Well, it is finally here. Today is the day that the College Football Playoff Championship will be decided. The contest pits two familiar foes, Clemson and Alabama, the two finalists from last year. They are vying for a National Championship and the crystal trophy. There is not a team in this country that wouldn't want the opportunity to play for a championship - they are rare.
But, who was the national champion in college football in 1976? Unless you are just an avid fan or were attending the championship school during this time, you probably don't know. Why? Because earthly rewards make life nice for a little while but they are fleeting. Yet, we seem to focus way more on the temporal than the eternal.
Today's word is 1 Peter 5:4, NLT, which reads, "And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor."
Striving for superiority, for being the best at something is extremely admirable and honorable and worthwhile. So, too, is making sure that we use what we have to bring glory and honor to our SAVIOR, and to lead others to Him. It is an extra-special opportunity when you can use one to aid in the other. If you find yourself with the opportunity to share with others how you achieved success, take the opportunity to tell them about the blessings received through CHRIST JESUS.
Well, it is Championship day. Roll Tide! And, by the way, the Pittsburgh Panthers, led by Heisman Trophy winner, Tony Dorsett, won the 1976 National Championship.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, January 9, 2017
Friday, January 6, 2017
Cuddle Up
It's national Cuddle Up Day! Not that I need a specific day to want to cuddle up but it is a good reminder that we need to take the time to nurture relationships with those we love. If we neglect those closest to us, it won't be long before the relationship suffers.
Many studies have been conducted which have concluded that humans need touch. Just as we need food to satisfy hunger, just as we need water to satisfy thirst, we need touch to feel connected to someone. It's tough to feel truly connected, truly connected without some contact. I think it is often lost, especially when it comes to communication, in today's society that we don't interact as much as we think we do. Emails, texts, emojis, snap chat, whatever is not the same as face to face communication.
Today's word is one that came to mind when I read that today was Cuddle Up Day. The passage is very familiar but emphasizes the importance of nurturing relationships. James 4:8a, KJV, reads, "Draw nigh to GOD, and He will draw nigh to you."
Just as our human relationships need communication and intimacy, so, too, does our relationship with the Father. If you never communicate with someone, if you never show any interest in someone, if you never take the time to spend time with someone, you will never experience a true relationship. If you want to get to know someone, you have to spend time with them.
The old saying is that you can be just as close to GOD as you choose to be. This verse tells us to draw close to GOD and He will be close to us. Take time to nurture your relationship with the Father. He knows EVERYTHING about me, yet, He still loves me. I want to know more about Him. GOD is desiring to have an intimate relationship with each of us, cuddle up.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Many studies have been conducted which have concluded that humans need touch. Just as we need food to satisfy hunger, just as we need water to satisfy thirst, we need touch to feel connected to someone. It's tough to feel truly connected, truly connected without some contact. I think it is often lost, especially when it comes to communication, in today's society that we don't interact as much as we think we do. Emails, texts, emojis, snap chat, whatever is not the same as face to face communication.
Today's word is one that came to mind when I read that today was Cuddle Up Day. The passage is very familiar but emphasizes the importance of nurturing relationships. James 4:8a, KJV, reads, "Draw nigh to GOD, and He will draw nigh to you."
Just as our human relationships need communication and intimacy, so, too, does our relationship with the Father. If you never communicate with someone, if you never show any interest in someone, if you never take the time to spend time with someone, you will never experience a true relationship. If you want to get to know someone, you have to spend time with them.
The old saying is that you can be just as close to GOD as you choose to be. This verse tells us to draw close to GOD and He will be close to us. Take time to nurture your relationship with the Father. He knows EVERYTHING about me, yet, He still loves me. I want to know more about Him. GOD is desiring to have an intimate relationship with each of us, cuddle up.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, January 5, 2017
Someday we'll laugh about it
2016 was a year that will live in infamy for me, especially in certain areas. While I am truly blessed beyond measure, there were some instances, some situations, some circumstances that arose last year that were challenging. Why these things happened is anybody's guess. Partly, I am sure, is that it is just one of those things.
The first week of January, which we find ourselves in, is "Someday we'll laugh about this" week. I am sure there are instances in each of our lives that while they were happening they really sucked but, looking back years later, we see some of the humor of the moment. I can certainly see GOD'S hand of protection and guidance; I can also see how funny it was that I reacted as I did, or how others would have gotten a chuckle from my reaction.
Today's word is Psalm 30:5, NLT, which reads, "For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning!"
This verse is a good reminder that what we may be going through, though difficult and challenging and exhausting, will pass. GOD'S favor will last forever and will see us through our most difficult and darkest times. If we will remember where He has brought us from, it will give us the strength to get through what is ahead.
