TIME TO TESTIFY ( I Smile)

I Smile

     After I posted my testimony "Hold On To Faith" on the 'Amazing Grace- My Chains are Gone' Facebook page, one "Faithbook sister (we are known as the Faithbook family) posted this comment:

          "God sends us through trials and tribulations so that we will lean on HIM because we get in our heads that we can do things ourselves, when the truth of the matter is, we can do NOTHING without Jesus Christ, our Lord!"

   This comment is so very true and I knew this truth from studying the Bible. So I made the commitment to praise my Wonderful Father everyday! I thanked Him daily because I knew where my blessings came from. I knew I was in the wonderfully blessed position I was in only because God made it all possible.

   But, although I did the right things to please God, I was becoming comfortable with my blessings. I was thanking and worshiping God, yes... but I wasn't really leaning on Him. He blessed me with everything already. What could I possibly lean on Him for?

   No matter how blessed we think we are or how much we think we couldn't possibly need anything more from God, we do. And He wants to give us so much more. He wants us to continuously lean upon Him for our spiritual growth. He wants us to lean upon Him for more of His Truth because no matter how much we try to learn everything... we just never will. We will never fully know God like we want to but as long as we continue to lean upon Him we will grow into the person He created us to be.

   Sure, I read my Bible and devotionals daily. I watched Joyce Meyers, The Christian Ministry teacher, every morning --- she came on different stations consecutively so sometimes, if her teachings were really good, I'd watch her two or three times a day. But that isn't enough. To spiritually grow, not only do we need to study the Word and meditate on it, but we must act on it!

   My "season of trials" taught me about passivity. God doesn't want us to become passive. How can He use us to accomplish His Will if we are passive? He needs us as His instrument to reach others and bring them to Him. He needs us active so He can bless others through us. We can't shine our light in the darkness of the world if we're passive. And if we don't shine our light in the world then how will we give glory and honor to God?

   Matthew 5:13-16  "You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost it's flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
   You are the light of the world --- like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.                                                             NLT
         

   The Lord knew I was grateful for the blessings He gave me. He knew the cross I carried from previous years and, because I was faithful, obedient and allowed Him to transform me, He allowed me to rest. But I was just sitting on the side of the road on that narrow path. In order to grow and become the person He wanted me to be I could not become stagnant.
  
    After carrying the cross, God does allow us to rest for a bit but when we start to get too comfortable, as I was, He stands us up, hands us our cross and gets us back on that journey again.    1 Peter 5:10-11  In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered for a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power to him forever. Amen. 
 

   Yes, I'm glad He helped me through those trials. I'm grateful the Holy Spirit kept me from falling and encouraged me not to give in to sin. It's such a good feeling to get through to the other side then think back on the struggle and rejoice in victory!

   1 Peter 1:6-7   So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold -- though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith  remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.                            NLT

   Another thing my "season of trials" taught me is that my faith will always be tested. And I believe it's more for our sake that anything. God knows us. He already knows our heart, our thoughts, our next move. But we don't really know ourselves. We often say we trust God but then we catch ourselves sometimes asking, "But what if? What if God is not going to answer my prayer because I got angry this morning? What if God isn't going to help me because I always turn away from Him?"

   Satan worked hard to cast doubt on my belief in God's promises. He used anyone and anything he could to try and bring me down. He wanted to cut the lines of communication between God and I. And I admit, he was almost successful. But right when I was about to give up, that's when the Holy Spirit whispered in my ear, "Don't give up now. Your breakthrough is just around the corner. Trust God!"

   My faith has been tried and I know it will always be tried. Because true faith will be tested. I realize I only understand my trial when I reach the blessing. The trial is my learning period and I don't understand it until I get through it.

Brothers and sisters, I want to encourage you to accept whatever comes your way and TRUST GOD! For if you think back on other struggles in your life you'll realize that you made it through and God was with you all the time. When you got through it, you were able to rest a bit before the next struggle came. But life is a constant struggle. It will never be a walk in the park forever. But with each struggle, we are growing spiritually and becoming stronger.

   Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me so much and never giving up on me. Thank You for Your understanding when I would get frustrated and about to throw in the towel. Thank You for guiding me on the way I should go. Father, what I really want to say... THANK YOU! I love You, Lord! Amen.

