This Ancient Practice Can Improve Many Health Conditions

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About this ancient practice…

Dating back over 5000 years, yoga is considered by many to be the oldest defined practice of self-development.  The methods of classical yoga include ethical disciplines, physical postures, breathing control and meditation.

Derived from the Sanskrit word “yuji,” meaning yoke or union, yoga brings together mind and body.  It incorporates breathing exercises, meditation and poses designed to encourage relaxation and reduce stress.

Traditionally an Eastern practice, it’s now becoming popular in the West.  In fact, many companies, especially in Britain, are seeing the benefit of yoga, recognizing that relaxed workers are healthier and more creative, and are sponsoring yoga fitness programs.

Many studies have found that a little yoga in the morning, at night, or even on a lunch break, can minimize stress and increase productivity.  It is believed that yoga is so effective for stress relief because, aside from the physical benefits that yoga brings, it encourages a good mood, an increase in mindfulness, and a healthy dose of self-compassion.

Benefits of yoga…

The following is only a partial list of the benefits of yoga.

  • Reduced Stress
  • Sound Sleep
  • Reduced Cortisol Levels
  • Improvement of many Medical Conditions
  • Allergy and Asthma Symptom Relief
  • Lower Blood Pressure
  • Smoking Cessation Help
  • Lower Heart Rate
  • Spiritual Growth
  • Sense of Well-Being
  • Reduced Anxiety and Muscle Tension
  • Increased Strength and Flexibility
  • Slowed Aging Process

Yoga’s benefits are so numerous, it gives a high payoff for the amount of effort involved.

What’s Involved with Yoga…

The practice of yoga involves stretching the body and forming different poses, while keeping breathing slow and controlled.  The body becomes relaxed and energized at the same time.

There are various styles of yoga, some moving through the poses more quickly, almost like an aerobic workout, and other styles relaxing deeply into each pose.  Some have a more spiritual angle, while others are used purely as a form of exercise.

The goal during yoga practice is to challenge yourself physically, but not to feel overwhelmed.  At this “edge,” the focus is on your breath while your mind is accepting and calm.

Enhancing Fitness…

Yoga is known for its ability to soothe tension and anxiety in the mind and body.  But it can also have an impact on a person’s exercise capacity.

Researchers studied a small group of sedentary individuals who had not practiced yoga before.  After eight weeks of practicing yoga at least twice a week for a total of 180 minutes, participants had greater muscle strength and endurance, flexibility and cardio-respiratory fitness.

Based on these findings, practicing yoga can be an effective way to boost strength and endurance, especially when used in combination with a regular exercise routine.

Not For Everyone…

Although many forms of yoga practice are safe, some are strenuous and may not be appropriate for everyone.  In particular, elderly patients or those with mobility problems may want to check first with a clinician before choosing yoga as a treatment option.

The Bottom Line…

The evidence is growing that yoga practice is a relatively low-risk, high-yield approach to improving overall health.  Finding the time to practice yoga just a few times per week may be enough to make a noticeable difference when it comes to your health.

Some Christians believe it is selfish to take time to exercise or view it as a waste of time, but our bodies are gifts from God.  We are stewards in a sense, so it’s important to take time to care for them.

By being fit and healthy, we are also better able to carry out our God-given vocation on earth.  So let’s focus on being healthy for God.

1 Corinthians 9:24

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize?  So run, that ye may obtain.

 

 

 

 

 

Taking This Action Can Transform Your Life

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What’s your reason for becoming a born again Christian?  Is it because that’s what your parents told you, you should do?  Is it because you were following the crowd?  Or is it because you believe in God and believe that Christ was sacrificed for you?  Whatever your reason may be we can agree that you have to make a conscious decision to become a Christian.  And once you do you have to have a made up mind.  You have to be honest with yourself that this is truly what you want and you have to change your way of thinking.

How you think is half the battle…

The way you think is how you live because what you feed your mine is what you’ll portray and what comes out of your mouth.  The human brain is amazing…once we make a decision that’s pretty much what we’re going to do.

Everything begins with a thought and grows from there.  Becoming a Christian is the same way.  It’s a thought and then an action.  If you truly believe and want to grow in Christ you have to think differently and you have to change your life.

You have to discontinue your old way of thinking and behaving and then pursue God’s way.  You must transform your thoughts and you have to renew your mind.

What does it mean to renew the mind…

You renew your mind through reading the word.  Reading the bible helps you to see what’s expected of you as a Christian.  It helps you to know right from wrong and it helps you to get to know the Lord.

Romans 12:2

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

The bible is our source, it’s been around for centuries.  It was given to us as a guide from our Father in heaven.  It has transcended time, culture and circumstances and it never changes.  

