Armor of God

"But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation."-I Thess.5:8

How do we remain strong? How do we remain positive? How do we remain in God's favor? By putting on the FULL ARMOR OF GOD. Everyday is a battle. A battle against the will of your flesh and the will of your spirit. A battle against obedience and disobedience. A battle against positive and negative. We must know what it is that we are up against in order to be able to defend against it. "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"-Ephes.6:10-18. Learn how to strengthen your armor. All that you need to know is in God's word. Learn truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, love, hope, and the Bible. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God,"-II Tim.2:15a

Be Blessed and Be a Blessing to Others:)

NO FEAR.....

"Fear not: for I am with thee:"-Isaiah43:5a

"When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid...."-Psalm56:3-4NIV

"What has fear ever accomplished?? Only one thing...and that is...a lack of accomplishment."-Angelface

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand."-Isaiah41:10

"Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed; neither be disgraced for you will not be put to shame;"-Isaiah54:4a

Fear...such a small, yet powerful word. It is the reason for so many things undone, the culprit behind so many walls put up, both literally and figuratively. If only we could understand and believe that fear is the only true thing worth fearing. We are children of God, what is there that we won't get beyond? What is there that we can not endure? NOTHING. We are conquerors! Everywhere we go, every obstacle that we face, God says, "Fear not: for I am with thee:" Fear stops us from achieving our goals. It convinces us were are not good enough. It stops us from being adventurous, it prevents us from taking a chance, it prevents us from loving fully, it prevents us from letting people get "too close", it prevents us from being ourselves boldly, it prevents some even from getting to know the Lord. Fear can take away laughter and joy,...that natural, free medicine of life... Why would we let something take away our ability to laugh?? Fear can rob us of appreciation. We can be so worried about tomorrow that we fail to appreciate today...the now, the here, the moment. Fear can make us go through traumatic experiences over and over again....long before anything traumatic ever even happens in reality. We'll be so busy being fearful of it happening, that we go through all the emotions anyway! Some animals won't even attack unless they sense your fear. It's how they determine who's weak. The devil plays off of our fears...it's his tool to break us down and try to separate us from God. Evil rulers control with fear; the second that fear is broken...they lose all control, their kingdoms crumble...because fear is not a true foundation. Fear is an illusion. Fear is simply ignorance. There is nothing of this World to be feared. We are only to fear the Lord, and he is not of this World. Today, release your fears. They keep you in bondage. Why be a prisoner when God has set you free from bondage? Trust in God, trust in his plan. Realize that your fear is not going to make or break his plan anyway. You have no control over what is going to happen, or what isn't going to happen...so just LIVE. LOVE. DO. Be wise in all things, not foolish. But realize that knowledge and caution are so very different from fear. Make a list of at least 5 things that fear has stopped you from doing, and before the year is out...do them all. You'll see that it wasn't so bad after all. Live a fear-free life and live it to the fullest, all actions pleasing God. Faith pleases God, because it shows that you trust him and you love him. "There is not fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."-I John4:18

Be Blessed and Be a Blessing to Others:)

The Lord is our Redeemer!!

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."-Isaiah40:31

"Let nothing disturb thee; Let nothing dismay thee; All things pass; God never changes. Patience attains all that it strives for. He who has God finds he lacks nothing: God alone suffices."-St. Teresa of Avila

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."-unknown

"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the World."-I John4:4

"But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you."-Luke6:27-28

"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine: I will repay, saith the Lord."-Romans12:19(whole chptr)

Who can hurt us when God surrounds us? He dwells within us, his Angels camp around us, and EVERY knee must bow at his name alone. The Lord controls any and every thing for he is the creator of ALL things. He is the author of life itself and the final say-so is always his. When you find yourself in a situation where people are hurting you and you want to defend yourself, realize that it is only a test. I don't mean if someone is physically hurting you right then, and that you shouldn't defend yourself... I mean retaliation in any other form. God may be testing you to see how obedient you truly are to him. The crazy thing is, no matter what vengeance we can come up with, there is nothing that we could ever do to equal God's vengeance. We are so weak and powerless compared to the Lord's might and infinite power. When someone hurts his child, the Lord promises that if you be still and know that he is God, he will protect you. He will serve vengeance. You are not to get in the way, because God's wrath is something no man, no creature wants to ever witness. Be patient, pray for those that hurt you in any way, so that God may be pleased with you. Let God work, watch and see him fulfill his promise. When you see this come to pass, don't rejoice in your enemies downfall, but instead let it be a constant reminder to you to stay faithful and obedient, so that God's wrath never has to be directed towards you. Stay blessed, Stay encouraged. God Favors you, He loves you....God has your back, front, and all around covered. When you are weak, he is strong and the battle is not yours...it's the Lord's.

