And, you, too

If you know me, toy know that I have a lot of sayings. A LOT. Some are good, some are corny, some are just silly. One of my sayings, though, is, "Be nicer to folks than you have to be; you never know what someone is going through."

Sort of following along yesterday's thought, there are lots of hurting people that need a kind word. As my mother taught me as a child, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."

Today's word is Proverbs 12:25, NLT, which reads, "Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up."

Worry is one of those weights that were often carry that does more harm than we will ever realize: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Yet, we can't seem to stop ourselves from doing it, which causes even more worry. And, everyone is probably worried or anxious about something, everyone. What can we do?

Well, don't add fuel to the fire. Try to lift someone up, try to ease anxiety. If you get the chance, and you just may, give someone an encouraging word. It just may cheer them up, and you, too.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Safely see us through

It has been a few days since the last post. We took a few days off and experienced some family time and a change of scenery. Nothing really overly impressive but time will spent. 

During the past week, I've had a little thinking time while riding, traveling, relaxing about all the current happenings. We have certainly experienced some trying and unprecedented times. But, others before us had, too. What did they do?

Today's word is Psalm 73:26, NASB, and may provide an answer: "My flesh and my heart may fail, But GOD is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

When we have the unsettling and trying and fear-filled times, when our hearts fail us, we know that GOD is with us and is seeing is through. Our flesh and our human heart may fear and fail but GOD will Rescue and Raise.

GOD is leading us through dark times as He did with the Israelites and David and Daniel and so many others. We can trust that where He is taking us is far better than where we are. We can trust that He has us in His hand and will safely see us through.

Be Blessed,

Mickey T

If we would use it

I have a very vivid and active imagination. I have shared before that what gets me in trouble, more often than not, are two (2) things: 1. The little voice in my head that says, "I wonder what would happen if...," and, 2. The other little voice that says, "Well, there's only one (1) way to find out."

Imagination is an amazing thing. It can turn a box into a train, a pair of socks into a football, a rainy day into an adventure. I can only imagine what it will be like to one (1) day see my JESUS!

Today's word is Ephesians 3:20, NLT, which reads, "Now all glory to GOD, Who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think."

GOD is not limited by our thoughts; He isn't bound by our finite minds. He can do anything He wants, any way He wants. And, He wants to do more for us and through us than we could ever imagine, which, for me, is quite A LOT.

Don't be afraid to use your imagination, especially when it comes to GOD and His desires. He made us all with imagination; I wonder what we could do, and what He could do through us, if we would only use it.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Children

Last night, we had the blessing of watching our children play baseball. They did their very best, and had a lot of fun playing. I had even more fun watching.

I played sports A LOT growing up, and for many years in adulthood. And, I had a ton of fun playing. But, it is just a different kind of fun, a different level of enjoyment to watch your children. If you have children, I know you know what I mean.

Today's word is Psalm 127:3, NLT, which reads, "Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from Him."

To see the world through a child's eyes is a blessing that cannot be explained. To be able to watch a child grow and learn and explore is something that is amazing. We are so blessed to be the parents of our two (2), a blessing that I pray I never forget.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

JESUS IS PEACE

No doubt, there is a lot of unrest in our world. You can hardly watch any television,  open any web browser, listen to any station without knowing of the troubles in our society. People are hurting and seeking.

People are concerned about the economy and personal finances. People are concerned about injustice and persecution. People are concerned about everything and everyone, and are trying to find peace. But, there is only One True Peace.

Today's word is John 16:33, KJV, which reads, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

The only real peace that we will ever have, that we will ever find, is in JESUS, our LORD and SAVIOR. You can search for it here but there will always be turmoil, and chaos, and confusion, which all comes from satan.

There will be problems and tribulations in this world but we can find our peace in JESUS, Who has overcome this world. JESUS is PEACE!

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Following His Plan

Have you ever wandered away? I was sharing with one of my nephews this weekend that we have all failed but GOD still has a plan for our lives. I told him that we get in trouble, we wander because we take our focus off GOD, and we all have.

The example I gave him was that, sometimes, GOD and I are walking along, I am on the right path, but, I look over to my right and I see something that looks "interesting ". So, I wander off the path to see what it is. I asked, "But, do you know where GOD is?"

Today's word is Romans 11:29, NKJV, which reads, "For the gifts and the calling of GOD are irrevocable."

When I wander off, GOD is still on the path that He wants me to follow. He hasn't moved and His plan for my life has not changed. His calling is irrevocable, it can not be changed.

Whatever you think you have done, wherever you have wandered, GOD is still right where you left Him, waiting for you to get back on the path. He has a plan for our lives, and there is nothing as fulfilling as following His plan.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Where do you want to go?

"So, where do you want to go," was the beginning of a long discussion between Trish and me recently. We were discussing a vacation, nothing extravagant, just a few days away.

Part of planning a vacation is traveling. How far are you willing to drive? How much time are you willing to spend getting there, and, especially getting back. Of course, some would love to take a month off and go  somewhere, which wouldn't be enough at your favorite place.

Today's word is Psalm 84:10a, NLT, which reads, "A single day in Your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else!"