But you have to study it…

To read the word regularly isn’t easy, you’ll have to change your way of thinking and you’ll have to discipline yourself.

Most people today routinely look at their cell phones.  According to an article in the New York Post, Americans check their cell phone on average once every 12 minutes – burying their heads in their phones 80 times a day, according to new research.

It’s a habit and it starts in the mind.  In that same way you can make a habit of reading the word daily.  It means discipline and it means faithfulness, and you can do it.

The Lord speaks to us through his word.  As you study his word he’ll bless you with the wisdom you need to understand it and to come into agreement with him about his will for your life.

It means developing a prayer life…

You must make time to talk to the Lord.  It’s essential and again, it takes discipline.  Pray for guidance and humility.  Not shallow prayers where you ask for things and think he’s supposed to grant them to you…it’s not a wish list.  In order to develop a personal relationship with him you have to talk with him everyday, several times a day.  Once you do, it will become as natural as breathing.

Pray for others and pray for a clean heart.  And make sure you thank him for what he’s already done.  Remember that God already knows what’s on your heart so be honest with him and he’ll lead you and guide you in all things.  You’ll develop the peace that comes with knowing him and you’ll grow in faith.

You will encounter obstacles…

Know that the enemy will try and distract you once you begin reading the word.  He doesn’t want you to know God’s will for your life and he doesn’t want you to live a joyous and happy life.  He’ll throw a lot at you to try and take your focus, don’t let him.  As a Christian you have to be unbeatable and on the front line for God.  The word is your shield.

Allow the Holy Spirit to take control, he will direct your path.  When you renew your way of thinking, you’ll transform your life.  You’ll learn that with everything the devil throws at you, you can counter it with the word.  Renew your mind, open yourself up to the word and see the difference.

Once you become rooted and grounded in the word you will not be an easy target.  The enemy will know that he’ll have to come with it to deter you and he’ll move on.  He, of course will try again, that’s his job, but you’ll always be ready.

Take that action….transform your life by renewing your mind and everything else will fall into place.

Ephesians 4:23

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind:

 

 

 

https://creativecopycontentmarketing.com/

 

 

Is the Woman in the Mirror a Virtuous Lady? If Not…Why Not?

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You and three of your best friends are spending the day together.  You went for mani pedis, a massage and a cologen facial.  Right now you feel at peace with the world and stress-free.

You top it off later by getting all dolled up and going out.  You all go to one of the most popular nightclubs in town.  The place is always lit and tonight is no different.  You and your girls are looking fierce and exuding confidence.

The club is full of people from different ethnicities and backgrounds, that’s what makes it so great.  You scan the room hoping to find a table big enough, a lot of the tables there are made for only two.  You luck out and find a big enough table and hurry over and have a seat.

The DJ’s jamming your favorite tune and you bop to the beat as a waitress appears and asks if she could get you ladies anything.  It’s not long before the guys start trying their luck and each one of you get an offer to the dance floor.

You’re all having a great time but as the night goes on that changes.  One of your girls decides she’s leaving with this guy she just met.  You look at each other in amazement because she made a pack with each of you, as you always do, to leave the same way she came, with her girls.

None of you can convince her that, that’s not a very good idea.  She has already made up her mind and with a straight face tells you she’ll see you tomorrow.

What is it with women today?  What causes a normally in control woman to toss all good sense aside and follow a total stranger?  Yeah, yeah, we know the modern woman has evolved.  We know she’s strong, independent and she answers to no one.  But maybe she needs to answer to herself and the rational voice deep down inside of her.

She can do and be anything she wants to be.  So why does she choose to be irresponsible…and in a way that’s very dangerous?  What’s the drawing force that no one else sees?  In spite of all the evolution and changes women has gone through, we can still be ladies with values.

You have to love and value yourself and unfortunately a lot of people don’t.  You’re a child of the most high God, who’s made in his image and he loves you very much.  His grace and mercy he gives you and it’s renewed everyday.

Ephesians 4:7               

But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.

Ephesians 2:8

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God

Studies have shown that even though a man would convince a woman to do something she may later regret, he’d rather marry the one that won’t get convinced.  Per Tiffany Grace Reyes, men put women into two categories.  Either you’re an easy lay or you’re hard to get.

She says that men, from the moment a woman steps into the room, whether it’s a club, a party or an office, it’s like men have this inexplicable radar that can detect if a woman is easy or not.  Tiffany says men seem to have a finely tuned talent for seeing beyond the veiled looks and rehearsed smiles.  They’re natural born hunters with the gift of seeking out the easy.