  

  

PRAYER FOR THOSE SEARCHING for GOD

                                     Prayer For Those Searching for God

O Lord my God,
Teach my heart this day where and how to see You,
Where and how to find You.
You have made me and remade me,
All the good things I possess,
And still I do not know You,
I have not yet done that
For which I was made.
Teach me to seek You,
For I cannot seek You
Unless You teach me,
Or find You
Unless You show Yourself to me.
Let me seek You in my desire,
Let me desire You in my seeking.
Let me find You by loving You,
Let me love You when I find You.

-- St Anseim

INSIGHTFUL MESSAGE (Keep Your Eyes on Jesus)

Keep Your Eyes on Jesus

   Hebrews 12:1-3     Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding it's shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won't become weary and give up.                            NLT

   After my season of trials, I was able to sit down and reflect on everything and what it all meant. This is the one of the lessons I learned from it all.

   We must keep our eyes on Jesus so our faith can become a living testimony to the witnesses whom surround us daily. We live in a very dark time and people are looking for the Truth.

   We must remember, God will not give us anything we cannot handle. With God, all things are possible, therefore, when we place our trust in Him, He gives us the ability to do what He knows we can do and He does whatever we cannot do. It is a team effort with God as the captain.

   We mustn't think we are not able or simply can't endure anymore. Allowing God to reside within us, the word can't  becomes obsolete.

   God knows our experiences and He can relate to them because He sees what we go through and He has been through it Himself. Many of our trials are minor compared to what God endures with us.

   Consider this:

• He gave His only Son to save us from sin and we still sin.
• When we repent He forgives us of our sins on a daily basis. He is forever forgiving us. Can you imagine where we would be if He told us, "That's it! I'm done! I'm tired of your crap! You'll never learn!" But He doesn't tell us that and He never will because He loves us so much that, by His grace, He has mercy on us and forgives us everytime.
• He loves us unconditionally. We might ignore Him, disobey Him, and maybe not even trust Him but He always love us and never leaves us.

   So what more could we possibly need?

   I've made the commitment to keep my eyes on Jesus and I pray you will join me.

   I'm going to let my light shine in all the dark areas I encounter. All for the glory and honor of Our Wonderful Heavenly Father.

   Please join me and do not become weary and give up. Light up the world!!! Let your light shine!!

   Be blessed and be a blessing!

                                                                                                                Shalom,

                                                                                                                     Dejon

Because we are salt and light:

Matthew 5:14-16   "You are the light of the world -- like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. no one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let our good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."                       NLT

Let Your Light Shine!!!

INSPIRATIONAL STORY (Just Checking In)

Just Checking In

   One day around lunchtime, a pastor was walking through the church sanctuary checking to make sure everything was in it's proper place. As he stopped at the altar to gather prayer requests, he heard the entrance door to the church open and shut. He was a little caught off guard when he turned around to see a scraggly old man walking down the aisle.

   Frowning, the pastor noticed the man's beard had not been trimmed or combed, it seemed, for quite some time. His shirt and pants were filthy and stained and his shabby coat was two sizes too small for him. 

   Yet, the man never looked at the pastor nor said a word. He went straight to the altar, knelt and bowed his head for a few moments, then he stood up and walked out the door.

   After three days of this man's regular routine, the pastor was somewhat concerned. Thinking this man was down on his luck and needed help, when he entered that day, the pastor walked up to him and spoke, "Excuse me, sir. I'm the pastor here and for the last three days I've noticed you coming in to pray. Is there something, maybe, I can do for you?"

    He humbly lifted his head so his eyes would meet the pastors. In a very quiet, meek voice, the man answered, "Oh, I help the construction crew up the road picking up loose nails, wood chips and such. Da' boss man, he's a real nice feller. He gives me little bit of money everyday. Ain't much, but pays the bills, I guess. And dem boys working, sumtimes they gives me sum their lunch. I does alright, I guess."

   Then the man took his eyes off the pastor, lowered his head and shamefully spoke, "When I was a child, my mom and dad was kilt in a car crash. I lived with different folks, mostly my other kinfolk, for awhile. Then they has to put me in an orphanage cause they couldn't afford it no mo'. But when I comes of age I left and got off on my own. But I never knew God.

   I married this Christian woman. She really love her God. I watched her pray to Him all the time -- mornin', afternoon, suppertime, and even before she went ta bed at night. But she passed away 3 years ago and things ain't been the same since.

   So at lunchtime, I comes down here to pray. It seemed to do sumthin' for my wife so I thought I might as well try it myself. Ain't got nuttin' else to lose. When I finish I do seem to feel a bit stronger and at peace, tho."

