God's Message Today
Psalm 27:10

"Although my father and my mother have forsaken me, yet the Lord will take me up."

Has there ever been a time when you didn't quite fit into your family? A time that you were lost somewhere with little light in the darkness?

I have come to understand that multitudes of people we encounter every day are just trying to survive until someone rescues them and shows them a bit of kindness.  That could be you or me. 

When I was younger my father died.  It was quite unexpected.  In fact, at eight-years-old I came home from school one day only to find him face down on the table.  At first I thought he was taking a light nap, but I soon realized he was unresponsive.   This put me in quite a nightmare for awhile since it was in the 60's when dads were still the patriarch of the house.  My mother scrambled trying to find a new way of life and support us.  Meanwhile, we became lost and disengaged as the months flew by.  It was at this time a profound relationship with Jesus Christ occurred and simply took over.  

The Bible says that God's love, "He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world" (Ephesians 1:4). He planned in love for us to be his own children.  

Those words brought a great deal of healing to my soul.  God takes into his heart the forsaken and the lonely, and he lifts them up and gives them value.  he works though his word, through the Holy Spirit, and through Spirit-led people who live to help others.

Mother Teresa felt that each person she met was "Jesus in disguise." Just try to imagine how differently we would treat people if we looked at them this way.  

Jesus said if we do good or bad to even "the least" of people, we do it to him (Matthew 25:45). In other words, he takes our treatment of others personally.  If someone insulted, slighted, ignored, or devalued one of my children, I wold take it as a personal insult, too.  So why is it so hard for us to understand that God also feels this way? Let us strive to build people up, to make everyone we encounter feel better, and add value to their lives.  

This Week's Meditation:

Teach me to "to build others up."

Pray:

Help me to meditate each day: "Who are you sending me today, Lord?"
​
Teach me to be patient and know you will mentor me. Remind me that prayer motivates me.

Meditate on this for several minutes a day. Allow various thoughts to come into your mind.  And realize God has you in his arms always.

God's Message Today
2 Thessalonians :15

"So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter."

What memories hold so dear to us other than cherished family traditions?  These figments loll our brain to tranquility especially when life's perils open the flood gates and challenge our level of reasoning.  We find comfort in these memories especially during the holidays - a special meal that was cooked, gifts that were bestowed, or simply seeing family members we've lost touch with the rest of the year.  Or, maybe it was something simple such as the once ultimate Saturday morning breakfast, or the ride to church on Sunday morning. 

The importance is not what is done, but rather that it is consistently done that weaves a memory.  These tapestries make fine memory quilts that we can bundle ourselves in on those cold winter days when life seems to offer little reprieve.  We find relief when remembering these customs and; therefore, want to share the same warm feelings with those we love.  By building these bridges that link the past and the present, we are giving our children an undisputed armor for life.

What traditions are you weaving for those you love?  Is there a special dinner night shared among all family members?  Do you go out to dinner to celebrate your child's birthday?  Is there a family game night?  Or, a special date night with your partner you love?  Do you offer a weekend BBQ where all family members get to pitch in and cook?  If you're uncertain where to start, try Creating Family Traditions by Gloria Gaither, or The Book of New Family Traditions by Meg Cox.

Thessalonians speaks of the importance of  such rituals.  They are simply life's blessings taught to us by those we love.  The verse stresses the importance of following and keeping these traditions to help weather the storms ahead.  Make your own family traditions today.  If you lack a family now, make traditions with friends. 

Allow these memories to live beyond your years with those you love.  Allow your loved ones to share these experiences with those they will soon grow to love.

Daily Guidance

1.  Traditions are nonspecific.  Simple goals you do consistently to reinforce those you love.  Grab one of these ideas and make it your own:

 Create the birthday boy or girl’s favorite type of cake.

When someone in your family gets a new job, a promotion, or a raise, create a
tradition that they take you out for dinner.

Bake Christmas cookies together.

Plan a special Halloween meal.

Make a New Year’s fondue.

Choose a morning on the weekend to spend in bed with your family. You don’t need
to spend hours laying around, but 15 to 30 minutes is a nice length of time.

Try a weekend Potluck. This is a great way for extended family members to
showcase their culinary talents. 