What changed that women don’t cherish their most prized possession anymore?  Of course the guy who’s not ready to settle down would say that the woman who’s easier gets more attention and that’s who he wants to spend time with.  He’s saying what he has to in order to get what he wants.

If you don’t ever want to get married then this doesn’t matter to you but if you do you must make a change if you’ve been easy pickings.  You have to develop a different outlook and you must value yourself.

Men want to marry a woman who’s sexy without being trashy.  A virtuous woman who carries herself with class.  Someone who exudes confidence as well as virtue.  Women used to know how to do this.  They knew how to appeal to a man without sleeping with him the first time they met him.  How to make him wonder and desire her…and how to relay the message…look but don’t touch.

Again, if getting married doesn’t matter to you as a woman then you don’t have to adhere to any of this.  Continue to do you.  But if you’re a Godly woman who wants to be married one day and have a family…make that change.  Go to God, be sincere and dedicated and want to change…then talk to that woman in the mirror and really make that change!

 

Proverbs 18:22

He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.

Proverbs 31:10

An excellent wife who can find?  She is far more precious than jewels.

 

 

 

Stop the Prescribed Way & Try The Best Way…Natural Cures and Remedies

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Nature is God’s blueprint…and we see the wonders of his creation in all that he has done.  He had us in mind when he designed it and he placed us over it to take care of it.  When he designed nature and created us he also created natural cures and remedies for us.  His prescriptions for our ailments.

Natural is the way to go.  Whether it’s your look or healing it’s better for you.  More and more people are realizing this and here’s a look into why.

Let’s examine the natural look:

Egyptians, who were at the forefront of beauty, invented the first make-up over 4000 years ago.  Make-up was not limited to women back then, men wore it also.  They wore it for protection from the sun and to ward off eye infections.  Although their reasons are different than what ours are, it does the same thing, change your appearance.

Women spend a lot of money on make-up and devote countless hours to applying it.  Why is that?  Why is changing your appearance so important?

For some it’s to conceal areas they consider as imperfection and sometimes it’s legitimate.  But sometimes it’s something that’s so minute that no one would ever see it if the person doesn’t actually show it to them or mention it.

Some wear it because they want to mimic someone else, like a particular actress or maybe even a girl from school.  But how do men feel about women and make-up?

You’d be surprised…

Studies has actually shown that the majority of men, when asked their opinion about it, says less is more.  They say there’s something sexy about natural beauty.

They have no problem with you wearing make-up but prefer a fresh face look.  Some say they will support you if that’s what you really want but still insist that it shouldn’t be too heavy.  Most agree that simple and natural is the way to go.

So I think natural beauty wins out in this instance and that you should only wear make-up to enhance or highlight certain areas.  But if you’re someone who feels you have to wear it in order to feel beautiful then of course you should do whatever makes you happy…otherwise try the natural fresh face look…you just might like it.

Now let’s examine natural remedies:

Natural remedies are God’s prescriptions for the human race.  From the common cold to weight loss there’s  a solution for you.

Lord your discipline is good, for it leads to life and health.  You restore my health and allow me to live!

Isaiah 38:16

You don’t have to worry about how many times a day you have to take natural remedies or best of all, no side effects because there aren’t any.  No pills to pop and no damaging other organs in your body for something that’s totally unrelated.

The prescription for natural remedies is that you have to try them…and you have to be disciplined when you do.   They’re usually as close as going to your nearest grocery store.

If you have any doubt about whether to try the natural approach here’s 3 reasons why you should.

  • Safety: It’s shocking to realize that over 200,000 people die in the U.S. each year from taking prescription medication.  Another 300,000 people die every year in hospitals as a result of medical negligence.  That’s over half a million people each year (and these statistics are conservative).  So how many die each year from using natural health remedies and alternative medicine…zero!
  • Cheaper: Orthodox medical treatments can cost you a small fortune – private health insurance, the cost of medications, Medicare and doctor’s bills (even if you don’t pay for it directly, you pay for it in your taxes).  Natural cures and remedies are far cheaper.  Especially if you grow some of the home remedies in your garden.
  • They work better: Yes, it’s a fact.  Natural cures and remedies work better than orthodox medical treatments.  Why?  Because they treat the underlying cause, not just the symptom.  Therefore, your body returns to it’s healthy state.

If you still have doubts about trying natural remedies and cures, you should see your doctor.  The ultimate goal is to do what’s best for you.

I have seen what they do, but I will heal them anyway! I will lead them.  I will comfort those who mourn, bringing words of praise to their lips.  May they have abundant peace, both near and far, says the Lord, who heals them.

Isaiah 57: 18-19

This Is Better Than American Express…So Don’t Leave Home Without It!

