Not long ago, the kids wanted to go to a fast food restaurant for breakfast. We don't go out for breakfast often but they wanted something specific and it wasn't going to break the bank to give them something that they wanted. So, we went to this particular fast food establishment in order to get a hash brown that they would cover with jam and eat.
As I approached the counter to place our order, I was whistling, which I have been known to do. The lady behind the register said, "Well, someone certainly is happy this morning." I replied, "Actually, I am usually always happy." To this she asked, "And, how does that work?" I said, "Simply put, I wake up in the morning and choose to be happy." Then, she asked, "So, it's really that easy?" I replied, "It is for me."
Today's word is Proverbs 15:13, NIV, which reads, "A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit."
There will be days when it just seems that this world is piling on. It'll seem that we can barely get past one thing before another hits us, then another, and another, you get the idea. We will all experience those days when it seems that everything is broken and it will NEVER be any better. And, if all we focus on is what is currently happening, it will seem even more dire. BUT...
But, if we will focus on GOD and His great love for us and His great plan for us and His great care for us, we can see that, even in the midst of despair, there is reason to smile. Yes, I have my bad days, too. No, I don't always smile and whistle; that would be insane. But, for the most part, I know how blessed I am. And, when I focus on ALL the blessing I have, I can't help but smile.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Friday, November 9, 2018
Happy Veterans Day
Sunday is Veterans Day. I am so thankful and grateful to all those who have served to protect the freedoms we all enjoy. We, as a nation, will probably never agree on anything. BUT, we SHOULD all agree that those that have served to provide our freedoms are worthy of our thanks and gratitude, along with the families that support them.
Our soldiers, sailors, and airmen are all over the world ensuring that I can get to work this morning, get my kids to school, get to church this Sunday, go to the movies, dine out, talk about our government. We have the freedoms that we so richly enjoy because they are willing to give up some personal freedoms to protect it.
In honor of Veterans Day, today's word is a quote from Omar Bradley that says, "Bravery is the capacity to perform properly even when scared to death."
We are a great nation because of those willing to sacrifice to make it great. We are a great nation as long as we remember that GOD gives us everything, and it is our duty to protect it and be good stewards of it. We are a great nation as long as we serve Him, and we do that by serving our fellow man. The hours are long, the challenges are difficult, the circumstances can be daunting, but the mission is still completed.
Thanks to all the brave men and women that serve, and have served, to protect and to preserve. I am grateful for you. I am thankful for you. I am praying for you. Thank you for making and keeping this the greatest country in the world! Happy Veterans Day!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Our soldiers, sailors, and airmen are all over the world ensuring that I can get to work this morning, get my kids to school, get to church this Sunday, go to the movies, dine out, talk about our government. We have the freedoms that we so richly enjoy because they are willing to give up some personal freedoms to protect it.
In honor of Veterans Day, today's word is a quote from Omar Bradley that says, "Bravery is the capacity to perform properly even when scared to death."
We are a great nation because of those willing to sacrifice to make it great. We are a great nation as long as we remember that GOD gives us everything, and it is our duty to protect it and be good stewards of it. We are a great nation as long as we serve Him, and we do that by serving our fellow man. The hours are long, the challenges are difficult, the circumstances can be daunting, but the mission is still completed.
Thanks to all the brave men and women that serve, and have served, to protect and to preserve. I am grateful for you. I am thankful for you. I am praying for you. Thank you for making and keeping this the greatest country in the world! Happy Veterans Day!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, November 8, 2018
He Understands
There are certain things that happen that you just cannot understand. As I have mentioned before, I don't know why certain things happen to anybody. I especially don't know why "bad" things happen to some people. I don't know why select people seem to have an abundance of struggles and others go through life almost completely unscathed. I just don't know.
It is when we go through these difficult times that we have a tendency to wonder if GOD is with us, if He hears our prayers, if He sees the struggles, if He sees the heartaches, if He cares. I can tell you, without a doubt, that He is there, He hears, He sees, He cares.
Today's word is Isaiah 40:28, NLT, which reads, "Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The LORD is the everlasting GOD, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of His understanding."
We can know and stand confidently that our GOD, the One and Only True and Living GOD, is on our side. Yes, things may be going in ways that we were not expecting and in ways that we don't feel that we "deserve". But, trust me, He is there. The LORD never grows tired, He never gets worn out. He is constantly, consistently, continually there, helping us through everything. And, He understands.
Our GOD isn't just some far away being that doesn't know what is going on. No, He knows EVERYTHING. He understands hurt and betrayal; we have betrayed Him countless times. He understands heartache and pain; we have caused Him much. He understands loss; He gave His only Son. We can rest assured that He is there, He understands, and He will help us through.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
It is when we go through these difficult times that we have a tendency to wonder if GOD is with us, if He hears our prayers, if He sees the struggles, if He sees the heartaches, if He cares. I can tell you, without a doubt, that He is there, He hears, He sees, He cares.
Today's word is Isaiah 40:28, NLT, which reads, "Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The LORD is the everlasting GOD, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of His understanding."
