Choosing Wisely

This is good Godly counsel....embrace it and apply!! Thanks Tamika Lawrence for sharing this with me so I can share it with others :)



"CHOOSING WISELY"


(JAMES 3:17 NKJV)

BUT THE WISDOM THAT IS FROM ABOVE IS FIRST PURE, THEN PEACEABLE, GENTLE, WILLING TO YIELD, FULL OF MERCY AND GOOD FRUITS, WITHOUT PARTIALITY AND WITHOUT HYPOCRISY.


Because we are creatures of free will, we make choices-lots of them. When we make choices that are pleasing to our Heavenly Father, we are blessed. When we make choices that cause us to walk in the footsteps of God's Son, we enjoy the abundance that Christ has promised to those who follow Him. But when we make choices that are displeasing to God, we sow seeds that have the potential to bring forth a bitter harvest.

Today, as you encounter the challenges of everyday living, you will make hundreds of choices. Choose wisely. Make your thoughts and your actions pleasing to God. And remember: every choice that is displeasing to Him is the wrong choice-no exceptions.

-A Daily Proverb-
The godliness of good people rescues them; the ambition of treacherous people traps them.

Proverbs 11:6 NLT

"THE FUTILITY OF BLAMING OTHERS"

This is good Godly counsel....embrace it and apply!! Thanks Tamika Lawrence for sharing this with me so I can share it with others :)


"THE FUTILITY OF BLAMING OTHERS"


(JOHN 9:1-3 MSG)

WALKING DOWN THE STREET, JESUS SAW A MAN BLIND FROM BIRTH. HIS DISCIPLES ASKED, "RABBI, WHO SINNED: THIS MAN OR HIS PARENTS, CAUSING HIM TO BE BORN BLIND?" JESUS SAID, "YOU'RE ASKING THE WRONG QUESTION. YOU'RE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO BLAME. THERE IS NO SUCH CAUSE-EFFECT HERE. LOOK INSTEAD FOR WHAT GOD CAN DO."


To blame others for our own problems is the height of futility. Yet blaming others is a favorite human pastime. Why? Because blaming is much easier than fixing, and criticizing others is so much easier than improving ourselves. So, instead of solving our problems legitimately (by doing the work required to solve them) we are inclined to fret, to blame, and to criticize, while doing precious little else. When we do, our problems, quite predictably, remain unsolved.

So, instead of looking for someone to blame, look for something to fix, and then get busy fixing it, and as you consider your own situation, remember this: God has a way of helping those who help themselves, but He doesn't spend much time helping those who don't.

-A Daily Proverb-
People's own foolishness ruins their lives, but in their minds they blame the Lord.

Proverbs 19:3 NCV

The biggest loser

Wow I woke up one day and noticed I had 10 extra pounds on me. OK so it seems that way. It seems like after I turned 35 two years ago, YES I am 37!!!, I started gaining weight. I know that took my metabolism for granted. I no longer can eat whatever I want and not exercise. It was hard at first for me accept this weight gain because I have, excuse me, had been so thin for years. People please note just because you are thin does not mean you are healthy. So now I am on this heath journey - FOR REAL!!!!!

One of the hardest things about this journey is maintaining when I am on the road. Working from home I can just jump on my treadmill at any time of the day. Not so when on the road. I have to make it exercise a priority and really PRESSSSSSSSSS to do it after work. I just started a running and walk combination. I enjoy it but I gotta remember not to be too zealous in the beginning and then fall off by becoming inconsistent. I also have to make sure I make wise food choices and make sure I not skip meals. It is really easy for me to skip dinner or look for a fast food place after an exhausting day with a customer.

I know that the exercise and eating right is paying off because a few months ago my doctor took me off of blood pressure medicine.

I have to remember that the weight did not come over night so I have to be consistent, deliberate and determined to a live a healthy lifestyle!!!!

Please post any tips you have that contribute to living a healthy lifestyle.

Missing you!

Well today I woke up with a new year in view. I started recalling the times we shared and I cried because I was missing you.