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Each day before you leave the house you make sure you’re dressed properly, you make sure you’ve washed your face and brushed your teeth and that you’ve eaten a good breakfast.

Most of the time you’ve had a good night’s sleep and you feel refreshed and invigorated.  You thank God for allowing you to see another day and that you’re clothed and in your right mind.

What a blessing it is to be here to see another day and to be a recipient of God’s grace and mercy.  After all of your morning protocol there’s something you should never leave home without…God’s protection, God’s direction, Full Covering under the blood.

This is better than American Express.  American Express is a top of the line credit card, you can buy all kinds of things with it, but there’s a limit to what that is.

Jesus Christ is a top of the line Saviour, and with him comes Full Covering under the blood.  You’re covered in every way, in every aspect of life.  There are miracles and benefits that comes with this covering.  Things that happen everyday, all the time and they’re usually right on time.

The credentials you need to be accepted for this Full Covering is only to believe.  Once you do this and accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, your life will be transformed and you’ll become a new creature.  One who wants to please God in all that you do and say.

You’ll be protected in more ways than one.  Christ Jesus made that available for you, me and everyone.  All we have to do is have faith and believe.  Accept that Christ died on the cross for your sins and that he paid it all.  We owe so much to him and all he asks is that we let him in when he stands at the door and knock.

Christ died in our place so that we could have a relationship with the Father and be with him forever.   He is the only way to God and he sits at God’s right hand and intercedes for us.

He loves you and his mercy is renewed everyday.  So don’t leave home without this covering.  Ask God every morning for your Full Covering under the blood and have the confidence of knowing that you’re covered and protected.

 

John 10:10

10 Jesus said, I am come that they may have life and have it more abundantly – a complete life full of purpose.

 

So…Are You Happy? Here’s 12 Ways to Make Sure

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You’re sitting in your leather recliner watching this program on television.  Then suddenly the man says to his wife, “I’m leaving you.  You don’t make me happy anymore.”

Hold up! Pump your breaks!  It’s high time that this guy and everyone like him knows this.  It’s not your spouse’s job or anyone else’s for that matter, to make you happy.  It’s YOURS!  This needs to be shouted from the rooftops.

All my life I’ve heard just the opposite.  People saying he or she doesn’t make me happy anymore so I’m moving on; and I was guilty of thinking this way as well until I learned better.  We are always looking to blame someone else for our short comings when we need to be looking at ourselves.

Happiness and unhappiness for that matter, is a state of mind.  It’s a decision we make to ourselves about ourselves.

Although, one theory in psychology research suggests that we all have a happiness “set point” that largely determines our overall well-being.  It says we oscillate around this set point, becoming happier when something positive happens or the opposite, afterwards returning to equilibrium.  But even if that’s true, it states that this set-point, to a certain extent, can be reset.

Although our general mood levels and well-being are partially determined by factors like genetics and upbringing, roughly 40 percent of our happiness is within our control, according to some experts, and a large body of research in the field of positive psychology has shown that happiness is a choice that anyone can make.

They understand that when we stop chasing the world’s definition of happiness, we begin to see the decision to experience happiness has been right in front of us all along.  Research in the field of positive psychology continues to reinforce this understanding.

What can you do?

Here’s 12 actions, suggested by people like Joshua Becker and Carolyn Gregoire, you can choose today to help in making you happy.