Kick off summer with a BBQ.

Friday night family and games night.

Go camping at LEAST once a year!

Make a summer family road trip together.

Watch movies cuddled up on the couch together Saturday nights.

On Sundays, pack a picnic and go explore new places or play at local parks, rivers or
beaches.

Do a theme park holiday once a year on a specific date.

Say prayers together each night.

Say prayers at the dinner table.

Go out to breakfast one designated day a month.

Everyone cooks one recipe for Thanksgiving dinner.  Then all relish each individual chief's talents.

Start a collection together. It could be stamps, coins, shells.

Build a project together. Some of the best ideas are cubby houses, rabbit
hutches, model boats or airplanes etc.

Monday's Blessing
Psalm 90:12

"'Teach us to number our days, that we may present to you a heart of wisdom."
 
It may come to a surprise to you, but you are living in the good old days.  I'm convinced that twenty or thirty years from now most of us will look back and say, "Those were some great times."

Make sure you are enjoying your family and special people in your life.  They may not always be there forever.  Isn't it ironic how at that moment in that specific time we can always see clearly how chaotic these individuals make our life, but when that moment is gone, we can only see the good in it all.  

For me, most of my days are bright.  I am always in close proximity of thanking our good Lord every moment of my life.  I don't focus any longer on the nuances of life, but rather the stream of blessings God bestows every day.  

It's easier if you've had death coming knocking at your door, and you quickly stepped by him.  One day it was a beautiful Sunday, and I had decided a canoe trip would be in order.  It was a bright and sunny day in January and the weather had reached 70 degrees on the lake here in the south.  My son and I had stepped into the canoe and were off paddling across to the deserted island that was a quick jaunt.  

Within five minutes we reached our destination. The air was crisp and cool filling my lungs with a much needed breath of energy.  We walked along the sand swept shore taking in the swaying of the palms and the brackish smell in the air.  Nothing was here but seclusion and an inviting peace of mind.  It was over so quickly we decided to paddle around the island.

As we made it around the bend the view was exhilarating.  Across the waterway was another island long and inviting, but much too far to take a long excursion.  We decide to stay close to the rim and do some exploring off shore.  We came upon a low lying bed of shells.  Millions of shells, different sizes deep in snowy whites and pink corals were a grasp away to and save for momentous.  

We continued our trek and as we rounded the second bend, I noticed the shore line was way too far off.  In fact, it was approximately 500 meters.  I could barely make out the shore line at that point and trees doted the view.  A sick feeling impacted my stomach, and I shook it off thinking I'm being ridiculous.  "All you need to do is angle the boat at 45 degrees and make way to shore," I thought.  I turned abruptly and told my son and he agreed.

We began to steer closer to shore.  We paddled for another five minutes and the boat suddenly flipped.  There I found myself in crushing cold water of 50 degrees.  Everything slid from the boat including me, and I was capsized under the boat.  My eyes opened in frantic instability, and my body began jerking.  "What was happening?" I exclaimed.  I was beginning to suck in water, and all I could think of was, "This was just plain stupid to be so far off shore." It's amazing when you are slipping away from reality the things you think of.  You would think you'd be panic stricken, ready to lose your whits.  But I can tell you that is not so.  I was scared but at peace wondering why I had done something so plainly stupid.  I came to surface, body still jerking, head going under water, and looked at the shore line, in peace, thinking how stupid I was.

At that moment, I realized it was my body that was out of control.  I had to stop the jerking or I was going to drown.  I quietly went into mediation and forced my jerking moments to subside.  That's when I realized my limbs were fading away.  I was losing all feeling in my arms and legs.  I slowly swam a few feet.  Each foot length made it more and more difficult to gain momentum.  My blood was protecting my heart and soon would no longer substantiate my long quest in front of me. I was on my way out, I could feel it as my mind began fading.

When all seemed lost, I tread bottom.  Apparently the river is six feet in depth at most length and is only trenched in the middle to accommodate the ships that pass.   I began to surface water while treading and once my heart was out of the water I could breathe easier.  

