Sunday Inspiration: Hold Your Blessings with an Open Hand

HOLD YOUR BLESSINGS WITH AN OPEN HAND

by Rick Warren

"There is great gain in godliness combined with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it.”  1 Timothy 6:6-7 (NRSV) God is more interested in your character than your comfort. He's not going to give you things if you haven’t learned the principle of contentment first. Contentment is not a lack of ambition. It's not a lack of goals. Contentment means your happiness doesn't depend on your circumstances. How do you eliminate discontent? You eliminate the cause: comparing. We compare everything in this country — lawns, cars, husbands and wives, clothes, the education of our kids (we even put "My kid was Student of the Month" on car bumpers). Whenever you compare, you're going to become discontent. You've got to learn to stop comparing yourself to others. Paul says in Philippians 4:12, "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation” (NIV). Contentment does not come naturally; it is something you have to learn. If we do this, God promises to meet all our financial needs. The Bible says, "There is great gain in godliness combined with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it” (1 Timothy 6:6-7 NRSV). One of the greatest secrets in learning to be content is to realize that you don't really own anything. It's all on loan to you for about 80 years! You didn't bring a single thing into this world, and you're not going to carry anything out of it, either. You just get to use it while you're here on Earth. The Bible calls that stewardship. You are the manager or steward of what God allows you to have while you're here, but it's not really yours. When you understand that you're just a manager of the blessings God allows in your life and you hold them with an open hand, you won’t be uptight about losing them. So what if you lose things? God can turn off one faucet and turn on another just as easily. Learn to be content, because things don't last. God is more interested in your character than your comfort.

Wednesday's Words & Lyrics: Blessed by Jill Scott

This is the last take for the night understand it's kinda late
And I gotta get home to my son cause he's so special to me
I mean I gotta see him I need to breathe him
That's my baby don't call me crazy
I love the studio but I love him more
Let me give you what I got so

I woke up in the morning feeling fresh to death
I'm so blessed yes yes
I went to sleep stressed woke up refreshed
I'm so blessed yeah yes
Water in my face and everything is in it's place peace of mind even my grace
I'm so blessed yes yes yes

My grandma almost lived to see ninety two
I'm so blessed yes yes yes yes
My son was born healthy and beautiful
I'm so blessed yeah yes
My momma's on my right side daddy on my left my son's father doing his absolute
I'm so blessed blessed blessed blessed yeah yeah yes
And I know what I know
And I know what I know

Yeah yeah struggle gon' happen it's just the way it be
Ain't nothing coming easily in this life
Sometimes you gotta work and you gotta grow and it gotta hurt
I'm sure you'll know take a look around

Woke up this morning listening to this song you're so blessed yes yes
Gonna rock this joint all night long
It's so blessed yes
To be up in here with our hands up in the air waving like we just don't care
We're so blessed yes yeah yeah yeah

Woke up in the morning feeling fresh to death
Went to sleep stressed woke up refreshed
Momma's on my right side daddy on my left
I'm so blessed yes yes yes

FTOTD: God Given Abilities

There are many fine things which you mean to do some day, under what you think will be more favorable circumstances. But the only time that is surely yours is the present, hence this is the time to speak the word of appreciation and sympathy, to do the generous deed, to forgive the fault of a thoughtful friend, to sacrifice self a little more for others. Today is the day in which to express your noblest qualities of mind and heart, to do at least one worthy thing which you have long postponed, and to use your God-given abilities for the enrichment of some less fortunate fellow traveler.

Grenville Kleiser, 1868-1953

30 Day Blog Challege Day #16: A photo of me and my family

THIS IS A PHOTO OF ME AND MY FAMILY

(From Left to Right): 

My Maternal Grandmother, My Mother, Me and My Sister

4 Generations of Black Women

now I am all caught up... Again, I apologize for the delay

HAPPY MONDAY!!!

Freckles' Thought For this Day... Someday Has Arrived

Neon art by Kent Rogowski via Jen Bekman gallery

Someday has arrived

Life is now.

Stop waiting for your opportunity to fully live

and realize that it is already here.

Perhaps you have always thought that someday you will follow your dreams. The fact is, someday has now arrived.  Your authentic purpose is calling out to you. Now is the time to be fulfilling that purpose.  Go now in the direction you've always known you must go.

Allow the unique and beautiful person you are to come fully to life.  Let go of the excuses and rationalizations that keep you mired in disappointment and frustration. Move quickly forward by continually reminding yourself of why you are doing so. 