  1. Count Your Blessings.  Happy people choose to focus on the positive aspects of life rather than the negative.  They set their minds on specific reasons to be grateful.  They express it when possible.  And they quickly discover there is always, always, something to be grateful for.
  2. Carry a Smile.  A smile is a wonderful beautifier.  But more that that, studies indicate that making an emotion-filled face carries influence over the feelings processed by the brain.  Our facial expression can influence our brain in just the same way our brains influence our face.  In other words, you can actually program yourself to experience happiness by choosing to smile.  Not to mention, all the pretty smiles you’ll receive in return for flashing yours is also guaranteed to increase your happiness level.
  3. Cultivate Gratitude.  List a few things daily that makes you grateful.  This shifts you away from bitterness and despair and promotes happiness.
  4. Foster Forgiveness.  Holding a grudge and nursing grievances can affect physical as well as mental health, according to a rapidly growing body of research.  One way to curtail these kinds of feelings is to foster forgiveness.  This reduces the power of bad events to create bitterness and resentment, say Michael McCullough and Robert Emmons, happiness researchers who edited The Psychology of Happiness.
  5. Remember Money Can’t Buy Happiness.  Research shows that once income climbs above the poverty level, more money brings very little happiness.  Yet, “we keep assuming that because things aren’t bringing us happiness, they’re wrong things, rather than recognizing that the pursuit itself is futile,” writes Daniel Gilbert in his book, Stumbling on Happiness.  “Regardless of what we achieve in the pursuit of stuff, it’s never going to bring about an enduring state of happiness.”
  6. Speak Daily Affirmation into Your Life.  Affirmations are positive thoughts accompanied with affirmative beliefs and personal statements of truth.  They are recited in the first person, present tense (“I am…”).  Affirmations used daily can release stress, build confidence, and improve outlook.  For maximum effectiveness, affirmations should be chosen carefully, be based in truth, and address current needs.
  7. Hold Back a Complaint.  The next time you want to lash out in verbal complaint towards a person, a situation, or yourself, don’t.  Instead, humbly keep it to yourself.  You’ll likely diffuse an unhealthy, unhappy environment.  But more than that, you’ll experience joy by choosing peace in a difficult situation.
  8. Use Your Strengths.  Each of us have natural talents, strengths, and abilities.  And when we use them effectively, we feel alive and comfortable in our skin.  They help us find joy in our being and happiness in our design.  So embrace your strengths and choose to operate within your giftedness each day.  If you need to find this outlet outside your employment, by all means, find this outlet.
  9. Eat a Healthy Meal/Snack.  We are spiritual, emotional, and mental beings.  We are also physical bodies.  Our lives cannot be wholly separated into parts.  As a result, one aspect always influences the others.  For example, our physical bodies will always have impact over our spiritual and emotional well-being.  Therefore, caring for our physical well-being can have significant benefit for our emotional standing.  One simple action to choose happiness today is to eat healthy foods.  Your physical body will thank you…and so will your emotional well-being.
  10. Treat Others Well.  Everyone wants to be treated kindly.  But more than that, deep down, we also want to treat others with the same respect that we would like given to us.  Treat everyone you meet with kindness, patience, and grace.  The Golden Rule is a powerful standard.  It benefits the receiver.  But also brings growing satisfaction in yourself as you seek to treat others as you would like to be treated.
  11. Meditate.  Find time alone in solitude.  As our world increases in speed and noise, the ability to withdraw becomes even more essential.  Studies confirm the importance and life-giving benefits of meditation.  So take time to make time.  And use meditation to search inward, connect spiritually, and improve your happiness today.
  12. Search for Benefit In Your Pain.  This life can be difficult.  Nobody escapes without pain.  At some point-in some way-we all encounter it.  When we do, remind yourself again that the trials may be difficult, but they will pass.  And search deep to find meaning in the pain.  Choose to look for the benefits that can be found in your trial.  At the very least, perseverance is being built.  And most likely, an ability to comfort others in their pain is also being developed.

I hope this can help you in some way to realize that you and only you can make the decision to be happy.  People in your life or even your surroundings may add to it but the ultimate choice is yours.  So start today…Choose to be Happy!

“Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” – Abraham Lincoln

 

Psalm 37:4

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

 

 

Warning! This May Trigger Feelings of Euphoria

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2 littles girls pushing a little boy in a wagonOn any given day, long ago, in almost every city and neighborhood in this country there was the noise of children playing outside.  It was the sound of laughter, chatter and sometimes dares and double dares, and between the chatter barking dogs affirming their presence.  It was a sweet, innocent, comforting sound that let you know that families live there.

Growing up in the sixties there were challenges.  It was an iconic era of controversy and growth for the United States.  Young people everywhere were willing to learn about others from different cultures and ethnicities, showing love, understanding and tolerance.  They were a shining example for the adults.

Although I wasn’t a teenager yet (I was in elementary and jr. high during that decade) I saw a lot and remember a lot.  I saw things change and growing up in the south, some stay the same.  There were problems and young people wanted to solve them.  Nothing seemed to hard for the youth of that day and era who spoke of making love not war.  They were and still are people you could look up to and my heroes.

Those were the good old days and even with the problems we were having as a nation, things were much simpler then.

On a weekday between 8:15am and 3:00pm every child was in school.  Whether elementary, junior high or high school, it was a set time all over the country and the one way in which they were all alike.  Once that 3:00pm bell rang and signaled the end of the day, it let us know learning time was over and that’s when the fun began.

You raced home, changed your clothes and did your homework before you headed outside.  Something that seemed to be a written rule from parents everywhere was do your homework before you went outside…and generally it was.  Our parents told us what to do and we did it.  Again, much more simpler times.

Some kids didn’t even have to have a snack before going outside because they were still full from lunch.

Awe…school lunch.  It was a healthy 3 course meal that resembled dinner, along with dessert and a milk.  Sometimes you even got the chance to have chocolate milk and when that happened kids were in hog heaven.

