Auld Lang Syne

Happy New Year’s Eve and Happy 8th Birthday to my beautiful granddaughter, Kamari Alicia Gaither.
     Philippians 3:13- “No, dear brothers, I am still not all I should be, but I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.”
     When we transition from the old year into the New Year it has been customary to do the familiar countdown – 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 –shouting “HAPPY NEW YEAR”. We blow our whistles, rattle our noise makers, hug and kiss even perfect strangers and those in secular setting will fake through a verse or two of "Auld Lang Syne". Many of us may be in religious or family setting where we usher in the New Year on our knees in prayer and praise. Some will swing into the New Year in grand style at lavish parties, while many may follow the haps from around the world in the comfort of their homes via television broadcasts and live streaming.
     Regardless of where you are one thing is for certain when the clock strikes midnight many will see this New Year as a new opportunity to salute and say farewell to the old and prepare to conquer new ground. The saying Auld Lang Syne is from a Scot traditional folk song and loosely translated into English says "for (the sake of) old times".
     For the sake of old times, we remember the people, the places, the events, the challenges and the triumphs that the old year presented. For the sake of old times we remember and relish the lessons we were taught and the impact those lessons will have on where are now to go. To truly cherish old times does not mean that we wallow in the old, or try to remain in its grasp, but we appreciate the old by forging new paths rooted and grounded in what the old had to offer.
     Now it is it time to forget the old; not the essence of the lessons, but forget in the sense that now we must turn it loose and grab hold of the new. Like a trapeze artist in motion, use the old as a catapult to thrust forward to catch the new. To some it may be just another day on the calendar; just another sunrise on the horizon or just another shift at work; but those who know that every day God grants brand new mercies, this new day of the New Year is special for many reasons. Like the Sankofa bird, look back upon the past for what it has brought but keep your feet and momentum pointed forward as your move into your new destiny. 
      Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Step by Step

Proverbs 20:24 – “The Lord guides our steps, and we never know where he will lead us.”
     As I entered my prayer room, which we serenely call the ‘chapel’ my eyes caught the “Footsteps” writing I have posted on one of the walls. I have heard it and read it many, many times but this morning I read again and the Holy Spirit really reminded me of how much God does love us and when the hard times in our lives rush upon us, he gently lifts us in his arms and carries us onward. As I read the last few lines I knew this morning I wanted to share with you the steadfast love of God. No matter what you are going through; whether you are in the beginning of a trial, in the midst of the storm or bruised and battered from just completing a soul-stirring battle – know that God never leaves us alone…he holds, carries, protects and loves us dearly.
      Think back on your own footsteps and give God praise for his loving, supportive and ever-present arms. Find ways this weekend to show God’s love back to him and to others around you. Be appreciative of how he has carried you through ups and downs and be grateful for even the most uncertain times. God loves us step-by-step.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Have a worshipful weekend. See you on Monday! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Blow Wind Blow

Psalm 1:4 – “The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.”
     The other day my friend had the nerve to share with me a video of her holiday visit from the Caribbean where a swift, balmy breeze was whipping through the area. Here in Atlanta we were experiencing a gloomy overcast day so needless to say I was living vicariously through her decription of how wonderful the wind felt.
    As I watched the video it was amazing to see the tall palm trees bow to the majesty of the invisible force that pushed their fronds to and fro. As the wind canvased the area it was evident that anything that was not properly secured was in for a tossing.
     When the cleansing winds of life sweep through our lives we should do two types of evaluations. One – to see which things need to be nailed down and the other – to see which things we need to allow to blow away. God sends all types of winds into our lives – some to cool, some to sweep, some to stir, some to blow down and some to blow away. There are some things, people and circumstances that we need to cherish more; we need to pay more attention to securing them more tightly and honoring their worth. And there are some things that we are holding on to and cherishing that really need to be loosed and allowed to leave. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and he will make it evident which things fit into which category. Blow Wind Blow.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

 

