Mission trips are an absolute necessity. I believe the church should be busy doing what GOD has told us to do - go into all the world and tell them about GOD and baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. We most definitely should be sharing the Gospel and telling others about JESUS.
However, we don't have to go to a foreign land to do GOD'S work. There is a lot of ministry needs in our own neighborhood, in our own town, in our own community. I think we lose sight of the fact that ministry opportunities are all around us. I think we get caught up in the romanticism of a foreign mission, yet, ministry starts at home.
Today's word is from Acts 1:8, NIV, which JESUS spoke to His disciples/apostles prior to His ascension. It reads, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Sometimes, I think we are more than willing to go to the ends of the earth but we often lose sight of the mission field right before us. Yes, we should support foreign missions. Yes, we should support those serving on the foreign mission field. But, we don't have to go to some out of the way, never before heard of country to perform ministry.
Look around today and see what needs to be done. See if GOD is calling you to work the mission field right in front of you. The fields are ready for harvest but the laborers are few. Let's see what GOD has for us to do right here in our own community. Yes, by all means, do all you can to support every ministry opportunity you can. BUT, don't lose sight of the ministry opportunities right before you - it starts at home.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Honest Work
I come from a long line of good, honest, hard-working folks. Now, some people may wonder what happened to me but that is my lineage. If you study through my lineage, you won't find any doctors or professors or politicians but you will find a long procession of good, honest people.
There is nothing wrong with working hard and trying to make a life. It really isn't about making a living; it's about making a life. Some people complain about having to work or for having to work hard or they play the "if" game - "if I had made this decision instead of that," or "if I had pursued this instead of that." But, why not appreciate what you have and be thankful for the ability and opportunity to make a honest living?
Today's word is 1 Thessalonians 4:11, NIV, which reads, "...make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you."
The reason so many people seem discontented with what they have and with what they do is because of the first part of the verse - "lead a quiet life and mind your own business." It is when we start to reflect on what everyone else has and what we lack that we stop appreciating what we have. If we would concentrate on what we have and what it affords us, we may find ourselves satisfied.
Then, we need to work. Again, there is absolutely nothing wrong with good, honest work. I don't know about others but I like to earn it. As long as GOD keeps me healthy and able, I don't want someone to give it to me - I want to earn it. Working for something makes us appreciate it more, as we reflect on the effort put forth to acquire it. There is nothing wrong with good, honest work. Nothing.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
There is nothing wrong with working hard and trying to make a life. It really isn't about making a living; it's about making a life. Some people complain about having to work or for having to work hard or they play the "if" game - "if I had made this decision instead of that," or "if I had pursued this instead of that." But, why not appreciate what you have and be thankful for the ability and opportunity to make a honest living?
Today's word is 1 Thessalonians 4:11, NIV, which reads, "...make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you."
The reason so many people seem discontented with what they have and with what they do is because of the first part of the verse - "lead a quiet life and mind your own business." It is when we start to reflect on what everyone else has and what we lack that we stop appreciating what we have. If we would concentrate on what we have and what it affords us, we may find ourselves satisfied.
Then, we need to work. Again, there is absolutely nothing wrong with good, honest work. I don't know about others but I like to earn it. As long as GOD keeps me healthy and able, I don't want someone to give it to me - I want to earn it. Working for something makes us appreciate it more, as we reflect on the effort put forth to acquire it. There is nothing wrong with good, honest work. Nothing.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
It's brewing
The other night, our little three-year-old had a hard time sleeping. Every time we had her down, she would wake right back, and come to our room. She would say, "There's thunder in my room." Now, we were in the midst of a pretty severe storm all around. However, she wasn't concerned about what was going on outside, all she could see was the storm going on around her.
We all face our storms. Sometimes, they are familial troubles. Sometimes, they are financial troubles. Sometimes, they are health related. Sometimes, they are people related. Whatever it is, we find ourselves in storms. When the storms arise, we have a tendency to take our focus off anything except that storm. Or, I do anyway.