The food itself was tasty and delicious and enough to hold the average child until dinnertime.  Some kids brought their lunches from home but the clear winner back then and what everyone strived to have I might add, was school lunch.  It was like winning the lotto.  It was that good.

A little boy and girl in a tree Children loved going outside.  They played hide and seek, hop scotch and double dutch.  They rode bikes and roller skated up and down the block.  They watched birds and caught lizards and frogs, and they even dug in the sand for doodlebugs, something I think may be extent today.  Those little insects always left a trail behind them in the sand, which is how we knew where to find them.

Boys and some girls competed at marbles where the best would end up with your hummie.  We climbed and hung out in trees where we’d sit on a branch hidden from the world or so we thought, and talk about some of everything.  It was something every child tried and usually mastered.

Almost every child was a natural born explorer, something they all were deemed to be at the time.  There were woods near by and abandoned houses that needed to be explored.  For every set of woods there was a walking trail carved out in each one, even if just for a short cut through them, but mostly for investigating them.  Abandoned houses were not crack houses.  There was no such thing back then.  They just didn’t have anyone living in them yet and was never locked.  Another sign of the times.

Children used their imaginations and built forts and club houses from old cardboard boxes and left over wood and they were quite good I must say.  They learned creativity by using their imaginations. Six marbles on a table

Every neighborhood had a crew.  Crews that would challenge other neighborhood crews in track, football, softball or basketball.  This is where you found out who was top dog, as we used to call them.  It was friendly competition, with trash talk of course, and it was what we all did.

It showed us that if you wanted something bad enough, you had to work hard for it and be committed.  Nothing was given to you.  There was no such thing as giving a losing crew a title simply because they participated.  Something they do for kids today…and we wonder what’s wrong with them?

The crew that became top dog held the title until another crew took it away from them.  And to do that they had to work for it.  They had to run faster or play whatever game better.  There was no fighting and no shooting as they do today.  That only shows you as being a coward or a sore loser and we didn’t want to be either one of those.

Children playing tag outsideChildren stayed active and that activity lead to healthier, leaner bodies and minds.  They could stay outside until the street lights came on without having to worry about predators.  Awe…simpler times.

Don’t know what it is today, why there are those who wants to harm and take away a child’s innocence.  So much evil in the world.

But God is still on the throne.  He sees all and knows all.  It breaks his heart to see what the human race has come to and he still wants the best for us.  He sacrificed his only begotten son so that we may live and that we may live more abundantly.  He supplies grace and mercy for us everyday.

There’s good and evil in this world.  We make choices, and for every choice there’s a consequence, sometimes it’s good and sometimes it’s bad.  It baffles me when you hear people say, why did God allow that to happen?  Know that God did not make us into robots, we have free will to make a choice, and our free will is what leads to whatever the outcome may be.

Even during simpler times there was good and evil, however evil seems to have gotten more rampant these days which tells us the end is getting near.  Are you ready?  I hope so…and although the simpler times are gone we can look forward to a better day when we will all be in paradise with Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 15:13

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Just Do It! Do This One Thing For Yourself and You Can’t Go Wrong

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Drawing of two people prayingRemember when you were little and your teacher and even your mom and dad asked you what you wanted to be when you grew up?  Some kids said a firefighter.  Others said a doctor or a nurse and still others said a pro football or basketball player or even a singer or an actor.  There’s so many different roads to take.

Whatever it may have been that you or your friends chose at the time, you find that sometimes as we age, it changes.  Sometimes circumstances cause the change and sometimes you just simply change your mind and decide on a totally different path.

Whatever the case may be one thing’s for sure, you have to practice it to do it.  In order to get good at your career choice or even your hobby, you have to spend time doing it.  If you don’t you won’t be your best or do your best.

The same holds true when you become a Christian.  Once you truly have a made up mind that this is what you want, you’ll have to spend time learning about the goodness of God and Christianity.  You’ll want to spend time living the life.

Just like the little child that has a passion for becoming a firefighter, you have to have a passion for Christ and being a Christian.  And usually when you first accept Christ as your Lord and Saviour it starts out as a passion.  It’s like a fire burning in your soul and you want to do whatever you can to please the Lord.

You go to church regularly and bible study and you search for areas in the church where you can be of help.  Maybe with the homeless ministry or the elderly or even the youth, and you enjoy doing it.  It gives you a sense of pride to help others and you know that’s something the Lord wants us to do.

But what happens when that fire start to go out?  When you don’t feel as enthusiastic anymore?  When it begins to feel like a chore instead of something you enjoy doing?  Then a light goes off in your head and you realize…it’s not hard to accept Christ as your Lord and Saviour, the hard part is what follows after you do.