We're also reminded that, while this world brings its challenges and sadness, joy will come again. Will it happen immediately? Probably not. Will it happen tomorrow? Maybe not. Will joy return? Absolutely. If we will just try to remember GOD'S goodness and grace through out difficult times, and rely on His strength to sustain us and deliver us, we, too, may just find that someday we'll laugh about this.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
The first week of January, which we find ourselves in, is "Someday we'll laugh about this" week. I am sure there are instances in each of our lives that while they were happening they really sucked but, looking back years later, we see some of the humor of the moment. I can certainly see GOD'S hand of protection and guidance; I can also see how funny it was that I reacted as I did, or how others would have gotten a chuckle from my reaction.
Today's word is Psalm 30:5, NLT, which reads, "For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning!"
This verse is a good reminder that what we may be going through, though difficult and challenging and exhausting, will pass. GOD'S favor will last forever and will see us through our most difficult and darkest times. If we will remember where He has brought us from, it will give us the strength to get through what is ahead.
We're also reminded that, while this world brings its challenges and sadness, joy will come again. Will it happen immediately? Probably not. Will it happen tomorrow? Maybe not. Will joy return? Absolutely. If we will just try to remember GOD'S goodness and grace through out difficult times, and rely on His strength to sustain us and deliver us, we, too, may just find that someday we'll laugh about this.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
Look around
What's your problem? We hear that a lot, huh? It seems that everyone has a problem of some sort or another. That isn't to say that we don't all have legitimate problems and concerns. There isn't a day go by that we aren't pulled by some misfortune or mishap that upsets our normalcy. It happens to us all.
How much do you focus on your problems? I would dare say that many of us focus more on the problems than on blessings. There are probably very few people that consider how much they have rather than what they don't have. Yeah, we often lose sight of all the good because we only focus on this moment in time, this narrow glimpse of our whole day.
Today's word is a quote that I came across that reminds me to look around: "If your problem in life is as big as a ship, never forget that your blessings are as wide as the ocean."
There will be big problems in this life, BIG PROBLEMS. No one is exempt; we will all experience the difficulties this life has to offer. That's not because we have done anything wrong or that we had one coming, we live in a broken and fallen world where things just happen. But, as a child of GOD, when those things happen, we can confidently know that GOD is with us and will strengthen us and guide us through.
It's easy to get caught up in all the bad things that happen in a day - easy. But, I am going to try to remember that when the difficulties come, and they will, that I am still more blessed than I could ever imagine. Instead of focusing on the storm, I'm going to try to remember to look around.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
How much do you focus on your problems? I would dare say that many of us focus more on the problems than on blessings. There are probably very few people that consider how much they have rather than what they don't have. Yeah, we often lose sight of all the good because we only focus on this moment in time, this narrow glimpse of our whole day.
Today's word is a quote that I came across that reminds me to look around: "If your problem in life is as big as a ship, never forget that your blessings are as wide as the ocean."
There will be big problems in this life, BIG PROBLEMS. No one is exempt; we will all experience the difficulties this life has to offer. That's not because we have done anything wrong or that we had one coming, we live in a broken and fallen world where things just happen. But, as a child of GOD, when those things happen, we can confidently know that GOD is with us and will strengthen us and guide us through.
It's easy to get caught up in all the bad things that happen in a day - easy. But, I am going to try to remember that when the difficulties come, and they will, that I am still more blessed than I could ever imagine. Instead of focusing on the storm, I'm going to try to remember to look around.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
It's new
Well, I took a little time off to celebrate the holidays, and as an added benefit, got some things done around the house. One of the things we did around the house was to rip all the carpet out and install new flooring. The carpet was there when we bought the house six months ago, it had outlived its usefulness, and we have really bad allergies. So, the carpet had to go.
The new flooring has changed the entire look of the three bedrooms where it was installed. For one, the color is different, for two, it is not carpet, for three, it's new. Everyone likes new things. I think that is part of the excitement of New Years; we begin a new thing. And, we all like new things.
Today's word is Revelations 21:5, NLT, reads, "And the One sitting on the throne said, 'Look I am making everything new!"
Here as we begin a new year, we are in store for a lot of changes in our world. We have changes on the national political level. There will be changes that occur at many state levels. There will be changes occurring in many municipalities. Many of us will experience personal changes - most of which we don't even know are going to happen yet. I guess the point is that things change. Even that new flooring will eventually not be as appealing as it is right now. Buying a new car brings temporary happiness. But, after about three payments, the new wears off and we begin to realize that it's just another installment. But, one day...
GOD is preparing a place for us that will be new and fresh and completely and totally perfect! AND, it will ALWAYS be that way! The new will never wear off; the shine will never lose it's luster; it'll never wear out, it'll never grow boring, it'll never grow old and dated! NEVER. As we begin this new year, I am grateful for another opportunity to live in this world that GOD has created. And, I look forward to one day seeing what He has in store for His children - it's new!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
The new flooring has changed the entire look of the three bedrooms where it was installed. For one, the color is different, for two, it is not carpet, for three, it's new. Everyone likes new things. I think that is part of the excitement of New Years; we begin a new thing. And, we all like new things.