   The man lifts his head and with an apologetic look on his face he continues to speak, "I don't stay very long, see, 'cause the site is a bit far for an old man like me to be walkin'. But when I kneel down to talk to the Lord, this is what I say, 'I just came again to tell You, Lord, how happy I've been since we found each others friendship and You took away my sin. I don't know much of how to pray, but I think about You everyday. So, Jesus, this is Jim just checkin' in. Amen.' But it's time for me to go now. Been nice talkin' wit cha. Bye." Then he hurried out the door.

   The pastor was moved by this because he, himself, had not said a heartfelt prayer in awhile. His prayers had been by rote, therefore, his heart had hardened a little and become cold. But at that altar, he met with Jesus and was warmed by Jesus' love. So he knelt and repeated Jim's prayer, "I just came again to tell You, Lord, how happy I've been since we found each others friendship and You took away my sins. It's been awhile since I prayed a heartfelt prayer but I think about You everyday. So, Jesus, this is me just checking in."

   The next few days, the pastor waited with anticipation, for Jim to come in because he wanted to pray with him.After a week passed and still no sign of him, he began to worry. He called the local hospital and discovered that Jim had been admitted just two days prior because he had a severe case of pneumonia. So the pastor rushed to the hospital and stayed at Jim's bedside.

   The nurses mentioned to the pastor their concern that no friends or family came to show they cared and it seemed he had no one to turn to.

   Jim overheard what the nurses said and with a smile he told them, "Oh but you're so wrong. But I guess you couldn't have knowed; all da' time I been layin' here, everyday at noon He's here, a dear friend of mine. Ya see, He sits right down, takes my hand, leans over and says to me, 'I just came again to tell you, Jim, how happy I have been since we found this friendship and I took away your sins. I always love to hear you pray. I think about you everyday and so, Jim, this is Jesus checking in.'"

Psalm 18:25  To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity. NLT

PRAYER FROM BILLY GRAHAM

Billy Graham

Billy Graham

Current age: 93

Truth.... from a man the media has never been able to throw dirt on.... Amazing!!!!!

He has certainly hit the "world" on the head.

Billy Graham's Prayer for Our Nation

THIS MAN SURE HAS A GOOD VIEW OF 

WHAT'S HAPPENING TO OUR COUNTRY!

Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask Your forgiveness and to seek Your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, "Woe to those who call evil good." But that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortonists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it  building self-esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.

Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today, cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Amen. 

With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep our nation and wholeheartedly become our desire so that we again can be called "One Nation Under God"

HUMOR FOR HAPPINESS (Forrest Gump)

                                          Forrest Gump Goes To Heaven

Forrest Gump died and went to heaven, when he got to the Pearly Gates, Saint Peter told him that new rules were in effect due to the advances in education on earth.
In order to gain entrance, a prospective Heavenly Soul must answer three questions:

1.  What are the two days of the week that begin with "T"?
2.  How many seconds are in a year?
3.  What is God's first name?

Forrest thought for a feew minutes and answered:
1. The two days of the week are Today and Tomorrow.
2.  There are 12 seconds in a year.
3. God has two first names and they are Andy and Howard.

Saint Peter said, "Ok. I'll buy the Today and Tomorrow, even though it's not the answer I expected but it is correct. But how did you get 12 seconds in a year and why do you think God's first name is either Andy or Howard?

Forrest answerd, "Well, January 2nd, February 2nd, March 2nd, April 2nd...."

"Ok then, I give," said Saint Peter. "But what about God's first name?"

Forrest said, "Well, from the song... Andy walks with me, Andy talks with me, Andy tells me I'm His own...and from the prayer... Our Father, who art in Heaven. Howard be thy name...."

Saint Peter let him in without another word.

TIME TO TESTIFY (Hold On To Faith)

   Hold On To Faith

James 1:2-4  Dear brothers and sisters when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.                                                                                                                        NLT

   Yes, it's hard facing the "season of trials". One or two trials aren't too bad. But when more and more are laid upon us and we think we're about to get our breakthrough but all we get is more discouragement... it is hard to keep the faith.

   Believe me, I know from my own personal experience just how hard it is to hold on to faith when nothing seems to be improving and your faith gets so shaken that you just want to give up because believing now seems like a hopeless dream.