That, we think, happens to everyone.  Because you are human you will get to this point, it’s just a matter of time when.  And if you don’t get to this point, consider yourself one of the lucky ones.

But for those that do, try this:

  • Encourage yourself in the Lord.  He will never leave or forsake you.
  • Find some encouraging scriptures and meditate on them until they are deep in your heart and psyche.
  • Put your trust in Him
  • Find a Bible Buddy (a name we gave them)

If you have to ask someone to help you with this, ask them, most people need help.  Let them know what’s happening and see if they wouldn’t mind being the voice of encouragement.  Something like an exercise buddy, only we call them a Bible Buddy.  You can rest assured they’ve probably already gone through the same thing or know someone who has.  They can and will help you get your fire back.

You have to make a conscience decision that this is what you really want, just like you made the decision to become a believer.  Just do it.  But you have to be committed.  Being committed means loyal and willing to give your time and energy to something that you believe in.

As you study the word and learn about the Lord and what he wants, you get better in time at what you’re doing and how you’re behaving.  You develop what we call a slow burn.  This is a fire that burns but is not consuming, kind of like the burning bush.

Make the decision and just do it.  You give thanks to him daily who bless you, protects you, forgives you and gave you life.  You love him because he first loved you and supplies you with grace and mercy everyday.

Your faith in him will grow as your internal, permanent flame continues to burn.  You know now that it may get low at times but it will never go out; especially if you’re committed and attend worship service regularly.

The Rev. Dr. Mack King Carter, who’s gone on to be with the Lord, use to say worship service was a pep rally for saints, where we get fired up for the Lord.  At that pep rally you and other believers share an awesome connection, a connection that links you to the Holy God.  It brings you closer in love and admiration.

You will find that you enjoy being around like minded people and the Lord states in Matthew 18 vs 20 where two or three are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst of them.

As you encourage yourself and with the help of your bible buddy, you’ll notice a change in yourself.  Most of your not so pleasing habits will change and know that some of your old friends will leave you.  But some won’t and they may even become believers as well seeing the example you’re setting.  So press on and make the decision to just do it.

You learn that some struggles will be lifelong, requiring you to depend on the Lord.  We think that’s his way of helping us to stay focused.  Just recognize that you won’t get the answer to everything, all your problems won’t be solved and know that that’s just the way it is.

Ultimately God’s plan for you is that you have a life of abundance, peace and joy and he’ll give you the strength to cope with life’s challenges.

So when you feel like your fire is getting low and you’re not as enthusiastic as you once was; make the decision to not let that fire go out.  It’s up to you…

Just Do It!

I Thessalonians 5:11

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

 

 

R-E-S-P-E-C-T – Does it Come Naturally of Is It Taught?

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Two hands shaking with the word respect written out around themSomeone is always saying something about this generation.  Like  they’re spoiled or they’re selfish or they have entitlement issues or the granddaddy of them all, they’re disrespectful.

Well, you know what…if they are it’s because they’re being raised that way.  People don’t take pride in how they rear their children anymore, sometimes the parents act worst than the kids.  Their morals and character has changed and they think that every passing fancy is the right way of doing things simply because it’s what everyone else is doing.

It use to be that whether you were rich or poor, black or white, children respected others and they definitely showed respect to their elders.  These days they could care less about their elders and most assuredly about any adult.

Back in the day, which is what I always compare things to because that was during my generation, we wouldn’t even say certain things around older people.  There was a level of respect we had for them and showed them.  So to get back to the question in the title, we were taught that.

We were also taught to respect authority, like our teachers, something that’s almost unheard of today.  Teachers have no control or rights anymore and a lot of them can’t teach their classes.

While we’re teaching our kids to love themselves and to have self-esteem, which we absolutely should do, somewhere along the way something’s getting lost in translation.

We have to do a better job of teaching and we have to lead by example.  Children learn from what they see us do and they learn by being trained.  You have to be a healthy, self-respecting parent in order for your child to be a healthy, self-respecting child; who will grow into a healthy, self-respecting adult.

So many times you see people teaching their children to say certain things or do certain things that’s not respectful, thinking it’s cute.  Then once they grow up doing those things the parent says they don’t know where the child got it from.  Think about it! Just like you teach bad behavior, you can teach good behavior.

Respect means:

  • a way of treating or thinking about someone or something
  • high or special regard, think much of
  • a feeling of deep admiration for someone elicited by their abilities, qualities or achievements

If we don’t teach this to our children, how do we expect for them to be respectful to others?  Or even to us?  We are our children’s first examples.  We have to be polite and kind as parents in order for our children to be that way.  They don’t come here with it programmed in them.

As a Christian, respect is what you have for God and what he wants us, and teaches us in his word, to have for others.

