Silly Is As Silly Does

Silly Is As Silly Does

1 Timothy 4:7 - "Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness"

So much has happened over the past weeks that it can be mind-boggling to say the least; earthquakes, floods, sinkholes, and even political sabotage. And in the midst of all the chaos incriminating skeptics will taunt the benefits of listening to ungodly rhetoric as a means to overcoming the ills of society.  And they recommend all types of self-help remedies, get-rich - quick schemes and once-in-a-life time opportunities. Do not fall victim to these traps.  Do not be fooled by myths or any so-called fixes that are not based in fact or faith. People who are up to no good always skirt their schemes in a ribbon of truth but the core of their deceit is blanketed in falsehoods.  Be aware.  Make wise choices and avoid silly mistakes. Often the biggest setbacks occur because we make silly mistakes by not paying attention.  If the devil is in the details; it is our responsibility to root him out by our thoroughness.  

Every day us a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Have a great weekend.See you Monday. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Please keep in prayer members of our blog family who are undergoing surgeries, recuperating from the flood waters and caring for ill family members.

Time to Go!

2 Chronicles 33:15- “And he took away the strange gods, and the idol out of the house of the Lord, and all the altars that he had built in the mount of the house of the Lord, and in Jerusalem, and cast them out of the city.”

       Some may not believe and others may not take it as seriously as we ought; but the reality is - there are spirit beings in our world that mean us harm. The devil goes about in his role of stealing, killing and destroying all that is sacred to God.  In the same vein, evil lurks all around us and will try to infiltrate our lives, disturb our peace and destroy our livelihoods. 

       This past week while on a break between spring and summer semesters, I did a bit of spring cleaning. Those of us who live in the Atlanta area are very familiar with the fine, powdery pollen which seeps its way through every nook and cranny to settle into our homes. As soon as you wipe one layer away another forms. This ‘yellow-green’ snow gets into everything and often we just wait until the pollen count drops before trying to do in-depth cleaning.  The pollen is very fine and often invisible until it starts to accumulate; then it changes the texture and color of whatever it lands upon; not to mention the misery it brings to allergy and sinus sufferers. 

       So it is with the subtle annoyances of evil spirits that penetrate into our lives. Some are overt and come to us in the form of uncooperative bosses or co-workers; belligerent neighbors or even nasty customer service representatives. But the more dangerous are the covert, sneaky evils, like the seemingly harmless pollen, that worm their way into our lives and subtly change the character of whatever they touch.   

       Just as we must use several methods to rid our homes of the silky pollen, we must also use various methods to make sure our homes and workplaces are clear of evil spirits. Use your anointing oil, your scriptures and your prayers; claim your territory under the right afforded you as children of the Most High God. Open the doors and windows and escort evil out of your living and work spaces and watch as circumstances in your life change.   

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day!  Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Naysayers

Joshua 13: 30-31 – “'And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it'. But the men that went up with him said, 'We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we'.”

Within the last few weeks God has dropped a wonderful thought into my being and given me an assignment that is a definitive walk of faith.  God made it clear from the beginning that this was not going to be a plan laid out like Noah’s assignment where he received full instructions, including measurements and materials. No, my walk would involve more of an Abrahamic learn-as-you-go approach.  In the preparation for his revealing each piece-meal step, I have expanded my prayer with one simple request – “God align me with the right people who are positive in their interaction with me and faithful in their walk with you.”

I work hard at sequestering any self-doubt so I do not need or want anyone around me who always sees the glass as half-empty or who would try to throw a wet blanket over the fire that is growing in my spirit.  As you follow God’s will and direction listen and watch for signs of those who want to plant negativity.  My advice when you catch others constantly questioning your resolve or bringing up what you do not have in place is to remind them that if God created everything from nothing; he is fully capable of making miracles from the head start he has using the great talents he has given to you.   Say ‘nay’ to naysayers and do not allow their negative energy to sway or distract you.  Be about the call that God has placed on your life and ‘get ‘er done’.