Today's word is from Exodus 15:2, NLT, which reads, "The LORD is my strength and my song; He has given me victory. This is my GOD, and I will praise Him..."
When we focus on the storms in our lives, we lose the fact that GOD is there and He has us in His hand. We see all the things going on around us but we fail to see that GOD surrounds us. It is easy to lose sight of GOD'S protection when we hear the thunder and see the trees doubled over. Yet, He is still there, holding us close and keeping us.
Whatever storm you may be facing, remember that GOD has calmed the fiercest of storms and He is holding you in the midst of the one you are in. He is my strength; He has done it before and He will do it again! Praise Him! The storm will be defeated; He will give you victory!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
We all face our storms. Sometimes, they are familial troubles. Sometimes, they are financial troubles. Sometimes, they are health related. Sometimes, they are people related. Whatever it is, we find ourselves in storms. When the storms arise, we have a tendency to take our focus off anything except that storm. Or, I do anyway.
Today's word is from Exodus 15:2, NLT, which reads, "The LORD is my strength and my song; He has given me victory. This is my GOD, and I will praise Him..."
When we focus on the storms in our lives, we lose the fact that GOD is there and He has us in His hand. We see all the things going on around us but we fail to see that GOD surrounds us. It is easy to lose sight of GOD'S protection when we hear the thunder and see the trees doubled over. Yet, He is still there, holding us close and keeping us.
Whatever storm you may be facing, remember that GOD has calmed the fiercest of storms and He is holding you in the midst of the one you are in. He is my strength; He has done it before and He will do it again! Praise Him! The storm will be defeated; He will give you victory!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, January 25, 2016
Guard your heart
I love my wife and kids. I mean, I LOVE THEM. I love Trish like I have never loved anyone else, and will never love anyone the way I love her. I love Blake and Olivia as I have never loved other human beings, and like I will never love any other human being. I love them! There is nothing I wouldn't do for them (within reason, of course).
So, where does it come from? A play on words from The Lion King, "Where do you feel the love tonight?" Of course, the love comes from the heart. It is from the heart that everything springs forth, good and bad. Just as we experience the deepest love from the heart, the darkest hate also emanates from there.
Today's word is Proverbs 4:23, NIV, which reads, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
We have to guard our hearts because EVERYTHING we do flows from the heart. We have to make sure that what comes from the heart is good and just. We can't do that if we allow things that are not good and just to enter our hearts. Why? Because, once again, trash in = trash out. If we allow evil things to take root in our heart, it won't be long before evil things spring forth from our hearts. Guard it.
I want the love I've been given, the love I experience every day, to flow freely from my heart. I want GOD'S love that He so graciously gives me each day to be what others see. We have to guard our hearts because everything we do flows from it.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
So, where does it come from? A play on words from The Lion King, "Where do you feel the love tonight?" Of course, the love comes from the heart. It is from the heart that everything springs forth, good and bad. Just as we experience the deepest love from the heart, the darkest hate also emanates from there.
Today's word is Proverbs 4:23, NIV, which reads, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
We have to guard our hearts because EVERYTHING we do flows from the heart. We have to make sure that what comes from the heart is good and just. We can't do that if we allow things that are not good and just to enter our hearts. Why? Because, once again, trash in = trash out. If we allow evil things to take root in our heart, it won't be long before evil things spring forth from our hearts. Guard it.
I want the love I've been given, the love I experience every day, to flow freely from my heart. I want GOD'S love that He so graciously gives me each day to be what others see. We have to guard our hearts because everything we do flows from it.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, January 22, 2016
The Perfect Season
It is winter here, and some folks aren't happy. As with the change of each season, some folks are happy, others can't wait until this one is over. Winter is not my favorite season but I try to enjoy what I can of it.
I think we have a tendency to try to rush the seasons of our lives, much as we try to change the calendar season. Yet, each season is necessary to accomplish what is needed in that season.
Today's word is a quote that I came across that says, "Don't waste the season of life you are in now because you want the next one to come."
Just as there is a purpose for each calendar season, there's a purpose for the season of life we currently find ourselves in. We may not know the reason; we may not know what GOD is accomplishing; we just have to rest and trust that He has us where we need to be.
