Today is National Fast Food Day. There are times that fast food is a necessary convenience but I try not to do it often. While I like a good, greasy cheeseburger and french fries as much as anyone, my cholesterol tells on me if I eat them too often. The worst thing I ever did for my cholesterol was have it checked.
While I like the occasional fast food meal, my absolute favorite place to eat is home. Nothing compares to cooking at home and sitting down with those you love and sharing a meal, nothing. You can do that in any setting, but it is always best at home. So, obviously, my thoughts today have been about home.
We recently moved from the middle of nowhere into a neighborhood. We felt it was best for Trishia's commute and for our two little ones to have other children to play with. Around our former home, there was one neighbor and no children, which was nice for us but gave the two little ones no one to grow up with. Now, moving into a neighborhood doesn't guarantee that they will have friends, good friends, but it does increase their chances.
Upon moving, I really missed our rural homestead. I missed the solitude and tranquility, I still do. But, I have come to realize that as long as Trish and the kids are happy, I can live wherever they want to live. Because, you see, the house, the neighborhood, the setting doesn't make the home - those in the house make the home. And, I love our home.
Today's word is a thought about home. Nothing compares to home-cooked food in a loving home. So, today's word: "Fill a house with love and it becomes a home."
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Clean out the Fridge
According to the bulletin board at the preschool, today is "National Clean Out Your Fridge Day". It is important from time to time to clean out the fridge. We have a tendency to have leftovers and, then, forget that they are in the fridge. So, about once a week, we go through and clean out all that has been in there for longer than we feel it would still be safe to eat.
Just as we need to clean out our fridge from time to time, we equally need to clean our hearts. Just as we have a tendency to put leftovers in the fridge, we tend to allow leftover hurts and feelings to stay in our hearts until they are way beyond their expiration date.
Today's word is Psalm 51:10, KJV, which reads, "Create in me a clean heart, O GOD; and renew a right spirit within me."
We need to let go of those things that pollute our hearts. For some of us, it may be something we are doing; for others, it may be something they are not doing. It may be some little nugget that you've allowed to be pushed back into the darkest corner and, over time, it has become spoiled. We need to clean it out. However, we must allow GOD to do the cleaning, for the heart is His abode.
Got some things that need to be tossed out? Why not ask GOD to clean out your heart today? If you're holding on to old hurts, old grudges, old wrongs, that stuff has spoiled and is only going to rot and cause a stink the longer it sits there. Let's pray for GOD to give us clean hearts. Then, go clean the fridge.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Just as we need to clean out our fridge from time to time, we equally need to clean our hearts. Just as we have a tendency to put leftovers in the fridge, we tend to allow leftover hurts and feelings to stay in our hearts until they are way beyond their expiration date.
Today's word is Psalm 51:10, KJV, which reads, "Create in me a clean heart, O GOD; and renew a right spirit within me."
We need to let go of those things that pollute our hearts. For some of us, it may be something we are doing; for others, it may be something they are not doing. It may be some little nugget that you've allowed to be pushed back into the darkest corner and, over time, it has become spoiled. We need to clean it out. However, we must allow GOD to do the cleaning, for the heart is His abode.
Got some things that need to be tossed out? Why not ask GOD to clean out your heart today? If you're holding on to old hurts, old grudges, old wrongs, that stuff has spoiled and is only going to rot and cause a stink the longer it sits there. Let's pray for GOD to give us clean hearts. Then, go clean the fridge.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, November 10, 2016
We are called to be Warriors
A warrior is a brave or experienced soldier or fighter, someone engaged in some struggle or conflict. If you live in this world, conflicts and struggles will come, often. As we have mentioned before, everyone is either going through something, have been through something, or are about to go through something. Struggles and conflicts will come as long as GOD keeps us alive in this world.
There is nothing that satan likes better than to see GOD'S children suffer and struggle. He loves to see GOD'S children defeated and deflated. And, as we just said, struggles and conflicts are coming. When they arise, and they will, we have a couple of choices: we can either be a worrier or we can be a warrior.
Today's word is simply that: "Be a Warrior, not a worrier".
When things are going wrong, it is perfectly normal to wonder when things are going to improve, and how. It is perfectly normal to pace the floor a little and wring our hands a little. It is perfectly normal to feel the weight and the severity of the situation. Yet, sitting down and just worrying about tomorrow is not what we as Christians should do.
We are the children of the most High, most Powerful, most Omnipotent GOD. He is own our side. And if He be for us, who dare be against us? We will all walk through the dark times and the lowest valleys; we live in a fallen world and it is just something that is going to happen. But, remember the words of David, "Yea though I walk THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil..." We are called to keep walking. We are called to keep pushing. We are called to be Warriors!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
There is nothing that satan likes better than to see GOD'S children suffer and struggle. He loves to see GOD'S children defeated and deflated. And, as we just said, struggles and conflicts are coming. When they arise, and they will, we have a couple of choices: we can either be a worrier or we can be a warrior.