Be Blessed and Be a Blessing to others:)
(Thanx Steph for the quote:))

Recognize Beauty

"The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."-Numbers6:24-26KJV

"Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under the trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of water or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time."-john Lubbock

"Life is a splendid gift-there is nothing small about it."-Florence Nightingale.

It's good to get things accomplished and to be on the move, but sometimes it's so much better to just sit back, relax, and take in the beauty that God has provided. There are so many beautiful things all around us: The sky, the clouds, the birds, the trees, flowers, the grass, even the rain when it comes and those beautiful strikes of lightening...lighting up the whole sky!! Doesn't it make you feel good inside, when you recognize beauty? "The beauty seen is partly in him who sees it."-Christian Bovee. I love the days that I can see beauty and when I have the time to appreciate it!:) Today, look around you, take it all in; use all of your senses to enjoy the artwork that God has crafted for you!!:)

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever!"-Mahatma Gandhi

Be Blessed and Be a Blessing to Others:)

Have Faith

"Now the just shall live by faith."-Heb.10:38a
"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."-Heb.11:6

"You can trust the Lord too little, but you can never trust him too much."-Unknown

A simple reminder that whatever you are going through right now in your life; God is able! He is completely in control. "So that we may boldly say, the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."-Heb.13:6. There is NOTHING that he can not do. You may think that something is impossible, but you are underestimating God, because he can make ALL things possible. He can make a way out of no way. Let go of your fears, your need to control the situation, and give it up to God. I can't imagine any situation that would make God throw up his hands and say, "Sorry, I can't do anything for you with this one!" or, "Whoa!! You didn't say it was going to be this complicated!" No; because mountains move at the Lord's say so. We live simply because he breathed his breath into us. The sun rises and sets every day at his command. The sky stays above our heads because he wants it to. He has been known to walk on water, bring the dead back to life and save others from death in what seemed like impossible situations. There is NOTHING that my God can not do.... so today, let go and let God!! Practice Faith...HE CAN DO ALL THINGS....I've experienced it....and so have you...don't doubt, don't limit God's abilities....GIVE IT TO GOD:)
Read Heb.11 (The whole chptr.) Be Blessed and Be a Blessing to Others:)

THANK YOU JESUS!!:)

"Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."-1Thess.5:16-18NLT

"The best things are nearest: Breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of God just before you."-Robert Louis Stevenson.

It's so easy to get stressed out, frustrated, upset and unhappy...But isn't it so much better to simply be HAPPY??? No matter your circumstances, you truly can be. It's up to you. "We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have."-Frederick Koenig. The Lord gives us a million blessings daily and yet sometimes we are so focused on what's going wrong...that we don't even recognize all that's going right. Today, practice being happy. See how much your day improves. No matter what issues arise...consider all of the ways that it could be worse and thank the Lord that it isn't. Trust God so that worry doesn't block your ability to appreciate. God will provide for you; have faith, and enjoy life. If you are reading this right now...I can name a few things to be thankful for: You can see, you can comprehend, you own the luxury of a computer, if you have a computer, I'm assuming that you have a roof over your head, and electricity running throughout your home. "Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things."-Robert Brault. Sometimes, when I remember, I thank the Lord for each and every one of my senses one by one, and for all of my working limbs and organs. It may sound silly, but I couldn't imagine how much it would effect my life if just one of those things stopped working. "Hem your blessings with thankfulness so they don't unravel."-unknown. Be Happy today---you can accomplish this by simply being grateful for all things, great and small.

God Bless and Be a Blessing to Others:)

Consider This...