My son who was a recovering alcoholic had relapsed.  He was taking sips of vodka in between paddles and passed out while we were on the lake.  Because he was so inebriated, the cold water woke him up abruptly. From there he had an easier fare with his swim to shore due to a deadened nervous system.

Life has a way of looking up afterwards.  I remember staring at my window during the rain the next day thanking God continually that I was still here for my younger children.  That also began my obsession with affirmations.  I spend many minutes each day, since, taking in the small blessings of life knowing God is there always.  

I've discovered the more I thank God for what I have, the more God gives me what I don't have.  Try it yourself and see. You don't have to beg God for things you need.  He is always aware of your needs.  Begin today to thank God for who he is and all that he has done for you.  Always look on the bright side.  

Monday's Blessing
Joshua 1:9 

"...Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

FATHERS' DAY HISTORY

Sonora Dodd, of Washington, first had the idea of a "father's day." She thought of the idea for Father's Day while listening to a Mother's Day sermon in 1909. Sonora wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart. Smart, who was a Civil War veteran, was widowed when his wife died while giving birth to their sixth child. Mr. Smart was left to raise the newborn and his other five children by himself on a rural farm in eastern Washington state. 

After Sonora became an adult she realized the selflessness her father had shown in raising his children as a single parent. It was her father that made all the parental sacrifices and was, in the eyes of his daughter, a courageous, selfless, and loving man. Sonora's father was born in June, so she chose to hold the first Father's Day celebration in Spokane, Washington on the 19th of June, 1910. 

President Calvin Coolidge, in 1924, supported the idea of a national Father's Day. Then in 1966 President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's Day. 

#1. WHAT IS A DAD?

A dad is someone who wants to catch you before you fall but instead picks you up, brushes you off, and lets you try again. A dad is someone who wants to keep you from making mistakes but instead lets you find your own way, even though his heart breaks in silence when you get hurt. A dad is someone who holds you when you cry, scolds you when you break the rules, shines with pride when you succeed, and has faith in you even when you fail... Dad, you're everything a dad should be and some. 

~~By Susan Ceylise.~~ 

#2. WHAT IS A DAD?

A Dad is a person who is loving and kind, And often he knows what you have on your mind. He's someone who listens, suggests, and defends. A dad can be one of your very best friends! He's proud of your triumphs, but when things go wrong, A dad can be patient and helpful and strong In all that you do, a dad's love plays a part. There's always a place for him deep in your heart. And each year that passes, you're even more glad, More grateful and proud just to call him your dad! Thank you, Dad... for listening and caring, for giving and sharing, but, especially, for just being you!   Happy Father's Day! 

~~Author Unknown.~~​
​
Fatherhood is not only celebrated on special occasions like today, but as a matter of course because the role of the father is being systematically attacked and destroyed in our culture. Our society has attacked the role of Fathers with such devastating force that sociologists now believe we have sentenced the next generations to disastrous consequences because of this devaluation of the role of Fathers!

In the plan of God, however, that’s not the way it’s supposed to be. Whatever may be happening in society around us, we have a responsibility, as Christian Fathers, we need to step up to the plate and execute the role that God has assigned to our hearts and hands to do. What then is the role of a Christian Father in today’s compromising society? Let’s look to the Bible.

1. Christian Father’s Won’t Provoke their Children’s Wrath: (Eph. 6:1-4 )

The first thing Paul says to Father’s is a word of warning! Don’t provoke your children. This doesn’t mean what you think. I don’t know any dad that hasn’t made his children mad. I think it’s in the daddy manual, right after taking out the trash, dads make everybody mad every once in awhile! After all, dad’s often have to say no, that's because dads enforce the rules often of the family. But in all of this a Godly Christian dad should never act out of anger!  It’s when a child doesn’t get that message of un-dying, un-ending love that his wrath is kindled. One of the biggest problems of modern society is what psychologist call “Daddy Longing” Dad’s are not there to disciple in love often because they are too busy to show that they care. Today’s children are of divorce, broken homes, and latch key kids. And these kids are ANGRY! It’s the lack of love that makes children angry and causes problems.

