RIP Dr. Dixon

I have been doing a great deal of study again this month on how important gospel music heritage is, especially since it is September, while being reminded just how significant the genre has been throughout my life.  Surprisingly enough, today I just read where one of the most esteemed gospel artists around passed away this morning.  Dr. Jessy Dixon,  73, responsible for composing such amazing songs like "Sit At His Feet And Be Blessed," "Give God The Glory," and "Lord Prepare Me To Be A Sanctuary," songs that continue to be used during worship services worldwide.

Born in San Antonio, Texas, March 12, 1938, he began singing in church at the age of 5, also playing piano.  His family moved to Chicago, Ill, when he was very young, where he had the fortunate opportunity of meeting and being discovered by gospel legend James Cleveland, who eventually sang and recorded 2 of Dixon's songs, "My God Can Make A Way" and "God Can Do Anything But Fail."    Dr. Dixon was persuaded to move to Chicago to join Min. Cleveland's group, the Gospel Chimes, as both a singer and pianist.  He was recognized for his deeply-rooted testimonies included in his lyrics and melodies.  He became music minister for Chicago Community Choir,  where he was musician.  Along with Milton Brunson, he taught them spiritual expression through their singing.  

Many of his treasured compositions have been sung a multitude of church environments, concert halls.  Paul Simon, popular artist who wrote "Bridge Over Troubled Water," had a stint with Dr. Dixon, as an opening act on tour.  His song, "I Am Redeemed" became an amazing popular song, and was a Billboard chart favorite, for at least 5 years.  In the United States, Dixon was a long-time fixture on composer and singer Bill Gaither's Gospel Series, video concert broadcast on religious oriented cable television stations.  

During his career, Dixon was able to produce five gold records and garner several Grammy nominations.  We will miss him, but we realize he is at peace, resting in the hand of God.  Thank you, our brother, for allowing the Spirit of God to utilize you, leaving songs of faith, determination and encouragement, believing we will be victorious, because we are not forsaken. 

 

Gospel Music Heritage Month (Hymns)

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in PSALMS and HYMNS and SPIRITUAL SONGS, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord!"
(Colossians 3:16)

I have always loved the sound of melodies and lyrics that a hymn provides.  When I was a little girl, growing up in NYC, our family attended 3 different types of worship services: we embraced the opportunity to attend Deliverance Evangelistic Center when I was an infant, throughout my youthful years, experiencing the anointing of God, rooted bible-teaching, praise, prayer, salvation, deliverance and healing.  Our mom would take us to St. Luke Baptist Church, located  on the same street we lived, whenever we were unable to travel  to Brooklyn, and where I sang on the Youth Choir, not Sunbeam or Tiny-Tots, at the age of 3.  In addition, during his weekends off, our dad loved exposing us to services at Abyssinian Baptist Church, where we would listen to the choir sing with such melodious tones, as the pipe organ rang out sounds of true worship, and  the past gave stern deliveries of God's Word.

One of my favorite childhood hymns was "All Hail The Power of Jesus' Name," lyrics by Edward Perronet, and Oliver Holden composed the music.  The very words would allow me to see just who I was singing about, and why.  Interestingly enough,  each of the 3 churches I attended ministered that song 3 different ways!  St. Luke sang the short version in modest mode, Abyssinian provided the longer version with  the chorus broken up in sections, and Deliverance would come alive with a fast-tempo, COGIC style.  I love every version!

Hymns can touch the very core of our being.  They have been performed by many music artists, whether spiritual, secular,  or even classical, in everywhere from church settings, cathedrals, opera houses, even the White House.  Many of them were composed by individuals who were led by the Spirit of God to share their testimonial, while telling the story of God's love, grace and forgiveness to everyone who would listen.  Great gospel composers, such as Wallace Willis (Steal Away To Jesus),Thomas Dorsey (Precious Lord, Take My Hand), Lucie Campbell (He'll Understand And Say Well Done), and Margaret Douroux (If It Had Not Been For The Lord), have filled many hearts at just the right time of trial, uncertainty or lonely moment.