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day!  Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Listen Up!

James 1:19 (NKJV)- “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;”

I have found that if you allow people to talk long enough they will reveal to you everything that you really need to know.  God gives us great advice through the words recorded in the book of James on this very subject.  If we are slow to speak or react but open to listening, it is amazing what we can learn and the trouble we can avoid. Most fast talkers have ulterior motives under their sleeves and try to use quickness of speech to push or sway us to follow their leads.  If we listen with intention and remain silent, we allow the Holy Spirit to sharpen our discernment and we will be able to evaluate options with clarity and focused thought. 

Likewise when corrective criticism comes our way; we must use the same techniques – be open to listen; keep silent to make sure we truly understand the information that is being shared and if what is shared makes us uncomfortable; be slow to get angry or to retaliate.  Helpful news may not always come in sweet, digestible packets; sometimes we have to be quiet and take medicine in bitter chunks.  Regardless of what is learned it is better to approach all things with our ears and eyes wide open and our mouths shut until the Holy Spirit gives us cause to speak up. 

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day!  Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Remember!

Proverbs 10:7 –“The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.”

Today we celebrate the memories of the members of our armed forces who sacrificed their lives in the service to our country.  We are indeed thankful for those who laid down their lives for those of us not trained, equipped, capable or confident enough to take up arms and defend ourselves.  We are truly blessed to live in a land where freedom is hallmark and men and women of all ages, creeds and backgrounds can serve a unified nation by land, sea or sky.  To the families of members of our Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, Army and Special Services units who have lost their lives to protect our shores we thank you and honor their memories.

Most importantly we give highest praise and honor to our Lord Jesus Christ who gave up his life for our ultimate freedom.  Through his sacrifice we have the assurance of redemption, unfounded joy, salvation and eternal life.  We are truly blessed to live in a land where we are free to worship and that freedom is guaranteed through the actions of our service men and women and our belief in Jesus Christ.  They made the sacrifice; we honor them because we remember.

 

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day!  Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Fools Rush In

Romans 15:5 – 6 (CEV) – “God is the one who makes us patient and cheerful. I pray that he will help you live at peace with each other, as you follow Christ. Then all of you together will praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ”.

If it seems too good to be true, chances are it is a hoax.  If the salesman tries too hard and pushes for a quick sale – beware.  If today is the ONLY day you can take advantage of the deal then pass it up. Our God is a God of patience and clear thought.  If you ever feel coerced, pressured or intimidated to make a decision or make a move – wait.  Today’s scripture tells that God is the one who makes us patient therefore he is patient.  Fully capable and fully aware, our God took his time and created the world over a span of days when he was fully able to set everything in motion within the twinkling of an eye.  Take your time; evaluate the options; study the potential outcomes but most of all pray and seek the will of God.   The Holy Spirit will never lead you in a wrong direction.  Be wise and practice patience. 

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Have an awesome weekend.  See you on Monday! Be blessed!  Dr. JoAnn

Calm Down

Psalm 46:10(CEV)-“ Our God says, “Calm down, and learn that I am God! All nations on earth will honor me.”

We see the emblem everywhere; whether online, on T-shirts or coffee mugs – “Calm Down and ….”    The ending line could be anything from ‘eat your vegetables’ to ‘sing a song’.  The mantra is still the same…just calm down.  We can get caught up in the hoopla of the day and get swept up in the hustle and bustle of business or the demands of school and get side tracked.  Our scripture today relays that God is our calming source.  It is God who ultimately controls the grand big picture and allows us to have free choice to manipulate the daily nuances of life.  In these manipulations we can sometimes loose the focus of the bird’s eye view and look at things myopically.  When we have a pigeon-holed view of life we miss the subtle yet important issues that reside on the fringes.  It is these fringes that add zest and vitality to living and God wants us to have life and have it more abundantly.  In order to do this we must surrender to God’s will and embrace his purpose for our lives.  Calm down… don’t get on the rat race treadmill of uncertain panic; feeling as if you must keep in constant motion to keep up.  There is nothing wrong with being the ‘go-to’ person at your job or for your family, but

stop trying to run everything; be in charge of everyone; know the answers to every issue and fix every inconsistency.  There are times when the spirit and soul need to slow down; calm down and let God be God.