This is the moment for bold, yet sincere action.

Someday is here,

and the richness of life is now yours to experience.

Encouragement through Insomnia

When my father passed and life changed for me, I noticed that I began not to sleep.  I learned through  counseling that this was fairly normal with grief.  Of course it was diagnosed as Insomnia.  I stayed wide awake on the internet most nights until 5-6-7 am.  Then sleep for a couple of hours.  It was never a deep good sleep where I would feel well rested.  The doctors, counselors and even some friends would say that I should take something but I did not deem it to be that serious.  I went on like this for about 6 months.  Then once I moved back to Los Angeles with my family, it seemed to calm down.  I began to get sleep and along with sleep comes some peace.  I hadn't realized how serious my lack of sleep was until I began to rest again.   Then I read a blog and she expressed her thoughts on sleep with all the worries of the world.  So, I felt the desire to share this.  I know that there are blessings in sleep. God gave us rest so that we may have some sort of peace.  Be encouraged and get some rest.

"In peace I will both lie down and sleep;

for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety"

Psalm 4:8 ESV

Sleep is critically important to not only our physical health, but also our spiritual wellbeing. That may sound a little simplistic, but sometimes lack of sleep can actually cause a spiritual problem. As a Christian, you should be able to sleep in peace at night knowing that God is in control. But when you lose sleep, not only are you physically unprepared, you become spiritually weak, because your mind is not sharp enough to be set on the things of God.  Medically, lack of sleep can cause depression, irritability and a grumpy demeanor. Do these sound like characteristics of a victorious Christian? Just the opposite. So get your proper sleep each night, and you'll have more energy, be in a better mood and even move closer to God!

"He gives blessing to His beloved in sleep"

(Psalm127:2 AMP)

The Lord longs to pour out blessings on you constantly—even when you sleep! Many people today struggle with sleeping at night. They stay awake or get poor sleep because they are constantly focused on their problems and worrying about tomorrow. But that's not God's plan for you! He wants you to enjoy your sleep as a time of blessing and refreshing. Understand that God has His hand on your life even in the midnight hour. He wants to speak to your heart and restore your dreams. He is taking care of those things that concern you. When you cast your cares on Him and trust Him to work out every detail of your life, you'll be able to enjoy that sweet sleep that He has promised. Make the decision today to enjoy the blessing of the Lord as you sleep tonight. Say a prayer before you go to bed and cast your cares on Him. As you allow the Lord to bless and refresh you in sleep, you'll see a tremendous change in your waking hours. You'll be more invigorated, more alert, and full of the blessing of the Lord in every area of your life!

Borrowed Inspiration

I was going through some blogs and ran across these to quotes and thought that I would share.

Thank You Vaguely Thoughtful One

and one for extra...

Be Encouraged Today,

Freckles

Sunday Morning: Thankfulness (continued)

Sunday morning I went to church and of course I was late. I am not very sure why since I was up and slept good the previous night. Whatever the reason, I was late (dressed very cute) which made me have to park in the parking lot up the street from the church. Thankfully it wasn't presently raining and not freezing so the walk was going to be pleasant. So, as I walked I noticed an older lady well seasoned woman walking behind me so I slowed my pace, so we would be walking together and struck up a conversation. We exchanged pleasantries of the weather not being as cold even though it had been raining and she complimented my boots, which were rather fantastic if I do say so myself but as we know it’s my thing, and that she was glad that she had some flats in the car so she could walk up to the church instead having to walk in her heels. We laughed. Anyways, she and I walked and conversed all the way to the church about how wonderful the combined service is and how it is nice to see the church completely full. As we got into the elevator I told her that this was one of my last Sundays and she inquired as to why I was leaving the church. So I briefly explained to her that I had been out of work for 6 months and that I was moving back to Los Angeles with my support system (my family) and get some help. She asked about me having family locally here in Atlanta. I responded with no but that I did move here with a friend and we had met some wonderful people at the church. She shared a story about her nephew who had recently bought a house and a newer car but had been laid off and she was concerned about him. Once we made it to the sanctuary, I told her to have a wonderful day and we split directions of the church. Once I made it to my seat (not in my favorite spot or pew and very far in the way back of the sanctuary) I recognized how much I was going to miss this church family. There were pleasant and concerned faces there, friendly gestures and warm spirits. This is the kind of church that just feels good and I have grown so much there. I began to tear a bit (because it is what I do, I cry). Tears of joy and thankfulness. I got it together as offering approached (we walk around) and as I made my way around and got settled I felt a tap on my shoulder, pulling my arm up and reaching for my hand. The lady that I walked to church with slid some money in my hand and closed it quickly saying that she wanted me to have this and that I made her morning. I humbling smiled and of course I teared up while expressing my gratitude.