David goes on in this verse to say that he would rather be a gatekeeper in GOD'S house than live the best life earth has to offer in the homes of the wicked. I, too, want to see JESUS, and spend eternity with Him. I don't know of anything or anywhere I would rather do or be.

There will be many folks that refuse GOD'S gift of salvation because they would rather have the temporary pleasures of living endlessly here. I want to see my SAVIOR. I want to try to do His good will here. I want to be of service to Him here. Then, one day, when the time is perfect, I want to go to live with Him. Where do you want to go?

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Somebody is watching

There was a song in the 80s called, "Somebody's watching me", about how the performer had this feeling that someone was watching his every move. I am sure that, especially as young children, we had that eerie feeling from time to time as well.

Now, trust me, there were no monsters in the closet or under the bed; there were no strange creatures lurking at the edge of the property just waiting for is to take one (1) step closer. However, I think it is a perfectly normal feeling to feel as though someone is watching us. He is...

Today's word is Psalm 11:4, NIV, which reads, "The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; His eyes examine them."

We can think that what we are doing is secret, that the attitudes we have, the thoughts we have when someone disagrees with us after never seen,  BUT, they are. GOD sees everything we do and don't do, even the things we think are hidden internally.

I also know that GOD loves us and wants the very best for us. He isn't watching us in order to hit us with a bolt of lightning; He is watching us to help us grow, to teach us, and to protect us. He watches us because He loves us. Somebody is watching.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Let's Tell Them

When I injured myself several weeks ago, I shared with others that I know GOD has a plan. Now, He didn't knock me off the ladder, though, sometimes, I need a good shove. But, He can certainly use the opportunity to share His Gospel through this ordeal, IF I allow Him to work through me.

We live in a world, a society, where everything is about me, me, me. Hey, I'm there, too. But, as a Christian, I want others to see and know about Him. I wasn't too user every opportunity to tell others about my Savior, and how a relationship with Him will not only change his/her life, it'll change their eternity.

Today's word is 2 Timothy 4:2, NLT, which reads, "Preach the word of GOD. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. "

Whether things are going our way or not, we should try to be consistent with sharing the word of GOD. Will it be easy? No. Will we think about it when things are going bad? Probably not. But, we can try to be more consistent in our witness, especially me.

Things will happen from time to time that will cause us to want to withdraw and sulk. It's okay to do that for a few. Pray, request, let GOD wrap you in His arms and hold you for a while. Then, get out there and share His word. Others need to hear what GOD has done for us. Let's tell them!

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

We just have to live it

I have been known to say that I am full of good intentions; I just don't always follow through. We live in a busy world, and, sometimes, there just doesn't seem to be enough hours in a day. But, I have also found that I usually find time to do the things that I really want to do.

I say all that as just a reminder that we don't have to do huge, gigantic, enormous things. We usually just need to show up, be present, make an effort. Sometimes, a simple text, phone call, or a card is all that is needed.

Today's word is Hebrews 4:12a, NKJV, which reads, "For the word of GOD is living and powerful..."

Like love, the word of GOD is an action verb; it should call us to do something, especially for others. It is true that the only Bible some folks will ever read may be me. I want them to see me displaying and living out what I believe.

And, the Word of GOD is powerful. If we would only follow the leadership of GOD, and do His will, I think we would be absolutely amazed at the power He would display through us to change us, to change others, to change our world. Not us, Him. But, the power is there, we just have to live it.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

A quick Thank You

Okay, I still have a long ways to go in recovering from the injuries sustained from my fall on Good Friday, but I just wanted to give a short out to some folks who have really been a blessing.

Trish has had to do it all. She has had to do all the driving, all the doing, everything, for which I will never be able to say, "Thanks" enough. Our children have been a huge blessing, helping in any and every way possible, which blesses my heart tremendously.

We have had our church family and biological family step up and step in and do so much: providing meals, mowing the lawn, countless cards and encouragement, prayers, and so much more. With all that is going on, so many have found the time to help and bless us. Thank you.

And, of course, doctors, nurses, physical therapists, receptionists, my employer, my community family, and so many others have shown mercy and grace and poured out blessing after blessing. I will never be able to mention everyone but, please know that I remember each and every thing you all have done. There is still a long ways to go but you all have made the recovery so much more bearable! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

You all bring to mind a verse that I have used before but it epitomizes who you are and what you do. Colossians 3:23, NKJV, reads, "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the LORD and not to men."

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

My Hope

No doubt, we have had a lot to be concerned about lately. There is a lot of apprehension and confusion about where we are, and even more about where we are headed. Lots of uneasiness about basic needs being met, much less bigger things.

It can get a little overwhelming, if we allow ourselves to get caught up in all the "what ifs". There are certainly still far more questions than answers, and I am afraid that will remain the norm. However, I know the ANSWER...

Today's word is Psalm 31:24, NLT, which reads, "So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the LORD!"

As Christians, our Answer remains the same - GOD. We may not know what the future will hold, but, He is already there. He already knows the outcome of this situation, and all our concerns. We can be strong and courageous knowing He is working all things for the good of His children.

I have to remind myself from time to time, when things are hectic and crazy, that this didn't take GOD by surprise, He has it all under control, and it is in Him that I have my hope.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T