Whatever season you may be experiencing enjoy it! While it may not be you favorite, while it may be uncomfortable, it is the perfect season to accomplish what is needed.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I think we have a tendency to try to rush the seasons of our lives, much as we try to change the calendar season. Yet, each season is necessary to accomplish what is needed in that season.
Today's word is a quote that I came across that says, "Don't waste the season of life you are in now because you want the next one to come."
Just as there is a purpose for each calendar season, there's a purpose for the season of life we currently find ourselves in. We may not know the reason; we may not know what GOD is accomplishing; we just have to rest and trust that He has us where we need to be.
Whatever season you may be experiencing enjoy it! While it may not be you favorite, while it may be uncomfortable, it is the perfect season to accomplish what is needed.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, January 21, 2016
You cannot hide
Watching police shows on television just reminds me that you cannot outrun the law. For every one person that may get away for a few days there are millions that don't. And, even if you manage to escape capture temporarily, eventually, they always seem to get the perpetrator.
I think we try to convince ourselves that we are hiding from GOD too. We think that if we turn off the lights or if we go to another town or if we close the doors that GOD will not see what we are doing, that He will never catch us. If we really think that, we are truly fooling ourselves.
Today's word is from Luke 8:17, NIV, which reads, "For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open."
While we may think we are getting away with something, that we are concealing something, that we are hiding something, the only thing we are hiding is reality. GOD is everywhere! You may think you are getting away with something, that it is hidden from your loved ones, that it is hidden from your friends, that it is hidden from the public, but it is not hidden from GOD, and, eventually, it will become known and brought out into the open.
I pray daily that GOD forgives me of the things that I may have hidden so deeply in the recesses of my memory that I may have temporarily forgotten them. If I think for one minute that I have hidden it and gotten away with it, I am truly just fooling myself. You can rest assured that you may run but you definitely cannot hide.
GOD loves me, even with all my faults and failures. And, there's no reason to run and hide. Confess it, ask forgiveness, and live free!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I think we try to convince ourselves that we are hiding from GOD too. We think that if we turn off the lights or if we go to another town or if we close the doors that GOD will not see what we are doing, that He will never catch us. If we really think that, we are truly fooling ourselves.
Today's word is from Luke 8:17, NIV, which reads, "For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open."
While we may think we are getting away with something, that we are concealing something, that we are hiding something, the only thing we are hiding is reality. GOD is everywhere! You may think you are getting away with something, that it is hidden from your loved ones, that it is hidden from your friends, that it is hidden from the public, but it is not hidden from GOD, and, eventually, it will become known and brought out into the open.
I pray daily that GOD forgives me of the things that I may have hidden so deeply in the recesses of my memory that I may have temporarily forgotten them. If I think for one minute that I have hidden it and gotten away with it, I am truly just fooling myself. You can rest assured that you may run but you definitely cannot hide.
GOD loves me, even with all my faults and failures. And, there's no reason to run and hide. Confess it, ask forgiveness, and live free!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
No Fear
I watch our kids who seem to be oblivious to danger and who seem to live without fear. To say they are daredevils would be a huge understatement. But, it's not just with daredevilish things, they dance like no one is watching and sing like no one is listening. They, at this moment, have no apprehensions or inhibitions, which is refreshing and thought provoking.
I wonder at what time did we begin to recognize our surroundings and squelch our outward expressions. I wonder when we became aware that others were watching, and that they sometimes make fun of folks who so freely express themselves. When did we become fearful?
Today's word is one I am sure I used before but it is Hebrews 13:6, NASB, which reads, "The LORD is my Helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
Life is tough enough without having to live in fear. There's nothing to be afraid of because GOD is on our side, He goes before us, and He has our back. That sounds to me like He is all around us. If GOD is all around us, no one can get to us - there is nothing to fear.