I put the money in my purse and thanked God for her spirit and this church body. I do not even know the woman's name and I do not believe that I told her mine. I didn't feel as if I had done anything special or even said anything profound or worth any acknowledgment. All I did was be polite and carry on a possible 15 minute conversation with this nice woman on our way to church. How wonderful was it that it made her day and I was just trying to be polite and considerate.

No Gimmicks.

That moment was a blessing for me in a few different plateaus.  The main one being that God works in special ways to provide confirmations or just to let me know that He is there moving even when it seems that He has blinked. AWESOME! It was also confirmation of my character and the woman I striving to be. I want to be a respected woman by all but I especially appreciate a well-seasoned woman appreciating the woman that I am now. One of the others is that I had paid some bills and $20 was that is exactly what I needed.

Thankfulness.
I am thankful for the possibilities. The possibilities that God has in store for me as make changes in my life and allow Him to do all that He is doing in my life especially the little things. My spirit is full and my cup runneth over. I hope that all that read this will appreciate the little things in life and move past all of the worries of the past (yes, easier said than done). There are so many things to be thankful for and while it is not always possible to see the good in bad-know that there is always something in the works.

Peace, Blessings and Miracles,

Freckles

Thankfulness: Genuine Friendships

" A friend is one to whom one may pour out all the contents of one's heart,

chaff and grain together,

knowing that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it,

keep what is worth keeping and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away."

THANKFULNESS

I have some friends in particular that have really been there for me.  They mean the world to me.  I try to tell them as much as possible. They make me better.  They have held me together.  I pray for them all the time.  I am so thankful that they are in my life.  They are such wonderful people that deserve much more than my gratitude.  I do not have the words to sincerely express my love and/or appreciation for them.  I can only hope that they can feel my heart and the honor that hold for each of them. 

THANKFULNESS

I have a couple of girlfriends from highschool/college that have offered hugs, words of encourage, vent sessions, love and support as I have been dealing with the passing of my father.  There were people that I hadn't really known cared as much as they did.  They didnt pry or ask alot of questions being nosey.  They sporatically check in to just make sure that I am ok and say hey, I was just thinking about you.  It warms my heart especially when there were people that I thought were closer.  I had not spoken to them on the regular but they were genuine in their care.

THANKFULLNESS

Recently, I recieved a card that touched me and it is amazing how on time it was.  It said (Outside): "Time for a God loves you beak in your day (Inside): you are loved, valued, honored and special-today and always.  I am so grateful that this person thought enough of me to share a moment and a thought.  I didn't quite have words to sincerely describe how wonderful it was to read those words.  It made me smile from the inside out.  It made me feel so special and also made me tear up a bit - although I am just an emotional rollercoaster but that is a totally other something.  It was nice to hear (read).  

THANKFULNESS

Sometimes we need to be encouraged.  Sometimes we have good, bad and so so days.  There are times when we just feel some kind of way and we sometimes where the mask to not show our hearts to the world.

THANKFULNESS

Recently, I got a phone call from a friend that I hadnt spoken to in a while.  She simply said, I was thinking about you and thought that I would call you right now.  She didnt really have much to share about her but wanted to talk about me.  It was nice to just chat.  She was sincere and cared to listen. It was special.

THANKFULNESS

I have a friend that has been like brother to me.  He has always been there for me and always will be.  Even though he has some serious stuff going on in his life, he takes the time to make sure that I am ok.  He sometimes sends me a text saying hey lil sis, thinking about you and love you - which are always on time.  He is special to me and I hold him so close to my heart.  It is so amazing to me that one can have life happening to them but set themselves aside to consider someone else as he does me. 

THANKFULNESS

Recently, I made some pillows for a friend and when she came by to get them. we conversed - caught up and it was nice.  She slipped me something and said she just wanted to help and that she loved me.  She then said she didn't want to hear anything about it.  I just laughed and said whatever.  It was so kind and so special and sincere.  I only hope that she knows how much I appreciate her friendship.

THANKFULNESS

I have a new friend that reminds me that she is here for me all the time. She reads my blog from time to time and always reminds me that she is available if I need her. We share and it just feels genuine.  She cares just because and it is always nice to have someone that just wants to be there.  She knows that I am here for her too - well at least I hope she does.