It is hard to do in the world today because there’s so much negativity and so many that condone bad behavior.  Everywhere you look there’s something awful happening.  Children do dreadful things and don’t get reprimanded.  A lot of the times the authority shames the victim.  It’s no wonder children think that’s the way it should be and the way they should act.

But if we are in Christ and He in us then we learn how to rise above all of that.  We learn how to do better and be better.  We study his word and gather with other believers to learn as much as we can about him.  We want to please him and part of that is showing respect and being respectful to others.

You can almost always recognize a child that’s being raised in a Christian home.  You can identify them by their actions.  They’re usually respectful to their parents and their teachers.  They are also respectful of others and their opinions and are generally just an all around good kid.  Who wouldn’t want a child like that?  They’re not perfect, none of us are but they care about and respect others.

It’s hard raising children these days…if I were you instead of following the world and doing the selfish thing, I’d follow Christ and do the selfless thing.

Well like I stated earlier, R-E-S-P-E-C-T is a taught and learned behavior.  In my opinion the world would be a much better place if there was more of it.

Luke 6 : 43-45

43 For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

44 For every tree is known by his own fruit.  For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.

45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good;  and an evil man out of the evil treasure     of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

Sacrifice…What Have You Done As a Christian to Show It?

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Statute of Christ with outstretched arms with Christ like words around himYou glance through the window of the shoe store at a pair of sandals that are to die for.  With Summer just around the corner, you feel like you got to have them.  You can already picture wearing them with certain outfits and know it’s a good look…and to top it off, they’re on sale.

But you’ve spent all that you have for shopping.  And even though they’re on sale you’re on a budget, every penny you have is accounted for.  But you want those sandals!  They’re calling your name.  You don’t budge from that spot, your feet feels like they’re glued to the floor.  What do you do?

Do you get them knowing it’s not feasible right now?  You reason with yourself.  You decide to get them but you know you have to give up something to be able to get those sandals…but what?

It’s the same with becoming a Christian.  If you truly accept Christ as your Lord and Saviour, you’re going to make some sacrifices…some changes.  There’s something that takes place within you that requires it.

The good news though is that with Christ all things are possible, whatever it may be.  Even change.  But just like with those sandals, you really have to want it.  You have to have a made up mind that this is what you want.  And you have to have faith and believe it will happen.

Here’s an example.

If you want a leaner, healthier body and you don’t eat healthy or exercise, you have to change your eating habits and begin an exercise regiment.  You have to have a made up mind.  You can’t continue to eat ice cream, burgers and fries and all types of sweets and expect to get a leaner, healthier body.

Just like you have to change your eating habits, you have to exercise regularly and you have to set aside the time to do this.  Whether it’s time or your favorite food, you got to make a sacrifice.

What is Sacrifice?

Sacrifice is something you give up for the sake of a better cause.  Parents sacrifice time and sleep to take care of their children.  Similarly children even make sacrifices.

They learn at an early age that if there’s something they want to do they have to make a sacrifice.  If they want to hang out with friends whether to play, go to the mall or to a movie, they have to make a sacrifice and have their chores done.  Or whatever it is their parents want them to do.

The same holds true for being a Christian.

When you decide to become a Christian you want to please God.  That requires changes in your life.  It requires discipline and sacrifice.  You have to read the word to learn what’s required of you as a believer and a child of God.

You must also find a church home where you can commune with like minded people and hear the word taught on a regular basis by a pastor-teacher.  He or she helps you to understand parts of the bible that’s not easily comprehended of discerned.  So you will sacrifice the time to go to church and once you learn of Christ’s love for you, you will sacrifice other aspects of your life as well.People sitting in a huge cathedral

John 12:26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

It’s not like you’re being punished or anything, it’s that you want to please him.  And once you let him into your heart the Holy Spirit will let you know when you’re pleasing him and when you’re not.

You will enjoy going to church.  It’s like a pep rally for saints that helps you to prepare for the upcoming week.  You usually leave on fire for God and you want to learn all that you can and want to help in any way you can.

You’ll have the peace and joy that comes with knowing Christ and you want to please him.  It’s something that’s unexplainable and unique to every person, and once you truly have it you don’t want to go back.

Others will start to see the difference in you.  You may even get compliments about how you’ve changed and how you’re an inspiration.  You recognize it in yourself and you want to spend more time learning and getting to know Christ.

So whether through time or service, what sacrifice have you done?  What changes have you made?

The peace that comes from knowing Christ defies all understanding and you continue to seek him diligently.  It’s a sacrifice and you don’t mind it one bit.

Sun rays beaming through the clouds

 

Romans 12:1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

 

 

 

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