Christian Weather Reports

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gratitude, weather

One thing that really grinds my gears are weather reports. I wake up every morning, and think about God, check my phone for missed calls and turn on the TV…and hear goes the weather man talking about how terrible a day it is outside. Especially this time of year in Ohio, when one day it is raining, the next day it is snowing and the day after that there is 70-degree weather. Isn’t there a way to describe the weather that isn’t so negative?

Last week there was a thunderstorm in the middle of the night…in the tail of of February. You would have thought it was July! The winds were blowing and the crack of the thunder and lightening had me pinned to my bed. The storm passed, and I had been successfully awakened, so I got on Facebook. Here it is, close to 5a.m. in the morning, and an old friend of mine posts something saying if anybody was up this time of hour to please pray for her and her family as they were going through a time of need. Normally, I kind of go past those kind of statuses, or think that I will remember to pray for her later. But right then and there I prayed for her. And then, in peace, I went back to sleep.

Maybe God sent that storm to awaken me out of my sleep to answer her prayer request. I don’t know. I do know that we all need to have more respect for God’s process, including fluctuating weather. Every snowflake, ice crystal, rain drop and wind is made for us and is perfect. Yes, they can cause destruction, but they also represent the power of God.

Old folks used to make us sit down in a thunderstorm, unplug the phones, turn off the TVs and respect what God was doing. What a practice that was! Do we still have respect for the weather God gives us, or do we curse His perfect work because it makes us late to our jobs?

I would love for the weather man to say something like, ‘Good morning beautiful children of God! It looks like we are going to be blessed with a nourishing rain for the day. Today let us reflect on how God pours his mercies and love into our lives, like the rain pours down on the Earth!” Everyday and everything God allows in a day is perfect. We are to be thankful for it all, even if it closes a few schools.

This was the LORD’s doing;
It is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day the LORD has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118: 23-24

Thanking God For Waiting

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gratitude, music

I cannot say that life is quiet and peaceful right now. But I feel peaceful. My job is still rocky. My friends and family are still struggling. I am awaiting something new and different all the time. But stress no longer keeps me up at night. I am serene and feel safe though things could easily freak me out.

I know some people would listen this and think that I must be under the spell of religion, and am being blinded by what reality really is. That is far from the truth. I pray throughout the day for others to feel the peace I do when situations are in turmoil. I can’t say I am in a time of movement right now. I am in a time of daily reflection, peace and foundation building. I thank God for the time to be able to weigh my options. I am not making any swift decisions. I am evaluating my actions and helping those who are in need.

This kind of peace is a process. Months ago, I remember reading Isaiah 40:29-31:

He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

I’ve always thought, ‘yeah, that’s good for some people. But I have a life and needs that cannot wait.’ It is so easy for us to look at our problems with money, people, jobs and life and instantly try to fix it ourselves. Yes, sometimes God does want us to jump up from our laziness and make change in our lives. But sometimes He wants us to wait, grow patience and endure.

This world is fast-paced. Many people begin working in their teens and don’t ever stop until they pass out. Retirement in non existent for those that lack money. Success is defined by how hard you work, and how less you sleep. We are go-getters and we strive to make things happen for ourselves all the time. Today, I thank God for calm and quiet as I wait. Even though things continue to move and shake around me, I know that I remain serene, not by my own doing, but because of my relationship with God. Because I used to be the most nervous Nelly there was! But God has smoothed out my emotions (for the most part) and has given me a level and even attitude, when months ago I know I would have freaked out.

God ways are perfect; sometimes they are swift and immediate and sometimes they are slow and require faith. But loving Him makes waiting like an oasis. He hasn’t forgot about you, and patience will bless you in its own time.

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair

2 Corinthians 4:8

TGIF-Thank God It’s Friday!

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gratitude, music, tgif

I am thankful today, not for the things I have, but the things I don’t have. I am thankful for freedom, a free mind, a free will, a physical freedom. I am thankful that things aren’t more important to me than people. I know, this song isn’t gospel music, but the message is that one can surely be grateful and valuable without having “things.” Love it!

What are you thankful for today?

Kim Coles & Her New G.I.F.T.S.

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gratitude, Kim Coles

I saw Kim Coles on the MoNique Show the other night. The show was a rerun from a few months ago, but she talked about how she had went through a period of self discovery, finding out what she was really passionate about. As a result of her personal journey, she put together a website that I think it truly, truly awesome called OpenTheGifts.com. Here’s a little excerpt from the site:

WELCOME TO G.I.F.T.S.

With heart and humor, we will CELEBRATE together the true potential that YOU have always had inside by exploring the powerful principles of G.I.F.T.S.

Gratitude • Intention • Forgiveness •Triumphs • Self-Love

By reflecting in depth on these fundamentals you will:

· Transform old patterns

· Identify your PURPOSE

· Cherish your BEAUTY

· Step up into the real YOU!

I think it’s dope that though she is known as a comedienne and actress, Kim Coles has used her influence to do something positive for women. She is also host of a super dope new TV show on BET called My Black Is Beautiful, that talks about trends in beauty, health, wealth and all the above pertaining to Black women.

Kim Coles said something interesting about she feels her purpose for life is to observe people, hear their stories and share them with the world. I can totally dig that because after much digging I have discovered that I am a “cultural anthropologist” just like Ms. Coles! This is surely a MOVEMENT I will keep my eye on, as I think women need to see women in media who are working toward being better people and not getting over on other people. I learned that we can never look at people as one dimensional because they just may have some spiritual GIFTS for you! Here are the links related to Kim Coles and her new journey!

www.OpenTheGifts.com

www.Facebook.com/KimColesGIFTS

TGIF-Thank God It’s Friday!

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gratitude, tgif

This has been another challenging week for me. But I thankful to be alive today and in the presence of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Today I am grateful for:

The wisdom to make good decisions

My boyfriend who loves and supports me

The safety, security and comfort of my home

My relationship with God, and knowing that I hear his voice

The ability to speak wisdom to my friends and help them make good decisions

What are you grateful for?

TGIF-Thank God It’s Friday!

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blessings, Creflo Dollar, gratitude, tgif

Spiritual Blessings Belong to You

via Creflo Dollar Ministries

Scripture: Ephesians 1:3

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.

We have already been blessed by God, with every spiritual blessing. Everything we need, on a natural and supernatural level, has been made available to us.

What are you taking for granted? Are you unsatisfied and unfilled? What has blinded you from not seeing the garden of blessings that God wants us to tend to? Do you have blessings, like unclaimed funds waiting in the wings of life?

Today I am thankful for:

Parents who have wisdom and giving hearts

Beautiful new friends who love the Lord

Being able to witness to people about God’s love

Rnowing that God holds me accountable and responsible

Learning to love myself and appreciate my uniqueness

Real joy and real laughter

TGIF–Thank God It’s Friday!!

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gratitude, tgif

Gratitude is a practice. It’s a new way of seeing life. If you start looking at the numerous things you have, instead of what you don’t it will change you. God continually has us on His mind and is constantly giving to us. And even if you can’t grasp that, He gave us grace. That’s the opportunity to change and do things right. Who else can give you that?

Colossians 3:16-17

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. ¹⁷And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

This Friday, I am grateful for:

The use of my limbs and my right mind

God keeping food on my table, clothes on my back and a roof over my head through this rough period in our economy.

People who teach me about the Word of God, include my pastor, family and friends

Mercy and grace and loving me even though I am not worthy and haven’t been the most dilligent Christian I can be.

What are you grateful for today?