One particular composer and poet, Fanny Crosby (1820-1915), was probably the most prolific hymnist in history.  We have sung her songs in every sanctuary, auditorium, and concert hall.  Though blinded by an incompetent doctor at the age of six, she wrote over 8,00 hymns.  

About her blindness, Ms. Crosby said:

"It seemed by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dispensation.  If perfect earthly sight were offered my tomorrow I would not accept it.  I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me."

Crosby was responsible for penning songs like "Blessed Assurance," "All the Way My Savior Leads Me," "To God Be the Glory," "Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior," "Safe in the Arms of Jesus," "Rescue the Perishing," "Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross," "I Am Thine, O Lord," and many more.

It is something about singing or humming a hymn.  While driving to work, walking through a shopping mall, the words can resonate through every thought you may be having, at the same time piercing your soul, and healing your mind.  King David, who was a man after God's own heart, said "He put a new song in my mouth, a HYMN of praise to our God! Many will see and fear the LORD, and put their trust in HIM!" (Psalm 40:3)

When we sing a hymn at any time, our spirit man usually becomes immediately joyful, and full of the peace of God, knowing everything will be fine,  by and by!  

Blessings and peace always!

Where Does Your Faith Lie?

I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. 

(Psalm 27:13)

During moments of despair and uncertainty, who do you rely on to make it through?  We MUST know how imperative it is that we know where and who our trust remains.  This song continues to minister to me in such a way, reminding me that with God ALL THINGS are possible.  Performed by Micah Stampley, composed by his wife Heidi, the following video was created from one of my favorite songs of worship, providing true testament of the one true God, who is over all, and in us all.  Please be blessed, everyone!

There IS A Plan

 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, 

“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future!"

(Jeremiah 29:11)

We are living in a time where so much is taking place, such that if we are not careful or assured, the direction of our lives may take a disdained turn.  But, when we know who we belong to, and what the destiny of our life is, or will be, we remain victorious in all things that we face.  God created us "in His image, and in His image God created he him," which still holds true, that everything He made is known to be good.  The purpose He has for us, sometimes takes much struggle, disappointment, even lonely moments.  We have to be confident that His fulfillment of our lives will work out in our favor.  

For instance, Job was a man who walked upright, feared God and disliked evil.  He had everything a man would desire to posess:  wealth, marriage, children and success.  However, the tests materialized once God and satan had a conversation regarding why the devil was searching for.  God was told by satan that he was looking for someone he could overtake.  God mentioned Job to satan, whom He knew intimately to be one of His most tried and true servants, and gave satan permission to try to see if Job could be defeated in His belief in God's sovereignty.

It was evident that, though Job believed God to be faithful, in spite of his flesh falling away from his body, how he remained steadfast, knowing that "the Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away, Blessed be the Name of the Lord," he continued to endure.  Losing EVERYTHING, even his health, his so-called friends, or "miserable comforters" as he called them, mocked and laughed at his turmoil, because they wanted to think he was suffering for something unpardonable he had to have done, he experienced loneliness like never before.  To make matters worse, his own wife allowed herself to be used by the devil, trying to convince Job to forget God, but not only that, but to curse Him, AND DIE!  

After going through great loss in huge proportions, including Job's thoughts about dying, he cried out to the Lord, asking why He was not responding to him, while stating how he has always tried to be a good servant.   In return, God spoke to him firmly, reminding him who HE is, and what He is able to do.  Job then prayed for his friends, and God blessed with more than he had before!  Prayer was answered, and the friends were reprimanded for what they told Job that was untrue.  "Thou You slay me, YET will I trust You," was how Job believed, and no matter what he had to face, he continued to seek God for clarification.