The flip side of that is if you don't know GOD as your LORD and SAVIOR. If that is the case, you probably fear a lot of things. However, GOD is Love, and the Bible tells us that perfect love casts out fear. If you're a child of GOD, you have nothing to fear. Dance like no one is watching. Sing like no one is listening. Live with NO FEAR!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I wonder at what time did we begin to recognize our surroundings and squelch our outward expressions. I wonder when we became aware that others were watching, and that they sometimes make fun of folks who so freely express themselves. When did we become fearful?
Today's word is one I am sure I used before but it is Hebrews 13:6, NASB, which reads, "The LORD is my Helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
Life is tough enough without having to live in fear. There's nothing to be afraid of because GOD is on our side, He goes before us, and He has our back. That sounds to me like He is all around us. If GOD is all around us, no one can get to us - there is nothing to fear.
The flip side of that is if you don't know GOD as your LORD and SAVIOR. If that is the case, you probably fear a lot of things. However, GOD is Love, and the Bible tells us that perfect love casts out fear. If you're a child of GOD, you have nothing to fear. Dance like no one is watching. Sing like no one is listening. Live with NO FEAR!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Wealth
I have to admit something right from the get go. My thoughts today are on a lot of things, one of which is the passing of the mother of some of my childhood friends. These friends of mine are good reminders of the influence of a godly mother.
Their parents divorced years before I even met them, yet, they have grown to be Christians, and active Christians. One is a preacher, the others active church members. But, most important, all are Christians. The influence of their godly mother is definitely manifested in the lives they live.
With this thought in mind, today's word is a quote from Abraham Lincoln that says, "No man is poor who has had a godly mother."
I am grateful that I have been blessed with a godly family. Perfect, no. Godly, yes. We were taught at an early age to pray and to seek GOD. Once we were saved, we were shown that we might fail but if we pray for forgiveness, GOD will forgive. The value of godly parents can never be overstated.
To all the godly parents out there, THANK YOU! Keep up the good work! When all earthly treasures fail, the wealth of godly parents will forever stand.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Their parents divorced years before I even met them, yet, they have grown to be Christians, and active Christians. One is a preacher, the others active church members. But, most important, all are Christians. The influence of their godly mother is definitely manifested in the lives they live.
With this thought in mind, today's word is a quote from Abraham Lincoln that says, "No man is poor who has had a godly mother."
I am grateful that I have been blessed with a godly family. Perfect, no. Godly, yes. We were taught at an early age to pray and to seek GOD. Once we were saved, we were shown that we might fail but if we pray for forgiveness, GOD will forgive. The value of godly parents can never be overstated.
To all the godly parents out there, THANK YOU! Keep up the good work! When all earthly treasures fail, the wealth of godly parents will forever stand.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, January 15, 2016
Take a Break
We are on the cusp of a three day weekend, and my thoughts this morning have drifted in the direction of taking a break. Now, don't get me wrong, I have enough to do today to last me a couple of months, but, I am looking forward to an extra day off this weekend.
Now, I can not worry about work and all the things I should be doing and just really enjoy the long weekend or I can allow all the things I should be doing distract and take away from family time. We are all busy, we all have things to do, and they need doing right now! But, we all also need to relax and enjoy today.
Today's word is just a thought from Marc and Angel that I came across that reminds me that we need to take a break every now and again. It says, "Relax. You are enough. You do enough. Breathe extra deep, let go & just live right now in the moment."
There are tons of things to do, and we should diligently be striving to get them done. However, you can't do everything today, and the truth is that you are probably doing all you can do - and, that is enough. Maybe you feel you should be doing more. Maybe you feel that you should be working even harder than you are or even longer than the sixteen hour days you're already doing but the reality is that you are doing enough when you are doing all you can.
Take a deep breath; breathe in all that GOD has blessed you with. Remind yourself of all the good things in your life that GOD has placed there. Enjoy the moment, the fleeting moments with those you love. Take a break.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Now, I can not worry about work and all the things I should be doing and just really enjoy the long weekend or I can allow all the things I should be doing distract and take away from family time. We are all busy, we all have things to do, and they need doing right now! But, we all also need to relax and enjoy today.