Gains and Losses

Mark 8:36 –“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”
     The last few days have been filled with merriment, family events, church activities, holiday concerts and of course football games. The competition between teams focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of those combatting. Game commentators tell of various statistics which denote wins, loses and current standings. The gains and losses over the season keeps the teams jockeying for positions of field advantage and playing options. As teams win they gain higher rankings which puts them into more competitive slots as they approach the final showdown – the Superbowl.
     In our life walk we too face challenges where there will be gains and losses. At some interactions we will lose ground, even when we give our best efforts and others will be great wins. Some days we can handle the competition which comes against our faith trying to throw us off track; and other days it is a real scrimmage to beat back the frustrations, challenges and temptations. But in the long isn’t it great to know that the final showdown has already been won. 
     The final victory has been gained through the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Born of a virgin, living a mortal existence, sharing in our sorrows and teaching us Godly ways; Jesus makes sure that our gains are not just earthy advances, but that our souls are on track for eternal glory. Give God praise for our victory in Christ.
    Every day is a good day; it is up to us to a make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Unto Us!

Isaiah 9:6 - “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
    God gave us the greatest gift in the form of his son, Jesus Christ. I am so appreciative of the gifts of support, friendship and love that I receive from you my faithful readers. May the Prince of Peace bring joy to you today and always! His birth set in motion the redemption of mankind back into fellowship with God... what a wonder!      Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT, GRATEFUL day! I pray you have a Merry Christmas and that the joy of the Lord be with you and all you hold dear! Be blessed. Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Merry Christmas Eve!!!!

Luke 10:33 – “But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity.”
     Today’s scripture snippet is from the tale of the stranger who was traveling and became the victim of senseless violence and left for dead. Many passed along the way and did not want to get involved in helping; but one lone Samaritan took care of the man and not only tended to his immediate needs but also provided for his continued care.
      Many of us are traveling this Christmas, whether across country or just across town to visit with loved ones and friends. Regardless of the route, the journey’s length or destination my prayer today is for your safe sojourn and that God’s traveling mercies be with you going and coming. Too many are anxious to get last minute things accomplished; tempers might flair and patience is worn thin; so be careful and know that God’s angels travel with you. 

       Look for opportunities to be a Good Samaritan to someone in need. While you are out and about be the hand of God by doing some random acts of kindness. The reason for the season is Jesus Christ and he is love. Help return a shopping cart to the store; give up a place in line to someone obviously struggling with time; keep a little spare change in your pocket to drop into the Salvation Army red bucket as you enter or leave the local merchants; take a baked good to your precinct police or fire department. 'Tis the season to be jolly but more so to show love.
      Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Thoughtful Hearts

Psalm 19_14 – “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”
     Yesterday I referred this same scripture in regards to the words that we audibly speak and the impact they may have on others. Today we will focus on the second aspect - that which percolates in our hearts. We might be clever, shrew or ‘politically correct’ enough to not say everything that is on our minds; but what about the thoughts themselves.
      The scripture tells about the ‘meditations’ of our hearts. When we meditate on something, we rehearse it over and over again. We dwell in its essence and draw from and put into it power. It is a churning, a kneading and a nurturing process. That which we meditate on draws our attention into itself. This can be very powerful if our thoughts are as Paul says in Philippians 4:8- true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report and virtue. But if we are harboring ill-will, envy, jealousy, malice, stubbornness, criticism or hatred; then these will brew, get stronger and take over. 
     Let us be mindful, careful and guarded about the thoughts we meditate on. If negatives pop into your head; quickly push them out and replace them with praise for God and loving ideas. If you have to repeat the process over and over again – GREAT – each time to push out a negative and pull in worship for God, the stronger you fortify your faith and resolve.
      Every day is a good day; it is up to us to a make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Acceptable Words

