Merry

We only hear words like joy and merry once a year around Christmas time when companies are trying to drive sales into the black. We never hear a nationwide push for joy and happiness or splendor any other time of year. We do not promote cheer year round. Why? Why don’t we have Merry Monday’s or Happy Friday’s? Why don’t we wake up excited to be alive another day? Why do we only have joy once a year? There is something to be celebrated today. There is someone who needs to know they are loved and appreciated today. Happy Friday. Be Merry!

Be Content

Philippians 4:11-13(NIV) I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Verse 13 is a very popular scripture. It is often one that is recited and committed to memory. However, the verses that preceded it give context. The key to contentment is through God. Only God can give peace in hunger and need. Only God can give peace in plenty. Only God can give contentment. If you find yourself struggling in any of these areas, I challenge you to be content. Just maybe the more you're seeking is going to cost you more than you can afford to pay. More may cost you time, money, and peace. Be content. 

The Table

We all want a seat at the table. When we are young, we want to sit at the grown folk’s table. When we are at work, we want our opinions to be heard. We want to know that we matter. We want to know that our feelings are valid, and we are understood. A seat at the table makes us feel like we belong. It levels the playing field. What table do you want to sit at? What is your strategy for earning your seat?

Appetite

Sometimes, we get so caught up in the natural that we neglect the spiritual. We exercise and make sure we eat healthy, but forget to pray. We have to make time to ensure that we take care of the whole man. What have you fed your soul today? Have you encouraged your spirit? Have you prayed and meditated? Maybe we should add those spiritual things to our “to-do “list. We have to develop an appetite for the things of God. It may take time. It may even taste strange, but it’s good for you.

Be Still and Know....

The knowing isn’t the hard part. It’s the “be still” part that gets me every time. I’ve got things to do on my “to-do” list. There is a mound of laundry. The kitchen needs a once over. The bathroom needs to be cleaned. The kids need something. My mother needs something. I’m being pulled in multiple directions. How can I possibly “ be still.” In order to “be still,” you have to make a deliberate effort to give God time. You have to give God time to be acknowledged, to be praised, and to speak. When we are still, we can hear God. We can acknowledge the small still voice that says, “rest in me.” We can cry out because we can’t do everything in our own strength. When we are still, we can have peace with things being undone. We can know that God will never put more on us than we can bear. Most of know that we can cast our cares on God, but we aren’t still enough to hear the encouragement. We miss the peace of God when we aren’t still. Mute the distractions around you and focus. Be still and know….I am God.

Willing & Able

I’ve heard the term willing and able used so many times. I don’t think I grasped the fact that sometimes we are one or the other. Some of us rarely get to being both at the same time. Partially, I think it requires too much of us. We are willing to help, but we don’t have the time or resources. We are able, but don’t have the follow through. Truly being willing and able is about a resolve. You have to decide to make yourself available and open to whatever the universe needs from you. You must recognize that you are merely a conduit. You are a vessel. You are a steward. Ask yourself…are you willing? Are you able? Are you willing and able?

Don't Give Up!

I know it hasn't happened yet. I know you thought things would look differently. I know you expected a different outcome, but it's not over. You're not over. You're not done. You woke up today. There's still time. You're not too old. Your dream is not out of reach. It's easy to focus on the negatives. It's easy to see what's not going right, but don't give up. No matter what. You are more than capable of making your dreams come true. There are countless examples of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. So, don't give up on your dreams. Don't give up on that relationship. Don't give up on that business. Don't give up on that job. Don't give up on that kid. Don't give up on you.