   In the summer of 2010, the state suddenly closed down the Healthcare agency where I was employed. There was no warning. No information on what to do next. Nothing!!! But I held on to faith because I knew in my heart that God would work things out all for good.

   After 3 weeks and still no information, I decided to work at a retail store. Then a month later, I was hired at a different Healthcare facility and now I was working two jobs. Things were going great as I was making good income to catch up on bills that I got behind in during the small amount of time I wasn't working.

   Then two months after working both jobs, I ended up with health issues. My hours at the Healthcare agency were reduced. I had to take an unpaid leave-of-absence from the retail store, which was my primary source of income. Things were looking very bleak and, hard as it was, I maintained my faith. I knew God had something good waiting for me. I just needed to be patient and trust Him.

   By now it was the beginning of a new year. I just knew 2011 was going to be better. I had God on my side.

   But it wasn't! Starting the new year I began having issues with my phone. I went with a different service provider thinking I'd get better service. I was wrong. Instead I encountered worse service and more frustration. Still enduring loss of income and health issues, my faith was getting a little shaky. It seemed to be taking forever for my trials to end and instead just seemed to be encountering more.

   Three months later, I was told from the retail store, my leave-of-absence would be extended for six more months and after the six month period if I was not able to return to work without restrictions then I would be let go. My health issues were so serious that the doctors told me I needed surgery. Problem was... I didn't have any insurance and didn't have, nor would have anytime soon, the finances to cover the surgery. Now, my faith is really growing dim.

   Now, one year later, nothing has improved and suddenly I begin having issues concerning my car. I finally reached my breaking point! It seemed, everytime I  "let go and let God", something else would come up. Bills were accumulating, finances dwindling, health was weakening, communication and transportation issues just seemed too much to bear.

   My faith was so shaken I couldn't help but become angry with God. (Some of us do that don't we? We blame God when things aren't going right, because we expect Him to take care of everyhting so we don't have problems in life.) I went outside to my backyard, crying like I never cried before, and I screamed, "Where are You now? Why are You doing this to me? I'm tired of this crap! Nothing's getting better!"

   Then I got a crazy idea in my head and I called someone I knew who could get me some drugs. "Hey, can you score me a teener of "ice" (meth)?" I asked them in my frustration.

   "I probably can but I need to call the guy and see what time. I'll call you back and let you know." They replied.

   When I hung up the phone I felt the Holy Spirit coming over me and telling me that turning to the drugs again wasn't the right thing to do. The Spirit was telling me to hold on just a little bit longer.

   But by now I'm just really frustrated and weary. I unassuredly told God, "I might as well go back to the drugs. Ain't nothin' else goin' right in my life anyway."

   As I waited for the phone call, I was filled with this sense of inner peace, God's Peace. I began to reflect on how blessed I was before  my trials came. I realized that, although, my bills were increasing and my health wasn't what it once was --- God was still providing for me!  I had plenty of food to eat, my utility bills were being paid, I did have communication and transportation when I needed it. I had friends and family who were there for me to help encourage me and to help me keep the faith. My health was weakened but I was still able to do more than some people.

   Jolting my thoughts, the phone call I was waiting for came and I answered, "Hey, forget about that. I don't need it. I was just very angry and fed up with everything. But I can't go back to the drugs."

   "So you don't want that teener?"

   "No. I'm sticking with God. He's been too good to me for me to turn back now. He'll get me through this."

   "Okay. I'll tell them to forget it. Bye."

   "Bye." I said and as I hung up the phone I sat in silence and began to feel guilty. Guilty for getting angry with God. Guilty for almost giving up all my faith in Him. So again I began crying, only this time I cried to the Lord, "Lord, I'm sorry for getting angry and not wanting to trust You. Please forgive me. Lord, everything just became so overwhelming for me and it just seemed too hard for me. But I do have faith in You! Lord, I know You have been taking care of me. And You saw me, Lord, I didn't go back to my old ways and do the drugs again. I know You'll see me through this, Lord. I want  to trust You. I will wait for You and Your plans You have for me. Amen."
  After that prayer, I felt calm and was led to go read the Book of Job in my Bible. As I read Job, it was so similar to what I endured and how I was feeling. After reading all of Job, I couldn't help but rejoice! I knew God was telling me He understood my frustrations and that He forgave me. And I'll kid you not, three months later, my "season of trials" ended. Slowly I began to see God's promises. I still have a few kinks to get past but the struggle is over. I see the light getting brighter with each new day.
   So brothers and sisters, please listen to me when I say, "Hold on to faith." Keep on trusting God. Regardless, of what is going on around you and what you are going through. Even if things seem hopeless, God is right there with you and He's getting you through. Hold on to faith and you will see the end of the trial and be able to rest in His Peace again.
   My season lasted one and a half years. That, to me, is a very long season to endure trials. But I made it. And I'm convinced, although our trials may not be the same, just as God pulled me out of my trials... "Hold on to faith!" and He will pull you out of your trials also.