Psalm 19_14 – “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”
     We all have said things that we wish we could remove from the atmosphere. The words just seem to flow out of our mouths and over our lips before we have a chance to really think about the repercussions and impacts they can cause. Sometimes we say hurtful, non-productive or insensitive things because we are just running off at the mouth; or speaking out of turn or just being thoughtless. Regardless of their origin, once that bell is rung we can’t un-ring it.
     Today’s scripture reminds us that our words should be acceptable to God and even more so let them be pleasing. Think about it for yourself; there are many ways each day that we encounter things that are acceptable and it involves meeting a particular standard that we have set. We might have a certain expectancy for how our children or grandchildren should act in public or how they respond to others in conversation. But when they are exceptionally polite and show as the elders used to say “like they got good sense and home training” – we are very pleased – even proud. Not only was our expectancy met but they did something that delighted and pleased our hearts. God enjoys us going above and beyond the norm and pleasing his heart also.
     Today and every day let us be mindful of our mouths. Be kind to one another. Be respectful of other’s feelings whether friend, family or stranger. Each time you speak know that you are speaking to God through that person. What would you want God to hear?
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to a make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Gotta Say Something! - Flashback

As we prep for Christmas for the next few days I want to share a few choice writings from the past...
     Joel 1_3 – “Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation.”
       Now is the season to make ourselves very vocal about the reason for the season. I have noticed that there is an increased insertion of the greeting of “Merry Christmas” this year than I have heard in quite a while. And I am tickled pink and exuberant about it. For years it seemed that to be politically correct we usurped saying “Merry Christmas” for a more bland and ‘safe’ “Happy Holidays”. We did not want to insult anyone who was not a Christian or who did not celebrate Christmas in the traditional sense. Well I never stopped saying Merry Christmas, even if it might have offended others, that is not my charge, my feeling is that I am blessed to know that Jesus wrapped himself in the frailty of human flesh to navigate this tumultuous world as a babe in swaddling clothing; to endure the harshness of constant travel to evade those who would cause him harm; to live out his adult life being misunderstood, lied on, denied and forsaken….all because of his love for me. And some think that to make them comfortable I am going to deny “Merry Christmas” for the milk-toast, lack-luster greeting of a blanketed holiday cheer – No Thank You!!! I will shout it from the rooftop – I gotta say something and that something is MERRY CHRISTMAS! Jesus is the reason for the season.

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

Same Song

Mark 8:36 –“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”
     In the early 1990’s the rap group Digital Underground released the song “All Around the World Same Song”. While the lyrics are ubiquitous one or two lines really always resonate in my memory of Tupac Shakur as he pronounced:
     “Get some fame, people change, wanna live they life high
Same song, can't go wrong, if I play the nice guy
Claimin' that they must have changed now that we came strong...I remain still the same, why Tu'? 'Cause it's the same song”
     As we fast approach the ending of this year with anticipation of the New Year we must be mindful that things come and go but we must be true to the new creature that God has created within us. When we confess Jesus as our personal Savior, we become new creations and in this newness we must continue to grow nearer to God and further from the wiles of the world. We live in this world but our hearts and minds must be stayed on Jesus.

      No matter what comes up as ‘new’ or ‘improved’ in the world it really is just the same old song. Same old things just repackaged, glittered-up and presented as the next best thing. We must remain the same in our pursuit of God’s Kingdom and stay true to our desires to please him and we do this by loving him deeply and sincerely. Remember the reason for this season and love God with your whole heart.
      Every day is a good day; it is up to us to a make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Godly Obedience - Be Consistent