When we have a relationship with the Lord, when we make way to listen to His voice in every situation, pay close attention to His Word and obey, He has promised us that all good things will come to us, even though we feel like no one cares, or our hurts and unsure outlook appear bleak.  God's Word is life, power and truth, and we can never lose as long as we know that.  People may try to speak negativity into our painful or confused outlook, but God knows what we need more than we know how to ask.  He made us, and knew us, before the foundation of the world, so His plan for our life is positive, sure, beautiful!  

Let's continue trusting God in everything, FOR HIS PURPOSE!  Amen?
 

FATHERHOOD?

As the third Sunday in June approaches, my memories of my own father resonate throughout my whole being.  Even though he has been gone from us naturally since 1992, I continue to be reminded of his caring, yet strong persona, while visualizing his attributes in my sons.   The way Dad wanted to provide the best for his family, working 5-6 days weekly in the blue-collar arena, but still maintaining structure at home, keeping us together, was monumental. Mr. Jones, Brother Jones, or Mr. James (used as greetings by people from all walks of life), was a very seasoned individual, yet distinguished, teaching us to speak correct English at all times, proper etiquette, in order to enter any room with decorum, and chastised us whenever necessary, but never disregarded showing all of us fatherly love.  He had a strong dislike of the use of profanity, stating there is a dictionary full of meaningful words that can be used instead, which would supply better responses in any situation.   Our father believed that God had a plan for all of our lives, while trying to make sure we knew what the love of God was.  As far as building character in us, he saw the destiny of God in all of us very early in our lives, regularly providing worship experience outlet, studying God's word, and the appreciation of singing praises to the Lord, especially since he sang with a quartet for years.  Dad knew the importance of instilling in us guidance, helping us to realize the invaluable growth of genuine  artistic expression we would later desire to excel in.   I sincerely miss that type of fathering he projected, but nevertheless was, and remains a vital legacy, to which I consider myself quite blessed because of what he taught us.  When I was able to have my own children, even after becoming a divorced  mother, it became imperative that, with God's help, I could plant the same fruitful seeds that my father sowed in us, training them up in the way they should go. The following is an excerpt of a writing I was fortunate enough to envision earlier, and thought it to be very appropriate for such a time as this!  Be blessed, everyone!  A GOOD FATHER, OR  A SPIRITUAL FATHER? In my opinion, one of our greatest problems today is that people are going into life, into ministry or leadership of some kind without ever having been mentored or fathered themselves. I believe that the role of fathers today has been degraded in the public eye to the point that we have almost lost the vision for the critical role fathers play.  Appropriate, affectionate touch and affirmation, from a good father, who is a spiritual father, are probably the largest factors in building strong, personal spirits into our lives. Without the affirmation of our fathers, we will wander, looking for our identity in many other places, and perform for acceptance.  Here are some thoughts about good spiritual fathers: It is on our father's knee that we learn that we are the apple of his eye - and God's eye.  We learn that we are a delight, a pleasure, and that we are desirable to be with.  He communicates our value as a contributing member of the family, the community, and the body of Christ.  Being received by him, gives us the confidence we need to live fully out of our true identity.  We have courage, based on what our Heavenly Father says about us, instead of performing to win the approval of everyone else.   We are not lured into sin with flattery, because our Father has affirmed our God-given purpose, gifting, talent and callings in life.  We are secure in bonded relationships, and able to trust God when Satan's cheap, easy counterfeits come along to lure us with empty promises. We are able to minister out of health and stability, that is based on God's truth.   If you have been blessed with such a Father, please let him know how fortunate you are.  If you are hurting as you read this, its not too late to ask God for a spiritual father (or mother), to re-parent you and love you, with God's agape love.  Ask God for discernment to know who has a fathering heart, so you will be blessed and loved to life (vs. rejected again).   ASK GOD TO BLESS YOU WITH A GOOD SPIRITUAL FATHER TOO!   You can pray for your own father or spiritual father, by loosing him from fleshly traits, and binding him to the heart of God, and to His character.  If you have been hurt by an uncaring church leader, ask God for a good father, who is a true spiritual father.  If you are afraid to choose one for yourself, the following comparison between a spiritual father, and someone who is just a Godly church leader, may help you to discern a true father and their motivations.  Some of these thoughts are taken from the book, "Mentoring and Fathering" by Schultz and Gaborit, and some from "Restoring the Christian Family" by John Sandford.    GOOD SPIRITUAL FATHER "FLESHLY FATHER" Takes his childhood wounds to Jesus for healing Takes his hurts out of the nearest person Takes his fleshly reactions to the cross Automatic reactions w/o leading of the Spirit Forgives others, God and himself Holds resentment, judgments, bitterness Takes responsibility for sins he sown Blames others for what he is reaping Honors and respects his authorities Undermines his own authority with dishonor Is flexible and led of the Holy Spirit Under fleshly inner vows in his own strength Believes the best,  believes in you Has bitter expectations that you will fail again Confesses the sins of his fathers Repeats the sins of his fathers and more Touch, time, gifts, help, on your side Loves you the way he wants to receive love Hears God, is in agreement with Mom Controls, dominates, competes, pouts Appreciates/respects the opposite sex Undermines feminine contributions Encourages you for your own good Flatters you and manipulates for his agenda Finds time to be available to you Is too busy to spend quality time Will bless you when you are led to leave Will cut you off if you are led to move on Prays for you without ceasing Will pray if you ask him Willingly imparts spiritual gifts and wisdom Doesn't want to lose (spiritual) advantage Sees potential gifts, talents & callings in you Only sees you as you are now Trusts you to step out (with room to fail) Will not release you for fear of your failure Isn't afraid to discipline or correct you Will either avoid correction or will over react Has a heart to restore the brokenhearted Withdraws from high maintenance children Will pay a debt they do not owe Will hold your debts over your head Will fellowship with other fathers Will hide from accountability to his peers Moves toward the current move of God Weds you to his beliefs, past moves  Is not threatened by your other relationships Tries to control who you hear and who you serve   Teaches you dependence on God also   Keeps you dependent on him   Teaches you Truth from God's Word   Teaches you his doctrinal bias   Has the heart of a true worshiper of God   "Attends" or sends you to a worship service   Is happy when you succeed more than he   Is threatened when you succeed more than he   Has the 'team' concept of service   Has a 'golfer caddy' idea of your service   Makes you feel comfortable / protected   Threatens to expose you or attack you   Helps, wanting nothing in return   Expects something for helping you   Willing to admit his weaknesses   Will not admit weakness or mistakes   Is interested in what you are doing   Only what he is doing / his vision   Is relationship oriented and sensitive   Is task oriented   Communicates well and listens well   Feels bothered and put upon by you   Hears God and leads by the Holy Spirit   Influences or controls for his own agenda