Today's word is simply that: "Be a Warrior, not a worrier".
When things are going wrong, it is perfectly normal to wonder when things are going to improve, and how. It is perfectly normal to pace the floor a little and wring our hands a little. It is perfectly normal to feel the weight and the severity of the situation. Yet, sitting down and just worrying about tomorrow is not what we as Christians should do.
We are the children of the most High, most Powerful, most Omnipotent GOD. He is own our side. And if He be for us, who dare be against us? We will all walk through the dark times and the lowest valleys; we live in a fallen world and it is just something that is going to happen. But, remember the words of David, "Yea though I walk THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil..." We are called to keep walking. We are called to keep pushing. We are called to be Warriors!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
GOD sets up rulers
It's early, and the unofficial presidential results are in - Donald J. Trump has been elected the 45th President of the United States of America. This excites some, pains others. This is exactly what some wanted, is the fear of others. Truth be known, if it had been the other way, if Hilary Clinton had won, it would have had the same effect.
One of the greatest privileges/blessings we enjoy in this great country is being able to vote, and vote freely. We are granted the opportunity, the privilege, the blessing of peacefully electing the most powerful leader in the free world, perhaps the entire world. And, when the candidate we are pulling for doesn't win, we feel as if the end is near. IT"S NOT.
Today's word is Daniel 2:21, NLT, which reads, "He (GOD) controls the course of world events; He removes kings and sets up other kings, He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars."
No, I'm not saying that Donald Trump is a king. What I am saying is that GOD sets up the rulers and takes down rulers. Now, He works through His people to accomplish these things; He gives us free will to decide our own fates. We are to pray and dutifully seek GOD'S will in everything and, then, go out and vote our conscience.
GOD has everything under control whether you voted for President-elect Trump or Hilary Clinton. Whatever happens under whoever's term, rely on GOD. GOD sets up rulers. Congratulations Mr. Trump.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
One of the greatest privileges/blessings we enjoy in this great country is being able to vote, and vote freely. We are granted the opportunity, the privilege, the blessing of peacefully electing the most powerful leader in the free world, perhaps the entire world. And, when the candidate we are pulling for doesn't win, we feel as if the end is near. IT"S NOT.
Today's word is Daniel 2:21, NLT, which reads, "He (GOD) controls the course of world events; He removes kings and sets up other kings, He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars."
No, I'm not saying that Donald Trump is a king. What I am saying is that GOD sets up the rulers and takes down rulers. Now, He works through His people to accomplish these things; He gives us free will to decide our own fates. We are to pray and dutifully seek GOD'S will in everything and, then, go out and vote our conscience.
GOD has everything under control whether you voted for President-elect Trump or Hilary Clinton. Whatever happens under whoever's term, rely on GOD. GOD sets up rulers. Congratulations Mr. Trump.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, November 7, 2016
Stopping Traffic
At the preschool, they have a "Today Is..." hanging occasionally, and today it read, "Today Is National Traffic Director Day". It's important to have someone direct traffic in the instances that everyone is vying for the same lane from every direction. If it weren't for traffic directors, more accidents would occur at the location of accidents.
Normally, the flow of traffic is uniform and steady. Yet, there are times, especially on certain interstates, when the traffic is a mass of cars, all doing eighty-five miles per hour. There are other times when traffic creeps along and eventually comes to a halt. There are times for traffic to move fluidly, and there are times for traffic to stop.
Today's word is a quote from Vance Havner, which says, "Christians, like snowflakes, are frail, but when they stick together they can stop traffic."
Lately it has been the ones with the loudest voice stopping traffic. Whether they are correct in calling everyone to halt and bringing everything to a standstill is a matter of opinion. However, one thing that is for sure is that if you band together, unite with one purpose, you can make people notice; you can bring things to a halt.
We, as Christians, seem to have a hard time agreeing and uniting on things. If we would only take the time to pray and seek GOD'S will and talk to one another, we might find that we, too, are united. If Christians would band together in one voice, unite with one purpose (to do GOD'S good will), we could stop traffic.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Normally, the flow of traffic is uniform and steady. Yet, there are times, especially on certain interstates, when the traffic is a mass of cars, all doing eighty-five miles per hour. There are other times when traffic creeps along and eventually comes to a halt. There are times for traffic to move fluidly, and there are times for traffic to stop.
Today's word is a quote from Vance Havner, which says, "Christians, like snowflakes, are frail, but when they stick together they can stop traffic."
