Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Ten Ways To Love







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"And you shall love the LORD your God
with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind,
and with all your strength.' This [is] the first commandment.
And the second, like [it, is] this:
'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'
There is no other commandment
 greater than these."
(Mark 12:30-31)
 
 
 
 
 
 
"A new commandment I give to you,
 that you love one another; as I have loved you,
that you also love one another."
(John 13:34)
 
 
 
 
 
 
"This is My commandment,
 that you love one another
as I have loved you."
(John 15:12)
 
 
 
 
 
 
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From reading the scriptures above, it is very clear that love is the foundation of everything in the bible. Without love, we cannot go forth in ministry, fulfill our dreams, or even win souls for Christ. You cannot be an effective Christian without love. Because of unconditional love, God was able to provide a way for us have freedom from sin without having to sacrifice animals and such so that we can have eternal life. We are in union with Christ.





"For God so loved the world that
He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him should
not perish but have everlasting life."
(John 3:16)
 
 
 
 
 
When you read the book of John, you will see how Jesus was and is the epitome of love. Jesus worked miracles beyond miracles through the power of love. He sent a comforter to help and guide us along the way; So that, we won't feel alone. If that is not love, I don't know what is. Love attracts people to the kingdom of God. It is through love and kindness that God will draw people to us. I saw this picture on one of my sister in Christ facebook page and was inspire to write this post.






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Remember, we can't do anything without love. We are representatives of Jesus. Since Jesus represents love, so should we. If we have not love, then we have nothing.




Blessings to you on this day!!











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Monday, April 23, 2012

Where Did The Time Go Today!!??!!

Today flew by like crazy. I managed to get a few things done here and there, which is a good thing. I do feel like I accomplished something today. One thing for sure no matter how fast time flies, God will never linger behind. He is always at a constant, never changing. He has our backs in the slow times and in the fast times.



Besides, as long as we are good stewards over our time throughout each day, we may not feel like time is wasted. Nonetheless, always be in encourage and praise and thank God for the time He has blessed you with each day.


Blessings to you all this week and then some!!!




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Saturday, April 21, 2012

Psalm Reading For Today



Psalm 36:5-10
Your unfailing love, O LORD,
is as vast as the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the ocean depths.
You care for people and animals alike, O LORD.
 
 


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How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings.
You feed them from the abundance of your own house,
letting them drink from your river of delights.
For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see.
Pour out your unfailing love on those who love you;
give justice to those with honest hearts.





I pray that this psalm reading is a blessing to you in the name of Jesus. Remember that God's love is unfailing; And His faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.  Blessings to you on this day!!  Have a great and blessed weekend!! =D





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Friday, April 20, 2012

He Will Carry You!!

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I think this poem is a great reminder, especially for me, that no matter what we go through, Jesus will always be and is there. Even on my quest to get in shape and on other endeavors I have before Him, I have to remind myself that Jesus is there carrying me and give me the strength to press toward my goals. When embarking on a new journey, there are going to be highs and definitely lows. During those lose times, you may feel like throwing in the towel. You may even feel like that you have nothing else to give. You are all out of options.



But, I am in hear tell you that just like Jesus carried this man in His most troublesome times, He will do the same for you and me. Jesus is not partial. So, if you ever feel like you are alone, remember that you're not. Just stop, pause, and feel Jesus arms wrapped around you, comforting and carrying you along the way.



One thing is for sure Jesus will not only carry you; He will never leave nor forsake you.





P.S. He is definitely there to pick me up everytime I feel like I am going to fall flat on my face in Zumba class. :)






"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate (a Comforter, an Encourager), who will never leave you," (John 14:16).


"I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you," (Isaiah 46:4). (NLT)








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Thursday, April 19, 2012

Workin' It Out!!

Aerobics Pictures, Images and Photos




In one of my posts, I announced that I was getting into shape by doing Zumba. I am proud to say that Friday will make it two weeks for me doing.....ZUMBA!! Woo Whoo!!  Zumba works every muscle in your body. I think I discovered muscles that I didn't realize I had. I do it for an hour each day. After I finished each class, I have this sense of accomplishment, which feels great by the way.




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To change things up, I have decided to incorporat water aerobics at least 2-3 times a week. I love getting in the water. Another plus for me is that the pool at the gym is an indoor pool. Yay!! From there, I will look into other classes that may peak my interest. I want my workouts to be fun and exciting. I don't want it to feel like a chore. Chores are not my cup of tea.

There are so many styles and methods for exercising. There is something for everyone. If you like to dance, then Zumba is just for you. If you are very competitive, there is an exercise program for that. You just have to find out what best suits your needs and weight loss goal. You just have to start somewhere.


Hopefully, when I do my weigh in and check my measurements, I will like what I see.




So until then.....try not to be like this lady below :)




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And that's why I don't wear leotards!!! =D








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Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Serenity Prayer


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It took me a very long time to comprehend this prayer. I will read it here and there on posters, coffee mugs, home decor pictures, websites, and etc. But I would never pay any attention to it, because (in my opinion) it just didn't seem like a sound doctrine prayer.