PRAYER, ANYONE?

Have you experienced moments where it seems as if everything that could happen, is happening in your life, and you feel as though you are unsure of what to do next?  Or, can you bear witness to the fact that you feel like you have reached an impasse, and uncertainty raises it's ugly head?  A day, during the month of April, has been designated as National Prayer Day.  Everyone in the country are asked to take time out to pray or request, have a meeting with God intimately, and you realize that what you are asking for, an answer shall be provided, that everything will be placed in its proper perspective.

In retrospect, we should ALWAYS PRAY, and lift one another up, EVERY DAY of the year! While we are making our requests known to God, He ALWAYS hears us.  I have learned that, throughout my life, there are 3 responses that become the most consistent; NO, YES, and WAIT!  When you think back on the prayers you have sent to God, are you able to say the same?  I am sure that you can bear witness to how the answers are provided, realizing that everything will be worked out as it needs to, and you have that blessed hope!

So much is taking place around us, everywhere we go, everyone we see or come in contact with.  What are we actually praying and asking for?  What are we wanting to happen?  Who do we want to lift up, or stand in the gap for?  The Word of God tells us, in 2 Chronicles 7:14:

"If MY people, which are called by My name, shall HUMBLE THEMSELVES, AND PRAY, SEEK MY FACE, TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS; THEN I will HEAR from Heaven, I will FORGIVE their SINS, AND will HEAL THEIR LAND!"