"Your greatness is measured by your kindness; your education and intellect by your modesty; your ignorance is betrayed by your suspicions and prejudices, and your real caliber is measured by the consideration and tolerance you have for others."-Wm. J.H. Boetcker

"The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things."-Prov.15:28

We have all done it...judged a situation prematurely, gotten upset with someone without knowing all the facts...been inconsiderate. Why do we do it? "He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly."-Prov.14:29 If someone were to call us inconsiderate or thoughtless, our feelings would probably be hurt. We would quickly become defensive and say, "No! Not me!" (Prov.16:2-All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.) Yet, when we judge a situation without taking the time to evaluate the facts, and deliberately meditate on them...you are guilty of being inconsiderate. (Consideration:1.The act of considering; careful thought; meditation; deliberation 2.Something that is to be kept in mind in making a decision, evaluating facts, ect. 3. Thoughtful or sympathetic regard or respect; thoughtfulness for others.) Not only would the World be a much better place if we all took the time out just to be considerate, but I guarantee that our personal relationships would all improve if we simply practiced more consideration. How do we accomplish this? First, it is important that we learn to stick strictly to the facts. Too many times, we allow our emotions, expectations, or personal opinions and beliefs to cloud our judgements and we base our decisions and reactions off of that, instead of just dealing with the facts. The problem with emotions is that they are ever-changing. The problem with expectations is that they can be unrealistic. The problem with personal opinions and beliefs are that...well they are personal(1.of or pertaining to, coming from, or intended for a particular person;individual;private 2.intended for use by one person). Therefore, what works for one person, may not necessarily work for the next, and so finding a compromise based on some common grounds may prove to be impossible. Facts, however, (fact: something that actually exists;reality;verifiable truth) can not be changed. They are what they are, and they remain exactly the same regardless of what person is dealing with them. Facts have no respect of persons. Learn to base your judgements off of facts and you will naturally be a little more considerate. Next step is to empathize. (empathy: the intellectual identification with or vicarious experiencing of feelings, thoughts, or attitudes of another.) Try putting yourself in the shoes of whoever the person is that you are dealing with. Try to imagine that it were you in their current situation. Ask yourself what your feelings would be, so that you can possibly understand where they are coming from. Then, ask yourself, not only what you would do...but also, how you would want others to respond/react to you. I don't mean how you would feel if you were exactly as you currently are... I mean if you were truly to fill that other person's shoes, take on whatever situation they were in, as a whole. Look at all angles, all variables, all factors involved. The second commandment is: "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."-Matt.22:39. The same consideration, the same thought, that you put into yourself and your decision making, should be put into the way that you interact with, respond to, and treat others...at all times. It could be something as complex as an argument with a co-worker, friend, family member or stranger or something as simple as putting yourself in the shoes of the person in traffic waiting patiently to switch lanes when you could clearly let them go in front of you...there is always a reason to be considerate.
God did not make us the strongest or the largest creatures on the Earth, yet he gave us rule over all other creatures. What makes us equipped to have such power?? Our superior level of intelligence (capacity for learning, reasoning, understanding; aptitude in grasping truths, relationships, facts, meanings, etc.) Utilize this gift; take the time out to think, meditate, and be considerate. The reward you will get within your relationships and interactions with others is so worth it. So many times, we wonder what is going wrong with our relationships, we think we've tried every remedy, and we just can't pinpoint what it is that could be wrong....Have you tried simply being considerate?? I'll end with this quote that is oh so true and fitting...
"There is but one genuine love-potion---Consideration."-Menander of Athens Quotes

God Bless and Be a Blessing to Others:)

Lend a Helping Hand

"We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves."-Romans15:1

"Learn to do well; seek judgement, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow."-Isaiah1:17

"Wherever a man turns, he can find someone who needs him."-Albert Schweitzer

We have all had times that we wished someone would take on our load, help us out and give us a shoulder to lean on. Knowing this, we should be understanding of others currently in that position. Pride, is many times the culprit that thwarts us from simply asking for help, even when we need it the most. What we can do as Christians, is give help, understanding, patience, and love without ever being asked. "He who gives when he is asked, has waited too long."-Sunshine Magazine. Look around you and see God's children. Everyone of them presents an opportunity for you to be charitable, and helpful. When we are strong, we are to help those who are weak. When we have, we are to give to those who do not. Find a way today to help others. Even if you feel as though it is you that needs the help, let go of self, and focus on what you can do to help someone else. The more you help others, the less help you yourself will need. Test it out, see God's promise work. As long as you are doing the Lord's will, he will take care of you. He instructs us to help those who need help and so that is what we must do. Help can come in many forms. Simply being patient with someone is a form of help, because you don't know what battle they are facing that day. Listening to someone, lightening their load; ask God...and he will show you how he wants to use you to help someone. You have the power to make or break some one's day...what will you do with that power? Will you give that compliment? Will you stand up for them? Will you pray for and with them? God is watching, waiting...make him proud. Spread some Love today!!:)