THANKFULNESS

It is a blessing to have people in your life that hold you so close to their hearts that they can feel when  you are not so much yourself.  They feel the desire to contact you, reach out and share their thoughts of you with you.  That is something to truly be thankful for.   It is a blessing to know that someone is for you when it seems that the world is against you or when your world seems to be falling apart.  It's even more special when they do not even know that you are going through some things in your head or your heart and they just so happen to provide a word of encouragement.  When the care enough to care about you with no strings.  No expectations.  No boundaries.  That is when its truly genuine - authenticity at its best.

Just feeling thankful for my friendships -
no matter how big or small.

Peace & Blessings,
FRECKLES...

Going back to Cali

California Mood Music

Create a playlist at MixPod.com

It's official.  I am going going back back to CALI CALI...

I moved here with a friend just about 3 years ago and it will almost be to the day when I am move back.  We packed up our cars and drove across the country - well Los Angeles to Atlanta.  I love it here.  I like the seasons, the atomosphere... the people.  I like the woman that I am becoming and I have done alot of growing up. and learned alot about myself - not all pretty.  Folks like tot party down here for real.  Atlanta has been great and this is rather bittersweet but it is for the best.  The world is a very different place these days.  I am in a better place in my skin but my economics are too.  The economy is bad everywhere - yes but how deep are you willing to go when help is available.  PRIDE - ASIDE. There are so many different things going on around us and wer are so blessed if we do not have to go through it alone.  I have been unemployed for almost 6 months and things have gotten tight (extremely).  I have been blessed to have my pt gig at DSW but it is not enough by any means.  ive done lots and I look/ apply all the time and for almose everything.  I am above nothing... humbled.  I dont want to settle nbut than nothing. So, instead of giving up - I am giving in.  And maybe I am not suppose to be here anymore or my time is up for right now.  Try another market, get my head and my heart together - hug my mama whenever I am feeling discouraged.I need my support system.  So, home is where the heart is and it should begin to heal.  It's very bittersweet but it should be a blessing.

Shout Outs From Freckles...

Hello (new and old) Friends...

I like to read blogs. I like to see what other people are saying and feeling. It serves as encouragement for my next post. In the last few days I have across a few blogs that have been intriguing and thought provoking. There are some truly talented people out there with awesome words of wisdoms, views of controversy and simply just share away to escape their own shit. Kudos to all the blogs that I am currently following. I enjoy you and encourage your next post. 

Feel free to check some of them out:

http://dudeimtryingtorelax.blogspot.com/ - she is also a very talented artist

so check out her website as well http://www.dude-relax.com/ and lets support art.

http://lisavida.blogspot.com/ - she is also a gifted photographer so http://www.photoexpress.biz/ or check her out on http://www.flickr.com/photos/miznene

http://sistasnstickystilettos.blogspot.com/

http://mydownlowlife.blogspot.com/

one of the most talented dudes I have the pleasure of really knowing is Mr. Smart Guy

http://onesmartblackman.blogspot.com/

Thank you to all the new readers.  I appreciate you and your comments.  These are my thoughts, views, concerns, prayers, hopes, desires, temptations amongst other things.  I am just sharing with you and love to get your feedback.  Keep it up coming and keep sharing. 

Let's all continue to support one another and again thanks for reading....

Words, Peace and Blessings...

Freckles

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BESTFRIEND!!! A Toast to You

This is a special edition dedicated to my bestest on her special day!!!

Here is a Toast to You...

I am ever so thankful to have this wonderful woman in my life. She has been an absolute blessing and keeps me striving to be a better woman everyday so that I can be a better friend to her. We have been through some things that have brought us closer even when I thought that they may have driven us apart. She is one of the most loyal, generous, caring, considerate, bluntly honest, dependable, genuine, loving, fantastic hair and nail having, perfume having, underwaear obsessed, neat, organized, OCD having, great stor telling, great paper writing, helpful, whip driving, shit talking, joke telling, conference call having, supportive, hilarious, MBA having, loafer wearing - well tennis shoe wearing, great toe week having, intelligent, lovable (and please believe that the list could go on and on) person. She is one of the most important people in my life.