        We conclude this week with our look at characteristics of Godly obedience by being "consistent". This simply means to keep at it until God gives you release. God knows the precise timing of the work he has purposed through us and we must not allow circumstances to sway us off course through distractions; or to abandon our post because we are bored or tired. 
       One of the most devastating influences which causes us to lose our momentum and leave our tasks undone is being overwhelmed. As long as we are operating in the strength that God provides we can push on until completeness; but when we operate in our own strength we quickly tire and become prey to the devil's constant whispers and suggestions to slow down or give up.
     Remember how happy you were when you started that job? You were so on fire because you needed to work, you had bills and responsibilities; and as I like to say -" I enjoy sleeping and eating indoors"; so it was wonderful being employed and you thanked God. He opened that opportunity not just so you could pay bills but so that your spirit could do a work for him in that environment. But something happened... you stopped abiding in him and tried to work it by your own ability and now you are frustrated. 
       Nothing really changed... the boss is still as crazy as they were day one; the bus or car ride is still the same distance; the early days or late night shifts are still just as dark. The main change is how you operate in the arena where God has placed you. Don't carry yokes that are too heavy and fight battles that are not yours. Continuously operate in the strength of God and you won't break down or give out.
      Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Have a great weekend. See you Monday- Be Blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Godly Obedience - Be Exact

In continuing our look at characteristics of Godly obedience, today we highlight trait #2 -which is to be "exact" in following the commands of God. Just look at the works of the Earth's design and the mathematical precision of the heavens; it is evident that our God operates through a system of creative order. He does not throw things to chance but utilizes "Divine Order" in creating and appointing.

Read the story of Achan in Joshua 7 and see why precision and exactness in following God's desires is crucial for those who love him and aim to please him. The children of Israel were given specific instructions of how to handle the spoils of war and one man's decision to "do it his way" caused the death and destruction of thousands. We are all a part of the building of God's kingdom and the action of one effects the lives of others. When God tells us how to do something, where to do something and when to do something it is for a specific reason and he expects and requires that we be obedient and trust him. Don't worry if it seems strange to your carnal intuitions or perplexing to those around you. When God told Joshua to have the people walk around the city of Jericho he didn't say ..."do it until you get tired"... he gave specific instructions. And if you listen to God carefully he will guide you also. Do it the right way! Be exact.

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

Instant Obedience

Deuteronomy 26:17-"You have declared today that the Lord is your God, and that you will walk in his ways, and keep his statutes and his commandments and his rules, and will obey his voice."
       As a child I played the piano for my Sunday School class devotional period and one of my favorite songs was “Trust and Obey”. For the remainder of the week I want to share a few chief characteristics of Godly obedience. First of all when we are obedient our response must be "instant". Don't dillydally. drag your feet and procrastinate. Take lessons from Jonah and Abraham- do the assignment when it is given. Jonah had his own agenda and even though God made it plain what he was supposed to do, how to do it and where to do it- he bucked and did not respond right away- he fled.
      On the other hand Abraham (at that time called Abram) believed God and even though he was given few details he responded and set out on a journey that set the course of blessing and salvation in motion. He did not know where he was going or even how God would manifest the promises given to him but he got up and got to "stepping". 
      Today I encourage us to be instant in our response to God. If you waver because you are uncertain that what you are feeling is "truly" from God- ask you him! Tell him YES and ask for clarity- but respond. God is not the author of confusion; he may not give you every step or detail but his peace will allow you to operate in surety; that's how you will know you are on the right path.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev.Dr. JoAnn.

Turn Back!

Luke 17:15-19: “And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.”(KJV)      

      Of the ten lepers cleansed by Jesus, only one turned back to give thanks and in doing so he was made whole. The other nine were indeed healed but purely by the grace and mercy of Jesus, despite their ingratitude. The thankful man was not only healed but Jesus made him whole. Nothing lacking; nothing missing. His wellness was because of his faith. He got the cake and the icing too. I think I like the fact that God sees my heart and rewards me for my faith which is pleasing to him in comparison to receiving grace gifts where I give nothing to God.
      On-going, God is providing for us and if we take our eyes off of the things that seem to be going wrong, we can channel enough of our consciousness to be thankful for the many things that are going right. The devil always wants you to shift away from the positive to dwell on the negative. Don’t do it. It isn’t worth it and it takes you down a rabbit hole of despair and potential depression.
      The lepers might have wanted an instant healing, but it happened as they were walking toward the priests – who knows maybe they were so focused on what was wrong and anticipating relief later that they didn’t even realize that their healing was in their walking. One did…and he turned back and gave thanks. Don’t be so focused on your problems or what might even seem to be a solution that you miss the healing and the opportunity to turn back and give thanks.
         Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day!  Be Blessed! Rev.Dr. JoAnn