We can know and stand confidently that our GOD, the One and Only True and Living GOD, is on our side. Yes, things may be going in ways that we were not expecting and in ways that we don't feel that we "deserve". But, trust me, He is there. The LORD never grows tired, He never gets worn out. He is constantly, consistently, continually there, helping us through everything. And, He understands.
Our GOD isn't just some far away being that doesn't know what is going on. No, He knows EVERYTHING. He understands hurt and betrayal; we have betrayed Him countless times. He understands heartache and pain; we have caused Him much. He understands loss; He gave His only Son. We can rest assured that He is there, He understands, and He will help us through.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
Congratulations Jerry and Mary Ann
My in-laws celebrated their fiftieth (50th) anniversary two days ago, an almost unheard of feat in this day and age. They have chosen that come what may, they would remain married no matter what, even after their daughter married someone like me.
I am sure there have been many ups and downs, joys and sorrows, happys and sads. I am sure there have probably been times that they wondered if they would make it through another day, much less fifty years. But, they have stayed the course, they have remained steadfast, loyal, faithful, dedicated. So, here's to Jerry and Mary Ann!
Today's word is a very familiar passage that is often used during wedding ceremonies. Matthew 19:6, NLT, reads, "Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what GOD has joined together."
I am not going to talk about divorce and giving up; I want to applaud those, who like my in-laws, my parents, have taken this verse to heart and haven't allowed anything to split them apart. My parents were married 53 years when my Pops passed. Now, Trishia's parents have been married 50. What a testament to us, their children.
Again, I just want to say, "Congratulations Jerry and Mary Ann!" I pray you see many, many more happy and blessed years of marriage!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I am sure there have been many ups and downs, joys and sorrows, happys and sads. I am sure there have probably been times that they wondered if they would make it through another day, much less fifty years. But, they have stayed the course, they have remained steadfast, loyal, faithful, dedicated. So, here's to Jerry and Mary Ann!
Today's word is a very familiar passage that is often used during wedding ceremonies. Matthew 19:6, NLT, reads, "Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what GOD has joined together."
I am not going to talk about divorce and giving up; I want to applaud those, who like my in-laws, my parents, have taken this verse to heart and haven't allowed anything to split them apart. My parents were married 53 years when my Pops passed. Now, Trishia's parents have been married 50. What a testament to us, their children.
Again, I just want to say, "Congratulations Jerry and Mary Ann!" I pray you see many, many more happy and blessed years of marriage!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, November 5, 2018
Affect them positively
This weekend was a very busy, but mostly productive, one. I spent Saturday installing some sub-flooring and flooring in my Mom's house. Now, this is not about me; it is about my niece, Nicole. Nicole had worked the night shift Friday night and got off just before we started Saturday morning. Then, she worked all day Saturday, moving furniture, laying flooring, holding molding, etc. all day. She was a trooper; and, I am really proud of her.
Then, yesterday, after church, we traveled to see Frozen, Disney on Ice. While Blake and I didn't get the most out of it, Trish and Olivia were thrilled. If you asked our young son if he enjoyed it, he would tell you, "No." However, he sat through the entire show and didn't complain a single time. I was really proud of the way he handled it.
Today's word is a quote I came across that reminds me that it isn't always about me: "Never stop doing little things for others. Sometimes those little things occupy the biggest part of their hearts."
We can often do things that we think go unnoticed, and even unappreciated. First, though, we shouldn't be doing it for the praise we will receive; we should be doing things, helping others, because it is the right thing to do. More important, however, is that it is often more appreciated than we could ever imagine. I know my Mom really appreciates Nicole's work Saturday; it is something that she will appreciate every time she walks into her living room. And, Nicole appreciates her NaNa enough to give up a little sleep and to help. It is something they will both remember and appreciate.
For Blake, while the ice rink may not have been everything he wanted, his Mom and little sister will always remember seeing the show and that he was there with them. They will remember the joy they experienced and that he was a big part of it. We do things for others because we love them. We will never truly know how much our actions affect someone else. Let's affect them positively.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Then, yesterday, after church, we traveled to see Frozen, Disney on Ice. While Blake and I didn't get the most out of it, Trish and Olivia were thrilled. If you asked our young son if he enjoyed it, he would tell you, "No." However, he sat through the entire show and didn't complain a single time. I was really proud of the way he handled it.
Today's word is a quote I came across that reminds me that it isn't always about me: "Never stop doing little things for others. Sometimes those little things occupy the biggest part of their hearts."
We can often do things that we think go unnoticed, and even unappreciated. First, though, we shouldn't be doing it for the praise we will receive; we should be doing things, helping others, because it is the right thing to do. More important, however, is that it is often more appreciated than we could ever imagine. I know my Mom really appreciates Nicole's work Saturday; it is something that she will appreciate every time she walks into her living room. And, Nicole appreciates her NaNa enough to give up a little sleep and to help. It is something they will both remember and appreciate.
For Blake, while the ice rink may not have been everything he wanted, his Mom and little sister will always remember seeing the show and that he was there with them. They will remember the joy they experienced and that he was a big part of it. We do things for others because we love them. We will never truly know how much our actions affect someone else. Let's affect them positively.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, November 2, 2018
What we need to boast about
Man, there are some people in this world that love to brag. They will tell you all about how good they are, how strong they are, how smart they are, etc. And, look, it is great to be strong and good and smart. And, I know that they have probably put a lot of work and effort into being strong and studying. But, they didn't do it alone...