Today's word is just a thought from Marc and Angel that I came across that reminds me that we need to take a break every now and again. It says, "Relax. You are enough. You do enough. Breathe extra deep, let go & just live right now in the moment."
There are tons of things to do, and we should diligently be striving to get them done. However, you can't do everything today, and the truth is that you are probably doing all you can do - and, that is enough. Maybe you feel you should be doing more. Maybe you feel that you should be working even harder than you are or even longer than the sixteen hour days you're already doing but the reality is that you are doing enough when you are doing all you can.
Take a deep breath; breathe in all that GOD has blessed you with. Remind yourself of all the good things in your life that GOD has placed there. Enjoy the moment, the fleeting moments with those you love. Take a break.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Hidden Things
You ever come across something by accident? Maybe you were cleaning out a drawer and found something that you had forgotten about or that you thought was gone forever. Or, maybe you're the one that bought a really old picture at a garage sale because you liked the frame just to find out it was some original work of some famous artist worth a bazillion dollars.
Maybe you're the one that discovered a new way to use an old product, a life hack so to speak. Maybe you're the one that discovered a deep, dark secret that someone had been hiding away forever. The feelings and emotions you experience the moment you discover something, you find something, you find out something that was lost or that you didn't know cannot be explained. To learn something new can be exhilarating, frustrating, scary, or joyful - or all at the same time.
Today's word is Jeremiah 33:3, NASB, which reads, "Call to me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know."
In this verse, GOD is telling Jeremiah to call on Him and He will answer him. But, GOD goes further and tells Jeremiah that, if he will truly seek Him, He will tell him great and mighty things that he doesn't know. GOD still does that today, if we will seek Him and earnestly strive to do his will. There is nothing like seeking GOD and Him telling you something that you alone need to hear.
Are you searching for something? Are you trying to find the answer to something? Are you trying to find a solution to something? Why not seek the One that knows it all and is willing to tell us what we need to know, if only we will call to Him? I pray we all find the hidden things that GOD is trying to show us.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Maybe you're the one that discovered a new way to use an old product, a life hack so to speak. Maybe you're the one that discovered a deep, dark secret that someone had been hiding away forever. The feelings and emotions you experience the moment you discover something, you find something, you find out something that was lost or that you didn't know cannot be explained. To learn something new can be exhilarating, frustrating, scary, or joyful - or all at the same time.
Today's word is Jeremiah 33:3, NASB, which reads, "Call to me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know."
In this verse, GOD is telling Jeremiah to call on Him and He will answer him. But, GOD goes further and tells Jeremiah that, if he will truly seek Him, He will tell him great and mighty things that he doesn't know. GOD still does that today, if we will seek Him and earnestly strive to do his will. There is nothing like seeking GOD and Him telling you something that you alone need to hear.
Are you searching for something? Are you trying to find the answer to something? Are you trying to find a solution to something? Why not seek the One that knows it all and is willing to tell us what we need to know, if only we will call to Him? I pray we all find the hidden things that GOD is trying to show us.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
The Prize
What do you think about when you hear, "The Prize?" For some, it may be the Olympic gold medal. For others, it may be the dessert at the end of a really great dinner. For the Alabama Crimson Tide, it is the CFP National Championship. But, what is your prize?
It is nice to see goals reached and milestones achieved. It is great to see validation of our hard work and determination and perseverance. It is fantastic to see a longed for accomplishment pay dividends. It takes a lot of work and sweat and sacrifice to see things through sometimes. And, it's great when we reap the rewards of a job well done.
Today's word is 1 Corinthians 9:24, NIV, which reads, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize."
We are all striving for some prize, aren't we? Whether yours is losing a few pounds, gaining a few more in your weight training, running a five K, or seeing your kids succeed in college, we are all trying to attain something. But, while you are seeking all these things, do you have your eye on the PRIZE?
The greatest prize I could ever attain has nothing to do with championships or accomplishments. The greatest prize I could ever garner is hearing my LORD say, "Enter in my good and faithful servant." We're all running a race - run it well, keep running, and keep your eye on the PRIZE!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
It is nice to see goals reached and milestones achieved. It is great to see validation of our hard work and determination and perseverance. It is fantastic to see a longed for accomplishment pay dividends. It takes a lot of work and sweat and sacrifice to see things through sometimes. And, it's great when we reap the rewards of a job well done.
