Being Better and Bolder

Greetings!

Summer is in full swing. People are enjoying the warm days...traveling...family reunions. There is nothing like taking the time to unwind...to let go of all the stress of work, and family problems and church obligations. Don't get me wrong...those things don't stop because it's summertime, but days are longer, and it just makes us feel better to get off from work, and still be able to see the sun. We are so rushed most of the time that we forget to take time to just breathe...

 This week, I have been meditating on the goodness of God, and how much He loves us. Whenever I think about God's grace and mercy, it always makes me think about the Psalms.  

The Psalms tell us a lot about relationships, and what loving God requires.  David is one of the greatest examples of what loving God means. David was a long way from perfect, but He loved God, and although He sometimes made mistakes...He never ran from God. He owned up to what he had done by going to God and asking for forgiveness. That takes boldness and confidence...not confidence in us, but in God's love for us. David knew that he was loved by God, and that make him bolder than most.

 In Psalm 18:6, David says he called out to the Lord, and He immediately answered. He not only answered...He delivered him out of his troubles. That is the kind of God our God is. 

Our confidence in God makes our lives better. We can be bold in our prayers, because we know the God we serve hears...and answers. 

Until next time...

 Be blessed

Happy Independence Day!

Greetings!

I thank God for another year, another day, another moment. I don't always show it, but I am so grateful for every opportunity to recognize how blessed I truly am. I don't take His blessings for granted. I know that tomorrow is not promised, and I want God to know that I appreciate His grace and mercy towards me and my family. 

Every year, we celebrate Independence Day by having a family cookout. My whole family gathers at one of the local parks, and spends the day eating, and playing, and reminiscing about old times. It's our way of staying in touch. No matter what's going on, we make it a point to pull aside and be together. And we do it to honor our parents. 

My mother always wanted us to stick together. We have a large family, and it's easy to get so wrapped up in "stuff" that we let those moments pass us by, and she didn't want that to happen. My mother was wise enough to know that we had to make an effort to stay close, because when they were gone...we wouldn't have anybody but each other, and it's up to us to teach our children what family means so that they can carry it forward to the next generation.

So, this year, make some time to be together with your family. Throw a big party, share some stories, make some memories, and love each other hard. Don't waste time being angry about something that happened 10 years ago...it doesn't matter. Whatever it is...don't let it linger. Life is so short, and carrying anger and bitterness is a weight you don't need to carry any further...let it go.

Independence Day is a great time to start fresh. The very name symbolizes freedom, so celebrate freedom today by celebrating family.

Until next time...

Be blessed