The Tempest

Psalm 107:24-25 (NIV)- “ They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful deeds in the deep. For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves.”
      As we enter the holiday season, the weather in all parts of our country is shifting into ‘winter mode’. Here in Atlanta over the past week we have seen temperatures flux from mid-70s to low 40s; with intermittent rains and leaf-blowing winds.
     Across the country we see forecasts of increased rain, snow and potential storms in many areas. Emergency protocols are being reviewed, provisions are being stockpiled and people in potentially affected areas are preparing for the worse.
     With the potential for devastation always threatening, it is essential for people of faith to remember that all things…yes ALL things… are under the watchful eye and control of God. Not every bad or problematic condition is of evil invention or the after clause of some returning bad karma. As our scripture for today indicates the wonder of God happens in all aspects of life on planet earth. The same hand that can produce a storm will quiet it. We may not understand why stifling dust storms, blinding blizzards, torrential rains, tsunamis, or earthquakes could be signals of a just and powerful God; but our faith tells us that these occurrences are not times to mourn and complain, but to humble ourselves and draw nearer to God in prayer. Every storm is a call to trust God and rely upon his sovereign grace and perfect will.     What storms do you see brewing on your horizon? What troubles do you see looming just ahead? If God has given you foresight to see the potential for trouble, use these forewarnings as a time for prayer and quiet reflection. Don’t’ always ask God why the storm is coming or why you have to go through the storm. Praise him for the fact that he will not allow you to go through the storm unaware or alone. There is always a lesson in the storm. There is a blessing in the storm. So a storm can provide the right impetus to let us focus on the real importance …life itself. .      So as the storms are approaching from all directions, let us pray for the safety and well-being of our country-men, neighbors, families and friends; and at the same time, let us praise our God; for in his mercy these storms will bring him glory if we know how to ride it out! Your own personal storms will bring God glory if you just let go…let God do what he does best…and ride it out! No murmuring…no complaining….just praying!     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Relax

Matthew 11:28-30 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
     There's nothing like rest and rejuvenation to spark the spirit and heal the soul. Sometimes we just need to put the brakes on and slow ourselves down to a complete stop. Many of us are running on full throttle so much that we are whisking through life and really not enjoying the scenery. We all know that the rat race is out there.... but we also know that the second rat gets the cheese. Slow down... feast on the day... smell the flowers; better yet take some time and actually plant a few.
     We hurry through each day wishing for it to be over but in reality we are asking for our lives to hurry and be done. You might say- "I can't wait until next month, this project will conclude." It seems like a harmless statement but remember our words are very powerful. Before you know it the time has come and gone; but what other important things have you also sped through? Time you could have spent with family; time you could have enjoyed doing things you like; reading, crafts, movies; time you could have used deepening your relationship with God.
     Well it is time for all of us to slow it down a notch and embrace the fine art of doing as Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-30 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT rest-filled day. Enjoy the weekend; see you on Monday. Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Not Your Job!