Insight: The reason many people aren't victorious is because they quit just as their breakthrough was coming!

   "Hold on to FAITH!" Your breakthrough is just around the corner! Believe It ! IT IS COMING!!! That's God's promise to you and God never breaks His promise. That you can be sure of!!!

           "HOLD ON TO FAITH!!! TRUST IN THE LORD!!! HE LOVES YOU AND WANTS ONLY THE BEST FOR YOU!!!!"

God bless!
                                                                                         Shalom, Dejon
                                                                                            
  

  

  

Prayer ( New Pledge of Allegiance)

      Since the Pledge of  Allegiance  and the Lord's Prayer are NOT allowed in most Public Schools anymore because the word "God" is mentioned... a kid in Arizona wrote the attached New School Prayer:                         

                                 New Pledge of Allegiance

Now I sit me down in school

Where praying is against the rule,

For this great nation under God

Finds mention of Him very odd.

If Scripture now the class recited

It violates the Bill of Rights,

And anytime my head I bow

Becomes a Federal matter now.

Our hair can be purple, orange, or green

That's no offense; it's a freedom scene,

The law is specific, the law is precise

Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.

For praying in a public hall

Might offend someone with no faith at all,

In silence alone we must meditate

God's name is prohibited by the State.

We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks

And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks...

They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible

To quote the Good Book makes me liable.

We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen

And the "unwed daddy" our Senior King,

It's unappropriate to teach right from wrong

We're taught that such 'judgements' do not belong...

We can get our condoms and birth controls

Study witchcraft, vampires, and totem poles,

But the Ten Commandments are not allowed

No word of God must reach the crowd.

It's scary here I must confess

When chaos reigns, the school's a mess'

So, Lord, this silent prayer I make;

Should I be shot; My soul please take!

Amen.

This was written by a 15 year old student who received an A+ for this entry.

If you aren't ashamed to do this;

PLEASE PASS THIS ON!!!!!!

"If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."
NLT

POEM (Make the Moments Count)

              Make The Moments Count!

Make the moments count,

   You've only one life to live!

Our days and years so swiftly mount--

   Today's the day to give!

Why waste precious time

   On empty and foolish things?

For there are heights sublime to climb--

   Attainment sweet vict'ry brings.

Give your days to God!

   He'll omniscient counsel give

And guide you by His Holy Word--

   Today's the day to live!

Give your all today,

   Let Christ be Lord of all things!

With rich reward our God will pay;

   Great joy and peace He'll bring!

                                Kathryn Thorne Bowsher

HEART, MIND AND SOUL NUTRITION

      There ain't no cloud so thick that the sun ain't shinin' on t' other side.
                                                              --- Rattlesnake
                                                      an 1870's mountain man

HEART, MIND AND SOUL NUTRTION

   
     No one is in control of your happiness but you; therefore, you have the power to change anything about yourself or your life that you want to change.
                                                       Barbara De Angelis

INSIGHTFUL MESSAGE (Renewal)

                                     Renewal
   As another year ends and the new year begins, many are making new years resolutions. Maybe we will try again to diet or exercise more. Some of us resolve to focus on our finances and get out of debt or maybe we want to carve out more family time.
   But have we learned anything from last year? Did we make a difference in our own lives and/or the lives of others? Did we give in to the fear and/or anger that seems to be a major part of people's personalities lately? Are we keeping our cool on the road when people cut us off or when stuck in traffic jams? Did we feel energetic and focused on our goals? Did we have any goals?
   As we think about these questions we raise our consciousness. We need to ask ourselves --- what should I be doing right now? What can I do?
   To start, we can discard ALL useless thoughts, activities, and relationships that serve no purpose in our spiritual growth. We need to rid ourselves of those who constantly bring us down. We need to surround ourselves with people who will be a positive influence for us. People who will not only encourage, inspire and uplift us but will challenge us to grow.
   We need to forgive those who have hurt or disappointed us or a loved one. Bringing old pains into the new year will only hinder us.
   This is a new year and time for a fresh start. As if we were born anew.
   What should we be doing to make this year better than the previous year? We need to shine brighter than before!  We need to hold onto our truths and our faith. We mustn't be bothered by others who give in to the fear and anger. We need to confidently walk toward those dark areas of the world and shine ever so brightly.