Then one day I heard someone recite it on TV and it sort of clicked in my brain. I had an epiphany. I realize that there are some things I cannot change. I cannot change my past (though I sometimes wish). I cannot change where I from. I cannot change the color skin not that I would want to or anything. But if wanted to, it's not like I can. Bottom line, no matter how hard we may try, there are just some things we cannot change. Nonetheless, we have to accept that fact.

Once you accept that, then you can begin to move forward with the plans God has for you. God cannot use or prepare you for future plans, if you are still dwelling in the past wishing that you can change a few things. This is where you should pray for wisdom from God. This wisdom will help you decipher from the things you can change; And the things you cannot change. Because once you become wise enough to know the difference between the two, you will not waste time or energy on things you cannot change. Rather than, you will use them toward praying to God for strength so that you can begin the process of changing the things that you can.

This is when the work in progress begins. We are all works in progress. However, it's a free will choice to decide if we want the work that God wants to do in us to digress or progress. If you want the work that God wants to do in you to progress, in the name of Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit, it will. It will prevail in Jesus' name.


So don't fret. The change that needs to take place in you will happen, but not overnight. Just always remember to stay steadfast and don't going weary in doing good.









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Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Posting This Week :)

Hello there!!


I will be posting very soon!! I am working on few that God has given me and I want to make sure I listen to what God is saying. I am expecting to have it all together by the end of the week.


Until then.....I leave you with a picture I took. I call it "Sunset in Lake Murray". **SMOOCHES!!**



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Enjoy the rest of the day and week!!





Blessings to you!!

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Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Getting in Shape
(I'm working on it!)

I am challenging myself to get fit. Thats right...you heard me. I think it's time for me to get in shape. I have excercised plenty throughout the years. However, I never kept up with it; So, I did'nt lose any weight worth mentioning. I know this post is like preaching to the choir for some of you. That's because many of us are struggling with our weight. It can be anything from those extra 15, 30, 100 pounds. Bottomline is, we want to get rid of it. And, we should or at least try.

To kick off my journey to lose weight and tone my body, I started taking Zumba classes. Depending on your Zumba workout, you will burn between 500 - 1000 calories per hour. The more intense your workout is the more calories your burn. My class is medium to high. So on an average, I burn about 800 calories.




Now let me tell you something. I have never ever considered myself a bonafide dancer. However, I was able to get my dance on and stay on beat to whatever song was playing. In other words, I had rhythm. Having said that, Zumba makes me feel like I have no rhythm and that I am paralyzed in my hips. But, whats so crazy is that....I LOVE IT!!! Though it feels like every muscle is hurting in my body, I am proud of myself. I am setting short term goals for my weight loss. These are my baby steps. Besides, I do feel my hips loosening up.  :)


We are supposed to be good stewards over our bodies. It is where Holy Spirit lives. When God decides to use me for a mission big or small, I have to make sure my body is in shape. I want to be ready to go wherever He sends.  I don't my health or weight to be an hindrance. 

"Or do you not know that your body is the temple
of the Holy Spirit [who is] in you, whom you have from God,
and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price;
therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's."
(1 Corinthians 6:19-20)


Hopefully, I can keep you updated on my progress. I pray for all of you who have struggle with the idea of losing weight, try it. You have nothing to lose but weight. Even though I tried many times, I refuse to give up. Because my pity party, is not a remedy for weight loss. Putting my faith into action is a great cure. Zumba is the action I am taking right now. Then, I will go from there.


I will be happy to hear what you are doing to get and keep in shape!!  Please share!!




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Tuesday, April 10, 2012

What An Awesome Week!!!

I pray and hope everyone had a wonderful and glorious Easter.


Last week, my children were on spring break. It was pretty hard trying to post, when we had such an adventurous week planned. Now, that the kids are back in school maybe I can get back on schedule with posting. I enjoy sharing with y'all as well as you sharing your thoughts with me.


My children really, really enjoyed their spring break, which I am glad. The first couple of days were about relaxing and sleeping in late. It was definitely needed. Then, we went on nature walks just to get a little bit of exercise. On Thursday, my children spent time with their grandmother dying eggs and making an Easter Basket.  I don't know who had more fun my children or my mom.  Of course, we laughed and laughed until our bodies hurt.  Laughter is great for the soul. ;)



On Friday and Saturday, we were Lake Murray bound. My children fished and fished until they couldn't fish anymore. They managed to catch 10 fishes. By the way, Ketirah my 9 year old daughter caught most of them.  Girl Power!!  Woo Whoo!!


For our grand finale and the cherry on top of what we called one of our best week ever, we got our praise on in the name of Jesus. We praised and worshiped as well as celebrated the resurrection of Jesus. It was awesome!!! Then we ate a scrumptuous dinner (cooked by yours truly) and relaxed the rest of the evening. I mean with all of that, who can ask for anything more.  It's truly a blessing and I thank God for blessing me with such a great family!!



Here are a few pictures of our trip to Lake Murray in this mini slide show. I will upload more pics soon!!  Blessings to you!!











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