God Bless and Be a Blessing to Others:) Enjoy your weekend and fellowship:)

RELAX:)

"Be still, and know that I am God:"-Psalm46:10a

"There is more to life than increasing it's speed."-Gandhi


Are you busy? Too busy? Are you stressed or overwhelmed? Try this simple technique to help you out: Stop what you are doing, breathe, and RELAX. Most of us feel like we don't have the time to relax, yet that is exactly when you need to relax the most. Nothing that you have to accomplish is more important than keeping yourself balanced, and at peace. Actually, you'll find that you are much more productive if you just allow yourself a few minutes to relax every now and then. We are not machines, built to work nonstop. We need rest, our minds need to refocus. "Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop."-Ovid. I guarantee that if you simply relax, you will be in a much better position to deal with issues that will surely arise throughout your day. You'll be able to think more logically and even be more empathetic to others when you yourself are at peace. My challenge for you today is very simple....RELAX:)

God Bless and Be a Blessing to Others:)

Wish List Prayer and Maintenance Prayer

"Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden."-Corrie ten Boom

"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."Mark1:35 NIV

Can a person really have everything? Can all areas of someones life honestly be "perfect" for them? Sometimes, we may even think...What would we have to go to God about if we "had it all"? My answer is this: Yes. You can certainly have it all. However, I don't believe that you can reach that point until you are where God wants and needs you to be spiritually. You will always have something to go to God about whether it's a "wish list" prayer, or a "maintenance" prayer. The wish list prayer is when we ask God to give us something(s); the maintenance prayer is when we ask God to help us keep those things...Keep them in order, keep them going well, keep them safe, keep them as ours! It's just like going to the gym. You have a goal, your wish list, of what you want to accomplish. You want to lose a certain amount of weight, gain a certain amount of muscle, etc. After you've reached these goals, you must maintain what you've accomplished. You can't just suddenly quit or else all that you've worked so hard for, over time, fades away and is lost. The same goes with prayer. We pray to acquire, and we pray to maintain...in both, we are asking for God's help.
If there is a certain area of your life that seems to be lacking, be it finances, relationships, family, children, career, health, etc.,perhaps there is something in that particular area that God still needs to work on with you. Remember, God's delay is not a denial. His timing is always perfect. There could be a lesson that he still needs you to learn or anything else. It could even be, as the old saying goes, "You can't appreciate the sunshine if you've never experienced rain". It could just be that he wants you to get to a point spiritually where you are truly content with the things that you already have before he gives you more. Also, God knows that at certain times in our lives, we may only go to him to ask for the things that we desire...and that is why he keeps us without, because he enjoys talking to us. That's not at all to say these are the only reasons God may not have fulfilled your "wish list" yet; you simply may not be ready, but they are possible reasons. In the meantime, show your appreciation and dedication for all of the things that he has already given you by asking him to help you "keep up the maintenance". The more you learn about taking care of what you already have, the more God is preparing you to take care of what he wants to give you still. Be patient, trust God, have faith. "According to your faith be it unto you."-Matt.9:29. Phil.4:6 says, "Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." You are God's child, he wants to hear your "wish list", but you must believe that he is able to provide ALL of your needs, not just some...(Phil.4:19-"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.")