2 Samuel 6:6-7 – “6 And when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. 7 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him down there because of his error, and he died there beside the ark of God.”
     This scripture is taken from the accounting of what happened when one particular man took on a responsibility that was not his and unfortunately suffered dire consequences because of it. As King David was having the Ark of the Covenant moved to Jerusalem he made a few administrative mistakes and one of his servants unfortunately had to pay the price.
     We have all experienced bosses or supervisors who have made decisions that others had to suffer for when all they were doing was trying to complete a task. David had commanded for the Ark to be removed from Baale-judah and taken to Jerusalem on a new cart pulled by oxen. That was his first mistake. God had given specific instructions as to whom could carry the ark and how it was to be carried. Only the tribe of Levi was to handle the Ark and it was not to rest on an ox cart but to be carried on the shoulders of the priests. David and his fighting men were celebrating, dancing, chanting, singing and playing instruments.
     David’s second mistake was that he did not give the Ark, which represented God’s presence, the reverence that it deserved. He was celebrating more about what the Ark stood for in transferring the importance of Jerusalem now being the religious and political capital than he gave reverence to God’s providence.
     Sad to say, David’s servant Uzzah became a tragic victim of this string of inconsistencies. The oxen pulling the cart stumbled causing the Ark of the Covenant to shift. Fearing that it would be cast to the ground, Uzzah did as probably anyone would have done out of a quick reaction; he put out his hand to catch the Ark and keep it from falling. God’s command was that only the priestly tribe could handle the Ark and even then they had to move it by securing poles through the rings that were fashioned on each side. It might seem harsh but God struck Uzzah done immediately and killed him for his actions. The death of Uzzah was a reminder of the power of God and the importance of following his laws.
     Someone may command, order, coax, trick, cajole, tease, dare or even ridicule you into doing something that you know is not what God has commanded for you to do. Although they were following orders there are many accountants who wish they had not moved a decimal point; teachers who regret changing grades; coaches who showed favoritism and medical professionals who skirted around proper protocol. Take the high road. Always follow the dictates that God puts into your heart. Follow his directions and even if the outcome might not be favorable in the sight of worldly position or promotion or achievement; you will garner the favor of God through your obedience.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn.

Feast or Famine

Philippians 4:12-"I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need."
     Some days it seems we have a little surplus; enough to share with others and a little left over to bank away. Then other times we are ordering from the dollar menu and not super-sizing a thing. Our journey is full of days of plenty and nights of insufficiency; but through it all the secret of enduring is to do as Paul prescribes. There are three things he shared in his epistle to the church at Philippi.
     1) He acknowledged that abasement is where we are "brought". Usually we do not venture to go to the minimum. We are often brought into situations where we may be depleted or used up. Whether it is our money, our time, our resources or our energy, we can be drained if we are taken out of our element and operate in unfamiliar dimensions. Therefore a remedy is to get back to the familiar and operate in your strong suit.
     2) He tells that there is a 'know-how' associated with levels of existence so we must be cognizant of where we are, how we got there and then be open to shift between one and the other without it effecting who we are. The old adage states that "clothes do not make the man"; character is what defines him. So whether your shoe bottoms are red or full of patchwork, carry yourself with dignity and keep your head and countenance up.
     3) Paul stated that he learned to 'face' any situation. No matter what station you find yourself in life, do not be ashamed of where God has placed you. Whether in the High Court or in the prison; Paul never lowered his standards or lost his inner self worth. He knew and always proclaimed that it was not him but the Christ that lived within him that made all the difference in the world. As long as we have the King of kings, the Lord of Lords and the purveyor of everything in us, why should we care whether we are being escorted to our private table at 'McCormick and Schmick's' or standing in a soup line. Keep your head up. Nothing lasts forever but God! So if you are 'up' right now, be kind to those who are not. If your train has entered a dark tunnel, rest assured soon there will be the light of Jesus to illuminate your way and get you back on prosperity's track.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

K.I.S.S.

K.I.S.S. – Keep it short and sweet.

I must admit that after so many years of uploading these writings (often under much technical difficulty) I wonder whether anyone is really still reading these snippets.  Just when I get a little dismayed, discouraged or feel like sleeping in a little longer and calling it quits, someone always manages to drop me a text or an email or even a phone call to say that something I wrote really helped. 

Much thanks to those of you who have taken a moment and dropped me a line.  Of course as an amateur wordsmith those words of encouragement and support have kept me focused and on task.  While the main purpose of these blogs is to glorify the God we worship, it is still nice to hear or read that someone out there is actually benefiting from what God allows me to share.  Thank you.

Starting soon the blog will change to a shorter format. Please stay tuned as I believe this new more direct presentation will bless and encourage you even more.

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