It seems that we want to boast about our accomplishments. I like to tell people that the older I get the better I was. Time has a tendency to dim the fact that I was mediocre at my very best. I was a pretty fast runner when I was younger. Do you know why I was faster than others? Because I worked at being faster? Because I ate some special supplement? No, GOD just made me a little faster.
Do you know what a gift it is to be able to run 100 meters in 10 seconds? Yes, the elite athletes train, and train hard, but, they are gifted to run extremely fast. I could train from now until kingdom come and I will NEVER run 100 meters in 10 seconds. Why? Because GOD didn't give me that gift. So, if you have been given a GIFT (e.g., singing, playing a musical instrument, running, throwing a football, cartwheeling, being seven feet tall with coordination) can you really take credit for the gift? Wasn't it given to you?
Today's word is 1 Corinthians 1:31, NLT, which reads, "Therefore, as the Scriptures say, 'If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD.'"
We have ALL been gifted in so many ways - Give GOD the credit He deserves for giving those gifts. Yes, by all means, boast about how hard you work, how much you try to hone and use that gift, but how can we boast about a gift, except the Gift of Salvation through faith in JESUS CHRIST? Now, He is what we need to boast about.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
It seems that we want to boast about our accomplishments. I like to tell people that the older I get the better I was. Time has a tendency to dim the fact that I was mediocre at my very best. I was a pretty fast runner when I was younger. Do you know why I was faster than others? Because I worked at being faster? Because I ate some special supplement? No, GOD just made me a little faster.
Do you know what a gift it is to be able to run 100 meters in 10 seconds? Yes, the elite athletes train, and train hard, but, they are gifted to run extremely fast. I could train from now until kingdom come and I will NEVER run 100 meters in 10 seconds. Why? Because GOD didn't give me that gift. So, if you have been given a GIFT (e.g., singing, playing a musical instrument, running, throwing a football, cartwheeling, being seven feet tall with coordination) can you really take credit for the gift? Wasn't it given to you?
Today's word is 1 Corinthians 1:31, NLT, which reads, "Therefore, as the Scriptures say, 'If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD.'"
We have ALL been gifted in so many ways - Give GOD the credit He deserves for giving those gifts. Yes, by all means, boast about how hard you work, how much you try to hone and use that gift, but how can we boast about a gift, except the Gift of Salvation through faith in JESUS CHRIST? Now, He is what we need to boast about.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, November 1, 2018
Trick or Treat Adventure
So, last night we went Trick or Treating. We have previously always gone to fall festivals and trunk-a-treats, which are all great and for which I am always appreciative. But, we wanted our kids to go trick or treating; go door-to-door, open their bag, say, "Trick or Treat", received candy, and say, "Thank You," then, repeat. What we found was that not a lot of people participate in giving out candy anymore.
When I was a child, everyone gave out candy. We would walk the neighborhood and receive candy from someone at every house. Not so much anymore. We hit many more houses not giving out candy last night than were. Now, we also went to a fall festival and the kids got PLENTY of candy, but, I just wonder why so many people don't give out candy.
Today's word is a quote from Charles R. Swindoll that says, "Each day of our lives, we make deposits in the memory banks of our children."
Last night, even though it wasn't like I remembered it, our kids had a ball! They loved going from one house to the next. They loved knocking on doors. They loved the anticipation of what was coming. They loved the entire experience, regardless of the amount of candy they received. When they went to the house where the owner simply said, "NO CANDY," they were not deterred. As a matter of fact, they spent the rest of the evening imitating the voice, and laughing and laughing, which was quite a memory.
I don't ever want to forget the memories of my childhood. I don't ever want to forget the many blessings that I had growing up. I don't ever want to forget that I am helping to make those memories for my children. I don't ever want to forget that I am making deposits into their memory banks every single day. I don't ever want to forget the fun they had on their first Trick or Treat adventure.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
When I was a child, everyone gave out candy. We would walk the neighborhood and receive candy from someone at every house. Not so much anymore. We hit many more houses not giving out candy last night than were. Now, we also went to a fall festival and the kids got PLENTY of candy, but, I just wonder why so many people don't give out candy.
Today's word is a quote from Charles R. Swindoll that says, "Each day of our lives, we make deposits in the memory banks of our children."
Last night, even though it wasn't like I remembered it, our kids had a ball! They loved going from one house to the next. They loved knocking on doors. They loved the anticipation of what was coming. They loved the entire experience, regardless of the amount of candy they received. When they went to the house where the owner simply said, "NO CANDY," they were not deterred. As a matter of fact, they spent the rest of the evening imitating the voice, and laughing and laughing, which was quite a memory.
I don't ever want to forget the memories of my childhood. I don't ever want to forget the many blessings that I had growing up. I don't ever want to forget that I am helping to make those memories for my children. I don't ever want to forget that I am making deposits into their memory banks every single day. I don't ever want to forget the fun they had on their first Trick or Treat adventure.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
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