on the requirements and gain more knowledge and experience in the field.  If it's a spouse, set up your house so your soul mate can move in seamlessly.  Faith without work is dead.  Exercise your faith.

Don't Let the Devil Ride

Anger is not your friend.  So when it knocks on your door, send it on its way.  If you don't, it will make a good case for itself.  Next you will welcome it in to sit for a while with you.  Then you'll be mulling things over with it, how they did you wrong.  Anger will become your closest confidant.  You'll go to bed with it.  You'll wake up with it.  Before you know it, it will have taken control.  It will influence all your decision-making.  So if you don't want anger taking over your house, stop it at the door.  Like my grandma says, "Don't let the devil ride.  If you let him ride, he'll wanna drive."

Courage or Foolishness

Don't put more emphasis on going against the grain than you put on walking in the will of God.  Sometimes what you think is a courageous stance is just foolish obstinance.  Let go and let God move you positively forward.  Don't focus so much on proving you're your own boss that you lose sight of your objective.  Then nothing will get done.  Use your physical and mental energy not to stand against the world but to stand for what is righteous.  Sometimes you can be so busy not doing wrong that you forget to do what's right.  Instead, be too busy doing what is right to even have time for doing wrong. Refocus and reposition.

Keep It Moving

Don't use your failings as an excuse for failure. Keep your eyes on the prize. And if you fall, get up, correct yourself and keep moving forward. There is no excuse to quit. Even when you fall, the finish line is still there waiting. Failure does not negate the promise. It's still promised.

Seek Only God's Truth

God sent His word. He formed it into a walking, talking, breathing, unconquerable example so that we could walk, talk, breathe and remain unconquered. There is no greater truth. There is no greater comforter. Don't settle for anything less. Not chemical substances. Not material things. Not man. All else will pass away. The Word will stand.

Let Them Go

Allow people to be who they are. Don't get upset or frustrated over people's behaviors and beliefs. This only causes you senseless anxiety, anger, sleepless nights, bitterness and pain. Freeing others will free you. Let them go and let them move on so that you can move on to where you need to go. If you're holding on to them, you're both stuck. Release the hold on others and enjoy your own life.

This Joy I Have

Stop searching for happiness and find it where you are. You don't need to win the lottery to laugh. It doesn't cost one penny to sing a happy tune. You don't need a lot of friends to be friendly. You don't need designer shoes to jump and shout. Take off your shoes, because where you stand is Holy. God is good!

This Little Light of Mine

If the world around you is dark, you are not shining. If you walk into a dark room, wouldn't it be foolish to sit and complain that you can't see or blame the darkness? No, you would simply turn on the light. If you flipped the switch and nothing happened, you'd check the bulb. You are the light of the world. If nothing happens when walk into the room, check yourself.

What's Hot Today Might Burn You Tomorrow

Be careful that fashions and trends don't dictate your decisions. Do what you do because it is right with your heart and right with God. If you stand on that, you will always stand. If you jump on the latest trend, you will constantly change. What's hot today is not tomorrow. Men change their philosophies, styles of dress, mores and doctrines, musical tastes, etc. God never changes. God knows where He stands. Stand with Him.

Don't Let Yesterday's Sins Block Today's Blessings

Don't let the sins of yesterday bind you today. If the Son has set you free, you are free. No matter what you did. Whether it happened yesterday, last month, last year or when you were a child. Put it away and move on. You are free from the shame, guilt and bitterness of what happened before. You are free today. There is no excuse for failing to live right now.

Healthier, Wealthier & Wiser

Giving to others is an investment in yourself. You will reap the benefits of joy, peace and love. You will be healthier, wealthier and wiser. Don't hold on to it. Give it, knowing that it is unto God. And God will replenish all plus interest.

Happy Valentine's Day: Love Never Dies

Show your love today. Take advantage of every interaction with your loved ones, acquaintances and even people you just met. Don't take it for granted. Be honest. Be kind. Be compassionate. Be yourself. Take the time to set a spell. Don't rush off. Laugh with them. Compliment them. Let them know how much you appreciate the moment you're sharing with them. Life passes so quickly. Love is all that lasts forever.

Let It Shine

Each and every day is a blessing, an opportunity to love with all your heart, give of yourself, use your gifts, and let your light shine. We make the mistake of thinking most days are just ordinary. But everyday can be extraordinary if you make it special. Don't wait for the chance to make an impact. Your chance is now.

