Came across this eye catching piece at Charlotte’s Mint Museum and just gawked at it for some time. I made my way around it just to find myself mesmerized by the majestic colors reflecting from the sun. Oh how creative someone has to be to create something so simple yet complexed.
And then I thought, “my God!” The most important creator of heaven and earth.
“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” Colossians 1:16 ESV
He created us in His image and gave us incredible abilities to create beauty.
The crunchy hazelnut swimming in the soft velvety chocolate mousse, incased with chocolate and hazelnut bits is so, oh so satisfying. I could easily eat a whole case of these tiny little treasures but still not be fulfilled.
I have found something even more satisfying then these overpriced treats that not only calorie and sugar free but fills my mind, body and soul. It’s called the Bible.
I can indulge in its pages of truth and not gain a pound. It feeds not only my mind but my soul as well. Each page teaches me the solution to my everyday problems. Paired with prayer is the ultimate feast that keeps me full all day.
I pray that everyone seeks its contents and apply its principles for their daily life. God bless!
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:1-2 ESV
To some, exercising is a brutal punishment just to get in shape and being able to fit into those overpriced skinny jeans they compulsively purchased to stay stylish. While others are gym rats with defined muscles but the reflection in the mirror doesn’t reflect the distorted image they see of dysmorphic saggy skin and fat deposits. For the fence straddler, such as myself, exercising is simply choosing to move as much as possible while doing everyday activities.
River Street Savannah, GAFort Pulaski Savannah, GAFort Pulaski Savannah, GAUptown Charlotte, NCUptown Charlotte, NCFort Pulaski Savannah, GA
I prefer to walk with a scenic view, like dense trails with a variety of vegetation and wildlife or stroll through the hustle and bustle of uptown. It just takes my mind off of my increased heart rate and sweat beads forming on my face.
While I was in the US Army, running was a lifestyle that I had a love hate relationship with. But since my back injury I don’t have the luxury of a nice pace run, so I walk. Where will your feet take you today?
What personality trait in people raises a red flag with you?
Do you remember those mega churches on television that promised blessings and healing for a small price of $59.99? Or those local pastors that say “You will go to hell if you don’t tithe.” They typically use this verse,
“Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions.” Malachi 3:8 ESV
Credit: EX Ministries YouTube
I find this trait of false teachings and deceit for the love of money, not only to be disgraceful but also disrespectful to God and to the hopeless and sick that have been swindled by these lies.
I encourage everyone to read the Bible for yourselves and get the truth of what God is saying about tithing. The same way you would fact check a news reporter or popular podcast host, I urged you to do the same for leaders in church.
Yes, the Bible does say to tithe but not out of obligation or just a religious duty but to pray and allow God to guide you on how much to give and what to give. Tithing is more then just merely giving the first tenth of your income but giving what and to whom God has laid on your heart.
For example, You are on the way to run errands and you pass by someone living on the street. You get the urge that God wants you to help them yet you shake it off and continue with your day. That may have been an opportunity to show God’s love and mercy through giving.
God gives us free will. He doesn’t want to make us do anything, including loving Him. God wants us to freely give and we should want to give to churches that are teaching biblical truths and to the people less fortunate. Not out of obligation but because we want to show love and mercy to others the same way God does for us. Living with biblical standards and Christ-like behaviors is how we bring people to Jesus. Not condemning people to hell for not giving all their money for the pastor’s luxurious lifestyle.
Everything you say and do should reflect the God in you!
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV
Why is our culture so disturbed by the word submission? It seems that just the thought of it has caused rebellion in the family. Marital roles have been reversed and families are in disarray. Or is the new ‘modern’ family the new way of life?
“the action or fact of accepting or yielding to a superior force or to the will or authority of another person.”
According to scriptures, “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.” Ephesians 5:22-24 ESV
God created woman to be man’s companion and helpmate. The man is responsible for his wife and children. He is required to love his wife like Christ loves the church and sacrifice his life for hers. (“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,” Ephesians 5:25 ESV) In return she should submit to her husband and honor him. They are a partnership with specific roles and responsibilities.