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed!  Dr. JoAnn

Unspoken Benefits

1 Kings 3:13- "I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days."

     Solomon had become King and his vast kingdom needed strong leadership. Solomon was wise enough to know that he was not equipped on his own to govern God's people. They were in a complex time and although Solomon was young he knew that he needed divine intervention. He sought wisdom not to use for personal gain for himself but for those he would govern. God was pleased by his unselfish request and not only gave him discernment that has never been matched; but God also gave him riches and prestige unrivaled even by today's standards. 

    I charge us today faithful readers to examine our prayers. What do we really want from God?  Do we sweetly ask for one thing but subconsciously our carnality belts out selfish requests that would benefit only ourselves.  What are you constantly petitioning for and who will ultimately benefit if your prayers are answered? When we are in a position of need, we must seek God's will of how to use that need to fulfill his purpose. Let's rethink our prayers and make sure our focus is on what God has in store for his glory and the furtherance of his kingdom. Watch him then take our humble requests and turn them into cups which overflow.   

     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day!  Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Fat Faith

Ezekiel 3:1-"And he said to me, “Son of man, eat whatever you find here. Eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.” 

We hear it more often now than ever before - high glycemic index, bad carbs, low fat , gluten free, organic, free-ranged and farm raised.  Regardless of where we decide to get our nourishment it is important to remember that it might not be so much what you eat but what you feed that matters.

    If you are experiencing inner conflict and struggling to make a decision of what to choose; one thing is a guarantee - whatever you feed is what will grow.  If you feed doubt... then uncertainty will flourish.  If you feed confusion or chaos then your ability to make organized mature choices will starve to death and instability will take over.

    Take a few moments and think about what you are feeding your soul. Is it the food that will make for a stable, healthy life or are you feeding it junk food? Avoid empty calories. Jesus is the bread of life.... this bread will not make you bloated or raise your blood sugar.  Eat up!!! Get fat on faith and watch the healthy change that will sweep over you. 

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it s GREAT day! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn y

Keep It Moving

Mark 7:11 - "And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your 

feet as a testimony against them.” 

     Not too long ago I was talking with a friend about the nuances of evangelism. when you are excited about something you always want to share that same enthusiasm with others. Unfortunately not everyone who claims to want to know God really wants to hear the truth; especially if the truth involves them putting a mirror up to their present reality.  Many claim to want to do better, to have better, to feel better but if it involves changing any part of their present situation many people shun those changes.  

     Jesus instructed his disciples that if they met resistance in telling about the good news of salvation and freedom; they were to not force the gospel upon anyone. As a matter of fact they were to leave peaceably and "keep it moving".

    I often say "God does not take hostages".  The Bible tells that if Christ be lifted up he will draw men unto him.  We do not need to urge or coerce anyone about the goodness of a life dedicated to God.  If we live our lives in accordance to God's will then we will honor and lift him. Those who God selects will hear the message and follow; those that choose to turn a deaf ear will soon regret their poor decision but our command is not to pass judgment or condemn but to keep sowing seeds.  Share the news; but don't get caught up in the blues!

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

    Later today we will lay to rest the body of my Uncle, Arthur Houser, Sr.  Thank you so much for all of the love and support you have shown my family during this time of transition and bereavement.

Anatomic Perfection

Psalm 139:13-14 (CEV)- “You are the one who put me together inside my mother’s body, and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvelous! Of this I have no doubt.”