Today's word is Revelations 21:5, NLT, reads, "And the One sitting on the throne said, 'Look I am making everything new!"
Here as we begin a new year, we are in store for a lot of changes in our world. We have changes on the national political level. There will be changes that occur at many state levels. There will be changes occurring in many municipalities. Many of us will experience personal changes - most of which we don't even know are going to happen yet. I guess the point is that things change. Even that new flooring will eventually not be as appealing as it is right now. Buying a new car brings temporary happiness. But, after about three payments, the new wears off and we begin to realize that it's just another installment. But, one day...
GOD is preparing a place for us that will be new and fresh and completely and totally perfect! AND, it will ALWAYS be that way! The new will never wear off; the shine will never lose it's luster; it'll never wear out, it'll never grow boring, it'll never grow old and dated! NEVER. As we begin this new year, I am grateful for another opportunity to live in this world that GOD has created. And, I look forward to one day seeing what He has in store for His children - it's new!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
In the dark
It's National Flashlight Day! It is a good day to make sure that all your emergency lights have good batteries and are in good working order. There is nothing like needing a flashlight and having fifteen, and all with dead batteries. So, check those flashlights so that they will be ready when needed.
Why is today National Flashlight Day? Good question. Today is also Winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year. It makes sense, with all that darkness, that we ensure that we have light if needed. Lots of folks are scared of the dark, not because there IS something out there, but because they can't SEE IF anything is out there. It's a great representation of where we were without JESUS - in the dark.
Today's word is a very familiar passage from Luke 2:9 & 10, KJV, which reads, "And, lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people."
The shepherds were out in the dark, the very dark, and were quite startled at this marvelous light that appeared. I am sure I would have been too. But, the light was shining the glory of the LORD all around them. The light was there to prepare them to receive the greatest news mankind had ever heard - we no longer have to be bound in the darkness of our sins, GOD had made a way.
Are you walking around in the dark? Are you trying to keep all your transgressions hidden from the world? Are you afraid of the light that reveals all sin? There's no need to be; the light comes to bring good tidings of great joy! Salvation is available to all people! Come to JESUS and you will no longer be walking in the dark.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Why is today National Flashlight Day? Good question. Today is also Winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year. It makes sense, with all that darkness, that we ensure that we have light if needed. Lots of folks are scared of the dark, not because there IS something out there, but because they can't SEE IF anything is out there. It's a great representation of where we were without JESUS - in the dark.
Today's word is a very familiar passage from Luke 2:9 & 10, KJV, which reads, "And, lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people."
The shepherds were out in the dark, the very dark, and were quite startled at this marvelous light that appeared. I am sure I would have been too. But, the light was shining the glory of the LORD all around them. The light was there to prepare them to receive the greatest news mankind had ever heard - we no longer have to be bound in the darkness of our sins, GOD had made a way.
Are you walking around in the dark? Are you trying to keep all your transgressions hidden from the world? Are you afraid of the light that reveals all sin? There's no need to be; the light comes to bring good tidings of great joy! Salvation is available to all people! Come to JESUS and you will no longer be walking in the dark.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Your name is Mudd
Today is National Mudd day. After assassinating President Abraham Lincoln, John Wilkes Booth and his co-conspirator rode to Dr. Samuel Mudd's home for treatment on Booth's fractured leg. Mudd provided the treatment, and was found guilty of conspiring with Booth. He was sentenced to life in prison, missing the death sentence by one vote. He was pardoned by President Andrew Johnson in 1869 and released from prison. However, his conviction has never been overturned.
Did Dr. Samuel Mudd conspire with Booth? I guess we will never truly know, for those who would really know are gone. From this incident, we gained the saying, "Your name is mud," which is used when someone is about to go done or is about to get what is coming to them. Wouldn't it be bad to have your name associated with such heinousness if you didn't have anything to actually do with it?
Today's word is Ephesians 4:25, NLT, which reads, "So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body."
It is important for each of us to be truthful and honest to one another for more than one reason. We need to be truthful and honest to prevent hurt feelings. We need to be truthful and honest to prevent confusion. We need to be truthful and honest to protect our reputation. We need to be truthful and honest to not bring reproach upon our SAVIOR. We need to make sure we prevent our name from becoming Mudd.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Did Dr. Samuel Mudd conspire with Booth? I guess we will never truly know, for those who would really know are gone. From this incident, we gained the saying, "Your name is mud," which is used when someone is about to go done or is about to get what is coming to them. Wouldn't it be bad to have your name associated with such heinousness if you didn't have anything to actually do with it?
Today's word is Ephesians 4:25, NLT, which reads, "So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body."
It is important for each of us to be truthful and honest to one another for more than one reason. We need to be truthful and honest to prevent hurt feelings. We need to be truthful and honest to prevent confusion. We need to be truthful and honest to protect our reputation. We need to be truthful and honest to not bring reproach upon our SAVIOR. We need to make sure we prevent our name from becoming Mudd.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
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