Lately it has been the ones with the loudest voice stopping traffic. Whether they are correct in calling everyone to halt and bringing everything to a standstill is a matter of opinion. However, one thing that is for sure is that if you band together, unite with one purpose, you can make people notice; you can bring things to a halt.
We, as Christians, seem to have a hard time agreeing and uniting on things. If we would only take the time to pray and seek GOD'S will and talk to one another, we might find that we, too, are united. If Christians would band together in one voice, unite with one purpose (to do GOD'S good will), we could stop traffic.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, November 3, 2016
Self-destruction
Years ago, as a youngster, I watched reruns of the television series Mission Impossible. What I remember about the show, mostly, is that when they would receive their mission, the tape would always end with something like, "This tape will self-destruct in five seconds." Then, the tape would destroy itself, thus leaving the team with the only knowledge of the mission.
Self-destruction comes in many forms. We often do things that cause harmful side effects and unnecessary damages to ourselves. Why? I don't know. Temptation? Discontentment? Dissatisfaction? Greed? Envy? A singly moment of temporary pleasure? Whatever the reason, we tend to be our own worst enemy.
Today's word is Proverbs 6:32, NLT, which reads, "But the man who commits adultery is an utter fool, for he destroys himself."
It is those things that we know we ought not to do but that we proceed with doing anyway that cause us the most damage. Again, why we do them is as varied as the acts that we perform. It is utterly foolish to think that we can sin and not cause ourselves significant damage. This verse tells us that it is destroying us.
We are all tempted and tried, tested and taxed, but we have to be mindful that it can all lead to way more harm than we could ever imagine. I want to seek GOD'S will and try to serve Him and acknowledge Him in all that I try to do. I want to be useful. I want to avoid self-destruction.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Self-destruction comes in many forms. We often do things that cause harmful side effects and unnecessary damages to ourselves. Why? I don't know. Temptation? Discontentment? Dissatisfaction? Greed? Envy? A singly moment of temporary pleasure? Whatever the reason, we tend to be our own worst enemy.
Today's word is Proverbs 6:32, NLT, which reads, "But the man who commits adultery is an utter fool, for he destroys himself."
It is those things that we know we ought not to do but that we proceed with doing anyway that cause us the most damage. Again, why we do them is as varied as the acts that we perform. It is utterly foolish to think that we can sin and not cause ourselves significant damage. This verse tells us that it is destroying us.
We are all tempted and tried, tested and taxed, but we have to be mindful that it can all lead to way more harm than we could ever imagine. I want to seek GOD'S will and try to serve Him and acknowledge Him in all that I try to do. I want to be useful. I want to avoid self-destruction.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
My heart's desire
We've all heard the expression, "My heart's desire is...". We all have things we want, things we want to see happen, things we want to accomplish for ourselves and our loved ones. There is nothing wrong with having a "heart's desire" and with wanting to fulfill that "heart's desire", usually.
Our heart's desire becomes an issue when it doesn't align with GOD'S plans for our lives and His will for our lives. It is not good to have a heart's desire that is evil and sinful and just plain wrong. And, there are lots of those out there...
Today's word is Psalm 10:4, NASB, reads, "For the wicked boasts of his heart's desire, and the greedy many curses and spurns the LORD."
Even the wicked have a heart's desire, and it isn't good. There are lots of folks in our world today that will eagerly and readily share with you their evil plans and desires, which do not align with GOD'S. They will even boast of the evil in their hearts and do everything they can to fulfill what is in their hearts to they point that they not only disobey GOD, but they curse Him and spurn Him.
Be careful what you desire in your heart, it will drive your actions. I want to be in the center of GOD'S will. I want to be in tune with my SAVIOR'S desires. I want to be useful in His service. I want to see good things for my loved ones. That is my heart's desire.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Our heart's desire becomes an issue when it doesn't align with GOD'S plans for our lives and His will for our lives. It is not good to have a heart's desire that is evil and sinful and just plain wrong. And, there are lots of those out there...
Today's word is Psalm 10:4, NASB, reads, "For the wicked boasts of his heart's desire, and the greedy many curses and spurns the LORD."
Even the wicked have a heart's desire, and it isn't good. There are lots of folks in our world today that will eagerly and readily share with you their evil plans and desires, which do not align with GOD'S. They will even boast of the evil in their hearts and do everything they can to fulfill what is in their hearts to they point that they not only disobey GOD, but they curse Him and spurn Him.
Be careful what you desire in your heart, it will drive your actions. I want to be in the center of GOD'S will. I want to be in tune with my SAVIOR'S desires. I want to be useful in His service. I want to see good things for my loved ones. That is my heart's desire.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
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