You have been there for the past 36 years of my life. Shaping and molding me. Guiding and consoling me.

When I look in the mirror I can't help but to be reminded of you. Many of my features and mannerism are a reflection of you. My smile and especially the Hargrove nose.

Being around you was liking being in Cheers because everyone knew your name. You were just cool like that. Old school swagger these youngsters don't know nothing about that you would say. O I think about your sayings and it just brightens my day.

O sometimes I think I can't believe your gone we had so much more do and see. But God knew what was best and I can't complain because I know you living that eternal life because you called on Jesus' name.

So once again yep another new year in view, Wow Daddy I find myself missing you!!!!

Forever in my heart!!! I miss you!!!! Lov ya! Nik

2011 MANIFEST!!!!

Hey all! Today I just want to focus on the word for 2011: MANIFEST!

Websters defines manifest as readily perceived by the senses and especially by the sense of sight and easily understood or recognized by the mind. Some synonyms include apparent, crystal clear, decided, transparent, and unmistakable.

This coming year I believe the LORD wants to MANIFEST in our lives! I believe He wants to MANIFEST the following:
1. Himself. He wants us to know Him. He is not a mystery, although sometimes His ways are. He has revealed Himself to us in His Word.

2. His Commandments. He does not expect us to become saved and still live a lifestyle that does not reflect Him. We must open the Word of God (the Bible) and learn what he requires of us. YES, God does have conditions on some of His promises.
For these first points we can look to my favorite scripture Matthew 6:33.

3. His Promises. God promises us not only life but abundant life in John 10:10. In Numbers 23:19, it tells us that God is NOT a lier. He means what He says!! 2 Corinthians 1:20 tell us that in Him His promises are yes and we confirm with AMEN by His Glory being through us.

Remember manifest is not name it and poof God makes it happen. No God is in control and not us. Rest assured that God is doing His part the question becomes are we doing ours?

2011 the year of Manifest!!! To God be ALL the Glory! Cole

Don't fulfill God given needs with worldly means aka Destructive Behaviors

I believe that God has given us legitimate needs. These needs consist of various things such as love. God has really been showing me things to guard against. Right after my Daddy died in July, God warned me not to fulfill my needs with worldly means aka destructive behaviors. In the past I would fulfill my need for love with men, liquor, food and shopping. Destructive behaviors are patterns that stem from fleshly ways of getting what we want. It takes the Word of God to renew our minds of these old behaviors.

God gave me the following steps to discern how my needs are being met. I pray they bless ya!

1. Ask yourself, what need is this person, place or thing meeting in my life?

2. How is the need (name the need) currently being met by this person, place or thing?

3. Does the way this need (name the need) is being met please God?

4. Decide if I want to meet the need (name the need) my way or God's way.

5a. If I choose to meet the need (name the need) my way, acknowledge to the Lord, Yes I know I am out of Your Will but I want what I want (name the need) met by (name,person, or thing) by (name how they are meeting the need)

5b. If you choose to meet the need (name the need) God's way, acknowledge to the Lord you have a need (name the need) and if you have been using ungodly means to fulfill it (REPENT) and ask Him to show you how to meet the need (name the need) in God's way.

Meeting our needs with worldly means will never ever work because they are flesh driven. The flesh is insatiable. Please take time to discern what means are used to satisfy your needs.

The toilet seat and the blow torch

I have been trying to change the toilet seat in my bedroom bathroom on and off for the last month and half. OK so you are probably thinking what took so long. Well once I stripped the plastic screws I would try various things to no avail get frustrated and leave it alone.

So last week I was determined to get this seat off. God gave me the idea of using a blow torch. It was a mini blow torch so forgone were the mask and fire gloves. I am happy to report that the toilet seat has been changed.

The only side effect was me burning my finger on a piece of burning plastic. While I was using the blow torch I thought to myself I wonder how the news report would read if I had blown the house up or caught on fire. Yes, I know you are giggling just like I did as I made up crazy headlines details at 6pm.

The moral of the story is adapt and continue to be determined!