Today's word is 1 Corinthians 9:24, NIV, which reads, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize."
We are all striving for some prize, aren't we? Whether yours is losing a few pounds, gaining a few more in your weight training, running a five K, or seeing your kids succeed in college, we are all trying to attain something. But, while you are seeking all these things, do you have your eye on the PRIZE?
The greatest prize I could ever attain has nothing to do with championships or accomplishments. The greatest prize I could ever garner is hearing my LORD say, "Enter in my good and faithful servant." We're all running a race - run it well, keep running, and keep your eye on the PRIZE!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, January 11, 2016
Even in sorrows
Have you ever been really sad? I can tell you that I have had my moments of complete and total sadness, those moments when it seems that it will never get any better - EVER. Yet, GOD always sends His comfort to help me overcome those moments of grief and sadness.
Sometimes, His comfort is just His Spirit enveloping me. I can feel Him wrapping me in His embrace, pulling me to His chest, and hiding me under His wing until it passes. Sometimes, His comfort comes through a song, a verse, a friend that sits and cries with me. The point is that GOD always comforts me even in my deepest sorrows.
Today's word is Psalm 32:10, NIV, which reads, "Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD'S unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in Him."
We are all going to face bad things. Being a Christian doesn't allow you to escape the fact that we live in a fallen, sinful world. We are all going to face complications and problems and sadness. However, if you are GOD'S child, He will be there to comfort us and to get us through.
Woe to those who do not know JESUS, for many are the woes that they will see. How do you make it through when you have no Comforter? How do you see the light at the end of the tunnel if you aren't on the train? I praise GOD for His unfailing love, which surrounds me even in sorrows.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Sometimes, His comfort is just His Spirit enveloping me. I can feel Him wrapping me in His embrace, pulling me to His chest, and hiding me under His wing until it passes. Sometimes, His comfort comes through a song, a verse, a friend that sits and cries with me. The point is that GOD always comforts me even in my deepest sorrows.
Today's word is Psalm 32:10, NIV, which reads, "Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD'S unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in Him."
We are all going to face bad things. Being a Christian doesn't allow you to escape the fact that we live in a fallen, sinful world. We are all going to face complications and problems and sadness. However, if you are GOD'S child, He will be there to comfort us and to get us through.
Woe to those who do not know JESUS, for many are the woes that they will see. How do you make it through when you have no Comforter? How do you see the light at the end of the tunnel if you aren't on the train? I praise GOD for His unfailing love, which surrounds me even in sorrows.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, January 8, 2016
My Stupid Friends
I have some friends that I am completely stupid around because they are completely stupid, and I mean that in the nicest way. We have so much fun together. They make me laugh and giggle so hard that I have actually had tears stream down my face. Now, we can be, and have been, serious from time to time, but for the most part, we are just stupid silly.
It is to these friends that I turn when things in my life take a dramatic turn. They probably aren't going to dispense any deep thoughts or rationale but they will make me laugh and cause me to see how petty I can sometimes be. We all need friends like that.
Today's word is just a thought I came across that initiated today's post. It says, "No matter how serious life gets, you still gotta have those people you can be completely stupid with."
Now, I am not going to try to name my stupid friends, they know who they are. I, of course, married my best friend in the whole world, and she is definitely one that makes me laugh and giggle. But, there are others that I am completely stupid with that remind me that life isn't as serious as we sometimes make it out to be. They balance the serious with equal amounts of stupid, which keeps us on an even keel.
So, on the day set aside as the 8th annual JoyGerm Day, allow me to say, "Thanks," to those who spread the joy germ and keeps us on a good path. I am truly blessed with my stupid friends. I hope you are too.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
It is to these friends that I turn when things in my life take a dramatic turn. They probably aren't going to dispense any deep thoughts or rationale but they will make me laugh and cause me to see how petty I can sometimes be. We all need friends like that.