I work part-time at a local college where I teach Human Anatomy and Physiology. It is a series of courses that instruct about the development, composition, arrangement, functionality and pathology of the human body.  Although it is a public institution steeped in secular tradition, from the very first moment I introduce myself to my students, I constantly remind them that as an experienced scientist I fully vow that we are not made from some chance lightening strike hitting a primordial soup of proteins and algae; nor did we result from the emergence or evolution of primitive primates.  We are wonderfully and fearfully made in the awesome image of our God.  While God is spirit and does not have a physical form his essence is expressed in the wonder of the head, truck and limbs that make up the human frame. 

Everything that God does is wonderful and his creation of us, collectively as a species and individually as characters with our own personalities, is without a doubt marvelous. We must not only take care of our bodies, protect their frailties, cherish their workings but we must honor their differences.  We are all made from the DNA models passed down from generation to generation and these blueprints give directions for how we shall be ‘knit’ or pieced together in our mother’s wombs.  The grandeur of it all is that God orchestrated everything about us before we were even a spark in our father’s eyes or a smile on our mother’s faces.  Before he threw the stars into the sky or whirled the nebulae to form the galaxies he envisioned the dimple on your cheek and the little crock of your tooth. 

God loves us so much; let’s love ourselves and honor our bodies. We must be diligent to not destroy them with cigarettes, excessive alcohol, abusive sexual behavior, inadequate sleep, overwork or overindulgent eating.  We are anatomic perfection; give God praise by taking care of the gift he has given to us in the form of our bodies.  Whether white, black, brown, tall, short, thin, thick, scarred, disfigured, amputated or arthritic – give God praise for we are wonderfully and fearfully (awesomely) made.

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day.  Have a body conscious weekend.  See you on Monday! Be blessed!  Dr. JoAnn

Thank you for all of the calls, posts, emails, cards and expressions of condolence. Please continue to pray for my aunt, Geraldine Houser, and our entire family this weekend as we travel to lay to rest the body frame of my favorite uncle, Arthur Houser, Sr. 

Integrity Pays!

2 Kings 12:15 (TLB) – “No accounting was required from the construction superintendents, for they were honest and faithful men”.

 I remember as a child going to the orchards in southwestern Michigan to pick apples and berries. Our family might drive up on weekend mornings and make a whole day out of exploring nature and picking the fresh fruit.  On some trips when we arrived the owners might be gone or about ready to leave and they would set bushel barrels out for us to fill.  When we finished our harvesting and were ready to check out we simply packed the fruit into paper sacks, left the money in a tin box on the table and left.  It was a time when people trusted their neighbor and their regular customers.

We live in a time now when honesty is such a rarity it is hard to trust many to give a ‘square’ deal of getting what you pay for, not to mention to be honest about money exchange.  In the scripture we are reminded that the men in question had such a reputation for being upright and honest that when work was done those responsible for contracting the work knew that these men in particular could be trusted. 

We need to live our lives and be upfront, upright and just in our dealings with everyone so that we too have a reputation to be trusted.  Recently a new friend told me that I was such a person; and that they could rely not only upon my word but upon my actions.  Most of us live in such a way to be considered a good person; but to have someone who you are just getting to know actually say that they see the spirit of God’s honesty upon you- well I was blessed and humbled.  We all fall short of doing the right thing so I know it is only the working of the Holy Spirit within us that allows us to walk humbly before our God. Seek to be the best representative of God’s goodness by telling the truth, dealing with people in an open and friendly manner and not scheming to have your own interest always be the first thing that you consider.  With these parameters Jesus taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves and that includes being honest and standing by our word.

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Skin Deep Beauty

Proverbs 31:30 (NIV) – “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”

Although today’s scripture refers to the female gender the sentiment covers males as well.  When we see people who have beautiful exteriors but whose attitudes and behaviors are less than desirable, we often chant the mantra – “beauty is only skin deep, but ugly is to the bone".  And also there is the familiar jaunt that “God does not like ugly and he ain’t too keen on superficial pretty either.”  The sentiments expressed are simple… good looks, anatomic beauty, and physical attractiveness that harbor deceptive behaviors, fake attitudes and egotistical conducts are not pleasing to God.