God Bless and Be a Blessing to Others:)

Thanks Nikki for the Topic:)

Make Peace!!:)

"Be Angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:" Ephesians4:26

"In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise." Prov.10:19

"When we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves."-Confucius
Someone has upset you, or offended you.... Do you speak on it or do you let it go??
You have an outright issue with someone....Do you resolve it with them or ignore it??The answers, I believe, are within the above Bible verses. Prov10:19 explains that even though we would like to discuss our feelings, points of view, and differences peacefully....the reality is that that may seldom end up being the case. Naturally, we are going to defend our motives, our judgements, because every man is right in his own eyes. Knowing that life is short and that stress is not to be taken lightly, the Bible says that the man who "lets it go" and keeps his silence is wise. We must choose our battles wisely. Therefore, if possible, it is better to keep silent than to try and make our point known to someone who's views obviously differ on the subject...simply for the sake of truly keeping peace and avoiding the possibility of sin. Now, of course most people will tell you, "If I've done something to offend you, PLEASE let me know...". They may even understand that you simply did not want to argue, but they appreciate it when someone feels comfortable enough with them to be open about any and everything. This is where our "quote of the day" comes into play. If you are wondering why someone didn't feel comfortable with coming to you, perhaps its time to evaluate yourself. Put a mirror up to yourself, review your own actions and ask yourself, "Why didn't this person feel as though they could come to me?" Even a liar, has a reason to lie. Most children lie to their parents, for example, out of fear of getting in trouble. If someone doesn't tell you every time that you've offended them, perhaps your reaction in the past has been something that they are trying desperately to avoid. If I tell my husband, or mother for example that they have offended me in some way, they are usually quickly apologetic. That's not to say that they think that I'm correct, or that they meant to offend me in the first place; it's just that they are letting me know...that they want to be aware of how they make me feel and they respect my feelings...different or not. However, if someone tells you that you've offended them, and you instead try your hardest to convince them of your point of view, and debate even with them...who would feel like going through that over and over again?? People will quickly learn, there is no point in telling you because you're only going to try and make them into you instead of respecting their feelings and being apologetic. Don't be that person...show humility, show respect and others will always feel free to be open and honest with you. Second question's answer and second verse Ephesians4:26 says that you are not to let the sun go down upon your wrath. Never leave and open argument unresolved. (Matt.5:23&24..tells us that God doesn't even want your offerings until you are at peace with those around you.) How can we truly say we love the Lord and hold resentment, bitterness or any uneasiness against one of his children? It is not possible to please God by doing this. (Matt.25:40...Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.) God wants us to treat everyone as we would treat him, because we belong to him, and he loves us, so he feels our pain as well as our joys. Prov. 6:3&4 tells us not to even give sleep to our eyelids before we have humbled ourselves and made peace with everyone. It's tough of course, problems always seem to arise at the most inconvenient of times...we're busy, we're already stressed, or even quite literally about ready for bed...However, God makes it very crystal clear, that we are not to rest until we have resolved all issues with his children and without having done this...our work for the day is not complete...so we are not at liberty to go on to sleep and move on to the next day. The Bible consistently shows how important love and peace are to God and we are to make it a priority in our hearts as well, if we aim to please him. Nothing takes precedence over resolving a matter against one of God's children...and we are all God's children. In the same way, if you see two of God's children having a matter against one another, or not at perfect peace with one another...you are to do your best to either help remind them of their obligation to resolve the issue peacefully, or if you have no positive, Biblical words to share...you are to remain uninvolved and silent. God will not be pleased with those who try to further divide his children, by lying, spreading gossip, stepping inbetween a possible reconciliation, or encouraging any negative feelings in any way. Do your part, wholeheartedly, to make peace so that God may be pleased with you. And in handling all issues, even and especially when deciding which route to take...Ask God for guidance..."He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he."-Prov.16:20 God will hear you, he will help you, and you will come out stronger and even wiser in the end...Follow his Word, and you can never take a wrong turn. THANK YOU GOD for guiding my path!!:)

God Bless and Be a Blessing to Others:)

HAPPY HOME

Home is where the heart is, where you can laugh and cry freely, where all is forgiven, understood and accepted. Home is where true love exists, unconditional, unwavering love. I could travel to the furthest corners of the Earth, even fly off into space...With love in my heart...I can always be at home!:)

Recognize the value of each individual in your life. God knows exactly who you need in your life and he knows just when to place them there. Some are only there for a season, and some for a lifetime...yet all are equally important. Recently, I have learned this to be so very true. I have learned lessons and recieved blessings through some of the most unlikely sources or people...simply because I asked God to guide me. I guess you could say that I am practicing being "emotionally blindfolded" in a sense, with God as my guide. Unfortunately, certain people's seasons have passed in my life, yet I trust that those beautiful seasons will come again either with those same people or new ones in the future. Its funny because I'm at a point in my life right now where God is using people that I felt so distant from, to connect with me, encourage me, inspire and motivate me. I can't help but to laugh even, because I realize "yes...God does know exactly what he is doing." It makes me appreciate these people that much more. Everyone has a purpose in your life but we must remain open to learn what that purpose is. You never know, even your worst enemy may just be the one to teach you one of the greatest lesssons in your life. Today, I thank God for not listening to what I believed the plan for my life should have been...But I also thank each and every individual that I have ever encountered for helping me...because you all have in one way or another, without even knowing it...Thank You!!:)