Now submitting doesn’t mean she must do everything he says or else! Like she is prisoner or living under a tyrant dictatorship. The Bible clearly says, “In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church,” Ephesians 5:28-29 ESV
She should be loved and her opinion should matter. For me, submission to my husband is a choice that I choose because I want him to feel respected, honored and loved. My husband appreciates my opinions and makes me feel valued. We share the responsibility of teaching and disciplining our children while modeling biblical roles. I submit to a man who submits to the Lord.
This is why choosing the right person is so critical. Your values, morals and beliefs shouldn’t be unequally yoked.
“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” 2 Corinthians 6:14 ESV
What are your thoughts? Should the culture get back to biblical standards of traditional marital roles? Or is the biblical view of patriarchy outdated?
“God created marriage and how it will work.” -Tony Evans
How do you start your day? When you wake up what are the first thoughts that flood your mind? The many tasks that need to be completed, the grogginess mixed with frustration of wanting to throw your alarm clock across the room. Or is it the goodness of God renewing you for a new day?
Some say that what you do to jumpstart your day determines how you maneuver until the end of the day. How true is this statement?
Some people start with positive affirmations, some with upbeat music to get pumped up for the line up of disgruntled customers and some just wish that the first swig of coffee will be their savior.
Have you ever thought about thanking God? Showing Him gratitude for being able to see another day and making small changes to make you better than yesterday. Showing others the love that He shows you everyday. I have put this theory to the test by showing thanks for Jesus allowing me to see another day. Another day to show patience, kindness and love to others and I must say that my days so far have become more and more productive.
Sounds great right? Well let me not forget to mention that I still encounter obstacles and rude people but the way that I react makes all the difference. Going to God everyday with everything in my life allows me to endure the everyday life struggles with the grace and mercy I’m shown everyday by God. How will you start your day?
credit: Ceceilia Williams Uptown Charlotte, NC
“That is why I am happy even when I am weak. People may insult me. They may bring me trouble. They may want to hurt me. I may have many kinds of trouble. But I am still happy because I am serving Christ. Yes, whenever I am weak, then I am strong.” -2 Corinthians 12:10
Waking up thanking God for a new day. Giving Him the first few minutes of my day in prayer with a nice cup of caramel macchiato, while not having to scramble my kids off to school. They would be prepared and on their way to school with no fuss. I would then prepare to go out and run the usual errands and meet people who were smiling and just happy to be alive and in God’s grace. I would be able to turn on the news and see all positive reports rather than constant chaos and turmoil that we have become desensitized to. I would prepare dinner for my family and we sit around the dinner table taking turns talking about our day. We would then have family devotional and get prepared for the next day. We would attend a biblically based church that accepted everyone and would hate the sin and not the sinner instead of being judgmental and harsh to those who are lost. This would be my version of an ideal week. People just following the golden rule, treat others the way you would like to be treated and love God above all.
I am a coffee lover. I remember my first taste of an iced coffee, the sweet taste of carmel mocha with creamy swirls of whipped cream. Aw, the heavenly goodness taste so good it has to be bad for you. I want to share my morning cup of joe recipe that only takes 2 minutes to make.
What you will need:
Instant coffee (or your favorite brewed)
Coffee creamer (choose your pick!)
Whipped cream
Chocolate syrup (optional)
Chocolate chips (optional)
Water
What to do:
(If using brewed coffee skip steps 1 and 2 and pour coffee into blender).
1. Pour about 1 1/2 cups water in Nutribullet (blender).
2. Add 1 teaspoon instant coffee, creamer (to taste).
3. Blend for 30 seconds.
4. Pour in cup over ice and add whipped cream and toppings of your choice.
Positive
Through it all- good or bad be positive. You maybe hurting but your positive attitude may help someone else. You know what they say about karma!
ALL In, GOD 1st 