I am so blessed to have a person that is for me when some are against me. To have person that will pull me to the side and tell me I am wrong when I swear that I am right. Thankful to have a person that will pat me on my head when I can’t stop crying and will always be there whenever I need her. She will listen and talk to me how I am feeling and allows me to be there for her even when it's too much for her to handle. She is the friend that will always ask if you are busy first then say do you have a minute. She is the friend that goes for it and says I have a confession. She is the "we are in this together and I love you regardless" type of friend.

My bestie is the kind of woman that understands your past, embraces your future with you and makes plans to believe in you when you almost don’t believe in yourself. That is my best friend. A woman that is sometimes better to other people than she is herself. She is selfless and triumphant and eloquent. She believes in the bond of friendship and doesn’t have all the unnecessary. If you are her friend and truly her friend - she will do whatever she can for you. She is so wonderful and sometimes I wonder if she knows how wonderful she is. I try my best to remind her as much as possible so that is why this day is so special.

This is a day that it is all about her and no one else. This is the day she graced the world with her presence and God saw that it was so. Most of all it is a day to show how much I appreciate her and love her. On this day, your birthday, I say HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRIEND and THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING MY FRIEND. You are inspiring even when you don’t know it and always good for a laugh when least expected with a sidebar. Great friends are truly hard to find, wonderful to have and a blessing to keep. Life has truly been a party with you in it. So this day is all about you and middle finger to the ones that don’t know any better. Enjoy your day!!! I love you girly!!!

Lots of great things have happened on September 1, such as...

1896 - Dr. George Washington Carver ~ (scientist) began his famed career as an Agricultural Chemist at Tuskegee Institute

1904 - George Coleman Poage ~ (hurdler) became first Black to win a medal at the Olympic Games. He won bronze medals for the 200-meter and 400-meter hurdle events.

1972 - American Bobby Fischer won the international chess crown in Reykjavik, Iceland, defeating Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union 1984 - "What's Love Got to Do with It" by Tina Turner topped the charts and stayed there for 3 weeks. New Edition performed "Mr. Telephone Man" and "Cool It Now" on "American Bandstand."

1998 - Mark McGwire of the St. Louis Cardinals hit his 56th and 57th home runs of the season, breaking the National League record set by Hack Wilson in 1930.

2007 - Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, announced that he would resign in the wake of fallout over his guilty plea in a Minnesota airport gay sex sting. (Craig later reversed his decision, saying he would serve out the rest of his term.)

2008 - Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, John McCain's choice to be his running mate on the Republican ticket, revealed that her 17-year-old daughter, Bristol, was pregnant.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LADY AND LET'S ALL HAVE A DRINK OR 4

Today's Devotional Encouragement

Joy in Living

Suggested Bible Reading The LORD said to Samuel, "How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons." Samuel said, "How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me." And the LORD said, "Take a heifer with you, and say, 'I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.' Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you." Samuel did what the LORD commanded, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, "Do you come peaceably?" He said, "Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD; sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice." And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, "Surely the LORD's anointed is now before the LORD." But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the LORD does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, "Neither has the LORD chosen this one." Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, "Neither has the LORD chosen this one." Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, "The LORD has not chosen any of these." Samuel said to Jesse, "Are all your sons here?" And he said, "There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep." And Samuel said to Jesse, "Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here." He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The LORD said, "Rise and anoint him; for this is the one." Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah. -1 Samuel 16:1-13 (NRSV)

Today's Scripture: The Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance ... for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." -1 Samuel 16:7 (NRSV)

A peal of laughter rang from the hallway where my 16-year-old brother Josh was playing with his toy cat. Dad said, "Kitty must have told a good joke." Josh's sudden bursts of laughter no longer surprise us.

After my brother was born four-and-a-half-months prematurely, our family adapted to many things. Some adjustments tired our bodies and spirits: long hospital stays, machines beeping late in the night, the daily responsibility of caring for a dependent person whether we felt able or not. But over time we have also become accustomed to uninhibited laughter, wholehearted smiles, and living with someone who claps to every song on the radio and relishes bumpy car rides.

Many people quickly judge the abilities of others based on their appearance. The prophet Samuel saw a young, inexperienced shepherd when he first saw David. But God saw a king. When some people look at my brother, they may see someone with few abilities and little to offer. I think God sees Josh as someone with the gift of sharing the joy of living. Ashley Barrett (Indiana, USA)

Prayer: O Lord, may we see all people and their potential through your eyes. Amen.

Thought for the Day: Look for God in the unexpected.

Prayer Focus: Those limited by the judgment of others

Be Blessed Today and Enjoy Life's Blessings. Take the time to share a smile with someone else.

Freckles.