It is God who designs us through the deposition of genetic material from our parents; but our bodies are merely earth-suits used to navigate through this physical world.  God looks not at the outer man but at the inner heart and spirit.  We all want to look good and be attractive.  We all have flaws that we wish to change; but if we spend all of our efforts and place more concern on the outer physical wrappings and allow our inner man to waste way or to become ‘ugly’, then we are truly doomed for destruction. 

Make up, beauty treatments, time at the gym, pumping iron,  jogging, manicures, pedicures, hair weaves, haircuts, hair dying, facial scrubs, eyebrow arching, hair waxing, yada, yada, yada… we must make sure we spend as much time fixing up our spirit as we do in ‘fixing up’ our appearance. Give more attention to bible study, meditation, prayer, praise, listening to sermons, reading historical teachings and Christian literature. A shiny apple with a rotten core ends up in the trash.

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Be blessed!, Dr. JoAnn

Do It With Gusto

2 Kings 13:18-19 (ERV)–”Elisha said, “Take the arrows.” Jehoash took the arrows. Then Elisha said to him, “Hit on the ground.” Jehoash hit the ground three times. Then he stopped. ¹⁹ The man of God was angry with Jehoash. Elisha said, “You should have hit five or six times! Then you would have defeated Aram until you destroyed it! But now, you will defeat Aram only three times.”

From our scripture today we see that when God provides an opportunity to conquer a fear, defeat an enemy or overcome a problem; we should do more than just enough to get by or to meet the minimal requirements.  Elisha previously had given Jehoash instructions to shoot an arrow out of the window and now he tells him to take the arrows and strike them upon the ground.  Chances are his quiver was full of arrows because he had only shot one out of the window; so he had plenty left to use for the follow-up instructions.  God wants to challenge not only our faith but our ability to follow instructions beyond the obvious.  We must go the extra mile; hold on just a little bit longer; go beyond the norm and give God our very best plus some.  We must never be satisfied with doing just enough to get by. Our God is not a god of just enough; he is a God of overflow, ubiquity and abundance.  In striving to be more "Christ-like" it would only seem rational and reasonable that we go above and beyond.  Christ fed the multitude and had lots of leftovers.  When the disciples had given up after an unsuccessful fishing trip, simple instructions from Jesus landed them so many fish they could hardly haul them to shore.  Whatever God has put on your plate - do it with gusto and watch out for the overflow!

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed!  Dr. JoAnn

Big Dreams – Be Aware

Genesis 37:5 (NKJV) – “Now Joseph had a dream, and he told it to his brothers; and they hated him even more.”

      We have all heard it and many of us, me included, have even said it when giving sagely advice to someone who is ‘on fire’ about a new concept, thought, idea or desire….’do not share your big dreams with small minds”.  In essence, when God places a far-reaching vision into our conscious or subconscious we should do as Mary the mother of Jesus did when it was revealed to her that she would carry the Savior of the world – she contemplated it in her heart. We must sometimes wrestle with the desire to shout it from the mountain tops and tell the entire universe how blessed we are and how God has planted a great seed for us to carry out and fulfil.  It is tempting to tell the good news and then end it with ‘now run and tell that’.  But the truth of the matter is that many (even people very close to you and meaning no real harm) cannot handle the creative assignment that God has ordained for you.  Others, out of jealousy, envy or just downright spite and vengefulness, wish you ill-will and failure.

     There are many dreams, like the ones that Joseph shared with his small-minded brothers, that are not going to happen tomorrow or just around the corner; they may be years in the making and if you share the concepts with minds that cannot fathom the extremes of faith and patience, they will constantly remind you that you are not special and that nothing is going to happen to or for you.  God’s timing is his own business and as far-fetched sometimes as it may seem… it is always right on time. 