2. Christian Father’s Bring Children Up With Nurture: ( Prov. 3:11-12, Heb 12:5-9 )

The second thing Paul says to Fathers is a word of counsel. After telling dads what not to do he encourages fathers to give children plenty of nurturing. The Bible says raise or bring them up. In fact its quite explicit God says - In the nurture of the Lord! Just like a farmer raises tender plants, waters them, covers them from frost, and feeds them fertilizer so they produce – so fathers are to NURTURE their children in the Lord! Someone will say that’s just spoiling them. No, you don’t have to give them everything they want, that’s not nurturing that’s being a grandparent. Biblical nurture is laying a Godly foundation in love and by example.

3. Christian Father’s Bring Children Up With Admonition: (Dut. 6:4-9 )

The last thing Paul says to Fathers is a word of encouragement! After counseling them to nurture their children, he also encourages dads to ADMONISH their children. This is at the heart of being a dad. In this entire section, Paul is giving instruction to Christian parents; the idea is that God designed the Christian home to consist of mother and father each fulfilling their respective roles. Everyone knows that God made mothers to be the best at nurturing – but dad’s are not to abdicate their responsibility here they need to come right along side their mate in the process of child raising and nurturing as well.

This is where fathers must really step up to the plate in the area of ADMONISHING their children. What does that mean? To admonish means to teach! Dads must teach their children the important lessons of life.

Dads, if you don’t teach your child how to work, the world will teach them how to steal. If you don’t teach your sons how to love and respect a woman, the world will teach him how to be a gigolo. If you don’t teach your child honesty, the world will teach them to be a cheat!

Be there always sharing God's love with your children and be rewarded in your heart for sharing that love.  

Monday's Blessing
 Deuteronomy 32:36
 
"The Lord will vindicate his people, and will have compassion on his servants. "

Many of us have experienced relationships like this: someone we love acts toward us in ways that continually damage.

It’s one thing to forgive and move on from a wound we received in the past, and another animal entirely when we get hurt again and again, in the same place, a scab not quite healed over before it’s ripped off again.

Margaret came to me five years ago with the following story: ​There is a person in my life who I love with all my heart, but in this relationship I struggle to keep a full cup myself. They are family, the situation is complicated and tender. But learning to have compassion for this other person begins with having compassion for myself.

A nasty divorce spanning most of my childhood set the stage for our current situation. My mother was deeply emotionally wounded by my father, and carried that pain into her parenting of my sister and me.

Contact with the ex (my dad) dropped to nil—maybe a week a year, far below what the court had decided.

Any efforts on our parts to connect with our absent parent, even recounting fond memories, were seen by our mother as attacks on her legitimacy and a discounting of her pain. And what emotional intimacy we shared was often exploited—it kept us locked into the family unit, not believing we could have our needs filled elsewhere, least of all with our absentee father.

A few short years prior, I felt part of a happy, perfect family. Suddenly one parent was effectively gone. My relationship with the other became a labyrinth of confusion—love down this path, hurt down the other, and at my young age I couldn’t find the rhyme or reason to it.

Childhood gifted me a number of unhealthy survival mechanisms, which still follow me around today: a deep fear of conflict (because conflict often meant someone would leave), constant apologies and guilt for things I’m not truly responsible for, and a voice in the back of my mind telling me no matter what I do, who I am, who I become, it will never be enough.

The scripture says, "Never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God's wrath." (Romans 12:19) Notice if you continue to see people in an old light, or try to pay them back, you are closing the door for God to do anything for you.  If you're going to let God handle it, you can't have the attitude of "I'm not going to let anyone hurt me again." That will prevent God from avenging someone who hurt you or opening a new door to happiness.  If you want to keep that door open so God can bring in justice into your life, you have to totally turn it over to him.

Maybe you've been working through a situation and you've been doing the right thing for a long time.  Perhaps this has been going on month and month, maybe year after year, and now your wondering, "Is God ever going to change this situation? Is God ever going to bring about justice? does He even care about me?"

Don't give up! This is what I told Margaret.  Keep doing the right thing. God is building character in you, and you are passing that test.  Remember the greater the struggle, the greater the reward. The Scripture says, "Don't get tired of doing what's right, for in due season, you will reap if you don't faint." (Galatians 6:9) Don't grow weary; trust God to bring justice in his timing, not yours.