Today's word is just a thought I came across that initiated today's post. It says, "No matter how serious life gets, you still gotta have those people you can be completely stupid with."
Now, I am not going to try to name my stupid friends, they know who they are. I, of course, married my best friend in the whole world, and she is definitely one that makes me laugh and giggle. But, there are others that I am completely stupid with that remind me that life isn't as serious as we sometimes make it out to be. They balance the serious with equal amounts of stupid, which keeps us on an even keel.
So, on the day set aside as the 8th annual JoyGerm Day, allow me to say, "Thanks," to those who spread the joy germ and keeps us on a good path. I am truly blessed with my stupid friends. I hope you are too.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Exercising your freedom
Today's post may come across as a "holier-than-thou" or judgmental and that is not my intention at all. I will tell you, with absolutely no doubt, that I am the worst of the worse. I am a horrible example of what a Christian should be on my very best day. However, I have a thought that I want to convey. And, with that preface out of the way, here's my thought...
I have noticed several people who wear "Christian" symbols not behave very "Christian-like". I've seen people with the crosses around their necks or the crosses on the back pocket of their jeans behave in very un-Christian like ways.Once again, I am a horrible example myself. But, I do believe our actions speak way louder than any insignia we might don.
What I usually hear, and try to keep in mind, is that we have all failed and come short of the glory of GOD, and we all have. And, I hear that it's not "that bad" and that GOD will forgive me, and that is absolutely true - He will. And, I hear that it's not hurting anyone else, so, what's the big deal. There is what I am getting at...
Today's word is 1 Corinthians 8:9, NIV, which reads, "Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak."
If our actions are causing someone else to stumble, then, what we are doing isn't just affecting us. I try to keep in mind that I have little eyes watching my every move, listening to my every word, and imitating my every action - and, I still fail. When I fail, which is often, I try to explain to our four-year-old and three-year-old that I failed, that I was wrong, and that I am going to ask GOD to forgive me and try to not do it again. Why? Because, I don't want them to stumble because of my example.
I pray we will all keep in mind that, through GOD, we have the ultimate freedom. However, we cannot let the exercise of our freedoms become the reason someone else fails.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I have noticed several people who wear "Christian" symbols not behave very "Christian-like". I've seen people with the crosses around their necks or the crosses on the back pocket of their jeans behave in very un-Christian like ways.Once again, I am a horrible example myself. But, I do believe our actions speak way louder than any insignia we might don.
What I usually hear, and try to keep in mind, is that we have all failed and come short of the glory of GOD, and we all have. And, I hear that it's not "that bad" and that GOD will forgive me, and that is absolutely true - He will. And, I hear that it's not hurting anyone else, so, what's the big deal. There is what I am getting at...
Today's word is 1 Corinthians 8:9, NIV, which reads, "Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak."
If our actions are causing someone else to stumble, then, what we are doing isn't just affecting us. I try to keep in mind that I have little eyes watching my every move, listening to my every word, and imitating my every action - and, I still fail. When I fail, which is often, I try to explain to our four-year-old and three-year-old that I failed, that I was wrong, and that I am going to ask GOD to forgive me and try to not do it again. Why? Because, I don't want them to stumble because of my example.
I pray we will all keep in mind that, through GOD, we have the ultimate freedom. However, we cannot let the exercise of our freedoms become the reason someone else fails.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
What do you have
I am Blessed and Highly Favored. If you've been around me at all, you have probably heard me say that countless times. I don't say it flippantly. I don't say it just to be saying it. I don't say it to sound positive. I say it because I am TRULY BLESSED AND HIGHLY FAVORED! GOD has been so good to give me more than I ever thought possible.
The truth is that most all of us are blessed with far more than we ever thought possible, far more than others have, far more than others will ever have. Yet, so many people don't seem to appreciate what they have. They seem to constantly be looking over in their neighbor's yard or their neighbor's garage or their neighbor's house thinking that they have something that they want...
Today's word is a quote from Vissarion Belinsky, which says, "People usually do not appreciate what they have but complain about what they don't."