    When the good stuff that is happening to you is about to be like Jeremiah’s fire shut up in your bones, and you feel you will explode if you can’t find someone to tell….do just that….FIND someone.  Don’t talk to the first open ear or curious soul. Seek out a trustworthy friend, confidant or prayer partner.  Don’t blurt out everything but ask them to stand in agreement with you as God is revealing something new to you; those who are in spirit with you won’t ask ‘nosey’ questions they will stand with you; pray and praise with you; then be available when you want to share. 

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day!  Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Attitude Adjustment

Psalm 11:7 – “For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright.”

When I used to get distracted and fidget in church or anywhere my mom thought I should have better control over myself, she would bend down close to my ear and whisper these very thought provoking and spine chilling words…“sit up, pay attention and act like you have some sense”.  I am certain all of us have either heard these statements or have said them on more than one occasion to our own children.  In essence, whatever was being done was inappropriate and it was time for an attitude adjustment. 

Our God is righteous and he wants his children to be in his image. Our righteousness comes from our relationship with Jesus Christ and the power of his resurrection; but to fully demonstrate our change from the old person to the new creation in Christ we must change our attitudes.  Let’s not be easily distracted by the ‘stuff’ around us, but be conscientious about where we are and how God wants us to act and handle situations.  We must change how we feel about our situation and then we can appreciate why God has us there and what we must do.  So the next time you feel as if your countenance has fallen and you are not paying as close attention as you should… it’s time for an attitude adjustment.

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day!  Have a wonderful weekend.  Happy Mother’s Day to all moms.  See you Monday.  Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Be Steadfast

1 Corinthians 15:58  - “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord”.

        Yesterday, I was caught in the midst of some stop-and-go, bumper to bumper traffic for about 60 minutes (seems like a norm for Atlanta lately).  While in the slow moving traffic I noticed that a few drivers showed very little regard for the safety of others and constantly maneuvered in and out of traffic.  They would seek any little ‘hole’ in the flow and dart into position only to cause others to have to slam on their brakes or swerve to avoid hitting them.  It was almost as if they were oblivious to the rest of us sharing the same freeway. 

      As we maneuver through this transient life it is important that we remain steadfast; focus on the path where God has placed us and stay conscientious of the well-being of those on the same life path.  We may not all have high speed jobs or resources which keep us at “full throttle” levels but we all do share many of the same avenues and byways and we must remain thoughtful of how we interact with others.  We must be steadfast in our work; diligent in our relationships and courteous to all we meet. 

      As God’s representatives, slow and steady is the best strategy for long-term success with minimal accidents.  We do not want our actions to run someone off the path or cause them to lose their way.  Rethink some recent ventures; did you take the time to really examine the plan or did you just jump because an opportunity was available?  Did you respond to someone hastily without getting a good understanding of the conversation and potentially drew wrong conclusions?  It is best to be steadfast so that our labor is not in vain.  Take your time; study to course and proceed with caution.   

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day!  Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Absent – and Accounted For

2 Corinthians 5:8 (NKJV) – “We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.”

        Yesterday, my favorite uncle, Arthur Houser, Sr., took an unfortunate spill and fell into the swimming pool at his retirement facility.  After valiant efforts of residents, my cousin and emergency paramedic staff administering CPR, he transitioned from entrapment in a semi-paralyzed physical body to total spiritual freedom with God.  We shall of course miss his laughter, teasing and merriment; for he truly was a gregarious soul who loved making sure that all in his presence knew they were special; but he is now truly free. To everyone who knew my “Uncle Nee” rest assured he is in no more pain.  While he was wheelchair bound trapped in a physical body that suffered from the ills of mortal life, he is now standing proudly on two strong spiritual legs; waving and clapping uplifted arms and hearing the Father say…”well done; good and faithful servant.”   Thank you Lord for the 57 years he impacted my life; and for the words, wisdom, discipline and love he shared so freely. 
      I am so glad that I spent quality time with him and my aunt just two days before his untimely transition. He is now in a better place and I can’t wait to see him in heaven and remind him that he still owes me ‘50₵’ from our bet on the boxing match. 