Also, we should know that, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  What does that mean to you?  What do you get out of that?  I personally have been asking God for some incredible things that I need Him to do in my life, but not just for me, but for everyone I know.  When we pray, we should keep in mind this parable:

Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, "God, I thank Thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.  I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of that I possess!"  And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, "God be merciful to me, a sinner!"  I tell you, THIS man went down to his house justified rather, than the other: for every one that exalts (elevates or glorifies) himself shall be abased (lowering in rank, office, prestige or esteem); and he that humbles (meekly or modestly) himself shall be exalted."

Prayer time is an experience that requires focus, determination, and belief that whatever you are asking God for, SHALL BE brought to pass, because you KNOW HE is faithful, when everyone else is not.  We should KNOW that God is able to do whatever He said, in spite of what it looks like around us.  We should realize who we are, and that we are nothing but dust; however, when we go to God and present Him what we want Him to do in us sincerely, He WILL honor our request, especially when we have a real relationship with Him. 

"It is God that girds me with strength, and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like hinds' feet, and sets me upon my high places. He teaches my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms!"  (Psalm 18:32-34)

We should continue to seek and hold fast to who God is, and what He can do- anything but fail!  God provides, and makes us able to accomplish whatever necessary in our lives.  Now is the time to pray like never before.  In light of everything that is going on today, we must continue asking for distinct instructions, so we can continue to walk in victory.  Amen?

Worshipping Freely

So much is happening today, with signs and wonders, around us everywhere.  I want to ask a question, those of us who have that relationship with the Lord, Almighty God, through His son Jesus Christ, and the precious Holy Spirit indwelling-presence.  Throughout all the sufferings, struggles, tragedies, moments of sadness and strife, God's keeping power has been and continues to be, here to sustain us.

Through His Word, allowing our ears to know and hear His voice when He speaks, and our growing, daily walk, wanting to be in the presence is an honor, not to mention mandatory for readiness of our lives.

The video contains a beautiful song, both lyrically and melodiously, written and composed by an extremely anointed instrument of music, Minister Faith Davis.  Recorded by Min. Davis, along with The Minstrels and The Levites,  it assists with placing us in a state of worship momentum.

Please listen, as you take time to enter into His presence, and know what it feels like to always want to be there.  Blessings and Peace always! 

BE YOURSELF!

But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’”  (Romans 9:20)

The video being presented below provides encouragement from the perspective of a young minister of music.  Kris Dillard is an anointed gospel singer/songwriter/musician who travels, proclaiming the name of the Lord in song and worship, in a way that all can relate, while making sure all glory goes to God.  This particular message deals with knowing, and liking who God made all of us to be.  Give a listen, and allow yourself to be blessed today!

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - "SPEAKING A DREAM"

Today we commemorate the birth of a man who made amazing leaps of change, showing all of us how dreams can never be too impossible to grasp.  His name, The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., has remained such an historical figure.  Quotes have spread abroad for decades that he was able to speak during a time of ugly despair, dealing with being approached by hate-partisan groups, and the struggle to finally obtain the right to receive fair, human, civil liberties, but not without taking pain or discontentment himself.  

After all this time, where do we find ourselves now?  The issues that were fought for, without functioning in a violent manner, Dr. King exemplified what walking in the light of the Lord, in the Word of God, and being lead by the Holy Spirit, looks like.  According to Matthew 10:22, Jesus spoke, "You will be hated by everyone because of Me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved."  Dr. King knew too well what it meant to do what was required of him by God, yet he was determined that what God revealed to him, in the midst of extreme turmoil and strife, the DREAM would become a reality.

All of the esteemed words that were spoken by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. were, and still are so compelling.  We should be persistent, taking all of them to heart, literally, as we practice and forge ahead, based on the principles he learned to establish.  Instead of certain words that are still used today in jest, that have such an inhumane-sentiment background, they should be replaced with positive, constructive and optimistic forethought.  