It seems to ring true that most people, me included, don't appreciate what they have near as much as they bemoan about what they don't have. We don't have much, but I truly am grateful that GOD has given us so much. The very fact that I am physically able to sit and type this blog is a blessing that I NEVER take for granted. NEVER! I would imagine their are countless numbers of people that wish they could sit, or type, or had access to either. I won't take that for granted.
Look, life isn't all rosy. There are problems and concerns and stress enough to make even the best believer lose hope occasionally. However, if we will just look around and appreciate all the blessings, all the things, all the stuff that we have, we may find ourselves appreciating what we do have and not complaining as much about what we don't. I'm really going to try to keep that in mind.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
The truth is that most all of us are blessed with far more than we ever thought possible, far more than others have, far more than others will ever have. Yet, so many people don't seem to appreciate what they have. They seem to constantly be looking over in their neighbor's yard or their neighbor's garage or their neighbor's house thinking that they have something that they want...
Today's word is a quote from Vissarion Belinsky, which says, "People usually do not appreciate what they have but complain about what they don't."
It seems to ring true that most people, me included, don't appreciate what they have near as much as they bemoan about what they don't have. We don't have much, but I truly am grateful that GOD has given us so much. The very fact that I am physically able to sit and type this blog is a blessing that I NEVER take for granted. NEVER! I would imagine their are countless numbers of people that wish they could sit, or type, or had access to either. I won't take that for granted.
Look, life isn't all rosy. There are problems and concerns and stress enough to make even the best believer lose hope occasionally. However, if we will just look around and appreciate all the blessings, all the things, all the stuff that we have, we may find ourselves appreciating what we do have and not complaining as much about what we don't. I'm really going to try to keep that in mind.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, January 4, 2016
Where will this year take us?
It's the first full week of 2016! WOW, what happened to 2015? It does seem that the year flew by, at times anyway. It had it's days that seemed to last for weeks, and weeks that seemed to last for months, but, in the end, it went really fast.
But, we are into a new year. It seems but yesterday it was still 1999 but it is seventeen years later. I look back on last year and see some of the things we came through. How about you? I see things that were completely unexpected that turned out to be more than I ever could have imagined; blessing galore and happiness aplenty. There were also those times that I really had to trudge through and persevere by simply putting one foot in front of the other. So, what will 2016 bring? Where will 2016 take us?
Today's word is a reminder of how we can survive each day in this coming year. It is Proverbs 3:13, ESV, which reads, "Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding."
If we want to be blessed in this coming year, and I am sure that we all do, we need to connect ourselves to the Source of all blessings. And, one of the greatest blessings is His wisdom and direction. There will be things that crop up that take us by complete surprise. It is then that we need to seek GOD and His direction through that situation. The more we do that, the more we will see His love and closeness, and the more we will understand His plan for our lives.
Where will this year take us? What will this year present us? GOD only knows. Let's seek His will and follow His plan, then, we will see the picture clearly and find ourselves wiser and more knowledgeable than ever before.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
But, we are into a new year. It seems but yesterday it was still 1999 but it is seventeen years later. I look back on last year and see some of the things we came through. How about you? I see things that were completely unexpected that turned out to be more than I ever could have imagined; blessing galore and happiness aplenty. There were also those times that I really had to trudge through and persevere by simply putting one foot in front of the other. So, what will 2016 bring? Where will 2016 take us?
Today's word is a reminder of how we can survive each day in this coming year. It is Proverbs 3:13, ESV, which reads, "Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding."
If we want to be blessed in this coming year, and I am sure that we all do, we need to connect ourselves to the Source of all blessings. And, one of the greatest blessings is His wisdom and direction. There will be things that crop up that take us by complete surprise. It is then that we need to seek GOD and His direction through that situation. The more we do that, the more we will see His love and closeness, and the more we will understand His plan for our lives.
Where will this year take us? What will this year present us? GOD only knows. Let's seek His will and follow His plan, then, we will see the picture clearly and find ourselves wiser and more knowledgeable than ever before.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
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