"Give props where props are due!"

Todays scripture: Acts 12:19-24


 I read over this passage of scripture today during my devotion. Immediately when I had read it, I was like "Dang God, you don't play! " Lol. As harsh as God killing off Herod right at that instant he did not give God the praise, may have seemed. I understand God's position completely. We have all been in a situation in our life where someone else has taken all the credit for themselves for something we had worked hard on. Heck! That is the daily story for most of us at our jobs. Just think about when that has happened and how it made you feel. Annoyed? Angry? Taken aback? Hurt? If you have felt these things in a minor case like your job, then think about how it must make God feel. After all, he has only died for us, constantly protects us, guides us daily, has given us different gifts, placed us in positions we don't qualify for and so much more then can  even be named. Then we have the audacity to not recognize who it was who did it! Now you tell me you wouldn't be upset?? When we fail to give God the glory and adoration he deserves, it is a complete insult to him! God does things in our lives so yes, we can have an abundant life but most importantly for it to be a testimony to others of his love, goodness and mercy. In hopes that they may come to know and accept him. When we take it upon ourselves to act as though it was in our own might, that cancels the purpose and plan God had for doing what he did. I believe there are many examples in the bible that teaches us to always give glory and respect to God and to take the opportunity to correct others when they make the mistake of praising us instead of God. Acts 10:25-26 demonstrates this perfectly. In this passage of scripture  Peter enters the house of the centurion soldier, Cornelius. Cornelius then bows in reverence to Peter. Peter then CORRECTS Cornelius in saying " Stand up, I am only a man myself." as if to tell Cornelius "man chill out, I didn't not come here on my own, only because of God!" I believe the disciples understood how disrespectful and unpleasing it was to make yourself equal to God and not to reference him for all he does. This is an example we should  all follow in our own lives. Remembering to give God the glory and respect, humbling ourselves before him. Making it clear who is at work in our lives . So if you haven't done so today give God thanks for what he is doing, let him know that you appreciate and understand that nothing is done by you alone, but only because he is working in you. I would hate for your fait to be that of Herod's if you don't! Be blessed yall..

What If?

What if I actually believed in myself?

What if I wasn't afraid to ask for help?

What if I trusted fully in God?

What if I wasn't scared to fall hard?

What If I let my faith grow?

What if I let fear go?

What If I let go of negativity?

Seeing the person he called me to be.

What if I could just forgive?

Maybe then I could breath and live.

What if I didn't feel ashamed?

Hurt and lonely, like I am to blame.

What if I thought  that I was worthy?

 And stopped caring what others thought of me.

But these questions still remain,

What if ? .. What if ? .. What if?

Since I don't know the answers I will just say,

I DO, I CAN and I WILL!!

I wrote this poem almost 1 year ago on 07/09/2013 at 12:13a.m. when I could not sleep and many things where on my mind and heart. These are thoughts that many of us battle with on a daily basis. In my own life these are things that are being brought back around that I am just now beginning to overcome. Its nothing wrong with asking God questions or giving him our problems or concerns. The thing about it is ,that we must trust him enough to reveal the answers to us and work on the areas that we need help in. I pray this poem shows someone that you are not the only one that has felt this way. Hopefully it inspires someone to keep pressing on, your greater is coming! No matter how your feel, what you have done or how you see yourself ,you are perfect in Gods sight. Stop looking through your eyes and put on HIS!!

CHECK IT OUT

DIY orange lamp

Lunch

Pork steak, red beans and rice w/rolls! Yummy..

Morning prayer

There is just something about when you fall on your knees and cry out to God. What an awesome release..#awesomeGod

Hard work pays

Your hustle and work ethic will make for a good testimony one day!

Do You!

Trying to incorporate exercise into my life I decided to start back my morning routine ,which consist of walking. I woke up around 5:45a.m. and walked from my house to an empty shopping center across the street, then proceeded to walk its perimeter and then back home. This normally takes about 20 minutes to complete. Today I was hoping to complete this a couple minutes ahead of time (not keeping in mind that I have not exercised in a couple months). To my surprise I actually finished it 1 minute behind the usual time of 20 minutes. As I looked at the extra minute it seemed like such a HUGE increase, I began to get a little bummed. Not only did I not reduce my walking time, I INCREASED it by one whole minute. My expectation for reducing my time was so high that when it did not happen, the thoughts of negativity began. I started to think about others I know that are on this health kick. Getting back into the gym, lifting weights, doing cardio and going really going hard at it too! Here you have me, all im doing is this raggedy 20 minute walk in the morning. To top it off " You didn't even finish in 20mins it took you 21mins!" said the negativity. But at that same moment a voice(holy spirit) reminded me " You don't have to be like everyone else!" I instantly overcame those negative thoughts remembering YES! I don't have to be like everyone else, I AM ME! I replaced those thoughts with positive ones like "Good job for even walking today!" and "that minute is going to be a breeze to undo!" See, we all have to start somewhere. The main thing is to focus on doing the best you can and progress at your own rate. Don't let the negativity creep in and cause you to get disappointed in yourself. Just because it may seem like others are in a more advanced position then you are, one thing is for sure; they had to start somewhere too! If we would just stop trying to compare ourselves to others, we would see the growth, development and progress in our own lives. But as long as your focusing on others you will always feel a sense of disappointment or lacking to measure up. DO YOU! You are wonderfully and beautifully made! We have all been created differently with different purposes for a reason. Individuality is a blessing and the world is looking for a "YOU",  so don't make it hard for them to find it! Be blessed yall..