Last week I was strolling through the park trying to gain some more daily "steps" for my Fit-bit when I ran into Margaret.  She had three children playing and laughing on the slide.  I sat for moment to catch up.  She had married two years ago and once her first was born she understood the turmoil her mother went through.  That relationship was patched up a year ago she explained. Once she had a family of her own, it was easier to sit down and really listen to what her mother had to say.  "My life is fantastic now!  I'm so glad I let God handle everything! I don't think I would have understood her if I didn't have children of my own."

This Week's Meditation:

Let miracles replace all grievances 

Meditate on this for several minutes a day. Allow various thoughts to come into your mind.  If you are especially upset state:

Let me behold my Savior in this one.
He is the only one who can lead me to the Holy light in which he stands,
​that I may join him. 

Remind yourself of healing each moment. ​God has you in his arms always.

Monday's Blessing
2 Samuel 23:3

"He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.”         

The upcoming election is one of the most heated debates in the history of our country.  Most Christians are still vacillating on which candidate is the "lesser of two evils".  Or, you may have given up completely and decided to vote for the candidate who is affiliated with your political party.   

Being Christian and voting for political correctness can be confusing as both candidates seem way out there on the moral spectrum.  But I've found an interesting article to share from Christianity today from professor, Norman L. Geisler, Ph.D., which sends a highlights on ethics and religion during this political debate.

Basically, there are only two realistic alternatives in the coming presidential election: stay on the same liberal path we have been on for years or try something new. But why Trump?

Trump is a Flawed Candidate
A common charge against Trump is that he is a flawed candidate. But in a Two Party system, such as we have, our choices are limited. We do not have perfect candidates with whom to replace imperfect ones. In fact, there are no perfect candidates. Jesus is not running! We have only imperfect candidates from which to choose. However, some are more imperfect than others.

“The Lesser of Two Evils”
In politics, as in life, sometimes we must choose the so-called “lesser of two evils.” So when both presidential candidates have high negatives, we must choose the one with fewer. A friend once described his dilemma to me as a choice between “a known devil and a suspected witch.” If so, then we should choose the suspected witch!

A More Excellent Way
Actually, we are never really faced with a situation where all the alternatives are evil. One alternative is always the greater good. The doctor who amputates to save the patient’s life is not doing an evil by cutting off his leg. He is doing a greater good. We never have a moral duty to do a moral evil. So our choice in the presidential race is never between two evils, but it is a choice of which one is the better candidate, the greater good. But before we decide this, we must avoid a tempting alternative, “the cop out option.”

Staying Home Does Not Help
Not voting is a cowardly way out. It gives away our God-given responsibility to do our best, even in bad situations. Sitting it out is like the doctor deciding not to amputate to save the patient because he does not want to cut off someone’s leg. If we don’t vote, there will be one less vote for the best candidate who may lose because of our failure to participate in the election. In this case, staying home is a morally bad decision.

Power Corrupts…
Our Founders believed that “power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” This is why they built checks and balances into our system. We have a Two Party system, states can recall elections, and citizens can impeach bad candidates. The major check is “We the People.” The candidates have terms to their offices, and we get to vote for who will serve the next term.

Some Reasons to Vote for Trump

Given the foregoing reality, there are several reasons to believe that Donald Trump is a better moral choice.

1. A Vote for the Right to Life
The right to life is the right to all other rights. The nearly 60 million aborted unborn humans have no rights. And only one of the two presidential candidates is Pro Life (Donald Trump). Since protecting the right to life of all human beings is the most important right (being the right to all other rights), then a vote for Donald Trump is certainly one of the most important votes we can cast.

2. A Vote for National Security
One of the most important things a government can do for its people is to protect our God-given right in “the Pursuit of Happiness.” This is what our National Birth Certificate (The Declaration of Independence) declares. And it is because all lives matter—since “all men are created equal”—that we must protect our constitutional right to bear arms to protect ourselves. This, along with a strong police force and fair court system, protects us and helps guarantee justice for all. This begins with Law and Order because there is no security in an anarchy. Donald Trump promises to be “the Law and Order” candidate who will help strengthen our society and provide freedom and justice for all.