 We need to return to allowing ourselves to step into progressive movement, knowing that we will see victory, no matter how rough it is right now.  Everything that Dr. King stood for, using intelligence instead of ignorance; self-respect and dignity instead of vulgarities; tasteful decorum or, as some say today "swagger," instead of tackiness.  Not just today, but every day that the Lord reveals to us, we should consider this thought:  "What would Martin do or say?"   Let us pray that the young pay strong attention to, and learn from the older.  As the wise teach what God brought them through, how they continue to walk in the liberty that was fought for, lives being sacrificed for, and certain  acceptable amenities being ensured of reception.  We should continue to pay homage  to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., keeping in mind how we arrived to this  place, and who was instrumental in guiding us, and who his confidence relied on.  

People, pick up the torch, and follow true leadership!  Blessings and peace to all!

PRAYING FOR NADYA and TED

 

"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." (James 5:16)

Upon watching television earlier today, Suzy Orman confessed to Nadya Suleman, the young mother of 14 children, that the only person who will be able to help her out in her situation is GOD! Can we seriously pray that the young mother will seriously consider calling on the name of the Lord for direction, and HE will move on their behalf, in EVERY AREA! 

Later in the day, I read an insert where the "now famous voice-over sensation" Ted Williams, who was found homeless by accident, and became an overnight star, is having some serious issues, with habitual tendencies, and family problems.  Ted has been given a gift in his voice, which is a real blessing.  We know that  Proverbs 18:6 tell us that "A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men."  So much is true about how Ted's life has suddenly spiraled, while he has things he needs to get help for, things that have had him in bondage for a long time. 

Ecclesiates 10;;10 tells us:

"If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success!"

We should include Nadya, Ted, and family members in our prayers, as well, so he will not be consumed, but be set free from whatever he has been dealing with deep inside, throughout his whole life.  God is still able to make the crooked ways straight and the rough places plain.  Let us pray:

Father God, we are declaring for Ms. Nadya Suleman salvation, deliverance, a sound and made-up mind, peace, to know that she is LOVED by Our God,  through Jesus Christ! Father, in the name of Jesus, show her YOU, touch her, fill her with Your Spirit, shower her with Your mercy! Yes, YOU, FATHER, are able to do the impossible, in all of our lives, and you are not a respecter of persons! Thank you, Father, for what you have done, what you are doing, and what you WILL DO, IN JESUS" NAME!

As for our brother, Mr. Ted Williams, Father God, I KNOW you can cover Him with Your protection, continuing to let him know that YOU are there for him, and WHEN he calls on YOUR name, YOU WILL ANSWER him! Touch him, Oh God, and let him see Your mighty hand, let him feel Your loving touch, show him YOU! Let him know that when you sent your only begotten Son to die, that HE was included, and that through the blood that was shed, he can become  new in You.  Old things that we have done, what we have said that hurt others, or even where we have been, you are able to cleanse us from them, and they are passed away!  There is NOTHING TOO HARD for YOU to do, in ANYONE, Oh God! 

We believe, and count these things as done, in the name of Jesus! NOW!  Thank you, Father God!  We believe this to be done!  We count these things as done, and we give YOU all the glory, honor and praise! We thank You, Lord God, and declare these things in Jesus' Name!  Amen!

WHAT WE SHOULD ALWAYS HAVE ON HAND

How We Can Be Reminded That WE ARE LOVED -

Ingredients:

Toothpick                 Chocolate Candy Kiss                 

Pencil                       Bandage                                         
Mint                         Chewing Gum

Rubber Band             Tea Bag

Eraser

Here's why:

Toothpick -        

To remind you to pick the good qualities in others!

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.(Matthew 7:1)

Rubber Band -   

To remind you to be flexible, things may not always go the way you want, but it WILL work out! 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.(Romans 8:28)

Band-Aid -        

To remind you to heal hurt feelings, yours or another person!