  We are the light of the world!!
  So let your light shine!!!

   Remember those less fortunate, those that need a kind word, someone who wants a moment of your time. Walk through a busy store with a smile on your face.
   This year,  promise to treat yourself better, honor and listen to your Inner Spirit and enrich your mind.
     Be blessed and be a blessing!
     
                                                                                                                    Shalom,
                                                                                                                        Dejon
~One Love~                                                                     
                                                                                                                

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (Day Twelve)

                                                        The Twelfth Day of Christmas
                                                            Friday, January 6, 2012

                                    Life

Life is a blessing and I live it with joy and thanksgiving.

   Life is for living, and I live each moment in awareness and appreciation.

   Every circumstance, from happy times to challenging situations, presents an opportunity for me to grow. Life is filled with precious experiences and infinite promise. I live every moment of my life with joy and thanksgiving.

For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.                        --- Luke 12:23


reprinted from Unity's booklet Advent 2011 Your Journey To Christmas

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (Day Eleven)

                                                     The Eleventh Day of Christmas
                                                     Thursday, January 5, 2012

                                                            Elimination

I release anything that no longer serves my good.

   By quieting any unnecessary thouhgts, I awaken to the present moment and am freed of fear, doubt and worry. I release beliefs that no longer serve me and prepare the way for greater good.
   I carefully monitor my thoughts and actions, inviting all that is right and good to take root in my consciousness. All else -- any negative thought, careless word or inappropriate action -- I relinquish to the power and presence of God.
   Through the power of elimination, I grow. I am happy, strong and free.

Perfect love casts out fear.                                                                --- 1 John 4:18

reprinted from Unity's booklet Advent 2012 Your Journey To Christmas

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (Day Ten)

                                                   The Tenth Day of Christmas
                                                  Wednesday, January 4, 2012

                                            Zeal

I enthusiastically accept my good.

   Opportunities abound as I keep my mind, heart and vision focused on God. Each opportunity provides the chance to do something meaninful, to be of service or to implement a divine idea.
   As I pursue my heart's desires, all I need is provided. I have the energy, the will and the clarity to accomplish what is calling me. With God as my guide, I am joy-filled, enthusiastic and excited about my life.

Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.                               --- Romans 12:11

reprinted from Unity's booklet Advent 2011 Your Journey To Christmas

THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (Day Nine)

                                                   The Ninth Day of Christmas
                                                    Tuesday, January 3, 2012

                                          Order

Divine order is present and active in my life.

   To live a peace-filled, orderly life, I remember that divine order is in all and for all. No matter the goals or activities, God's presence is with me, helping me maintain order and balance.
   In tune with God, I live an orderly, productive and fulfilling life. I give thanks each day that divine order is established in me and in all my affairs.

I say this for your benefit... to promote good order and to secure yur undivided devotion to the Lord.                                                                 --- 1 Corinthians 7:35 (RSV)

reprinted from Unity's booklet Advent 2011 Your Journey To Christmas

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (Day Eight)

                                                     The Eighth Day of Christmas
                                                       Monday, January 2, 2012
                                              Will

Based on spiritual understanding, I choose my good.

   There may be times when I wonder if I am truly doing God's will; if what i want to do serves the highest good. In those moments i know that guidance is available to me.
    I make choices knowing that my desire is to do God's work. I follow the guidance i am given. I am an expression of God's love, peace, harmony and abundance.

For it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
   --- Phillians 2:13

reprinted from Unity's booklet Advent 2011 Your Journey To Christmas

TWELVE DAY OF CHRISTMAS (Day Seven)

                                                       The Seventh Day of Christmas
                                                           Sunday, January 1, 2012
                                        
                                        Understanding

I express understanding and compassion.

   As an instrument of peace, I seek to become skillful at understanding those around me. Through prayer, I develop the ability to understand the viewpoint of others, as I develop a deeper relationship with God.
   Peace is attainable in my life, in my community, and in the world. As I seek first to understand, I generate an atmosphere of peace around me.

Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people.            --1 Kings 3:9

reprinted from Unity's booklet Advent 2011 Your Journey To Christmas