3. A Vote for International Respect
“No man is an Island” applies to our nation as well as to individuals in it. In a shrinking world, isolationism is no longer a realistic option. America is no longer feared by its enemies or even respected by its friends, chief among whom in the Middle East is Israel. Long ago, God promised (Gen. 12:3) to bless those who bless Israel. But recently, we have given support to a nation (Iran) which is dedicated to Israel’s destruction. Trump has pledged to reverse this self-destructive path.

4. A Vote for the Supreme Court
The last word on all our rights is decided by the Supreme Court which is now split down the middle. The next President will tip the scales on the liberal / conservative divide on the High Court. Our next chief executive officer may very well appoint two to four justices who, when elected, will form the court for a generation or more. “We the People” will decide on who the President will be, and he will decide which candidates will be voted on by the Senate. The candidates for President have clearly declared themselves on this issue. Trump is on record in favor of conservative judges, and for this reason I am for Trump.

5. A Vote for Religious Freedom
It is no accident that freedom of religion is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution. It uniquely opposes having one national religion for all while promoting religion in general. The Northwest Ordinance 1787, Article 3 declares that “Religion, morality, and knowledge” are “necessary for good government.” Recent liberal policies have separated these two things and have transformed “freedom of religion” into “freedom from religion.” Candidate Trump has declared his desire to change this and the other candidate has not.

6. A Vote of National Prosperity
Tied up in the right to pursue “happiness” from The Declaration of Independence and the right to “property” of the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments is the key to our national prosperity. Some presidential policies promote these goals well and others do not. It seems to me that Trump’s policies on taxation, regulations, balancing the budget, and immigration will promote national prosperity better than his competitors. He is a proven job-creator, and his competitor is not.

7. A Vote against National Corruptions.
Since our Founders believed that “power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely,” limitations must be placed on government. Smaller government, less regulations, and more local and state control of education will aid against the national corruption of our institutions. I believe Trump’s stated policies fulfill our constitutional rights better than Hillary’s liberal agenda.

Monday's Blessing
John 13:35 

"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one 
another."

Where are we in life without those we love? Not very far up the ladder of life, unfortunately, if we choose to be alone. There is something about that feeling of isolation that can wreck havoc on a man's soul. It can make the days seem longer, almost unattainable, with no one to share your hopes and dreams.  We all need people around us to share life's adventures.  God intended it this way.

Family can be immediate or special friendships that evolved and rank on the same level 
as the closeness felt by family members. Family is our support system, they remind us of who we are and ground us when the time is needed. What is the first thing that comes to mind when tragedy or joy strikes? Who can I share this with, of course! The nuances of life are funny as this question taps lightly. After all, God did have a sense of humor when he made each of us with our various personalities. 

Even those we love can frustrate us some days, but they can also be a God sent when we want to share information that friends may not understand. Life's joys and turbulence would not have such an impact if we had no one to share in these moments. These individuals are always there, when we need them most, offering a hand should we stumble and fall. No questions asked, no need for retribution, working on the divine principle of love. They are loyal and stoic giving us the needed support all the days of our lives.

God clearly states the importance of loving one another. "By this all people will know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." I believe there are many hidden messages here to mentor our life. One, the message speaks of the importance of filling our hearts with love. After all there is a fine line between love and hate.

How can hate grow where there is love? Love builds tolerance for one another. It actually makes the days pass by easier with those little quirks that get in the way when we work or live closely with those we love. As you know, as soon as frustration or animosity hits, you are well aware of how quickly intolerance builds.  Being with those we love is never an easy ride, yet, that roller coaster makes life eventful. By keeping those we love in our hearts, we make that trip less jarring and more welcomed. 

Most importantly, God doesn't want us to be alone. We are made in his likeness. God didn't want to be alone: and,therefore, created man. For those of us who have feared an issue alone, for fearing of telling anyone, you know how devastating this sense of being ostracized can be. God wanted us to have support, to have one and other to lean on. And, to be a shoulder to others if needed.   Reach out, hug, and be loved.

Daily Guidance 

1. Is there a family member you need to reconnect with? Often, these can be the most difficult of all. After all, our pride stands stoic in the way not allowing the ability to heal. There is a wonderful article How to Heal Family Wounds to get you started. Swallow that pride, and allow God to guide you. 