 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.  And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. (Colossians 3:12-14)

Pencil -              

To remind you to list your blessings, EVERY DAY!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3)

Eraser -             

To remind you that everyone makes mistakes, and it's okay!

When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?”  So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died:  ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said.  But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God?  You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.  So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.  (Genesis 50:15-21)

Chewing Gum - 

To remind you to stick with it and you can accomplish anything! 
I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.  (Philippians 4:13)

Mint -               

To remind you that you are freshly made new daily, created by your heavenly Father!

"I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”   (Jeremiah 31:25)

Chocolate Candy Kiss -     

To remind you that everyone needs a kiss or a hug of love, allowing them to feel they really do matter - every day!  

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. (1 John 4:7)

Tea Bag -         

To remind you to relax, remain calm daily, and always remember how what we speak affects someone's day, because we are constantly kept in the midst God's blessings! 

A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit! (Proverbs 15:4)

What Brings YOU Joy?

In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.  
(2 Corinthians 8:2)

While everything seems to be getting off on a weird note so far this year, I find myself more now than ever, relying on what keeps me sane and hopeful.  Now please don't get me wrong, as I am not complaining at all.  But, in the scheme of things, there are a few preferences that remain constant, as far as what normally puts a smile on my face, and joy in my heart, getting me through the rough patches of the day.

One is preparing wonderful dishes, whether cooking tasty meals, such as Seafood Fettuccine, Mexican Pasta Casserole, and Grilled Chicken Tetrazzini,  or baking tantalizing desserts, like Strawberries and Pineapple Cream Cake (pictured).  The other is knowing and believing what God has told me He will continue to do in my life, so that I can soar like an eagle, and will help to supply me with love to counterattack moments of frustration.
 

I can remember being 6-years-old,  when I first felt a strong desire to learn how to cook.  My father was an amazing connoisseur in the kitchen, especially since he was a chef part-time, and I was always excited about watching him work.  But what really helped to motivate me  into the deciding factor of wanting to grasp the concept as early as possible, was when I spent a day with my older cousin, who was fifteen at the time.  She knew absolutely NOTHING about cooking -  including her inability to boil water!  My cousin tried to prepare some rice in a pot.  However, after finding out she did not know how to operate her stove top, she spooned the wet, uncooked stuff into a bowl, and poured Bosco chocolate syrup on top of it.  Yuck!  Right then and there, I made a vow to myself, that as SOON as I was able to reach the stove, I WOULD LEARN HOW TO COOK!  No one else would make me  eat anything like that again!

Well, from the age of nine, to the present time, building and mastering my culinary skills has been quite uplifting for me during an otherwise gloomy moment of the day.  Utilizing different  flavors, comprising ordinary edible items, and finalizing with such a delectable, personal touch, brings sheer happiness, every time!  And, I love when my children come over, during a special day or holiday, and sit in the dining room, enjoying every morsel.  I become bright with ecstatic joy watching them!  As a matter of fact, when they were all much younger, we would get in the kitchen together and work on a repast project, where the finished product would result in a magnificent masterpiece.  They can all still prepare delicious food dishes themselves, for their own families!  Amazing!

Now, in the way of relationship with my True Source of Strength, through  quiet conversations, reading, studying and acknowledging the Word of God in my every-day existence, keep me grounded.   Good music (well, REAL good music), always provides a sense of exhilaration, freedom and peace, collectively, at the same time.  I love taking opportunities to sing songs of inspiration, comfort, love and what my expectations will become.  When an old melody comes to mind, or while in a store I overhear a beautiful tune, sung by a true artist, it always seems to make me feel elated.


Even though there is so much turmoil, strife, envy and ugliness of how people treat others different from their very nature, I am thankful that I have someone to lean on, who never lets me down.  Those alternatives make me realize that all is not lost, and there is still unfailing optimism available in what we have, or who we have in our lives.

What about you - how do you muster good, positive, love-inspired brightness during your hectic day?  We all have something that gives us joy in a good way, without bringing another down in despair.  Where does YOUR joy come from?  How do you manage your moments?