        Make sure you tell someone today how much you love them; or ask for forgiveness; or reconcile a misunderstanding or tell a lost soul about Jesus and the hope of salvation. Tomorrow isn’t promised and you may never get another opportunity beyond today.  To God be the Glory!  Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day!  Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

In the Midst

In The Midst

Psalm 138:7- "Though I walk in the midst of trouble,you preserve my life;you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,and your right hand delivers me."

  A few years ago a popular gospel song "In the Middle" chanted that while we are in the middle of our trouble we need to praise. When we see trouble on the horizon we buffet the issue with prayer and praise as we brace for the onslaught.  When we 'see light at the end of the tunnel'; it is easy to lift our voices in joy that our trial is coming to an end; but the real Hallelujah moment is when we are in the midst of the storm.  We might be tired from the trial, uncertain of the length of the struggle and possibly not seeing an end anywhere in sight; but our power comes from focusing on the might of our God and not the fight.

   Today I challenge you to take your eyes off of the conflicts in your life and narrow your gaze upon the Almighty God of Creation; he is in it to win it!

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day!  Be   blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Everything Must Change!

Job 1:12 – (ERV)  Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.”

        As with most things in life; change comes at the most unexpected time and usually from the most expected places.  This week concludes the final examination period for all of my spring semester courses.  And of course just in time to make me crazy I get an update about required testing modalities that must be incorporated in my final evaluation.   In essence instead of the test that I have designed for my students, I must administer a departmental test instead. 

        I am reminded of the life of Job, when God allowed the devil to test Job’s resolve and resilience.  Job was stated to be a righteous man and had to adjust his daily routine in alignment with the test put upon him by the devil.  He had an unexpected change come upon him; but it was from an expected place.  He knew God was in control of everything. He knew about the wiles of the devil; in his daily prayers he sought protection for himself and his children against anything that might ensnare them.  
        Just like Job, I know my students will adjust to the changes and perform well. 

What things have changed in your agenda that causes you to have to regroup and redirect your normal routine or thinking?  Remember that change is inevitable and with change God is right there making sure to meter out plenty of grace and mercy to see you through the transition.  Hold on…  the ride might be a bit bumpy at first; but God has a way of leveling off the snags; smoothing out the edges and making sure that the changes that bombard our lives draw us closer to him and more resilient in our faith.

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day.  Be blessed!.   Dr. JoAnn

Graceful Living

1 Corinthians 1:4  (NIV) – “I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.”

Wow! We are entering the beginning of the first week in the fifth month of the year.  I always think of May as being such a pleasant month. By now the up and down cold days are mostly in the past; the onslaught of rain from March and April has diminished; perennial flowers are in full bloom; and the awkward heat of June has not yet descended.  May can surely be thought of as the month of grace.  It houses not only better weather, but great celebrations and holidays. 

The ‘GRACE” that God provides is renewed every morning and it is sufficient to meet all of our needs. The unmerited favor of God’s love gives us “graceful living” and it is a feeling that we should all want to share with others.   At some time over this weekend set aside some quality time to give back to God by paying ‘it” forward.  In essence think about ways, means, times or situations where you can dispense into others (then do it).  Don’t talk about it too long; don’t put it off; don’t worry about whether every ‘I’ is dotted or every ‘t’ is crossed; just take the time to smell the roses; enjoy the best of God’s world and try to make it a better place for someone by paying-it-forward.

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day.  Have a gratitude-filled weekend.  Enjoy the flowers! See you on Monday.  Be blessed!.   Dr. JoAnn