2. If you have a spouse or children. Do set aside one day a week to appreciate them. Make it Family Fun Day, and plan activities accordingly. Relationships need work, they don't blossom unless you water them frequently. 

3. Take time to play everyday with those you love. Playing allows us to bring out that child like ego that is often suppressed. It has such positive effects, and brings those much needed endorphins giving us a bright outlook on life.

4. Remember it is just as important to share God with those you love. Give him credit when things go well in your life. When things go astray, remind remind yourself and others that God's hand is working and we may not always be privy to its intent.

Monday's Blessing
2 Corinthians 6:14

"Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness 
with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? "

There are great laws in the Bible that specifically speak of the certainty of setting boundaries.  And, yes, boundaries need to be set especially for people who "suck the life out of us".   I know this sounds unchristian at first, but I truly believe God protects us from individuals such as these by the verification of today's verse.  This is not be confused with the Biblical verse, "turn the other cheek".  Each verse is a lesson in its own respect, such as the latter, that prompts us not to become violent or used by uncaring individuals.  "Do not be unequally yoked," is a powerful verse.  God tells us not to become part of a relationship that is not our equal.  We don't see eye to eye, and God knows this. It makes perfect sense since people that are not in our own realm have alternate ideas that often drag us down, make us confused, and just shake our whole being.  Do you know of someone who always sees the cup half full?  Always desperate for attention?  Always in need?  A good partnership is two-way street.  A solid partnership has the same likes and dislikes that bonds the persons together.  Partners often enjoy the same entertainment.  They listen to each other, and offer solid advice.  There is trust and compassion evident in the relationship. Do not surround yourself with people that drag you down.  Yes, do be a Christian when someone is in need, but you don't have to inundate your time helping this individual that may never see the light.

"What partnership as righteousness without lawlessness?" Partnerships can be with your spouse, partner, children, friends, or others who are close in your life. Even though we are surrounded by those we love, it is important to set your own personal boundaries to ensure you do not smother, nor do they smother you. It is often especially hard for woman to set boundaries as we are generally nurturing in spirit. But, nonetheless, it is important to set boundaries to keep your relationships healthy. Actually, there are several points that are important to keep your own sanity.  

What setting boundaries means: 

Setting boundaries means you are taking responsibility and 
standing by your personal code of ethics and values.

Setting boundaries reflect your right to say NO to things that 
are not right for you.

Setting boundaries means you are learning the importance of 
self-care, self respect, and self love.

Setting boundaries emerge when we learn to go within, listen to 
our authentic selves, value our own decisions and trust 
ourselves.

Setting boundaries emerge from knowing what you believe, 
dislike, or like is important and relevant.

Setting boundaries emerge from deep introspection and the realization of what you
deserve and do not deserve.


Daily Guidance

1. How do you create a boundary? 

1. Decide what you will accept and what you will not. If you find someone is 
crossing your boundaries, describe the behavior you find unacceptable.

2. Describe what action steps you will take if your boundary is violated.

3. Enforce your boundaries if necessary.

2. Be sure to plan your consequence BEFORE addressing that individual who has over stepped your boundary.  Be direct and concise of what you will tolerate.  Don't waver should the boundary be crossed again.  There is no sense in setting up boundaries if you can't follow through with a consequence.  

3. Never apologize to an individual for setting a boundary. Why should you?  After all most boundaries are simply common sense.  You will send mixed signals.  you must be firm and direct.  Otherwise, that person will find an alternate avenue that will not conform to your expectations.

4. Above all, pray.  Pray, pray, pray.  God will direct you on how to handle this.  You are a child of God, and deserve to be loved and respected!
 

Monday's Blessing
Ephesians 6:1-14

"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace."

Valentine's Day can be unpleasant from some especially if you suffer from GAD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder.  Suffers of this disorder make comments such as:

Most of us worry about things like health, money, or family problems. But people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) exhibit excessive worry over such things, even when there is little or no reason to worry about them. They are very anxious about just getting through the day. They think things will always go badly. At times, worrying keeps people with GAD from doing everyday tasks.