Be Blessed and Be a Blessing to Others:)

Humble yourself...Laugh:)

"Be honest with yourself, about yourself...learn to laugh at yourself."

"When you are humble, nothing can touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are."-unknown

If people judge or criticize you, even jokingly, you have no reason to be upset if you know who and what you are. Know your flaws and be comfortable with them. Laugh at yourself and then realize that just because you laughed at yourself doesn't mean that you think any less of yourself. When you realize that, maybe you will see that others don't necessarily think any less of you either. People naturally judge, even subconciously...when you hold your guard up or put up fronts, people try to figure out the missing pieces of who you are for themselves. Unfortunately, most people assume the worst, and then we wonder why people have such bad and wrong opinion of us. It takes a courageous person to say,"This is me, these are my flaws, accept me or don't, either way, I'm still thrilled to be me!". Flaws can be physical or even a part of your character, but they are what helps make you who you are. No one is "perfect" by everyone's standards...so it's okay to admit your shortcomings and even to laugh at them. Be sure that everyone you encounter has many flaws of their own as well. Learn, understand and then accept the fact that even though no one, including you, is "perfect" in everyone's eyes, we are ALL "perfect" in God's eyes. Humble yourself; not only is Humility the citadel of Beauty, but it makes all of our other character flaws seem to fade into the background.

"Humility is the only certain defense against humiliation."-Unknown

Guide my Path

"Nothing tops the fact that I am alive & present today...for it is this fact that makes all other things possible for me!"-Angelface

I Chron.16:8-36

"God is not here to please you; You are here to please him."-Angelface

I have but one concern, and that is to please God. I can not worry about creating my own agenda and figuring my future out. God has that covered. I read his word, to discover what it is that he desires of me. He speaks to me and I have no choice but to listen. All that he instructs me to do is follow him. Forget self, forget my personal opinions, emotions, and ever-changing feelings. Simply find a way to please God each and every day, and he promises that I will always have my every NEED met. He never promised to give me my every want... I am not informed enough to know the true cost of my wants. I trust that God knows much better than me, and when I am only focused on praising and honoring God...I know that my blessings always outdo even my wildest dreams and lists of wants. God created me & you, he knows what we want and need before the thoughts ever form in our minds. (Matt.6:25-34). Why stress about trying to control the outcome of your life? You have no more "say-so" or control than a character in any given Disney film (so to speak)...You simply act out what the author, God, has written for you.(Matt.6:27)
Stop fighting it---Stop stressing yourself....In Heaven all we do is praise the Lord, nonstop, for all of Eternity...Earth is your practice, your test...SCORE HIGH!!!:)

"Ask God what he needs from you today instead of telling him what it is that you want."

Be Blessed and Be a Blessing to Others.

BE YOU!!:)

"When you are content to be simply yourself and compare or compete, everybody will respect you."-Lao Tzu

Romans chptr 14(whole chptr)

So often we get broken down emotionally because we compare ourselves to others. We either do the comparing ourselves, or let others' judgements of us truly hurt us. In reality, God created you exactly the way that he wanted and needed you to be. You should rejoice in the fact that you get to be you and don't worry about what anyone else is doing or thinking. We are all going to be judged one day, by the one and only perfect being ever...Jesus Christ. Therefore, simply worry about impressing God, making God happy with you, and doing right by him. People notice when everything you do or say is said or done in competition and no one truly likes it. Stop being concerned with "keeping up with the Joneses" or being ahead of someone else or whatever your personal weakness is, (we all have one)...just worry about what YOU are doing, what YOU have done to please God today and that is it. And don't ever let someone else convince you that who you are isn't enough because you are not like them, or how they believe you should be. God made you to be you and them to be them...he makes no mistakes...so today, I encourage you....SIMPLY BE YOU!!!:)