The Sins That Kill

Salvation is not just about abstinence from physical acts of sin. It's more than what you do in your body with or against some other body. It is also about salvation from the filth people can't see, bitterness, secrets, lies you tell yourself, self loathing, envy and hatred. These sins are sometimes more dangerous because they can be easily hidden. These are the sins you commit against your own body, mind and spirit. They block your blessings and keep you from reaching the level of peace, love, joy and prosperity God intends for you. If ignored, they lead to a slow and painful mental, spiritual, and even physical death. However, when you open up and allow God to clean you out, there is no limit to where you will go.

Let God Deal With You So You Can Deal With Others

Let God attend to your needs first. Pray, read the word and seek God's guidance in all things. Obey His commands in relation to your mind, body and soul. Then you will be fit to interact with others. Your relationships and contacts with people will be satisfying and fruitful. You'll be free to give of yourself genuinely and selflessly when you know God is taking care of you.

Standing on Holy Ground

Take off your shoes, because where you stand is holy. God put you in this place, in this time, among these people for a reason. You are perfectly placed, so stop complaining, stop fidgeting, stop worrying. Let it go, and live your life. Embrace the gift that is now. Hug your loved ones tighter. Laugh at what you think is funny. Whistle while you work. Take the scenic route, and enjoy the view. Smile at strangers. Everything you need is right where you are. So stop looking down the road. Take a look at the ground where you stand. You'll see it.

Get to Work

The most foolish and unnecessary way to shorten your life is to stress over other people's affairs, opinions and problems. You have absolutely no control over these things. So why add them to your agenda? You have enough to deal with attending to your everyday concerns and responsibilities. If you spend time and energy trying to handle theirs, yours will be left undone (so will theirs), and nothing will get done. Many times, we waste our time on gossip and rumors about others so that we can get a mini vacation from our own duties. Sometimes when we are not enjoying our own lives, we try to get gratification from other people's lives. When you're done talking about them and analyzing their issues, your issues remain. So do yourself a favor and just deal with your issues. Eliminate the unnecessary clutter of other people's business and work diligently on your own.

Your Life, Your Choice

Attitude really is everything. Glass is half empty to one person, half full to another. Something carelessly discarded as trash by one is picked up and cherished as a much-needed treasure by another. Trouble in one person's way is an exciting opportunity to show God's omnipotence to another. Life is one situation after another. And one choice after another. You can choose to be positive, grateful and optimistic, and life will be enjoyable. You can choose to be negative, whiny and pessimistic, and life will be a chore. Either way, it's your life. It's your choice.

Follow Your Joy

Enjoy yourself. Life is too short not to. God gave us hands so that we could do the work, feet so that we could go to the places, voices so that we could speak the words that give us joy. Joy is more than a good feeling or mood. Joy comes from God. Joy is a piece of heaven in your soul. It's a touch of God so that you know that He is with you, protecting you, guiding you, providing for you eternally. Experiencing life according to God's plan can only give you joy. Spend your time, energy and talent doing those things that bring pure joy. Don't stop for anything or anyone. Even if no one else gets it, keep doing it. Even if no one else appreciates it, keep doing it. God gave you the right to enjoy yourself. He created you and planned your life in just such a way that only you could enjoy. If you deviate from your plan to follow someone else's, you forfeit your right to divine joy. Don't do anything for any other reason than derivation of joy. If you're doing things that don't give you joy, you are being fake. You're not really living. If you're being true to your heart, you're experiencing life as God intended.

Speak Your Heart Instead of Your Mind

Love means taking other people's feelings, needs, desires and concerns into account, sometimes even putting theirs before your own. Love means considering how what you say and do affects others before you speak or act. Just because it's true doesn't mean you should blurt it out. Just because it's the right thing to do doesn't mean you should do it right now. Speaking your mind isn't always best. Take your time to hear and understand what God is speaking in your heart. Then speak that. Do that. You will do no harm. Your words will heal. Your actions will be effective.

Letting Go of the God Complex

You are not in control of your surroundings, your future, your loved ones, your enemies or even yourself. So stop. Loosen your grip. Ungrit your teeth. Untense your muscles. Let go. Let God handle His business. When you let go of your God complex, you'll find your peace. When you surrender yourself to God and obey Him, you'll see your joy unfold. It's just waiting on you.

Give to People, Expect Your Blessing From God

Look to God for your blessings. Your work is done on earth, but your reward comes from a place far greater. Don't do things for others, expecting a blessing from them. When you do something, do it for God. His blessings are not tit for tat. His blessings are exponential. So don't settle for the tiny reward you think is comparable to what you've done. You really don't deserve anything. God has given it all. Give, and you will receive over and above.