People with GAD can’t seem to get rid of their concerns, even though they usually realize that their anxiety is more intense than the situation warrants. They can’t relax, startle easily, and have difficulty concentrating. Often they have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Physical symptoms that often accompany the anxiety include fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, muscle aches, difficulty swallowing, trembling, twitching, irritability, sweating, nausea, lightheadedness, having to go to the bathroom frequently, feeling out of breath, and hot flashes.

​In the Bible it is said, "You will need the breastplate of God's approval." (Ephesians 6:14)  Each morning, no matter how badly you feel, no matter what went wrong the day before, you need to wake up and say, "God, thank you for loving me.  Thank you for approving me.  I know you are pleased with me.  Thank you for you're forgiveness. I know I am your friend."

If you do that you'll be amazed what begins to happen.  Your whole life will change.  That heavy load of guilt, frustration, and anxiety will begin to lift off your shoulders.  You will begin to get more joy into your life.  You'll begin seeing a whole new attitude.

Putting on the breastplate of God's approval does not happen automatically.  It is something you must strive to do each day.  Sometimes we may need a bit more help along the way, too.  God understands this and may speak to our heart concerning getting the help you need.

People with GAD may visit a doctor many times before they find out they have this disorder. They ask their doctors to help them with headaches or trouble falling asleep, which can be symptoms of GAD but they don't always get the help they need right away. It may take doctors some time to be sure that a person has GAD instead of something else.
GAD is generally treated with psychotherapy, medication, or both.
Psychotherapy: is a type of psychotherapy called cognitive behavior therapy is especially useful for treating GAD. It teaches a person different ways of thinking, behaving, and reacting to situations that help him or her feel less anxious and worried.
Medication: Doctors also may prescribe medication to help treat GAD. Two types of medications are commonly used to treat GAD—anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants. Anti-anxiety medications are powerful and there are different types. Many types begin working right away, but they generally should not be taken for long periods.

If you have an anxiety disorder, stop beating yourself up.  Don't worry how many mistakes you've made.  God sees value in you because you are created in his own image.  He will help you through this.  Open your heart.  Realize that this is something you may have to work on all your life, but God is with you every step of the way.  

Monday's Blessing
1 Peter 1:13

"Look forward to the special blessings that will come to you at the return of Jesus Christ."

Has someone got you down lately?  Just turning your world inside out so that you have to take matters into your own hands?  Are you wasting precious energy trying to put a stop to it so the pain will not infect you any longer?  Is your mind racing with possibilities throughout the day constantly rewinding those scenes on how you will not be taken advantage of you any longer?  

The road to revenge can be a slick one paved with hairpin turns that will quickly take you by surprise.  No one better knows mistreatment than Job.  He had to go through the most trying times any person could endure.  In less than a year, he lost his family, business, and health. He had boils all over his entire body and no doubt lived in perpetual pain.  But in the midst of his darkest hour, Job said, "God, I know that you have granted me favor." (Job 10:12)

Now here's what people often overlook.  There are 42 chapters in the book of Job.  Job made that statement in faith in chapter 10.  He was not blessed, healed, or set free until chapter 42!  But Job knew in the very beginning when his circumstances appeared the darkest and without hope, that could would grant him favor.  It may have taken a bit longer than Job anticipated, but he wasted no negative energy on trying to "get back" those who have wronged him.  Instead, his eyes were raised always anticipating favor from God.  I believe this made life bearable.  

The Bible says, "Hope to the end for the divine favor that is coming to you." (1 Peter 1:13).  It is noted that this verse is stated for the return of Christ.  But it is also truthful in letting us know to never give up.  Never waste our energies on things that we simply can not change ourselves.  Keep on believing, instead, that God promises good things and so these things shall come as blessings to each of us.  If you keep your hope in the Lord, and not on what surrounds you, God promises favor. You may have to be a bit patient, but when God's favor shows up it will be in a burst of blessings.  

So whenever that one person has you down, look inwards and claim, "God I know Your favor is coming my way."  Today as you go about your normal activities understand that you always have God's favor available to you.  Live with confidence, dare to be bold.  Don't allow anyone to get you down by trodding heavily on your path.  Look deep inside and realize you've got the edge.  You have the favor with God.